#philanthropy as world changing

[amagnificentobsession]

Changing peoples lives for the better ♥️✨

[infinitesolutions-group---v2]

Since you may be wondering why this blog doesn't share anything, it's because Tumblr deleted my original page, (InfiniteSolutions-Group), with *NO* reason whatsoever, even though it was about a philanthropic project I'm working on, to end poverty and facilitate prosperity; establishing and supporting the development of self sufficient agorist communities, providing infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, food, and clothing.

If you're curious what it's about, there's a link at the bottom of this post, to the page I'm using to explain things, on the Minds platform.

While I had started building it under the InfiniteSolutions_Group name, it occurred to me that it would make more sense to keep Infinite Solutions Group content limited to the business projects that we're undertaking as the holding company that is part of the FathomDeep project, so that's why the page name where all this is being explained, is under FathomDeep.

I do still have the InfiniteSolutions_Group page there, but it doesn't have much content yet

On my original Tumblr page, I'd already explained the political/fiscal reasoning behind starting the project, my philosophy for why I 'm building it, how the project will work, and started explaining some of the reasoning and steps to building prosperity, how to develop the success mindset, and quite a bit more.

I see no reason to start it up again here, when Tumblr may just shut it down again, without any warning or explanation whatsoever.

I invite you to join me on my journey; striving to change the World in a fundamental way.

https://www.minds.com/fathomdeep?referrer=fathomdeep

[whenthewavehits]

yk who the real grifters r… EFECTIVE ALTRUISM

[afeelgoodblog]

Feel Good News Weekly

Celebrating Acts of Kindness and Progress 🌟

Hey friends,

This week, we're diving into stories that warm the heart and inspire hope. From generous celebrities to groundbreaking policy changes, here's your dose of positivity!

Michael Sheen Writes Off Over $1M Worth of Debt for 900 People Using His Own Money

Actor Michael Sheen has taken philanthropy to a new level by personally clearing over $1 million in debt for 900 individuals in South Wales. Sheen invested £100,000 of his own money to establish a debt-purchasing company, acquiring debt portfolios at reduced prices to relieve those struggling financially. His journey and the impact of this initiative are documented in "Michael Sheen's Secret Million Pound Giveaway," airing on Channel 4 on March 10.

Trudeau announces $37B in child care deals with 11 provinces and territories

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government has signed agreements totalling almost $37 billion over five years with 11 provinces and territories that will extend the federal child-care program until 2031.

With just days to go before he leaves office, Trudeau said Thursday that these deals will ensure the long-term viability of one of his government's flagship policies.

British Parents to Gain Right to Bereavement Leave After Miscarriage

In a significant policy shift, parents in Britain will soon be entitled to two weeks of bereavement leave following a miscarriage before 24 weeks' gestation. This change is part of Labour's workers' rights reforms, extending existing bereavement leave laws that cover stillbirths after 24 weeks. The move acknowledges the profound physical and emotional impacts of baby loss and aims to provide necessary support to grieving parents.

Owner of Last Video Rental Store in Pocatello Saves Portion of Collection for 'Christina's Corner'

In Pocatello, Idaho, the last video rental store has closed, but owner David Kraning preserved a portion of the collection for a special customer. For 35-year-old Christina Cavanaugh, who has Down syndrome and is mostly nonverbal, renting movies has been a vital routine for over 15 years. To maintain this cherished activity, Kraning created 'Christina's Corner' in his adjacent convenience store, allowing her to continue enjoying her beloved pastime.

Many Countries Have Become Much More Supportive of Same-Sex Relationships

Global acceptance of same-sex relationships has seen a significant rise in recent decades. For instance, in the United Kingdom, the percentage of people who would not want homosexual neighbors has dropped from one-third in 1993 to less than 5% today. This trend reflects a broader shift towards inclusivity and acceptance in many parts of the world.

SoCal Firefighters Join Conan O'Brien on Oscars Stage

During the 97th Academy Awards, host Conan O'Brien brought members of the Los Angeles and Pasadena fire departments on stage to deliver some of his riskiest jokes. This collaboration not only added humor to the event but also honored the bravery and dedication of local firefighters, especially in light of recent wildfires. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, highlighting the community's appreciation for these heroes.

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That's it for last week :)

This newsletter will always be free. If you liked this post you can support me with a small kofi donation here:

Buy me a coffee ❤️

Also don’t forget to share this post with your friends.

[venussaidso]

Controversial: “Rahu is bad”.

Blackhole = Capitalism.

I notice how majority of people associate negativity with Rahu when it's actually Ketu that is behind reductions, as I recently touched on but through fictional characters. Yes, both can be bad, when they're not balanced, as they are very difficult planets to deal with (being shadowy & illusory).

For example, regarding Ketu's reducing nature in real life, the guy who created CHATGPT has their Sun & ASC in Ashwini. And Oppenheimer had his Sun in Ashwini, too. And Donald Trump, who is leading to the chaos and perhaps destructive shift of the USA, has his Ascendant in Magha. Ketu is the force which initiates the destruction of old paradigms, destruction of societies, of people etc. Ketu is the planet of destruction, and it has no sense. It is of ignorance and darkness, and unfortunately, its power can be used for bad (not always, it's not always negative, I know).

Oppenheimer's and Sam Altman's creations lead to reduction. Also Mula apparently has associations with mass suicide/genocide.

Ketu = destruction, entropy, till nothingness.

Rahu = creation, order, philanthropy, often long-term goals on Maya.

This is why Rahu is so important, it builds on top of the void after Ketu's destruction. The art, the paradigms and laws of societies, the long-term biotechnologies that we enjoy and are privileged to even enjoy, are all thanks to Rahu. They balance each other for a reason.

Possible Swati Moon natives, Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman, won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2023 for the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.

Rahu is not negativity. In reality, Rahuvians are your rebellious dreamers who want to restructure society fit for everyone. Always based on advocating for better societies. But for that to happen, Ketu must destroy what is present. Can't have renewal without destruction.

Hobie Brown is voiced by Shatabhisha Sun native Daniel Kaluuya. He is the embodiment of Aquarius and Rahu combined.

There's a reason why Aquarius, which is said to be co-ruled by Rahu as well, is the zodiac of humanitarianism and forward-thinking ideas to push boundaries. Ketuvians often feel the same way as Rahuvians do but instead of being as constructive in matters of Maya, they are usually detached and apathetic — that's why they'd rather get lost into 12th house activities. While Rahuvians are actively more in touch with matters of Maya. They understand the need for change, but Rahu needs Ketu to build the new.

Rahuvians are the actual builders whose creations will remain long-term, benefitting society and its people. This is why Shatabhisha is the manifestation of Rahu at its highest octave — and this nakshatra, which is associated with prolonged healing and medicine, having its rashi ruled by Saturn, signifies long-term goals for a better, new world. But it is often that Rahuvians are dissatisfied with the current one, exactly why they'd also be attracted to the idea of Ketu's necessary destruction... (this may explain why rahuvians are attracted to ketu-related activities and ketu individuals in general).

[takamiwife]

keigo as a daddy 🐣

not that kind of daddy, everyone get ur minds out of the gutters (same)

ANYWAYYY

- keigo had always thought about having kids of course, but reality always hit him quick. he was too busy, and his life was far too dangerous for a partner, let alone a child

- then he met you

- so one became two, and he was happy. truly happy for the first time since he could remember. but guilt and fear wracked him everyday. what if someone came after you? what if, god forbid, he died while on the job, leaving you alone? he couldn’t bear the thought. he dreamed of retiring, taking you, all his money, and buying a big, beautiful house out in the country where you’d grow old together with lots of kids and grandbabies.

- but it was just a fleeting thought. reality always hit. it wouldn’t be fair to anyone for him to have kids

- and then the war came

- and everything changed

- for a while, it seemed like things had changed for the worse

- but things got stable

- things got better

- heroes weren’t needed as much

- the day keigo took his position of president of the hero commission, he proposed to you

- he did it in front of nearly all of japan on live tv. not for his ego, not to get attention or fame, but because he wanted everyone to know how much he adored you

- his life was changing, and he wanted you to be in the rest of the chapters of it

- the two of you quickly settled in to married life. it was just as romantic and passionate as it had been when the two of you were dating; and better yet, you got to spend more time together with keigos new job

- of course he had you quit your job as soon as you got married, and you didn’t mind. you spent your days filled with philanthropy and finding ways to fulfill yourself and your community

- after being two for so long, imagine your surprise when one little stick told you that you’d be becoming three

- things were finally normal, finally stable, especially for keigo. you knew he’d be thrilled. he had always talked about having little ones, but the two of you figured it’d be a “if it happens, it happens” kind of deal

- and you were right, he was thrilled

- the man nearly burst into tears when he opened the small box at the dinner table containing an ultrasound and a onesie

- immediately he began looking at homes outside of the city. “this apartment isn’t big enough for a baby” (it was, but you weren’t going to tell him that)

- the man pampered you throughout your whole pregnancy. he was at every doctors appointment, got your every craving no matter the time of day or night, and made sure you never lifted a finger, especially during your move (much to your chagrin)

- though he hired movers and decorators, he designed and built everything in the nursery

- when he found out you were having a girl, he was even happier. tell me that man isn’t meant to be a girl dad, like cmon

- yea he cried when the baby was born. multiple times. she looks just like you, after all!

- not once did he make you get up to check on the baby at night. he would always do it. he adored her from the moment he laid eyes on her. he was going to be different than his parents. he was going to be better.

- one night, at nearly 2 am, you woke up, and when you went down the hallway, you saw him sitting beside the crib, gently stroking the little hair atop her head. you never told him you saw it

- keigo shows his two favorite girls in the world off wherever he goes. pictures of you and the baby are all over his office, and it’s a rarity to see him in public without you and the baby by his side

- as the baby grows, he only continues to spoil her, giving her all the love and affection he never received. he wasn’t certain of everything, but he knew that she would never question where her next meal was coming from, or ever doubt if she was loved

- her toys would be scattered across his office, he loves bringing her to work

- you two are double trouble for keigo. he can barely say no to you, let alone her. that man’s salary gets put to use, trust me

- bum ass dad? never heard of it. keigo is there for every possible event, from doctors appointments to recitals. he’s there.

- and don’t think he’s forgotten about you. that man lets you know how much he utterly adores you everyday. not just because you made him a father. no, because before all of that, you made him feel loved, and he could never repay you for what you’ve done for him

[armed-with-a-waffle-iron]

So, Batman is a poor choice of protagonist for a "social novel" but many of the characters around him (mostly women) are absolutely geared for socially-conscious themes because of their deeper, more personal connections to social themes and settings. To name a few; Selina Kyle, Helena Bertinelli, Stephanie Brown and Renee Montoya.

Batman's not a great character for exploring more socially-conscious issues at all because he has always lived in an ivory tower and doesn't even breath the same air as his fellow Gothamites. Orphan or not, he's a white, cis guy born into generational wealth who embarks on an individualistic, lofty crusade against "crime" in his city from the seclusion of his manor. More importantly, he's a character that's more concerned with abstract moral questions than the more tangible, systemic social concerns on the ground. Batman's most "social" endeavour is charity, the Wayne Foundation. Frankly, white guilt and philanthropy can't change the world, you need mutual aid and collective action for that. In fact Batman is often depicted as more idea than human; his story has always been more philosophical than social.

And, look, that's ok but writers and fans alike have got to accept this. He's a fictional character who we don't need to moralise as all things good and frankly Batman's ivory tower detachment is part of what makes him interesting and creates conflict between him and characters like Catwoman and Huntress. The Batman and Joker movies (or even Taylor's white guilt Nightwing run) are poor social critiques that don't really say anything about society because they're focused on characters never geared for such a critique. Most importantly, many of his female allies do the social narrative better!! If we want socially-conscious themes explored then we should just look to them!!

To make my point, Helena Bertinelli. As the Huntress, Helena's niche is organised crime. She's personally experienced the violence of it, and now reckons with the tangled web of power structures that uphold it and the avarice for profit that fuels it. This is a character embroiled in the politics of crime in a way Batman simply isn't. Organised crime isn't this abstract evil, it's both a product of and actor within the social world. Her day job is just as important to her; she's a teacher. She has to safeguard and guide kids who live in a world hellbent on derailing their development. So Helena's stories can end up blending the crime genre with the social novel in ways that Batman just CANNOT because she's fundamentally more connected to the social dimensions of Gotham while Batman lives in a cave.

First panel below, the speech bubbles should go to the other character.

DCU Holiday Special (2009)

[muddypolitics]

(via Nice Time: MacKenzie Scott Pissing Off Elon Musk With The Billions For The DEIs And Abortions)

plot twist: a billionaire that IS a hero?

Billionaires are mostly despicable Montgomery-Burns type people. But then there’s MacKenzie Scott, one of the few ultra-rich who doesn’t deserve to get tarred and feathered in the coming revolution! She’s the third-wealthiest woman in the United States, 38th in the world, and has now given away $19.25 billion (with a B!) in 2,524 charitable gifts, with a focus on racial equality, LGBTQ+ equality, democracy, and climate change.

She and her small team seek out nonprofits operating in communities facing high food insecurity, high measures of racial inequity, high local poverty rates, and low access to philanthropic capital. And then she gives away the money with no strings attached. Which is unusual in philanthropy! Also unusual, she’s pretty quiet about it. She has a web site that shows what she has donated to, but there’s no MacKenzie Scott ribbon cuttings, or buildings with her name on them when she drops a check. She donates, then she dips. And she plans to “keep at it until the safe is empty.”

Scott’s given to community centers, the ACLU, historically Black colleges and universities, food banks, Planned Parenthood, YMCAs, dance theaters, Native American groups, legal aid centers, to paying off medical debt, legal funds for transgender people. It is truly an inspiring list!...

[villainbait]

I was talking to a friend earlier about how much I love the fact that MC and Sylus are diametrically opposed.

No matter what happens between us, at the end of the day, Sylus has to answer for what he's done if for no other reason than because of who we are in this life.

The law doesn't care he's only killed other 'evil' people, or what philanthropy he's practiced with the insane amount of money he's laundered or stolen. It does not change anything about the fact that he's violated the laws of this world.

The inevitability of this eats me alive honestly.

Either we have to abandon the dream we spent our whole life working towards and for to be with him or at some point we have to do our job and arrest/kill him. In the mean time, I love the fact that we as MC struggle with that inner conflict constantly simply because we love him.

Our relationship is so messy with Sylus no matter what pretty bow it comes wrapped in and I adore that.

[scotianostra]

On November 25th 1835 Andrew Carnegie, was born in Dunfermline.

“To try to make the world in some way better than you found it is to have a noble motive in life.” - Andrew Carnegie

Today I thought we’d look into things we might not know about Andrew Carnegie

So how rich was he really? Well in 2015, the Carnegie Corporation estimated that at his peak wealth, Carnegie was worth $309 billion (accounting for inflation). For comparison, in 2022, Elon Musk is worth about $219 billion, Jeff Bezos is worth roughly $171 billion and Bill Gates comes in at $129 billion.

“To try to make the world in some way better than you found it is to have a noble motive in life.” - Andrew Carnegie

Andrew Carnegie's philanthropic career began around 1870 in his native Dunfermline and ultimately extending throughout the English-speaking world, including the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

In 1887, Carnegie married Louise Whitfield of New York City. She supported his philanthropy, and signed a prenuptial marriage agreement stating Carnegie’s intention of giving away virtually his entire fortune during his lifetime. Two years later he wrote The Gospel of Wealth, which boldly articulated his view of the rich as trustees of their wealth who should live without extravagance, provide moderately for their families, and use their riches to promote the welfare and happiness of others. This statement of his philosophy was read all over the world, and Carnegie's intentions were widely praised.

“The man who dies thus rich dies disgraced.” - Andrew Carnegie

In 1889, Carnegie published The Gospel of Wealth, publicly extolling his beliefs that personal wealth should be distributed for community benefit once your family’s needs were taken care of.

“The problem of our age is the proper administration of wealth, so that the ties of brotherhood may still bind together the rich and poor in harmonious relationship,” - Andrew Carnegie

Want to hear the man himself reading from his Gospel of Wealth check the link below

In 1911 Andrew Carnegie established Carnegie Corporation of New York, which he dedicated to the “advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding.” It was the last philanthropic institution founded by Carnegie and was dedicated to the principles of “scientific philanthropy,” investing in the long-term progress of our society. Carnegie himself was the first president of the Corporation, which he endowed in perpetuity with his remaining fortune — $135 million — to be used principally to promote education and international peace. While his primary aim was to benefit the people of the United States, Carnegie later determined to use a portion of the funds for members of the British Overseas Commonwealth. For the Trustees of the Corporation, he chose his longtime friends and associates, giving them permission to adapt its programs to the times. “Conditions upon the earth inevitably change,” he wrote in the Deed of Gift, “hence no wise man will bind Trustees forever to certain paths, causes or institutions…. They shall best conform to my wishes by using their own judgment.”

By the time of his death, Andrew Carnegie, despite his best efforts, had not been able to give away his entire fortune. He had distributed $350 million, but had $30 million left, which went into the Corporation’s endowment. Toward the end of his life, Carnegie, a pacifist, had a single goal: achieving world peace. He believed in the power of international laws and trusted that future conflicts could be averted through mediation. He supported the founding of the Peace Palace in The Hague in 1903, gave $10 million to found the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in 1910 to “hasten the abolition of international war,” and worked ceaselessly for the cause until the outbreak of World War I. He died, still brokenhearted about the failure of his efforts, in August 1919, two months after the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.

Andrew Carnegie helped give the world Sesame Street -Yes really!

The Carnegie Corporation provided the American television writer and producer Joan Ganz Cooney with the funds to develop Sesame Street and the Children’s Television Workshop. According to Sherrie Westin, executive vice president of global impact and philanthropy at the Sesame Workshop, “Sesame Street literally would not be here were it not for the bold vision and audacious philanthropy of the Carnegie Corporation.”

The iconic saguaro cactus is named after him, the plant, which is found only in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Mexico, can live as long as 200 years and grow to be 45 feet tall. Its scientific name, Carnegiea gigantea, is a nod to Carnegie’s philanthropic contribution to botany: The Carnegie Institution, founded in 1902, helped establish the Desert Botanical Laboratory in Tucson in 1903.

One of Carnegie's major philanthropic efforts included donating 7600 of the instruments to churches across the United States. He also oversaw the installation of the 8600-pipe organ at Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh in 1895 and had pipe organs in his homes in New York and Scotland.

In keeping with his wealth philosophy, Carnegie left his wife Louise a small amount of money, as well as their properties in Manhattan and Scotland, when he died. His only child, a daughter named Margaret, received nothing but a small trust. She eventually had to sell the family townhome because it was too expensive to maintain. But that was it—the rest of his immense wealth went to his charitable causes and endowments.

You might think that that would cause some resentment on the part of his heirs, but they apparently all agreed to the arrangement well before Carnegie passed away.

[sgiandubh]

Me pareció extraño que ellos (sí, ellos, por supuesto) no simplemente optaran por duplicar su apuesta por Barbie Fitness. Para bien o para mal, ya estaba algo establecido. ¿Qué crees que les llevó a cambiar de rumbo?

Dear Bizarre Anon,

Como siempre, primero la traducción y luego - mi respuesta.

' I thought it was bizarre that they (yes, of course, 'they') didn't just choose to double down on Fitness Barbie. For what it's worth, that was already a fixture. What do you think made them change their mind?'

I have many conflicting thoughts and yes, even feelings about all this, Anon, at the moment. I think it was a botched plan from the very start. Must have picked her from Raya, she was cheaply available (a quick buck for a quick side job, for her) and he did not vet her at all.

Why not double down on the other woman? Too loud, too orange, too brash are things that immediately come to mind. I think she sealed her fate with that Scottish week-end, when she had to share her son's vomit with the entire world. And overexpose a child, in the process. Probably also some things we might never be privy to - so, no use to look for answers in the Room of Nothing.

My answer to your second question will be very short: Park Anon. Panic. The problem was that this pap walk was picked up by People, a media outlet read by many in Hollywood, including agents, directors, producers, etc. A Big Problem, indeed.

For the moment, he turned off tags. I don't think you will see that girl ever again, Anon - and I do think this is a sure sign.

My questions are perhaps simpler:

How many IG followers will he lose in the foreseeable future?

How will this impact OL's broadcast ratings for Seasons 7-B and 8?

How will this impact Sassenach Spirits' sales short and middle-term?

How will this impact his business relationship with Southern Glaziers and the like?

How will this impact MPC's subscription trends and financials?

How will this impact his CSR relationship with NGOs, such as WWF, Blood Cancer UK, etc?

How will this impact a personal brand that can now be legitimately described as unreliable and borderline schizophrenic? And I mean it in a very logical way, as the impossible reconciliation between manwhoring and philanthropy.

From my watchpoint, I couldn't care less about any other rationale. These are the real questions he will have to face soon enough. All the rest is bullshit and sentiment. And we are now forced to talk business, not sentiment. For as far as sentiments are concerned, my answer will never change: they will find a way, even if in the process they might hurt each other. True love is never easy.

[robfinancialtip]

Empowerment lies in wealth and the boundless capacity to do good. Let us break free from induced scarcity, challenge greed, and envision a world where abundance is shared, debts are canceled, and hunger is conquered through innovative solutions.

In this inspiring video, Abdul Tubman delves into the vast wealth of influential figures such as Jeff Bezos and contemplates the transformative potential of philanthropy. Abdul envisions a world where individuals like Bezos could play a pivotal role in addressing pressing global issues, advocating for the cancellation of student debt and innovative solutions to combat world hunger.

Abdul explores establishing a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that tackles societal challenges, including the issue of farmers' subsidies and their impact on induced scarcity. He suggests alternatives like vertical farms, utilizing minimal space to grow crops that could be used to feed the homeless. The discussion delves into the root causes of food scarcity and challenges the prevailing economic model prioritizing monetary gain over human well-being.

Abdul confronts notions of greed and artificial scarcity, emphasizing the role of economic monopolies and their pricing structures in perpetuating societal issues. Join Abdul in this thought-provoking exploration of wealth, power, and the potential for positive change when resources are redirected toward meaningful causes.

[reidsangel]

tainted lotus - spencer reid

wc: 2.6k

warnings: infidelity, mentions of blood, a killing, guns. ( based off of the white lotus, go watch if you haven't ! )

a/n: i hope you guys like this as much as i had fun writing this with that being said don't cheat or k!ll. enjoy!

The sun blazed over the pristine white sand, the kind of heat that made even the blue ocean look exhausted. Spencer stood under the shade of a swaying palm tree, his lanky frame slightly hunched as he observed his family scattered across the private beach of the opulent San Domenico Resort. He adjusted his glasses, squinting at the scene before him like a detective examining a crime scene. He was always in work mode. 

His wife, Margot Lennox; who had refused to change her last name to Reid because she said it was too simple for a woman like her, was perched on a lounge chair, shaded by a wide-brimmed hat, her dress a sleek, knee-length kaftan in deep midnight blue. her eyes flicking between the pages of The Odyssey and the resort staff as if she were evaluating their performances. 

Margot had an air of aristocratic detachment, a woman who had been raised with wealth but wore it like an armor rather than an adornment. She spoke with a crispness that bordered on condescension, her words carefully chosen to remind others of their place in her world. 

Their son, Henry, sixteen and full of rebellion, was scrolling through his phone with an expression that suggested he was looking for an escape route. Their daughter, Violet, fourteen and perpetually unimpressed, floated in the infinity pool, her sunglasses shielding her from both the sun and her family, a silent protest against forced bonding.

The resort itself was suffocating in its perfection, the kind of place where wealth wasn't just displayed but weaponized. Guests lingered at breakfast tables long after their food had gone cold, engaged in hushed, theatrical conversations about art, politics, and philanthropy, their words carefully chosen for the benefit of those eavesdropping.

 The staff moved with an eerie, rehearsed precision, smiling just enough to seem warm but never enough to seem human. 

Everything about San Domenico was designed to remind its visitors that they were special, and yet, Spencer had never felt more like an outsider.

By the third evening, Spencer found himself roped into a dinner on the terrace, the sunset painting the ocean in shades of gold and crimson. The table was too large for comfort, forcing them into an odd mix of forced intimacy and strained distance. The silverware was too heavy, the glasses too delicate, the soft murmur of string instruments from the live band just loud enough to make meaningful conversation feel like a performance.

"So Dad," Henry began, smirking over the rim of his soda glass. "Do you, like, profile us? Your own family?"

Spencer resisted the urge to sigh. "Not intentionally."

Violet stirred her drink with a straw, her tone flat. "That’s not a no."

Margot gave Spencer a knowing look over the rim of her wine glass. "You do analyze people, love. It’s just who you are."

Spencer glanced around the terrace, at the couples sitting in awkward silences, the man at the bar staring too hard at his drink, the waitstaff moving with careful precision. A vacation was supposed to be an escape, but instead, the resort felt like a purgatory filled with people trying to out-relax each other.

 He spotted the cracks beneath the polished surface, the woman at the corner table whose forced laughter didn’t reach her eyes, the man whose rolex was too tight on his wrist, suggesting he wasn’t the one who originally bought it. The place reeked of curated happiness, the kind that frayed at the edges if you looked too closely.

"The thing about places like this," Spencer murmured, "is that they’re designed to make people feel important. But money doesn’t erase loneliness, it just decorates it."

Silence settled over the table, the waves crashing below like punctuation.

Henry studied him with a slow, assessing gaze before leaning back. "That’s kind of depressing."

Spencer offered a small, wry smile. "Reality often is."

Margot drained her wine and motioned for another. Violet muttered something about going back to her room. Henry returned to his phone. And Spencer, for all his brilliance, realized he had nothing left to say that would make any of them stay at the table.

The next morning, he found himself in the hotel’s library once again, running his fingers over the spines of books that had likely never been read. He pulled one at random— The Picture of Dorian Gray and settled into a leather armchair, content in the knowledge that, no matter where he was, no matter the dysfunction surrounding him, there would always be stories better than the people telling them.

That’s when she walked in.

Lucia. A name that should have belonged to a tragic opera character, or perhaps a long-lost Botticelli painting. She was neither. Instead, she was a contradiction, wrapped in silk and sun-kissed skin, moving through the resort with a quiet self-assurance that made it seem as if the walls themselves had been built around her. She worked at San Domenico, or at least, that’s what she let people assume. Some days she was a hostess, others she simply lingered near the bar, sipping wine as though she had nowhere else to be.

Their affair was reckless. Spencer knew better. He always knew better. But knowing and resisting were not the same thing.

What Spencer didn’t know; what no one knew was that Lucia was not just a beautiful stranger with an irresistible pull. She was something else entirely, something far more dangerous. She played her part flawlessly, a woman with no past, no tells, no mistakes. But beneath that effortless smile, there were secrets buried deeper than the ocean.

By the end of the week, the tension in the air was palpable, thick like the humidity before a storm. Margot watched Spencer with quiet amusement, as if waiting for the inevitable unraveling. And then it came. Margot always knew her husband better than he ever knew himself, maybe that’s what drew her in, his demons. 

It was supposed to be another secret meeting. A final moment between Spencer and Lucia before they left the resort. But something was wrong. The way she looked at him tonight was different, colder, calculating.

Then, she reached into her bag.

Spencer reacted before he could think, muscle memory kicking in from years of training. The gun in her hand barely had time to glint under the dim light before his own fired first.

Lucia staggered back, eyes wide, blood blooming across her silk dress like a dark, spreading lotus. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out and then, there was the infamous death rattle. The gun slipped from her fingers, clattering onto the marble floor.

The room was silent except for Spencer’s ragged breathing. His hands trembled as he lowered his weapon. The weight of what he had done settled into his bones like lead.

The seconds stretched into what felt like hours. Spencer’s heart raced, his breath shallow as his eyes flickered between the bloodied body of Lucia and the door. He felt a cold sweat bead along his brow, a wave of panic cresting over him. The gun in his hand felt foreign, too heavy, the weight of his actions crashing into him with full force.

Lucia's still form lay sprawled across the floor, the crimson stain growing larger with every second, spreading out across the pristine marble. He had never imagined it would come to this. 

This wasn’t supposed to happen. He was supposed to be the one in control, the one who always saw every outcome before it played out. But now, here he was, standing over her lifeless body, his hands trembling.

There was a knock at the door.

Spencer knew it was his wife, only her knock could be so calculated and heartless, must be all that lorazepam she took for her anxiety. 

She was always taking something, always smoothing out the edges of her existence until there was nothing left but a perfectly controlled version of herself. It made her easier to tolerate at long dinner parties, easier to admire in photographs, easier to pretend to love. But beneath the careful doses and measured glances, she was just as hollow as their marriage; smooth on the surface, crumbling underneath.

The pills kept her steady, kept her from feeling too much, which was ironic, considering she had spent years accusing him of being the distant one. He wondered if she even noticed anymore, the way he barely looked at her, the way his silence had stopped being an invitation and turned into a wall. Maybe she did, maybe she didn’t. Either way, she had her medication, and he had his indifference.

Spencer froze, panic locking his limbs in place. It felt like the world was spinning out of his control. His thoughts swirled in a dizzying frenzy, unable to grab onto anything solid. 

What would happen if she walked in? If she saw this?

Spencer’s mind screamed at him to act, to do something, anything. But his body wouldn’t respond. His pulse pounded in his ears, drowning out his thoughts. Lucia’s face was frozen, her eyes were open, like a cruel reminder of everything he’d done. He couldn’t let Margot in here. Not now. Not when everything was falling apart.

"Spencer darling?" she drawled, her voice smooth but utterly no hint of warmth, like an actress reciting lines she’d grown tired of. There was a practiced sweetness to it, as always. 

The door creaked slightly as if Margot was testing it, her voice edging with concern now.

Spencer squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, pulling himself together, fighting the dizzying wave of panic that threatened to consume him. He had to stay calm. He had to think, because if he didn’t, everything would fall apart.

"Margot," he called, forcing his voice to steady. "I—I’ll be right there."

His breath hitched as he stepped away from Lucia’s body, but his eyes were glued to her, to the blood. The blood that would be the thing that ruined everything. The blood that was already tainting every part of this perfect façade they had so carefully built. He needed to think. Fast. His family...the media; his career— if this got out, it would destroy everything.

Another knock at the door, sharper now.

"Spencer, open the door. Now."

Spencer’s mind raced as his pulse quickened, the sound of blood rushing in his ears. He looked around the room, searching for something— anything that could help him fix this. His thoughts were a blur of panic, but there was one thing he knew for sure: if she found out about this, about what he’d done, everything would be over.

He couldn’t let her see. He couldn’t let her find out the truth.

The door handle turned, the sound sending a jolt of terror through his body. Margot would barge in any second, and then it would all come crashing down.

"baby" he called- he never called her that, his voice shaking. "Please, just give me a minute."

Outside the door, he heard her sigh, a soft, knowing sound. Spencer knew she wasn’t convinced. But Margot was nothing if not pragmatic.

"I’m coming in, Spencer. You’re not getting out of this. I don’t care whichever whore you fuck—"

The door opened with a soft click, and there she was.

she stepped inside, her gaze immediately falling on the bloodstained floor, then to the gun still gripped in Spencer’s trembling hand. Her eyes didn’t widen in shock. They didn’t reveal anything but a calm, practiced calculation. 

She was unfazed, almost as if she had expected this moment. She had always known something would break. She’d known Spencer, despite all his brilliance, was capable of losing control.

Spencer opened his mouth, but no words came out. His mind was whirling, spinning out of control, as his wife slowly walked into the room, her gaze not flicking to Lucia’s body, but to Spencer, like she was measuring the weight of the situation.

"I knew," she said softly, her voice cool, not angry, but something else. A quiet resignation. "I knew you were having an affair, Spencer. But this- this is something else entirely."

Spencer’s breath hitched, but he couldn’t afford to get lost in the guilt, in the shame. "Margot, please I didn’t mean for this to happen. I—" His voice cracked as he tried to explain, but the words got stuck in his throat. "I didn’t know. she threatened me. I—"

She held up a hand, cutting him off. "Stop." She shook her head, her expression hardening. "Do you think I care about your affairs, Spencer? Really? Do you think this is about that?"

Spencer’s eyes widened in confusion as his chest tightened. "What do you mean?"

She stepped closer to him, her voice low and controlled. "What matters now is that this—" she gestured to Lucia’s body with a sweeping motion, her gaze cold and distant. "This is going to destroy us. If anyone finds out, it will be everywhere and you will be in prison. The press will have a field day. Your career will be ruined. And I’ll be left to pick up the pieces of a shattered life that I didn’t goddamn sign up for!"

Spencer opened his mouth to protest, but she silenced him with a sharp, cutting look.

"I can help you," she said, her voice now a whisper of cold steel. "But you have to trust me. We clean this up. We make it disappear. No one can know what happened here."

Her words hung in the air, heavy and final.

Spencer’s mind reeled as he tried to wrap his head around what she was offering. "you’re willing to help me?" he asked incredulously.

Margot gave a humorless laugh. "I’m willing to help us. Because no one can know this . If you think for one second the world will let you walk away from this unscathed, you’re delusional. But together, Spencer, we can fix this."

Spencer didn’t know what to say. He stood frozen, staring at her as the reality of her words sunk in. His pulse thundered in his ears, his mind spinning. Could he really do this? Could he erase what had happened, make it all go away?

Margot was already moving, taking charge like she had been in this same exact position many times before. "We’ll get rid of the evidence. We’ll stage it like she came in here, got drunk, and passed out. The gunshot will be explained away as an accident." She looked at him sharply, her gaze hard as stone. 

"I don’t want to hear any more about your fucking guilt or remorse. This isn’t about you. It’s about survival. For both of us and Henry and Violet"

As Spencer nodded mutely, Margot began to work with a precision that could only come from someone who had lived in the world of appearances for far too long. Spencer watched as she moved quickly, silently, her every motion a calculated step in their web of deception.

When she finished, she turned to Spencer, her eyes piercing through him like a needle threading through fabric.

"Now," she said, her voice soft but unyielding, "we make sure no one ever knows what happened here."

Spencer’s chest tightened as he realized just how deep they had sunk. This wasn’t just about saving his career. This was about something much darker.

And together, they were going to cover it up, no matter what.

But as Margot stepped out of the room, leaving Spencer to contemplate the weight of their actions, his eyes darted back to Lucia's body. The question gnawed at him— would they ever really be able to erase what they'd done?

A chill ran down his spine as he wondered just how far his wife would go to protect him. To protect them. 

Would she push him further down a path he could never return from?

And just how far would he be willing to follow her?

[darcytaylor]

Jonathan Bailey: Humble, Kind, and Hilarious (Vanity Fair)

A Humble Star with a Playful Side

There’s something incredibly refreshing about an actor who can rise to fame without letting it go to their head - and JB is the perfect example of this (I hope he never proves me wrong). In the interview, he comes across as grounded, witty, and aware of his own privilege. He jokes about his “dexterous toes” and speaks about the ups and downs of fame, showing that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. It’s not every day you hear someone with the kind of success he’s had talk about their imposter syndrome with such charm and honesty.

His humility shines through in everything he says. While he’s obviously proud of his career achievements, he never lets the glitz and glamour of Hollywood overshadow what truly matters to him. His ability to laugh at himself and stay unpretentious only makes me - and everyone else, I’m sure - love him more.

A Passion for Representation and LGBTQ+ Stories

One of the reasons JB is so beloved (at least by me) is his advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation in media. In the interview, he talks about Heartstopper and the immense impact it’s had on both LGBTQ+ audiences and the broader public. He makes a strong point about how crucial it is for older generations to see young LGBTQ+ love stories depicted so openly and positively. For JB, projects like Heartstopper aren’t just acting gigs - they’re opportunities to offer real representation for young people who need to see themselves on screen.

He also shares his thoughts on what it means to be a gay actor in an industry that’s still catching up in terms of representation. Through his work, he’s helping to create a world where LGBTQ+ stories are seen as vital parts of our cultural fabric, not niche or secondary narratives.

Philanthropy and Giving Back

It’s not just his acting career that makes him stand out - it’s his passion for using his platform to give back. Through the Shameless Fund, he has provided financial support for smaller, grassroots organizations that uplift LGBTQ+ communities, particularly those led by people of colour and trans individuals. As an advocate for visibility and justice, his commitment to philanthropy speaks volumes about his character.

In an industry where many actors focus on personal gain, it’s inspiring to see him prioritize social impact. His focus on creating positive change and supporting marginalized groups is a reminder that success in the spotlight doesn’t have to be just about fame - it can be about making the world a better place.

I just love Johnny and would love to have dinner with him and talk. That seems like it would be a good time!

Also, I'm so excited to go see Wicked!

[world-of-wales]

A NEW PORTION OF THE PRINCE OF WALES' INTERVIEW IN SOUTH AFRJCA HAS BEEN RELEASED -

He talks about his wife and their potential tours and diplomatic trips in 2025 in the new parts :

"Hopefully Catherine will be doing a bit more next year, so we’ll have some more trips maybe lined up.”

Talking about his kids joining on tours, he said :

"Family-wise, you’ll have to wait a little bit longer because obviously they’re at school, and I think that takes priority over everything else.”

He also spoke about his new role and how he will be taking a different approach in his job -

"I can only describe what I’m trying to do, and that is, I’m trying to do it differently, and I’m trying to do it for my generation. I'm trying to do it differently. I'm doing it with maybe a smaller R in the Royal.

It’s more about impact, philanthropy, collaboration, convening and helping people. And I’m also going to throw empathy in there as well, because I really care about what I do. It helps and impacts people’s lives. And I think we could do with some more empathetic leadership around the world.

So that's what I'm trying to bring, that’s what Catherine is trying to bring as well."

He also talked about the causes he works on -

"Who knows what’s going to come next, but it all centres around those values of trying to help deliver change and make those lives better"

He said, he wanted go “a step further” than his family has done previously by creating change rather than simply raising awareness about good causes.

[squidsinashirt]

Financial Gazette here.

Some might say Tracy Industries is overdue some new leadership - you’ve been very involved recently - is Mr Gordon Tracy being lined up to take the top spot?

Good morning Financial Gazette,

(Now there’s a publication I never saw myself answering questions for, how things change…)

First question - who “might” say that? It’s a pretty damning statement of our current leadership and I’d say resoundingly baseless, given TI is one of the most successful companies on the planet, financially and otherwise.

Our current board are all experienced, longstanding senior figures in the world of TI. Our CEO possesses a breadth of experience and knowledge I could not imagine ever matching, along with a proven track record of ensuring the success of Tracy Industries continues. He’s well liked by our staff, very well liked by our investors and shareholders, and I happen to count myself amongst those numbers. Our business is in excellent hands.

Yes, I’m involved in Tracy Industries - the last name is a bit of a giveaway, don’t ya think? I don’t think it’s that surprising that my brothers and I would all want to play our part in the family business.

We’ve recently increased our budget for corporate philanthropy and our green R&I, and that’s where I come in. My college background is marine science and engineering, I’ve previously served with the World Aquanaut Security Patrol, and as the appointed family hippy and lover of all things planet Earth, this is my kind of party.

It’s been great to be able to spend more time getting involved with the various successful projects we have running (and in the pipeline), and to help initiate and steer these with my own knowledge. I’m immensely grateful to our CEO for his faith in me, and for sharing my view that Tracy Industries should continue to set the corporate and commercial goalposts for environmental stewardship. He really does believe in the importance of corporate responsibility and using our position to help better the planet we all share, and the fact that he’s a thoroughly excellent human being who deeply cares for others makes him the very best person to sit in the big chair at the top of Tracy Industries.

I have no desire to sit anywhere other than within our social responsibility department; leading the R&I team contained within, continuing to drive Tracy Industries’ world leading commitment to sustainable, socially and environmentally positive innovation, and working to secure a greener and fairer future for us all - and of course, supporting our CEO in his vision for Tracy Industries.

So to answer your question - Mr Gordon Tracy certainly hopes not.

@sandrafromlegal-ti I used corporate-ease, please review thank you