#rap monument

[underground-hip-hop-affiliated]

MONUMENTALITY,

“the mentality, to be monumental”.

Without question one of al.divino’s most experimental bodies of work to date, Monumentality stands to be an embodiment of innovation. Released April 2018, this project was wrote, recorded +self produced by Divino at the mini mansion under the influence of magic mushrooms. (a dosage of 3.5/4g per night two nights in a row to be exact) Divino had developed a playlist of 1930-80s archival film footage of various ancient architectural landmarks specifically intended for this test of creative endurance. On mute, the almost omniscient visuals played in the background while obscure jazz was manipulated by a 404. At merely a glimpse into this abstract almost shamanic like process, we start to understand the ripple effect that this project would have later on in the current world of renaissance-esque high potency hip hop. At the time the climate was forward thinking yet maintaining a clear cut ode to traditional form, MONUMENTALITY provided a much more distain for form from his peers and predecessor’s. The form was no form. The musical parallel of the defocalization found from ancient hallucinogenics such as psilocybin. Accompanied by his ace @esteenack, they would push boundaries and reveal pockets previously unexplored. Divino would try something new he had never thought of prior to this experiment, writing to the next beat while Nack mixed the current song. A new free form style was incepted, a direct descendant of jazz, “the SPLASH”. Their flows were no longer barred under the false imprisonment of normalized quantization, taking their approach off the grind so to speak. No longer required to record a verse the same way twice, these formless amalgamations of previously mastered techniques would then morph into more styles later on in their catalogues and become quintessential aspects of their shared trademark originality. Inspiring others outside of Massachusetts to unlearn previously established habits of flow to evoke new deliveries although chaotic at times to untrained ears these rhythms would be a breath of fresh of air and highly revered by respected contributors to culture, critics and listeners alike.

[coolflix]

OWAYA

[eyeofthelama]

every man who made history wanted more time for the ones he loved 🖤👻

Washington, DC 📍

[zikllop]

Doch die schlimmsten Feinde, die ein Mann haben kann, sind Freunde

Kollegah – Cohiba Symphony

[pucksandpower]

Insomniac

Toto Wolff x wife!Reader

Summary: you’re tired of falling asleep in an empty bed due to your workaholic husband’s sleepless nights

Based on this request

You rub your eyes and blink a few times, adjusting to the soft glow of the lamp on the end table as you lift your head from the couch cushion.

2:17 AM.

Again.

This makes the fifth night in a row that you’ve fallen asleep alone on the living room sofa, having given up on the hope of Toto joining you in your shared bed upstairs. The cashmere blanket wrapped around your legs does little to ward off the chill of the night, and you suppress a shiver as you sit up.

With a sigh, you slide out from under the afghan, the plush carpet soft under your bare feet as you quietly make your way out of the living room and down the hall. The sliver of light peeking out from underneath the closed door of the study confirms your suspicions — Toto is still awake, still working at this ungodly hour.

Ever since the news broke that Lewis would be leaving Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of the season, Toto has been unable to relax. He barely sleeps, poring over stats and projections deep into the night as he tries in vain to figure out how to move forward.

You know he feels responsible — for building the team into what it is, for leading it to seven constructors’ titles, for creating an environment where Lewis could thrive. Letting him go feels like a monumental failure in Toto’s eyes, even though rationally there was nothing else to be done. Lewis’ mind was made up.

But knowing how reasonable a decision it was does nothing to quiet the ceaseless chatter of Toto’s anxious thoughts. He second guesses himself constantly, running through hypotheticals and what-ifs over and over.

What if he had offered more money? More freedom? What if he had anticipated Lewis’ wandering eyes and somehow convinced him to stay? But you know better than anyone that his hands were tied — Mercedes’ board of directors simply would not cooperate with his suggestions.

You understand Toto’s anguish, but his sleepless agonizing is starting to take a toll. The dark circles under his eyes are more pronounced than ever, and the weight of his responsibilities hangs heavily from his slumped shoulders. His embraces are no longer as warm, his kisses no longer as tender. He retreats into his own head, consumed by doubts and regrets, and you feel him slipping away day by day.

Enough is enough, you decide. If Toto won’t take care of himself, then you will have to take matters into your own hands.

You tiptoe to the kitchen and quietly replace Toto’s usual late-night dark roast with decaf. It won’t stop him from working, but at least it won’t add fuel to the fire of his racing thoughts.

After preparing for bed yourself, you head down the hall, suppressing a shiver as your bare feet meet the cool wood floors. Pausing outside the study door, you turn the thermostat down just a couple degrees. It’s a subtle change, but you know Toto will notice, and it just might make him long for the warmth of your shared bed.

Taking a breath, you gently rap your knuckles against the door and let yourself in. Toto is exactly where you expected, hunched over his desk with his brows furrowed, staring fixedly at his laptop screen.

“Hey,” you say softly so as not to startle him. “It’s getting pretty late, I’m going to head to bed.”

“Mmhmm,” he murmurs absently, barely glancing up.

You stifle a yawn, stretching your arms over your head. “Are you coming?” You ask hopefully.

“In a bit,” Toto mumbles. “I just need to finish this analysis.”

You sigh, walking over to him and sliding your arms around his shoulders. “Toto, please,” you plead, nuzzling into his neck. “Come to bed. You need to rest.”

He reaches up to give your hand a quick, distracted pat. “Soon, liebling. I promise.”

Accepting that you won’t sway him now, you kiss his stubbly cheek and head for the door. “Don’t stay up too much longer,” you implore, then make your way back down the hall.

Once in your bedroom, you go through your regular bedtime routine, brushing your teeth and washing your face. But instead of climbing into your big empty bed, you find yourself wandering further down the hall to the nursery.

Pushing open the door, you pause to gaze at your sleeping infant daughter in her crib, her little chest rising and falling with soft even breaths. The corner of the room holds a cozy cushioned rocking chair, and you sink down into it with a yawn, the lateness of the hour finally catching up to you. Your eyes drift closed as you let the gentle motion lull you towards sleep.

You’re not sure how much time has passed when you feel strong arms sliding under your knees and behind your back, lifting you from the chair. You let out a soft murmur, still more asleep than awake, as Toto carries you from the nursery. Resting your head against his chest, you breathe in his familiar scent as he brings you down the hall to your bedroom.

Gently, he lays you down on your bed, brushing a wisp of hair back from your face as he pulls the covers up around you. Through bleary eyes, you see him cross to the dresser and begin shedding his clothes, swapping his button-down and slacks for a t-shirt and pajama bottoms. Finally, he climbs in beside you with a weary sigh, and you immediately nestle against him, seeking his warmth.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers, pressing a kiss to your forehead as his arms encircle you.

You lift your head to meet his tired blue eyes. “It’s okay,” you murmur. “I know this has been hard for you.”

He shakes his head slightly. “That’s no excuse. You shouldn’t have to deal with my restlessness.”

You reach up to cup his cheek. “We’re in this together, remember?” You remind him gently. “For better or worse.”

The corners of his mouth twitch in a hint of a smile. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”

“Hmm, I don’t know if it’s come up,” you tease.

He gives you a playful little squeeze. “Well I do. So much.” His voice grows more serious then. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m thankful for you every day.”

You grin and snuggle impossibly closer. “Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Wolff.”

His low chuckle rumbles pleasantly against your cheek. “I mean it though. You’re my rock. My safe place. With everything going on ...” He trails off with a heavy exhale.

Reaching for his hand, you lace your fingers through his and give a supportive squeeze. “I know. But it’s going to be okay. Mercedes will find their way again, with you leading the charge. You’re the heart and soul of this team, Toto. You brought them this far, and you’ll bring them even further.”

“I wish I had your confidence,” he admits softly. “I just hope I can live up to it.”

“You will,” you say without hesitation. “You’re the most driven, passionate person I know. Your commitment is unmatched. If anyone can navigate these changes, it’s you.”

Toto is quiet for a moment, his thumb gently caressing your knuckles. “Thank you,” he says finally. “Just … thank you. For believing in me. For supporting me. For loving me, even when I’m being a stubborn arschloch.”

You grin. “Well, you’re my stubborn arschloch. And I wouldn’t change a thing.”

He laughs then, the sound warm and rich, and you feel some of the tension leave his body.

“No more working until sunrise though, okay?” You implore, threading your fingers through his hair. “You need to take care of yourself too.”

He nods, eyes shining with affection. “Okay. I promise.”

Satisfied, you nestle against his chest once more, comforted by the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. His lips find the top of your head in a tender kiss.

“I love you,” he murmurs into your hair. “So very much.”

You smile softly, already drifting towards sleep in the safety of his arms.

“I love you too,” you whisper. And with a contented sigh, you surrender to the pull of peaceful slumber, the two of you wrapped up in each other as you should be.

No more empty beds or sleepless nights. Just the comforting nearness of the man you love.

Your partner.

Your home.

[literaryvein-reblogs]

more words for your fight scenes (pt. 3)

Argue

ado, altercation, argument, battle, bicker, cause célèbre, conflict, confrontation, contend, contest, contradiction, controversy, demur, dicker, difference, disagree, dispute, dissent, divide, double standard, expostulate, falling out, fight, friction, haggle, hue and cry, imbroglio, misunderstanding, object, protest, quibble, rebut, rift, row, run-in, sass, squabble, tiff, vendetta, wrangle

Punishment

blackmail, damage(s), dressing-down, fine, lesson, rap, reproach, sanction, whipping

Pursue

chase, dragnet, hound, shadow, tag, trace, track/track down, trail

Rip

claw, lacerate, snag, tear

Rub

bite, burnish, creak, erase, file, friction, glaze, grate, polish, smear

Search

comb, dig, explore, forage, grope, hunt, investigation, nose, plumb, prospect, quest, ransack, rummage, scout, snoop, track/track down

Squeeze

choke, clinch, constriction, crush, enfold, pinch, pulp, rumple, squash

Stab

claw, gore, impale, lacerate, perforate, prick, puncture, spike, stick, tap, transfix

Throw

buck, chuck, dash, disseminate, eject, extrude, fling, heave, intersperse, launch, lob, pelt, powder, propagate, scatter, sling, splatter, toss

To break

collide, crash, dash

To burn

arson, conflagration, flame, glow, incinerate, kindle, light, scorch, singe, smolder

Injury

abrasion, affliction, blister, boo boo, concussion, corrosion, damage, detriment, disadvantage, fracture, harm, inflammation, laceration, prick, rip, rust, shock, swelling, wound

Death

abort, curtains, decease, die, end, expire, mortician, pass away, perish, undertaker

Deathplace

boneyard, crypt, graveyard, monument, tomb

NOTE

The above are concepts classified according to subject and usage. It not only helps writers and thinkers to organize their ideas but leads them from those very ideas to the words that can best express them.

It was, in part, created to turn an idea into a specific word. By linking together the main entries that share similar concepts, the index makes possible creative semantic connections between words in our language, stimulating thought and broadening vocabulary.

Source ⚜ Writing Basics & Refreshers ⚜ On Vocabulary ⚜ Part 1 ⚜ Part 2 Writing Notes: Fight Scenes ⚜ Word Lists: Fight ⚜ Pain

[greensparty]

This week would have been Ted Demme's 60th birthday. Of all the film directors I've had the honor of working with, he was possibly the most influential on me. Here is my piece I wrote in Jan. 2022 about my memories of working with him and my movie collection of his.

Remembering Ted Demme Today

On Jan. 13, 2002, film director and producer Ted Demme passed away at age 38. Hard to believe its been 20 years. I’ve written about him on here quite a bit because the first film I ever worked on was Ted’s film Monument Ave (I was a Location Intern) and I later was an intern at Ted’s production company Spanky Pictures in NYC.

Me with Ted in 1998

I worked on Monument Ave in 1997 and was an intern at Spanky in 1998. By Jan. 2002, I was now working in NYC, but Ted and Spanky Pictures had relocated to L.A. a few years earlier. I heard about his death on the radio while at work. A number of family and friends reached out to me that day.

In such a short time, Ted directed so much great work. Here are Ted Demme DVDs and blu-rays in my movie collection:

Pictured here are Who’s the Man?, The Ref, Beautiful Girls, the Denis Leary Ultimate Collection (Ted directed both comedy specials on there), Monument Ave, Rounders (Ted and Spanky produced this film directed by John Dahl), Life, Blow and A Decade Under the Influence (co-directed by Richard LaGravenese). He had such a diverse filmography, similar to his uncle Jonathan Demme who did both narrative and documentary/performance films. I encourage you to watch some of Ted’s films even if you already have seen some of them!

[tolkienpinupcalendar]

Sluttiest Tolkien Character: Round 3

Finrod vs Celebrimbor

(art by Elena Kukanova; Silentium.S)

Propaganda under the cut ↓

Finrod:

I MEAN LOOK AT HIM ?? Jewellery ? Music ? Rap Battle against Sauron ? Getting friendly with humans as soon as he meets them

That man is draped in jewellery in almost every art made, you can't tell me he wouldn't enjoy laying around with only that jewellery and nothing else on him, being admired by everyone around.

Hair, style, the way he just took a crown, also he's definitely the sluttiest in his family. Galadriel is the tough one

He has a recorded relationship/engagement in Aman. Then, after that fell apart, we all know that Finrod was really into anthropology and ~maintaining relationships~ with the kindreds of the secondborn and the dwarves. He's known for keeping all these ~close personal~ relationships.

He just goes up to a human campfire and starts singing. Show-off move. More than that, hippie-at-a-music-festival move. You know what hippies do at music festivals? When they're high on love and peace and roughing it through nature to get to the music festival (and whatever other elvish cordials with Magical Special Restorative Effects they've brought)? They fuck. Then he invites Beor back to his home and gives him a ring and promises to care for all his descendents ever after? Finrod not only fucks, his heart is all slutty with affection. He's a slutty kingdom-ruler, too. Nargothrond's supposed to be a secret, but he just can't keep those doors closed. And then there's a substantial amount of of Finrod/Curufin art and fic. Scandalously slutty! Your own cousin-lover cucking your kingdom out from under you! Finally: you know that in several places in Aman and Middle Earth, some young people got their kink awakening seeing vaguely-erotic etchings of Finrod wrestling the werewolf. You know this.

Celebrimbor:

This guy really likes to ~collaborate~, if you know what I mean. Constantly trying to create ~intellectual synergy~ in his work environment. This is the elf so mutually enamored with Narvi that they made the gates to Khazad Dum a monument to their shared affection. Not at all discreet! Slutty move! But his most notorious and torrid affair of all was with Annatar, otherwise known as Sauron. After Sauron joined-- and broke from-- both Aule and Morgoth, Celebrimbor took him for sloppy thirds. Together, they pioneered the field of putting one's literal soul into one's works. Forging with souls together, and not even married! Seriously slutty. Really, who knows what kind of kinky shit he got up to with Annatar and all his Gwaith-i-Mirdain frat bros, in their hippie-tech bro startup-frat-grad school atmosphere of joy in unlimited innovation, hope for the future, and competition. Finally: images of Celebrimbor's corpse strung up as a banner and pierced with arrows are the St Sebastian paintings of the Silm.

[a-rogue-god]

I hate when monument mythos gets boiled down to just "Scary Monuments" because it is so so so so much more than that it is such a good commentary on American imperialism.

Modern Day gets such a bad rap (which honestly ill say is not good imo all that matters is season 1,2, the nixonverse, 3) because of the SUDDEN POLITICAL STANCE.

Honey. It's always been political. Did the fucking symbolism of feeding immigrants to the literal icon of America go over your head?

Did the "freedom in chains, freedom stood still" go over your head?

The ADA is a literal stand in for Q-Anon. Shooting Freedom off of the Capitol building was a January 6th Riot reflection! The ADA were terrorists! And if you agreed with Wendicunts opinion on the ADA you fell for the propaganda.

THE ENTIRE NIXONVERSE REPRESENTING AMERICAS IMPERIALISTIC WAR REGIME? AMERICA > MILLIONS???

Monument mythos has always been political. it's always been leftist. Watch the fucking monument mythos and learn something

[bullet-prooflove]

Let the rain come pouring down I’m not afraid to drown

Tagging: @kmc1989 @alixw22x @vintagedaydreams @madisonbroxson1 @shira666 @zealouslibrariesparadiselight @lovethis-lovethat @foxfables

Companion piece to:

Wild Bloom - Jamie buys flowers on the anniversary of Lee’s death.

Palm Sunday - Jamie needs help with one of his plants.

Prequel to:

Everything (NSFW) - Jamie wants everything with you

You don’t carry an umbrella. It’s a concept that’s completely alien to Jamie, because he’s always prepared no matter what the weather. It’s a product of his upbringing, a message that was instilled into him from an early age by his father.

Plan for everything, that way you can never be surprised.

“Sometimes it’s nice to enjoy the moment, feel the rain on your face.” You had said to him when he took you out for dinner last night. “Good things can come of being spontaneous.”

He thinks about your words the next day as he’s leaving the office. The town is experiencing a downpour and he’s watching the droplets as they bounce off the sidewalk.

He should have kissed you last night. He’d wanted to but he’d gotten in his own head, started to doubt himself. He’d tucked his hands into his pockets instead and wished you goodnight. You were disappointed he could tell but it was already too late to walk it back.

Sometimes it’s about taking a leap of faith, he recalls Lee telling him when he’d come to Jamie for help with a marriage licence.

Jamie hadn’t been able to understand it at the time because Anna-May had barely been back in his brother’s life more than a couple of days and suddenly Lee was making this huge monumental choice. He thinks he’s starting to get it now because Lee was right when you know, you know and sometimes you just have to take a chance.

Your flower shop is only a couple of minutes down the street and for the first time in his life Jamie tosses caution to the wind and leaves his umbrella behind. He steps out into the rain, letting it immerse him as he begins the walk. There’s something cleansing about the sensation, it washes away his doubts he tilts his head up towards the clouds.

It’s gone past five by the time he reaches the building. The closed sign is hanging in the window but the lights are still on and he can see your shape through the water speckled glass as you tidy your way around the shop. He raps his knuckles lightly on the door and when you open it, it feels like a way of sunshine lighting up his entire world. You’re wearing a yellow summer dress, embroidered with tiny white daisies, a white cardigan draped over your shoulders to ward off the chill as the weather changed throughout the day.

“Jamie.” You say as you open the door to let him inside. “What are you doing here?”

“Something I should have done last night.” He tells you before his mouth covers yours and you’re drowning in the sensation of him, the heat of his body, the rush of passion that ignites in your veins as he kisses you.

The door clicks shut behind him as he pulls away, his damp hair falling across his forehead as he cradles your face between his hands.

“Do it again.” You whisper as he looks into your eyes. “Kiss me again.”

Love Jamie? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

Interested in supporting me? Join my Patreon for Bonus Content!

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[unabashegirl]

Lycan 12 — werewolf

Y/N returns to her hometown, Alsfield, when her father falls ill, only to discover the town hides a dark secret—one protected by the mysterious Harry Styles. As Y/N unravels the town's mysteries, her plans to return to San Francisco are derailed.

check out my patreon (starting at $2) and get full access to all chapters, various one shots like The Cover and much more :)

masterlist

wordcount: 2.8

Niall's knuckles rapped on the wooden double doors of the Alpha's office, and a moment of tense silence followed. Y/N watched, her curiosity mixed with apprehension, as Niall slowly pushed the doors open without waiting for a verbal response.

The office was grand and spacious, with a massive wooden desk positioned near a giant window that offered a commanding view of the surrounding territory. The Alpha, the enigmatic leader of the Shadow Pack, stood with his back to the newcomers, gazing out at the landscape.

Y/N felt her heart race as she took in the scene. She had been waiting to meet the Alpha, but what she hadn't expected was the identity of the man before her. It was Harry, the mayor of the nearby town, the same man she had met on that foggy beach.

Her confusion deepened, and she instinctively moved closer to Niall, seeking comfort in his presence. She wondered how the mayor of the town was connected to the mysterious world of the pack, and what secrets he held.

Niall cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Alpha," he began respectfully, "I've brought Y/N, as you requested."

Harry, the Alpha, slowly turned around, his gaze settling on Y/N. There was an intensity in his eyes, a depth of emotion that left her both intrigued and uneasy.

Y/N's surprise upon discovering that Harry, the mayor of the nearby town and the man she had grown fond of, was the Alpha of the Shadow Pack was beyond words. It felt like a revelation that turned her world upside down.

Her feelings were a whirlwind of emotions. On one hand, there was a sense of betrayal that Harry hadn't shared this monumental secret with her. On the other, there was a strange mix of awe and attraction to the powerful figure before her. She had admired him as the mayor, but now she saw a different, more complex side to him.

She couldn't help but feel conflicted, torn between her desire to understand this new reality and the sense of longing that had grown between her and the Alpha. The fact that Harry had used Niall to bring her here without revealing his true identity left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Harry, the Alpha, studied her with a penetrating gaze, seemingly aware of the turmoil within her. His voice, when he finally spoke, was soft and measured. "Y/N, I know this is a lot to take in, and I apologize for not revealing the truth sooner. There are reasons for the secrecy, reasons that I hope you will come to understand in time."

Y/N remained silent, her mind racing with questions and emotions. She couldn't deny the pull she felt toward Harry, but she also couldn't ignore the fact that her life had taken an unexpected turn, plunging her into a world she had never imagined existed.

As Niall turned to leave the Alpha's office, believing his task was completed by safely bringing Y/N into the pack territory, Harry's commanding voice stopped him in his tracks. The sheer power behind Harry's command made the very walls of the office seem to tremble.

"Get back here now."

Niall swallowed hard, realizing that he wasn't off the hook just yet. He had brought Y/N into the territory, but she wasn't unharmed. The fact that she had needed medical attention hadn't gone unnoticed by Harry. It was clear that the Alpha had sensed her condition.

Reluctantly, Niall turned back and walked toward Harry, his expression a mix of guilt and resignation. He knew that a confrontation was imminent, and he couldn't escape the consequences of his actions.

Harry's eyes bore into Niall's, and the air in the room grew tense as they prepared for what came next. Y/N's presence had set in motion a series of events that neither of them had anticipated, and the pack's Alpha was determined to get to the bottom of it.

Harry's piercing gaze remained fixed on Niall as he demanded an explanation for what had happened to Y/N. Niall, feeling the weight of the situation, cleared his throat before giving his account of the events.

"She fainted," Niall admitted, his voice steady but tinged with unease. "It happened right after I transformed into my wolf."

Harry's expression remained inscrutable as he absorbed this information. He was clearly concerned about Y/N's well-being and the impact of Niall's actions on her. "Is she all right now?" Harry asked, his voice softer, showing a hint of genuine worry.

Niall nodded. "Yes, Alpha. Michaela examined her and prescribed some medication. She should be recovering."

Harry let out a sigh, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "I'm glad to hear that she's getting the care she needs." Then, his gaze hardened as he turned his attention back to Niall. "But I trusted you to keep her safe, Niall. I trusted you with her well-being."

Niall bowed his head in acknowledgment, fully aware of the gravity of his failure. He had let his Alpha down, and there would undoubtedly be consequences for his actions.

Y/N, who had been quietly listening to the conversation between Harry and Niall, finally spoke up. Her voice carried a hint of frustration as she addressed them both.

"Hey," she said, her tone firm, "you guys are acting as if I’m painted on the wall. I am right here”

Both Harry and Niall turned their attention to Y/N, realizing that they had been preoccupied with their own concerns. Harry's expression softened as he regarded her, while Niall looked relieved that she had spoken up.

"You're right, Y/N," Harry conceded, his voice gentler now. "This concerns you, and you deserve to have your questions answered. Please, have a seat. Niall you are dismissed. We’ll talk later”

With a nod from Harry, Niall quietly left the Alpha's office, leaving Y/N alone with the enigmatic leader of the Shadow Pack. As the door closed behind Niall, Y/N felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. She was finally getting the chance to have her questions answered, but the mystery surrounding Harry's dual identity still hung heavily in the air.

Harry walked around his desk and leaned against it, his gaze never leaving Y/N. He understood the weight of the secrets that had been kept from her and recognized that it was time for some clarity.

"Y/N," he began, his voice calm, "where would you like to start? I know you must have many questions, and I'm here to provide you with as much information as I can."

Y/N took a deep breath, her mind racing with inquiries. She had so much she wanted to ask, but she decided to start with the basics. "First, can you explain what all of this is? The pack, the hierarchy, the wolves... It's all so overwhelming."

Harry nodded, appreciating her desire to understand the fundamentals. "Of course," he replied. "Let's begin with the basics. The pack is essentially a family of sorts, but we're not like ordinary families. We're bound by more than blood; we're bound by a shared transformation, a shared existence as wolves."

He paused, giving her a moment to absorb this information before continuing. "Within the pack, there's a hierarchical structure. I'm the Alpha, the leader. Beneath me, there are Betas, like Niall, who assist in maintaining order and ensuring the pack's well-being. And then there are Omegas, who play vital roles too. Each member has their place and responsibilities within the pack."

Y/N listened intently, trying to wrap her head around the concept. "And the wolves?" she asked. "Are they... real wolves?"

Harry smiled, a hint of warmth in his eyes. "Yes, they are real wolves. We're a unique breed, descendants of an ancient line. We have the ability to transform between our human and wolf forms. It's part of our nature, our heritage."

Y/N nodded, beginning to piece together the puzzle. "But why the secrecy?" she asked. "Why not reveal this to the world?"

Harry's expression turned somber. "There are dangers, Y/N. Not everyone would understand or accept us. Our existence has been kept hidden to protect us from those who would seek to exploit or harm us. It's a complex world, and the truth can be a double-edged sword."

Y/N mulled over his words, realizing that this revelation was just the tip of the iceberg. There were still many more questions to be asked, but she felt a newfound sense of clarity and determination. She was ready to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Shadow Pack and the enigmatic Alpha who led it.

Y/N's curiosity burned brighter than ever as she delved further into the mysteries surrounding the Shadow Pack. She leaned forward in her chair, eager to learn more, and posed her next question to Harry.

"Can you tell me about the history of the pack, where it all began?" she asked.

Harry nodded, acknowledging her thirst for knowledge. He began to recount the story of the pack's origins.

"Our history is deeply intertwined with the untamed wilderness of this region," Harry began. "Generations ago, our ancestors lived in harmony with the wolves of the forest. They had a connection to the land and the creatures that inhabited it, unlike anything seen in the modern world."

Y/N listened intently as Harry continued, his voice carrying the weight of history. "As time passed, our ancestors discovered that they had a unique gift—a gift that allowed them to become one with the wolves. They could transform, harnessing the strength and instincts of the creatures they coexisted with."

The Alpha's eyes took on a distant look as he continued, "This gift came with responsibilities. Our ancestors formed the first pack, vowing to protect both the human and wolf sides of their nature. They forged a bond with the wolves, ensuring that our two species would live in harmony."

Y/N was captivated by the tale, her mind racing to grasp the enormity of the history Harry was sharing with her. "What happened next?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry's gaze locked with hers, his eyes reflecting the weight of centuries. "Over time, our kind faced threats from those who feared our abilities. We were hunted, persecuted, and driven to the brink of extinction. To survive, we went into hiding, living in secret packs, always wary of discovery."

He paused, letting the gravity of their history sink in. "The Shadow Pack, the largest and most powerful of our kind on the West Coast, traces its lineage back to those early days. We've held onto our traditions, our connection to the wilderness, and our duty to protect our kind."

Y/N was overwhelmed by the depth of the story she had just heard. It was a history that defied belief, and yet, here she was, sitting in the midst of it all. She realized that she had only scratched the surface and that the secrets of the Shadow Pack ran deeper than she could have ever imagined.

As Harry finished recounting their history, Y/N couldn't help but feel a growing connection to this hidden world. There was much more to discover, and she was determined to uncover every secret, no matter how enigmatic or perilous it might be.

Y/N leaned forward, her eyes focused on Harry, eager for answers to the questions that had filled her mind. "Harry," she began, "how did your pack manage to build this town in such a secluded place? It's all so... remarkable."

Harry nodded, recognizing the natural curiosity that had drawn Y/N into their world. "Building this town was a long and carefully orchestrated process," he explained. "We chose this remote location to remain hidden from those who might wish to expose us or exploit our abilities. Over time, our pack members, both human and wolf, used their unique skills and resources to construct what you see today."

Y/N marveled at the dedication and effort that must have gone into creating the hidden town. It was a testament to the pack's commitment to their way of life.

As she absorbed this information, she couldn't help but recall Michaela's words. "When Michaela hugged me earlier," Y/N said, "she mentioned that she was glad they found me. What did she mean by that?"

Harry's expression softened, and he regarded her with a knowing look. "Michaela was referring to the concept of mates," he said. "In our world, finding one's mate is a rare and cherished occurrence. It's a deep and profound connection that goes beyond mere romantic love. When mates find each other, it's a cause for celebration and joy within the pack."

Y/N's heart raced at the implication of Harry's words. "Mates? What do you mean by that?"

Harry took a moment to choose his words carefully. "Mates are two souls destined to be together," he explained. "When they meet, there's an undeniable connection, a bond that goes beyond words. It's a profound and irrevocable link, and it often brings a sense of completeness to those who experience it."

Y/N tried to process this revelation, her mind swirling with questions. "What does it have to do with me?

"Because, Y/N, you're my mate."

Silence hung in the room, broken only by the faint hum of distant voices from the packhouse below. Y/N felt as though time had come to a standstill. She couldn't process what she had just heard.

"You're my mate," Harry repeated, his voice filled with a mix of tenderness and anticipation.

Y/N's heart raced, and a thousand questions rushed to her mind. She stammered, "I... I don't understand. What does that mean?"

Harry stepped closer, his presence warm and reassuring. "It means that we share a unique bond, one that transcends time and space. Mates are connected on a profound level, emotionally and spiritually. We're meant to be together."

Y/N was still struggling to grasp the enormity of the revelation. "But why me? Why now?"

Harry sighed, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "The timing is... unusual. We usually discover our mates earlier in life, but sometimes fate has other plans. As for 'why you,' I believe it's because you have a role to play in our pack, a destiny that's intertwined with mine."

He gently cupped Y/N's face, his thumb brushing her cheek. "You're not just any mate, Y/N. You're the Luna—the leader of the pack, my partner in every sense. Together, we'll guide our pack and protect our kind."

Y/N felt overwhelmed by the weight of her newfound role and the connection she shared with Harry. It was a revelation that defied logic and reason, yet she couldn't deny the intense emotions welling up within her. A mixture of fear, curiosity, and a strange sense of destiny filled her.

She looked into Harry's eyes, searching for answers. "What now? What does this mean for us?"

taglist: @harryssky1, @jerseygirlinca, @daphnesutton, @rose-garden-dreamz

next ---> chapter 13

[oldschoolhiphoplust]

Know Your Hip-Hop Pioneers: Lady B

Owning a skill for the art of toasting, Philly’s own Lady B became responsible for the first rap record recorded by a female, 1979’s “To The Beat Y’all.” Recognized as one of the first DJs outside of New York to blast hip-hop, Lady B is monumental to the history of hip-hop radio. Her hit Power99FM radio show, Street Beat introduced many hip-hop class acts the likes of KRS-One, EPMD & Public Enemy to the Philly hip-hop scene. The craft and activism of Lady B uphold the longevity of her legacy.

By Ime Ekpo

*Originally published in 2016

[elbiotipo]

What's interesting about ChatGPT is that it's so biased and not in the way you'd think. It's perhaps the monument of what the corporate culture wants the internet to be like. I've tried a lot of LLMs, some have given me quite interesting creative outputs, many are very useful to get sources and resume information, others are very good at roleplaying characters or situations. But ChatGPT itself, the thing that most people think about AI, is fixed like a barnacle towards Customer Support Speech. Which is not surprising giving that's what they're trying to sell them, but when people try to use it for something else (and they do try to use it for EVERYTHING), it shows that it's incredibly restrained by all the filters and who knows what else.

Everything that comes out of it must be Positive. It cannot be negative, of course, but it's not even allowed to be NEUTRAL anything else, it must act, at all times, like everything is sunshine and flowers, and what doesn't is just verbotten. This is what strikes me about it. I CAN'T explain it but it's so suprising that in a short while it has become its own particular thing, ChatGPT Speak, it's like Customer Service Speak but even worse because you're not even allowed neutrality, you have to be Positive. I think a good contrast is when you ask it about something academic. You would expect it to have an encyclopedic and neutral tone, like something out of Wikipedia or a scientific paper. Instead it's always written like someone way, way too eager to please. It's a bit sickening actually, I have the feeling this is what capitalists imagine the perfect employee is like.

And no, this is not an anti-AI rant, don't come at me with that. I've used LLMs for fun, to see what they come up with, and they can be very amazing and engaging, I see plenty of uses (mostly for entertainment as far as I'm concerned). When given the right tweaks and prompts and not a hundred of customer service filters, they are very impressive.

But it's ChatGPT that is this strange thing, so widespread and mediocre. I have a feeling that it will soon be replaced by other models that don't tell you "I'm sorry but writing a rap about Stephen Jay Gould is disrespectful and an act of terrorism." I understand the need for filters and such, otherwise you get something like that AI that learned from twitter users and became a racist, but this thing of flitering everything and boxing everything just reminds me of the wider anglo internet trend on cutting on everything like porn, swearing, and other stuff, just trying to make everything customer friendly sanding all the edges. I hate it.

[irithnova]

Sakha headcanon post - courtesy of my conversations with @topipaku !! Thank you 🙏

Huge huge film bro he loves discussing films and makes his own

I headcanon that he is very much like a lawyer when it comes to business stuff but this somewhat "strong headed/argumentative" mentality also extends to how he critiques certain films or goes about explaining them

His favorite type of film is comedy/horror and a lot of his own projects involves someone dying in some shape or form

You can blame his love of everything morbid on Even, Evenk and Yukaghir, who often (when he was younger) tell him some pretty spooky stories (such as the Even folk tale of a mother turning into a cuckoo because her children would not give her a helping hand)

In all honesty they probably told him those stories to try and scare him into behaving - well now he's just a huge horror fan

Sakha has told many of these same spooky stories to Dolgan when she was younger

Speaking of Dolgan - whilst she's grateful for the hand Sakha had in raising her, she wants her own identity outside of him. Often Dolgan people are just labelled as being Sakha

Really good friends with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan because they are #Turkic but also because they like sharing their films/writing together - they screen each other's films in cinemas and in Kazakhstan, operas based on the Sakha "Olonkho" myth are being held.

Writers from Kazakhstan and Sakha signed a co operation agreement, and in Kyrgyzstan there is a monument dedicated to the Sakha politician and writer Maxim Kirovich

However - despite their love of sharing each other's writing, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are quite surprised at how often Sakha's stories end in death !

Kazakhstan often jokes to Sakha that he should become independent

I definitely think these three share a groupchat together

He has an inside joke with Buryatia about the both of them being Japanese or secretly being Japanese. This is because both Sakha and Buryat intelligentsia were accused of being spies for the Japanese Empire (by Russia) at the time

Needless to say, Japan is definitely shooting them questionable looks when he overhears them make that joke

I think these days he has a bit of friendly competition with Buryatia over who is the most popular/more relevant group in Siberia

Really likes rap music !!

His relationship with Mongolia is very funny - in Sakha there is something of a myth that the most powerful faction of Genghis Khan's army was comprised of Sakha soldiers.

In reality, Sakha was most likely a child during this time and the Sakha people were most definitely not a part of the Mongol army

I think Sakha and Mongolia are friendly but Sakha has a little bit of a fascination with Mongolia. There are Sakha artists such as Afanasy Osipov who paints scenes of Mongols, and there is a film called "The secret of Genghis Khan", and apparently the Republic of Sakha was the initiator of the filming process ?

Very big into wrestling - in fact he enjoys challenging Mongolia even if Mongolia doesn't really reciprocate. He doesn't care that Mongolia is technically an elder to him, he'll do it regardless !

He is good friends with Chechnya because of their shared love of wrestling

Good relationship with both North and South Korea, though these days he's closer to South Korea

A lot of North Koreans were sent to Sakha under the USSR and mined gold , with some staying to teach farming to the Sakha

There is a Sakha-Korean school in Sakha and there are people in Sakha who refer to themselves as being "Sakha-Koreans" - presumably from the North Koreans who were sent to Sakha

South Korea indulges Sakha on his love for films. There was an exhibition of Sakha films that were held in South Korea, and South Korea was the first to make an article about Sakha films

For a while, there were even direct flights from Yakutsk to a city in South Korea !

Sad that his films aren't really taken seriously on a more global scale :(

I'd say he's also good friends with Tuva as similar to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan - both are Turkic and Sakha likes talking to people he relates to, especially as Siberia doesn't really have many Turkic groups

[ravenkings]

Subcultures in general — once the poles of style and art and politics and music around which wound so many ribbons of teenage meaning — have largely collapsed. What teenagers today are offered instead is a hyperactive landscape of so-called aesthetics — thousands of them, including everything from the infamous cottagecore to, these days, prep. These are more like cultural atmospheres, performed mainly online, with names and looks and hashtags, an easy visual pablum. They come and go and blend and break apart like clouds in the wind, many within weeks of appearing. They have much content but little context — a lot to look at but a very thin relationship to any “real life” anything, like behaviors or gathering places. On one end, even a distinctly in-the-world subculture (like, say, grunge) can be reduced to a vibe packet of anodyne references (cigarettes, grimy things); on the other, a mere mood tone can be elevated to something offered as lifestyle (there are girls who enjoy the color red and a certain Euro effortlessness, and they are called Tomato Girls, while others who prefer white are called Vanilla Girls). If two dozen things on a Pinterest page feel as if they go together, chances are someone, even just as a lark or experiment, is calling it an aesthetic. For proof, you need only log on to Aesthetics Wiki, a wonderfully encyclopedic website for online style tribes. Here you will find not only large categories like emo, Y2K, VSCO, academia or the perennial goth but also categories so specific that their nicheness begins feeling like an Escher staircase of references. The roughly 200 aesthetics found under the randomly chosen letter M contain some that will be legible to many (Memphis rap, Mod), some that involve a kind of style-sensitive hairsplitting (Mallgoth, Messy French It Girl, McBling) and others that are just full-on W.T.F.: Meatcore is for people who appreciate raw meat as a nondietary object, and Monumentality is the appreciation of anything big, like Godzilla, Gothic cathedrals, giant redwoods or asteroids (“many asteroids are fairly large”). It’s hard to imagine a Monumentality meetup because, like so many aesthetics, Monumentality is only referential, its conversation ending right where it begins: Do you like this big thing? Yes, because it is big.

–Mireille Silcoff, "Teen Subcultures Are Fading. Pity the Poor Kids," New York Times Magazine, February 21, 2024

[ausetkmt]

February is Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring and celebrating the essential contributions of Black people in the story of America. National and local events and online celebrations will take place throughout the month to focus attention on Black people's achievements and history. 

Since 1976, the US has marked the contributions of Black people and celebrated the history and culture of the Black experience in America every February. Read on to learn more about Black History Month and the ways in which you can participate.

The story of Black History Month

Born as a sharecropper in 1875, Carter G. Woodson went on to become a teacher and the second African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard. He founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in 1915 and eventually became known as the "father of Black history."

On Feb. 7, 1926, Woodson announced the creation of "Negro History Week" to encourage and expand the teaching of Black history in schools. He selected February because the month marks the birthday of the two most famous abolitionists of the time -- Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Feb. 1 is also National Freedom Day, a celebration of the ratification of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the US.

By the 1940s, schools in Woodson's home state of West Virginia had begun expanding the celebration to a month, and by the 1960s, demands for proper Black history education spread across the country. Kent State's Black United Students proposed the idea of a Black History month in 1969 and celebrated the first event in February 1970. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976 during the US bicentennial. 

The excellent history site BlackPast has a full biography of Carter Woodson and the origins of Black History Month. 

Visit a Black or African American history museum

Almost every state in the US has a Black history museum or African American heritage site. The country's first and oldest is the Hampton University Museum in Hampton, Virginia. Like many other museums, it offers a virtual tour and online exhibits.

One of the most famous of these museums is the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. The museum, which is located steps away from where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, allows you to sit with Rosa Parks on the bus that inspired the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955, among many other powerful exhibits.

African-American heritage sites include historic parks and other significant locations and monuments in Black history. Some of the most popular include Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas, the epicenter of US school desegregation. You could also consider visiting the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta.

If there's no museum or heritage site near you, keep an eye out for the Black History Mobile Museum, which traverses the country all month and through the summer. Throughout February you can find the mobile museum in several states, starting in New Jersey on Feb. 1 and making its way through 12 other states. See the full list of 2023 tour dates here. 

Learn about Black music history by listening online

Marley Marl and Mr. Magic were superstar rap DJs for WBLS FM in the 1980s. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

From spirituals and blues to the rise of jazz, R&B and hip hop, Black music has been entwined with American culture for centuries. 

There are lots of ways to learn about and experience the power of Black American music online. One of the most extensive and free resources is the Black Music History Library, created by Jenzia Burgos. The compendium includes an array of Black music sources, with links to music samples, full recordings and interviews, as well as books and articles.

Another remarkable Black music website is the #312 Soul project. Originally launched as a month-long series on Chicago's Black music from 1955 to 1990, the site publishes original stories from Chicago residents about their personal experiences creating and enjoying Black music.

For snapshots of Black music between 1982 and 1999, check out the Hip Hop Radio Archive, a collection of radio show recordings from commercial, college and independent hip-hop stations. Of particular note are classic radio shows from New York City's WBLS, featuring Rap Attack with Marley Marl and Mr. Magic.

Online streaming music services also curate collections for Black History Month -- Spotify has an extensive collection of Black music in its Black History is Now collection. Tidal and Amazon Music also include special Black music collections on their services.

Support Black-owned businesses and restaurants

Becoming a customer of local Black businesses helps protect livelihoods and supports Black entrepreneurs.

If you aren't sure which businesses in your area are owned and operated by your Black neighbors, several resources can help. Start off by learning how to find Black-owned restaurants where you live. 

Several directories have now been created to highlight and promote Black businesses. Official Black Wall Street is one of the original services that list businesses owned by members of the Black community.

Support Black Owned uses a simple search tool to help you find Black businesses, Shop Black Owned is an open-source tool operating in eight US cities, and EatOkra specifically helps people find Black-owned restaurants. Also, We Buy Black offers an online marketplace for Black businesses.

The online boutique Etsy highlights Black-owned vendors on its website -- many of these shop owners are women selling jewelry and unique art pieces. And if you're searching for make-up or hair products, check CNET's own list of Black-owned beauty brands.

Donate to Black organizations and charities

Donating money to a charity is an important way to support a movement or group, and your monetary contribution can help fund programs and pay for legal costs and salaries that keep an organization afloat. Your employer may agree to match employee donations, which would double the size of your contribution -- ask your HR department.

Nonprofit organizations require reliable, year-round funding to do their work. Rather than a lump sum, consider a monthly donation. Even if the amount seems small, your donation combined with others can help provide a steady stream of funds that allows programs to operate.

Here are some non-profit organizations advancing Black rights and equal justice and supporting Black youth:

Black Lives Matter 

NAACP 

Thurgood Marshall College Fund 

Color of Change 

Black Girls Code 

The Black Youth Project

Attend local Black History Month events

Many cities, schools, and local organizations will host events celebrating Black History Month in February 2022. Check your local newspaper or city website to see what events are happening in your area -- for example, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Baltimore and Louisville, Kentucky, have extensive events planned this month.

If you can't find anything in your area or don't want to attend events in person, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, is offering a handful of online Black History Month events throughout February.

Watch Black history documentaries and movies

Black is King is an elaborately staged musical directed, written and produced by Beyoncé. Disney

You can find movies and documentaries exploring the Black experience right now on Netflix, Disney Plus and other streaming services. 

The CNET staff has compiled a selection of feature films and documentaries for Black History Month 2023, including the wonderful Summer of Soul and Black is King. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu all have special collections of streaming movies and shows for Black History Month.

PBS also offers several free video documentary collections, which include smaller chunks of Black history for all ages. The collections include subjects like the Freedom Riders, the 1963 March on Washington and the Rise and Fall of Jim Crow.

Find Black authors and stories for yourself and your children

There are so many great books written by Black authors you should read -- not only during Black History Month but all year round. So, where do we start? Try your local library. Many will have Black History Month collections for both adults and kids.

Libraries will also often have Black History Month book recommendations by age. The San Diego Public Library, the Detroit Public Library and DC Public Library, for example, have programs and collections to browse for adults and children.

Next, try Black booksellers. The Noname Book Club, dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, has compiled a list of Black-owned bookshops across the US. The club also highlights two books a month by writers of color.

Dive deeper into Black history with online resources

The National Archives includes many primary resources from Black history in America. Rowland Sherman/National Archives

You can find remarkable Black history collections on government, educational and media sites. One of the best is the aforementioned BlackPast, which hosts a large collection of primary documents from African American history, dating back to 1724.

The National Archives also hosts a large collection of records, photos, news articles and videos documenting Black heritage in America. The expansive National Museum of African American History & Culture's Black History Month collection is likewise full of unique articles, videos and learning materials.

The New York Times' 1619 Project tracks the history of Black Americans from the first arrival of enslaved people in Virginia. The Pulitzer Center hosts the full issue of The 1619 Project as a PDF file on its 1619 Education site, which also offers reading guides, activity lessons and reporting related to the project.

You can buy The 1619 Project and the children's picture book version -- The 1619 Project: Born on the Water -- as printed books.