#the interview will come out on 30 October 2022 I believe | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

jokeroutsubs · 1 year

Text

Bojan and Kris' interview for Slovenian news site Siol.net (2. 9. 2022)

Joker Out does what only Big Foot Mama and Siddharta have done so far

Well, now we know where we will be on 6 October next year. In Stožice, at the Joker Out concert. The young musicians have never hidden their goals, they have predicted it, because the next logical move for the hottest band in Slovenia at the moment is to fill the biggest arena in Slovenia. "If there ever was a time for that, it's now. I'm more scared of the question of what's next," the band's guitarist Kris Guštin asked himself in an interview with Siol.net. But the guys have an answer for that too. After Stožice, they're aiming for the Balkans, and then, who knows where the new wave will take them.

We spoke to Bojan Cvjetićanin and Kris Guštin from Joker Out on the day of the release of their second studio album Demoni. We met in a bar behind Bežigrad, just a few metres away from where their homes are. Kris came by bike, Bojan by car, as he had another interview before our talk. Both visibly tired. It is an understatement to say that their schedules are packed. This summer they played 30 concerts, released a new album, shot a video for their first single Katrina, they have a big concert in Križanke coming, and an even bigger one in Stožice next year. Among the legendary Slovenian rock bands, only Big Foot Mama and Siddharta managed to sell out Stožice.

Shagadelic rock band Joker Out consists of Jure Maček, Jan Peteh and Martin Jurkovič, in addition to Kris Guštin and Bojan Cvjetičanin (pictured). Photo by Ana Kovač

First of all, congratulations, your second studio album Demons is out. How would you describe the new album in a few words?

Kris: Thank you. If we don't compare it to the first one, this album is our ultimate break up album. If we compare it to the first one, this one was made in a much shorter time, and I think that's actually a plus and not a minus of this album. It's much more genuine and polished, even though it was made in five months. This album represents our actual creative state at the moment, whereas the first album represented our creative state two years before the release, because it was made over such a long period of time.

Bojan: Creatively it's much freer than the first album. We dared to do more, and I'm glad we didn't fall into the trap of wanting to be commercially satisfying just for the sake of success. The album is much more mature both lyrically and in terms of arrangement. The first album was a patchwork from the beginning of our creative journey to when it came out. Whereas the new album is really a reflection of who we are now, in this moment. It's our present, it's our imprint.

Katrina is the name of the single you used to announce the release of your new album. Who or what is Katrina? Do we all have a Katrina?

Bojan: I believe that everyone has a Katrina at some point in their life. Who my Katrina is is irrelevant to this story. Katrina is someone or something that is gnawing away at us and destroying us in some way, but we keep coming back to it anyway.

Kris: I am my own Katrina.

You shot the music video in four hours, you decided to do it in black and white, and only the band members are in it. Who is the concept mastermind behind the music video?

Kris: Yes, we shot the music video in a couple of hours, even though it took all day to shoot due to other commitments. It's like this when you realise there's only a week to go before the song comes out, and you wonder what to do now (laughs). But even if we had had more time, I don't know if we would have done anything differently. The masterminds are Joker Out and Mark Pirc.

Bojan: The vision for the video was that it had to be very raw and radiate energy. This song is probably the most edgy, and I think it's the most reminiscent of Omamljeno telo (*Intoxicated Body) from the first album. The video for Omamljeno telo is also just a stylish black and white story. The first single from the second album is somehow Omamljeno telo five years later.

With the song Katrina, for which they also recorded a video, Joker Out announced their second studio album Demons. It was five months in the making and, as they say, is more sophisticated lyrically and in terms of arrangements than the first album. Photo by Mark Pirc

You celebrated the release of Katrina in a very special way, by diving into the ice-cold Kamnik Bistrica (T.N.: an Alpine river in northern Slovenia).

Kris: Niko, our head of security, the all-round father of the band, had been persuading us all summer to go for a dive in Kamnik Bistrica, and it just happened to coincide with the release of the song. It was great to be able to relax for the last hour before we embarked on a new chapter of our creative journey. We had breathing exercises before the dive, and when you opened your eyes and looked at the Kamnik Alps, it was really beautiful.

Bojan: I loved it, we felt like Vikings (laughs). We were guided through the whole experience by Jernej and it was very spiritual. In one hour we came together as a community to perform this ritual. It was cathartic.

Most of the texts were penned by you, Bojan. When it comes to inspiration, you have said in several interviews that you do not draw from your own life experiences. The second album lets you know that guys are growing up, gaining experience. So was there anything different about writing this album, did you draw more from yourself?

Bojan: With this album I can say that the lyrics are my story. Here, I've drawn exclusively from myself. Except for the song "Plastika" (Plastics).

Kris: It's still a personal experience anyway. In the song Plastika, he expresses his feelings through other people, similar to, say, Bele sanje (White Dreams) on the previous album.

Besides your music, your fashion style is also evolving. It kind of works that the music you make and your style go hand in hand. Does this happen naturally or do you adapt your personal style to the music? Who takes care of your visual style?

Kris: We are aware that the visual style, together with the musical and sound style, is part of the overall image of each artist. We want to do that ourselves, but we also know that it's necessary and that's why we work with certain stylists. For the cover of Demoni, Damir Raković Ponorelii, who will also dress us for Križanke, took care of the styling, and we hope for further cooperation. But today we dressed ourselves (laughs).

"The first album was a patchwork from the beginning of our creative journey to when it came out. Whereas the new album is really a reflection of who we are now, in this moment. It's our present, it's our imprint." tells us the singer of Joker Out. Photo by Primož Lukežič.

The album features ten new songs, including two in Serbian. Does this foreshadow a more serious, planned entry into the Balkan music market?

Bojan: I've always wanted to write something in Serbian, because my ancestors are from there. I always wanted my grandmother to understand what I was singing. When I show her a new song, it's great, but when you don't understand something, you can't like it to the max. That was my wish at first, but in the last year or two, everyone in the band has had the wish to go to the Balkans. The fact that there are two songs in Serbian on the album indicates the beginning of that journey.

What is your favourite song on the new album?

Kris: It depends, it changes from week to week. At the moment my favourite songs are Demoni (Demons) and Ne bi smel (I shouldn't have).

Bojan: I have my own moments too, but right now my favourite songs on the album are Padam (Falling), Novi val (New Wave), Ona (She) and Demoni.

NGVOT is a song from the new album, for which Kris wrote the music and lyrics four years ago. "Just because I wrote a song doesn't mean it's my favourite. Of course it has a special place in my heart, but it would probably be different if I had written it six months ago instead of four years ago." Photo by Mark Pirc

Can we say a few words about Novi val? What is this song about?

Bojan: At the time I wrote the lyrics for Novi val, there were forest fires in the Karst region (T.N.: plateau with lots of forest in southwestern Slovenia). That was the moment when I realised that we were clearly sliding into self-destructiveness as a society. And yet, I feel the call from the people around us and from ourselves to have the will and the desire to not let it be so. It is a kind of call to be who we are, but to say it out loud.

The album will be presented on 9 September at a concert in Križanke. If I'm not mistaken, the tickets are sold out. What can we expect?

Kris: The young Slovenian band will finally perform in Križanke. It's obvious that we are entering a new creative phase and we hope that our Slovenian fans will accept the fact that we are also going to the Balkans.

Bojan: I was thinking this morning that we have a lot of young fans and this concert will probably be the first concert in Križanke for many of them. I hope that they will remember their first concert in Križanke for the fact that they were at a great Joker Out concert.

"At the time I wrote the lyrics for Novi val, there were forest fires in the Karst region. That was the moment when I realised that we were clearly sliding into self-destructiveness as a society." says Bojan about the song Novi val. Photo by Ana Kovač

You've had a summer full of gigs, and it's true to say that you're the hottest band in the country right now. What's the best thing you've received from your fans, or an event that will stay with you forever?

Kris: It's fascinating when you come to a place you've never heard of before and it's full of people under the stage. That's what it was like in Veliko Ubeljsko, for example. That's one of the big things. I remember when we played in Sevnica and we were still taking pictures for 45 minutes after the show. A girl came up to us and, although she was waiting in line for a photo, she said she didn't want a picture with us, she just wanted to tell us how much our music meant to her. Then we talked, and it was refreshing that someone wanted to talk to you and not just take a picture.

Bojan: I agree with everything Kris said. They throw home-made bracelets on stage with names, song titles. That's definitely going to stay in my memory. At Veliko Ubeljsko, a guy from the middle came to the stage and brought me a potted plant. If I'm not mistaken, it was a cyclamen. But this year I had another big moment, and that was to stop getting upset by negative comments. If you want it or not, when you read something nasty, offensive, it just affects you. This year it happened that a person wrote a message saying that she had problems existing in this world and that she was still here because of our music. When I read that, I reflected on it. If, in fact, what we have done has saved just one person's life, it is completely irrelevant if 18 million people tell me that I am a complete loser. We have had at least five or six messages like that this year, and that is a really big thing.

Then do you read the comments online?

Bojan: I can't help it, I go and read. People are really relentless. On the one hand, it's horrifying, but on the other hand, if you don't take it too seriously, it's funny.

Kris: I've read all the comments under our videos. I guess I don't get as affected by criticism as Bojan does. However, I think it's more significant for Bojan because he is the author of the majority of the lyrics. If they attack our songs, they attack him as the author. Personally, I just like to laugh at all the comments.

"If, in fact, what we have done has saved just one person's life, it is completely irrelevant if 18 million people tell me that I am a complete loser." Photo by Ana Kovač

What's the most bizarre, unusual request from a fan?

Bojan: Collectively, it is extremely annoying that we're probably the only band that's expected to organise a three-hour photo shoot with anyone who wants it after the show. The organisers have this idea that they're going to invite us to the gigs, and we're obliged to let anyone backstage, laugh and be nice to everyone. That can be very disturbing after a concert when you are exhausted and need some peace. After two, three nights in a row of shows, we are exhausted. Don't get us wrong, we always like to take time to take photos, talk to our fans, but sometimes it's not doable.

Kris: We're considered a phenomenon. Especially this year, some of the organisers were surprised by the response of our audience and then wanted to promise something more to the guests. They promised that everyone would be able to have their photo taken with us.

How has popularity affected your private life in the last two years?

Bojan: I am much more nervous about it.

Kris: It's not the easiest at times, especially, as we said, when the organisers expect us to take photos with everyone after the show when we're completely exhausted. Of course, you don't want to be rude to the fans and you're grateful that they're there to watch and support you. But sometimes it feels like people don't realise that we are only human too and that sometimes we need peace. With Bojan that is the worst, the rest of us are a bit luckier.

You either have stage presence or you don't. You have it, the audience can see it, feel it. What about you, what goes through your mind when you are on stage?

Kris: If it's a good gig, nothing should go through your head. When you start thinking, it's not good.

Bojan: This year, for me or for all of us, the Castle Festival was one where we performed in pure euphoria from start to finish. I couldn't compose myself for three hours after the concert. At some concerts, if I don't catch a good wave of enjoyment, I honestly find myself thinking about everything, from what I'm going to eat for lunch the next day to how I'm going to go home afterwards. You can't be 100% present at all concerts, but we certainly maintain a certain standard of quality at all concerts. Then it depends on whether we "go off" or not.

"If music could save the world, then the world would have been saved a long time ago." Photo by Mark Pirc

Would you ever play for a political party, have you been invited before?

Kris: We have not been invited and we also wouldn''t do it. I don't think it's necessary to put ourselves out there, especially in Slovenia, where we have a rather toxic political environment. When you go to play for one, you immediately "alienate" the other half of your audience, and it's completely unnecessary. It's a little bit disingenuous to be an idol to certain people from a certain point of view, but then you start imposing something on them that you are not really qualified for or capable of.

Bojan: Why should anyone care what our political beliefs are just because we are public figures. Politics and music have nothing in common, except when it comes to musical rebellion. I honestly don't believe in a musical revolution anymore, as far as political revolt is concerned. If music could save the world, then the world would have been saved a long time ago. That is because I think that the best revolutionary songs were written a long time ago, and we are still talking about the same issues as we did ten or 40 years ago. I think politics is a big no for us.

What Siddharta and Big Foot Mama were for the older generation, you are now for the young. How does it feel when they draw parallels between you and legendary Slovenian bands? Do you feel pressure, maybe because Kris's father penned the biggest Slovenian rock hits?

Kris: In the beginning it annoyed us when we were compared to Big Foot Mama, maybe because of my dad, but also because of the music, because five years ago it was all more basic, rock and roll. Then we were compared to Siddharta, and now we are so unique that we can't be compared to anyone, at least not stylistically. Maybe they can compare us to Siddharta, in terms of how much we can do for the young generation. And that's very nice to hear, it's a great honour for us.

Bojan: It's definitely an honour. On my first MP3 player I listened to Big Foot Mama, Siddharta, Trkaj… . Every generation, every child needs, or rather it's good that they have, music to grow up with, to go to school with, to fall in love with for the first time, to dream with. We have succeeded in being that music for new generations. We are very proud of that and we are moving on.

To Stožice, then?

Kris: That's right, 6 October 2023.

For a musician to fill Stožice is practically the highest step in Slovenia. Are you scared?

Bojan: When we filled Cvetličarna twice, Križanke was a very logical next step. We thought about moving the concert from Cvetličarna to Križanke, but because of the beautiful red thread of the story and the steps in our lives, we decided that we would rather do Cvetličarna first and then perform in Križanke. Stožice is three times bigger than Križanke. It is quite scary that this is already our next step.

Kris: If there's ever a time to do it, it's now. I'm more scared of the question of what's next. We are lucky that after we can say that we have filled up Stožice, which is in principle the most you can achieve in Slovenia, we can target the Balkans. We are lucky that nobody knows us in the Balkans and that we will still be able to play there. My biggest fear would be that we would achieve everything in Slovenia and then we would not be able to do anything more.

Bojan: We are really going to the Balkans, where we are absolute nobodies. We are starting from scratch, with only the knowledge and infrastructure we have. Senidah has given us all a little bit of a dream. She is in the Balkans, she has made a very big leap for Slovenian music.

After the big concert in Križanke, where they will present their second studio album, it's time for Stožice for Joker Out. Kris and Bojan admit that it's scary, but now is the right time to take this step. Photo by Ana Kovač

Križanke, Stožice, then it's the Balkans. Where else will your journey take you?

Kris: Los Angeles. The post-production of the second album was done by a producer we got on well with, and we expressed our desire to visit him in Los Angeles. At the time, we hadn't thought about working for the American market yet, but this producer was very impressed with our music. He wrote that he hadn't had such an interesting band "to remix" for years and invited us to record the best songs in English in a studio in Los Angeles and then show them to someone. There are so many possibilities.

Bojan: Maybe Stožice will be brought down, because we'll be doing Madison Square Garden (laughs).

If you could choose any musician, Slovenian or foreign, who would you like to work with in the future?

Kris and Bojan: Among the Slovenian ones, it's Magnifico.

Bojan: Senidah seems to me to be a very big phenomenon. She is a top musician, singer and artist. She is a bohemian personality who was underrated in Slovenia, then she went to the Balkans, where she is the alpha and omega. And then Abba, Kanye West and Pharrell Williams.

Kris: Among the world's stars, Paul McCartney.

You spend a lot of time together. Do you ever get annoyed by each other?

Bojan: We're like brothers. We can love each other, but when we get on each other's nerves, we really get on each other's nerves. But there is an element of brotherhood, not friendship, in the fact that at the end of the day any argument is resolved and we move on as if nothing had happened. It is the same when you have a fight at home and then half an hour later it is all forgotten. We get it out of ourselves and move on.

How do you resolve conflicts within the group? Who has the final say when you can't agree on something, like which songs go on an album?

Kris: It depends on what the decision is. For financial decisions, Martin and I have the final say, for creative matters it's usually Bojan. But in principle, it's a democracy.

Bojan: I don't know if we've ever had such different conflicts of interest that a veto was needed.

Is there any jealousy between you, given that Bojan is the frontman of the band?

Kris: I'm honestly glad that I'm not in Bojan's position.

Bojan: Sometimes I wish I was in a different position. But in the last year we have made it very clear to everybody what the dynamic is, that we are a five-man band. All the commitments, like interviews and so on, were done by all of us. There are five people here and the focus is no longer just on me, as it was at the beginning. We have got rid of that and I don't think there is any basis for jealousy between us. Everyone is in his position because he is the best and because he wants to be there.

There is one last question that we cannot get past. Who is single, who is happily in love?

Kris and Bojan: One is single, the other is in a relationship.

Translation by @kurooscoffee DO NOT REPOST!

#joker out #kris gustin #bojan cvjeticanin

102 notes · View notes

corbenic · 3 months

Note

Garden proposal, please? <3

In reference to this post

Oh, anon, you are in for a treat. I love this section so much that I rewrote it five or six times—most notably as fellow deleted scene A Banquet and A Ball!

Also, I just rediscovered 10,000 words following this scene, so if you want more, send me an ask!

GARDEN PROPOSAL

Word Count: 4,250

Summary: Evie O'Brien causes a scene when she flees The Prince Imperial's birthday party and he follows after her.

Written: autumn 2022

Context: one of the earlier versions of the first chapter of my novel The Bonaparte Bride before I decided to publish it as Princess Imperial the website

Deviations from canon: Fiona is getting married, Julien is 30 instead of 28, Julien and Alexandrine are twins, Jo is the youngest Bonaparte child, Julien's birthday is 20 October instead of 23 October, Véronique hates Evie, Jo is a fencing champion

The Prince Imperial is a man of many secrets. Almost everything we know about the heir to the French throne has come via off-the-record comments from people in the imperial circle or unguarded comments from family members.

“Prince Julien is an intensely private person,” one well-placed source told me. “He’s reluctant to say anything about his life, lest he reveal too much.”

It’s a tactic that has worked well for the prince. While his twin sister spent her twenties being bombarded with press attention at the hottest nightclubs in Paris, he quietly earned a Master’s degree in political science from the École Militaire de Saint-Cyr—France’s premier military academy—and served in the Army before transitioning to full-time royal work.

Suffice it to say, it was a total shock to learn The Prince Imperial agreed to be interviewed by La Presse on the occasion of his 30th birthday. The entire interview is worth reading, but I’ve included some highlights below…

On his relationship with Evelyn O’Brien:

“Is there anything you’d like to say about your relationship with Mademoiselle O’Brien?”

Evelyn O’Brien is The Prince Imperial’s girlfriend of three years. They met while she was an art history student at the prestigious École Normale Supérieure in Paris. She now works as a jewelry appraiser for auction house Drouot. Shortly before this interview, the blonde bombshell made headlines for accompanying His Imperial Highness to a football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Nice.

The prince is silent for a long moment after I ask this. All of his answers have been carefully crafted, as though he’s considering every angle of the question in his mind before composing a response. I get the impression he’s being particularly thoughtful in how he responds to this one.

“I believe,” he finally says, “in the distinction between public and private life. Please trust that whenever there is something the world ought to know about my personal life, it’ll be shared through official channels.”

—“The Prince Imperial’s 30th Birthday Interview” on The Julien Journal, October 20

TUILERIES PALACE

PARIS, ÎLE DE FRANCE, FRANCE

OCTOBER 20

Here is the first thing nobody tells you about dating a prince: you are an object of curiosity.

It’s hard to believe, considering the state of the ballroom. Light blazes from the chandeliers overhead. They’re massive, at least ten feet tall, dripping with crystals. Above them, the ceiling is painted with mythological scenes, set against a pale blue background.

A full orchestra is tucked into the mezzanines above the dance floor. I caught a glimpse of them before the party started. They watched nervously as the grand basses and cellos were carried out of the elevator. There are about fifty of them, all in black suits and gowns. No doubt tonight is one of the highlights of their careers. Not just anyone is asked to perform for the imperial family and their guests, and certainly not for a major event like a birthday gala.

Swarms of people line the edges of the dance floor, gossiping and sipping champagne. Still more twirl across the room in perfect timing with the music. It’s a grand scene, the sort of thing only possible at a royal or imperial court.

I want to be part of it. I want to be another face in the crowd, losing myself in the music.

Unfortunately, that’s hard to do when various dignitaries keep asking me to dance. I’ve suffered through a terrible tango with an otherwise forgettable Marshal of France. The Minister of Culture is an even worse dancer, but a superior conversation partner. An exhibition of Van Gogh’s work is opening in Arles next month. We’re both hoping to visit.

“Tell me, Mademoiselle O’Brien,” the minister says, “are you interested in the visual arts only, or the performing arts as well?”

“Both are wonderful.”

His entire face lights up. He’s only an inch or so taller than me. He has a well-oiled mustache and goatee, which make him look like Napoleon III. Otherwise, he is completely bald. He reminds me of a kindly grandfather from my childhood parish, if that grandfather happened to be in charge of the cultural programming for an entire country. “Do you have a favorite among them: opera, theater, dance, live music?”

“I appreciate live music, though not nearly as much as Alexand—Princess Alexandrine,” I correct myself. I’ve been told in no uncertain terms to refer to the imperial family by their titles tonight.

Julien’s twin sister studied music composition at the Paris Conservatory. She’s also a top-notch violinist. I suspect she selected the orchestra’s setlist for tonight.

“Her Imperial Highness is a connoisseur,” he agrees, which is the polite way of saying that the princess knows what she likes and ignores anything she doesn’t.

“I’m also fond of ballet.”

“Marvelous!” He swirls us close to the edge of the dance floor, where a knot of women in silk gowns are chatting. As we pass by, I overhear snatches of their conversation.

“Isn’t she—”

“Do you think he’s really going to—”

“It’s about time he settles down, but—”

They’re talking about Julien and me, of course.

Tonight, we’re separated by a swirl of silks and satins. He’s the storybook ideal of a prince: dark curly hair, high cheekbones, a perfectly straight nose, impeccable posture. His dance partner’s crimson dress shimmers in the light. Diamonds dangle from her ears and twine around her neck.

They’re twirling across the floor, making small talk and looking like an unbearably attractive and regal couple. And then they turn, and he takes the tiniest moment, no longer than a breath, to search the room and lock eyes with me.

Something flares in his eyes. I’m an expert at interpreting his expressions, but don’t get the chance to do so before he finishes the turn, ending with his back to me.

Twenty feet away, his mother shoots me an icy look. Its meaning is clear: don’t encourage gossip.

The Empress of the French is a tall, willowy woman. Her platinum blonde hair is twisted into an elegant chignon at the base of her neck. Tonight, she wears a burgundy velvet dress, paired with enough diamonds to blind anyone who looks at her. Her tiara is made of hard geometric lines that form a Greek key pattern.

“Do you have any interest in seeing The Nutcracker? The Paris Opera Ballet puts on a beautiful performance every year. Tickets go on sale next week,” says the minister.

I look away from the Empress. This close, I can see that the minister’s mustache and beard are shot through with gray. “My nieces’ ballet class will be performing it alongside a dance company in my hometown. My mother insists that the entire family attend, and I’m looking forward to it.”

“Next year, perhaps?”

I give him my most regal smile. “Perhaps.”

This is the most polite inquiry into my relationship status I’ve received all evening. It won’t be the last one. The court is interpreting my presence here tonight as tacit confirmation that Julien and I are considering a future together.

“I hope the Paris Opera Ballet’s Coppélia is as good as their Nutcracker,” I say. “I’m seeing it tomorrow.”

“Do you know which étoile is performing?”

“Delphine Diop.”

He nods sagely. “She is magnificent.”

I expect nothing less. The Paris Opera Ballet has high standards for all its dancers.

The song ends. The minister raises one of my hands to his mouth and kisses it. “I hope to see more of you, Mademoiselle O’Brien. The Paris Opera Ballet could use a patron.” He then strolls away.

Yet another man wearing the scarlet sash of the Legion of Honor hovers nearby, as though waiting to ask me to dance. I don’t look at him.

Julien is walking toward me. We’re only six feet apart when the Empress pulls him aside and redirects him to a dark-haired woman nearly as tall as he is. I recognize her immediately. This is Grand Duchess Tatiana. She is one of Princess Alexandrine’s best friends. She is also one of the claimants to the defunct Russian throne—which is the polite way of saying she’s a socialite with nothing better to do than flirt with rich men.

As nonchalantly as possible, I look away. The Emperor of the French, Julien’s father, stands on the other side of the room. As usual, he’s surrounded by people. I recognize two more government ministers, the mayor of Paris, and the Prince of Orange. The Emperor and his entourage gesture in my general direction. The mayor’s gaze lingers on me a moment too long. Now I know exactly what they’re discussing.

Your Imperial Majesty, is it true that your son is going to marry that mousy American girl?

The Emperor will politely demur, of course.

Around me, various old men are giving me curious glances. I excuse myself and head to the side of the room. I could use some champagne.

“Evie,” a familiar voice says from behind me.

I turn around. Hugo Masséna, Julien’s lifelong best friend, grins down at me. His brown hair is slicked into a pompadour. Thin gold wire-frame glasses perch on his hooked nose. Otherwise, he is identical to every other man in the room, in a tailored suit with jaunty white bow tie. A watch that costs as much as my parents’ house glimmers on his wrist.

“I haven’t seen you in forever.”

“Whose fault is that?” I ask.

He laughs. Hugo is currently serving as Julien’s private secretary, meaning he coordinates the prince’s calendar. He also accompanies Julien to events. I haven’t seen either of them in three weeks. Julien bundled an economic conference in Vietnam with a tour of Japan, then jaunted south to Tahiti for a literature festival.

“You’ll have to come along next time. Julien kept—”

He is interrupted by the arrival of Véronique Mortier, better known as the woman in the red dress. Her face reminds me of portraits of Marie Antoinette: round, with full cheeks permanently flushed pink. Her stick-straight copper hair ends at her shoulders. Her smile is disconcertingly toothy. “Evie! I thought you weren’t invited. Please tell me you crashed the party.”

“Sorry to disappoint,” I say in the flattest voice I can muster. “The invitation had my name on it, so I assumed it was meant for me.”

I would scrapbook it if I were the scrapbook-keeping sort. The eagle on the envelope looks cool. I’m jealous of the evenly spaced calligraphy on the invitation proper, stating that my place on the guest list is at the request of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of the French.

“I hear Alexandrine isn’t happy that everyone is paying attention to you.”

We all turn to look at the other side of the room, where the princess is surrounded by a group of admirers. Her dark wavy hair tumbles around her shoulder. She’s paired her frothy gray gown with ruby jewels—most notably the strawberry leaf tiara from Queen Victoria’s collection.

I barely hold back an indignant snort. Alexandrine is the life of the party, as always. There’s no way she’s jealous of me. Right now, she appears to be deep in conversation with a tall, long-faced man. His shoulder-length brown hair is tied into a neat ponytail.

“Wasn’t he in that terrible Three Musketeers movie that came out last year?” I ask.

Hugo snorts. “It wasn’t that bad.”

He’s obligated to say that, since his mother was in it. She played Milady de Winter. Reviews unanimously said her performance was the best bit.

“It’s a masterpiece,” Véronique says.

All I know is that it debuted at the Biarritz Film Festival. Julien attended a screening. Once it was available to stream, he showed it to me. We spent the entire three hour runtime poking fun at the wild historical inaccuracies and deviations from the source material.

“Making Cardinal Richelieu a wizard was an interesting decision.”

Hugo nods. “I think that was to convince the Americans to go see it.”

“Probably.”

“Alexandrine composed the music,” Véronique says. “She had to do it under a pseudonym, of course. The Emperor insisted.”

Hugo and I exchange a look. That’s the sort of fun fact Julien will love. He might be willing to suffer through the film a third time to appreciate his sister’s handiwork. Of course, now that I know Alexandrine’s part, I’ll have to prepare some Man in the Iron Mask jokes. Julien loves those.

“Are we talking about The Three Musketeers? The fight choreography was awful. I don’t think any of the actors had ever used a sword before.” The third Bonaparte sibling, Princess Joséphine, stops next to me.

Her diamond tiara is a glorified headband, since that’s the only style that looks good with a pixie cut. She inherited her mother’s height and her father’s straight nose and dark hair. Her long-sleeved pink dress does nothing to conceal her broad shoulders and muscled arms.

Véronique’s jaw hangs open for a long, glorious moment while she tries to come up with a rebuttal to that. “Thank you all for your input,” she says frostily before beelining across the ballroom. There, she effortlessly slips into the throng surrounding Alexandrine.

Hugo steps closer and lowers his voice. “Good timing, Jo. I thought she would never leave.”

The princess shrugs. “She’s jealous, and you two are easy punching bags. By the way, Evie, you look like a kicked puppy. Do try to seem unaffected by the rumors.”

I flash her my most dazzling smile. I do not want to have this conversation. “I am having a wonderful time.”

She raises an eyebrow.

Hugo holds out a hand. “I meant to ask, before Véronique butted in—would you like to dance?”

“What an incredibly convenient intervention,” Jo says. “Hugo, your timing is impeccable as always. Perhaps we can resume this conversation afterwards.”

“Sarcasm is unbecoming of your station,” Hugo shoots back, in a surprisingly good impression of the Empress.

Jo laughs. I do, too. Her Imperial Majesty has never given me one of her infamous lectures, but I’ve heard plenty of stories from her children.

“Have fun, you two.”

I take Hugo’s hand. He leads me onto the floor, close enough that my skirts can graze Grand Duchess Tatiana’s.

“What have you been doing while Julien and I have been out of the country?”

“Paperwork, mostly. There’s an auction coming up in two weeks. I’ve been seeing a lot of Chaumet pieces come in.”

Hugo grimaces. “Don’t tell my mother.”

Olivia Miller Masséna has the second-best jewelry collection in the country. I constantly field inquiries from her about which pieces might be coming up for auction soon, or if there’s anything she ought to sell. She is particularly fond of Chaumet. I can’t blame her for that. Their craftsmanship is exceptional. Unsurprisingly, they’ve been a fixture at the imperial court since the reign of Napoleon I.

“She might shop for Fiona instead of herself.”

His younger sister, Fiona, is getting married in a month. I’m delighted for her, but also terrified. This will be the society wedding of the year. Hollywood royalty will mingle with actual royalty. I’ll be there too. Fiona asked me to serve as a témoin, which is basically a bridesmaid who doubles as an official witness.

“Don’t give her any ideas. Fiona will deny this, but she hopes Julien proposes so someone else gets the spotlight.”

I wrinkle my nose. Are Julien and I the only subject of conversation in the entire room tonight? “Maybe Wellington and Alexandrine will get engaged.”

A look of dismay flashes across his face. “That would be something. I can’t imagine the Emperor granting permission for his daughter to marry the Duke of Wellington. The headlines would be atrocious.”

“Where is he, anyway? I haven’t seen him tonight.”

“Mustering an army to invade us, probably.”

“Is that why Véronique thought I wasn’t invited? Because Wellington wasn’t?”

Hugo shrugs so nonchalantly that I know I’m right. He changes the subject. “Did Fiona tell you she changed the itinerary?”

Fiona is an event planner, so she’s planned all of her own wedding events, to the unending frustration of her mother and her best friends (by which I mean: myself and Jo). Her bachelorette party is next week. She’s decided to borrow the family yacht and sail the Ionian Sea with a glamorous girl gang.

“Ithaca?” I’ve been begging Fiona to include the famous Greek island. I want to visit Odysseus’ homeland.

He nods. “Ithaca.”

“I could kiss her.”

“Someone might be jealous.”

“Someone,” I say, “should think of that before scheduling all these work trips.”

Hugo and Julien will be in France for a week and a half. Then they’ll head to Tuscany for an annual conference on French-Italian cooperation. Julien’s workload slows down toward the end of the year, but he’ll visit Morocco, Poland, and Norway before his Christmas vacation.

“One conversation, and you wouldn’t have to be left behind.”

Before I can process what he’s said, or ask for an explanation, the song ends and Hugo breaks away from me. He walks toward his mother, who is speaking with the Emperor, the Empress, and the Crown Prince of Sweden.

A foot away, a very familiar voice says, “There you are.”

It’s Julien, of course. He smells of cedar and sandalwood. I want to bury my face in his chest and inhale him. His eyes are the most beautiful brown, glazed with amber.

Most men seem awkward and uncomfortable in white tie attire, but never Julien. I can’t figure out if this is due to his perfectly tailored clothing or his innate charm.

He holds out a hand. “I saved the best dance for you.”

“How can I say no to that?”

He pulls me into his arms. Not for the first time, I’m surprised by how warm he is. He beams down at me, and I smile back. This is undoubtedly the best part of the evening for both of us.

The music starts, and I laugh. It’s “The Blue Danube Waltz” by Strauss. Julien’s favorite.

“Did you and Hugo plan that?” I gesture in the general direction of where Hugo and I were dancing.

“Of course. He’s running interference with my parents.”

“Did you think they would try to stop us from dancing?”

“Maman has been doing that all night,” Julien points out.

“She’s trying to minimize the gossip.”

“A respectable goal,” he concedes, “but a futile one.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Meaning?”

“I guarantee I am not the only person in this ballroom hopelessly distracted by how beautiful you are tonight.” He pulls me closer.

I bought this off-the-shoulder navy blue gown with the intention of blending into the background, but I’m vain enough to be happy it didn’t work.

“Jo tried taking credit for your dress before dinner. I assume she was exaggerating her contribution?”

“She provided input,” I say, “but I picked it out.”

“As always, your taste is exceptional.”

Around the room, people are pointing at us and murmuring to each other. They’re no longer trying to hide their stares. I stand a little straighter and lean closer to Julien.

“You haven’t seen the best part yet,” I murmur into his ear.

“Interesting.” One of his hands travels lower. He doesn’t grab my ass, instead stopping at the small of my back. “Let me guess. Lace?”

“You’ll have to wait and see.”

He sighs. “This next hour is going to be hell.”

“Happy birthday,” I say, grinning.

“Speaking of birthdays,” he says, “we’ll have to visit the Louvre for yours. A special exhibition dedicated to da Vinci opens the week before. My family is loaning some of the pieces from our collection.”

About a quarter of the imperial collection wasn’t acquired by the Bonapartes. Instead, these items have passed from king to president to emperor throughout France’s many regime changes. But it’s still startling to hear Julien mention that his family owns multiple artworks by Leonardo da Vinci.

“I wonder how many pieces will have just been on display at the Art Institute.”

“None of ours. They haven’t left the imperial archives in fifty years.” He pauses. “How long is that Art Institute exhibit running?”

“Through the first week of January.”

He grimaces. “That will be a tight squeeze, but I’ll see if I can pop over to the States.” I’ll be spending Christmas in Chicago, but the Bonapartes always spend the holiday at Fontainebleau Castle.

“I look forward to talking your ear off.”

“You’re cute when you talk about art. It’s not a problem.”

I snort. “Make sure to tell my mom that. It’s hard to get a word in edgewise when she’s giving the tour—though I think she’ll appreciate your insights about the Impressionist section.”

“How is your mother doing?”

I can’t think of anything to say, so I don’t. The silence stretches for several long seconds.

“Oh. Oh, no. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s just… she’s…”

And I start crying. Big, snotty, ugly crying. Julien tries pulling me closer. There’s a soft, loving look in his eyes. I can’t take it right now. Not in this room. Not with all these people staring at us. At me.

I tear myself away from him and bolt out of the ballroom.

When I was about five years old, there were two sections of a Cinderella movie I watched over and over. The first was a scene where she makes breakfast for her stepmother and stepsisters. I thought those eggs were the most delicious food that could ever exist.

The second was her fleeing the ball at midnight. I’d rewind the VCR to watch those thirty seconds time and time again, making Cinderella run through the hallways forever, until my mom finally made me stop. I’d do it again the next day, up until the tape broke.

Tuileries Palace isn’t half as magical as Prince Charming’s castle. Its hallways, however, might go on forever. They’re lined with Gobelins tapestries and portraits of long-dead monarchs from three different dynasties. Porcelain vases and gold-plated knickknacks sit atop small tables jutting out from the walls. The stone floors are covered in plush carpets. The effect is suffocatingly ornate.

After what seems like an eternity but probably isn’t more than two minutes, I shove open a carved wooden door and emerge into a courtyard. Half-naked trees sit in the center, surrounded by fallen leaves, limp bushes, and empty flower beds. The fountains are dry.

The Jardins des Tuileries are one of the most famous sites in Paris. This is the part the public never gets to see. In the summer, they’re a riot of color, beloved by the Bonaparte family and their guests. This time of year, they’re empty.

I wander across the paved path. It’s raining. Water pools along the edges of the sidewalk. Dim lamplight gleams across the puddles. I am completely alone. I sit down on a stone bench, hug my knees to my chest, and sob.

I’m not sure how long I sit there. I feel a little queasy. I am eyeing the nearest flower pot and calculating the odds of the rain washing away vomit before the gardeners can find it when the door opens and Julien steps into the courtyard.

He’s borrowed a black wool coat from someone. It’s a little broad in the shoulders.

He sits down on the bench beside me. “Sorry about that, love. I should have waited to ask.”

I shake my head. “It’s fine.”

“No. It’s not. I take it your mother isn’t doing well?” Before I can respond, he shucks off the coat and tucks it around my shoulders. “You’re shivering.”

“I hadn’t noticed.”

Julien gives an exasperated sigh.

I ignore it and lean my head on his shoulder. His suit jacket is smooth against my cheek. “Mom called while I was getting ready for dinner.”

He folds the coat tighter around me.

Hot tears spring to my eyes. There’s no easy way to say this.

“You’re turning blue. Let’s get you inside, where it’s warm.” Julien pulls me to my feet and stands up, taking my hands.

I refuse to move. Not yet. It’s cold and wet, but nobody can overhear us. Nobody is staring at me or whispering about me.

I blink back tears and choke out, “She’s dying. Actively dying, not the kinda-sorta-maybe dying of the past few years.”

He doesn’t say anything. Just turns to face me, tucks my head against his chest, and holds me tight. We stand in the garden, getting rained on, for a long time.

Eventually, he asks, “How bad is it?”

I grab the lapel of his jacket hard enough that my knuckles turn white. “She’s going to die sometime next year.”

Julien hesitates for a moment, swallows hard, and then says, “Marry me.”

#princess imperial #princess imperial outtakes #the castle speaks

0 notes

karen-anti-r-cml · 2 years

Text

March 27, 2022: rick scott on “Fox News Sunday” when host john roberts asked the Florida republican/trumpublican about “An 11-Point Plan to Rescue America” Scott’s blueprint for a Republican-controlled Congress after the 2022 elections

“Point 6/11: Government Reform/Debt.” This section of scott’s plan calls for sunsetting “All Federal Legislation” in 5 years, forcing Congress to act if it wants to keep federal programs.

scott’s reasoning, “If a law is worth keeping, Congress can pass it again,” So I have to ask... Does scott plan on doing away with the Elderly and Disabled, what other reason could there be for Social Security and Medicare to to become not “worth keeping”

After he was scolded by republican leaders for being honest about their plan before the Midterm. Fast Forward 8 months and he’s still trying to make up for being honest,...

October 30, 2022: scott on "CNN: State of the Union" interview with Dana Bash

scott claimed Democrats cut Medicare Benefits saying "you know, the Democrats just cut $280 billion, all Democrats in the Senate and House voted to cut $280 billion out of Medicare just two months ago”

Bash kept telling him Democrats did not cut $280 billion from Medicare

As they do, scott kept talking over Bash

scott “I believe we got to preserve them [Medicare and Social Security] and make sure we keep them. What I want to do is make sure we live within our means and make sure we preserve those programs. People have paid into them, they believe in them, I believe them. I’m going to fight like hell to make sure we preserve Medicare and Social Security."

I suppose scott ran out of steam because

Bash, finally got a few words in "Just want to correct the record. The Democrats plan, which is now law, it did not cut Medicare benefits. It allowed for negotiation for prescription drug prices which would ultimately bring down the price and the cost for Medicare consumers."

scott caught his breath and began repeating “cut $280 billion”, sounding ridiculous

Bash "It didn’t. It did not cut,"

“ Examining Rick Scott’s Claim That Medicare, Social Security Will Soon Go ‘Bankrupt’” https://www.factcheck.org/2022/03/examining-rick-scotts-claim-that-medicare-social-security-will-soon-go-bankrupt/

“ 'Come on...': Rick Scott whines at CNN's Bash after she calls out his lies about Medicare cuts” https://www.rawstory.com/rick-scott-medicare/

0 notes

thedivinefish · 2 years

Text

TGIWednesday... Grateful Dead and stopping time

TGIWednesday News

Years ago when I was an undergrad, we got tickets for the Grateful Dead concert. I’m not saying it was a long time ago, just that we saw all the original band members together ;) Prior to the concert we did whippets and weed and alcohol and literally something that our buddy touted as “you have to try one of these!” We had excellent seats, and before the concert was over I was watching colorful soundwaves come off the stage and they looked like cascading floating long multi-colored telephone pole lines! On the floor pit area were a lot of folks that began dancing when it started and never stopped until it was over. They never once looked at the stage. There was even a sea of microphones on stands and little cassette recorders they used to record this event and clearly they were Deadheads traveling town to town just to see (hear) the band. Beyond the sights and sounds it was a “love fest” of that “forget all about time” feeling that I can still recall and smile about. What is that time escape event for you? Hopefully there are many. During the creepiest time of the year, endeavor to avoid taking on the energy of dark energies and dark themes of costumes. Without question you can enjoy the Fall season without being overcome by bad mojo! Speaking of clearing bad mojo, please join us for this month’s Zoom event TONIGHT... Clearing Dark Energies/Alien’s and all things Evil! Click here or scroll down for more information! Blessings abound as you read this now.

TGIWednesday Download

~ CLEARING PAST HAUNTINGS ~

I believe, think, know and feel that I can recall good times and filter out the bad by picking and choosing my thoughts here and now. I am ready, willing and able to let the past drift away and I’ll make every effort to be in this moment and to lean into a positive future. I know, when, where, how and why to honor that gut feeling and still small voice within me that can differentiate between evil and good. I am asking throughout all time lines and all languages and so it is. Wishing you the rest of your life will be the best of your life and remember to make a little progress each and every day.

Featured MyBeliefWorks Audios

SAVE 20% AT CHECKOUT DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER!

Releasing Dark Energies - Clearing all the alien/evil haunting Halloween themes off of you can make a huge difference. Relieving Holiday Stress - We’ve all experienced a not so pleasant holiday or family gathering, this can make it a lot less turbulent. Traveling with Ease - Very popular. clears you for easy travel, getting you through the gate/customs/TSA faster, you could get an upgrade or even smoother flights and flawless connections!

LAST CALL - LIVE ZOOM TONIGHT!

TODAY!! OCTOBER 26TH 7:30pm Eastern (30 mins long) Pre-register at Calendly - Just $22 (includes reminders and replay) https://calendly.com/jmh-calls/october-2022-zoom

October's Theme: Removing negative/alien/evil energies blocking your progress If you can’t seem to get off the couch, always exhausted, that raise or promotion eludes you, maybe romantic relationships don’t last, or you seem to have way to much month at the end of your money. This is a Zoom you won’t want to miss! We will have soft focus on the 5 anchors, and clearing everyone’s messy everything on this call! Top 3 submission deadline was yesterday - we have dozens of clearings all lined up - I'm sure yours will be covered, join us and listen in! FYI, the write-in submissions are now closed. We have all the clearings set for the call.

Pre-Register Here - $22

FREE Live Appearances

HAPPENING TOMORROW!

One of our absolute favorites!!

The Quantum Creator Summit 9 with host Helena Reilly TAKE BACK YOUR QUANTUM CREATOR POWER What's In Your Vortex? Hosting a new speaker each day throughout October 27-November 5, 2022 My interview airs tomorrow - Oct 27th. If you miss it sign up anyway as there will surely be a replay. Click here now to register for FREE!

STARTING TOMORROW!

Jump Into Source Bliss Summit with host Malika October 27th -- November 11th 2022 An online Global Summit Celebrating Direct Source Connection FREE REGISTRATION HERE!

Watch and listen to hundreds of Radio Show replays for FREE here in the archives from the Jimmy Mack Healing Radio show.

https://thejimmymackhealingshow.com/

Fish Food

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

Tell the Fish - 365 Daily Inspirations and Affirmations - by Jimmy Mack OCTOBER 26TH "Today I will listen to my body with both intuition and common sense. I will research what I need to make myself feel better. I will supplement my life with vitamins, minerals, plenty of water and exercise, and balanced meals."

Come See Me in the Tampa Office

SWANN HOLISTIC HEALTH SOLUTIONS

Jimmy Mack will be offering sessions at Dr. Charla Tempone’s office at Swann Holistic Health Solutions. Get on the schedule NOW! FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4TH | 10-4pm Please call their office directly at ?? (813) 873-7773 in order to get on the schedule for 15-minutes $45 or 30-minutes $75. If you’re new to working with him, we suggest you schedule 30 minutes. 403 S. Habana Ave. Tampa, FL 33609 Just south of Azeele next to Skin Savvy

From the Fish Box

A Heartfelt Thank You

Hey Jimmy! I've updated my prayer list below, thank you! I want you to know that your work--the Daily Prayers, the mp3s, the monthly calls, and the weekly newsletters--have really helped me become a better version of me over the years. As you say, make a little progress every day, and I truly feel like I am. It has been a very challenging journey, and the rewards--small and huge--are incredible. Your last newsletter really encapsulated my progress. "Who's right? Who's wrong? Who cares?" I just have to keep doing me. And as I consciously create my life in each moment, I am rediscovering who I am. Thank you for inspiring me to make a little progress every day. The little steps forward eventually cross some distance :) - Nicole, Washington State

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

Receive 24/7 Prayers from Jimmy

Your name will be added to a special VIP Prayer list where Jimmy will use his intelligent computer software, src4you which runs 24/7, to delete the negative and increase the strength of the positive creating a higher probability of favorable outcomes for you.

In addition, throughout the full 30-days, Jimmy will be dialing into your energetic signature each day upon rising and make certain that you are a clear yes, unclear to no and running forward before you start your day. He is doing the heavy lifting for you around 3am NY time while most of you are asleep in order to smooth out your way and increase your most favorable life outcomes.

Upon written email request, for each new order we offer a one-time email analysis via the intelligent healing software that Jimmy uses on your behalf. Most clients have had amazing results and outcomes!

You can add yourself and those living in your immediate household and yes you can include pets! Merely include everyone’s names and Jimmy will add them to his daily prayers.

You can run this monthly and stop at any time after the 30 days is up, you will have the opportunity to renew and update your list each month but are under no obligation. I believe you will experience magical transformations and make progress every day! SUBSCRIPTION AUTO-RENEWAL ($95/mo - save $5) Purchase a recurring subscription Update your prayers monthly. You can cancel or pause anytime.

Use PayPal for subscription Click here Use Stripe for subscription Click here.

30-Days of Prayer - $99

IMPORTANT REMINDER: After your purchase of any digital files in the shop or in a special offer, you MUST Download them to a desktop, tablet or phone AND save them to your own device. These files get moved, replaced and updated over time and will not be forever active on your original purchase link. So be certain to download all of Jimmy’s eBook or audio files instead of listening to them from the live links directly. For Apple device users... look into installing the free app that the Apple Store provides so that you can download and store your files directly without requesting the alternate links. It may be worth looking into on your end for future convenience. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/files/id1232058109

Below is list of the 30+ audios in the MyBeliefWorks series…. Find a topic that addresses your issue(s), click on the link to read more. We had a lot of help downloading & channeling these over the years & they keep getting better. Don’t forget… you can share these with your immediate friends and family.

MyBeliefWorks Audio Series Receiving Abundance Freedom from Abuse Overcoming Addiction Body Scan: Head to Toe Healing Experiencing Bountiful Harvest Igniting Creative Spark Discovering Your Destiny Daily GPS Reset 20% OFF Releasing Dark Energies/Fears Crossroads -Decision Making Diet & Exercise Support Education & Learning Support Empowering the Empath Healing Family Relationships Attracting a Financial Windfall Gold Coin: More Money in All Forms Joy of Money Healing Body Disorders

Lucky 777 Mental Stress 20% OFF Relieving Holiday Stress Increasing Intuition Easing IRS Stress & Taxes Finding Love & Romance Positive Money Mindset Moving Forward from Past Chronic Pain Relief Pet Healing Support Pro$perity Unlocked Improving Sales & Success Improving Sex Improving Sleep 20% OFF Traveling with Ease Work & Career Success Weight Loss Support Restoring Youth & Vitality

$19 Guided Energy Processes - MP3s

The 5 Anchors Process

The Purple Rain Process

The Magical Golden Key Process If you need a refresher on the basics of fishing...we've just revised the FREE MLF Training Kit with much NEW content. CLICK HERE.

Self-paced Online Courses Available Anchors Away Masterclass & Mastery/Practitioner Certification

We recently launched our new ANCHORS AWAY MASTERCLASS and what has come through from Spirit is truly a game-changer in the way we can ALL now clear off evil, dark energies, aliens and anomalies in a deep, profound and lasting way.

I recorded a video to tell you more about how you can get access to my brand new Anchors Away Masterclass so you can learn how to protect and clear the 5 Anchors & more.

Watch the Video Now

MLF MASTERY LEVEL 1 is open to ANYONE at anytime!

The Certificate of Mastery Program includes 2 best-selling ebooks and 2 clearing audios plus written & video instructions, AND one-on-one time with Jimmy ALL for about the cost of a single 1-hr session! This online course is for anyone who is familiar with OR new to "fishing" and is ready to dive into the deep end & get results that are beyond the ordinary! It includes The Tackle Box & The Dowser's Handbook ebooks PLUS 2 MP3s "Clearing Dark Energies" & "Increasing Your Intuition" to help clear, strengthen and prepare your energy field for optimal “fishing” results. This is a work-at-your-own-pace curriculum that will TEACH & CLEAR you at the same time! In under 2wks you will be finished with the program and ready to fish on your own with greater results! Level II offers Practitioner Certification for those who qualify.

Learn About Certification Here

TGIFunny

Forward

Jimmy Mack | Appointments Skype: Jimmy.Mack55 Clearwater Florida USA Book a 15 minute session Book a 30 minute session Book a 60 minute session Search FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) ??? Transformational Healing of Body, Mind? & Spirit, People, Places, Pets & Situations!? ? Access the NEW MLF Online Training Audio MP3 Downloads? and books? to improve your life! Get Certified in ?My Liquid Fish™Change Made Simple™ Watch Free Videos on YouTube Radio Show Archives Healing and Grounding Mats ...enter code: MyLiquidFishfs at checkout for Free shipping! Shop for ?Supplements ? http://www.jimmymackhealingshop.com www.jimmymackhealing.com Copyright ©1998-2022 All Rights Reserved

-------------------------------------------------- TGIW newsletter managed by: Sandy Bidinger Digital Marketing Specialist at SMBeConnected Solutions www.sandybidinger.com

Our mailing address is: Clearwater Florida 33756 USA

0 notes

divinefishingtips · 2 years

Text

TGIWednesday... Grateful Dead and stopping time

TGIWednesday News

TGIWednesday Download

~ CLEARING PAST HAUNTINGS ~

Featured MyBeliefWorks Audios

SAVE 20% AT CHECKOUT DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER!

LAST CALL - LIVE ZOOM TONIGHT!

TODAY!! OCTOBER 26TH 7:30pm Eastern (30 mins long) Pre-register at Calendly - Just $22 (includes reminders and replay) https://calendly.com/jmh-calls/october-2022-zoom

Pre-Register Here - $22

FREE Live Appearances

HAPPENING TOMORROW!

One of our absolute favorites!!

STARTING TOMORROW!

Jump Into Source Bliss Summit with host Malika October 27th -- November 11th 2022 An online Global Summit Celebrating Direct Source Connection FREE REGISTRATION HERE!

Watch and listen to hundreds of Radio Show replays for FREE here in the archives from the Jimmy Mack Healing Radio show.

https://thejimmymackhealingshow.com/

Fish Food

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

Come See Me in the Tampa Office

SWANN HOLISTIC HEALTH SOLUTIONS

From the Fish Box

A Heartfelt Thank You

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

Receive 24/7 Prayers from Jimmy

You can add yourself and those living in your immediate household and yes you can include pets! Merely include everyone’s names and Jimmy will add them to his daily prayers.

Use PayPal for subscription Click here Use Stripe for subscription Click here.

30-Days of Prayer - $99

$19 Guided Energy Processes - MP3s

The 5 Anchors Process

The Purple Rain Process

The Magical Golden Key Process If you need a refresher on the basics of fishing...we've just revised the FREE MLF Training Kit with much NEW content. CLICK HERE.

Self-paced Online Courses Available Anchors Away Masterclass & Mastery/Practitioner Certification

I recorded a video to tell you more about how you can get access to my brand new Anchors Away Masterclass so you can learn how to protect and clear the 5 Anchors & more.

Watch the Video Now

MLF MASTERY LEVEL 1 is open to ANYONE at anytime!

Learn About Certification Here

TGIFunny

Forward

-------------------------------------------------- TGIW newsletter managed by: Sandy Bidinger Digital Marketing Specialist at SMBeConnected Solutions www.sandybidinger.com

Our mailing address is: Clearwater Florida 33756 USA

0 notes

365dailyaffirmations · 2 years

Text

TGIWednesday... Grateful Dead and stopping time

TGIWednesday News

TGIWednesday Download

~ CLEARING PAST HAUNTINGS ~

Featured MyBeliefWorks Audios

SAVE 20% AT CHECKOUT DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER!

LAST CALL - LIVE ZOOM TONIGHT!

TODAY!! OCTOBER 26TH 7:30pm Eastern (30 mins long) Pre-register at Calendly - Just $22 (includes reminders and replay) https://calendly.com/jmh-calls/october-2022-zoom

Pre-Register Here - $22

FREE Live Appearances

HAPPENING TOMORROW!

One of our absolute favorites!!

STARTING TOMORROW!

Jump Into Source Bliss Summit with host Malika October 27th -- November 11th 2022 An online Global Summit Celebrating Direct Source Connection FREE REGISTRATION HERE!

Watch and listen to hundreds of Radio Show replays for FREE here in the archives from the Jimmy Mack Healing Radio show.

https://thejimmymackhealingshow.com/

Fish Food

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

Come See Me in the Tampa Office

SWANN HOLISTIC HEALTH SOLUTIONS

From the Fish Box

A Heartfelt Thank You

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

Receive 24/7 Prayers from Jimmy

You can add yourself and those living in your immediate household and yes you can include pets! Merely include everyone’s names and Jimmy will add them to his daily prayers.

Use PayPal for subscription Click here Use Stripe for subscription Click here.

30-Days of Prayer - $99

$19 Guided Energy Processes - MP3s

The 5 Anchors Process

The Purple Rain Process

The Magical Golden Key Process If you need a refresher on the basics of fishing...we've just revised the FREE MLF Training Kit with much NEW content. CLICK HERE.

Self-paced Online Courses Available Anchors Away Masterclass & Mastery/Practitioner Certification

I recorded a video to tell you more about how you can get access to my brand new Anchors Away Masterclass so you can learn how to protect and clear the 5 Anchors & more.

Watch the Video Now

MLF MASTERY LEVEL 1 is open to ANYONE at anytime!

Learn About Certification Here

TGIFunny

Forward

-------------------------------------------------- TGIW newsletter managed by: Sandy Bidinger Digital Marketing Specialist at SMBeConnected Solutions www.sandybidinger.com

Our mailing address is: Clearwater Florida 33756 USA

0 notes

advancedthetapractitioner · 2 years

Text

TGIWednesday... Grateful Dead and stopping time

TGIWednesday News

TGIWednesday Download

~ CLEARING PAST HAUNTINGS ~

Featured MyBeliefWorks Audios

SAVE 20% AT CHECKOUT DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER!

LAST CALL - LIVE ZOOM TONIGHT!

TODAY!! OCTOBER 26TH 7:30pm Eastern (30 mins long) Pre-register at Calendly - Just $22 (includes reminders and replay) https://calendly.com/jmh-calls/october-2022-zoom

Pre-Register Here - $22

FREE Live Appearances

HAPPENING TOMORROW!

One of our absolute favorites!!

STARTING TOMORROW!

Jump Into Source Bliss Summit with host Malika October 27th -- November 11th 2022 An online Global Summit Celebrating Direct Source Connection FREE REGISTRATION HERE!

Watch and listen to hundreds of Radio Show replays for FREE here in the archives from the Jimmy Mack Healing Radio show.

https://thejimmymackhealingshow.com/

Fish Food

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

Come See Me in the Tampa Office

SWANN HOLISTIC HEALTH SOLUTIONS

From the Fish Box

A Heartfelt Thank You

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

Receive 24/7 Prayers from Jimmy

You can add yourself and those living in your immediate household and yes you can include pets! Merely include everyone’s names and Jimmy will add them to his daily prayers.

Use PayPal for subscription Click here Use Stripe for subscription Click here.

30-Days of Prayer - $99

$19 Guided Energy Processes - MP3s

The 5 Anchors Process

The Purple Rain Process

The Magical Golden Key Process If you need a refresher on the basics of fishing...we've just revised the FREE MLF Training Kit with much NEW content. CLICK HERE.

Self-paced Online Courses Available Anchors Away Masterclass & Mastery/Practitioner Certification

I recorded a video to tell you more about how you can get access to my brand new Anchors Away Masterclass so you can learn how to protect and clear the 5 Anchors & more.

Watch the Video Now

MLF MASTERY LEVEL 1 is open to ANYONE at anytime!

Learn About Certification Here

TGIFunny

Forward

-------------------------------------------------- TGIW newsletter managed by: Sandy Bidinger Digital Marketing Specialist at SMBeConnected Solutions www.sandybidinger.com

Our mailing address is: Clearwater Florida 33756 USA

0 notes

mimelord1 · 2 years

Text

Anna Delvey Reflects on Her Time Behind Bars in First Interview Since Release From Prison

Anna Delvey Reflects on Her Time Behind Bars in First Interview Since Release From Prison https://ift.tt/vlYnyHS Anna Delvey is fresh out of jail and back to living life in the Big Apple. After spending more than a year behind bars for overstaying her visa, the fake heiress—who was released from custody on Oct. 7—is speaking out about how her time was under the supervision of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “You’re always at somebody else’s mercy,” Anna, 31, told The New York Times Oct. 8. “Getting anything for myself, it was just impossible.” Though the socialite—who became the subject of Netflix‘s Inventing Anna series—is now under house arrest with an ankle bracelet as she lives in her new Manhattan apartment, she believes her new living arrangements are better for many reasons. “Better food,” she continued. “And I can have visitors beyond just 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays. We’ll just see what I can do from here. I guess everybody will be coming to me.” She knows she’ll be under scrutiny but noted, “I perform better under pressure. So many people just can’t wait to see me do something crazy, or illegal, and go back to jail. I would not want to give them the satisfaction.” The post Anna Delvey Reflects on Her Time Behind Bars in First Interview Since Release From Prison first appeared on Suave Media. Tags and categories: Uncategorized via WordPress https://ift.tt/qQYJ1FL October 10, 2022 at 10:39PM

0 notes

sanjosenewshq · 2 years

Text

Obamas Rejoice thirtieth Wedding ceremony Anniversary With Endearing Tributes

The Obamas are 30 years sturdy. Barack and Michelle Obama celebrated their thirtieth wedding ceremony anniversary on Monday with pictures displaying how far they’ve come on their journey collectively. “After 30 years, I’m undecided why you look precisely the identical and I don’t,” the previous president captioned two pictures of the couple on Twitter, one from their wedding ceremony day and one taken extra not too long ago. “I do know that I received the lottery that day—that I couldn’t have requested for a greater life accomplice.” Miche, After 30 years, I’m undecided why you look precisely the identical and I don’t. I do know that I received the lottery that day—that I couldn’t have requested for a greater life accomplice. Completely satisfied anniversary, sweetheart! pic.twitter.com/sYGKPOff1O — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 3, 2022 The previous first woman shared related snaps on her Twitter web page whereas calling the final three many years of their marriage an “journey.” “These final 30 years have been an journey, and I’m grateful to have you ever by my facet. Right here’s to a lifetime collectively,” she tweeted. The couple first met of their 20s in 1989 whereas they had been each working for a Chicago regulation agency. “I bear in mind being struck by how tall and exquisite she was,” Barack Obama recalled in 2007. “I requested her out. She refused. I saved asking. She saved refusing.” Completely satisfied anniversary to the person I like! These final 30 years have been an journey, and I’m grateful to have you ever by my facet. Right here’s to a lifetime collectively. I like you, @BarackObama! pic.twitter.com/HcDjbLl2x6 — Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) October 3, 2022 Lastly, he mentioned, “she relented” by agreeing to a primary date at a museum, adopted by a film and ice cream. Two years later, he stunned her by proposing whereas they had been having dinner to rejoice Barack passing his bar examination. “I used to be utterly shocked,” she recalled to ABC Information, describing how she discovered an engagement ring within the waiter’s dessert tray. She gave an enthusiastic sure and the couple married in Chicago on Oct. 3, 1992. The previous president has extensively credited his spouse with a lot of his success in life. President Barack Obama and first woman Michelle Obama attend the Inaugural Ball on the Walter E. Washington Conference Middle in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 21, 2013. Picture by Nikki Kahn/The Washington Put up by way of Getty Pictures “Clearly I couldn’t have finished something that I’ve finished with out Michelle. … Not solely has she been an excellent first woman, she is simply my rock,” he mentioned in a 2011 interview. “I rely on her in so some ways each single day.” By way of their marital success, Michelle has mentioned it requires work and extra than simply feeling “love at first sight.” “It must be a real partnership, and you must actually, actually like and respect the individual that you’re married to,” she mentioned in 2011. “If ultimately, you may look him within the eye and say, ‘I such as you,’ and, you understand, I ended believing in love at first sight. I feel you undergo that fantastic love stage, however when it will get onerous, you want just a little bit extra.” //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Originally published at San Jose News HQ Originally published at San Jose News HQ

#San Jose News HQ

0 notes

wishingicouldfly · 3 years

Text

Links to my analysis posts & rambling rants

Before the fall of 2020, I was absolutely in the dark about One Direction and the Larry love story. If not for Covid-19, I probably wouldn’t have come to this fandom at all. Or maybe I would have eventually--I can't believe I didn't know about it before. My teenage daughter introduced me to the love story in August 2020--of course I knew about One Direction and the surface stuff that the general public knows. She made me sit down and listen to HS1, Walls, and Fine Line back to back. And watch the Adore You video--it was Louis the Fish that clinched it for me.

As a young adult and middle grade novelist, the love story was the thing that hooked me. And boy, it hooked me hard. I went down the rabbit hole. Deep down the rabbit hole, I need to add. Fan made videos, master lists, Fan Fiction. The Rainbow Bears. Anything I could find about the music industry and stunting and tabloids. Some of it broke my heart, but most of it gave me such joy.

Because I'm starting to have a few of these rambles...I thought I'd try to get organized and put the links in one spot. I should have done this a long time ago--these are in no particular order, and I'll add to it as I add them.

Too Much Sauce - some thoughts (1/17/24)

Why I Believe Larry is (still) Real

Favorite Fics from 2023

My first full length fanfic: Homecoming

Harry's breakfast thigh tattoo (8/23/23)

Harry Quoting Song Lyrics on Twitter through the Years (3/28/23)

Harry Styles is a Mermaid (3/7/23)

My Policeman - My Review (10/22/22)

Harry Styles sighting in the background of a Louis Tomlinson Interview in 2019

View From The Ground - FIFT World Tour, Nashville, TN - 7/18/23

View From the Ground - FITF World Tour, Uncasville, CT - 5/26/23

View From the Ground - MSG Night 2, HSLOT - 8/21/22

View From the Ground: LTWT Boston - 2-17-22

View From the Ground: LTWT Washington - 2-10-22

FanFic Favorites for 2022

Dallas, but not THAT Dallas - or Harry and Liam being interviewed and Harry getting annoyed at being called a lonely old man.

Repository for Pilatrry Memes and Link to "Pilates Memes and Sunscreen" on AO3

Debunk: Louis came out to his Rover teammates in August 2013 - January 11, 2023

Debunking the "Harry crying after Larry Denial" moment

Debunking picture of Harry in Nail Polish in 2011 - Aug. 17, 2022

Debunking the "Niall hugged Harry after a Larry denial" comment

Times Harry has "Come Out" over the years - 9-19-22

Louis Tomlinson - LGBTQ Icon - 1-16-23

The Connection between BTM and Holiday - Louis - 9-2-22

Harry's Media Training shows in the Rolling Stone article

F*cking Running From the Bullets--On the 8/22/22 Rolling Stone Article featuring Harry Styles

They Made It - my perspective - June 2022

Larry Never Broke Up - 2016 edition - May 30, 2022

Better Homes and Garden - Harry edition - April 26, 2022

My thoughts on the Harry's House and HS1/1D era leaked music - April 26, 2022

Analyzing Harry's new song Boyfriends, as revealed at Coachella on April 15, 2022

Harry Styles on Howard Stern - talking about Susan Boyle in 2020 - April 9, 2022

Larry are Not Straight

My Thoughts on As It Was - April 1, 2022

Harry's House paying tribute to Andrew Gold? - March 24, 2022

Why Did the Mushroom Go to the Party - Louis' Favorite Joke - 3-23-22

H&L Songs that reference HOME

Meanwhile Somewhere in Venice in 2021

Day ONE as One D - Larry fonding

Fanfic Faves - 2021

My view of the Larry moment in DC - 2.10.22. LOUIS POINTS TO "Sing Walls if Larry is Real" SIGN

My $.02 about [redacted] and H's 28th birthday - February 2, 2022

Harry Styles and the word "P*ssy" - October 9, 2021

Harry Styles: The Making of a Modern Man (my thoughts on a HS biography) - September 1, 2021

My thoughts on Harry's love language - response to an anon - July 2021

My perspective on a 1D reunion on the even of the 11th anniversary - July 2021

My rambling thoughts about Harry sleeping around and groupies

Please don't let Antis bring you down

Harry being uncomfortable with his sexualized image - from Zane Lowe interview December 2019

Harry walking around London in the We Made It sunnies - June 1, 2021, first day of Pride Month

Everthing is fine - June 2021

Peabody Essex Museum/The Swimmer/and Clothes as Armor

My thoughts on The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy and family support around H&L

Harry Styles and being Unlabeled

Profiteroles for Dessert (wink wink)

The Fishing Trucker Hat - July 2021

Harry is uncomfortable and cringy around women

Harry making the thumbs up sign to Louis in 2015 during MITAM promo

Sign Language - Harry touching his heart during awards in 2021

The Peace Ring - June 2021

One D Day - Hour Five Observation (or Harry's Rings)

Louis and Harry hands as art - The Creation of Adam (Sistine Chapel)

Larry are Not Straight

Blue Bandana Sighting

A ramble about staying positive in light of Holivia and stunting - July 2021

Long Term Relationships and Shared Grief

Analysis of the German TV Show - Steal My Girl "banter"

Another version of my thoughts on the German Steal My Girl banter video (apparently I like this one since I've talked about it multiple times)

2013 Video of X-Factor Performance - Midnight Memories with an interesting Larry interaction

Harry always turns to face Louis/the other boys

Holivia is not real (or Olivia and Camille sharing clothing)

My thoughts on Yacht-Gate 2021

Random thoughts about My Policeman

Harry sings Kiwi on X-Factor in 2017

Processing the end of filming DWD and the Holivia PR Stunt

My thoughts on Haroline

I hate Haylor but it gave us Nuts 4 Nuts

Fanfiction recommendations

#my rambling thoughts #fanfic recommendations #Harry Styles #Louis Tomlinson #Holivia #Haylor #Haroline #stunts #not really master posts #some context

145 notes · View notes

weliketheiroldstuff · 2 years

Text

Architects return with new single and video for "when we were young"

Photo: Ed Mason

Architects recently released their performance at Abbey Road of their entire full-length album For Those That Wish To Exist. I didn’t expect less than a month later for a new single to drop. I figured with the tour in September coming through Michigan that we would get something in June at the earliest, so what a fucking treat this is.

I also just realized I cannot be in two places at once, and I already have an AOF ticket for 9.15.22. But if you are an Architects die-hard they will be here at the Royal Oak Music Theatre that same day I highly suggest going. What I got to experience of them the last time they were here was unbelievable!

This new song is almost a hyper version of the band’s recent sound and made me feel a sense of pride knowing how much Dan has to do with this song. I think drummers need more time to shine when it comes to songwriting and truly believe we can write some of the best shit out there. For sources of my opinion please see the entire Rush discography.

This video seems to be Dan Searle’s baby, as he wrote the lyrics and directed the video. The song was premiered on Clara Amfo’s BBC Radio 1 Future Sounds show last night, as the ‘Hottest Record in the World’. You can listen to the show and the interview with Sam Carter HERE.

""when we were young is a song that recognises what is gained and what is lost as we get older. as the world unfolds around us we can become overwhelmed by its endless complexity. when i was 20 I thought I had the whole thing sussed, today i’m pretty sure i’ll never understand reality. we lose our innocence as we age, and although fatalism and cynicism can creep in, we also begin to shift our focus toward gratitude for existence and for those that we love."" -- Dan Searle

ARCHITECTS US Tour Dates

September 6, 2022- Minneapolis, MN - First Ave September 8, 2022 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave September 9, 2022 - Chicago, IL - Riviera September 10, 2022 - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall September 12, 2022 - Indianapolis, IN - Deluxe September 13, 2022 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Ballroom September 15, 2022 - Detroit, MI - Royal Oak September 16, 2022 - Toronto, ON - Rebel September 17, 2022 - Montreal, QC - Mtelus September 20, 2022 - Boston, MA - House of Blues September 21, 2022 - New York, NY - Terminal 5| September 22, 2022 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore September 23, 2022 - Silver Springs, MD - The Fillmore September 25, 2022 - Louisville, KY - Louder Than Life September 26, 2022 - Norfolk, VA - The Norva September 27, 2022 - Raleigh, NC - The Ritz September 29, 2022 - Nashville, TN - Marathon Music Works September 30, 2022 - Atlanta, GA - Heaven October 1, 2022 - St Petersburg, FL - Jannus Live October 3, 2022 - Dallas, TX - Granada Theatre October 4, 2022 - San Antonio, TX - Aztec Theatre October 6, 2022 - Tempe, AZ - The Marquee October 7, 2022 - Los Angeles, CA - NOVO October 9, 2022 - Sacramento, CA - Aftershock ARCHITECTS will be touring the US starting this September. Tickets on general sale now – HERE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARCHITECTS, VISIT:

WEBSITE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM TWITTER

0 notes

patriotsnet · 3 years

Text

What Republicans Are Running For President

New Post has been published on https://www.patriotsnet.com/what-republicans-are-running-for-president/

What Republicans Are Running For President

How Mitt Romney Could Wind Up Running The United States 6 Years After Losing The Presidential Election

If, as expected, Mitt Romney wins his race for a Senate seat from Utah he may become the most powerful man in the United States Senate. As many of us remember, Romney, former Governor of Massachusetts, ran for president in 2012 and lost to Barack Obama. It wasn’t one of those totally humiliating losses—the map did not turn blue—but we assumed Mitt Romney would fade into history.

Well, maybe not.

Here’s how. Just a few months ago, conventional wisdom was that while the Democrats had a good chance of taking control of the House of Representatives, the Senate was out of reach. In 2018 there will be at least 35 Senate seats up—of which 26 are held by Democrats. Democrats need a net gain of 2 seats to take control of the Senate. In an ordinary year this would be tough for two reasons. One is that incumbents usually win, and secondly, 10 of those Democratic senators represent states that went for Trump in 2016—so a somewhat popular president might be able to use his clout to win a Senate seat back from the Democrats. But this is no ordinary year as poll after poll and special election after special election indicate a “blue wave” for Democrats.

EKamarckrecent pollspolling aheadpolling close

Us Election 2024: Who Are The Likely Republican Candidates To Run For President Against Joe Biden

Mike Pence, Ivanka Trump and Ted Cruz are among the rumoured candidates to become Donald Trump’s successor

The 2020 presidential race has only just finished, but the Republican candidates for 2024 are already preparing themselves for their shot at the White House.

We take a look at who may be looking to get themselves in to the race.

Nj Primary Elections 2020: The Five Republicans Who Want To Take Over As Us Senator

Colleen O’Dea, Senior Writer and Projects EditorNJ Decides 2020Politics

Five Republicans are vying for the chance to try to do something no one else has been able to do in almost a half-century: Convince New Jersey voters to elect a Republican to serve in the U.S. Senate, where Democrat Cory Booker now sits.

It has been 48 years since New Jersey voters have sent a Republican to the U.S. Senate, and registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly a million. In 2018, Republican and former pharmaceuticals executive Bob Hugin spent more than $39 million, including $36 million of his own money, and lost by 11 percentage points to incumbent Bob Menendez, who had been considered vulnerable after his trial on political corruption charges ended in a hung jury.

“Statewide races are the toughest ones of all for a GOP outnumbered by a million more registered Democrats in the state,” said Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University. “But even before party registrations were so lopsided, Republican Senate candidates have fared more poorly here than almost anywhere else in the nation.” Since New Jersey last sent a Republican to the Senate in 1972, “the GOP has lost a staggering 15 Senate races in a row,” he said.

Thoughts On New Poll: Most Republicans Want Trump To Run For President In 2024

John Fletcher Jrsays:

May 29, 2021 at 11:48 am

There may not be an American Presidential Office to run for when Joe Biden is done. I still believe Joe Biden is a Counterfeit President. One thing is certain, Barack Hussein Obama is happy that Joe Biden now reigns as worst American President. America get yourself ready for HYPERINFLATION, it’s coming.

May 29, 2021 at 3:43 pm

I have hats of Trump that read ” make America Great Again”, Trump 2020?,and “KEEP AMERICA GREAT”,I also have flags of him ” TRUMP ON THE TANK”, “TRUMP 2020, NO MORE BULLSHIT”. and I just got a new one,“TRUMP 2024” and then I have a MASK that reads, “TRUMP 2024 and has 2 AMERICAN FLAGS .So I really hope he runs, otherwise all of this means nothing ! TRUMP 2024 and TRUE FIGHTING REPUBLICANSIN 2022 !! NO RINOS NEEDED ! STAND UP OR SHUT UP !

May 29, 2021 at 5:19 pm

IT is more than if he runs or not. YOU are sending a message that you stand for freedoms and still support that hard work he did while still in office. Trump stands for AMERICA FIRST and that is also part of your message to the leftists.You are sending a great message no matter what he decides….You know as well as I do that he is all about what is best for the AMERICA and All Americans….SO IF he supports someone else to run then we know that person is worthy of what we all need as AMERICANS.Don;t loose hope and wear your attire with pride knowing there are many others still hoping for another win.

Yes we want Donald Trunp be our presidentin 2024.

Republican Lawmakers Are Terrified Of Trump Running For President Again

A new report by Politico cites multiple unnamed Republican lawmakers – even those who publicly praise Trump – who say that they REALLY don’t want Donald Trump running for President again in 2024. They would much rather see Trump working “behind the scenes” to help shore up support for the Party as a whole, and they insist that the Party is stronger now than it was five years ago. Ring of Fire’s Farron Cousins discusses this.

Transcript:

*This transcript was generated by a third-party transcription software company, so please excuse any typos.

Recently, Politico interviewed several Republican lawmakers, who of course all chose to remain nameless. But Politico says that these were Trump supporting lawmakers, still are Trump supporting lawmakers, by the way. And each one of them said that they do not want Donald Trump to be the Republican party’s nominee in 2024. In fact, they don’t want Trump to run for president ever again. I’ll read a couple quotes from some of these lawmakers here. Here’s what one of them said, he’s one of the best presidents we’ve had in terms of policies. But having said that if it were up to me, I would never have Trump on any ballot ever again, because it’s such a distraction. I would love for him to play a behind the scenes role and not be on the ballot. Another one said, I’d like to see a fresh face. I think we have a lot of them.

Eight Republican 2024 Candidates Speak In Texas Next Week But Not Trump

Steve Holland

WASHINGTON, April 30 – A Republican Party event in Texas next week will hear from eight potential candidates for the party’s presidential nomination in 2024, without former President Donald Trump, a source involved in the planning said on Friday.

The May 7 event at a hotel in Austin is being co-hosted by U.S. Senator John Cornyn and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, to thank donors who helped fund a voter registration drive and get-out-the-vote efforts in the state.

High-profile Republican politicians who are considering whether to seek the party’s nomination in 2024 are expected to speak to the crowd of about 200 donors.

They include former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and U.S. senators Marco Rubio, Tim Scott and Rick Scott, the source said.

The event comes as Republicans wrestle with whether to try to move past Trump in the next election cycle or fall in line behind him. Trump told Fox Business Network’s Maria Bartiromo on Thursday that he was “100%” considering another run after losing in 2020 to Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump was not invited to Texas, the source said. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley was invited but was unable to attend, the source said.

Many Republican insiders doubt Trump will follow through on his musings about running for president in 2024, leaving a void that other party leaders will seek to fill.

Fact Check: Trump Did Not Call Republicans The Dumbest Group Of Voters

5 Min Read

An old quote falsely attributed to Donald Trump has recently resurfaced online. The viral meme alleges Trump told People magazine in 1998 that Republicans are “the dumbest group of voters in the country”. This is false.

While the quote has been debunked several times since it apparently surfaced in 2015, users have recently been resharing it on social media. Examples can be seen here , here , here , here

The meme reads: “If I were to run, I’d run as a Republican. They’re the dumbest group of voters in the country. They believe anything on Fox News. I could lie and they’d still eat it up. I bet my numbers would be terrific. – Donald Trump, People Magazine, 1998”

Snopes first wrote about the false quote here in October 2015 . Since then, the quote has been debunked multiple times .

People magazine has confirmed in the past that its archive has no register of this alleged exchange.

“People looked into this exhaustively when it first surfaced back in Oct. . We combed through every Trump story in our archive. We couldn’t find anything remotely like this quote–and no interview at all in 1998.”, a magazine spokesperson told Factcheck.org that year .

In December 1987, People published a profile on Donald Trump titled “Too Darn Rich”. The article quoted him saying he was too busy to run for president .

The Long Race For The 2024 Republican Presidential Nomination Begins

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — In the past week alone, Nikki Haley regaled activists in Iowa, Mike Pence courted donors in California and Donald Trump returned to the rally stage, teasing a third campaign for the White House.

The midterms are more than a year away, and there are 1,225 days until the next presidential election. But Republicans eyeing a White House run are wasting no time in jockeying for a strong position in what could emerge as an extremely crowded field of contenders.

The politicking will only intensify in the coming weeks, particularly in Iowa, home to the nation’s leadoff presidential caucuses and a state where conservative evangelicals play a significant role in steering the direction of the GOP. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas is slated to visit on Tuesday, and others, including Pence, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are expected to appear in July.

The flurry of activity is a sign that there is no clear frontrunner to lead the GOP if Trump opts against a 2024 campaign.

“It definitely feels early, but it doesn’t feel like it’s a bad idea based on the situation,” said Mike DuHaime, a longtime Republican strategist. “The party has changed, the voters are changing and I think the process has changed. And I think many of the candidates have realized that.”

“We won the election twice,” he said. “And it’s possible we’ll have to win it a third time.”

As for Trump?

Are You Ready For Republican Tim Scott To Run For President In 2024

The Senate’s lone Black Republican member, Tim Scott, is opening eyes and creating conversation about his 2024 political prospects.According to Fox News, Scott has brought in $14.4 million in campaign fundraising, after posting $9.6 million during April-June. The total amount in his campaign coffers has led many to believe that Scott is eying higher office than just the U.S. Senate.Scott has kept his name ringing in the political arena during his tenure in the Senate, especially after delivering a GOP response to President Biden’s primetime address to a joint session of Congress earlier this year. Scott has also led his party in negotiations with congressional Democrats on a major police reform bill.

While Scott has downplayed the hype surrounding his political aspirations, people on the Hill and talking heads on camera are noting that he could possibly be a 2024 Republican presidential nominee.

“Tim Scott is a force,” Jim Merrill, a New Hampshire-based Republican consultant said to Fox News. “His strong numbers reflect how he has inspired activists and business leaders alike, good for both his reelection next year and for a potential presidential campaign in 2024.”

Fear of a Black Landowner

With Scott previously downplaying the notion of running for president and his recent declaration that he won’t run for Senate after 2022, Black America will just have to see if Tim Scott will lean-in to the dollars raised to bankroll a potential campaign for the White House.

Reaction

New Poll: Most Republicans Want Trump To Run For President In 2024

A new Quinnipiac University national poll released this week revealed that two-thirds of Republicans want former President Donald Trump to run for president in 2024.

The Quinnipiac poll surveyed 1,316 U.S. adults nationwide from May 18-24. The poll’s margin of error was +/- 2.7 percentage points.

Three key Republican findings of the survey included:

66% of Republicans want to see Trump run in 2024

66% of Republicans do not think Biden’s victory was legitimate

85% of Republicans want candidates that mostly agree with Trump

“The numbers fly in the face of any predictions that Donald Trump’s political future is in decline. By a substantial majority, Republicans: believe the election was stolen from him, want Trump to run again, and , if they can’t vote for Trump, prefer someone who agrees with him,” said Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Tim Malloy.

Malloy is right. The poll reveals what many American already know — Trump still serves as a top conservative leader.

But is Trump still up for another run? And if he does, can he win?

The first question looks like a yes. Trump recently told radio host Dan Bongino people will be very happy with his answer. However, Trump has also previously said he would not announce whether he is running until after the 2022 midterm elections.

The more important question is can he win? If two-thirds of Republicans already support Trump, how many more will be required, especially in key battleground states, to reach the needed electoral votes?

Native American Voting Rights Are Under Attack In Republican

Paul Blumenthal

After turning out to vote in record numbers in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Native Americans are now one of the biggest targets of Republican-backed voter suppression efforts in states where their votes mattered the most.

Republicans in states with significant Native populations like Arizona, Kansas, Montana and more have enacted new laws that limit voter access in ways that disproportionately impact Native voters. Imposing strict time limits on correcting a mail-in ballot, prohibiting third-party ballot collection, implementing strict voter identification requirements and making it harder to pay for election resources all negatively impact Native Americans in these states, largely due to specific circumstances on reservations where many of them live.

“The laws the state legislatures are passing are lethal to every Native American living in those states,” said OJ Semans, the founder of the Native voting rights group Four Directions and an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. Such legislation, he said, “is going to knock us back 10 years” after “what we’ve been working through for the last 18 to 20 years to get more and more Native Americans to participate in elections.”

It wasn’t until 1962 when New Mexico’s laws blocking Native voting fell. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 also provided important protections for Native voting rights.

Trumps Role As Republican Party Leader Is Becoming Stronger

This weekend’s CPAC straw poll results showed that Trump’s popularity — along with DeSantis’ — in the Republican Party has grown in the last six months, according to Forbes.

In February, only 55% of attendees of a similar CPAC event in Orlando, Florida, said they wanted Trump to lead the ticket in 2024, Forbes reported.

If Trump stayed in political retirement, or at least stayed off the presidential primary ballot in 2024, DeSantis lead the poll with 43% attending Republicans choosing him in February’s hypothetical presidential primary.

Inside the newsroom: Words matter, including the hateful ‘Murder the media’

When Presidential Primaries Started They Weren’t Decisive

Woodrow Wilson.

The Progressive Era at the beginning of the 20th century saw a backlash against local party machines and their bosses dominating American politics. This backlash was especially pronounced in Western states, where reformers implemented ideas like legislating via ballot initiative at the polls.

Progressive reformers also invented the presidential primary. In 1910, Oregon became the first to use a popular election to pick its delegates for national conventions, with the delegates pledged to support specific candidates.

But these primaries lacked the efficacy and decisiveness of those we have today, in part because most states didn’t have them and in part because the ultimate nomination decision was still made via a multi-ballot process at a national convention.

In 1912, ex-President Theodore Roosevelt decided to challenge his successor William Howard Taft for the GOP nomination. He crushed Taft in the primaries, carrying nine of the 12 states that held primaries, while Robert La Follette won two and Taft just one.

But that still left 36 other states, which mostly sent pro-Taft delegates to the convention, securing him the nomination. And that led Roosevelt to bolt the party and launch an independent bid for the general election.

But while McAdoo didn’t have enough support to win, he did have enough to block the party bosses’ favorite, New York Gov. Al Smith, a Catholic.

Why Donald Trump Is Republicans’ Worst Nightmare In 2024

Analysis by Chris Cillizza, CNN Editor-at-large

Earlier this week, amid a rambling attack on the validity of the 2020 election, former President Donald Trump said this: “Interesting that today a poll came out indicating I’m far in the lead for the Republican Presidential Primary and the General Election in 2024.”

this on Trump’s future political ambitions from Politico“Trump is confiding in allies that he intends to run again in 2024 with one contingency: that he still has a good bill of health, according to two sources close to the former president. That means Trump is going to hang over the Republican Party despite its attempts to rebrand during his exile and its blockade of a Trump-centric investigation into January’s insurrection.”new Quinnipiac University national pollhis growing legal and financial entanglementsAs CNN reported on Wednesday night“Manhattan prosecutors pursuing a criminal case against former President Donald Trump, his company and its executives have told at least one witness to prepare for grand jury testimony, according to a person familiar with the matter — a signal that the lengthy investigation is moving into an advanced stage.”

The Contenders Who Competed To Run Against Donald Trump

Tom MurseTom Murse

Within weeks of Donald Trump taking the oath of office as the nation’s 45th president, challengers began lining up to see who would attempt to unseat him in the 2020 presidential election. The controversial president faced early challenges from within his own party, but by and large, the focus remained on the candidates put forth by the opposing Democratic Party.

During one of the most crowded primary seasons in recent memory, several high-profile Democrats, including multiple sitting senators and rising stars in the party, competed for the party’s nomination. Ultimately, it was former vice president Joe Biden who won the party’s nomination. He selected Senator Kamala Harris, another primary candidate, as his running mate, and the ticket won the 2020 general election with 51.3% of the vote and 306 electoral votes to 46.9% and 232 electoral votes for the incumbent Trump/Pence ticket.

Here’s a look at the Democrats, and even members of Trump’s own Republican Party, who ran campaigns looking to unseat the controversial commander-in-chief.

Democratic Challengers

February 7, 2020

Former Us Ambassador To The United Nations Nikki Haley

Haley, 49, stands out in the potential pool of 2024 Republican candidates by her resume. She has experience as an executive as the former governor of South Carolina and foreign policy experience from her time as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Haley was a member of the Republican Party’s 2010 tea party class. A former South Carolina state representative, her long shot gubernatorial campaign saw its fortunes improve after she was endorsed by Sarah Palin. Haley rocketed from fourth to first just days after the endorsement, and she went on to clinch the nomination and become her state’s first female and first Indian-American governor.

As governor, she signed a bill removing the Confederate flag from the state Capitol following the white supremacist attack at the Emanuel African Methodist Church in Charleston. She left office in 2017 to join the Trump administration as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Quinnipiac poll found she was at one point the most popular member of Trump’s foreign policy team.

“I think that she’s done a pretty masterful job in filling out her resume,” said Robert Oldendick, a professor and director of graduate studies at the University of South Carolina’s department of political science.

Haley criticized Trump following the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol by his supporters, saying she was “disgusted” by his conduct. Oldendick said he thought her “pretty pointed criticism of the president will potentially cause some problems.”

Republican Candidates Running For The Us 2020 Election

Bill Weld was married twice and has five children.

Weld ran for vice-president as a Libertarian on the Gary Johnson ticket in the 2016 presidential election.

As a conservative, Weld is strongly pro-choice on abortion issues.

The presidential race is on and the candidates are being whittled down to the very few. Who is running on the Republican side? Current President Donald Trump is going for re-election, and the only candidate now challenging him for election as president of the US this coming November 3rd, 2020 is Bill Weld, a former Massachusetts governor.

The 2024 Republican Presidential Candidate Wild Cards

The first Democratic debate back in 2019 had 20 — TWENTY! — candidates, so don’t be surprised if the Republican field is just as large or larger. We could have some more governors or representatives run, or even other nontraditional candidates, like a Trump family member, a Fox News host or a celebrity, like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who’s said he’s “seriously considering” a run. Stranger things have happened.

Who Wants To Run For Governor As A Republican In 2022

Pennsylvania Republicans have been battling with Gov. Tom Wolf since he unseated incumbent Tom Corbett in 2014. Many of them are eager to take Wolf’s place, but there is no clear frontrunner this early in the race. Several Republicans have already announced their bid, and a few others have hinted or shown interest in joining what is expected to be a crowded primary. Thus far, it’s hard to find a Republican candidate without some sort of ties to former President Donald Trump.

With a heated race to fill U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey’s seat next year, the GOP will have to be strategic about what candidates it wants to back for the Senate and for governor. Potential candidates will also have to weigh their options and decide where they fit best and can compete.

There are plenty of names that could be added to this list in the coming months, but here is our second iteration of potential Republican candidates for 2022. A couple of candidates have been added since the last edition.

Running

Former U.S. Rep Lou Barletta

Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale

Gale was the first Republican to formally announce his candidacy for governor back in February. An avid Trump supporter, he has criticized the Pennsylvania GOP and pledged to be a conservative populist. He’s also caught attention for and saying Trump’s presidency was sabotaged.

Former Corry Mayor Jason Monn

Pittsburgh attorney Jason Richey

Dr. Nche Zama

Charlie Gerow

John Ventre

For These Republicans 2024 Is Just Around The Corner

Mike Pence. Mike Pompeo. Rick Scott. They share big ambitions, but one name hovers above them all …

President Biden told reporters last month that his “plan is to run for re-election,” despite already being the oldest person to have won a presidential election. So, for now at least, the question of who will lead the Democratic ticket in 2024 has been put to rest.

On the Republican side, however, certainty is in short supply. It’s beyond early to be talking about the next presidential election — but that’s only if you aren’t planning to run. Some Republican candidates have already made trips to Iowa and New Hampshire, and others are laying plans to go, in what often represents the first step in building out a campaign operation in those early-voting states.

And on Wednesday, in a conspicuously forward-looking move, former Vice President Mike Pence announced the formation of a new political organization, Advancing American Freedom, whose advisory board is stacked high with former Trump administration officials and allies. The news came on the same day Simon & Schuster announced that it would publish Pence’s autobiography as part of a two-book deal.

The G.O.P. is badly fractured, trying to hold together a dominant base of those loyal to former President Donald Trump and a stubborn minority of pro-decorum, anti-Trump conservatives. Anyone looking to grab the Republican mantle will have to find some way of satisfying both camps — and maybe even expanding upon them.

Rivera Another Candidate Who Is Trying A Second Time

Another candidate making her second Senate attempt is Natalie Lynn Rivera. A social services coordinator from Sicklerville, Rivera ran as an independent under the slogan “For the People” in 2018, garnering about 0.6% of the vote.

Rivera, 44, said she wants to give typical New Jersey residents a voice in Congress. On her Facebook campaign site she calls herself a conservative. Among her priorities are restoring Second Amendment rights that she says are “under seige” in the state and outlawing abortion.

What sets her apart from the other candidates, she said, is that she “will be a servant to the people … I think I am authentic and will serve from the heart to put their best interests at the forefront.”

Another candidate running a shoestring campaign is Eugene Tom Anagnos, a retired middle school teacher who taught in Newark and Elizabeth schools. A Greek immigrant who now lives in East Hanover, Anagnos is an Army veteran who holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Indiana University.

General Election Candidates On Five Or More Ballots

In addition to Biden, Hawkins, Jorgensen, and Trump, the following candidates have qualified to appear on five or more ballots:

Roque De La Fuente Gloria La Riva Jade Simmons Jesse Ventura/Cynthia McKinney Sheila Tittle Kyle Kenley Kopitke Ricki Sue King/Dayna Chandler

Incumbents are bolded and underlined The results have been certified.

Total votes: 158,379,904

0 states have not been called.

Here Are The Republicans To Keep An Eye On For 2024

Bradley Devlin

Republicans are paying extra attention to a number of Republican governors, senators, and former officials that might consider making a run for president in 2024.

The contenders come from various contingents of right-leaning thought, and will be fighting to capture parts of former President Donald Trump’s base. Whichever Republican hopeful prevails will not only become the Republican Party’s nominee, but also help determine the ideological trajectory of the Republican Party in the post-Trump era.

Vice President Mike Pence

It’s not uncommon for vice presidents to follow up their stint as second-in-command with a run for president. Former President John Adams, the nation’s second president, was America’s first vice president under President George Washington. More recently, President Joe Biden became the 46th president four years after he ended his eight-year tenure as former President Barack Obama’s vice president.

Vice President Mike Pence might decide to do the same, but Pence’s relationship with Trump seems to be severely tarnished after Pence did not contest the certification of the Electoral College results, as reported by The Hill.

Senator Ted Cruz

Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz could run for president again come 2024 after he defended his senate seat in 2018 from Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke. Cruz’s bid for the presidency in 2016 ended in failure as Trump captured the Republican Party’s nomination.

Senator Josh Hawley

Governor Ron DeSantis

Poll Results Are Fake Unless Theyre Good Trump Says

During his speech at the Dallas convention Sunday night, Trump said he only would have believed the results of CPAC’s straw poll if they were his favor, Business Insider reported.

“Now, if it’s bad, I just say it’s fake,” the former president told the crowd, reported Insider. “If it’s good, I say that’s the most accurate poll, perhaps ever.”

In the past, Trump has decried similar things he doesn’t like as false, like referring to unfavorable media coverage as “fake news.”

Early Nomination Contests Didn’t Involve Primaries

Presidents Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren.

Intraparty disputes over who should be nominated for the presidency are as old as the republic itself. But the modern system of determining nominees through a series of state primary elections is essentially an innovation of the 1970s. Before that, parties deployed a wide range of methods.

The Democratic-Republicans, the dominant political party of the early 19th century, used to select candidates via a vote of the party’s members in Congress.That method let it control the White House for 20 years, and lasted until the rivalry between John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson made the party splinter into the Democrats and the Whigs in the aftermath of the 1824 election.

Back in 1836, in the early days of Whig versus Democrat competition, the Whig Party even tried nominating several candidates simultaneously in their bid to block Martin Van Buren from succeeding Jackson in the White House.

In most Northern states, William Henry Harrison appeared on the general election ballot, while Hugh White got the nod in most Southern ones. And Massachusetts Whigs went with Daniel Webster , while Willie Magnum was nominated in South Carolina.

But it did not work. Van Buren won the election, and in subsequent contests the Whigs emulated the Democrats, picking a single nominee at a broad national convention with representatives from all states.

0 notes

ericvick · 3 years

Photo

S&P, Nasdaq fall to snap weekly win streaks on ‘quad witching’ Friday, as investors focus on Bullard’s hawkish comments

U.S. stocks ended sharply lower Friday, with the Dow booking its worst week since last October, after comments from a Fed official exacerbated the market volatility that followed the central bank’s updated outlook this week for inflation and the economic recovery from COVID.

Friday also marked quadruple witching day, which is the simultaneous expiration of single-stock options, single-stock futures, stock-index options and stock-index futures.

The U.S. government is closed on Friday after President Joseph Biden signed a bill Thursday making Juneteenth a national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. However, the stock and bond markets remain open for business.

How are stock benchmarks trading?

The Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA, -1.58% dropped 533.37 points, or 1.6%, to 33,290.08

The S&P 500 SPX, -1.31% fell 55.41 points, or 1.3%, to 4,166.45.

The Nasdaq Composite Index COMP, -0.92% slid 130.97, or 0.9%, to 14,030.38.

On Thursday, the Dow closed down 210.22 points, or 0.6%, at 33,823.45, marking a four-day skid that was its longest since January. The S&P 500 edged down 1.84 points, or less than 0.1%, to 4,221.86. The Nasdaq Composite gained 121.67 points, or 0.9%, to 14,161.35.

Weekly statistics

For the week, the Dow declined 3.5%, its second weekly fall in a row and its steepest such drop since October 30. The Nasdaq saw a weekly loss of 0.3%, snapping its four-week winning streak. The S&P 500 is down 1.9% for the week, ending a three-week win streak.

What’s driving the market?

Blame it on quadruple witching or James Bullard as the market took a leg lower, rounding out a downbeat week where investors looked for guidance from interest rate setters at the Federal Reserve.

Just as investors were girding themselves for a Fed with perhaps less of an inclination to champion easy-money policies, St. Louis Federal Reserve President Bullard offered a fresh dose of hawkishness, saying Friday that he thinks the Fed should lift its benchmark interest rate as early as late 2022.

In an interview on CNBC, Bullard said it was “natural” for the Fed to tilt hawkish at its meeting earlier this week, given recent strong inflation readings, but he also pointed to an economy that he views as recovering strongly from the COVID pandemic.

Bullard also said he was “leaning” toward supporting an end to the purchases of mortgage backed securities, given the “booming housing market” and concerns around potential bubbles in the sector. “I would be a little concerned about feeding into the housing froth that seems to be developing,” Bullard said.

Bullard’s comments followed statements earlier in the week from the Federal Open Market Committee and remarks by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, which were viewed as setting the stage for a less accommodative stance by the central bank. Fed policy makers penciled in two rate increases by the end of 2023 and discussed the eventual tapering of the central bank’s asset buying program.

Growing expectations that the U.S. central bank will raise interest rates in 2023 has helped to pull equities down from record highs touched earlier this week by the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite.

The Nasdaq Composite performed relatively better, however, as a fall in longer term Treasury yields this week encouraged buying in technology and growth stocks whose valuations are sensitive to bond yields.

Moves in longer-dated bonds have been pegged to some position unwinding as short-term yields rose and long-term yields fell, but some analysts wager that yields will eventually climb in response to a Fed that appears to be preparing the market for higher inflation and higher interest rates.

The flattening of the U.S. Treasury yield curve also contributed to a sharp fall in bank stocks this week, with the S&P500 financial sector down about 6%, on pace for its worst week since June 12, 2020.

The day’s losses were led by declines in financials XLF, down 2.4%, while consumer staples XLP slumped 1.8%, energy XLE slid 3% and communication services XLC fell 1.2%.

A correction in the cyclical stock rally is underway as China’s economy slows, U.S. fiscal stimulus fades, and the Fed becomes more hawkish, according to a BofA Global Research report dated June 17. That creates “a perfect summer storm for necessary correction in cyclicals, bulls rotating to tech,” BofA’s investment strategists wrote.

“We’re definitely seeing people go back into growth,” said Matthew Tuttle, chief executive officer and chief investment officer of Tuttle Capital Management, in a phone interview Friday. “I don’t think that’s the long-term play. I still believe in the reopening trade.”

Meanwhile, Matt Peron, director of research at Janus Henderson, told MarketWatch Friday that believes the reflation trade still has “gas in the tank,” even if it pauses over the summer. The recent rotation into growth stocks may be a belief among some investors that peak inflation has passed, as well as the stock market’s reaction this week to a still highly-accommodative Fed moving closer toward tightening its monetary policy. “It’s tightening a tempest in a teapot,” said Peron.

Thomas Mathews, market economist at Capital Economics, is forecasting the S&P 500 index will pare its gains over the coming six months and sees muted returns in the 2022 and 2023, amid a higher interest-rate regime. “This would represent an annualized increase of ~4% from its current level, compared with ~13% in the past decade,” he forecast in a research note Friday.

There was no U.S. economic data Friday as the government observes the Juneteenth holiday.

Which companies are in focus?

Sykes Enterprises Inc. SYKE shares soared almost 30% after the company announced an agreement Friday to be acquired by Sitel Group in a cash deal for the customer experience management services valued at $2.2 billion.

Moderna Inc. MRNA said Friday it remains committed to creating jobs in Massachusetts and will hire at least 155 more people for high-tech manufacturing roles this year. Shares closed 1.6% lower.

Shares of Orphazyme A/S ORPH plummeted after the Denmark-based biopharmaceutical company said overnight that it received a “Complete Response Letter” (CRL) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding its treatment for Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC). U.S. listed shares plunged almost 50% Friday.

Shares of Curevac CVAC rose 7.1%. Shares of the German biotech have lost 22% this week after the company said a late-stage clinical trial of its COVID-19 vaccine was only 47% effective.

How are other assets faring?

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note TMUBMUSD10Y slid 6 basis points to 1.449%, down for a fifth straight week.

The ICE U.S. Dollar Index DXY, a measure of the currency against a basket of six major rivals, shot up 0.4% and has climbed 1.9% for the week, its sharpest weekly gain since the week of April 3, 2020.

Oil futures CL00 rose Friday, with West Texas Intermediate crude for July delivery settling 0.8% lower at $71.64 a barrel. Gold futures GC00 ended with a loss Friday, settling 0.3% lower at $1,769 an ounce.

European equities slumped, with the pan-Continental Stoxx Europe 600 SXXP closing 1.6% lower for a 1.2% loss this week. London’s FTSE 100 UKX fell 1.9% Friday, booking a weekly loss of 1.6%.

In Asia, the Shanghai Composite SHCOMP closed flat, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index HSI ended 0.9% higher and Japan’s Nikkei 225 NIK shed 0.2%, on the day.

#Bullards #comments #fall #focus #Friday #hawkish #Investors #Nasdaq #quad #SNAP #streaks #weekly #Win #witching

0 notes

tripnumbersofficial · 4 years

Text

Interview with BTN: Shahab Shayan, senior manager, worldwide operations, Dubai Tourism

It was no surprise to see Dubai reopen its doors to travellers in July, with an economy dependent on foreign tourism.

The commercial capital of the United Arab Emirates accounts for more than 10% of the gross domestic product of the sector per year or more than US$30 billion.

What was not inevitable, however was the prosperity welcomed by the Emirate over the following months.

At Dubai International Airport, a stringent testing regime sees all guests screened for Covid-19 upon arrival, restricting imported events.

At the same time, the day-to-day actions of both citizens and visitors throughout the Emirate are controlled by detailed protocols.

These steps, combined, have allowed the city to curb the growth of the pandemic and have contributed to a return to normal life.

As Shahab Shayan, senior international operations manager at Dubai Tourism, tells Breaking Travel News: "On July 7th, we reopened and have since ensured that strict guidelines and protocols are in place and that they are followed."

We have used the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), which are primarily for research, testing and testing, and we have carried out about 14 million tests here in the United Arab Emirates so far.

On top of that we are trying to ensure that guarantees are fulfilled for residents and tourists coming to the destination.

The World Travel & Tourism Board, called Safe Travels, and the Dubai Assured program are structures, all of which are being adhered to in the emirate.

The regulations have been implemented in all consumer touchpoints across hotels, restaurants and shopping centers, all public spots.

"Checks are conducted on a bi-weekly basis; we send inspectors in to ensure the implementation of all necessary protocols."

This was due to be Dubai's banner year with the Emirate expecting for the first time to welcome 20 million foreign visitors.

Although the figure will not be reached now, some of the short-fall has been offset by a domestic boom, with measures in place to ensure growth returns in 2021.

Shayan explains: "Since we reopened in July, we have seen a big domestic boom in tourism."

In February of this year, we had about 750 hotels open in Dubai before the pandemic, and we currently have around 600 open.

There has been an international tour, and we look forward to a good feeling for the future.

We are not able to put a figure at this point on how many guests we will welcome this year with the opening and closing of hotels, a more complicated situation than normal.

"We hope to have some numbers out by the end of the year, however."

Although it seems likely that the market will remain depressed in the short term, investment has continued to flow into the Emirates, showing confidence in a long-term return.

Sofitel Dubai the Obelisk recently became the newest hotel to open this year in a long line of hotels, while properties expected to hit the market in the coming months will allow the Emirate to enter previously untapped segments.

"Shayan continues: "The opening of new properties is taking place, showing the power of the industry here in Dubai.

We have the newly opened Sofitel Dubai Obelisk, while there's also Rove La Mer Beach.

The latter is an inexpensive hotel targeted at families who want to be right next to the beach, but don't want to pay the rates of Palm Jumeirah, for those who know it.

The Riu Dubai, a four-star beach resort, is also here in Dubai, the first of its kind, with around 800 keys.

"These are all very exciting openings and in the long term, show our strength."

Of course, if travelers were unable to get to the emirates, there would be no point in opening new quarters.

Over the past three decades, the flag carrier Emirates has been instrumental in Dubai's growth as a tourism destination, and there has been no improvement this year.

"Emirates remains one of our key strategic partners and they have really been on the world hospitality map since the emergence of Dubai," says Shayan.

Throughout the pandemic, they did a good job, initially by offering cover for travelers, which has now been extended until the end of the year.

They have returned to two-thirds of their network as well and are now flying to more than 90 destinations.

"Emirates has also given a chance to do so to residents who want to come back to Dubai, and this has received some very positive feedback."

The carrier has most recently returned to a number of European markets, and has also been at the forefront of testing for Covid-19.

Dubai has also sought to build new markets during the summer months, when demand is historically poor, even without a global pandemic raging.

New types of visas are now available, both for those in Dubai looking for work-from-home' or contemplating retirement elsewhere.

"Both are part of a broader plan to expand the Emirate in new directions, Shayan explains: "We still need to look at how we can grow as a destination, looking at various angles on how we can attract different people to what is on offer here.

"Dubai Tourism has a strong belief that this is a city for everyone and we try to show that through the products we have, as well as through the initiatives we launch."

He adds: "An instance of that is the two new visas."

The retirement visa is fairly straightforward, targeted at people who have already been to Dubai, who have spent some time here and are searching for a destination with sun, sea and sand.

They know they are doing well with their retirement accounts, there is no complex paperwork, and it's a simple move forward.

Secondly, I believe one of the most exciting things we did during the pandemic was a work visa.

What better place to work than by the pool here in Dubai in this new day and age, with people working from home?

In order to serve this business, we have the ideal eco-system, and we have had tremendous success in terms of inquiries about it-people asking how they can make the switch.

"This is a nice alternative for people who may have traveled to Dubai to spend some time here for a longer period of time."

Dubai is well positioned to return to growth as focus turns to next year and a potential Covid-19 vaccine adds optimism to the global hospitality industry.

A focal point for the year will be the rescheduled Expo 2020 Dubai, although there is hope that Covid-19 regulations could eventually be relaxed.

"Shayan continues: "Expo 2020 Dubai is now scheduled to take place next year in October, running until March 2022.

A lot of great individuals are working on the initiative and they are looking at how best we can demonstrate the experience of such an occurrence in the post-pandemic world.

I think it is just supposed to be an experience for everyone with the expo itself.

A lot of people thought it was originally for a business market, but this is not the case-it is very public-focused, providing an opportunity to come and learn.

"Right now the team is examining how they can come back stronger, to reassure everyone that things will be well managed."

In closing, Shayan says that Dubai is now once again really open for business: "Dubai is really open to all, and we are very confident that we are ready to welcome people safely with the different protocols and measures we have put in place."

"It's very much a message that we are ready."

More Info

Dubai is recognized by judges at the World Travel Awards as the Middle East's Leading Destination.

Find out more on the official website about visiting them.

Best place to find more about barbuda codrington is TripNumbers.com

0 notes

perfectirishgifts · 4 years

Text

Why Sports Illustrated Chose These 5 Athlete Activists As 2020 Sportspersons Of The Year

New Post has been published on https://perfectirishgifts.com/why-sports-illustrated-chose-these-5-athlete-activists-as-2020-sportspersons-of-the-year/

Why Sports Illustrated Chose These 5 Athlete Activists As 2020 Sportspersons Of The Year

Clockwise from top left to right, Patrick Mahomes, Lebron James, Breanna Stewart, Naomi Osaka and … [] Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Sports Illustrated’s 2020 Sportspersons of the Year.

Sports Illustrated is embracing the concept that athletes do more than dribble, and that they will not, despite Fox News host Laura Ingraham’s infamous diss, shut up.

The magazine’s editors announced this morning that they have chosen to end 2020, a year marked by tragedy, protests, raised awareness of racism and inequity and a Covid-19 pandemic that has killed the equivalent of five Dodger Stadiums, filled to capacity, with this message: Athletes can be leaders both on the field or the court, as well as in the world.

The 2020 Sportspersons of the Year are “Athlete Activists,” and there are five of them:

LeBron James of the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers

U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka

Breanna Stewart of the WNBA champion Seattle Storm

Patrick Mahomes

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, both of the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs

All of them are cisgender, but at least one one identifies as gay and there are other connections between the honorees and the LGBTQ community.

It’s only the fifth time in the history of Sports Illustrated that the magazine chose five athletes as co-Sportspersons of the Year.

Portrait by Alexis Franklin of Lebron James of the Lakers.

Lebron James

As it happens, the very same target of that condescending “shut up and dribble” remark in 2018, set a new record: Lebron James is the first Sportsperson of the Year to pull off a three-peat. It’s the Lakers superstar’s third time being selected by the magazine.

“King James,” as he calls himself on Twitter, tweeted to express his thanks to the magazine:

“Each of these people won a championship in 2020,” co-editor in chief Stephen Cannella said in a phone interview Friday, prior to the public announcement. “This group also represents a nice range of activism on a lot of different causes and a lot of different themes that really dominated the larger conversation way beyond sports in 2020: Racial injustice and Black Lives Matter was top of mind there, and LeBron was very outspoken on those issues.”

The magazine enlisted basketball icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to tell readers James’ story and his significant impact off the hardwood: In addition to leading the Lakers to the 2020 NBA title and winning Finals MVP honors in the process, James fought to end voter suppression with his organization, More Than a Vote, which helped turn sports arenas shut down by Covid-19 into polling places.

About the covers: New York City artist Alexis Franklin, 24, said she was commissioned by Sports Illustrated to create the five portraits that grace SI’s magazine covers. She used an Apple computer to “paint” these commanding portraits of the honorees; Franklin said she has no formal art training.

Portrait of Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs by artist Alexis Franklin

Patrick Mahomes

In addition to helping the Chiefs win the Super Bowl and being named MVP, Cannella said Patrick Mahomes was a leader off the gridiron, too. “One of the main focus of his activism this year was spurring a video that NFL players made, directly asking the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell to recognize players rights to protest and to recognize the importance of the BLM movement, something that the NFL and Goodell had refused to do,” Cannella said.

On Sunday, of course, Mahomes was focused on winning against the Denver Broncos. Which he and his Kansas City teammates did. The article in Sports Illustrated about Mahomes is written by Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to win the Super Bowl.

Portrait of Laurent Duvernay-Tardif of the Kansas City Chiefs for Sports Illustrated.

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif

“Laurent Duvernay-Tardif also played for the Chiefs. He was a key lineman for them coming off a Super Bowl,” added Cannella, who said Duvernay-Tardif was selected to represent the other significant event of 2020: the pandemic and our response to it. “This is the height of his NFL and his football career. And he gave it all up and left football to finish his medical training and become a doctor, so he could fight on the front lines of the Covid-19.” He’s doing so in his home province of Quebec.

Jenny Thompson is the author of Duvernay-Tardif’s story: the 12-time Olympic gold medalist is also an anesthesiologist.

Portrait of tennis champion Naomi Osaka for Sports Illustrated.

Naomi Osaka

In addition to winning the 2020 U.S. Tennis Open, Naomi Osaka made spreading awareness of the victims of racial violence her cause, every day of competition. The names of those Black Americans, whose lives were lost to police violence, adorned her masks; a different name each and every day.

“She is believed to be one of the first athletes active on social media in the wake of George Floyd’s death,” Cannella said. “She really did a lot to raise the awareness of that movement, in her own way.”

Out lesbian tennis legend Martina Navratilova, a fighter for equality for decades but currently embroiled in the fight on the side against transgender inclusion in sports, wrote the article about Osaka.

Portrait of Seattle Storm star Breanna Stewart

Breanna Stewart

“Breanna is very active in support of the BLM movement this year. She and the [Seattle] Storm were front and center of the WNBA as a whole, front and center in the entire conversation about social justice this year. Breanna was very outspoken about the idea that this WNBA season was being played in honor of, not just the BLM movement writ large, but also Breonna Taylor specifically.”

PALMETTO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 06: Sue Bird #10 of the Seattle Storm celebrates with Megan Rapinoe … [] after winning the WNBA Championship on October 06, 2020 in Palmetto, Fla. Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

World Cup Soccer phenom Megan Rapinoe, a friend of Stewart’s who is engaged to marry her teammate on the Storm, Sue Bird, wrote the profile accompanying Stewart’s award.

Choice Results In Criticism

Although awards typically leave somebody unhappy, in this case there was a backlash on Sunday against Stewart’s selection, spread by WNBA sportswriters, fans and SI readers.

By choosing “Stewie,” as friends and fans call Stewart, SI opened itself to criticism that the magazine erased Black women who led the movements credited to and benefiting Stewart with this award. There’s no argument that she is worthy of this honor, and one of the white players who stepped-up as an activist, early on, to fight injustice and racism.

But multimedia sports journalist Arielle Chambers, who was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list last week, was one of many Black women sportswriters who successfully walked the line, online, between critiquing Sports Illustrated’s decision, and doing so without attacking or trying to take away from Stewart’s accomplishments.

Chambers emailed to expand and further explain the struggle she and other Black women in sports endure, that was not being recognized by the magazine or white-majority mainstream media in general:

“Each day, I’d look to Ariel Atkins of the Washington Mystics to quite literally #SAYHERNAME and remind us of the many Black women who have had their lives senselessly taken in the hands of the police.

“Each day, I’d get on the phone with Natasha [Cloud] to plan and organize how to keep the energy around advocating for justice. Each day, I’d bask in proudness of Angel McCoughtry and Renee Montgomery, two super vets, seeing them really use their platforms, literally putting Breonna Taylor on their backs.

“Each day, I’d consider the mothers of the WNBA, especially the ones with Black children, who had to have those difficult conversations with their kids, explaining how their cuteness can easily turn into criminal perception.

“Each day, I existed in America as a Black woman who was in awe of these Black athletes who somehow mustered up the strength to show up and keep going… When will society start showing up for us? Black people belong in the history books. Imagine literally drowning and people who aren’t, asking from the boat, ‘What can I do?’ Stop ignoring Black women.”

The co-EIC, Cannella, responded to the online backlash in a written statement:

“This year’s Sportsperson honor is about recognizing athletes who reached the pinnacles of their sports in 2020 and also used their platforms in a variety of ways to take action, create awareness and build unity. Breanna Stewart was the top player for the WNBA champion Seattle Storm and was named Finals MVP. She did all that less than a year after suffering a career-threatening injury. With those achievements, along with her unabashed advocacy for equality for everyone, Breanna Stewart represents a Sportsperson’s standard of excellence on and off the court.”

In response to questions about the magazine’s decision-making process, specifically how many of those involved in the Sportsperson of the Year awards were Black, how many were women, and how many were both Black and female, Cannella issued this statement:

“Our Sportsperson choices were made after much collaborative discussion and debate among the entire editorial staff. SI is committed to a diversity of opinions and voices in its staffing and in its editorial decisions, an effort we will continue to focus on in 2021 and beyond.”

Tamryn Spruill, the editor-in-chief at the website Swish Appeal and author of the forthcoming book, Court Queens: A Story of Passion, Perseverance and Power from the Women of the WNBA (Abrams 2022), says Cannella “missed the mark” with his responses.

“Choosing to amplify one white woman over more than a hundred majority-Black players in the league… is a stinging, yet familiar slap in the face.” As for the question about his staff, Spruill wrote that his response “exemplifies the lip service being paid to ‘diversity,’ and underscores how often this type of language is never backed with action. Inclusion is not hard; the pool of diverse talent out there is broad. Yet, it seems many newsrooms have not made inclusion a priority, and that includes a failure to hire sports journalists with a deep knowledge of the WNBA.”

Spruill suggested in a tweet that Stewart decline the award from Sports Illustrated.

As of press time, Stewart has not responded to any of the tweets that claimed the magazine made a mistake, and did not respond to my request for comment.

However, the 2020 WNBA Finals MVP is sharing her thoughts in a video that will be released by SI in conjunction with the award Monday morning:

Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm wears a team jersey with the name of police shooting victim … [] Breonna Taylor on the back.

“The 2020 season is going to be a historic one for everything that we stood for, but it can’t just be this one season. This is something that should be a part of our everyday lives.

“I’m not afraid to use my voice. I’m not afraid to make mistakes and I’m going to continue to educate myself. I want to be able to make a difference and make an impact and be the best person I can be, just like I want to be the best player I can be.

“But the only way I can do that is if I continue to do what I can and make sure that as our society is hopefully growing, that I’m growing, too.”

A Changing Magazine

What’s unfortunately not growing is Sports Illustrated.

Just a little over a year ago, Cannella and his co-EIC, Ryan Hunt, inherited a magazine that had let go between 40 and 50 editorial employees, according to reports such as in The Day, or a third of the total newsroom. They were replaced by contractual and freelance writers, as SI shifted from biweekly to monthly, a victim of the media industry downsizing, which published reports say has only accelerated during the Covid-19 slump, under new ownership by Maven.

Cannella himself has worked for more than two decades at SI, starting as a fact-checker in 1995. So, he has seen a lot of changes, and shepherded them, too, including the magazine’s first swimsuit issue with a transgender model this past summer. And he said he sees this year’s Sportspersons of the Year as reflective of both change, and of tradition.

“Sports Illustrated has always been determined to use sports as a prism into telling stories about not just sports, but about society as a whole,” said Cannella. “We’ve done that throughout our history, around the fight for racial equality, the fight for gender equality, of all types of equality.”

Even transgender inclusion in sports?

“I think trans trans athletes and the opportunities they they should be given and the recognition that they’re seeking, that is already a very big story at the grassroots level and will continue to be,” he added. “We’re going to cover that story in 2020 and beyond.”

From Diversity & Inclusion in Perfectirishgifts

0 notes