#sometimes you waste two hours making an edit you despise and then spend another hour and a bit making a far better one

[ghostsandmirrors]

i don't wanna know who i am, 'cause heaven only knows what i'll find. i don't wanna know i'm not capable of coming out alive. i don't wanna see what's inside. i think i would rather be blind. i don't wanna know i'm not capable, i'm capable.

- it's alright by mother mother —

@superboyandtheinvisiblegirls sent 🎨for a bucky and catalina aesthetic or mood collage.

— original images catalina: [x] | [x] | [x] | [x] | [x] | [x] bucky: [x] | [x] | [x] | [x] | [x] | [x]

texture credits! n/a

[ratsoh-writes]

✨howdy!✨

alrighty, let's do this.

i would say i'm pretty chill, that is ofc, when you get to know me. i wouldn't say i'm rude to strangers, but i no doubt come off as either mean, bratty, or intimating if you happen to glace over at whatever me and my friends are doing without context. i'm a high-key shit disturber, and usually spend my time doing whatever i want, whenever i want. human lives are short y'know? gotta complete that bucket list sooner or later. i love bullshit banter with my friends, most people who watch us have a perfectly civil discussion probably think we hate eachother. i do have a love/hate relationship with cringe content and weird fanfiction.

i adore horror games and movies, especially the stupid ones that make no sense and have horrible editing. i have an iron stomach when it comes to food servings, and DESPISE when people waste food. it isn't a deal breaker, i'm cool with finishing plates at restaurants because other people can't. just don't intentionally throw out half a burger infront of me. i'm basically a human trashcan. y'know those awful food combo's kids make at lunch? like banana bits, mayonnaise, mustard and milk? yeah i used to eat those as a kid for money.

i'm one of those dumbasses who will refuse a dare but can't say no to a triple dog dare. y'know, like an idiot.

i'm not picky and wouldn't mind being matched with one of your non-skele characters.

flaws:

a total dumbass i trust to easily and get hurt by it.

hypocritical, i constantly nag my friends to take care of themselves while forgetting to do the same.

memory, i have shit memory, (half genetics half accident) and can't remember a lot of things, like names upon first meetings. possibly even second or third. i could get jumped and wouldn't be able to tell their faces later.

. . .

strengths:

the place i grew up wasn't too friendly, but that means I'm rather tough, emotional and physically! i learned to be protective of my friends and those who can't defend themselves. though most of your boys could most definitely take me in a fight. i usually have an arm or something on my friends shoulder or leaned up against them in public simply because it makes me feel as if they need me. although this has put me on edge, so no sudden grabbing or i'll punch you on reflex.

cooking, though i'm no gordan ramsey. i can make rather decent warm meals that serve their purpose. i'm house person material. (most of my money comes from commissions.)

optimism, though i am quite realistic, i can't help but assume the world means good, i just grew up in the wrong place. i always give people second chances and genuinely want the best for everyone in fights. which is both good and bad.

. . .

hobbies:

anything! i'm always down to do whatever my friends are doing though i do have a passion for art and writing. currently working on a game and think it would be neat to stay up with my S/O if they have a lot of work and keep them company while working on the game and commissions.

physical description:

quite tall if i do say so, still around 5'9, 5'10ish. blonde messy hair. my blue eyes have dulled in color over the years and look rather grey. i have bags (which pisses me off because i get like 17 hours of sleep, the day night cycle means nothing to me). a bit on the chubby side, but not by much. my legs are probably my most attractive feature, very long. i also got large thighs. thick thighs save lives fellas.

lover qualities:

my love language is physical touch. both with S/O's and friends. i would be down to pick my S/O and carry them around for no other reason than 'hehe small' i don't have any dealbreakers. i don't mind being the shorter or taller one. i adore listening to people rant about anything and everything they enjoy. please rant to me about science stuff i'm too dumb to understand you look adorable doing it. expect me to drop by your workplace to bring you a lunch and hugs. and if it's the mafia's my answer remains the same. i've been lucky enough to survive a lot of "how did i even get here" situations. if my S/O is also a shit disturber expect a lot of night time shit disturbing. classic romantic scene of me throwing them over my shoulder to escape horribly executed ideas. i would prefer for my S/O's family/friends to like me so that's something i will most definitely work on when i figure out i have a crush. asking them out would probably be a love letter and muffins left at their door.

✨

Ok! You can fit quite a few guys, but I think the best match here is……….SLIM (mafiaswap papyrus)!

Slim is a certified babysitter. He’s the most likely ally when it comes to wrangling in cash and bruiser. Your dumb-*serum stands no chance against his logic and supreme cover up skills lol

Another thing that he would live about you is how you have a thick skin and aren’t afraid to stand up for your friends. Strength is something all the mafias admire, but slim especially. He wants a SO that will go up to the cashier and tell them he ordered no pickles. In return, slim will take out anyone who tries messing with you ;)

You’re gonna be pretty shocked at just how much of an attention hog he is after dating. Slim can be pretty clingy and will happily go along with whatever crazy plans you come up with if it means spending time with you

Hun, you can pick him up anytime. He’ll absolutely love being slung over your shoulder. Even if his brothers tease him for it.

Something he appreciates a lot is you staying up with him while he works. Due to his night owl hours, sometimes his work days are pretty lonely.

Two other choices were butch and bruiser.

[coupsdecoeurs-blog]

BTS : An Ode to those “Go too far shippers”

Note to self* : Things I'd like to say to BTS "go-too-far shippers" (the rest of you, you're doing absolutely nothing wrong and YOU WILL know reading me that you're not from that disgusting bunch, there will be no doubts, don't worry ! Innocent fantasy is harmless. THAT is not) :

 Here's a list of what you have to be doing to be considered a "Go-too-far shipper" :

 - FORGETTING that BTS members are REAL HUMAN PEOPLE BEING  and not characters from a TV Show or a book or a fudging YAOI. Actually, I'm a hundred percent SURE that you're not new to that kind of fanatism. Let me make a wild guess here : Marvel Universe ? Sherlock ? Supernatural ? Shadowhunters ? Yeaaaaah you know who you are.

- Loosing your precious time editing super long videos to analyse and prove without-a-doubt-omg-you're-so-smart-and-insightful-you-must-be-an-INFJ that your ship is the realest of all ships. It's a freaking Zodiac Boat, it's sailing so fast ! You guys... are loosing sleep over some 1 second footage slowed to the infinite and beyond of member n°7's left eye twitching (but be careful, if you blink, you'll miss it !) when member n°5 looked in his general direction. That proves it right ! I'm telling you ! But... but what is that ? Another shipper used the EXACT same footage to prove that member n°5 is actually doing this to make member n°6 jealous ! Look look ! N°6's fingers moved... slightly when that happened.

You should actually try to watch yourselves on camera. You'd be shipping yourselves with your father.

Plus, this is so creepy guys, watching them for hours, trying to decypher their micro expressions, looking for a sign, omitting what you don't want to see because it's convenient. But you know what ? BTS members get itchy, think about the weather, are sensitive to noise, their crew facing them during interviews, making gestures to tell them "we're running out of time", they have food between their teeth, they get BORED because they don't understand what's being said during english interviews... a thousand stimuli that would justify their eyes twitching better than your theories ever could.

- Actually SENDING the links of your shipping videos, or even worse : pornographic fanart TO BTS via Twitter or else ! You know they are active on social media, your know they go to YouTube, Twitter, Instagram... Do you ever ask yourselves : "Did I go too far with this fanart of member n°6 and member n°7 doing anal ?" And then you put it ON THE FREAKING INTERNET !

Would you like it if someone draw you and one of your friend that you like ONLY as a friend because he is not your type (aka he is not a member of Bangtan) together doing graphic sexual stuff.  These 7 men grew up together, are living together, are really close... Why on Earth would they want to see a drawing of themselves in a sexual situation with one of their bandmates. Why ? Think about it, try to have EMPATHY for once (you know, that thing you all think you have tons of), put yourself in their shoes, and tell me you wouldn't be bothered to come across such drawings of yourselves and... let's say your brother ? Your father ? Your sister ? Your best friend ? Your co-worker ? And on top of that, on your Twitter feed, for everyone to see. Wouldn't that be embarrassing ? No of course, BTS would be admiring the likeness, the finess of the details and the liveliness of the art. They are not human after all.

                                                 They're Idols !

- Linking EVERYTHING they do to your ship.

               Do you think they are THAT single minded ?

That the only thing in their mind at all time is their "boyfriend/bandmate/that-guy-they-spend-their-lives-with-because-it's-their-job" ? Just to be clear... when you are in love (if you've ever been), do you stop LIVING when the object of your affection is not on your mind ? Is it always ? Do you forget your other hobbies ? Like, if all of you fall in love at the same time, will you stop editing those hour long creepy videos ? PLease, let me know, I know one or two dating app that would make tumblr and Youtube a better place !

BTS youngest member is 21 YEARS OLD. None of them is a prepubescent teenager with raging hormones, with no self control and with only making his "boyfriend" jealous as his goal for the day. Yikes ! Let's not forget they are Kpop idols, which mean they are hightly trained (conditioned ?) to control themselves, their emotions etc. to FOCUS on their job. And besides, do you really, trully believe they have nothing better to do during promotion ? Because, let's face it guys (and I know you'll not like this but brace yourselves) : BTS are ALWAYS doing promotion. They are never truly natural. I'm not saying they are not genuine, I love them as much as you do, and I'm respecting them as mu... wait. MORE than you do, because I'm not actively trying to shove a relationship in their faces while they are working their asses off all day long to offer me quality content, music, MV's, while also trying to live their lives.

   Maybe that face twitching was sadness. But that doesn't mean it's because they fought with bae this morning.

- Making EVERYTHING sexual. That's it. This is the WOOOORST thing you do.

Exemple I : "Oh lord ! Member n°5 licked his lips. Totally obvious. He was thinking about member n°7, sending him signals. They are totally doing it tonight *insert the giggle of a pervert*

Exemple II : "Hhh ! Member n°2 gulped while looking at n°1. He is so thirsty today !"

Exemple III: " Wow ! N°5's hand is on n°3's shoulder. So erotic. He is actually so subtle, but they know eachother so well. N°3's in for it backstage !"

Exemple IV : "N°4 looked at n°6's lips ! I saw him ! It means he wants to kiss him ! I read it on an article titled "How to know if he's into you" from a... scientific magazine. About body language."

Exemple V : "His legs ACTUALLY twitched, he is such a hoe ! I'm sure he has a boner !" (Like guys, you think I'm exaggerating ? Think again.)

...AAAAaaand sceene.

Once again, try paying attention to every little move your body make during the day. Every time you lick your lips, every time you sigh. Every time your eyes land on a "so called" inappropriate place of your interlocutor's body (yeah ! I know you've been watching your history teacher's ass, you hoe ! Thirsty much ?).

      Apply the same logic you do watching BTS members interact, and you'll be thrilled to know that you're sexually                   attracted to your dog. Congratulations !

 - Calling them "hoes", "thirsty"... this is plain insulting. Why, just... why ? I have nothing more to say.

 - Insulting and criticizing shippers that have a different OTP than you. Like, being verbally violent sometimes ... over a-freaking-fantasy of a couple that only exists in your sick mind ! LOOK AT YOURSELVES ! Look in a mirror !

                                 You're the same ! All of you !

Why not put your microscopic differences aside, and celebrate what you have in common : CREEPINESS ! You are all so tolerent, accepting differences, bla blah blah... let's not break our own words and stick to your script, shall we ? Some other BTS fan is creepy, but not exactly creepy-like-you ? Let them be creepy their own way ! Your OTP is [57] ? Theirs is [58] ? Not a problem ! At the end of the day, it's all in your head ;)

- Talking about things you know nothing about, or very little. I've mentionned this earlier.

Are you Korean ? Do you have a Ph.D in Korean culture ? No ? 

So please, stop talking about such things as "the use of honorifics", "skinship", "the way Korean think about same sex relationships", "compliments between males", "fan service"...

Like, seriously you hate on this heteronormative society that we live in, but you are interpreting every single thing BTS does the wame way you actively despise, ho-so-western of you : "They graze eachother's hands, they're gay ! Proof ! They call eachother handsome : Gay ! Physical affection : Gay ! Impressed by a muscular body ? Gay ! You trully are a product of this toxic society you despise. And btw, if member n°5 does a peace sign and tounge to someone (*cough* a fangirl in the audience *cough*) during a choreography, does that mean... that his boyfriend has in fact a vagina, and that he was doing it for him to excite him in secret code ? No ? Do I hear "fan service" ? I thiiiiiink soooo... But wait, does that mean... That in one way or the other, your simple logic doesn't apply to every situation ? (If you are interested to know, one of BTS members actually did what I've just depicted during a choreography on stage. One of my favorite fancams EVER.)

Anyway : You're not defending any minority behaving like that. You're just adding fuel to the fire. Am I insulting you yet ?

Do you have psychic abilities ? Are you Dr. Cal Lightman from Lie to Me ? No ? So please, stop making assumptions about one facial expression or the involuntary twitching of leg muscles.

Are you a pervert ? Are you dangerously-obsessive-but-lying-to-yourself-by-telling-you-this-is-romantic ? Are you living by proxy ? Are you so focused on the sex life of 7 men - that would find that extremely horrible if they knew you btw - you completely forget to live your own life and experience things ? Yes ? Oh.

                                                        Oops!

 Let's recapitulate :

- Forgetting that they are real people, and not fictional characters but treating them as such, because hey ! They're famous, they must WANT the attention.

- Editing creepy videos, and actually believing you're raising awareness with your borderline psychic skills at decoding body language. Seriously, you're so sensitive, I'm amazed you're able to have friends, because you see everything : that is your curse.

- Thinking every single member of Bangtan is a single-minded teenage boy in love, incapable of controlling his impulses. Of course he'll waste his time during an interview to try and make his boyfriend jealous. How fun ! Making the person you love jealous. Haha. So intelligent and useful. Just like in that Tv Show you love. You know, the one with the toxic relationships and immature characters !

- Sending fanart to BTS. They're probably used to it, so why not taking your chances and trying to get their attention ! They might even like the picture of themselves giving a BJ to their bro. Aegyooooo !

- Making everything sexual. Not something unhealthy to do. Not at all. Again, so fun !

- Calling the artists you love cute names such as "hoe". Adorable.

- Discriminating shippers that aren't sharing your OTP. You're a pot. They're a kettle. But nobody's black, oh god no !

- Using Google to validate your theories, be it for body language or Korean culture. Everybody reacts the same way to the same things, true fact !

Anyway, that's all for today ! Please feel free to comment, and tell me how much you think I'm right, that you too have been aggravated by those "Go-too-far shippers". That you haven't been fast enough either to buy a ticket to the concert in your country, so you would love it if you could go on tumblr to find new pictures of Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jungkook because you love them all (ALL 7 of them, thank you) but without accidently reading a post about "n°6 and n°7 sitting in a tree. F-U-C-K-I-N-G". If you are tired, like me, please share this post and comment below ! Even I you know, just like I know, that it wll not whange annyhing. But Damn if it felt good writing it !

Thank  you !

[theelderswear]

Men Among Wolves: Chapter One

This is the first chapter of my fanfic, based on this post by @asktheboywholived . A huge thank you to @justasmall-obscurial​ for editing this because I fucking suck at writing. *finger guns* 

Prologue   ~   Chapter Two

“Sirius, get back here!” shouted Bellatrix, running after her younger cousin.

He was dodging her, moving between the stalls in the market in an attempt to avoid her rage. Not five minutes prior, Sirius had placed a spider by her face and told her that they could be twins. Bellatrix, unfortunately had not taken too kindly to the obvious compliment, and was now attempting to strangle the living daylights out of him.

The crowd was seemingly against her, people parting like sheep to let Sirius pass, whereas no such favour was granted to Bellatrix. “Get out of my way.” she growled, shoving them aside.

But it was too late. Sirius had already circled around to the palace, and was now in the protection of the guards. The future heir’s safety was paramount, and not even Bellatrix was an exemption to the rule of ‘do not touch’.

She gave a frustrated shout, kicking at the dirt on the ground. Those around her decided it would be a good idea to give her some space. “This is all your fault, you-” she yelled towards the gate, hoping Sirius would hear her.

“Bellatrix,” a quiet voice came from behind her.

Whipping around, she was met first with an abundance of blond hair, and then pale skin and bright blue eyes. “Narcissa,” she seethed, her hand twitching.

Narcissa saw this, and reached out to pull her inside. Bellatrix was not one to be handled, however, and moved out of her sister’s grasp. “I can walk myself.”

Bellatrix stalked inside while Narcissa followed closely behind, checking over her shoulder frequently. “You have to be more careful, Bella,” she hissed once the door was closed.

“I know that. But Sirius-”

“Will be dealt with appropriately. We have to maintain our image.”

Scowling, Bellatrix grabbed a nearby vase and whipped it at the wall, shouting in anger. Narcissa moved to calm her sister,but both froze when they heard Walburga.

“Can someone explain to me why my favourite vase is on the floor in pieces?”

She had aged rather well in the past six years, with very little grey painted into her hair. Her face was miraculously wrinkle free, considering the stress of raising Sirius and running an entire empire at the same time. Walburga looked elegant, as usual, but that didn’t mean that her piercing gaze was any less terrifying.

“Sirius irritated Bella, yet again.” Narcissa supplied, shooting Walburga a small smile.

Bellatrix scoffed, “He teased me. He won’t learn, aunty.”

Walburga sighed, walking towards the two. “Have I not told you many times before that I would handle it? That you should simply come to me?”

“Yes, but-”

“But nothing.” Walburga corrected. “You know our intentions for you and Sirius. If you can’t learn to handle him, then I can’t teach him to respect you. He plays off of your reactions. You amuse him when you get irritated. So don’t amuse him.”

Although very obviously not pleased with what she’d been told, Bellatrix gave a curt nod before stalking off to her room. The two remaining women watched as she left, with the older one shaking her head. “She’s eight years older then him, and yet she still acts like they’re the same age.”

“Do you really intend to marry them?” Narcissa asked, turning to look at her aunt.

Walburga nodded, facing her niece. “They are the eldest. We must keep the bloodline pure, and though they despise each other, it must be done. For the good of the empire.”

“For the good of the empire.” Narcissa echoed, knowing what that meant.

Hard decisions had to be made every day. The empire had to be protected, and sometimes one had to do unpleasant things for it.

On the other side of the palace, Sirius laughed as he entered his room. He moved to pull off his shirt, but was interrupted by a cough from his couch.

Whipping his head around, Sirius saw his second youngest cousin, Andromeda, sitting calmly. “Andy!” he exclaimed. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“You know exactly what, cousin. Don’t think I didn’t find the rat you left in Bellatrix’s room, or the pile of dung on Narcissa’s floor.” Andromeda shot him a look of pure scolding.

Sirius merely rolled his eyes. “And I suppose you cleaned it all up? You always spoil my fun, Andy.”

Andromeda scoffed, standing and walking over to the door. “I don’t spoil your fun, I protect you from getting yourself hexed. Bellatrix will only put off murdering you for the image of the family , and even that can only last for so long. I’d be very careful if I were you.” And with that she left.

Sirius snorted, kicking off his sandals and relaxing on his bed. “Me. In serious trouble. As if.”

“Maria’s back.” Gaius called from outside of Remus’ tent.

Remus let out a sound of acknowledgement, more focused on the map in front of him then what was being said.

“Remus, did you hear me?”

So caught up in his plans, Remus hadn’t heard Gaius sneak up behind him, and jumped about a foot in the air when a strong hand clapped on his shoulder. “Gods, Gaius, you frightened me.” Letting out a sigh, he rolled up his map. “I’m afraid I didn’t, no.”

Gaius let out a hearty chuckle, ruffling up Remus’ hair. “Maria’s returned.”

Over the past six years, Gaius hadn’t changed much. He’d lost a chunk of his lower lip, grown a beard, and his hair was going grey at the temples. His muscles and scars had doubled, but as intimidating as he looked, Remus knew he was quite soft on the inside.  

Hearing the good news, Remus rushed outside, finding a group of people surrounding the older woman. “Maria!” he shouted, gaining her attention.

She fought through the crowd to get to her protege, swatting away hands who reached out for her satchel. “No, not for you!”

“Remus, it’s always a pleasure to see you. Now, tell me, where has our fearless leader hidden himself?”

There was no excessive affection with her. Maria never wasted time getting to the point.

Gesturing to Romulus’ tent, Remus walked his mentor towards the leader of their pack. “He’s been in there for a few days now, planning.”

Entering the tent, Romulus was pouring over a large map of the city that had been stuck down with various knives. There were small stones with markings in them: ‘W’ for the wolf pack, ‘B’ for members of the Black empire. It was his way of planning attacks and keeping them from getting wiped out with a miscalculation.

Or, at least, that’s what he told the others. Only Maria, Gaius and usus were allowed to move the rocks. Romulus was only there to rally the pack and recruit other wolves, as he was an excellent speaker.

“Don’t look at that just yet. I have some information for the others that might warrant a change in plan.”

Romulus turned around, a grin spreading across his face as he saw his friend. “Maria! Good to see you! It’s been too long.”

As he pulled her into an embrace, Maria protested his statement. “Only one moon, Romulus. It wasn’t like last time.”

The mood was tense as they remembered how long Maria was gone the time before. Five months, and she returned with two fingers missing. “I told you to be more careful,” Gaius had whispered, patching her up, “The Carrows are not forgiving in the least.”

“But let’s not dwell on that. Romulus, I’d like you to leave, if you don’t mind, and send the other two in.” Maria began pulling out supplies as the two men walked off. “Not you, Remus. I’d like you to stay today.”

Romulus and Remus looked at each other in surprise before Remus shrugged and walked back. “Any particular reason?” he asked, leaning on the table.

“Not much. Only…” Maria took in a deep breath.

“Only what?” Remus felt wary, sensing bad news.

“I think that in maybe six moons or so, I’m going to step down.”

Remus’ eyes widened in shock. Of all the things he thought she’d say, he did not expect that. “But, you’re the best we’ve got.”

Maria shook her head. “My job can be taught. Which is why you’re here now. You will take my place.”

Nodding slowly, Remus accepted her decision. It wasn’t his to make, after all, and if Maria was truly stepping down, then it was the only viable option. “What led you to make this choice?” he asked, curious.

“A multitude of things. I’m not as young as I used to be, and running around all the time is taking a much higher toll than it used to.. You, Remus, have the potential to do so much greater than I ever could, and you have the young body to do it. My encounter with the Carrows made me realize just how dangerous it is, going out and collecting information. I don’t think that it’s the right job for me anymore, not now that I’m…”

Maria glanced down at the ring on her finger. She had recently gotten engaged to another member of the pack, and they were to be married soon. “I don’t want Lainus to wake up one morning with the news that I’ve died hundreds of miles away, and he could do nothing to stop it.”

Remus gave a sound of agreement, and placed his hand on hers. “I look forward to learning from you, Maria.”

Gaius and Marius sauntered in, dissipating the tense mood between Remus and Maria. “Let’s get down to business, my friends.” Marius proclaimed, clapping his hands together.

It was several hours before they retired to their respective tents. Finally alone, Remus ran through the plans over and over in his head.

In a week's time, a group of men from the south would be coming to the city with weapons. A a small group would head one way to cause a distraction, while a slightly larger one would head south shortly thereafter to interrupt the supply and steal the weapons. They would spend the next week to go through the plan with a fine toothed comb, as well as choose who would be going. The day before, they would tell Romulus who would tell the pack.

Remus was to stay behind and look after everyone else. It was impossible to know just how secure the area was, so having someone Romulus trusted staying to defend was a relief.

He knew Gaius would be part of the group manning the distraction. “Draw as much attention to yourself as possible. Once you’ve finished, send up a smoke signal. We’ll know then that it’s time to attack.” Maria had said, moving around some rocks on the map.

She was going, for once, as this was an important attack.They couldn’t afford any mistakes so close to the city. Marius, their man on the inside, couldn’t be seen by anyone from the Black empire. He always snuck out of the city and made sure his tracks were covered when he entered their region.

Remus sighed as he put away his plates. No use dwelling on what was to come. It would happen the way it was destined, the way the gods willed it to. Nothing he could do would change that.

As he settled in for the night, Remus thought about Maria’s situation. Her declaration had seemed odd, but he supposed she knew best. He just hoped that her fiancée wasn’t forcing her into anything, otherwise Lainus would find Remus’ fist uncomfortably familiar.

That thought was what accompanied him as he drifted into a dreamless sleep.

AN: Tada! Chapter one... yeh... Not much to say... *crickets*

[the-record-columns]

May 22, 2019: Columns

It ain't bragging...

By KEN WELBORN

Record Publisher

Last week was interesting to say the least. 

I received a call from a young lady named Hope who is a Media-Journalism student at UNC-Chapel Hill.  Hope was in town with several other students doing a project to interview 15 different people/businesses for a film/internet class.  She was given my name by Deb Beckel at the Wilkes County Library, and I am surely thankful that Deb did so.

I will be doing a lot more on the young lady when the project has been finalized and can be accessed for all to see, but today I want to share just a bit of what went on.  Among the questions about The Record and about my apartment, The Mayflower, was what was my favorite thing in the entire place—if I had to pick just one.

"I suppose you mean besides me?" I answered, then followed with, "The stick."  I further explained that I had "...the neatest stick since the one Moses tossed down in front of pharaoh."

There is no picture with this piece because it wouldn't really help a bit.  What I am after is for folks to ask me about it when they stop by, because sometimes I don't think to bring it out—either I am fogged up or get sidetracked by something, but, when I remember, I do truly love to tell the story of the stick.

All this brings me to an amazing visitor I had late Monday.  A young man named Noah came by and introduced himself as one of the 15 students in town to do the interviews I mentioned earlier, noting that he was fortunate enough to get to do the piece on Perry Lowe Orchards.  He then went on to say that, while they were all editing and working on their individual  film pieces, he was taken by my statement about the "...the neatest stick" and said he had to see it before he left town on Tuesday.

Well, I gave him the entire two-dollar version of the story of how I came into possession of the stick, and, in due time, he had the opportunity to see for himself what the big deal was all about.

The stick was, of course, as advertised and he was completely blown away.  He asked me a bunch of questions about its origin and what not, some of which I knew the answers to, but the "How did they do that?" question remains unanswered—at least by me.

After a bit, Noah began to look around and it turns out that he is a true history buff, and was amazingly aware of many of the time frames and circumstances of many of the things I have on display.  He was, as I like to say, easily the best part of my day,

In due time (about an hour and half) he shook my hand and left.  I immediately went to the back office to tell our Editor, Jerry Lankford, about the amazing kid I had just been talking with.  After about two minuites, I heard the bell on the front door of the office.  When I walked out front to see who had come in, it was Noah again—with another of the group of UNC students who was in town for the project.

"Mr. Welborn," he began, "This is Chris; he did the story on Ken Crouse, the mushroom guy; and you have to tell him about "the stick."  The three of us had a wonderful time together until I absolutely had to leave for my Rotary meeting.    

I love to do "show and tell" about the stick, and I am especially pleased when someone comes through the door with a friend or relative asking that they get to hear about it as well.

Now,  before some of you, who are skeptics about everything, think that this is some kind of scam, and that perhaps the line "...the neatest stick since the one Moses tossed down in front of pharaoh" is a bit much, or even just not so, I quote now from the sage philosopher Jay Hanna "Dizzy" Dean, 1910-1974.  Dean, in addition to being the aforementioned sage philosopher, was a professional baseball player and later a television announcer of baseball games.  While he is not quoted nearly as often as Yogi Berra, he is attributed a couple of lines which fit perfectly when it comes to me—and my claims about the stick. 

It goes like this:  "It ain't bragging if it's the truth."  And, its related quote, "It ain't bragging if you can do it."

     Well said, Dizzy.

     Come see me—and call my bluff.

All you need is love (Or, the ripple effect)

By HEATHER DEAN

Record Reporter

Random acts of kindness, I find, are not usually that random at all.

We are kind because we know it is the right thing to do. We don’t have to hold the door open for someone, pause to let another person wiggle their car in front of us in 5 o’clock rush hour traffic, or say please and thank you. Yet, most of us do automatically, even when upset at a situation, because that’s good manners.

One of the things I despise most is a person yelling at wait staff, or loudly complaining because their food is taking too long, then not leaving a tip. I saw that specific scenario go down more than a few times last Sunday, as places were jam packed for Mother’s Day. Of all the days to be short-tempered, this was not it. I mean, what do you expect? You can’t take Mother out on any other day, except a commercialized holiday that you are expected to go on, and then take the long wait times out on the one person that has no control over the situation? (And by the way, is only making $2.13 an hour- the minimum wage for wait staff.) The absolute lack of kindness and love I saw on Sunday after the special Mother’s Day church services was completely revolting. But I digress…

Point being, I suppose, that we could all use a little more love and kindness in our lives. My favorite part of social media, is watching the videos of good-deed-doers, from the children feeding the homeless in a cape, to those saving animals. And while love doesn’t always make everything better, especially for those of us who have lost it, you never know whose perspective you’re going to change, in the ripple of kindness that you make, not so randomly. “No act of kindness, however small, is wasted” says Aesop.

So, there I was, in the madness of the early Monday morning post-kid-school-drop-off-pre-office-clock-in fast food line. It’s still a few days prior to pay day, so I had to keep my order within the $5 budget I had allotted myself, so that I would still have $5 for lunch. (Welcome to adult life folks. Paycheck to paycheck, that’s how we roll around here.) My total was $4.89. (Phew) As I drove up to the window, still in a pre-coffee daze, I was told the lady in front of me had paid for mine. I looked up, and she was watching me from her rearview. I smiled and waved, and she returned both.

Now, here’s the thing- I could have simply drove on at that point and enjoyed free breakfast. After all, it was her kind deed, not mine. I hadn’t planned on being nice to anyone, especially before coffee, so why would I be vested in an act of kindness not perpetuated by me? I could have chalked it up to providence that she happened to help a stranger in a tight spot, just when I needed it…

And this, my friends, is where our society at large has fallen through the cracks of humanity. I’m sure those reading this have a dozen people in your head right now that would have just taken the free gravy biscuit and run. And if you are one of those people, I hope you learn from this and do better.

But here’s what happened.

A wee bit panicked because I only had allotted $5 for myself, I asked how much the person’s was behind me; I was completely ready to hand her my entire $10 and skip lunch if only to keep the kindness going for one more person.

 The attendant responded “$3.75.” I happily handed her my $5. She smiled and said “Bless you. You don’t know how many times this happens, and no one pays it forward. People are so selfish these days. It’s so sad.”

As I drove forward, I glanced in my rearview mirror too see the gentleman behind me have the same surprised look on his face, wave and smile at me, then hand the attendant money for the person behind him.

Monetary crisis averted, karma points earned, and breakfast was had by all, and then some.

Keep the ripple of kindness going, if only for

One.

More.

Person.

 Israel:  It’s more than you think!

By EARL COX

Special to The Record

Those of you who read this column each week probably think I know a great deal about Israel.  I thought so, too, until this past weekend.  While spending quality time recently with my friend, Israeli Mayor Benny Kashriel from Ma’ale Adumim in Israel, I learned that the Israeli people are fulfilling their God-given mandate of being a light unto the nations.  

Out of only eight million people living in Israel, a country in the size of New Jersey which just celebrated its 70th birthday, Israel has more Nobel Prizes per capita than the United States, France and Germany. It has more laureates, in real numbers, than India, Spain and China.  How does such a small country whose population accounts for only 0.11 percent of the world’s population become such a laureate heavyweight?  By investing in their children and making certain they receive a quality education.  But education in Israel is far more than just memorizing facts and learning historical dates.  

Mayor Kashriel shared with me some very interesting facts about the system of education in his city.  For starters, children begin learning English in the third grade.  This prepares them to successfully engage in the world at large. In public schools, children are taught religion.  From this foundation, moral character is nurtured.  Children are taught to respect themselves and others which means misbehavior in the classroom is the exception while in America it seems to have become the norm.  

Beginning in elementary school, children are taught about cyber space and other scientific technologies.  But education is not just for the children.  The school system in Ma’ale Adumim also includes the parents.  Each month there are classes for the parents designed to teach them how to help their children succeed and how to help them stay out of trouble.  Teaching nutrition is also a priority.  In Mayor Kashriel’s city, children are not permitted to have soda or other sugary drinks in their thermos jugs. They are permitted only water.  In addition, those who bring their lunches are not permitted to have fatty lunch meats such as salami, pepperoni and so on.  They are encouraged to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds and cheese.  In Israel, there is no problem with childhood obesity or childhood diabetes.  Yes, it does exist but it is not an epidemic. Not by a long shot. 

When children reach high school, they are required to perform community service on a regular basis by working at the kindergarten, the senior center, the fire department, the hospital, and so on.  This instills in them the idea of giving back to society and once they enter the workforce, this idea stays with them and becomes a way of life.  

As is the way in Israel, children are taught to respect all life and to love their neighbors as they love themselves.  Doesn’t this have a familiar ring to it?  Contrast how and what Israeli children are taught with the education Palestinian children are receiving.  Israelis teach love and community service while the Palestinians teach hate and destruction.  Yes, Israel IS more than we think and to God be the glory!

Honoring Women in Service

By CARL WHITE

Life in the Carolinas

It’s been a great week in production. For several months we have been working on a special we have titled “Honoring Women in Service.”  Several of the women that are included in our interviews were attending the American Legion World Series in Shelby.

Upon realizing that there was a gathering that included so many of these incredible women we booked the historic Bankers House in Shelby as a venue for the interviews. Before long we had fully scheduled three days.  

I have conducted a lot of interviews over the years, and I remember many of them. However, I am confident that I will not forget the significance of the interviews with these women who have served our nation.

Denise Rohan served in the US Army and had the distinction of being the first female National Commander of the American Legion (2017-2018). The American Legion was founded March 15, 1919, and is the largest veteran’s organization in the United States with more than two million members.

Patricia A. Harris, a US Army Persian Gulf Combat veteran.  She was the first female commander at North Carolina’s American Legion Post 157, and she became the first female department commander in North  Carolina (2013-2014).

It was during her campaign to become the department commander that she discovered the beauty and charm of her own state. The time was right, and while it was a close race, she did become the first female and the first African American to be elected as N.C. department commander. While her WWII veteran father did not live to see that day, her mother who is now in her late 90’s did.

Carol Barker is a retired Air Force combat veteran who has a history of taking care of others. Her stories are profoundly moving, and she speaks openly about the complications of war that she witnessed and experienced. She served as the American Legion North Carolina department commander 2017-2018. Her willingness to talk candidly about living with PTSD and other issues faced by women and men in service will surely inspire hope for many.

Queen Williams served in the U.S. Airforce. Her story is one of inspiration. It would be a path opened by her hard work and dedication in the ROTC. At first, she was going to enlist, however for some reason she did not qualify. The ROTC did have a place for her, and as it turned out, it was the perfect fit for her to excel. She would go on to have a successful military career, and upon retirement, she would return to the ROTC to instruct and inspire others.

These are but of a few of the inspiring women we have interviewed, and I can already tell you that the richness of the stories is profound. We have talked with women who are now part of American history. The primary objective of this programming is to honor Women in Service and allow their voices to be heard.

We seldom have enough broadcast minutes to share every point. We were however honored to receive a 2019 Telly award for our “Honoring Women in Service” special. A lot of effort and creativity went into the project but it was the stories of these brave and humble women that carried the show.  

May we all remain grateful for those who serve our nation.

You can email Carl at Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com Carl White is the executive producer and host of the award winning syndicated TV show Carl White’s Life In the Carolinas. The weekly show is now in its seventh year of syndication and can be seen in the Charlotte viewing market on WJZY Fox 46 Saturdays at noon. For more on the show visit  www.lifeinthecarolinas.com You can also catch episodes of Life In The Carolinas on Amazon Prime