#that too one of them is the head of the newspaper editorial that im a part of and we're good friends | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

rosepetalmark · 6 years ago

Text

Not in the Stars

2.5k words

Renjun x Reader

warnings: alcohol mention

in which you plan to confess your love for your best friend to him at a party, but the universe has other plans in store for the both of you.

You like Renjun. A lot.

That was one sentence in your five years of friendship with Huang Renjun that you never thought you’d say to yourself, let alone admit to.

You don’t know where these feelings came from, but all you know is that they’re strong and on your mind twenty four seven. Everything he says and does captivates your mind, causing your feelings for him to grow even stronger.

It’s as if these feelings for him suddenly hit you like a brick one day. You were strictly best friends last week, and now you have these unexplainable deep feelings for him, eating you alive and begging for you to confess to him.

It’s not that you’re opposed to dating Renjun, it’s just that he’s been your best friend for several years and he means so incredibly much to you. You just don’t want to risk losing him or making things between you two weird if he doesn’t feel the same.

So you suppress your feelings. As long as you have Renjun as your best friend, that’s all that matters, right?

Jaemin always makes you second guess yourself, explaining that the dynamic duo that you and Renjun are would be ten times more incredible if you were dating. Since you’re already best friends and know everything about each other, why not date? Only bigger and better things can come from it he always says.

Although Jaemin makes strong points, you’re still scared Renjun will turn you away, mainly because you’re ninety nine percent certain that he only views you as a friend, nothing more and nothing less.

Yeah you have sleepovers and spend hours late at night talking on the phone with one another, but that’s what best friends do. If Huang Renjun has any feelings for you, you’re sure someone would have said something by now.

You get the typical stares from old people when you make your daily trek to school in the morning, him waiting outside your house for you at exactly seven forty two, smiling so bright the second you walk out your front door.

You constantly get mistaken as his girlfriend whenever you go out together on the weekend, which always causes a deep pink blush to appear on Renjun’s cheeks. He’s always quick to brush it off though, making it clear to everyone around you that you’re strictly best friends, and that neither of you view each other in that way.

Boy is he wrong.

Everything about Renjun makes your heart flutter, and that’s something that scares you.

For starters, he excels so well in school. For someone who spends eighty percent of his time doodling instead of taking notes, he aces every test and can recite every piece of information that’s been discussed in class with no problem.

He’s caring and funny, and so unapologetically himself. He takes you to art museums on your spare time, talks about the latest conspiracy that’s on his mind, and always insists you go for milkshakes every Sunday night.

And boy was he cute. The way he tilts his head all the way back and crinkles his eyes when he laughs makes your heart absolutely melt.

Huang Renjun makes you happy and positive and there’s nothing more in this world that you want than to hold his hand and kiss him in public, as well as call him your boyfriend so bad.

It wasn’t until you were out late with him, hanging out on the roof at Jeno’s house, trying to escape the loudness that was coming from inside. Jeno was throwing a kickback to celebrate the beginning of summer, something he does ever year, in which there’s always too many people inside, and you and Renjun find yourself on the roof trying to seek solace in the stars.

Renjun looked so ethereal in the moonlight. There was nothing more that you wanted to do than press your lips ever so gently against his, and hold his hand while staring up at the stars displayed so brightly above you both in the dark sky.

“What are you thinking about bubs?” Renjun asked, referring to the nickname he gave you when he found out that’s the name you gave your favourite stuffed rabbit when you were a child.

God the way his voice sounded in this moment made you weak. The tipsiness you both experienced earlier was wearing off, causing your lack of hydration to become present through your raspy voices.

But you don’t care. You’re with Renjun, and you are warm and comfortable and in love.

In love.

You’re in love with Huang Renjun and you can’t keep it in any longer.

Maybe this would be the best time to tell him. Every time you’re completely sober, you push the idea to the side, trying your best to forget your feelings for him even exist. What if Jun doesn’t feel the same? What if he does but months down the line you figure out you’re better off as friends, and then when you try to get back into your non-romantic routine, everything feels off? You always worry that things will go wrong and Renjun will eventually stop being your friend.

Not tonight though. Renjun looks gorgeous in the moonlight and the little bit of alcohol that remains in your system is acting as your source of encouragement, convincing you to confess to him right now and hope for the best outcome possible.

“Love,” you reply nonchalantly.

“Love?” he questions, staring back to you, seemingly surprised with your response.

“Yeah. Just wondering what the universe has in store for me, you know?” you ask, turning your body to face his direction, criss crossing your legs over one another. “The idea of love both intrigues me and freaks me out. It’s exciting anticipating what will come from it, but the fear of something going wrong down the line makes me not want to pursue it, you know?” you say, staring innocently into his eyes.

He cocks his head, an intrigued look falling on his face. He purses his lips, looking as if he’s going to say something, but remains silent.

You both remain in silence for the next several minutes, which causes your thoughts to wander. What if Renjun has caught on? Maybe he’s thinking of ways to turn you down gently. Or he’s trying to express that he somehow knows you’re talking about him, and he’s trying to do so in a similar manner.

But the silence is killing you, and you want nothing more than for Renjun to say something. Anything to get your thoughts to shut up, and your heart race to stop rapidly beating.

“I think you shouldn’t be scared of love,” he finally says.

Taking a deep breath, he looks off into the sky, admiring the many stars laying millions of miles away from you both. “I get that you never know what may come out of it, but I think it’s worth a shot to know you tried, and to experience something you’re not fully sure is going to work,” he speaks softly.

“Take a look at the universe for example. It’s so big and undiscovered, yet millions of people are fascinated by it. We’re obsessed with the stars and galaxies and the possibility of aliens- which I know for a fact exist by the way, yet we’re not afraid to spend our time discovering them and giving them our attention. I think of love in a similar manner. Yeah the thought seems so broad and scary, as there’s so many things to experience and discover, but I think it’s worth it. You’re only going to learn new things about yourself and life, so why not give it a shot?”

He clears his throat, and pays his attention back to you. He has a look of determination in his eyes, and that only makes you grow even more anxious.

“Aren’t you a wise expert on love, Mr. Huang,” you chuckle.

“Well what can I say? I do a lot of thinking on my spare time when I’m not bickering with you,” he laughs, positioning himself on his arms so he can get a better view of the night sky.

“Hey!” you shout, pushing onto his arm, causing him to lose his newly comfortable position and to fall on his back. “What are you thinking about Ren? You have this sour look on your face.”

“Well your idea of love got me thinking,” he says softly, staring into your eyes.

Nervousness takes over your body. You have no idea what he’s going to say, and every second of silence is eating you up.

“And?” you say abruptly, eager to know what he’s about to say.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a while now, and I don’t know, I never thought much of it because I’m a wimp, but I think I’m going to ask Yeri out” he confesses, a small smile forming on his face.

The mention of Yeri makes your heart sink. Yeri. He wants to ask out Yeri. Not you.

Of course he likes Yeri. What isn’t there to like about her? She’s really pretty and polite, and they’re both the editors of the school newspaper, so they spend a great amount of time with each other.

God this hurt.

“Oh really,” you respond, with a less enthusiastic tone replacing your prior happy one.

“Yeah. We’ve been getting to know each other a lot more ever since we got asked to do this editorial on the basketball team, and I think I may have feelings for her”

“Well, um I think you should go for it Renjun, “ you reply, looking off into the stars to help keep what’s happening off your mind. If you look into his eyes, you’re certain you’ll start crying.

If it’s not you, you’re glad he has an interest in a girl with a golden heart and personality.

“You think? What if she doesn’t like me?” he asks nervously, fiddling with the rings on his fingers.

“Like you said Ren, you never know what will come from love. Why not give it a shot if it’ll lead to potentially greater things not only within yourselves, but life in general? And if she ends up only seeing you as a friend, it’s okay. You’ll find someone one day who loves every part of you.”

And you can’t help but know deep down that that person is you. If Yeri rejects him, you’ll be right here to help him pick up the pieces, if not, you’ll still be here. As his best friend. Renjun deserves all the love and happiness the universe has to offer him, and despite being sad he shows no romantic interest in you, you’re glad he finds it in an amazing girl.

“Alright cool, I guess I’ll ask her out on Monday when we meet up to discuss the paper then.” he says, smiling to himself.

He looks so happy. Ecstatic even. You haven’t seen him smile this big since he won first place in your school’s art show.

“She’s here you know, at the party,” you say to him. “You should do it now.”

“You think?” he asks, eyes wide.

Renjun was never one to act on impulse. He’s a man with a plan, and always has to do things by the book or else he’ll lose his hair. He likes structure and time, a complete flip from your bold and impulsive self.

“Yeah, why not? You’re both here, you look really cute right now, and the stars are out in your favour, shining bright to provide you with the courage to do so.”

This makes Renjun smile. You’ve always been a help in boosting his confidence, and you’re glad to be of assistance in such a nerve-wracking yet exciting period in his life.

Standing up, he dusts the possible dirt off his legs. He crouches over, looking into your eyes and grabs your hand. “You’re the best y/n. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“As I with you,” you reply, a soft grin forming from your lips. “Now go downstairs and ask her out before she leaves.”

Standing back up, he begins walking to the door. “I’ll let you know how it goes!” he half shouts, pressing his hand to the door handle, and making his way back into the house.

You’re now left alone, on the rooftop, with just the stars and your thoughts.

Why didn’t you bring up your feelings to him sooner, you thought. Now you’re only left sad and alone, because you were too scared to tell your best friend you’re in love with him. Confessing to him seemed so perfect in your mind a couple minutes ago, but sadly the universe has other plans in store for you.

You decide to get comfortable and lie down, and begin to look at the constellations that are possibly present within the night sky. You can still hear the loud, most likely drunk people just a floor below you, and the vibration of the music hitting your body despite being away from the noise. But you don’t care. It’s just you and the sky, and you’re doing everything in your power to forget about the party below you, and to focus on the stars.

As you point out the orion in the sky, you feel a buzz in your back pocket, indicating that you’ve got a text. Reaching for it, you unlock your phone, and see a notification stating that Renjun messaged you. Pressing on the messages app, you click on his name and read the following:

jun bug: she said yes!! we’re going out on tueday after we’re done editing :) (2:17 AM)

“Yes.” Yeri said yes.

You’re happy for your best friend, but for yourself, you’re heartbroken. The possibility of dating him is now slim to none, especially since a potential girlfriend is in the mix, only making you more sad for yourself.

You make sure to reply quick, and in a way that’ll make him happy, and hopefully provide you with the positivity that everything will be okay.

y/n: i’m so happy for you ren <3 (2:18 AM)

As you press send, you feel the tears start to slide down your cheeks. You’re happy for him, you really are, but you can’t help but wish that things went differently, and that you were in Yeri’s position.

But as Renjun said before, love can be scary. It’s a learning experience, and if it doesn’t work out, you just need to take what you can from it, and hope for the best in the future.

So you’ll take his words, and you’ll try your best to move on.

It’ll be tough, but you hope to god that one day he’ll just be your best friend, and that this heartbreak won’t last with you forever.

#i wrote the majority of this in one shot and i'm pretty proud #this piece is one of my favs b/c it's really relatable and I just love how i depicted Renjun in this #hope you all enjoy #huang renjun #renjun scenarios #nct scenarios #nct dream scenario #nct angst #huang renjun scenario #nct fluff

195 notes · View notes

quietasides · 7 years ago

Text

Half of the Story

Career and Industry in Just Like You (part one)

I'm looking at the Just Like You video (now six months old) through a lens that shows me Louis stifled, his career stalled, his frustrations with the situation and his powerlessness—all expressed through metaphorical descriptions and careful editing in the way text is revealed in the video.

I believe there are few/no accidental coincidences within this video. I think the articles and images were chosen for their content, both partial and in whole. I also believe the video was made with the expectation there would be frame-by-frame scrutiny and so each frame is laid out/designed with deliberation. I gave closer attention to articles which appeared more than once.

note: I’ve edited quotes to remove words which appear irrelevant when wearing my biased lenses. Omissions are indicated by ellipses [...], while sentence fragments original to the frame cropping are indicated by an em-dash [—]. These are merely my observations.

“...We need to eliminate this notion that there's one neutral point of view...There is not one story – there are multiple stories to be told in multiple ways." (interview with director Sally Potter, first appearing at :22 and again multiple times during the lyric “you only get half of the story”)

Allegory: a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning.

0.15—(for the newspaper article on the right, I’m calling on Google translate.) A new—is about—half located—speaking—we did not have conversation—even seen or—with the artist painter—since—interesting mural—paint that—as—it was an allegory—As well, now—we have it find—on this occasion—shaping… I love this. Since the artist painter can’t speak, there’s allegory in the mural of this video. Notice the location...find it. (This image flashes by again at 2:02 as a single frame). This particular spread was designed, and the article chosen, before the video was assembled in its final form. We are also in the “kingdom of Allegory” in a theater review at 2:34.

The following words appear in the first milliseconds (:02) of the video, painted over white beneath the drawing of Louis, and shown only once: Profound— opened to— oration that— original—yet...—written by...— good as the hype—enough to win—of viewers— reassure diehard—[cheri]shed memories—to tradable... —up chasing down—love with one—[h]im there’s been—[days] of darkness— stored replicant—creating a blank—database memory—…jostling—corporation logos

I am intrigued by these words, and I want to fill in the blanks between them. I invite you to do the same.

:03 An upside-down article about possible unethical practices in racing implies Louis can’t speak about his dissatisfaction, unfair business practices, and significant barriers to his career. He can, however, make this video…and we can read it, whether our interpretations are correct or not. This article is particularly important, recurring at least five times in the course of the video (as, for example, at 2:31).

“...Concerns about ‘unsatisfactory’ experiences—wants to see ‘fair, transparent, and responsible practices in place to remove significant actual and perceiving barriers to new owners joining the sport’—not one complaint has been brought—this could be interpreted two ways: there is not an issue or there is a creed of omerta which prevents anyone from speaking out...Rumours suggest that the anecdotal evidence surrounds agents encouraging individuals to buy horses at an inflated price, from which they then receive a cut, or bidding off, whereby false bids are made.”

:04—(from Tom Paley’s obituary) “...he was quintessentially witty, thoroughly urban and intellectual, given to outrageous puns and wordplay, a master teller of jokes.” This quote could describe Louis’s image since the beginning of 1D. The article also mentions the “principled intransigence” of Tom Paley—a refusal to change one's views or to agree about something; uncompromising, tenacious; bloody-minded. Again, this describes what we know of Louis.

The same article appears again at 1:23 (below), but with a slightly different focus. Note the way Louis is framed and emphasized when he’s on the right-hand side of the photo, almost as if he’s being crowned.

As the crown is drawn, the clipping of the word glory enlarges, and reads "up our bills—trust"

The emphasized “and the glory” clipping is from the article, below, in which Dame Helen Ghosh changes her position on wind turbines, coming to an opposite stance from six months ago. This article was also chosen before final video assembly in mid-October 2017.

:20—“The National Trust is prepared to considered fracking on its land but has all but ruled out wind farms, according to the head of the conservation charity. Dame Helen Ghosh, the trust’s director-general, said that it was keeping an open mind on drilling for…dioxide emissions. Dame Helen’s stance on wind farms appears to have become more hostile since she said six months ago that “a wind turbine in the right place is a rather beautiful thing”

:09—an article fragment on the right-hand side reads, "Pays nothing toward the cost of his hearing aids..." (Those three white photo borders/lines may be a reference to Triple Strings, which has shown very little/no activity.)

0:34—a split-second frame flashes by

“to build online—keep our identity—that matches”

We see this article again at :42, in another quick shot—

Some of the partial phrases seen within Louis’s silhouette, above:

“innovation—and research—competi—dynami—”

“private—bullshit—publicity”

“what are—answered the—nothing else—takes 20 min—thank them for”

“provided—million of insura[nce]—implicit—their funding—guarantees—billion. Today—when there's—up in private—to buy—has been—developers that—fifth of all new—four years”

“trustees of the—for a premium—million. Pension—oration said that—all liabilities—an increasing—and liabilities—allowed us to take a—market conditions—ensure these liabilities—chain—of the pension—(subhead) Bid to halt”

“thus cutting the price and reducing the financial incentives for poaching” These phrases are reminiscent of the racing industry article seen at the beginning of this post.

“funding of—jettisoning—gone it—strategic—capabilities—this responsibility—would—wholly—special—utter—when the—capability has never—fear the battle for resources—MoD is (yet again) encouraging—tactical rather than strategic thinking”

This particular editorial page is shown more fully at 1:13—

"What has changed in the strategic landscape that removes—can be—special forces—which confer not just military capability but international clout. In this respect cutting the Royal Marines would be disastrous, for they provide a wholly disproportionate percentage of special forces manpower. It would be utter folly to take that risk at a time when the need for counterterrorist capability has never been greater. I fear the battle for resources in the MoD is (yet again) encouraging tactical rather than strategic thinking."

“We have—amount of—this has—advantage of—fully—trustees—said.—postal strike—a High Court—in an—48-hour strike—planned for this—communication—failed to meet a—to withdraw—the company—under an agreement—must enter”

"I fear that this kind of "inconvenient truth" is all too easily fudged by those whose—has changed in —landscape that suddenly—need for an amphib—nothing. Indeed, —unpredictable—more important"

Disputes, strikes, poaching, incentives, tactics, strategy (and windmills)... Louis the pool player, and also this clipping at :31—

(continued in part 2) eta let’s be honest I’m never going to get around to part 2. But if anyone would like to discuss this with me, feel free to message!

#Louis #JLY video #JLY masterpost #jly analysis #Just Like You video #that compositional masterpiece #that incredible song #this is really long #I have more opinions than I state in this #because I think it's important to observe and think for yourself #but feel free to message me if you want to hear more of what I think

158 notes · View notes

nightwingswing · 7 years ago

Text

“My little star” (Riddler x Reader)

Hello! Im back!! 💖

IM SO SO SORRY!!

Please forgive me, please.

I’ve been drepressed for almost all summer and also on an hard writers block for some time and now college just started and its even more stressful than before. Im sorry for the hiatues. Ill try to update as often as i can! I promise!

For now, I’ll update “The family’s girl” next, following it will come “Stop that wedding!” and in between will come part two of “Notre Dame de Paris” (Hunchback au) So IF YOU STILL HAVENT VOTED for (STW) and (NDdP) , VOTE NOW!

Requested by Anon!

Request: We are lacking some Riddler, May v we hey some Eddie lovin' please?

Requested by Anon!

Request: Could you write a Riddler x Reader? Pethaps he takes them hostage and....? Idk. Take it where you will! Please keep it SFW if you can. Thank you!

He may take you hostage in the future... who knows...he can become quite like Jon in stalker *wink wink* ;))

Tags: @hamsterforlive @plethora-of-things @wonderlace19 @cursedfaechild

If you want to be tagged or have any request, message me any time!!!

💖 Now, Enjoy!! 💖

It was a peaceful Gotham morning in your work, you were the head of the Gotham gazette. Your drive to get as involved as possible in the crime scene is what made you one of the best and more truthful of Gotham’s journalist. You always told the truth of the cases, making you also amongst the most hated people of Gotham.

The truth hurts sometimes.

But it also made you very respected in the hero and villains community. The first ones for your values and honesty, amongst the seconds because you didn’t demonize them. You treated them right.

You could kinda say you had a fan club.

Yep…

A pretty big fan club.

They even have a president!

…

Edward Nygma.

He was a big fan of yours, since you started on your College newspaper. He felt attracted to you on an intellectual level at first. He soaked in your work, drinking every letter as if it was water in a desert. He was so intrigued in meeting you … That knowing your drive to get into the wolf’s mouth you would come directly to his trap.

And he would finally meet you.

Eddie smiled at your new article that shone in his barely lit room.

“Soon…”

///*\\\

“(y/n)! Have you finished the paper in the new rector elections?” One of your coworkers asked.

“Here” You said as you gave her paper. “Parker will bring the photos later this evening.”

“Perfect.” She turned around and ran into the frenzy that was your editorial.

“(l/n)!” Your boss yelled. “Come here, now!”

“Coming boss.” You hurried to the office, a bit worried. Once inside you stood up in front of the table. “Is something wrong?”

“No. But we have received a note. The Riddler is about to strike! And you will be covering up!”

“Yes boss!” You smiled, reading the note. “I’m on it.” You ran to your spot and investigated the Riddler’s movement to discover where we will strike. You received an email that said:

“Riddle me this…Riddle me that…

If you want to find me

Tell me what I am...

· Until I am measured

I am not known,

Yet how you miss me

When I have flown.

· I never was, am always to be,

No one ever saw me, nor ever will

And yet I am the confidence of all

To live and breathe on this terrestrial ball.

· What time belongs to men twice a day?

· At night they come without being fetched,

And by day they are lost without being stolen.

· Whilst I was engaged in sitting

I spied the dead carrying the living

Good luck, miss (y/n).

-R

Hmm…quite though…but if you want to find him you have to crack them…

After staying afterhours, you finally cracked the code.

“I got it!” You write down:

· Time

· Tomorrow

· 5:14, Upside down on a digital clock it spells “his”

· Stars

· Ship

Hm…. this is kinda…like..a meeting place?

Time: Tomorrow at 5:14 pm in the..the Starship! The boat stranded in Gotham!

“Gotcha!” You smirked and write down everything. Then you changed in your pajama and went to sleep.

Tomorrow you were meeting a criminal.

///*\\\

The Riddler was wearing his best suit, ready to meet the little star of Gotham. He grabbed the flower and drive to the boat, the shadows covering him until he made it to the boat. There he set a table and two chairs, a candle and drinks too.

“hm…ready.” He smirked. “I wonder if her mind is capable of matching mines...oh well, I guess we’ll find out!” He sat in the chair, his can on his lap and waited for her.

///*\\\

You arrived at the boat and carefully entered, making your way up.

“Riddler?” You asked.

“Hello Miss (y/n)” He smirked. “Sit down please.”

You entered the place looking around, it gave of a kind of love vibe. You shrugged and sat down.

“What is your plan?” You got your notebook out.

“Wow, down to business, eh?” He smirked and served a glass of (f/d).

“No thank you, and yes, that’s why we are here…no?” You raised an eyebrow and he smirked.

“Indeed. I see you solved my riddles.”

“I did. clever hide your location on riddles. Very your thing”

“Thank you, it was a challenge. See if you can measure to me. I guess you can.” He smirked.

“Thank…you?” You raised an eyebrow at him.

“Now…I guess you want to know what I am up to?” Edward smirked.

“Well, obviously?” You raised an eyebrow and he smiled, his cheek got a bit redder.

“First, let me tell you, miss (y/n) that you look beautiful tonight! “He got a beautiful (f/f) out of nowhere and gave it to you.

“Oh... thank you…” You smiled and grabbed the flower, smiling and blushing. He smirked and got his bowler hat. “Now…what’s your plan?”

“Well, my beautiful maiden. My plan is and has always been prove I’m smarter than batman.” He shrugged his shoulders. “And destroy him, of course. But for now, I just want to know more about you, my dear. You know, you quite had the fan club back at Arkham.” He smirked.

“Oh? I do?” You felt flattered really. But for some reason, being idolized by the likes of the joker didn’t make you feel really…safe.

“Indeed darling. I, myself am draw to your truthful approach to the news.” His hand came to rest above yours, a charming smile on his face.

“Really? It usually makes me hated.” You looked at his green eyes thought the black mask.

“Nonsense, darling! People can’t stand the truth! You’re better than them! Smarter, more honest!” He said with so much passion as he clutched your hand in his. You blushed at the flattering speech.

“Thank you, Mr. Nygma” You smiled.

“Please, call me Eddie” He smiled loving.

“Okay…Eddie” You smiled.

You two keep talking for hours, exchanging riddles, theories and arguing about hot science topics.

After a wonderful 3-hour chat, he helped you down the boat and to your car. Before you could enter he pulled you flush against him, his hot breath mingled with yours. You blushed, and for some reason, your heartbeat had become faster and your cheeks burned in a blush.

“I like you, my little star...I like you very much…Maybe, maybe we could go out again? Tomorrow? There is a really interesting symposium in Bludhaven…maybe we could go, you know…together?” His cheeks became red as his green eyes looked around, shyly.

“Cute” You though as a smile took place on your lips. “Well…If any nothing comes up…. I don’t see why not.” You smiled.

“YES!” He though. “Perfect! I’ll send you a new note with the place and time!” He smiled exited.

“Great, can’t wait to know what you come up with!” You winked at him, making him blush. “Have a good night, Eddie.”

“Have a good night, (y/n)” He smiled before his eyes widened “(y/n) wait!” he grabbed your hand and pulled you in a sweet, chaste kiss. You froze in place, blushing madly.

As he pulled away a few seconds later, you looked at his dreamy eyes and blushing face.

“Now, Have a sweet night, my beautiful star.” He smiled dreamily, you smiled back.

“Good night” You smiled back and sit inside your car, a silly smile took place on your face and you couldn’t shake the warm feeling off.

“he was pretty cute...” You bit your lip before shaking some sense on your head and drove back to your home, to write that article you had to hand tomorrow.

He smiled one last time on the direction your car took before sitting inside a black car, that took off almost immediately.

“How was it, boss?” One of his lackeys asked.

“Perfect. Now, the other plan starts now.” He smirked evilly as his lackeys smirked back.

“Batman won’t know from where the hit came!” One of his crooks laughed.

“Down, down,down,down!” They cheered.

Eddie thoughts drove of the cheering crew and to your beautiful smile, your soft luscious (h/c) hair. Yous beautiful mind, your enchanting eyes…he sighs dreamily….

“SHE’S SO PERFECT…GOSH I CAN’T BELIEVE IT! I KISSED HER!” Eddie smiled and licked his lip, he could still taste your lip balm. “SUCK IT PENGUIN! SHE LIKES ME! SUCK IT HARLEY! I KISSED HER FIRST!” Eddie cheered himself. “SHES SO SMART! SHE CRACKED MY RIDDLES! HIGH LEVEL RIDDLES! SHE DESERVES MY LOVE! SHE DESERVES TO BE ON MY SIDE! SHE WILL ME MY QUEEN!!”

“Down, down,down,down! YAY!” They cheered loudly.

Edward smirked.” Easy boys…” He looked outside his tinted windows to see the characteristic shadow of the bat and his Robin jump in the direction they just came from.

Eddie smirked evilly.

“Riddle me this, riddle me that…who is afraid of the big, black, bat?”

///*\\\

Bonus!

Meanwhile, at Arkham Asylum:

“THAT GREEN ASSHOLE THINKS HE CAN DESTROY THE BAT, TAKE GOTHAM AS HIS OWN AND TAKE THAT PLESURE FROM ME?! NO FUCKING WAY!” The joker screamed as he his fist against the bulletproof crystal as the other inmates looked at him with a bit of fear. “IM SICK OF HIM! OF HIS FREAKING ANNOYING RIDDLES!.unless…” The manic grin on the joker face became crazier as he let out a more than usual, manic cackle that sounded in all Arkham. “He thinks riddles are funnier than jokes? Hahahahahaha well see about that!” The Joker banged his blood-stained hands on the clean crystal, imprinting his handprints in it.

His catlike smirk widened, almost splitting his face in half.

“This is war.”

(so...Want a part two?)

267 notes · View notes

adambstingus · 7 years ago

Text

When the New York Observer endorsed Donald Trump, I had to resign

I was the restaurant critic. I could have carried on writing about crudits and borscht. But taking money from a shill for Trump implicated me in his hate

For the last three years, Ive been the restaurant critic for the New York Observer, a weekly paper in the upper minor leagues of metropolitan newspapers. Generally speaking, being a critic is a good deal and being a restaurant critic is even better. You get paid to eat, eat well (usually) and then write about it. Whats not to love?

Last week, after the paper endorsed Donald Trump for president of the United States in a bizarro editorial, I resigned. Its not quite falling on my sword, more like leaning gently on a butter knife. I had long known, of course, that the paper teetered toward Trumpism. It is owned, after all, by Trumps prospective son-in-law, Jared Kushner, the boyish real estate scion betrothed to the Donalds daughter, Ivanka Trump.

But the editor, Ken Kurson, had assured its readers and writers that the paper would remain neutral. I decided as editor that there wasnt a great way for the Observer to cover him, he wrote in July. The appearance of conflict was unavoidable.

And then, last week, the veil came off. It had, in truth, been slipping. Earlier this month, a story broke that the editor had helped Trump with his speech to Aipac. Even before, the Observer had run a bizarre takedown of a Trump political nemesis, the New York attorney general, Eric Schneiderman. There was even some business wherein the paper ran Putin propaganda. Putin is, according to Trump, his BFF.

But I wrote about crudits and deconstructed borscht. So I kept my head in my plate and tried to ignore the ugly politics around me. In my own indirect way, I tried to push back. Shortly after Trump delivered a toxic attack on Mexicans calling them rapists and murderers, I parroted his syntax for a favorable review of two tremendous Mexican restaurants, Cosme and Rosies. When Mexico sends its people I wrote, Theyre sending people that have lots of poblanos and theyre bringing those poblanos with them. Theyre bringing tclayudo. Theyre bringing tlacuyo, their arepas. And some, I assume, are good people, too.

Subtle, it wasnt. And for a while I contented myself as working for gradual change from within the system. I tried to convince myself that if I lauded love and light in my writing it could somehow redeem the dark toxicity of the papers ownership. Perhaps that I served the reader or shone the spotlight on chefs could absolve me. But in the end, there became less and less room to manoeuvre. But whats the difference between a court jester and a genuine voice of dissent? One the court keeps; the other has too much integrity to keep the court entertained.

Such is, perhaps, the hidden blessing of extremity: it forces one to make hard choices. I could and did wriggle my way out of many morally tight spots and I know myself well enough to understand Im an ethical octopus. Give me even the smallest aperture and Ill squeeze out of it. Trump foreclosed that out. Taking money from and making money for a shill for Trump, Destroyer of Worlds, implicated me no matter how many self-justifying asanas I assumed.

Had it been Kasich, meh. I like restaurants more than I dislike him. Had it been Cruz, a man with remarkably sensual eyelashes and terrible, terrible policy, I could have eked out a few more reviews until the general election came. (Both Cruz and Trump are projected to lose in head-to-head match-ups no matter who the Democratic challenger is.)

Trump, however, is sui generis. His danger lies not just in his policies which, hitherto, had been rather moderate but in his demagogic summoning of our worst angels. His rallies are like seances from a much darker time and an even darker future. So it is besides the point entirely that he will certainly become a scary blip come November. To stand with Trump is to stand with hate; what I ate, and what I thought about it, is small beer compared with that.

If there is one positive lesson to be found in this election cycle, with all its rhetoric and all its hyperventilation, it is this: there can always be compromise and there always should be. Thats how our system works best. But to compromise oneself, whether by delivering paid speeches or hateful pandering or even reviewing restaurants, is unforgivable.

This piece was amended on 19 April 2016 to clarify that Ken Kurson assured readers about New York Observers neutrality in July, not December.

from All Of Beer http://allofbeer.com/2017/08/13/when-the-new-york-observer-endorsed-donald-trump-i-had-to-resign/ from All of Beer https://allofbeercom.tumblr.com/post/164151768987

0 notes

deangelobulcock-blog · 7 years ago

Text

Functionality And Gigs.

Right now the ANA, to add sodium to the wound(s), is actually recommending the introduction of TV rankings for specific commercials presenting the requirement for greater responsibility in a channel where $70 billion (Euro 53.07 bn; ₤ 36.29 bn) is actually devoted yearly on time. So I 100% will The Witness a couple of times back, received that a couple weeks ago after reviewing the job interview where he desires produce one thing like GR, I actually put up home windows simply to play that. I am actually certainly not a big problem guy and also this is actually actually the 1st brand-new video game I have actually played in around 2 years. He goned on opportunity for his consultation, however was kept waiting for 2 hours in a little standing by area with very old publications until he was called. The very first step in conquering your pompous developer possibilities is to determine all of them and also confess to all of them. In the event you adored this informative article and also you would like to obtain guidance with regards to mountains of mourne tab - http://podeseviver2017.info - kindly pay a visit to our own web-page. That's right - Woman Power": Great in English, but reveal this kanji combination to most Eastern individuals and you'll get an empty examine greatest. Yet typically the obstacle proceeds, as well as the upcoming two words in Amount F, System 2 show to be enough for numerous pupils. Past Regulars: Subverted in Ostentatious Activity 4; Magenta's son nearly acquires eliminated through an inebriated driver, which is how Blue passed away in the 2nd game, but his more mature sis conserves him just in time. Individuals with large egos are normally thus loaded with on their own that they do not assume anyone might possibly challenge them. Pointing out that an individual is ostentatious could be a way of shouting the features and also incongruities of energy. Im only unfortunate that its over but I performed receive a good 7-8 months of marginal play off the game thus im happy. To be truthful, I 'd rather hang out with these people than with with you, as you discover as extremely undesirable. That singular characteristic possesses additional power than most people understand, as well as that is actually built in to each and also all of us. In Mike's very own phrases, I'm like a ventriloquist. In my viewpoint the game is actually an impressive initiative on behalf of the makers also at an individual level to make as well as cultivate concepts and suggestions that are actually new and also without model in videogame industry. Cut the stem at a quite pointy angle under the water and also compared to allow the water to stream over the contains for 3 minutes. Pretentiousness defines a degree of disconnection between our scenarios and also the graphic we are trying to task. Here is actually an explanation from the video game Keep in mind, however, that the link may be a little influenced against the video game as well as its producers. And challenging though it could be actually to accept, being actually ostentatious is a part from what we perform everyday. Unhappy to disagree thus absolutely but that kills me that this polluted a game that is typically thus stunning that it prepares a completely new requirement. I really hope that you'll like me sufficient to accomplish 1, 2, 3 and 4 when my pride leaves management. Video game advancement is such an information consuming risk currently that's difficult for people performing it to warrant bumping up the risk through having chances with dissentious concepts. While you can refer to the quotes themselves in a vacuum cleaner and whether they are meaningful or worthless, I think that taking a look at the technique people strongly rush and/or deny to label all of them is much more fascinating. And permit me inform you something ... going to that stage in the game at the younger age that I was pissed off over a handful of people to claim the minimum. For one the pompous" review raises it's head listed here too, yet one more one is actually the ______- tier viewpoint" remark, you know the ones, this is actually merely college-tier/ higher school-tier/grade school-tier/baby-tier philosophy" so individuals are stating not simply is it certainly not as smart is this thinks however is actually incredibly entry level. And also it is coming from this snag of feelings and ideas around standing that the outrage of pretentiousness pulls its own full cost. He had not been at all ostentatious; fairly the opposite, he was actually thus down-to-earth that I seemed like I was talking to an aged friend. Folks think from books, publications, and also newspapers and that their odds from obtaining published are actually slim when I mention creating. The 5th video game shows that Magenta got sick, although this is actually still unidentified just what her disease was. Folks scrabbling up the course ladder are commonly referred to as being ostentatious. Few from the personal determined gamers I find read through considerably beyond genre fiction, numerous tend greatly in the direction of STALK industries and also lots of have actually never ever come across tarkovsky as well as are quick to presume that whatever movie the candlestick little bit in this particular dumb activity arises from should be artistic wank that people only claim to just like. I do not have a disagreement for The Precious stone Sutra usage or even shipment, I just like this a whole lot, you could never ever recognize what is actually going to attack your heartstrings, some films are hours from raw unhappiness and certainly never shake a solitary tear from me, the end this puzzle activity did and also is actually all I can mention. Absolutely accountable, totally successful, completely measurable, and totally lacking any one of the pretentious interactions rubbish therefore precious by the ad agency globe this carried out resolve, as well as would certainly have advanced, right into the perfect remedy for everyone within the advertising mix. Initially this was heading to be a 12-step system, yet this's not that complicated, therefore compeling 12 action in on its own seemed to be very pompous. Pretentiousness show refinement a remaining sense from unnaturalness"; one thing faked, claiming falsely, damaged. I was actually completely counting on to simply uncover a passage in the mountain range that led back to the starting enclosure and I really did not actually care, given that contrived narrative editorial is actually certainly not what the game was actually ever before around. And the people during that community recognized this and just weren't completely sure just what to earn of me. They thought I was actually right now some outrageous Mancunian Gangster - as well as I mean a minimum of in their thoughts I was anyhow. He saw lines from folks expecting a basic burger, french fries and also a shake. Pompous Activity 3 pays attention to Peach's, Magenta's, as well as Gray's sides of the story. Saying about policies, rules and wrong or correct methods of performing points is actually one way from speaking about the amateur and also the professional; social groups that make pretentiousness an even knottier issue. The waiter provided the biggest laminated as well as very most complicated food selection Leo had ever before observed and then poured 2 sizable glasses of newly made iced herbal tea. The accuser from allegation - normally believing themselves to be the true offer, in things of a taught and discriminating thoughts - thinks that in another place worldwide there is an authentic article that the ostentatious thing or even person aspires to be, but is actually disappointing or overemphasizing that. These are all worn out and also incredibly obvious position approaches that most smart customers understand. This could operate sometimes as well as gain you some conveniences, yet generally it is actually a ridiculous, apparent video game and also as we both recognize, that does not operate! However insurance claims to ordinariness and salt-of-the-earth virtue are themselves ostentatious. If a publication on pretentiousness is regarded ostentatious, no example of a plain-speaking, salt-of-the-earth study from the subject are going to be offered. The pompous are actually additionally those which take on being different, whether that is actually making a stand against imaginative opinion or running the gauntlet from recording the final bus property on a Saturday evening clothed differently to every person else. This was a mindless numbers game that anyone could do, however few can easily tolerate on a long-term manner.

0 notes

jimdsmith34 · 7 years ago

Text

When the New York Observer endorsed Donald Trump, I had to resign

I was the restaurant critic. I could have carried on writing about crudits and borscht. But taking money from a shill for Trump implicated me in his hate

This piece was amended on 19 April 2016 to clarify that Ken Kurson assured readers about New York Observers neutrality in July, not December.

source http://allofbeer.com/2017/08/13/when-the-new-york-observer-endorsed-donald-trump-i-had-to-resign/ from All of Beer http://allofbeer.blogspot.com/2017/08/when-new-york-observer-endorsed-donald.html

0 notes

samanthasroberts · 7 years ago

Text

When the New York Observer endorsed Donald Trump, I had to resign

I was the restaurant critic. I could have carried on writing about crudits and borscht. But taking money from a shill for Trump implicated me in his hate

This piece was amended on 19 April 2016 to clarify that Ken Kurson assured readers about New York Observers neutrality in July, not December.

Source: http://allofbeer.com/2017/08/13/when-the-new-york-observer-endorsed-donald-trump-i-had-to-resign/

from All of Beer https://allofbeer.wordpress.com/2017/08/13/when-the-new-york-observer-endorsed-donald-trump-i-had-to-resign/

0 notes

allofbeercom · 7 years ago

Text

When the New York Observer endorsed Donald Trump, I had to resign

I was the restaurant critic. I could have carried on writing about crudits and borscht. But taking money from a shill for Trump implicated me in his hate

This piece was amended on 19 April 2016 to clarify that Ken Kurson assured readers about New York Observers neutrality in July, not December.

from All Of Beer http://allofbeer.com/2017/08/13/when-the-new-york-observer-endorsed-donald-trump-i-had-to-resign/

0 notes

viralhottopics · 8 years ago

Text

How the world reacted to Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president

Caution in China, sorrow and anger in Mexico, cork-popping in Moscow here are some of the global responses to Fridays power handover

Germany

Germany will need a new economic strategy geared toward Asia should the new US administration start a trade war with China, vice chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said, warning of a rough ride hours after Donald Trump was sworn in.

What we heard today were high nationalistic tones, Gabriel said in an interview with the public broadcaster ZDF, in the first official German reaction to Trumps inauguration. I think we have to prepare for a rough ride.

He added that Trump was extremely serious in his inauguration speech, which meant he would follow his promises on trade and other issues with actions. Europe and Germany must stand together to defend our interests.

As the USs new president took to the stage in Washington, hundreds of anti- and pro-Trump protesters gathered in front of Berlins Brandenburg Gate.

Margaret Heidhues, of upstate New York, said she had not been able to stay at home to watch the inauguration. I would have been repulsed beyond belief, she said, holding a banner stating: The People Voted for Hillary on one side, and Nasty Woman, on the other side.

Her nine-year-old son Theo had crafted his own poster with a digger truck on it and the slogan Dump Trump.

I think he poses an incredible danger to Europe, said Heidhues, who has lived in Germany since 2000. The populist movements of the AfD [Alternative for Germany] and Le Pens [Front National] in France have been emboldened by his victory.

When he was first elected, my German friends were expressing their sympathy towards me. But now they are just as depressed, because they recognise they have to be scared for themselves as well.

Protesters standing in front of Berlins Brandenburg Gate voice their opposition to new US president Donald Trump. Photograph: Michele Tantussi/Getty Images

On Pariser Platz square, where the protesters gathered, they were faced by a line of around 10 Trump supporters, carrying banners that read: Trump, the better alternative and Trump wants peace with Russia! What is wrong with that?.

Sylvia Block, a pensioner who said she was part of a group called Mothers Against War said she liked Trump because he was a grounded, down-to-earth personality will would look after the American people and who would build up American industry: The Americans have too much unemployment Trump will bring their industry back to its feet so that Americans can buy their own cars again, not import them from us.

The anti-Trump protesters called their march No to Global Trumpism. It started at the headquarters of the rightwing populists AfD and marched towards the Brandenburg Gate.

Trumpism is not an isolated national movement, the march organisers said in their pre-protest blurb. We stand united against opportunists such as Frauke Petry and the AfD, Marine Le Pen, Geert Wilders and Nigel Farage who scapegoat and demonise immigrants and religious and ethnic minorities to build their own political power.

The demonstration was organised by a variety of groups including American Voices Abroad Berlin, Berlin Forum on Global Politics, Berlin Ireland Pro Choice, Pussy Grabs Back and many others.

The protests took place on the eve of a meeting of Europes rightwing populists, feeling strengthened by the Trump victory and Brexit, who are due to gather in the central city of Koblenz in a show of strength ahead of a string of elections this year in which they are predicted to make gains.

Wilders, of the Dutch far-right Freedom party, and Matteo Salvini of Italys northern league, are expected at the meeting. The star attractions at what has been billed a European Counter Summit will be Frances presidential hopeful Le Pen and AfDs Petry, who are due to hold a discussion on the folly of Angela Merkels refugee policy. Philip Oltermann and Kate Connolly in Berlin

Taiwan

Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen congratulated Trump on his inauguration on Twitter, in a move likely to draw objections from Beijing, which is already angry with a protocol-breaking phone call a month ago between the two leaders.

Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen)

Congratulations @realDonaldTrump. Democracy is what ties Taiwan and the US together. Look forward to advancing our friendship & partnership.

January 20, 2017

China

After Donald Trump promised in his inauguration speech to fight back against the ravages of other countries, Chinas Global Times, a Communist party tabloid, said the impressive address signalled that the start of the Trump era would herald dramatic changes. On the world stage Mr Trump will likely align his foreign policy with US corporate interests, blurring the lines of ideology or political values. Frictions between the US and its allies, and trade tensions between the US and China seem inevitable within the four years ahead, the state-run newspaper said in an editorial. Undoubtedly the Trump administration will be igniting many fires on its front door and around the world. Lets wait and see when it will be Chinas turn.

Chinas government and state-run media had struck a conciliatory tone on the eve of the inauguration Both sides should try to be friends and partners, rather than opponents or enemies, said Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry. But domestic broadcasters were forbidden from screening Trumps inaugural speech live, with authorities perhaps fearful it might contain more attacks on the countrys Communist party leaders.

Instead Xiong Tong, a Beijing-based journalist and self-declared Trump aficionado, tuned in at home on the internet. The 32-year-old said he was overjoyed to see the billionaire pick up the keys to the White House.

Trump is fantastic, said Xiong who donned a Trump t-shirt as well as a synthetic blonde mop for his celebratory late-night viewing session. He is so real. Thanks to him, the world is going to start heading in a positive direction. People will become more confident, which will lead to a rise on the stock market.

Xiong said he saw similarities between the USs incoming leader and former Republican president, George HW Bush. Both of them are easy going and hard-working, he said. They are formidable people.

He said he was unfazed that weeks of China-bashing by the billionaire meant he was now part of a shrinking pool of Chinese Trump supporters. Im an independent fan of his and I dont care what others think about the man, declared Xiong. I think Trump acts the same way.

Nor was he worried about the prospect of confrontation with the worlds most powerful military if Trump continued to challenge Beijing from the White House, saying: If we start a fight with the US, beat them and conquer them, they will not dare to interfere with our South China Sea. Tom Phillips and Wang Zhen in Beijing

Mexico

Most Mexicans are torn as to who they hate more: Donald Trump for his repeated insults and threats on trade, migration and jobs; or their president, Enrique Pea Nieto, for trying to appease him by extraditing drug capo Joaquin El Chapo Guzman to the US on the eve of the inauguration, thus ensuring the cartel boss will never pay for his crimes at home.

A series of demonstrations are set to take place in the capital, Mexico City, this weekend to protest against Trumps anti-Mexico rhetoric.

In a series of thinly veiled threats directed at Mexico, which were peppered throughout his inauguration speech, Trump pledged to protect American borders from the ravages of other countries, and bring back jobs, borders, wealth and prosperity.

Pea Nieto congratulated Trump on his inauguration, but said: Sovereignty, national interest and protection of Mexicans, will guide relations with the new government of the United States.

He added that his government would establish a respectful dialogue with Trumps administration for the benefit of Mexico.

The foreign minister, Luis Videgaray Caso, and finance minister Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, will hold talks with members of Trumps cabinet on 25 and 26 January in Washington.

Amalia Ortiz Cortez, 31, a festival organiser, said the emotional and economic damage inflicted on Mexico by Trumps discourse had until now made the government look weak, but his promised anti-Mexican policies could unite the nation for the first time in many years.

It made me feel very sad but its now clear that the speculation is over, and he literally means what he has said, Cortez said. Our government must strongly remonstrate against his discourse in line with social consensus and re-examine our foreign relations and trade deals

Trump will bring business leaders, young people and the general population together to dialogue and I hope this will force us to become stronger as a society and reconsider our relationships with our Latin American neighbours. Nina Lakhani in Mexico City

Russia

Russia has loomed unusually large in this presidential campaign and its aftermath, and at the Telegraph building not far from the Kremlin, a group of nationalist activists put on an inauguration party to celebrate the victory of the man who has come to be seen as the Kremlins candidate, with champagne and traditional Russian pies for guests.

We started this movement a year ago when nobody believed in Trump except us, said Maria Katasonova, a nationalist activist who helped organise the party. I hope the words he said during the campaign were not just rhetoric and stick by them as president. She said Trump was a man, like Putin, who fights the system.

Army of Russia shop window in Moscow, with an image of Trump seen on the advertising banner. Photograph: Sergei Karpukhin/Reuters

However, there were more journalists at the party than genuine Trump enthusiasts and there was a sense that the jubilation was a little artificial. While there is no doubt that the Russian political establishment are cautiously optimistic about relations under Trump, modern Russia is a largely apolitical country, and there was little sense of genuine excitement among ordinary Russians.

We are ready to do our share of the work in order to improve the relationship, prime minister Dmitry Medvedev wrote on Facebook on Friday.

The pro-Trump atmosphere that was visible in Moscow was largely of a tongue-in-cheek character, trolling the hated US establishment and what Russians hope will be the end of a US that lectures them on human rights. The Army of Russia shops in central Moscow offered all Americans 10% off merchandise on inauguration day, while the occasional restaurant offered a Trump burger or other gimmick.

While there were continued denials about Russian meddling in the election, there was also a pride in Russias central place in the dialogue. At the celebration, one man wore a T-shirt with Youve been hacked inscribed on it. Shaun Walker in Moscow

Iran

In Iran, the national television did not broadcast the inauguration live, reporting on its news bulletin that the new US president had begun his work amid popular protests. Semi-official agencies gave a scant coverage to the event, partly due to continuing news from Thursdays devastating fire in Tehran.

Many, however, followed the ceremony on the London-based BBC Persian, which is loathed by the Iranian establishment. Watched by millions in Iran via illegal satellite dishes, BBC Persian had its main presenter in Washington DC and aired the ceremony in full. Irans state-run English language website Press TV broadcast the ceremony. One headline on its website reflected an activists view: Trump forced on Americans by two-party system.

Iranians are concerned about the impact of Trumps presidency on the landmark nuclear agreement, struck in Vienna in July 2015. Trump told the Times this month that he saw it as one of the worst deals ever made but refused to give further details about his policy on Iran, because, he said: I just dont want to play the cards. Some analysts say he may not tear up the agreement but instead could adopt a more rigorous implementation of the accord.

Tehran University professor Naser Hadian told the Guardian: Trump is an unknown phenomenon and nobody knows how his words would translate into policies, so we dont know what he would do with the nuclear deal.

According to Hadian, Trumps appointments so far have not been promising. They have been hawkish and have talked about regime change or war with Iran, he said.

On the negative side, Trump is the combination of a clever mind with little knowledge, which makes him incredibly dangerous, but on the positive side, he is a pragmatist and a businessman. Saeed Kamali Dehghan

Israel and the Palestinian territories

Trumps inauguration sharply divided opinion, with rightwing pro-settlement Israelis whose leaders were invited to attend the ceremony most enthusiastic.

In a pointed intervention, Israels infrastructure minister Yuval Steinitz a close confident of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hoped Trump would act quickly on his controversial plan to relocate the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Washington, a plan fiercely oppoed by Palestinians who see east Jerusalem as a capital of a future state.

I hope and believe that he will move the American Embassy to Jerusalem, Steinitz told Army radio. It is absurd that the embassies are in Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu also tweeted his congratulations ahead of the beginning of shabbat.

Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu)

Congrats to my friend President Trump. Look fwd to working closely with you to make the alliance between Israel&USA stronger than ever

January 20, 2017

In the Nana cafe in east Jerusalem, however, the clientele watched the inauguration with a mixture of bafflement and concern over the fact the US had elected Trump while warning of the consequences of moving the embassy.

Moussa al-Bitouni, 53, father of the cafes owner said : From what I hear he is not a man of peace. We does not want to support peace. This is not in our interest or the interest of the US. I was 100% for Clinton. I never thought America would elect Trump.

We want him to be fair, not biased, added lorry driver Faraj al-Joulem, 42. . We are against moving the US embassy. It will inflame the whole region.

Israels newspaper columnists were split, however, about what Trump portends, while Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, in a statement posted in his name on the official Palestinian news agency Wafa, congratulated Trump. He added: I look forward to working with him for the sake of peace, security and stability in a world that is troubled and in a region that lives a tragic era, and to contribute to creating a safe future for everyone.

Before Trump had even arrived at Capitol Hill disgruntled Britons including Green party joint leader Jonathan Bartley had unfurled a banner reading Build bridges not walls across Londons Tower Bridge , while others held up a sign saying Act Now.

We wont let the politics of hate peddled by the likes of Donald Trump take hold, said protest organiser Nona Hurkmans. Other banners were draped over Westminster Bridge during a protest outside parliament.

British prime minister Theresa May did not send wishes to Trump before his swearing in, but leader of the opposition Jeremy Corbyn urged him to put the misogyny and the racism of his presidential campaign behind him. Speaking at an event in Glasgow, Corbyn said he hoped that as president he would reach out to all communities across the United States and called on him to promote critical engagement with Russia.

A banner unfurled on Tower Bridge in London as part of the Bridges Not Walls protest against US president Donald Trump. Photograph: John Stillwell/PA

The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, tweeted his congratulations to both Trump and the vice president Mike Pence, but the Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Farron, called Trumps journey to the White House the most divisive, vulgar and illiberal presidential campaign in memory before calling on May to stand up to Trump.

Of course the UK must continue to engage with the US on matters of mutual concern, but Theresa May must not to damage our national integrity and values by bowing down to a bully, he said.

Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson)

Congratulations to @realDonaldTrump @POTUS on his presidential inauguration day. Look forward to continuing strong UK – US bond

January 20, 2017

Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson)

Congratulations to @mike_pence @VP on his inauguration today. Look forward to working together #specialrelationship

January 20, 2017

Protests against Trump also took place across Scotland. Hundreds marched from the foot of Edinburghs North Bridge to the US consulate on Regent Terrace to coincide with Trump being sworn in.

Protesters were armed with banners with wording including: Love Trumps Hate, No to racism, no to Trump and Hey Donald, I hope you step on a lego.

The demonstration organised in the Scottish capital by Stand Up to Racism saw hundreds of people chant slogans such as Donald Trump go to hell take the KKK as well and Donald Trump, go away sexist, racist, anti-gay.

Trump was welcomed by some rightwing politicians, including Ukips Nigel Farage, but Sir Nigel Sheinwald, the former UK ambassador to the US, questioned his ability to unify the US and stand up to Russia. The really big test is over Russia and Nato, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Over the next few months, you are going to have to see whether a harder edge comes into his approach to Russia, and whether he is prepared to validate a sense of commitment to Nato and to Europe.

Downing Street is trying to arrange for May to travel to meet the new president as soon as possible, with speculation that a visit take place within days. Alexandra Topping

France

In a small bar in Pariss Mnilmontant neighbourhood, Trumps speech was relayed on a giant screen. As he gave the pledge, a 20-something sighed and said: Well, there goes America. But another regular chipped in: I hurt for the American people. Half of the population didnt vote for him. Theyll have to endure the next few years.

One of the waiters doubted that Trump could fulfil many of his election promises What is he going to do? he said. Send all the immigrants back? Line them up against a wall and shoot them? A survey on Friday showed that more than 80% of the French population had a bad or very bad opinion of Trump. Some are anxious that his electoral success increases the chances of victory for its own anti-immigrant nationalist leader, Le Pen, in elections this year.

The president, Franois Hollande, did not mention Trump by name during a press conference in eastern France, referring instead to my colleague taking the oath and criticising the protectionism that Trump advocated. The French president has previously said that Trumps victory opens up a period of uncertainty that must be faced with lucidity and clarity. Sofia Fischer in Paris

Canada

Canadas government, eager to sidestep potentially protectionist US policies, said it was confident Trump would see that working closely with Canada benefited both nations. We are confident the new administration will see that Canadas partnership with the US mutually strengthens our two nations and provides real opportunities to grow our respective economies, Joseph Pickerill, spokesman for foreign minister Chrystia Freeland, said in a statement.

Prime minister Justin Trudeau also issued a statement congratulating Trump. Together, we benefit from robust trade and investment ties, and integrated economies, that support millions of Canadian and American jobs, he said. Reuters