#like for everyone’s reaction to be mocking her hypocrisy over this?

[spencereid]

there is something very funny about miss americana trending on twitter

[horizon-verizon]

It is Criston’s JOB to protect the king’s family, especially his heirs. You can’t convince me that if bodyguard, instead of security, goes to have sex and at that time murder occurs, it is not his fault. According to Fabien, one of the first thing Aegon has to say to Criston is “And where were you ? You supposed to protect my family”. Remember Viserys’ reaction after Aemond lost an eye, “How could you allow such a thing to happen ? [...] You swore oaths to protect and defend my blood!”. This is actually the meaning of the guard and the reason why the guards follow the king and his family, to be ready at any moment. Criston’s lust and Alicent’s stupidity (or vice versa) the reason why Helaena became an easy target. Assassination attempt on the king and his family after an usurpation and start of the war is the first thing that can be expected.

WHY does Alicent think Helaena doesn’t need protection when the Greens started war with a brutal kinslaying and murdered Rhaenyra’s son ? They should have doubled all their guards from now on, rather than being so relaxed. Alicent knows that even her maid Talia turned out to be a spy. It has no excuse, Alicent IS awfully dumb and her desire for sex has blinded her mind it seems.

A) Alicent is convinced Rhaenyra always intended to murder her children to secure her claim, and now Aemond murdered her son, so if she was going to strike back, this was the moment of greatest danger.  

B) The Greens know Daemon is ruthless, violent, protective and unbothered by moral constrictions when it comes to achieving his goals. They know he’ll do something to avenge Rhaenyra’s son (never mind that Lucerys was also engaged to his daughter and would have ruled over Driftmark with her). If they think he’s power hungry, cruel and bloodthirsty, what better moment to do something drastic when the other side started it anyway ? He’d have at least some sympathy and further his (wife’s) claim to the throne.  

If there was a moment when the Greens should have been paranoid, THIS would have been the one. But Alicent took Criston away from his work to get sex, leaving her daughter and grandchildren unprotected. After Rhaenyra’s son is murdered and everyone waiting for a response attack. I suppose Alicent’s sexual urges couldn’t wait. Duty ? Sacrifice ? Never heard of them. 

I suppose Alicent’s sexual urges couldn’t wait. Duty ? Sacrifice ? Never heard of them. 

Whole ask is maybe in response to this.

Not a desire for sex for sex sake; a desire for intimacy like Rhaenrya with Harwin. However, that motivation--in Alicent's case--is still suspect bc she is doing most of what she does to spite/abuse Rhaenyra, so it's very possible that she also sleeps w/Criston out of some messed up idea that her otherwise complicit behavior allows her own actions to be as not-subject to the censure of the system she operates/uses against Rhaenyra.

Like those same feudal/Faith ethics are not themselves still compulsory on Alicent and several actors will seek her punishment for her "transgression". That somehow her father or most septons or whomever of particular authority will not condemn and dehumanize her if she were to ever be exposed. As if hiding the fact she sleeps w/Cole makes the act itself not something that would be considered sinful just bc she's hiding it and not "flaunting" her relationship. (Meanwhile Rhaenyra wasn't ever flaunting, what is she supposed to do, kill her own kids?! Give them up, then wouldn't she be a supposed "bad" mom, or a deadbeat one, still a "whore"?)

That's the real gag and the core of all the mocking of her & green/Alicent stans. The implications of the depth of her own hypocrisy.

So while yes, there is a level of stupidity here on Aegon, Otto, Criston, & Alicent's parts, the general desire/relationship for Cole is this. And IF is true that show!Helaena catches them together when she's trying to get Alicent's help or whatever, the writers would be more at fault than the character bc this character has been making very delusional, non deductive choices and especially without the actual political acumen that bk!Alicent had. Saying so, bc this was veering towards dangerous territory.

[alwayschasingrainbows]

Tangled Web Readalong

Chapter 1.2.

Aunt Becky, in my opinion, is written in a mocking way, as a caricature of all those nosy relatives that each one of us has in our environment. She is a typical aunt who, when there is an awkward silence at the Christmas table, will immediately seize the opportunity to stab the person sitting next to her, asking countless questions and expecting detailed answers. We, the readers, laugh at Aunt Becky's sarcastic retorts, but let's face the truth: each one of us has probably felt insecure in the company of a similar person at one time or another.

Maud's writing genius is best demonstrated while describing family scenes; she had a unique sense of humor and a sense of observation. Aunt Becky's party doesn't seem very pleasant: everyone falls victim to the sarcastic remarks of the head of the family; but everyone shows up anyway, each time.

I think almost everyone was intrigued by Aunt Becky's personality; she is undoubtedly one of the most interesting older women characters that Maud has created. I really liked her jokes and recalling family stories. A huge plus for the scene of applying rouge on the cheeks:

"It's no more than decent at your age," protested Ambrosine.

"Decency's a dull dog," retorted Aunt Becky. "I parted company with it long ago."

Then, Aunt Becky's reaction to Nan's makeup:

"Go upstairs and wash that stuff off your lips and cheeks," she said. "I won't have any painted snips around here."

It's a bit like Aunt Becky saying, "I'm eighty-five, so I'm allowed." Of course, this is pure hypocrisy, but it must be admitted that it is very funny one.

Speaking of Nan, her way of dressing should have resembled Ilse Burnley's, but it doesn't, not in the slightest. I have a feeling that Nan dresses to impress others, while Ilse dresses only for herself.

Nan's mother reminds me so much of one od Valancy Stirling's relatives: "Aunt Alberta, enormously fat, with an amiable habit of always referring to her husband as “he,” as if he were the only male creature in the world, who could never forget that she had been a great beauty in her youth" (Blue Castle),

vs:

"She was an enormously fat woman, with a rather deplorable penchant for wearing bright colours and over-rich materials, who had been very slim and beautiful in a youth." (Tangled Web).

Characters that caught my attention (and the quotes, describing them) are

Peter Penhallow

We know from chapter 1.1. that "had it not been for the jug, Peter Penhallow might to-day have been photographing lions alone in African jungles" (how delightful and wild!!!!).

In chapter 1.2. we find out that Peter is a free spirit and a nature lover: "Peter is here," said his sister Nancy Dark eagerly. "He's out on the veranda. You know Peter hates to be cooped up in a room. He's so accustomed to--to--"

"The great open spaces of God's outdoors," murmured Aunt Becky ironically."

Maybe it is me overthinking, but I can easily spot some resemblance to Barney Snaith; both men prefer open space and life wildness, surrounded by beautiful, untamed nature. They both seem to abandon accepted conventions and norms. Both of them do not fit into the quiet society of a small town, but seek experiences that other people cannot understand.

Gay Penhallow

She has some of Rilla's innocence and romantism in her! Gay seems as such a radiant, cheerful girl, who brings beauty and laughter everywhere she goes (very similar to pre-war Rilla). She resembles young Nan Blythe, too: Blythe by name, Blythe by nature. If Google is right, their names somehow match, too:

The name "Blythe" is both a boy's name and a girl's name of English origin meaning "happy, carefree".

The name "Gay"'s meaning: cheerful, joyful, merry".

Margaret Penhallow:

She just seems so sweet and kind: "her thin, sensitive face flushing pitifully and her peculiarly large, soft, grey-blue eyes filling with tears, went blindly to the first vacant chair."

Her description: soft, big eyes filling with tears, sensitive face reminds me a little about Aunt Laura from Emily of New Moon: kind, sweet, good-natured, but also rather weak and easily-bossed.

"Perhaps Margaret still wrote poems. A little shell-covered box in her trunk might know something about that. But the public press knew them no more, much to the clan's thankfulness."

Penny Dark:

"What's the matter with you, Penny? You're not as good-looking as you generally believe you are."

"He was a fat, tubby little fellow, with a curly grey beard and none-too-plentiful curly hair. As usual, he was as well-groomed as a cat. He still considered himself a gay young wag, and felt that nothing but the jug could have lured him into a public appearance under the circumstances."

He is exactly how I imagine Emily's cousin - Andrew Murray, or Emily's almost fiancée - Aylmer Vincent might look and act like, 30 years post series.

Moon Man (described in a separate post).

Uncle Pippin:

"Uncle Pippin shifted his wad of gum to the other side of his mouth and manufactured a cheerful lie instantly for the credit of the clan."

Chef's kiss!

[sortinghatchats]

On Ravenclaw Primaries

Ravenclaw Primaries are the system-lovers. They create, modify, and outright adopt systems that give them frames and guidance for interacting with the world. These systems vary wildly, and include but are certainly not limited to religious systems, political systems, family and community morals, and combinations thereof. They value truth. They want to find the correct, best way to look at the world and to interact with morality and the people around them.

The gradual editing process of the Ravenclaw’s system as they mature and see more of the world leads to the many different states that Ravenclaws can find themselves in: a Ravenclaw might be in the process of searching for their truth, have found their truth, or have a functional truth but not a finalized truth. These states are fluid and may often coexist and contain intermediate states. 

This can understandably lead to the reputation that Ravenclaws have in canon: academics and intellectuals. But these people do not make up the entire range of Ravenclaw Primaries.

A system can try to encompass the whole universe, the whole world, the whole community, or just someone’s own experience. Systems can be built from scratch or swallowed whole-sale or cobbled together from a dozen sources. The thing that makes the Ravenclaw Primary is not the system but the Ravenclaw’s need to have one. Ravenclaws distrust their gut reactions, emotional impulses and leaps of moral intuition. Nothing is “just wrong.” It needs to be poked at. 

Ravenclaws are still as likely as anyone to have those emotional reactions to situations and questions. Some Ravenclaws distrust those impulses; others just place no weight on the biased preferences that stir in them. Either way, Ravenclaws feel most right when they make their decisions based on what they have built, rather than what they feel. 

Ravenclaw Primaries can be broad or narrow, dealing with the whole world or just an individual’s life, passions, religion, or even vocation. That said, it’s still common for Ravenclaws to care about experiencing the world in its entirety. How can you know the truth if you don’t know all of the world? If you’re working with incomplete information, how can you know that the system you constructed fits the entire world, and not just your own? How can you know you’re right? This seems to be more common with Ravenclaws who constructed their truth from scratch, and for Ravenclaws who are still searching for their truth. It can encompass not just physical exploration, but also the consumption of large amounts of information that you find in books and online. The desire to define and to make the world into an understandable system can be approached from many different corridors, but for many Ravenclaws, it feels like the end of those corridors should ultimately be the same end. There is truth and if you think hard enough about it, you’ll be able to figure it out and find it. 

This truth can contain complexities like, for example, that a universal truth either doesn’t exist or is impossible to discover. There are Ravenclaws whose most important truth is that each individual gets to decide on their own truth; that there is no universal objective truth, but that finding individual, subjective truth is just as important of a goal. You have Ravenclaws who are hugely capable of and demanding of tolerance. 

There are also Ravenclaws who believe that truth is discoverable, and there is a universal, objective truth, and that they have found it. Maybe it’s not perfect, but it’s solid, and they’re sure that if they explain it sufficiently to someone else, that person would also see the truth of it.

Ravenclaw Primaries are sometimes hard to identify, both in characters and in the people around you, because the system they choose can often look like the systems of other houses. What makes a Ravenclaw is not the contents of their system, but the way they interact with it. For example, a Ravenclaw Primary might decide the best, truest system was the people-first morality of the Hufflepuff Primary. That Ravenclaw is going to look a lot like a Hufflepuff Primary a lot of the time. 

One of the easiest places to see the difference between a Hufflepuff and a Ravenclaw-who-decided-on-Hufflepuff is when a new moral system is introduced. Let’s say both were sat down and convinced that this other system was technically more moral, better, did more good but involved hurting people or otherwise betraying their Puff system. Convinced the new system was better, a Ravenclaw would feel guilty and immoral if they clung to their old Puff model. They would be clinging because it was comfortable and they liked it, and feel guilty for not doing the more right thing. Convinced the new system was better, a Hufflepuff would feel guilty and immoral if they abandoned their Puff ideals. 

You could also get Ravenclaws who invested so heavily in that first system that they, too, refuse to give it up. That’s less likely to happen, though, because Ravenclaw Primaries also value internal consistency. Hypocrisy means that something is off, and wrong, and it irritates them like a small large rock (or like a boulder) in their shoe. There are two ways to deal with this: ignore it as hard as you possibly can…or fix your system. Stagnant Ravenclaws, unwilling to adjust their system, have a tendency to end up Fallen– Javert, from Les Mis, refuses to abandon his system of law and justice and this inflexibility ends up driving him into a lethal corner. He had been unwilling to edit his system, so when his need for merciless justice and his sense of debt owed come into direct conflict, he falls. Falling is discussed in more detail further down.

Co-existing with the Ravenclaw Secondary

We’re going to talk about the Ravenclaw Primary’s relationship to the Ravenclaw Secondary now. The Secondary is discussed in further detail elsewhere on our site. To sum it briefly, the Ravenclaw Secondary is the secondary of wit, learning, and curiosity. Ravenclaw Secondaries can look like traditional bookish nerds or scattered professors but also like patient strategists, versatile Jacks-of-All-Trades, or passionate bureaucrats. 

Understanding how to apply the skills of the Ravenclaw Secondary means giving a huge boost to your ability to think critically, to understand scientific studies, and to come to a logical conclusion in an emotionally-charged situation. It’s all really handy stuff, especially when you’re dedicated to things like building robust moral systems and coming to logical conclusions in emotionally-charged situations. And so there’s a trend for Ravenclaw Primaries to have Ravenclaw Secondaries, or at least a Ravenclaw Secondary Model. 

Having a Ravenclaw Secondary improves a Primary’s ability to carefully and logically construct their own working system, and also to think critically about already-existing ones. When someone cares deeply about the accuracy of their system, the skills of the Ravenclaw Secondary become deeply attractive, especially in a general society that places such a high value on scientific method and analysis. This, we think, is what creates the illusion of there being something intrinsically logical and methodological to the Ravenclaw Primary– despite there being many examples of Ravenclaws whose systems are built primarily if not solely on observation, faith, or usefulness.

Luna Lovegood, one of our few canonical Ravenclaw characters, is an example of one of our “illogical” Ravenclaw Primaries. She is characterized by her certainty and dedication to a worldview that everyone around her (including our protagonists, though they get better) shun and mock her for. She is stubborn and consistent in her world and choices. She spends the war standing by the cause she’s chosen, and then she spends the rest of her life exploring and proving that her nargles and other creatures exist.

Houses other than Ravenclaw can value and use logic in the creation of their goals and the direction of their morality as well, of course. There can be painstakingly meticulous Hufflepuff Primaries who try to maximize their positive impact on the world, and Gryffindors who believe the utter moral righteousness of trusting in logic and empiricism. What makes a Ravenclaw Primary is not their relationship to logic, but their relationship to systems and the importance they place on their system being correct.

This is one of the main places where Ravenclaw Primaries differ from the other Constructed house, the Slytherin Primary, because Slytherins don’t have this need for things to be true. Instead, a Slytherin’s system tends to be either more flexible or more self-serving. It will often still allow for long-term decisions and values, but Slytherin Primaries lack the passion of ideology and the desire for truth that is such a motivator for Ravenclaw Primaries. Slytherins tend to build a system in order to fill a void and to satisfy themselves. A Slytherin system is more likely to focus on just that person’s interaction with the world, often without a caveat of how others need to come to their own decisions about their system. Its aim is function and not general or even personal impact. 

Ravenclaw and Gryffindor Primaries

This is also where Ravenclaws differ from Gryffindor, the other Idealist House. Idealist Houses place an emphasis on morality over personal loyalties. This shared emphasis can make Gryffindors and Ravenclaws strong and comfortable allies– when they are in agreement.

For a Gryffindor Primary, truth is something you know and morality is something you have. For a Ravenclaw, it’s something you find or it’s something you have already found. Gryffindors consider the integrity and internal consistency of the Ravenclaw comforting, but can also grow frustrated and even repulsed with the Ravenclaw Primary’s tendency to toe at uncomfortable moral lines even when the Claw’s gut is telling them “no”– or even because their gut is telling them “no.” 

Ravenclaw Primaries in the process of building or editing their system often mistrust internal responses they can’t explain or source. They push and explore those “gut feelings,” sometimes quietly but sometimes aggressively, which is something that can often make a Gryffindor feel judged or disrespected. It looks like doubt and is therefore a threat to moral stability. If a Gryffindor and Ravenclaw had previously agreed on a moral point, the Ravenclaw’s sudden need to push at it like a loose tooth can look to a Gryffindor like an attack from a former ally. When they’re on the same page, however, these two Idealist Houses can make formidable partners.

Note: the Stripped Gryffindor often looks much like a Ravenclaw Primary. [link] If the system-building Ravenclaw Primary is looking familiar, but is seeming idealistic, optimistic, young, self-absorbed, or potentially simplistic��� go take a look at the Stripped Gryff. Stripped Gryffindors are Gryffindors who have been pushed to distrust their own gut and so are forced (rather than delighted and dedicated to) build a system outside their internal moral compass.  

Burned or “Fallen” Ravenclaws

Ravenclaw is often the most robust of the Primaries. Because the center of a Ravenclaw Primary is so purposefully constructed, the destruction of a beloved morality or belief doesn’t always shatter the Claw the way it might another House. Perhaps even more than the other Houses, the point of Ravenclaw is not what truths they believe, but how they believe them. Systems of truth are built, found, or investigated. Dismantling obsolete parts, scrubbing down old ones, and planting new growth is often inherent in the constructed morality of Ravenclaws. 

A Ravenclaw faced with proof that their entire life philosophy is inaccurate, useless, and even harmful is perfectly likely to just shrug, reevaluate, and change their ways. This requires a certain degree of health and flexibility, but putting a weight on that type of flexibility is a common Claw attribute. They tend to value being actually right over seeming right or staying consistent to save face or because of old sentimental loyalties. Ravenclaws are perhaps more prone to existential crises than most people– but they’re also more likely to come out the other side with something new and satisfied to work with (until the next crisis). 

So where does the Ravenclaw burning come into this? What is the Claw equivalent of a “burned” Hufflepuff Primary closing themselves off from community?

A Burned Ravenclaw tends to come not from losing faith in a broken morality/truth system but losing faith in an ability to find or build a system.

It can be a professor who has put decades into one line of research, working to understand the world, and finds irrefutable proof that they’ve been on the wrong track all that time. They could just sigh, shuffle their feet, and move on to a different mode of analysis (thereby not Burn)–but that emotion of “no! I’ll never find it!” can easily spiral into a fall. They are only mortal; they only have so many years, because immortality is still yet to be invented. How can you accurately choose the most efficient and optimized way to invest your years? You are always inherently imperfect, and you don’t have eternity to iron out your mistakes. Exhausted, they can just despair.

A certain type of religious Ravenclaw who has poured all their analysis and structure into their religion, might Burn if pushed into a crisis of faith. Their ability to explore and shore up their truth system hinges on their ability to believe, and in losing their god they lose their feet.

An artistic Ravenclaw experiencing an extended art block might despair enough in their inability to create art that they’re satisfied with to briefly Burn.

Another Ravenclaw, thinking too much about the vast and complex nature of the universe, might spiral themselves into a Burn over the inability to fully comprehend all there is. It’s impossible, they cry, and realize that the truth they feel obligated to find is inherently out of their reach. While this sort of a thinking can inspire a Burn in some Ravenclaws, for others it’s just part of how truth works. “Reality is inherently incomprehensible and skewed by bias” is in itself a truth a Ravenclaw can comfortably hang their hat on. Truth being inherently unknowable can be a truth– it depends on the Ravenclaw. That revelation might be enough to make a different Ravenclaw Burn.

A crusading Ravenclaw could find their crusade harms more than it helps. Guilty and miserable, they might spiral about all the things that they cannot fix but that they feel obligated to fix. To Burn, that Ravenclaw doesn’t even have to lose faith that their morality is a true one. They can think their system is perfect and true, but if they think that they cannot live up to it, that can be enough to Burn.  

There can also be stagnant Ravenclaws–Ravenclaws who don’t compulsively revamp their internal systems; these often latch onto an external or taught system, and are more susceptible to falling. Inspector Javert from Les Miserables is an example of this. His chosen system of justice trips up against Jean Valjean’s acts of mercy. Javert knows it is unjust to let a criminal go free because a criminal will never stop being a criminal. As an inspector and man of the law, he cannot allow Valjean to successfully use Javert’s life as a barter for Valjean’s freedom. However, as a man who owes Valjean a debt, Javert also feels obligated to pay a life for a life. Stuck between his personal moral codes as a man of the law and just a man, Javert takes his own life. He was unable to edit his system so he falls, and his fall kills him.

Daine Sarrasri, the young protagonist of Tamora Pierce’s Immortals books, is one example of the borrowed-system Ravenclaw– and specifically an example of one who Burns (repeatedly, and temporarily).

Daine keeps investing in other people’s systems and then falling when they don’t accurately define the world. She is furious and betrayed to the point of Falling twice throughout the series. As a child, she subscribes to her mother’s give-as-you-get Hufflepuff Primary. When her mother dies with no one coming to her aid, Daine Burns so hard she literally loses her humanity and goes running with wolves.

After healing from that, she comes to trust and rely on the diplomacy and fair play rules of her Tortallan friends–but a friend ends up dead when she thought (by the rules of reality–she’s a Ravenclaw, she believes her systems hard) that they would be safe. She had played nice, he had played nice, but he had still been killed. Daine Falls and she Falls specifically into tumultuous and violent lashing out. 

Daine’s growth through to the end of the series allows her to build herself a system of service, loyalty, and bravery that relies on her choices and the choices of her close allies, not the responses of enemies or the world at large. It’s a more self-sufficient and self-contained system and so much more stable for that.

Burned Ravenclaws are Ravenclaws who have broken with their system in some way. The way burned Hufflepuffs turn from their communities, Gryffindors lose touch with their internal compass, and Slytherins push personal loyalty away, Ravenclaws break from the heart of their primary. Burned Ravenclaws can decide all systems are useless; that systems are impossible to find or to find accurately; or that they can never live up to the system they believe to be true and that it’s not okay.

Ravenclaws are both less likely than the other Houses to Burn and less likely to find an equilibrium in that Burning. Their Burnings tend to be short and severe. They are more likely to either cease functioning entirely or to have a quick recovery time. All of the other Houses, while it’s possible to recover, are more likely to stay burned once they’ve burned and find a way to live with it.

Falling is not just losing faith in your morality or in the people around you–for a Ravenclaw, this can be as severe losing confidence in your very ability to observe and define the world around you. That, you might imagine, could be a little unsettling. 

tl;dr – Ravenclaw Primaries

Ravenclaw is a Decided House, an External House, and an Idealist house.

As Idealists, they value ideas and systems over loyalties and most ambitions. Unlike Gryffindors, Ravenclaws tend to distrust in their innate, “gut instinct” view on things. In order to go forward, they need there to be something more substantial than “feeling” something is right– they need to know it. But that doesn’t mean that Ravenclaws don’t have those gut instincts; they just don’t prioritize them. 

As a Decided House, they choose their systems. Unlike the other Decided House, Slytherin, this constructed system is vitally important and must be true. Slytherins build systems for joy, utility, or convenience, but Ravenclaws’ sense of self and right is based around the truth of their system.

Ravenclaws can build their systems from scratch, borrow them from trusted authorities, communities, or religious systems, or cobble them together over years. They can be flexible or stagnant. Their systems can hinge on anything from kindness to aesthetic to emotionless logic. There’s a lot of room for variation here, and it’s one of the reasons why Ravenclaw Primaries are (at least from our small sample) one of the hardest Primaries to find and identify.

Ravenclaws, like Hufflepuffs, are an External Primary. The best source of truth, to the External Houses, comes from outside oneself. Unlike Gryffindor Primaries, Ravenclaws will always trust what they have learned, discussed, decided, and built above what they feel or intuit.

Like our system? Take our quiz: https://ejadelomax.itch.io/sortinghatchats

[sadbi-hours]

hit me, baby, one more time  ( not a true drabble, 700 wrds or so)

by everythinghappensforareason17 | everythinghappens-love

Pre-Fitzsimmons/Pre-FSK and Bioquake + “I fucked up”

a/n: okay, this is the first time i’m posting a drabble that’s not really within the guidelines. it’s still less than a 1000 words, but it isn’t a true drabble. i figured it would be okay to add it to my july challenge collection.  i just couldn’t help myself...i had to write another little (if you count 700 words as little) taste of ‘lucifer is lonely’  or at this rate i like to call it, my vastly growing future FSK multi-chapter piece. haha!

this was originally around 2000 words or so...and i really trimmed it down, but couldn’t make myself cut it apart any further without losing the tone i was trying to go for. so, here’s 700 words of it i guess. this more then likely won’t be the final cut that i add to the story if i do decided to fully flush it out...but i never know. 

so enjoy some more angst with a choking amount of tension...it’s what i seem to do best:) 

p.s. the gif i’m showcasing here really isn’t mine...i couldn’t find the op and would really like to. so if anyone knows, please inform me. i refuse to take credit for a gif that’s not mine. 

written for @aosficnet2 for the july true drabble challenge

“Don’t strike me as criminals…as assassins. You’re both too pretty…stick out like sore thumbs.” Leopold muttered, head down…voice timid. His delicate hands slick with Daisy’s blood, his fingers graceful…movements frenzied with experience…skillful …as he continued to mend Daisy’s wound.

Her wound. It was still red and inflamed and seeped in pus… definitely infected…but Jemma wasn’t worried anymore. Leopold Fitz came equipped with the best medicine S.H.I.E.L.D. could buy.

He was The Doctor after all.

He glanced at her, watching her reaction to his prodding. His expression leery...but curious and full of silent questions. Jemma inclined her head, giving him permission to continue with his observations. She owed him that much. He was saving Daisy’s life.  

He nodded and went on. “Look too normal to be holding a brain injured S.H.I.E.L.D. agent hostage for misplaced vengeance.”  

Jemma cocked her gun at that, a tad offended. He knew that wasn’t how things had went down. They were in this situation— trapped in an underground hydra base…with a fucking cerebral hypoxia damaged war criminal and a bullet hole in her shoulder and a critical inhuman partner with nowhere to go— because of his prat of a father and because—    

Blood…tears… panic… and a beautiful male voice whispering to her in the darkness of her sorrow of watching her best friend slipping away from her.

“It’s gonna scar…” He soothed, his dainty fingers brushing against her cut.  

She grabbed his hand, pushing it away. “I don’t care. I’ll live. Save my friend.” –She couldn’t kill him. Not with Daisy’s life on the line.

Leopold held his hands up. “Sorry, didn’t mean anything by that. Let’s just drop it.”

Jemma shook her head. Fuck him. He’d poked the bear and now he was going to face her wrath.

“Maybe that’s what makes us good at our jobs, being underestimated…overlooked…” Her temper flared…eyes blazing brown fire. “Besides, what else can an ex-Hydra agent and an inhuman do in this world?”

Nothing! Not since S.H.I.E.L.D. took over and wiped everyone on the opposing sides of their beliefs out! She felt like yelling, but left that unspoken. Wouldn’t do any good to say her hypocrisies out loud. She’d once been exterminating anyone not fitting into her ideals too—especially inhumans.

“You’re inhuman?” He asked, breathless…his hands trembling. Jemma shifted in her seat. She knew the beginnings of a panic attack…seen Daisy have more than enough of them to last her a lifetime…only his wouldn’t potentially level an entire country if gone unchecked.

So she let him be. “No. Ex Hydra.”

“She is?” He pointed at Daisy's unmoving form on the bed.

Jemma tightened her hold on the gun.

“Do anything to jeopardize her recovery and I will personally be the one to put a bullet in that prodigal head of yours. We clear?” She growled, her tone venomous and deadly.

“Why didn’t you tell me?!” He barked back, sounding betrayed.

Jemma cocked an eyebrow. “You didn’t need to know.” She replied, feigning nonchalance. It wouldn’t have helped save Daisy. He couldn’t be trusted. He was the enemy. Plain and simple.

“Bullshit!” He yelled, slamming his hand on the end table. She felt her heckles raise. Every instinct rioting, calling for her fight or flight response. Jemma aimed her gun for his head. She never chose flight. “You were afraid of what I’d might do…afraid I wouldn’t have saved her if I’d known.”

Bloody hell. He had her there. She’d been terrified…would have done anything to get him to work his medical magic to save her best friend. “Would you have?” She asked, turning his accusations around on him…putting him in the spotlight…hoping to watch him burn.

“Doesn’t matter. The choice was taken from me. She’s going to live.” He spat.

“So sorry. I fucked up.” She mocked, unapologetic for her actions. She wasn’t here to appease his hatred. She just wanted her best friend to come out of this alive…and she’ll do anything to achieve that goal.

“Don’t lie to me again.” He warned. “You won’t like the consequences.”

Jemma scoffed, stretching her legs out. Taking his malice at face value. She refused to make promises she more than likely wouldn’t keep…not to him.

It wasn’t in her nature to make bargains with the devil.

the end.

[becomestorm]

@atlascash.

    A LOOK OF SCORN IS HENRY’S KNEEJERK REACTION;   of course, any battle-tested huntsman had the right to their own assumptions and perceptions, and as far as Henry is concerned, Ren is factually correct this one time. However, the stoic faces of the nearby Blake and Weiss fizzle out all six of the retorts he had just come up with that very moment, and so Henry’s glance falls, himself unable to shake the notion that somehow, the verdant warrior had criticized him with words that sounded otherwise.

    Then again, he could live with that. His side of the business world was carefully populated with plenty of nefarious double talk and subtle acts of backstabbing, but if he really had to factor this medley bunch on the scale….  then perhaps the risk their proposal poses to him and his connections probably would be minimal……   emphasis on probably. This venture did run a considerable chance of backfiring after all, one that he could not ignore as a banker.

    As his maid Nelly walks in with a tray of coffee mugs, Henry smiles at her, and then back at his guests. When they had sought a meeting with him, he had welcomed them into his family mansion; wherever they chose to wander inside, they would find no room for doubt here.

  “   I wouldn’t have it any other way, Ren.   ”   Henry responds with a polite bravado, turning his hand over to show his open palm.   “   I mean, all of life’s adventures that are worth going on are never that simple in the first place.   ”   A profound statement, were it not for the fact that Henry’s pursuits revolved around business alone, but he intertwines his fingers and leans forward, hoping to push past his silent hypocrisy.

  “   Ren, Ruby, Mr. Branwen  —  I’ll give you an honest assessment  ——–  nobody really discusses Dr. Watts and his operations in Atlas ever, and for good reason. Breaking and entering into his facilities? That is, by far, the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard all month. Most people in Atlas would probably keep a healthy distance from you if they heard that idea, let alone offer a helping hand.   ”

    A simultaneous combination of Weiss’s grunt of disapproval and the entrance of Jaune, Yang and the rest of their crew provides for an intended shift in tone, and Henry gestures towards the far side of the room.

  “   Please, feel free to drag over those chairs by the wall.   ”   he offers out loud, before turning back to his original company with a smirk.   “   As I was saying, most people would have you stop right here. However, I, Henry Marigold, am not most people. If your gamble was on whether or not your infiltration mission overlapped with my interests, then I believe it’s my job to say that you’ve won your gamble  ——–  back in the day, the Doctor drove a dear family friend out of business. As you can imagine, that whole episode was a tragedy on its own but you see, I’ve been looking to pay back the favor for a while now.   ”

    The glances between the group are telling enough, and to this, Henry takes his first sip of coffee, before stopping and glancing what was now a lukewarm cup of his favorite drink. Well, there was no crying over spilled milk at this point. All that was left to do was lean back on his chair, add sugar to the coffee, and stir this into something exciting.

  “   If this was up to me, I have no issue about hiring the lot of you as escort for the Marigold Banking’s convoy, though now that I’m considering it, we would most likely have to make arrangements for Weiss, as she is stillquite the celebrity here in Atlas. However, I’d like to hear what you had in mind. After all —   ”   Henry pauses, before smirking once more.   “   — this is your operation, isn’t it?   ”   from.

far be it from ren to waste words   on any comment that wasn’t absolutely essential. random quips and ill - timed humour was fine around familiar company, though not around strangers. they were evaluating the probability of success, given their gargantuan consequences should something go wrong. after what happened in argus, they had to think far more intricately on the butterfly effect should their plans go awry. henry had a flourish to his words that ren considered unnecessary extravagant, words and tone that ren tended to dissect until they extracted the most essential pieces of information. whether their straightforwardness stemmed from the realism necessary to successfully complete the mission ren didn’t care ; they were nothing if not blunt.

elegant brow raised at such a flowery, elegant gesture, tilting their head slightly to quite literally observe it from a different angle. it wasn’t that they particularly liked or disliked henry, but something about the way the atlesian talked made it sound like every sentence was laced with a double entendres, multiple meanings. unfortunately, without the activation of ren’s empathy semblance, they couldn’t quite place whether tone was snide or mocking in nature, and it would be better not to engage that with a recently acquired ally. that they’d found someone who not only was already acquainted with weiss, but had prerogatives against dr. watts was the break they needed after barely escaping their airship battle.

‘   whatever arrangements are made with weiss, her team has made it a priority to stay by her side.   ’   ren glanced over at their teammates, recalling the conversations made in argus prior to the unfortunate splitting of their party. if they split, and even then it would be the last resort, they did it by teams.   ‘   my operation ?   ’   the confused lilt on the end of their sentence failed to escape usually toneless vocals, intentionally relaxing shoulders instead of the instinctive need to tense them upon smirk, upon the way his words wrapped around the question like some kind of subtle threat.   ‘   we work together under a common goal and keep everyone’s suggestions in mind, but we usually default to the leadership of jaune and ruby.   ’

even though ren didn’t actively participate in mission debriefs usually, there was something refreshing about being asked. they usually fell into whatever role was assigned them ; a foot soldier, a distraction, a saboteur, they usually worked better with lose guidelines, and improvised from there, relying often on instinct. this was a far more tricky assignment than hijacking an atlesian airship however, if breaking into top secret research labs at the heart of atlas wasn’t already a terrifying goal.   ‘   i believe we need more time to gather intel, a day at most.   ’   a pause.   ‘   there’s good reason to believe we’re being tracked, and that our adversaries are already expecting us. any advantage we have is paramount. do you have connections that could provide information on the security of the site ? shift changes ? maps ? we’re ready to exploit any weaknesses.   ’

[hieranarchy]

thoughts on cosmetic surgery

Recently I’ve come up against this subject a couple times,(read: I found out some vloggers/celebrities I look up to have had surgery) and I’ve had a shift in my perception on it.

I definitely had that initial reaction of aversion and slight judgement which I think is still a pretty common and conditioned response at the mention of plastic surgery, because it is so often singularly associated with gross vanity.

But if you think about it, the motivation behind getting plastic surgery is really not that different from the plain desire to look better by putting on makeup. (And with the manically perfected contouring techniques we have today and other kinds of makeup wizardry, the visual effects can almost be the same.) So why is one method condemned while the other embraced by society?

For starters, I think cosmetic surgery’s bad rep has definitely been fueled by typical reports of botched jobs in the gutter news (frequently accompanied by grotesque pictures), suffered by individuals portrayed to be shallow and pitifully desperate in their pursuit of beauty, thus subtly pushing the moralistic idea that vanity causes one’s downfall and that plastic surgery is a dangerous and extreme measure.  

Undoubtedly, being an invasive procedure in contrast to makeup, there will be issues of safety that need to be given due attention (especially regarding its long-term effects). Aside from this, my current stand is that cosmetic surgery can indeed be a valid way to improve one’s quality of life, especially when an aspect of one’s physical appearance has been a constant, gaping, gnawing insecurity. 

Having said that, plastic surgery is obviously not something to be decided upon lightly, since (most) cosmetic procedures are permanent alterations, hence it is really advisable that one sits down and properly examine their intentions for choosing to go with this option. Are you getting bee stung lips because it is the current fashion trend? Are you only doing it because you are hoping to gain acceptance from others? You should only ever be doing it for you. To let your appearance reflect more of you. To feel good in your own skin and body. 

People who have undergone surgery are often labeled as fake, but I have seen in some cases, how one can sort of grow into and meld with the modified features such that it becomes such a natural part of themselves, it feels like they are coming into their true selves, their true form. It’s like they developed traits in their character and attitude that fit with their external appearance. I guess sometimes it doesn’t matter whether these changes are achieved through natural or artificial means, ultimately, perhaps, both are really just means to the same end.

I think the real resistance towards cosmetic surgery lies in the fact that it is sort of a hidden enhancement, and also an ‘easy’ way out. Perfectly sculpted faces and bodies so often inflame people’s own insecurities, and to try and pass it off as genetics, or to obtain it with much less perceived effort as compared to natural methods, just provokes a sort of angry bitterness that the compliments and adoration bestowed upon the individual are ‘undeserved’. 

 I do think there is a certain responsibility for known and influential figures to be open about the procedures they have done, otherwise, whether they intend it or not, they will be helping to propagate deceptive, frankly inhuman standards of beauty, that everyone was effortlessly born this way. This applies to the entire media and beauty industry, by the way. All the celebrity stylists, hair extensions, fitness regimes and diets, there is actually so much that goes behind the scenes for celebs to look the way they do.

However, in order to encourage celebrities to the open up about cosmetic surgery, first we need to eliminate the shame and stigma surrounding it. It’s a catch 22. This is the main hypocrisy of the media isn’t it? Telling everyone to be themselves, to be ‘real’, but then proceeding to reject and mock everything and everyone, left right centre.

Though I maintain this neutrality on the act of going under the knife, I still wonder to what extent it would be appropriate for cosmetic surgery to become a norm in society. I am reminded of the lyrics to Mrs Potato Head by Melanie Martinez:

it’s such a pity 

that young girls grow into their mother’s faces,

but young girls are learning how to cut and paste, and pucker up their lips until they suffocate

Wouldn’t it be such an unfortunate loss of precious, unique diversity and history, that has been painstakingly distilled over millenniums of genetic evolution and tradition?

(tbh i think her song lyrics sum up and illuminate on the subject of cosmetic surgery better in a few lines than this long drawn out essay of mine lol, but anyways.) 

Of course the overarching problem here is our obsession with physical beauty the synonymous association of external appearance with individual worth and value. I have this belief that if a person feels well and good on the inside and outside, they just naturally look beautiful in their own way. Look at children, the way each and every single child kind of just naturally shines, literally and metaphorically, because they haven’t accumulated the burden of emotional scars that we all pick up along the way as we grow up.

Moreover the perception of physical beauty is truly subjective. Though the idea of ‘handsome’ and ‘pretty’ is branded into our psyche by the mass media and remains as a narrow, homogeneous standard,  I think this may just apply to our initial judgement of a person’s features; once we get over that, sometimes a plain-looking or a good-looking person can just suddenly seem so much more attractive, or repulsive, physically, after you get to know their personalities. Suddenly that too-wide grin becomes so endearing or that sharp jawline starts to look menacing.

[drivebyanon]

idealfry: Jen's hypocrisy over her so called support for women's rights VS her attitude towards these 3 well documented misogynists both disappoints and angers me to the point of no return!! I can only hope she will disassociate herself with these 3 monsters immediately and retain the little respect and self-respect she still has left! As a former fan of hers I just can't understand her mindset right now and why no one working for her or close to her is doing anything to warn her!

I saw this, and I guess I needed to reply because like many of us, there are so many thoughts and emotions coming up from Harvey finally being shown in the light. I understand why a lot of woman who have held these secrets close to their heart are coming from. You make it sound so easy. And for some people it is easy. They can just stand up, fight for themselves, push off the consequences and keep going. But that’s not everyone. Life can be brutally hard. I can say that for every fight I have fought for other people, I may have not done so for myself. There are things I can be proud of and other things that I lay on me in a shroud of shame. 

It’s not always that easy. Especially when there is such an extreme power dynamic that these men have taken advantage of over and over again. It’s part of that power dynamic that says “You shouldn’t respect yourself because...” The judgment, the guilt and shame is pervasive and can be crippling. It most definitely can be silencing and it can push you down.

Everyone is going to feel different in this situation and Jen’s reaction whether it be disappointment, support, or understanding.  She has made decisions, she has signed contracts, she has made choices and only she can fully see the extent of those choices. We have no idea how she is feeling about this. This is a woman who’s private images were stolen and violated publicly in a way only a few will ever know. She may be screaming into the wind while showing a strong front. We just don’t know. She may be stuck in a situation she doesn’t want to be in or she may be happy. We just don’t know. She may have been warned but given no choice. Jen has gone through public payment disputes, been abused on set, publicly slut-shamed, called a whore, hyper-sexualized at a young age, told she was an idiot, had stories taken out of context and warped, had rumors she was sleeping around, sleeping for jobs, been called a drug-addict, told she wasn’t good enough...the list goes on and on. So yeah, she’s a little guarded. 

And as a woman I can safely say you would be hard pressed to find a woman who hasn’t been sexually harassed, bullied, mocked, coerced, retaliated against, demeaned, etc because of their sex, because of their looks, whether it’s walking down the street or in a work situation. It’s ALL the time and it’s exhausting. 

“Woman should not be held accountable for the predatory behavior of men.”—  Seth Meyers, 10/11/17

“One of the big problems with the way in which our systems work at the moment is that there are so many blind eyes. And we can’t keep making the women to whom this happens responsible [so] they’re the ones who’ve got to speak. Why? We’ve got to look and say this is happening.”—  Emma Thompson, BBC Newsnight, 10/12/17

Let’s put the blame where it squarely needs to go - the endemic misogyny prevalent throughout society that let vile men use this to their advantage against women and let’s them be elected president. Women AND men need to be advocates for for change, and as Emma Thompson said in her interview, 

“...this is a moment that we can say to both men and women, open your eyes and open your mouths, and say something.”

[phaniecastello-blog]

CHALLENGE ONE ((Thanks to Claire for the rp’s @nathaniel-schreave and @jace-bennett ; also thank you all for the drama scene, it was so much fun. I mentioned @ladyaadamaier @eloiseduval @camille-marshall @victoria-seaberg @ladyvenusvale (if there’s anything you don’t like about how you were mentioned, just let me know and I will change it. Love you) )) 

One day or day one?

A new day, a new life. And it couldn’t be more true for me, starting with in this new life, I had to be awake really early.

“You didn’t sleep well last night, did you, Lady Phanie?” asked the Lady who was helping me to zip up my dress, when she saw me yawning through the big mirror in front of us. I wished I was good with names; I barely could memorize 34 last week and now I had three new ones and equally important. My maids.

Christina? Romina? Loretta? … no, wait Loretta is my mother’s name… ugh, is too early.

“Sorry, Rebecca. I think I only had 3 hours of sleep, last night.”

“Mhmm, that’s what I thought. Lily went to the kitchen to get you an energizing juice; you have to be fully recovered for your interview with the prince” she brushed the dress with her hands, even when it was looking perfect already.

After a long time trying to cover the black rings around my eyes, I finally made it to the dining room. There were a few ladies sitting by the large tables, already. I noticed the small cardboard signs on the table indicating our place. I stood there hesitating for a moment, looking around the enormous room. I decided to go left, hoping to see my name written somewhere in that table, so I won’t need to look at the other one. “Lady Stephanie” read the cardboard almost at the end of it, I had “Lady Camille” at my left and “Lady Jordan” at my right. I felt proud of myself when my memory brought back the pictures of a lady with a military uniform and another one with a very pale skin. I spotted Victoria looking for her sit and I found myself praying again. I barely recognize her with her new short  hair, but the annoyed gesture she made when she saw me as she took her sit across Camille’s, was unmistakable. I sighed resigned.

When the room was finally full a beautiful, elegant woman, who I identify as Collette Bennett, crossed the room walking between the two large tables, and found her place standing where we all could see her. She introduce herself as our etiquette instructor to proceed later with a short demonstration of the correct way to address the royals.

“After you've learned your greetings, we will get into the dining portion. Now, let us begin.” she said. And that’s when the fight to keep my eyes open, started. Apparently the energizing juice wasn’t that effective. Every movement I made felt heavy as if I was trapped inside a big jello. I decided to get some fresh air before my head ended up leaning on Camille Marshall’s shoulder.

“Excuse me” I said as I stood

I felt like if all the eyes were on me as I walked my way out the room, fanning my face with a hand, my heels making noise against the floor, but probably no one was really paying attention to me. The guards standing by the doors, opened them for me.

Outside the room, I found Jace at the hallway. I have seen his pictures thousands of times at the magazines, always by Nate’s side.

“The slacker” Loretta used to call him, every time we see him on TV.

I had always envy his friendship with Nate, wondering if I would ever found a real, loyal friend.

“Oh, hey... Jace, right?”

“Yeah... are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m alright, thanks, it’s just... “ I hesitated to tell the truth, after all, her mom was the one giving the lessons “...I was falling asleep back there …” I closed my eyes hard for a few seconds hoping I hadn’t offended him. “I needed some air”

He started laughing “How could you fall asleep? Forks are so cool!” he smiled and I relaxed  “And napkins, don't get me started on napkins”

I scoffed “Sure they are! … Actually I feel kind of sorry for you, missing all the fun. I’m Stephanie, by the way” I extended my hand to greet him. The handshake was firm but friendly, as when a strong guy tries to be delicate.

“I'm Jace, but you know that. So what do you do?”

“I’m…” I scratched the back of my head “I’m a model. What do you do?” I asked him quickly before he could ask more details about it.

“Jump off cliffs”

I opened my eyes wide with surprise “Sounds exciting, fun and ... like suicide!” I joked teasing him.

“I jump into water” He rolled his eyes but didn’t look annoyed.

“Okay, okay. Sounds kind of interesting, to be honest, but I have to confess I would be terrified to do something like that” I had never felt like a extreme sports kind of girl, but I did admire the people brave enough to practice them.

“Most people are” Jace laughed. Well, at least I had made something laugh with my lack of bravery and adventurous spirit.

“I wish I wasn’t, tho. I bet the feeling up there most be incredible” I said imagining the feeling of freedom at it’s finest.

“The views are the best part” Even when he was only talking about it, his eyes bright with emotion. I almost felt jealous of his free-spirited attitude and bravery.  

“Oh! I could draw nice landscapes from up there! ... yep, you have convinced me, I will try to climb a cliff  some day, not sure how I’m going to get down, tho” I regret the last words I said. I had started thinking out loud, making no sense; which I had to stop before embarrassing myself even more. Clearly my energy was back.

“The only way down is to jump” He laughed again.

I sighed “I will meditate on that, then… I probably should get back, I don’t want to be scolded by your mom for missing some important information about forks and napkins” I said smirking

“Hurry go before you miss out on the wonderfulness of sitting with your hands in your lap”

“See you around”

When the lessons were finally over, we had to wait for our turn to meet Nate in private. I use the waiting time to ask Marshall the things that I had missed when I was gone.

We were introducing ourselves when I saw paper ball landing on the table. I looked around looking for its source when I listened to Victoria’s annoyed voice “Excuse you!”

I turned to see her and I realized she was shouting at Venus, who was sitting at the table behind her. I draw the paper ball trajectory in my head and that’s when I understood the ball had had bounced on Victoria’s head before landing on the table.

“Jesus…” Marshall muttered and I could listened some of the other selected around, whispering things.

“You are excused” Vee replied to Victoria smirking. I tried to suppress a laugh covering my mouth, making a weird sound in the process, when Marshall glare at me I felt embarrassed, her look could make anyone do an involuntary military salute. I clear my throat and paused to collect myself.

I thought the problem was going to end up there but they continued shouting to each other. I looked down putting a hand on my forehead “I can’t believe they are doing this” I muttered. It just seemed unbelievable that they were starting a fight in front of all the selected and right after an etiquette lesson.

And Victoria said I was the one needing some of those lessons. Ha!

Aada leaned around Jordan to face me “Did they not hear what Lady Collette said?

“Says the one who acts like she’s a famous superstar” I heard Victoria said when I payed attention at the problematic girls’ words, again

Aada raised her voice at them “I can tell you what you’re both acting like and it’s not ladies. You’re behaving like absolute children”. Maybe her intention was to calm things down, but she achieved the opposite

“Someone's got to stop this before this gets crazy” Marshall said, almost whispering. The fight continueD and now Aada was included in it. It was like a snowball, instead of stopping it was becoming a monster. “Good Lord!” she continued, facing me, this time.

I opened my eyes wide “Should we do something or…?”

“I will” Marshall looked determined to talk but Aada continued shouting

I had never liked Victoria, she had always approached to me at parties and fashion events to mock me and make me feel miserable saying nonsense things, but I never imagined she was dumb enough to fight someone else in the first day of the selection; if she had lost control more than one person would had gone down with her and I wasn’t sure if Aada deserved that, yet.  

Suddenly I found myself reaching for her hand to get her attention “Hey! Don’t act stupid!” I told her in a low but firm voice. I was waiting for her to start shouting at me but instead she smiled.

“I won't. Someone needs to calm Venus down though. I'm not the right person for that.” I was both, relieved that things won’t get any further and extremely confused by her reaction. I probably would believe her if I hadn’t seen her hypocrisy in action before.

A loud voice full of authority took me out of my inner thoughts “There isn't gonna be any fighting, for anyone” Marshall said to put some order once and for all.

Vee turned to face Eloise and exchanged some words with her, then turned back to Victoria “I’m sorry” she mumbled as she stood to leave the room abruptly. I followed her and Aada with my eyes as they left the room.

Everyone remain quiet for some minutes before returning to normal. When my name was called for me to meet Prince Nate I wasn’t even focused, the fight back there had had distracted me. Before entering the room I brushed my dress with my hands.

Breathe in, breathe out.

The room was smaller than the dinning room, but still had an impotent size, there was a ceiling to floor sized opened window, at the end of it, that let the fresh air fill the room. I walked towards the man sitting on one of the small couches that together formed a  complete set. When he listened to the sound of my steps he stood up.

“Hello Lady Stephanie, I'm Prince Nate” He made a small bow in front of me. I wonder if he had rehearsed those first words minutes before the interviews started.

I bowed back “Hello, nice to finally see you, your highness”

“And you too, please sit, how has your stay been?” He waited for me to sit down and then he sitted back in his place.

I was close enough to perceive his smell, I couldn’t decipher the exact scent but it was something sweet combined with dark wood. “Great! You have a great home, here and the staff is really nice. How are you feeling, today? I mean after all the interviews”

“Tired but happy.” He replied laughing

His adorable laughed made me smile “I’m glad it hasn’t been too overwhelming”

“Yeah me too. What do you like to do in your free time”

I was glad that he was more interested in what I loved to do than in my job. “I love to draw! I find it very relaxing... art always is. It’s also nice to get out of the routine doing it. I have read that you enjoy to play the guitar, right?”

“What do you like to draw exactly? And yes I do.”

My fingers started playing with the dress almost unconsciously.  “I try to do any kind of sceneries but I’m better at portraits. I would love to hear you play sometime. Are you good at it? I asked interested in his special talent.

He laughed again. “I sure hope so, my mom thinks I'm amazing, just like most moms” I can’t help but thinking how my mom always have hated my love for art, according to her, it distracted me from my real duty.

I laughed with Nate, shaking the thought away. “I believe her, but still want to listen to you play. Are you up to it?”

“Yeah totally! I'm sorry but I still have so many girls to meet, this conversation has been wonderful” He said standing up.

I hoped he really meant that.

“Sure!” I stood up too and bowed, again. “See you soon”

I fight the urge to look back as I walked outside the room; my heart beating a little bit faster than normal. This small conversation with him was enough to reaffirm the impression I had of him before. He was really handsome, nice, formal, funny, eloquent and the owner of one of the cutest smiles.

 Walking back to the dining room when the rest of the girls were waiting for their own private meeting with Nate, made me remember there were 34 reasons why I should take things slow, 34 reasons why to be more careful.

[thebluelemontree]

-deelightly- replied to your post: What do you think would have happened...

I so agree. I am GLAD she didn’t go with him to be frank, Arya needed him lol Question though… why did he call Arya the “Stark Bitch” when he saw her with the Brotherhood? I always wondered i if he had feelings for ONE Stark girl (Sansa) why would he call the other one a bitch? It felt off…

Rest easy.  He actually didn’t call her that upon meeting her.

"I'm not a boy! But Mycah was. He was a butcher's boy and you killed him. Jory said you cut him near in half, and he never even had a sword." She could feel them looking at her now, the women and the children and the men who called themselves the knights of the hollow hill. "Who's this now?" someone asked.      

The Hound answered. "Seven hells. The little sister. The brat who tossed Joff's pretty sword in the river." He gave a bark of laughter. "Don't you know you're dead?"

He instinctively defines Arya first not by name, though he knows it, but by the fact that she’s “the little sister.”  So yeah, his mind has been preoccupied with the big sister.  Then she’s “the brat who tossed Joff’s pretty sword in the river” before laughing.  Does it really sound like he’s insulting Arya here or Joffrey and his pretty sword?  What do you think he would have thought when he heard Joffrey with a real sword was bested by a little girl with a stick?  Probably would have laughed just like Renly.  Think about Joffrey’s toothless boasting in the training yard against Robb Stark.  Sandor knows Joffrey is essentially a coward that has no real skill.  So “Lion’s Tooth” was apropos when Arya easily defanged him, but I digress.  So yeah, he later calls Arya a “wolf bitch.”  About that...

He never calls her that in anger.  It’s always with some humor attached to it.  Remember “little bird” starts off as an insult.  He’s essentially calling Sansa a trained parrot, before it evolves into a term of endearment.  In this scene with the BwB he says “Don’t you know you’re dead?”  Against all odds Arya is alive.  She’s tough.  She’s got the chutzpah to call him “ugly” to his face.  He’s not mocking her.  He thinks she’s metal AF.  So “wolf bitch” doesn’t sound half as much of an insult as it does a badge of mad respect from Sandor, who can definitely identify with being an angry, scrappy kid.  Oh and his first reaction to Sansa is that she’s metal AF too:

A wolf," a man said, and someone else said, "Seven hells, that's a direwolf," and the first man said, "What's it doing in camp?" and the Hound's rasping voice replied, "The Starks use them for wet nurses," and Sansa realized that the two stranger knights were looking down on her and Lady, swords in their hands, and then she was frightened again, and ashamed. Tears filled her eyes.

This isn’t an insult.  He thinks this is badass for a pretty young girl to have an effing direwolf on a leash.  Everyone else is freaking out with their swords out and the Hound isn’t one of them.  Think of how coddled the royal children are and here he sees a Stark child with a beast grown men fear for a pet.  Again, I’m digressing, but I would chalk that up to Sandor having his own unique way of expressing respect and affection.

And I agree with you that Arya needed him, not just to escape the Red Wedding, but in her lessons in “true seeing.”  Arya is wonderful at having good first instincts about people where Sansa struggles with that more.  As a consequence, it takes Arya a looooooooooooooong time to change her mind about someone where Sansa is more willing to give people the benefit of the doubt (too much at times).  The only reason she can even concede that Sandor shouldn’t die by her hand (and she still doesn’t really like him) is that she’s literally forced to spend time with him.  I would say that Sandor needed Arya more for his arc.  I have an essay on their journey brewing.  Where Sansa gave us the reasons to take a harder look at Sandor when he’s first introduced to us as a child killer in AGOT, Arya is the one who holds his feet to the fire about that.  His good actions do not automatically erase the fact he murdered a child.  She never lets up about Mycah’s death, never lets the reader forget him, and makes Sandor become a fully accountable adult.  No hiding behind “just following orders.”  No skating on his bad childhood or the hypocrisy of others.  At a certain point those excuses read as both immature as they are cynical.  It’s at his “death” scene that Sandor makes no excuses for himself and confesses responsibility for his own actions.  He almost has to dial it back because he’s feeling guilt over imagined things he didn’t even do, i.e. rape Sansa.  This is Sandor connecting with his best self and it is because Arya stayed on him like a wolf bitch.  It’s not just the Hound dying, but Sandor also becoming a more mature adult man who is more worthy of the big sister.    

[trevorbailey61]

Latitude ‘17

Henhem Park, Suffolk

Friday 14th July 2017

Politics eh - “Ohhh .. Jeremy Corbyn”. We are near to the stage waiting for Goldfrapp to make their appearance when the chant starts, carried from the fields of Somerset to a dry dusty park in Suffolk; lets make the party happen right here. It begins with a small group but is quickly picked up by others, a girl who pushes her way past us, glittery face paint around her eyes and on her cheeks, loudly joins in, the expression on her face showing the passion that she has found that goes beyond the words. This shouldn’t be happening of course; that Latitude is a middle class Tory fest is one of the facts of the seasons, so obvious that a spoof article in the Suffolk Gazette about Theresa May making her festival debut here was taken by many at face value. Tired old politicians running a tired old Government in pursuit of a tired old ideology, however, cannot connect with even the privileged youth of Latitude, particularly when this is exactly what has failed them. They are looking for something they can believe in, something bright and optimistic, something that gives the promise of a better future than the one it looks like they will inherit. With their parents pushed to the edges of the arena, around the stage is theirs and in seizing their moment they find their voice. I am, of course, far to old to be a part of this youthful enthusiasm but I still find it uplifting that young people are finding this voice, the realisation that their future is something that they can shape rather than something that is done to them. Of course, there will be those who will say that as they grow up they will realise how the world works, they will recognise the naivety of their youth and they will become the Tories their parents are. Whereas this is a journey many in previous generations have made, however, there is some indication that for many the idealism will remain; in the last election in was only in age groups above 50 that the Tories managed to achieve a majority, even those with the responsibility of jobs, mortgages and families found optimism preferable to grinding austerity.

In Frankie Vah, Luke Wright creates and develops a character whose journey is played out against the events of my own story. Vah's, or Simon Mortimer as he was known until he decided he needed something cooler, school years were the same as mine, he started university at the same time as I did and his growing involvement in left wing politics occurred as the Tories were securing and increasing their dominance over the country. The son of an Essex vicar, he begins his journey as a reaction to what he sees as the hypocrisy of his father who preaches love and unity from the pulpit whilst voting for precisely the opposite. The intensity of his engagement comes at a price and he drops out of university before finding an opportunity as a drug fuelled performance poet in support of a hard left rock group. Wright himself is far to young to have lived through this era but his cultural references are perfect and he accurately captures the sheer hatred of Thatcher and a growing disillusionment with Kinnock and Labour. It is the struggle of the left, ideology or electability, principles or power, purity or compromise; played out through the Blair/Brown years through to never ending leadership contest of the present. Ultimately, however, his obsessions overwhelm everything and with another election defeat for Labour in 1987 his life collapses, driving away his girlfriend through a casual encounter and inciting hostility with a bitter attack on his audience. We leave him back at the vicarage and a reconciliation of sorts with his father, the source of the anger that shaped his story. As he brings the story to its conclusion, the reception from the audience is incredible, soon everyone in the tent is on their feet; the sheer scope of the story, the quick fire sections of poetry and the intensity of the performance meant that the ovation was thoroughly deserved, a definite highlight.

For many years, Latitude is a festival that we have enjoyed by ourselves, but after spending last year with our niece, this year we meet up with friends who have also decided to spend the weekend over indulging in the arts. Peter is a Glasto veteran and as we head for the Obelisk arena for the first time, he is surprised that just a few minutes before the act is due, we can make our way almost to the barrier in front of the stage. The act in question are The Coral, a band still in their mid 30s who seem to have prematurely found their way onto the legacy circuit. This is in part due to a five year hiatus during which original guitarist, Bill Ryder-Jones, attracted all the attention with a couple of excellent albums. The addition of ex-Zuton, Paul Molloy, allowed them to add some psychedelic colours to their Merseybeat pop but by now the attention of all but the most hardcore of their fans was elsewhere. They add a few to showcase their new sound, starting with “Chasing the Tail of a Dream”, the title of which pretty well captures what they are aiming for, but it is the simple pop of their noughties prime that draws the biggest response and they are wise to give us the hits. That it was very early in the day for a band of their stature became apparent as the arena quickly filled up, mostly with a surprisingly young audience drawn to their bright poppy sound and, it has to be said, some of the most robotic drumming I have ever seen. Despite this, however, and the somewhat dour persona of front man, James Skelly, the infectious pop of “Pass It On” and “Dreaming of You” soon has the circles forming giving a nice safe environment in which nice kids can mosh.

Next, we head to the woods for what is becoming our annual fix of Scandipop. With acts booked to stages many months in advance, the decision to put Sigrid on this small stage would have been the right one at the time but in the meantime her appearances at Glastonbury and on Jools Holland have generated interest so that she draws one of the biggest crowds I have seen to the Sunrise stage. It is easy to why, she is a magnetic performer, who whilst noticeably surprised by the size of the crowd is by no means overawed by it, with a strong clear voice and batch of thoughtful and intricate songs. Her voice is given full range on the ballad, “Dynamite” where she holds the attention of the big crowd with just a sparse piano accompaniment, whilst the brooding “Don’t Kill My Vibe”, based on being patronised by two music executives, shows the intricacy of her music and the intelligence in her lyrics. It is a tough act to follow and unfortunately, Marika Hackman doesn’t really manage to; there is no doubting the quality of her songs and at home they may be ones I am more likely to listen to. Unfortunately, on stage she retreats behind her long hair; withdrawing into herself which may be in keeping with the dark introspection of her music but after the sheer exuberance of what we had just seen, it is difficult to engage with. 

For inspiration she could look towards another shy, introspective singer songwriter who has developed into a brilliant performer. Beth Orton is someone who I have never managed to see before, despite her previous appearances at Latitude, but her assured and inspiring late afternoon slot was well worth the wait. Whether alone with her guitar, with her small band or with her hands thrust deeply into her pockets, she effortlessly held the attention in the BBC Music tent. Her most recent album, “Kidsticks” has seen something of a return to the electronic music she began her career playing but this set is built around the gentle acoustic folk that she has mostly applied since. The effect of this is to focus the attention on the songs, the starker accompaniment showing the depth of her writing on “Kidsticks”, and the gentle rasping quality of her voice. It was a wonderfully restrained and moving performance that was over far too quickly and it has been too long to hear the brilliance of “Pass in Time” and “Stolen Car” performed live.

The first day of a festival is about fitting in as much as possible, fuelled by beer and fresh air, you make your way from one stage to another, cramming as much in as possible, worried you might miss something. Thus, with the final notes of “Stolen Car” reverberating around the tent, I am already on my way to the other stage to see The Horrors. Looking as if they have just stepped out of a Sisters of Mercy gig, they wear their Goth with pride making it something that would be so easy to mock. Whilst the simple chord progressions and empty lyrics of their earlier attempts fall into this trap, they have at least pushed themselves on their most recent album which adds textures and rhythms to their sound that they probably didn’t know existed. Despite the cool authority of Faris Barwan giving them an assured frontman, however, they don’t really hold my attention and I decide that a break, after all, is needed.

By the time we return, the arena is already quite full as those near the stage bide their time singing about Jeremy Corbyn. The last time I saw Goldfrapp, I was, it has to be said, somewhat underwhelmed. They had just released “Tales of Us”, a rather delicate and subdued, for them at least, album of highly personal songs and this was on the first date of a tour to promote it. They struggled with a few first night glitches, the purity of the acoustics at Symphony Hall and that their new music was never going to get people to their feet. All that was forgotten, however, as the deep electronic throb of “Anymore” announces their arrival, attention grabbing in a way their previous performance never managed to be. It was very much a festival set, there were a few new songs, a few slower ones but it was dominated by the big electro glam beats that they do so well. “Ride a White Horse”, “Oh La La”and “Strict Machine” all hit the spot but the highlight was the pulsating urgency of “Train”, a nightmare landscape of electronic intensity. With many already in place for The 1975, we find that our exit is not that easy but we do eventually mange to extricate ourselves allowing us to hear two great songs from Ride, “Vapour Trail” and “Drive Blind” as we wait for Placebo. 

A short film takes us through the twenty or so years they have been around; I remember seeing bands from the 60s do the same to give the context in which their music was created, moving from a volatile past of civil rights marches, peace protests and anti-nuclear demonstrations to a benign and safe present. Watching Placebo do the same, it is as if someone stopped one of these films around the mid-90s and then played it in reverse, taking us from what seems now like a momentary safe haven in time to a frightening present. With the story told, their hit heavy set shows the consistency of their sound and lyrics that emerge from fringes of society. Despite being a band that have always been on the periphery of what I listened to, I find that I recognise much of what they do and, given that they rarely deviate from the formula, the stuff I don’t know still feels familiar. “Pure Morning” gave them their biggest hit but it was one Brian Molko grew tired of once announcing that it would never be played again due to the “nauseous lyrics" that “sound as if they were written by a teenager”. He has a point; “A friend in need's a friend indeed; A friend with weed is better;” but needless to say it is what they open with and musically it is every bit as devastating as it ever was. Other highlights are drawn from the same period, “The Bitter End”, “Special K”, “Nancy Boy” showing that they once had a knack for crafting these near perfect moments, the dirge of their more recent material, however, shows that it is something they struggle to capture now.  The haunting “Special Needs” was excellent a song of almost painful melancholy that also makes you want to get up and dance, and as covers are meant to add to the original, they nail it with “Running Up That Hill’.

Not quite there, not yet. we end the day with another visit to the Speakeasy, this time for comedy and chat with Shaun Keaveny. Late at night humour requires broad brush strokes rather that subtlety and after a promising start, and some in-jokes for those who listen to his breakfast show on Radio 6, Keaveny starts to flounder. He is a little subdued and despite some good lines, and a couple of decent impersonations, he struggles to compete with increasing tiredness and the effects of the alcohol taken in during the day. His two guests, however, understand their late night audience with, Robin Ince, who feels the need to offer him some advice on the questions he should ask during an interview, and Dane Baptiste bringing the evening to a satisfying conclusion. The crowds from the music events have already left by the time we start to make our way back up the hill. This used to involve walking through the late night sessions in the woods but now a fence separates us from the revelry which mostly seems to consist of standing around to the thump of the loud beats. Maybe its not quite as thrilling as it always appeared. Heading back we always used to joke about getting loaded and spending the rest of the night in a trance, now we don’t even bother with the jokes and soon we are lying down with ear plugs in and sound asleep. We really are getting old.

[ohmikon]

r e a d y

words - 1787 pairing - june + “she” music - cinnamon genre -  slice of life

e l e n a - I’ve been hit by some June’s vibes today and since I finally managed to have a break from uni, here it is! Also sorry for being MIA, I’ll have my exams super soon and it’s still priority number one.

If you want to request anything, just ask. xx

_____________

Hands in the pockets of his ripped, washed out jeans, June found himself walking all alone in the cold streets of the city. His thoughts kept wandering in the dull grey sky as if the answer to his heartfelt dilemma would suddenly appear, rays of an hopeful sun gracing his gloomy mood.

“we need to talk” He sent to her in a hurry, restraining himself from overthinking like he usually would, before he could regret his decision. One second he was convinced that it was the smartest choice he ever made, the other doubts invaded his mind, troubling his judgement.

“we need to talk” He imagined her reaction as her eyes layed upon the text message during the supposedly relaxing break she got from her work at the tiny coffee shop. What if she frowned in confusion the more the letters printed themselves in her brain, slowly figuring out the things at stakes at that precise moment ? What if he had waited way too long to speak out his true opinion, wrongly sheltering both of them under a roof made of hypocrisy and void argument ?

As he was ultimately parting ways with the suffocating crowd mindlessly running around, he sat down on what used to be their favourite bench with a clear goal in mind, eventually grasping the harsh truth : he was about to put a final end to a book they started together, and there were no turning back now. 

His back resting on the uneven hood of the bench and a jaded stare locked on the agitation of the city, June questionned why in this sea of joy he was feeling so empty.

Emotions felt like a distant memory, hitting him so rarely these days as if the shift button remained blocked on off, abandoning him in a frightening and immense room - the exact same in which he used to store every bit of memory.

The beaming grin plastered on his chubby face the first time he got to ride a bicycle. The abrupt craving that invaded his every thought the first time he stumbled upon his friend’s old blues’ cds, the music calming his insecurities and igniting a devouring passion. The destructive sorrow that followed him everywhere he went after his grandfather’s death, as if his ghost was haunting him to punish him for staying at home all  alone, breaking down in tears instead of bulding up the courage needed to go to the funerals.

Every single one of his firsts added a new brick to the never-ending wall, a magnificent but old wall covered of pretty drawings, heartfelt lyrics, unforgettable faces and blurry places. He loved to gaze at it, back in the day when his life seemed to have a meaning. For hours he used to reminisce about the most trivial things - the most breathtakingly beautiful details of the piece of art his past was, spread all over the wall of his memory.

He felt hollow and the rare times sadness suddenly decided to kick in, he gladly welcomed it because if he could still feel, it meant that he was still alive - although he would have claimed that all he ever did was wasting time.

Wasting time contemplating his insignificant life, selfishly considering his childish issues as high priority problems. He had friends, a family, health, money and even a roof on rainy days and cold nights to warm his heart. So why did he have the impression of dying, when everything around him was desperate to revive him ?

In the middle of a deserted land on which only survived a frozen flowerbed, she came in just like a spring breeze. Unexpectedly sneaking her way to his figure, playfully tickling the side of his cheek before she mercilessly sent shivers down his back.

Alike to an antique divinity she was a blessing in disguise, fire burning bright in her intimidating eyes, carrying daggers around her belt, never once letting you know that they were actually wrapped around healing herbs. She was your 21st century’s warrior as well as savior, daggers nowadays replaced by cutting words, bittersweet at first but eventually illuminating the end of the tunnel.

He couldn’t remember the exact date, his recollection quick to turn into hazy, colourful fragments anytime he would travel back in time, seeking the agreeable and comforting scene. “I like you” Rolled out of her tongue while fixing her determined and sincere stare upon his confused dark eyes. She was the first girl who ever confessed to him, gaining control over him like no other could.

June was an explosion, the scene of a volcano in eruption stucked on replay mode until the end of times. His confidence burst out of nowhere and forced itself into your sight, his spite fully on display anytime nonsensical theories made their path to his ears, his shocking beauty leaving you no time to adapt or fake calm.

June always had the upper hand over everyone, not that he was one of those spoiled kids who randomly decided to place a fourteen karat crown over their tiny heads, he was just the alpha male of the pack - behind everyone, guiding them from afar.

She ruined every single one of his certainties, showing his reluctant self an entire new world of its own, wild and free from any boundaries. “The great escape will wait for us. When you’re ready, we’ll discover it together.” She kept on promising for the past year, reassuring him in making sure he knew that she would stay by his side even though he still wasn’t ready to embrace the unknown, throwing his settled routine away for the thrill of foreign languages and unreal landscapes.

She was the first to break through the tough facade, to distinguish the slight crack every now and then, catching the sparkle to the side of his eyes signalling that he was troubling to hold back the tears - his pride swallowing them whole in the end.

She was the first to hold his hand in public when rumours started to spread and negativity infected their previously safe and private bubble. They threw cruel words at them just like rocks flying in the air, aiming at their principles.

“You’re a diamond in the rough, you’re unbreakable.” She murmured so low that only June could hear, it was meant to him and nobody else - meant to melt the barriers still preventing his heart to accept that it was real.

That the dark and twisted and pitiful world inside of which he, more times than once, viewed himself as worthless was solely existing in his head. In her reality he was the most fascinating creature put on Earth, feding her never-ending curiosity, solving the puzzle of her soul with the last missing piece : his.

Every single one of his firsts added a new brick to the never-ending wall, a magnificent but old wall covered of pretty drawings, heartfelt lyrics, unforgettable faces and blurry places. Until the only things remaining and entirely taking over the surface were the letters of her name, forever carved in his memory. Only them could light up the minuscule spark of hope inside of the empty room he trapped himself in.

Only her presence could be strong enough to eat his demons alive, her honesty loud enough to erase the brutal silence of his solitude.

“we need to talk” What if he was ready to wave goodbye to his dull past, the same that couldn’t awaken the slightest flame of joy dancing in his eyes anymore, embracing brighter tomorrows and burrying bitter yesterdays ?

She came in just like the slow rise of the dawn, the sun barely gracing his dry skin, marking the end of the night. Just like an awaited revival gradually spreading through every cell of his body, putting to rest the illness poisoning his heart.

The more the sun rose - the closer her hasty silhouette got to his tired entity - the brighter the view became - the wider his smile stretched.

No word, no hesitation, no idea what he was doing until his arms ended up resting over her shoulders, tenderly brushing her neck, his head awkwardly turned to the side - red cheeks from the burning love her sight awaken.

He already knew what was coming. He was standing in the eye of the hurricane, protected from the agitation of the city, helpless in front of the seductive yet dangerous mocking grin slowly forming to the sides of her lips - the one he fell for in the first place, an endless fall through pinky skies and floaty clouds.

“I can’t breathe.” She faked an irritated tone, not even once trying to get out from his tighten grip. From the touch he couldn’t manage to offer her all these monhs ago, coyness stopping him from taking the blissful jump, the one that releases you from the errors you’ve made and the suffering others put you through.

She knew exactly what was coming. Her entity was worn out from the constant stress and negativity spread by internet strangers, faking indifference every time her name was stained by hatred. She was out of breath from running endlessly, trying to escape from the misery they showered her with. So he took it upon himself to share the burden their relationship sometimes became, gently pressing his lips against hers - slowly cupping her heart in his hands, providing her a healing touch.

They were floating on cloud nine. Each other's breath became a new source of oxygen : every time their lips parted, it was like holding your breath in hopes to get saved again. They were the King and Queen of their own little world, suspended from the infinite skies, mimicking their eternal love.

“I’m ready.” He breathed out with ease and just like that, the excruciating weight crashing upon his heart got lifted six billions of kilometres from his reach.

Ready for countless hours spent under a starry sky. Ready for the moving kindness of people living in poverty but still accepting you in their home, teaching you that happiness always came from the little things. Ready for the strangest food’s experiments, disgust written all over his face and her laughter resonating in a little too chic restaurant. Ready to get lost on so-called road trips, ending up in the middle of a desert or a forest, stubbornly pushing the broke down car in vain.

Ready to love unconditionally, burning the doubts and what ifs, walking upon the ashes of a half lived past to say “hello” to an exciting beginning - her turning into an artist that paint their new path to a wild serenity.

_____________

thank you so much for reading, love you!

ps ; I may or may not do a part 2 or a drabble about their little adventures. ♡

[latesthollywoodnews]

Zendaya, Dua Lipa & More SLAM Melania Trump's Insensitive 'I Don't Care' Jacket

Zendaya, Dua Lipa & More SLAM Melania Trump's Insensitive 'I Don't Care' Jacket

Jeremy Brown - Latest News - My Hollywood News

Zendaya, Dua Lipa & More SLAM Melania Trump’s Insensitive ‘I Don’t Care’ Jacket, New Hollywood Celebrities 2017.

Top Rated Celebrities and Most Popular Celebrities, List Of 2018 Hollywood Films, Zendaya, Dua Lipa & More SLAM Melania Trump’s Insensitive ‘I Don’t Care’ Jacket.

New Hollywood Princess Celebrities Celebrity News Imdb film production Walt Hollywood Studios Motion Pictures is an American film distributor owned by The Walt Hollywood Company. Established in 1953 as Buena Vista Film Distribution Company, the company handles theatrical distribution, marketing and promotion for films produced and released by the Walt Hollywood Studios, including Walt Hollywood Pictures, Walt Hollywood Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, HollywoodToon Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Hollywoodnature, and Touchstone Pictures. The division took on its current name in late 2007, which before that had been Buena Vista Pictures Distribution since 1987.

How much are the Celebrities on Hollywood anywhere?

Walt Hollywood Studios has debuted their new Hollywood Celebrities Anywhere online service and iOS app which allows users to buy Hollywood, Pixar, and Marvel Celebrities and view them on multiple devices. Individual Celebrities – from a catalog of over 420 films – will cost $19.99 each.

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As of 2017, the eleven characters considered part of the franchise are Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, and Merida. The franchise has released dolls, sing-along videos, apparel, home decor, toys, and a variety of other products featuring the Hollywood Princesses.

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Robert A. Iger is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Hollywood Company. As Chairman and CEO, Mr. Iger is the steward of one of the world’s largest media companies and some of the most respected and beloved brands around the globe.

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Melania Trump wore a jacket that said “I Really Don’t Care, Do U?” while visiting the US/Mexico border and naturally everyone had visceral reactions including some of your favorite celebs.

Sure does give a whole new meaning to wearing your heart on your sleeve.

In case you haven’t heard, there has been a great deal of controversy and upset over the fact that children have been being forcibly separated from their parents at the US/Mexico border due to immigration policies on crossing the border illegally. The children have been sent to detention facilities and placed in cages. After of course facing extreme backlash for the inhumane acts, Trump has since signed an executive order ending his administration’s policy of separating migrant children from their parents who have been detained. However as the director of the Migrant Rights and Justice Program at the Women’s Refugee Commission has pointed out, there are more than 2,000 children that have already been separated from their parents and may very likely never be reunited with their families. Those numbers include babies.

With all of that in mind, the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump left to visit the US/Mexico border yesterday and decided to wear a jacket that said, “I Really Don’t Care, Do U?” Naturally given the context of the situation and common sense, many found the choice of jacket extremely offensive, in poor taste, and tone deaf. Trump, as in the President of the United Statesa, took to Twitter to explain the jacket saying QUOTE – “I REALLY DON’T CARE, DO U?’ written on the back of Melania’s jacket, refers to the Fake News Media. Melania has learned how dishonest they are, and she truly no longer cares!”

Although that was his defense, the damage had already been done and Twitter went IN. Dua Lipa tweeted – “Melania makes first public appearance in 27 days… she shouldve stayed in hiding longer we probably would’ve liked her better that way.” Andy Cohen retweeted Trump’s defense and mocked his response saying QUOTE – “Oh sweetie.” Zendaya said it all without saying anything at all by posting a gif of Tiffany Pollard aka New York rubbing her temples and clearly frustrated. Stephen Colbert spoke about the jacket incident on The Late Show saying QUOTE – “People that are supposedly on her side let her get on a plane with a jacket that read ‘I really don’t care, do you? For the record, we do.” Elle magazine usa echoed that point on instagram by posting a photo of a similar jacket that instead read – “Yes, we really do care” with the caption – “Why don’t you Melania?” Chelsea Handler tweeted – “The hypocrisy of @FLOTUS going down to the border to speak broken English to our refugees in that dumb jacket is a little hard to swallow. For all the trump supporters who defend her by saying she speaks five languages– English isn’t one of them.” Julia Louis Dreyfus tweeted simply – “It’s endless with these morons.”

Now I want to turn it over to you guys, what do you think about Melania’s jacket statement while visiting the border? Let me know in the comment section below. And if you care what I think you can find me @drew__dorsey. Thanks for watching! Please Click over here to watch another breaking news story and don’t forget to subscribe to our channels.”

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Latest Hollywood English Celebrities 2017 New English Films, Zendaya, Dua Lipa & More SLAM Melania Trump’s Insensitive ‘I Don’t Care’ Jacket.

The Walt Hollywood Company operates through four primary business units, which it calls “business segments”: Studio Entertainment, with the primary business unit The Walt Hollywood Studios, which includes the company’s film, music recording label, and theatrical divisions; Parks and Resorts, featuring the company’s theme parks, cruise line, and other travel-related assets; Media Networks, which includes the company’s television properties; and Hollywood Consumer Products and Interactive Media, which produces toys, clothing, and other merchandising based upon Hollywood-owned properties, as well as including Hollywood’s Internet, mobile, social media, virtual worlds, and computer games operations. Walt Hollywood Pictures Celebrities, Zendaya, Dua Lipa & More SLAM Melania Trump’s Insensitive ‘I Don’t Care’ Jacket.

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[thebloggirl4religion-blog]

My Introduction

The concept of religion is one that has been questioned by many people of all types over the course of history, since the dawn of man itself even. It has been an ever-evolving concept, and everyone seems to have their unique opinions on it, even if people claim to follow the same ideas inside an organized religion. That is why I find it to not be a shock at all that I started to question the religion I was indoctrinated into: Christianity.

            Since my birth I have been raised with the idea of the Christian God being all-loving, a magnificent being of the universe that cared about every single human on Earth. With this idea, I was also shown the ideas of Heaven and Hell, and grew up with an underlying fear of displeasing my loving and generous creator with the consequence of burning in a place void of love and filled with torture. The last important element that I had been introduced to was the Bible, the book, or collection of many books, that, supposedly, outlines the beliefs of all Christians.

            I am only in high school. There is so much in the world I do not understand, and yet daily I am forced to confront myself with the question of God. Is there a God, and if there is, is he the Christian God, the Jewish God, the Islamic God? How can one know? How was I, a girl not even out of high school, supposed to know?

            I cannot tell you when I even started to question the ideas behind my faith that I have believed in for so long. It had nothing to do with the stereotypes of how people lose their faith- a horrible accident, and injustice, a formed hatred of God. On the contrary, I was surrounded by people who firmly believed in God, who encouraged my belief in God, and who believed in God themselves. Now that I reflect on that fact, maybe that is what lead me to question.

            The people in my church are filled with stories of how they came to God and Christianity, how they found God through a spiritual journey. Even my parents, or at least my dad, went through his own spiritual journey before becoming a Christian. I lacked that. I hadn’t been born without faith, I was born into it. I had never been without God, I had never known a place where God wasn’t there. I had always believed Christianity as the truth. Maybe this is why I started asking what it was like without God. Maybe this is what lead me to turn away from faith.

            I had one friend in my church in particular who also influenced my beginning to search, probably without his knowledge. He was also born into the church, his parents were very religious, strictly so, and this boy, he hated it. He shared with me about how hypocritical his parents were, how they seemed so nice when inside the church, but were different when not surrounded by people of faith. I never knew if he shared the truth with me, but it prompted me to start looking for the hypocrisy inside my own self and others in the church. My friends who claimed to be religious, they only seemed to act the part, not truly believe. None of them seemed to be passionate in Christ, not even many of the leaders at times. I noticed I only played the part as well. I could answer all the questions, I could give fantastic answers to group discussion questions and be praised by the church leaders, I could lead groups of children in worship and teach them about the word of God, but slowly I started not to believe. It became as if I was just analyzing the story of Santa Claus, or the Easter Bunny, two characters I had grown out of believing in. God and Jesus alike were becoming less real to me each Sunday. Church and everyone in it had become superficial to me, and it seemed like I was expecting someone at some point to tell me that this was just another story, such as the mystical holiday characters mentioned before.

            Another thing I will admit that happened is I started researching the other side, or maybe not researching more as discovering it. It started on YouTube. I have an idea of how I discovered Atheist YouTube speakers such as JaclynGlenn and T J Kirk, and my answer is that it was by pure accident. I believe I was watching another YouTuber at the time, who goes by Onision, who had a conflict with JaclynGlenn, and because of this YouTuber’s videos I discovered Jaclyn’s channel. At this time in my life, I was already, as I mentioned before, questioning things, but now I also realize I never acknowledged the question inside myself. I let the church tell me that it was normal to question, without asking the questions and challenging things. I told myself it would pass, that the questions would go away.

            JaclynGlenn is a YouTuber who used to be a Christian, who grew up in a Christian household just like me, but became an Atheist when she was in college and now speaks on YouTube about religion, politics, and other topics. I listened to her, because I realized she was like me. What really got to me first, however, were her videos about all the harm religion, and in particular Christianity, has caused in America. I had never heard of any negative effects of Christianity before, and hearing about them from her made me wonder why that was.

            Here I will once again admit something. At the time, I was questioning my sexuality. I had become friends with a group of girls, most of whom were bisexual or lesbian, and I myself was starting to ponder who I was attracted to. Because of this, Jaclyn’s videos of Christianity and LGBT+ issues called to me, because I felt I was informing myself on what I was- a bisexual Christian. I started asking my Christian friends of their opinions on LGBT+ people, and I will admit I did not like the reactions. Nothing was particularly bad, but nothing was particularly good either. I distinctly remember one of my friends answering the group discussion question we happened to have in church one week of “What would you do if a homosexual person came to our church?” with, “I would let Jordan,” my name, “deal with it.” This startled me, made me proud of myself, but also made me worried about my friends- as this was before I had “come out” to them. When had I become the designated homosexual bridge of my friend group, of my church even? Why had I suddenly seen myself as the person who was tolerant, accepting, who didn’t think homosexuality was wrong, a sin?

            Another thing Jaclyn’s videos did was give me very blunt and harsh criticism of people who are Christians. She talked about how Christians “cherry-pick” what they do and do not like in the Bible. She mocked Christian arguments for God and the concept of objective morality, the concept of a set good and evil, and she talked about her journey in over-coming the fear and habits that religion had instilled in her. She talked about her college experience and how she developed critical thinking skills that caused her to really think about the religion she had believed in for so long.

            The cherry-picking was the first thing I realized that I, and everyone around me I knew, was doing. I had been taught about only the good parts of the Bible, the parts that say to love and be kind to all. I believe that the issue of homosexuality and how the only argument against it was the Bible and Christian/Religious beliefs was what opened my eyes to seeing that the Bible was not all love and acceptance. Abortion was another issue, as I myself am Pro-Choice and nearly all my Christian friends are Pro-Life, even the female ones. I also realized that very few of the Christians I knew had even read through the whole Bible. I, at this point, have not even read through the whole Bible, yet I am told it is the Holy Word of God and that I am to believe every word.

The other significant idea that I learned was that of critical thinking. My father is a scientist. He has talked to me before about how he takes many things in the Bible metaphorically and not literally, and for a small while I accepted that that was something I could do also. With Jaclyn’s videos, she opened my eyes and showed that the practice of taking certain parts of the Bible literally and other parts metaphorically was using secular morality, morality adopted because of a person’s envorment. My father was choosing what he wanted to believe from a book that is supposed to tell him all that he is supposed to believe. It started to make no sense to me. If the Bible is a Holy Book, the word of God, why did so many people feel the need to sort through it and only practice what they approved of?

This is where I am left now, I suppose: I am not a Christian, I am not an Atheist. My main goal as of now is to educate myself. I want to read the Bible and take it as it is, discover how I feel about what it says. I don’t want to listen to someone else’s interpretation, I want to have my own personal journey. I want to research religion, figure out what I agree with and what I feel needs to change. I want to make my own decision.

You will notice I have refrained from criticizing the Bible and the texts and verses themselves. This is because, as I said, I have not read the Bible. I have no interpretation to give that wouldn’t be based on the opinion of others. I can give you the thoughts of my Pastor, my parents, JacylnGlenn, but not myself. I want to change this. Maybe I will return at a later date and write about my thoughts of the Bible once I have read it.  

I know this is a big journey for someone like me to embark on, but I am tired of the constant confusion, of possibly living in unnecessary fear, of everyone else telling me what to believe and think and feel. I also realize it is too late for me to turn back, for me to ignore the questions my brain has begun to ask. My goal is to take this slow, not let it consume my entire life, for now. The question of God is something that needs to be answered over time, and as I said, I am in high school. I do have other events in my life to deal with, which seems to make the question of God almost… pointless, at times.

I am also being very careful not to jump into anything. At first when I watched JaclynGlenn and other YouTubers I feel I was sucked into Atheist culture too quickly. I am trying to remove myself from both Atheist and Christian influence as I learn. I want to get my own sources, decide what I want to hear and read and watch. Some might call this cherry-picking, but I have promised myself here that I will try and research every side of the argument. I also don’t want to set any expectations for what I expect my outcome to be, which will be difficult. I want to be able to end this journey feeling satisfied, which could very well be impossible.

I don’t know when or where this road will end. I obviously have a lot to learn, read, write, but mostly, to think about. I cannot be sure about anything yet, and maybe I never will be. I said earlier I wanted to end this journey feeling satisfied, and maybe the best way to do that will be to ensure that I explore all my options and come to, what I believe to be, a logical decision. If you want to put a label on it, I believe the term is Agnostic - a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God or of anything beyond material phenomena; a person who claims neither faith nor disbelief in God- as defined on Google, the true God in modern life. This is a joke, but I’m sure there is someone out there who worships Google.

To end, I would like to form a list of questions I hope to come back with answers to. Maybe someday, this will have a proper end to it, but for now, I am going to leave these out there as the questions I want to answer for myself.

Is Christianity the religion I want to follow?

Is there a God?

If there is a God, what type of God are they?

If there is not a God, what is the meaning of life on Earth?

Is Christianity dangerous?

Is religion dangerous?

What do I believe needs to change in myself?

[zenruption]

The Daily Disaster-5/10

AN UNDER-APPRECIATED PROBLEM WITH THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY IS HOW HE AND HIS STAFF CONTINUOUSLY NORMALIZE DISASTER. BECAUSE WE WITNESS NEW SCANDALS, GAFFES, COVERUPS, HYPOCRISY, MISDIRECTION, INCOMPETENCE, ATROCITY, CRONYISM, IGNORANCE, RACISM, XENOPHOBIA, TREASON, EMBARRASSMENT, LIES, DYSFUNCTION, POWER GRABS, WAR ESCALATIONS, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSAULTS, MISOGYNY AND MORE ON A DAILY BASIS, THE MAGNITUDE OF EACH IS DIMINISHED IN OUR CONSCIOUSNESS BY THE SIMPLE VIRTUE THAT WE HAVE BECOME SATURATED. BECAUSE OF THIS, WE AT ZENRUPTION WILL BE PUBLISHING A DAILY CURATION OF THE EVENTS THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTED, FROM VARIOUS SOURCES, INCLUDING LEAKS WITHIN THE WHITE HOUSE, SO THAT WE CAN FULLY EXPERIENCE THE LEVEL OF DISASTER OUR EXECUTIVE BRANCH HAS BECOME AND THE IMPLICATIONS IT HAS ON ALL OF US. TODAY, MAY 10, 2017

Check back often

and contribute!

By Jerry Mooney

From The Horse's Mouth (Trump tweets)

Cryin' Chuck Schumer stated recently, "I do not have confidence in him (James Comey) any longer." Then acts so indignant. #draintheswamp

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017

The Democrats have said some of the worst things about James Comey, including the fact that he should be fired, but now they play so sad!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017

James Comey will be replaced by someone who will do a far better job, bringing back the spirit and prestige of the FBI.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017

MEXICO 2ND DEADLIEST COUNTRY; TOPS AFGHAN, IRAQ... https://t.co/i4FtSpLiHV

— DRUDGE REPORT (@DRUDGE_REPORT) May 9, 2017

Comey lost the confidence of almost everyone in Washington, Republican and Democrat alike. When things calm down, they will be thanking me!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017

10 SCANDALS ON DIRECTOR'S WATCH... https://t.co/dnGY08wTBP

— DRUDGE REPORT (@DRUDGE_REPORT) May 10, 2017

Watching Senator Richard Blumenthal speak of Comey is a joke. "Richie" devised one of the greatest military frauds in U.S. history. For....

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017

years, as a pol in Connecticut, Blumenthal would talk of his great bravery and conquests in Vietnam - except he was never there. When....

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017

caught, he cried like a baby and begged for forgiveness...and now he is judge & jury. He should be the one who is investigated for his acts.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017

The Roger Stone report on @CNN is false - Fake News. Have not spoken to Roger in a long time - had nothing to do with my decision.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017

President did not respond when asked if the new FBI director will be in charge of the Russia investigation

— West Wing Reports (@WestWingReport) May 10, 2017

President says he fired FBI's Comey because "He wasn't doing a good job." Says no effect on today's meeting w/Russian foreign min. Lavrov

— West Wing Reports (@WestWingReport) May 10, 2017

😂😂😂💯 https://t.co/TLndWVpCLO

— JBfish (@JeffBfish) May 10, 2017

@counterchekist @LouiseMensch @FBI @RogerJStoneJr @wikileaks @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/7FfbiDfOS4

— IAmComplicit (@AgeDemands) May 10, 2017

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Let me be explicit If @FBI had a #FISA warrant on @RogerJStoneJr over @Wikileaks and @realDonaldTrump rang him up - #TrumpRussia #Comey pic.twitter.com/r5lKbYOeHB

— Louise Mensch (@LouiseMensch) May 10, 2017

#BREAKING: @SenJohnMcCain votes w/Democrats & unexpectedly rejects bid to repeal key Obama environmental regulation https://t.co/2tojCo0hXf

— Jon Cooper (@joncoopertweets) May 10, 2017

"Behind Comey’s firing: An enraged Trump, fuming about Russia."https://t.co/kbOSxxqaBR

— JΞSŦΞR ✪ ΔCŦUΔL³³º¹ (@th3j35t3r) May 10, 2017

NEW: Comey had asked DOJ for more money & personnel for Trump/Russia investigation. He asked Dep AG Rod Rosensteinhttps://t.co/3TWfXoI9mx

— Dr. Rogue CPI (@RogueCPI) May 10, 2017

Schumer requests closed-door briefing with Sessions on Comey firing https://t.co/Eus3F6whyF pic.twitter.com/3BfbZUetVO

— The Hill (@thehill) May 10, 2017

1) @kwelkernbc what are you doing? What are you trying to do? You think asking if Comey was fired to impede investigation is a worthwhile Q?

— Rogue POTUS Staff (@RoguePOTUSStaff) May 10, 2017

.@kwelkernbc 2) “Why yes Kristen, that's exactly why it happened & we're happy to admit our corruption.” What did you actually expect him to say?

— Rogue POTUS Staff (@RoguePOTUSStaff) May 10, 2017

.@kwelkernbc 3) Then you stand there & roll your eyes when he waxes poetic. You're the one who asked, you opened that flood gate with your questioning.

— Rogue POTUS Staff (@RoguePOTUSStaff) May 10, 2017

.@kwelkernbc 4) Start sending journalists to law school. Learn how to cross examine a witness. You can't fight corruption by giving it a pulpit.

— Rogue POTUS Staff (@RoguePOTUSStaff) May 10, 2017

.@kwelkernbc 5) Pat yourself on the back for chasing after VP when he moved to escape. Give yourself a cookie. How about asking real questions next time?

— Rogue POTUS Staff (@RoguePOTUSStaff) May 10, 2017

.@kwelkernbc 6) American news, either get your crap together or switch places w/ late night. So far you're the jokes while the satirists get it done.

— Rogue POTUS Staff (@RoguePOTUSStaff) May 10, 2017

2 photos of Trump in the Oval Office with Russian FM Lavrov and Ambassador Kislyak. They're from the Russians. Nothing from White House yet. pic.twitter.com/s8BSYDGn62

— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) May 10, 2017

.@mike_pence is saying DAG initiated Comey ouster -- this is not true, according to everyone @maggieNYT and I have talked to. Trump did it.

— Glenn Thrush (@GlennThrush) May 10, 2017

Russia is laughing at us. They interfered in our elections and now the guy investigating what they did & who helped them is gone #ComeyFired https://t.co/e15rHPkyh1

— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) May 10, 2017

.@reason: Actions by Comey that Sessions recently described as unavoidable are suddenly grounds for dismissal. https://t.co/oCCTOpcPvr

— The Marshall Project (@MarshallProj) May 10, 2017

This is huge. This would be another lie. This time he wouldn't be able to blame Flynn. It's either him or Trump. #PenceIsALiar #impeachtrump https://t.co/r8wl0iuNLZ

— Scott Dworkin (@funder) May 10, 2017

We knew Trump was meeting with Lavrov today. So why is the Russian embassy tweeting pictures of him meeting w/ Ambassador Sergey Kislyak? https://t.co/tsEsK8AMK2

— Caroline O. (@RVAwonk) May 10, 2017

Roger Stone on his communication with Trump: 'We talk from time to time' #fakepotus https://t.co/ooXkCLrGCG pic.twitter.com/0KUta3oBdC

— Whitehouse Leaks (@WHITEH0USELEAKS) May 10, 2017

This, from @Peter_Wehner in @NYTimes, is crucial reading: https://t.co/a5gtCxrHMV pic.twitter.com/22QmpHG3n7

— Adam Sternbergh (@sternbergh) May 10, 2017

The silence of @SpeakerRyan and @SenateMajLdr gives me no more hope that we will avoid the two paths described here. https://t.co/o7H2GzpT5B

— Brian Beutler (@brianbeutler) May 10, 2017

The silence of @SpeakerRyan and @SenateMajLdr gives me no more hope that we will avoid the two paths described here. https://t.co/o7H2GzpT5B

— Brian Beutler (@brianbeutler) May 10, 2017

Grassley: party over country over and over. Disgraceful https://t.co/KWhPeyotGB

— Norman Ornstein (@NormOrnstein) May 10, 2017

President calls for criminal investigation of senator who criticized him for firing FBI director (also smear is BS https://t.co/02IHkTZtZg) pic.twitter.com/P5r3yVIeUf

— Matthew Gertz (@MattGertz) May 10, 2017

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Recipient of Putin's Order of Friendship medal stands with Russian foreign minister mocking firing of FBI head investigating Russian ties https://t.co/0mggWYGVM1

— Sarah Kendzior (@sarahkendzior) May 10, 2017

The only thing more terrifying than reading the predictions of @sarahkendzior about authoritarianism is watching them actually happen https://t.co/0LIjNLfan9

— Jamie Pietruska (@jpietruska) May 10, 2017

WATCH: "Was he fired? You are kidding!?" Russian FM Lavrov scoffs when asked by @mitchellreports about effect of Comey's firing on DC mtgs. pic.twitter.com/SCFJzGsYQZ

— NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) May 10, 2017

Krauthammer: To Fire Comey in May Without Warning Is 'Almost Inexplicable' https://t.co/h5ZVlecxTG

— Laura Walker 🍸 (@LauraWalkerKC) May 10, 2017

I'm sure the GOP reaction would've been exactly the same if President Hillary Clinton had fired an FBI director investigating her dealings.

— Kevin M. Kruse (@KevinMKruse) May 10, 2017

This morning, it seems that 2/3 of what used to be called the conservative moment is jumping aboard as well. https://t.co/C3fYOyXGYo

— David Frum (@davidfrum) May 10, 2017

With Sean Spicer hiding in the bushes the presidency reaches the 'life imitating art' phase of its cycle https://t.co/9947KdFzPE

— Paul Danahar (@pdanahar) May 10, 2017

Scarborough urges GOP to "stand the hell up" to Trump: "You. Owe. Trump. Nothing." https://t.co/qknQ5RDfzW pic.twitter.com/qt3d3qYqet

— The Hill (@thehill) May 10, 2017

Remarkable comments from McCain via @joshrogin. "I remember the Saturday Night Massacre." https://t.co/v4x5f8M1wR

— Nathaniel Meyersohn (@nmeyersohn) May 10, 2017

Breath in. Breath out. Serenity now. Ignore games on Capital Hill. The real action is at Eastern District of Virginia-then Schneiderman. https://t.co/e7XfGTLgbU

— Claude Taylor (@TrueFactsStated) May 10, 2017

Having fired the FBI director, Trump now seems eager to mock senators on twitter for criticizing him. Totally normal behavior

— Sam Stein (@samsteinhp) May 10, 2017

Authoritarianism alert. Will Republicans really allow this to stand? https://t.co/G1SXNE2njc

— Matthew Miller (@matthewamiller) May 10, 2017

Trump is rubbing our noses in it, trying to show he is the dominant one and will do whatever the hell he wants. https://t.co/O4kVAeAgII

— Matthew Miller (@matthewamiller) May 10, 2017

Dutch documentary on Trump's ties to Russia mafia and money laundering airs Part II tonight: https://t.co/FYPlnCQg0Q

— Justin Hendrix (@justinhendrix) May 10, 2017

Here’s video of Lavrov-Tillerson—> Q: “Does Comey cast a shadow over your talks?” Lavrov: “Was he fired? You are kidding, you are kidding" pic.twitter.com/8yJb2DkZnd

— Tom Namako (@TomNamako) May 10, 2017

https://t.co/lmA8FNPpVd

— ALT DOJ (@ALT_DOJ) May 10, 2017

From Fox News to the Senate floor, Republicans close ranks behind Trump firing Comey #fakepotus https://t.co/olfwGJ5SBF pic.twitter.com/lIigy8jGgn

— Whitehouse Leaks (@WHITEH0USELEAKS) May 10, 2017

There's 25 sealed indictments. Thanks to Comey and the Assistant United States Attorney. Waiting for them to be unsealed-it's when. Not if. https://t.co/0I2uA7pNpw

— Claude Taylor (@TrueFactsStated) May 10, 2017

https://t.co/zxsmy0WjLf

— ALT DOJ (@ALT_DOJ) May 10, 2017

Pres wants "anyone on Comey's side out now." Asking WH staff to volunteer allegiance. "MAGA" chant during AM meeting.

— Rogue WH Snr Advisor (@RogueSNRadvisor) May 10, 2017

SUPRISE!!! - US Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell 'opposes new Russia investigation' >> https://t.co/jZZOu5zK67 pic.twitter.com/3xBFVZI4Gh

— JΞSŦΞR ✪ ΔCŦUΔL³³º¹ (@th3j35t3r) May 10, 2017

BREAKING via CNN: Senate Panel requesting from FinCEN info to investigate Trump money laundering through the purchase of US real estate!!

— Impeach Donald Trump (@Impeach_D_Trump) May 10, 2017

Watch this NOW😳@SenFeinstein basically just told @ChuckGrassley "You & I both know Comey showed us evidence in that classified briefing"👇 pic.twitter.com/NJBRS9qE9J

— Dr. Rogue CPI (@RogueCPI) May 10, 2017

.@SenMajLdr's claim that a special prosecutor "could only serve to impede the current work being done" is a flat-out lie.

— Rogue White House (@RogueWhiteHouse) May 10, 2017

#MitchMcConnell: Calls 4 independent investigation after #Comeyfiring R partisan. America: Ok, traitor. #TrumpRussiahttps://t.co/cEFgQq544W

— Christine Beswick (@bychristinebswk) May 10, 2017

Comey firing was unjust, but that does not mean he is innocent. Comey was a patsy, but not exactly an unwilling one.

— Rogue POTUS Staff (@RoguePOTUSStaff) May 10, 2017

Once again, Mitch McConnell is actively destroying our democratic institutions. https://t.co/JnMDNPVUPc

— Rogue White House (@RogueWhiteHouse) May 10, 2017

Important report not to be overlooked: Trump Hires Law Firm to Fight Suggestions of Russia Biz Ties https://t.co/EOxCbYe7cv

— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) May 10, 2017

I filed this complaint w/the FBI on Rudy Giuliani for his knowledge of the Russian hacks on 11/4/16#TrumpRussia #russiagate #impeachtrump pic.twitter.com/CKDGPaDBU4

— Scott Dworkin (@funder) May 10, 2017

If @realDonaldTrump were not already under criminal investigation WHICH HE IS, this would start one. He can add another count of obstruction https://t.co/Ckd7XYLWqp

— Louise Mensch (@LouiseMensch) May 10, 2017

@TrueFactsStated @bidonkules @FBI Attn https://t.co/dLV2VF4WcA

— Sean Charles (@BuffaloSojourn) May 10, 2017

Photos of Trump's meeting with Lavrov and Kislyak just hit the Getty wire and they're all credited to Russian news agency TASS pic.twitter.com/qE9lWB6KuS

— Matt Novak (@paleofuture) May 10, 2017

Anderson Cooper plays clips of Trump *praising* Comey for his handling of Clinton email investigation for Kellyanne Conway. pic.twitter.com/SCzJUNylw9

— CAP Action (@CAPAction) May 10, 2017

Hundreds of protestors crowded outside of White House right now. Chanting "we see you," "no more lies" and "Donald Trump has got to go" pic.twitter.com/N7aAbihrdw

— Perry Stein (@PerryStein) May 10, 2017

If @realDonaldTrump were not already under criminal investigation WHICH HE IS, this would start one. He can add another count of obstruction https://t.co/Ckd7XYLWqp

— Louise Mensch (@LouiseMensch) May 10, 2017

BREAKING: Comey fired just days after he requested more money for the FBI's Russia probe. https://t.co/O3FCdGQnDB

— Ashley Parker (@AshleyRParker) May 10, 2017

Analysis: Trump has now fired 3 officials who were investigating his campaign or administration https://t.co/oObYxuW7fB

— Washington Post (@washingtonpost) May 10, 2017

James Comey's firing tests conservatives commitment to liberal democracy, @peterbeinart writes https://t.co/3djORmtJKt pic.twitter.com/Kr20j6YERl

— The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) May 10, 2017

Trump is hiding something. Something extraordinary. To keep it hidden there is no end to the chaos he will stir... https://t.co/WbhDaBTbGJ

— BillMoyers.com (@BillMoyersHQ) May 10, 2017

Preet Bharara: "Everyone" should be troubled by Comey firing https://t.co/VL7RIW6GDH pic.twitter.com/b03NOlKKBM

— The Hill (@thehill) May 10, 2017

Some Republicans find Trump's timing suspicious, @westonphippen reports https://t.co/sr08ZtFGA9 pic.twitter.com/pUnQommWZB

— The Atlantic: News (@TheAtlNews) May 10, 2017

It's sad that the GOP wants to make Americans believe that a man being fired by a man being investigated for a crime is totally normal.

— Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) May 10, 2017

NOW: Hundreds of protestors outside White House: "Hey, hey, ho, ho. Donald Trump has got to go!" pic.twitter.com/CvRwb3VkXM

— Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) May 10, 2017