#passport processing delays

[townpostin]

Passport Seva Portal Undergoing Maintenance from Aug 29 to Sept 2

Passport services will be unavailable due to scheduled maintenance from August 29 evening to September 2 morning. The Ministry of External Affairs’ Passport Seva Portal will be temporarily unavailable for citizens and authorities for four days due to a scheduled maintenance activity. JAMSHEDPUR – The Passport Seva Portal will be down for technical maintenance from Thursday, August 29, 2024,…

[cipheramnesia]

I hope we get a Benoit Blanc movie called Massif Mont Blanc, where he travels to a secluded mountain retreat in Switzerland at the behest of the French government to investigate a suspected political assassination. They believe the assassination fled to Switzerland to escape potential extradition, but they have managed through macguffinry to delay the processing of the visiting group's passports by 48 hours. They are hoping Blanc can figure out who is the killer before the clock runs out.

Once there, Blanc continuously feels as if he's seen many of the people at the Chateau, including one particularly suspicious and snarky character played by John Cusack. At the end of the first act there is another murder and Cusack gets Blanc alone to reveal he is Martin Blank, retired assassin last seen in the movie Grosse Point Blank. He wants Blanc to find the new killer and clear his name. Which won't be easy, because at this point Blanc realizes that every guest at the Chateau is a top assassin in their own region.

Now Martin Blank and Benoit Blanc have 24 hours to solve two murders, and every potential suspect shares the one common trait of having gotten away repeatedly with murders by leaving no trace of how it was done.

[bignaz8]

Peter Sellers was originally going to ride the atom bomb in "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" (1964). Slim Pickens (born Louis Burton Lindley Jr.) got a phone call late one evening from Stanley Kubrick: "Peter has fallen and broken his hip, I need you for a day's shoot--I need you bad and I need you now. How soon can you get on a plane and make it to London?". Slim obliged and in his haste forgot that he didn't have a passport because he had never traveled outside the US before. His entrance was delayed while he had to go through the process of getting one before he was allowed to leave the airport. When Pickens showed up on the set of "Dr. Strangelove" fully dressed as a cowboy and speaking in a thick Southern accent, the British crew thought he was "Method" acting, not knowing that this was how he always dressed and acted. He explained how he got into the rodeo business: "Well, there was this big, lanky, 15-year-old California ranch kid, and he went into the rodeo manager's office and said, 'Mister, I want to sign up for the calf-roping but my paw says I ain't allowed to. So I can't use my right name'. And the manager said, 'Son, no matter what name you use, it'll be slim pickin's out there today'. So the boy said, 'That's as good a name as any, I reckon-put me down as Slim Pickin's'. The manager spelled it 'Pickens' and the boy won $400 that afternoon."

[betterbemeta]

don't let the bad news (evil executive orders, play by play of obvious corrupt schemes, etc.) tire you out but here's the thing.

this is not the time to 'wait,' or 'hunker down' or 'take a break.'

I know that fact plays havoc with people who have anxiety, or have ADHD or experience mania, etc. It can be difficult for many people to handle 'urgency' without it feeling like

they are being screamed at maximum volume to have already done 'everything'

but also to do it right now

and also they're already a failure

and also they can fail worse or harder, etc. etc.

I understand these feelings. But we must navigate urgency now and fragility is unfortunately not an option. Increasingly 'breaking' doesn't mean another adult fixes it for you, it means 'swept into the trash.' I understand that many people need support to confront this reality, but accessing that support also takes work, unlike an algorithm it will never 'find you.' Not falling through the cracks is not always voluntary but we want to maximize the cases where it is.

And we can talk about how the removal of safety nets is a strategy to ensure as many people smash against the ground as possible. But not on this post.

The thing is, there is no material difference between the behavior that a violent ruling party wants us to do (stay put due to obedience) and the action that the 'freeze' reaction to danger wants us to do (stay put to conserve energy/endure pain).

Even if we frame it as 'needing a rest' or 'self-care,' every significant delay to critical tasks is still a delay that could have an impact on us. Moving forward is self care right now, and will be community care if we do it in groups.

It is the strategy of oppression to make moving at all feel so overwhelming that you believe you only have the strength to hide away as they do whatever they want.

Many people will relinquish their autonomy this way, sometimes even actively.

the creepy tradwife lifestyle is bait for overwhelmed women, that a Husband will take half of the artificially overwhelming responsibility of independence away from you, in exchange for being a robot that automates HIS independence. Which he believes he needs, if he can't afford to pay a servant!

The military benefits when poverty is un-survivable with dead ends, to-dos, shit jobs, waiting lists, especially for people who have been screwed over education, that giving yourself to a cult seems like a good deal. They house, feed, clothe you, they give you directions in a world that abandoned you! You can trade up 'get a job lazy poor' to 'god bless you for your service!' (don't ask veterans if they can eat that.)

But being overwhelmed can still cause you to give up autonomy passively. Especially if you are alone or feel alone.

You don't need to do everything all at once but make serious (incremental, sane, well-paced) goals to do things you may want to accomplish like

get your bank account or financial stuff sorted out,

apply for a passport,

change your name/get married/similar processes,

get on unemployment (may also require proof of weekly job applications depending on where you live),

go to the doctor,

renew your lease or move house,

whatever you need to do. This isn't an exhaustive list.

Pencil in your Saturdays and don't bail, is what I mean.

Make buddies and teams.

Start a group chat.

Whatever works.

As long as it does and you can hold proof of it. Not a 'I sent an email' or 'i left a message,' you MUST follow up. I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry ok. I know. You're ALREADY doing so many things, I know! Me too. I know it sounds like your parents or like "pull up your pants and clean your room!" or like someone's disappointed in you. But nobody is, or they shouldn't be. And this isn't about bootstraps: nobody will participate collectively if you don't. If you wait for there to be a puller upper group, there won't be one. you have to decide to do that thing tomorrow. Even if you're tired and did so many other things today. You have to tell your friends. I KNOW. I know.

these plans and actions will give you a 'tomorrow' and that is critical right now. It is the whole goal of those who oppose you to deny you that. To make them work for it, we have to also work for ourselves.

[follow-up-news]

Americans can now renew their passports online, bypassing a cumbersome mail-in paper application process that often caused delays. The State Department announced Wednesday that its online renewal system is now fully operational, after testing in pilot programs, and available to adult passport holders whose passport has expired within the past five years or will expire in the coming year. It is not available for the renewal of children’s passports, for first-time passport applicants for renewal applicants who live outside the United States or for expedited applications. “By offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, the Department is embracing digital transformation to offer the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. The department said it estimated that about 5 million Americans would be able to use this service a year. In 2023, it processed 24 million passports, about 40% of which were renewals. After staffing shortages caused mainly by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in lengthy passport processing delays, the department ramped up hiring and introduced other technological improvements that have reduced wait times by about one-third over last year. It says most applications are now completed in far less than the advertised six weeks to eight weeks and the online renewal system is expected to further reduce that.

[lothlorienlover]

Peter Sellers was originally going to ride the atom bomb in "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" (1964). Slim Pickens (born Louis Burton Lindley Jr.) got a phone call late one evening from Stanley Kubrick: "Peter has fallen and broken his hip, I need you for a day's shoot--I need you bad and I need you now. How soon can you get on a plane and make it to London?". Slim obliged and in his haste forgot that he didn't have a passport because he had never traveled outside the US before. His entrance was delayed while he had to go through the process of getting one before he was allowed to leave the airport. When Pickens showed up on the set of "Dr. Strangelove" fully dressed as a cowboy and speaking in a thick Southern accent, the British crew thought he was "Method" acting, not knowing that this was how he always dressed and acted. He explained how he got into the rodeo business: "Well, there was this big, lanky, 15-year-old California ranch kid, and he went into the rodeo manager's office and said, 'Mister, I want to sign up for the calf-roping but my paw says I ain't allowed to. So I can't use my right name'. And the manager said, 'Son, no matter what name you use, it'll be slim pickin's out there today'. So the boy said, 'That's as good a name as any, I reckon-put me down as Slim Pickin's'. The manager spelled it 'Pickens' and the boy won $400 that afternoon."

[bisexualmcqueen]

ok so i hc the cars' "model year" to be when they reach maturity around ages 20-25. and i was curious what ages the characters could realistically be in 2024. so here are some of my hcs + thought processes:

(on cars being 'born' or being kids at some point: see Coriander Widetrack, Maddy McGear, and Cruz's backstory.)

(baseline: cars 1 takes place in late 2005, the year it was scheduled to release before the delay (also confirmed in cars VG epilogue). by this logic, cars 3 takes place partly in late 2017/mainly early 2018, the year it was scheduled to release before it swapped releases with TS4).

cruz + jackson: ~31

2017 CRS sports coupe. 2017 one of a kind stock car. likely born early 90's. racers irl dont reach cup levels til theyve proven themselves for many years in lower divisions. cruz already had a successful career as a top-level PT in 2018. my guess is they were around age 25 in cars 3. (jackson is probably younger than cruz if anything, but they do have the same model year still. its not an exact science.)

lightning: ~43

2006 one of a kind stock car. we know lightning raced in the regionals (book excerpt) before the cup series- he spent his younger years trying to prove himself. he is based on a G4 nascar stock car (specifically the 2002 monte carlo ss [image source: cars 1 art book]) (bonus post), which ran until 2007.

cal: ~42 (lol)

cal is implied to have been a rookie in the 2006 or 2007 season, taking up the dinoco team spot after strip retired in 2005. his body style resembles the G5 and the G4 nascar body types.

bobby and brick: ~40

bobby and brick have more modern bodystyles, and thus are implied to have been rookies after 2007 when the G4 retired. they are either based on the COT (G5), but they more closely resemble G6's, which was the type being raced while cars 3 was in production.

sally: ~47

2002 porsche carerra 911 (+ additional bc half the early 00's sources died of link rot). at the very least she is 4 years older than lightning. she went to 7 years of law school and was practicing law in CA. after that, she had time to restart her life and refurbish an entire motel. shes probably closer to 50.

mater: ~66

(i will edit this post with his passport when i find the op who posted the image bc i dont wanna repost the image but its from the cars 2 credits crawl iirc?)

mack: ~59

aprox a 1985 mack superliner mk.2. my source on this is that i looked at superliners from the eighties in like 2019 and this was the closest one visually to mack iirc. but with many of the cars it may not be exact!

westley (OC): ~30ish

roger (OC): ~39ish

might add more characters another time but this is a good start!

[sgiandubh]

Mordor says He returned only for Visa reasons. They did some math and understood that Sam had been there for almost 90 days, só It was time for a quick walk home.

Dear Visa Anon,

Which Mordor luminary came with this idea? The MENSA-level CRT Clique or Miss Marple, who thinks I know nothing (the Dimwit from Madrid is still learning how to spell, so I can't believe it's her)?

Regardless. These people should immediately stop watching Ninety-Day Fiancé on their cable network, following a severe overdose on Uzbek midgets and Egyptian gigolos 'looking for true love' stories.

Maybe they could also have checked their facts before solemnly stating bullshit, since they clearly think all the visitors to the wonderful U S of A are tourists and as such, entitled to a maximum 90-day stay at a time (and then a short hike to Tijuana or Canada and back on tracks: not EDI/GLA, FFS!).

Incidentally, may I remind these geniuses that S has been spotted only near EDI, which of course would mean for them he'd be getting his visa there. Unless...

Unless you know the US General Consulate in EDI does not issue any type of visas - LOL, idiots. And unless he'd need to be in LHR for the pre-appointed interview and then another 7 working days delay for processing and 1-3 working days for passport delivery by mail only (never in person, chickadees). Doesn't really click with timelines, Madam Expert.

Because they are all very intelligent, they also forgot everything about/never bothered to look for the new-ish ESTA system (https://www.handyvisas.com/esta-us-visa/british/), especially designed for Visa Waiver countries' citizens. So I insist: if traveling as a tourist, S does not need a visa to enter the US for up to 90 days - that is correct, but by no means applicable to S's reality. And if he knew he'd need to stay more than 90 days, he would have applied for a visa - mandatory - in London before the Summer of Sassenach tour.

But he is not traveling as a tourist and very probably not under another type of non-immigrant visa, simply because he has businesses there and he is also involved in the OL project with *** (d'oh!).

Let's unpack:

As per US current regulations, S cannot apply for a B-1 (business non immigrant visa). To understand why, kindly refer to the US Customs and Border Protection FAQ (https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/B-1%20permissible%20activities.pdf). I already munched it up for you:

He could only apply for a O-1 B immigration visa, for which his agent or employer should mandatorily petition the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. These are special visas designed for the individual who (...) has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements. This is very subjective and a contract with * should be enough - I was in a taxi when I received your ask and immediately checked with a friend from the US Consulate, to indulge you. And all this hassle just because a Tumblr Nobody has flatulent opinions, huh?

According to the USCIS's own regulations, not Dutch fantasy or Belfast sagas, the authorized period of stay and possibility of extension are as follows (https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/o-1-visa-individuals-with-extraordinary-ability-or-achievement):

The good thing about getting this visa (and I think * sorted it out a long time ago for both of them) is that it helps tremendously with the Green Card procedures, something I bet the farm both S & C already have, by now.

So doing the maths was perfectly inane and useless.

Does that answer your question, clever Anon? Can I go back to the Quaich post I must finish (it will be VERY long, beware) today?

Thanks for asking and I am sorry for the length: this fandom being paranoid, I had to include all the tedious details. I hope we can put this idiocy to rest, now. Parochial twits.

[sunskate]

"We don't set any limits for ourselves. Yes, so far all our thoughts about the Olympics in Milan. But we are French athletes, so the idea of participating in the home Games-2030 is very tempting, let's not hide it. We are very inspired by this prospect." A week ago, the film crew of the France3 TV channel came to the skating rink in Montreal, so there are already the first videos from the training of the new duo.

The coach of the new couple, Romain Haguenauer, told Sports about how the work in the new team is going. "So far, everything looks very good, if not perfect - but I don't want to run ahead yet. We started working in January. At first, we did basic things - any couple needs time to ride. But it helps a lot here that they have the same equipment - both have been skating in our academy for a long time. Now we have started preparing elements for free dance - and I can say that they look very promising. They are ready to compete, they are great professionals and perfectionists who love figure skating, live dancing on ice and are really strong friends. I think it's a good foundation for a good couple. I emphasize: no one can guarantee that this project will be an unambiguous success. Yes, their initial data is great, but chemistry should appear in the pair, in dances it is important to understand what kind of identity a particular duo has. They must understand what their partnership is built around. Will it work? We'll find out. Do I believe that they will be able to climb to the very top? Of course. But no one knows how much time it will take."

"Will they be compared with former partners? For sure. But we're not going to copy Gabi's style with Guillaume or Laurence with Nikolai. And it is important that there is no such comparison inside them. They turned the page, this is a new story and a new challenge for them," Hageunauer shared. Why are they coming back? "They didn't roll." This is how acquaintances of both skaters explain the new tandem in private conversations. When Guillaume came to her with ideas to become a couple, she treated it carefully. Yes, Guillaume and I told her that we thought it was a good idea, but to be honest, Nikolai finally convinced her. If it weren't for his persuasion, she would never have returned to the ice."

According to Hageunauer, Cizeron's decision to return was strongly influenced by the Summer Games in Paris. "On the one hand, he felt all the festive atmosphere they were deprived of in quarantine Beijing-2022. But most importantly, he was shocked when he saw how many athletes climb to the pedestal in adulthood. Many already have families, children, they are adults and confident athletes. After all, we have an unspoken attitude in figure skating: you have to win more medals while you are young - and then live a second, "normal" life.

The partner got the release quickly - Canada did not delay the process, Laurence is already listed in the ISU database as a French figure skater. When asked about a passport (you can't get to the Olympics without it) surrounded by Fournier-Beaudry, they answer optimistically: there should be no problems with this - France is making a serious bet on the new duo. "I am grateful and proud that I have a chance to represent France on the ice, because this country is like a second family for me. I hope many people will be happy with this news. It seems to me that it will benefit our sport: competition and new faces are always great. And for spectators, and for journalists, and for other athletes. This motivates everyone to become better and stronger," says Hageunauer.

[nareshkumartech]

What’s New in Canadian License Renewal Requirements for 2025

Renewing your driver’s license in Canada is a routine task, but in 2025, several provinces have introduced updates aimed at enhancing convenience and security. Whether you're a seasoned driver or approaching your first renewal, staying informed about these changes is crucial. Here's a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in license renewal requirements across Canada.

Ontario: Streamlined Renewals for Seniors

Starting February 3, 2025, Ontario has simplified the renewal process for drivers aged 80 and over. Previously, seniors had to attend separate locations for vision and cognitive assessments before renewing their licenses. Now, these assessments and the renewal can be completed in a single visit at select ServiceOntario centres. By the end of Spring 2025, this service will be available at all ServiceOntario locations across the province .

Alberta: Emphasis on Residency and Legal Presence

In Alberta, drivers renewing their licenses must provide proof of Alberta residency and Canadian legal presence. This includes documents like utility bills or rental agreements for residency, and a birth certificate or passport for legal presence. If your license has expired for more than six months, these documents become mandatory. Additionally, if your license has been expired for over three years, you'll need to pass written and road tests before a new license is issued .

Quebec: Extended Renewal Deadlines

Quebec has introduced flexibility for drivers whose licenses or vehicle registrations are up for renewal between December 20, 2024, and February 28, 2025. These individuals now have until March 31, 2025, to complete their renewals, providing additional time to meet the requirements .

General Updates Across Provinces

Online Renewals: Many provinces continue to enhance their online renewal platforms, allowing eligible drivers to renew their licenses without visiting service centers. However, certain conditions, such as recent address changes or medical updates, may require in-person visits.

Photo and Signature Updates: Some provinces now require updated photos and signatures every 10 years to maintain accurate identification records. Ensure your photo and signature are current to avoid delays.

Health Card Synchronization: In provinces like Ontario, efforts are underway to synchronize the renewal dates of driver’s licenses and health cards, simplifying the process for residents.

Navigating the evolving landscape of license renewals can be challenging, but staying informed ensures a hassle-free experience. For detailed guides, practice tests, and the latest information on licensing requirements, visit LicensePrep.ca—your trusted resource for all things related to Canadian driver’s licenses.

[macro-pulse]

LET'S READ THE ACTUAL EXECUTIVE ORDER THAT STARTED THIS MESS

Executive Order 14160: "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship"

okay so trump signed this literally HOURS after taking the oath on January 20, 2025. like the man prioritized this over everything else. let's break down what this order actually says:

THE TITLE IS ALREADY PROPAGANDA

"Protecting the Meaning and Value" implies citizenship is under attack and needs protection. from who? BABIES. they're protecting america from... newborn infants.

THE KEY PROVISION

The order declares that babies born in the US are "not subject to the jurisdiction" of the United States if:

Their mother was in the country illegally OR on a temporary visa (student visa, tourist visa, work visa, ANY non-permanent status)

AND

The father is not a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder)

WAIT, "NOT SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION"?

This is them trying to exploit the 14th Amendment's exact wording:

"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens"

They're claiming undocumented people aren't "subject to the jurisdiction" of the US. Which is INSANE because:

We arrest them if they break laws (that's jurisdiction!)

We tax them if they work (that's jurisdiction!)

We make them follow traffic laws (that's jurisdiction!)

Their kids go to our schools following our rules (that's jurisdiction!)

The ONLY people not "subject to jurisdiction" are like, foreign diplomats with immunity. Not regular people living here.

THE 30-DAY DELAY

The order said it would take effect 30 days after signing (so February 19, 2025). Why the delay?

Gives hospitals time to change procedures

Gives states time to update birth certificate processes

Probably hoping legal challenges would be rushed and sloppy

Makes it seem more "reasonable" and "planned"

THE ENFORCEMENT MECHANISM

The order directed:

Federal agencies to stop recognizing these births as creating citizens

State vital records offices to change birth certificate procedures

Social Security to not issue SSNs to these babies

State Department to not issue passports

Basically every government system that touches newborns had to reprogram itself to exclude certain babies.

THE HISTORICAL REVISIONISM

The order claims this is the "original understanding" of the 14th Amendment.

EXCEPT:

The 1898 Supreme Court case US v. Wong Kim Ark already decided this

Wong Kim Ark's parents were Chinese nationals who couldn't even legally become citizens due to racist laws

The Court STILL said their US-born son was a citizen

This has been settled law for 127 YEARS

THE REAL GOAL

Let's be honest about what this is:

Attempting to overturn 150+ years of constitutional law

Creating a permanent underclass

Discouraging immigration by punishing babies

Red meat for the anti-immigrant base

Testing how far they can push executive power

THE TERRIFYING PRECEDENT

If a president can redefine constitutional amendments by executive order, what's next?

Redefine "free speech"?

Redefine "due process"?

Redefine "equal protection"?

This isn't just about immigration. It's about whether the Constitution means what it says or what the president wants it to mean.

GOTO NEXT POST -> CLICK HERE

[believesthings]

Not Just A Girl - Chapter 8 // Jason Sudeikis x Reader

Damn technology. You almost, almost managed to sneak to London to surprise him. Though you would have very much enjoyed seeing his reaction upon finding you waiting for him after finishing his day, this turn of events works just as well. He really should be on set so you make a mental note to remind him of that – after wrapping yourself up in his arms. You try to contain your fidgeting while waiting for the plane to taxi to the gate, and then again in the slow progression to disembark.

And again there’s Customs. You repeat the mantra you had taken up as soon as you’d read the text from Jason telling you he was going to meet you at the airport. You will not run through Customs. You will not run through Customs. God. What a photo op that would be. American actress body slammed trying to bypass security.��Imagine Todd’s face when he read that headline… oh he would be furious. He’d never let you travel alone again, that’s for sure. 

You know you have a silly smile on your face when you finally get to the Customs counter, but you don’t care. Somewhere in this airport Jason is waiting for you.

The agent gives you a stern look after studying your passport. Your smile falters as you panic internally. Surely nothing is wrong with your paperwork. She speaks and finally an ever so slight smile cracks her stony expression, “You pair have caused a commotion out there.” She motions to the approaching security guard, “He’ll take you on from here.” Oh goodness. Your thank you comes out accompanied by a sigh of relief.

You hear the hum of the crowd long before you round the corner and emerge from through the closed doors to see the mass of people waiting beyond. Your eyes quickly find their target, locking onto the gorgeous man now dazzling you once again with a look of pure joy.

You’re having a flashback to the night of the awards show – tuning out everyone and everything around you – security, fellow travelers rushing onward, and bystanders alike. Unlike that night, this time you’re still in control of your limbs. You manage to shuck your bag between the moments in which you see him and when you’ve propelled yourself across the space between the two of you and into Jason's waiting arms.

You mumble out one word before kissing him: “Surprise!” Your surroundings slowly come back into focus. When you settle back onto your feet you bite your lip, now sheepish at your display of affection in such a public space.

Jason keeps his arms held around you in a loose embrace. “It was quite the surprise. I think Theo caught my reaction on his phone if you’d like to see it later.”

You nod, then remember that your phone is in your bag that you abandoned in the floor behind you. You take a step away from Jason to turn and find the security guard holding your bag with an amused expression. “Um, thank you. I do have another bag that we need to go claim, Jase.” You add the afterthought while you shoulder your bag again.

The two men exchange nods before the security team leads the way to baggage claim. Jason waits to take your hand in his before the pair of you follow close behind. You form quite the procession walking through the airport. “I can’t believe you just flew eleven hours to see me…” He says.

You stop as though to turn around, “Well I can always go right back, d’you think the plane is still there?” Jason looks back at you, "Ha Ha. very funny." Your feet are firmly planted and you show no signs of continuing to move forward. Jason pulls you close to him, still having your hand intertwined in his own. Placing a kiss on top of your head, you hear him murmur, "Don't you dare. I've been counting down the hours until I could see you again. I'll have to chase you down to your gate and beg you to stay." You wrap your arms around his middle and tell him, "Well, I have the time since the read through got delayed for a week… I would just be sitting there trying to find things to fill my schedule in the meantime. I know you’re working though so we can do dinners or something. Speaking of which, you should get back to set. I’ll find a place to stay that’s close by and…”

Jason cuts you off, “You don’t have a hotel yet?”

“Last minute trip. Just got off the plane. Someone was supposed to be at work so I could get settled and changed before surprising him.”

He pulls your hand to his lips to kiss your knuckles. “But I found you out.”

“Yes, you did. I should have enlisted Theo too – to help distract you until I arrived at least.” You give your head a quick, exasperated shake.

Jason cuts his eyes at you, raising an eyebrow with interest. “Too? How many people did you include in this little plan?”

“I asked Brett to keep tabs on you. Which is why I know that since it isn’t raining out there, you, sir, should be at work.” You sidestep to bump your shoulder into him.

“I will go back to finish the day. But, come on, did you really expect me to not come see my girl?”

You try to calm your insides at the sound of Jason calling you his girl. “Oh I’m thrilled that you did. Since my plan fell apart I may pout a bit later… when you’re not standing there. I think, perhaps, the airport might have appreciated a little notice though.” You take a moment to smile at the onlookers and security surrounding you now that you’ve made it to baggage claim.

Jason releases your hand to loop his arm around you and pull you close to him so your back ends up resting against his chest. He wraps his arm across your body and clasps his hand onto your shoulder. Rather than awkwardly try to loop your hands over his you hook your hands in the crook of his elbow. After a moment of both of you staring at the many other travelers also waiting for their bags you feel him rest his chin atop your head. When he mutters you can feel the motion of his words, bringing a smile to your lips. “Which bag are we looking for? The dark blue one?”

Right. Watching for your bag. “Yep. Hmm good memory. The black one is still back in L.A.” You don’t dare nod your head for fear of changing the stance the pair of you have taken up. The security guards have created a sort of bubble around you. The ebb and flow of sound as people carry on with their lives starts to lull you into a trance. How long have you been up now? The nap you had on the plane didn’t help all that much.  

Standing there watching for your luggage Jason speaks quietly, almost to himself. “You know… You could stay with me. If you wanted.”

You don’t immediately reply. Your brain and heart take up opposing stances – caution! says one, fuck caution! says the other - and are screaming at each other full force. Your body’s vote, while duly noted by both parties, is cast aside for the time being. It’s been awhile – hence your body’s insistent YES. Not to mention that it’s Jason.

The whole point of flying here was to see him. Following that line, staying with him makes sense. Of course you had packed assuming you would be staying in a hotel nearby - cute clothes for adventures around town and the like, but your suggestive sleepwear sat tucked away in the bag back in L.A. You’re trying to remember what exactly you did pack.

Really though, staying with him doesn’t necessarily mean that anything more would happen. When you were in the states, the evenings always ended with Jason either dropping you back at your hotel or sending you home by car. Attraction wasn’t the issue… respecting boundaries? Confidence?

But how long have you been arguing point and counterpoint with yourself? Oh God – oh – say something. Say something! Say anything!

“Did you hear me? You ah - don’t have to stay with me – if you prefer to stay at a hotel…” Jason gives your shoulder a light squeeze when you don’t immediately reply. You return the squeeze to him via your grip on his arm.

Well, your hands respond to commands at least.

“Y-es.” Ok so your voice does work. And your brain and mouth did communicate a stuttered affirmative reply, but did he hear you? He’s squirming.

Jason releases your shoulder and shifts so he is no longer resting his chin on your head. He is talking faster now, apparently as flustered as you are by his muttered invitation. “I mean, I have a guest room.”

The pair of you have now taken a step apart. You turn to look up at him. Of course you’re going to stay with Jason. You adore this man, and well – he offered. “Shush. I said yes.”

His faltering quickly changes to delight. He plants a kiss at your hairline before looping his arm back over your shoulder. “Excellent. Now, let’s find that bag of yours.”

You nod, once again turning your attention back to the baggage area. You are first to spot your bag but he refuses to let you carry the thing. He makes a show of picking up your bag. “Did you pack books?”

It doesn’t really weigh all that much. You were able to carry it just fine even with the added burden of your shoulder bag. You’re really starting to notice how very tired you are but still manage to smile during your reply, “Nope, bricks.” While Jason is finishing out his day you plan on resting.

“Yes, of course, the essential items when traveling.” He snags your hand in his again. “I’ll drop you by my place. The rest of the day shouldn’t take too long. Everyone was talking about wanting to see you, too, at some point during your visit. I told them I’d consider sharing.” He is sizing you up as the pair of you walk with security out towards his car.

You nod slowly, “Sharing is good. I plan on planting myself somewhere comfortable for a few hours first.” After sitting for so long on the plane it is amazing that you’re craving being seated again.

He may have said he was going to just drop you off, but Jason takes his time showing you around his place. The fourth time he apologizes for ‘the mess’ you pinch his arm. Recalling the papers that had previously been strewn across your desk and the usual state of your hotel room Jason's place is tidy – it just appears lived in.

“I’m the one that should be apologizing. I’m the one that is crashing.” You reach up to pull him gently to you and kiss him, letting your lips linger near his. “Now please, quit stalling. I promise I won’t disappear while you’re gone.”

He makes sure you have a cup of tea in your hands before he leaves. “If you get bored and can’t rest you’re welcome to look through my books or movies to keep yourself busy."

 You merely nod in response. Tempting as it is, you weren’t kidding about planting yourself somewhere while you waited. Once he leaves you don’t even bother opening either of your bags that were placed in the guest room, opting instead to curl up on the sofa.

You don’t remember closing your eyes but you must have. You awaken to the sound of Jason's arrival and soft greeting, “Hey."

It takes you a second to remember where you are. You stretch as he pauses to flip a switch to illuminate the darkening room. He is watching you with interest while you are stretching. Oh boy – how long are these sleeping arrangements going to last? You distract yourself from your body’s reaction by scooping up the now empty mug to carry it into the kitchen. Jason watches you from the main room. “I guess you didn’t get the text telling you that I was done for the day.”

“Ha – no. My phone is still in my bag. All the energy I had was used up drinking the tea. After that I was dead to the world until you walked back in the door.”

“Are you up for seeing everyone tonight? They said they’d understand if we wanted to do something on our own but I promised I’d mention it.”

A short shake of your head accompanies your reply. “I’m not here to alter any plans you’ve already made, Jase. And I’m good, now. I would like to change though. If we’re going out I’d like to not smell like I’ve been on a plane all day.”

He follows you as far as the study before turning off. “I’ll be in here when you’re ready.”

The sleep certainly helped but the shower makes you feel normal again. You examine your reflection in the mirror. . Everett was right to push for this hairstyle for Mia's character, it looks good on you.

You find Jason still in the study, hip deep in letters but something else has him occupied. Jason's gaze is fixed on the computer monitor. and he does not look happy. “You’re frowning. Forget whatever you’re looking at and find something happy.”

He nods before pulling his eyes away from the screen. The frown creases immediately disappear when he looks at you, “What I’m looking at makes me happy, it’s the stolen private moment and comments attached that make me frown.” He holds out his arm to wrap around your waist once you cross the room. You lean into him while you peer around at the screen to link an image to his words. A whole slew of pictures of the pair of you at the airport are pulled up on the screen. No comments are visible at the moment, just picture after picture of the exchange between the pair of you at the airport.

“Oooh I like that one, we look like we’re dancing.” You bend to point to one of the images on the monitor and feel his hand slip from your waist down over the curve of your hip. If he does actually want to go out tonight his fingers need to stop edging along the rim of your jeans. 

 “I like your expression in this better.” The photo had been taken just as you had reached Jason after getting through Customs.

You stand again, moving to trace along his collar bone. You smile as you reply. “I think you just enjoyed the greeting.” His hand shifts from your hip to the center of your back and up along your spine. 

He nods, not even trying to refute the statement. “Very much. Enough of the photos though. Time for me to enjoy the real thing in front of me. Ready to go?” 

You nod. In more ways than one, you think.

A half dozen or so of the cast and crew are gathered at the table in the corner of the restaurant when you and Jason walk in. It is pretty much the same small group that you had gotten to know back in LA. After allowing greetings to occur Theo pounces to show you the clip he had captured of Jason reacting to the news of your arrival. The start of the video is jumpy and you can hear Theo singing Fly Me to the Moon. “…Fill my heart with song. Let me sing forever more. You are all I long for. All I worship and adore…”

He’s actually doing a pretty good impression of Sinatra. You give him a thumbs up and gratefully accept the drink that Jason has already magically snagged for you. In the video Jason is waving him off while laughing, “Alright. Yes. I told her about the singing.”

Theo is talking still while you are watching the video. “You know if you had let us in on the surprise we would have helped keep it from him. Sometimes it takes a village…” Everyone nods in agreement while arranging themselves again at the table. 

“Yes that did occur to me, afterwards.” You drop into the empty seat Theo guides you to so you can keep your eyes on the video. Jason pulls his chair closer to watch as well.

On screen Jason has tilted his head and is looking at his phone oddly. “She’s saying it’s too loud there but Brett said it was going to be a quiet day on set.” You know what’s coming as Jason had already explained how his curiosity interfered with your plans. Jason studies the screen to his phone before typing quickly all the while maintaining a muttered one sided conversation.

“Brett isn’t replying now. Maybe I can… hmm. Ok, that’s confusing…  That can’t be right. Maybe the timestamp is wrong. But then there are others… Oh.” You smile when Jason just about drops his phone and shouts. Theo jumps, thereby making the video bob and weave. “She’s on her way here! She’s on a plane! She’s…” He messes with the phone a bit more before he checks his watch. “I can make it there to greet her if I leave soon… Surely they’ll let me go get her if I promise to come back…” The video is unsteady while Theo tries to pursue him through various hallways.

Jason is laughing at himself. “I’m afraid I startled our crew when I found her. I was fully prepared to beg and barter but all I had to do was ask to leave for a bit.”

Theo responds. “Pretty sure everyone on set heard your excitement – and honestly man, no one wants to say no to the man barreling at them with such an intense look on his face.” Theo waves his hand at the still playing video.

Just before the clip ends the room spins so that Theo is the one that is on screen. “… And there he goes – off to the airport… NO SPEEDING!”

You hand Theo back his phone and glance at Jason. “You were there waiting for me. Apparently there was plenty of time.”

“For the record, I didn’t speed.”

“Of course not.” Theo responds pressing his hand to his chest briefly before then waving it down the table towards Jason.

"Maybe now with your visit they’ll quit pushing the Battle of the Costars.” One of the makeup artists speaks up in the lull in the conversation.

You remove your hand from Jason’s knee, slightly startled. “What?” No wonder he was always asking if you’d seen Brett. How heavily was this circulating over here? You honestly thought it had died down at this point. Jason hadn’t mentioned it… You try to recover and hide the sudden jolt so you reach to claim your drink and snag something crunchy to eat from the center of the table.

Theo is shaking his head and trying to talk over her but you shush him so she can speak. “I uh – well since casting was confirmed before we left. You opposite Brett And with Jason now being here. Well…”

“Look we all know better than to believe things like that.” Theo sounds a bit strained.

She’s now trying to backpedal. “It just came out wrong. I was trying to be supportive. It sounded better in my head.”

Jason still has a pleasant expression on his face though you can see that the smile doesn’t fully reach his eyes. He shifts in his seat and rests his arm on the back of your chair but doesn’t move to touch your shoulder.

Hmm this subject touches home a bit for him. You bite your lip and frown. “Brett is a lovely man and I can’t wait to work with him. But I adore Jason. I guess they’re entitled to print what they want even if it doesn’t make much sense.”

You risk a glance to find Jason relaxed again. You raise an eyebrow at him. Surely he knew that Brett wasn’t a threat to your relationship.

Theo starts to laugh, “Ok. Now that the awkward conversation has taken place…” After that the conversation veers back to their production and what is to come in the next few days of work.

The group disbands fairly early in the evening since everyone will be on set the next day, including Jason. He apologizes repeatedly on the way home for the early end to the night. He stops in the hallway in front of the guest bedroom which makes you pause halfway between him and your bag. “Hey. Did you forget something at the restaurant?”

While he replies you make your way back to him. He gives you a short shake of his head, “No. You’re here.” He studies your reaction while you approach him. “I hope you had fun tonight. Sorry again that the Battle of the Co-stars article was brought up. I know how tiresome that type of thing is."

You smile at him and lean against the doorway. “Stop apologizing. I had fun. I’m delighted that Theo caught you on his phone so I could see your reaction. And thank you again for letting me use your guest room.”

You want to continue and say something along the lines of: Screw the use of the guest bedroom. You hold your tongue. After the discussion of the Battle of the Co-stars article, you don’t want him thinking you’re trying to prove something to him, or to yourself.

Your heart beats a bit quicker when Jason steps to you and bends to kiss you. When he pulls away your lips are still tingling. Damn that man can get a reaction from you. He gives you a lopsided grin before continuing down the hallway towards the master bedroom. “Goodnight."

"Goodnight Jason." You reply breathlessly.

tag list: @my-soupy-brain @tegan8314 @tortilla-maria1 @nerdgirljen @cavillsim @superloveeverything

[mommysmilk]

saw the question ”if you could permanently change the price of something to $1, what would it be?” on tiktok and went on a 10 minute rant to eddie about not knowing if it would change to $1 for me or for everyone. and if it was the latter, how whatever i chose the end result would result in a global crisis or people who don’t really need the thing buying it just because it’s only $1. this would lead to overconsumption of said thing causing the resources to run out or otherwise causing huge negative impact somewhere on the products life cycle. almost nothing seemed to be sustainable in the long run but i came to the conclusion that it has to be something that people don’t need more than one of, but a lot of people can’t afford. my final answer ended up being ”getting a (legal) passport.” by this i mean the whole process of getting it so if it includes appointments/documents you normally need to pay for it’s all covered with the $1.” most people that need it and can afford it already have it, but there are a lot of people who can’t afford it and desperately need it because it acts as an valid id both domestically and internationally. while the sudden influx of people applying for passports would cause a delay in the application process, it wouldn’t cause the whole population of the planet to rush to buy it immediately and those who can afford it would still be able to pay more for faster processing if they wanted to. there are still other flaws to this choice but it’s the one that i could think of that is important enough.

and then eddie just says ”i would raise the price of moomin lollipops to $1.”

[lifeafterpsychiatry]

Like when I applied for welfare the first time they delayed the process for months because they wanted to examine my passport to make sure I "wasn't an immigrant trying to cheat the system" (immigrants receive less welfare if any, across the board). All of this happened simply because I have a foreign sounding first name...

[xtruss]

You Only Have Three Months To Get a Real ID

After Nearly Two Decades of Delays, The Real ID Will Start Being Enforced May 7, 2025

— By Opheli Garcia Lawler | February 3, 2025

Homeland Security Sign For REAL ID At Entrance To Passenger TSA Security Area. Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

The Real ID requirements in the United States have been fickle, to say the least. After a nearly two-decade delay, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finally chosen a date after which all American travelers will need to provide a Real ID to board a flight in the U.S.

The official deadline comes after the DHS voiced concerns that the public has not been taking the identification requirements seriously. They might be onto something; as of January 2024, only 56 percent of driver's licenses were Real ID-compliant. It's not entirely our fault, though. The public's lack of urgency to secure a Real ID is likely due to the vague and confusing series of deadlines that resulted from the mandate being repeatedly delayed, leading many to doubt if the requirement would be put in place at all.

Regardless of which future you believe awaits the Real ID requirement, it's imperative to lock yours down now. Already, the DHS expects a significant number of people to rush to get a Real ID at the last minute or even after the deadline. Plus, if too many travelers arrive to the airport without a Real ID, the results could be chaotic. According to the DHS, this could lead to "longer lines, general delays, confusion, and frustration," which could in turn "pose potential security risks at access points to TSA security checkpoints or other Federal facilities."

We've outlined everything you need to know about the Real ID requirements to help ensure the airport process goes smoothly come May 7.

Why Do I Need A Real ID?

The Real ID Act, which was passed in 2005, is designed to "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses," according to DHS. It basically means that the federal government requires more documentation to prove your identity and personal information before you are issued an official form of government identification. This ensures a standard driver's license will no longer be considered a valid form of identification at U.S. airports.

Who Needs A Real ID?

Starting May 7, 2025, any U.S. travelers 18 or older will need a U.S. passport, a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a U.S. military ID, a DHS Trusted Traveler Card, or an enhanced driver's license to get through airport security.

How Can I Get My Real ID?

According to DHS, the DMV will require the following information to issue you a Real ID:

Full Legal Name

Date of Birth

Social Security Number

Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence

Lawful Status

Individual states may require additional information, so check with your state's DMV for the specific requirements. The DHS has a quick state-by-state guide to help you find that information easily.

What Else Do I Need To Know About Real ID?

Just a reminder that these Real ID cards can't be used interchangeably with passports. You will not be able to travel internationally with your Real ID. Passport wait times are still longer than average, so when you make your DMV appointment, you may as well get your passport renewal in order as well.

Looking For More Travel Info?

Whether you accidentally show up to the airport without ID, need to know the visa requirements for traveling abroad, or want to move to Canada to avoid all of this mess, we’ve got you covered.

— Thrillist.Com

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Erin Reed at Erin In The Morning:

Two weeks after a federal ruling affirmed that transgender people can update the gender markers on their passports—a policy that had been in place for years before the Trump administration began reversing those updates—the federal government appears to be defying the court order. Now, a source within the government familiar with the process tells Erin In The Morning they believe the non-compliance is intentional. According to the source, the administration could resume processing gender marker updates immediately, but instead appears to be deliberately stalling implementation in a refusal to comply with the court order.

On June 17, a federal judge overseeing the challenge to former President Trump’s passport restrictions for transgender people granted class certification, expanding a previous ruling that deemed the policy likely unconstitutional. The judge had earlier found that the ban “conveys a fundamental moral disapproval of transgender Americans” and constitutes a clear expression of animus, likely violating the Equal Protection Clause. With the new order in effect immediately, the ruling now applies to all transgender individuals seeking to apply for or renew a passport with an accurate gender marker.

However, two weeks after the ruling, transgender individuals are still unable to update their passports. Requests for gender marker changes are reportedly being held indefinitely, effectively barring travel unless applicants accept documents that reflect an incorrect gender—directly contradicting the court’s order. A government official close to the process tells Erin in the Morning the delay appears to be intentional and in violation of the ruling. In a June 25th filing with the federal court, the ACLU states, “Defendants have not complied and are refusing to provide meaningful information to Plaintiffs about when they will be in compliance or what steps they have purportedly taken to comply... Defendants have not meaningfully responded to those questions despite class counsel’s repeated attempts to obtain this basic information… Defendants are plainly in violation of the Preliminary Injunction.”

The Trump Regime refuses to comply with a ruling that permits transgender people to update the gender markers on their passports to those matching their gender identity.