#they did this at US bank stadium too

[iwatcheditbegin]

This is pretty iconic

[jewishvitya]

A pro-Palestine Jew on tiktok asked those of us who were raised pro-Israel, what got us to change our minds on Palestine. I made a video to answer (with my voice, not my face), and a few people watched it and found some value in it. I'm putting this here too. I communicate through text better than voice.

So I feel repetitive for saying this at this point, but I grew up in the West Bank settlements. I wrote this post to give an example of the extent to which Palestinians are dehumanized there.

Where I live now, I meet Palestinians in day to day life. Israeli Arab citizens living their lives. In the West Bank, it was nothing like that. Over there, I only saw them through the electric fence, and the hostility between us and Palestinians was tangible.

When you're a child being brought into the situation, you don't experience the context, you don't experience the history, you don't know why they're hostile to you. You just feel "these people hate me, they don't want me to exist." And that bubble was my reality. So when I was taught in school that everything we did was in self defense, that our military is special and uniquely ethical because it's the only defensive military in the world - that made sense to me. It slotted neatly into the reality I knew.

One of the first things to burst the bubble for me was when I spoke to an old Israeli man and he was talking about his trauma from battle. I don't remember what he said, but it hit me wrong. It conflicted with the history as I understood it. So I was a bit desperate to make it make sense again, and I said, "But everything we did was in self defense, right?"

He kinda looked at me, couldn't understand at all why I was upset, and he went, "We destroyed whole villages. Of course we did. It was war, that's what you do."

And that casual "of course" stuck with me. I had to look into it more.

I couldn't look at more accurate history, and not at accounts by Palestinians, I was too primed against these sources to trust them. The community I grew up in had an anti-intellectual element to it where scholars weren't trusted about things like this.

So what really solidified this for me, was seeing Palestinian culture.

Because part of the story that Israel tells us to justify everything, is that Palestinians are not a distinct group of people, they're just Arabs. They belong to the nations around us. They insist on being here because they want to deny us a homeland. The Palestinian identity exists to hurt us. This, because the idea of displacing them and taking over their lands doesn't sound like stealing, if this was never theirs and they're only pretending because they want to deprive us.

But then foods, dances, clothing, embroidery, the Palestinian dialect. These things are history. They don't pop into existence just because you hate Jews and they're trying to move here. How gorgeous is the Palestinian thobe? How stunning is tatreez in general? And when I saw specific patterns belonging to different regions of Palestine?

All of these painted for me a rich shared life of a group of people, and countered the narrative that the Palestininian identity was fabricated to hurt us. It taught me that, whatever we call them, whatever they call themselves, they have a history in this land, they have a right to it, they have a connection to it that we can't override with our own.

I started having conversations with leftist friends. Confronting the fact that the borders of the occupied territories are arbitrary and every Israeli city was taken from them. In one of those conversations, I was encouraged to rethink how I imagine peace.

This also goes back to schooling. Because they drilled into us, we're the ones who want peace, they're the ones who keep fighting, they're just so dedicated to death and killing and they won't leave us alone.

In high school, we had a stadium event with a speaker who was telling us about a person who defected from Hamas, converted to Christianity and became a Shin Bet agent. Pretty sure you can read this in the book "Son of Hamas." A lot of my friends read the book, I didn't read it, I only know what I was told in that lecture. I guess they couldn't risk us missing out on the indoctrination if we chose not to read it.

One of the things they told us was how he thought, we've been fighting with them for so long, Israelis must have a culture around the glorification of violence. And he looked for that in music. He looked for songs about war. And for a while he just couldn't find any, but when he did, he translated it more fully, and he found out the song was about an end to wars. And this, according to the story as I was told it, was one of the things that convinced him. If you know know the current trending Israeli "war anthem," you know this flimsy reasoning doesn't work.

Back then, my friend encouraged me to think more critically about how we as Israelis envision peace, as the absence of resistance. And how self-centered it is. They can be suffering under our occupation, but as long as it doesn't reach us, that's called peace. So of course we want it and they don't.

Unless we're willing to work to change the situation entirely, our calls for peace are just "please stop fighting back against the harm we cause you."

In this video, Shlomo Yitzchak shares how he changed his mind. His story is much more interesting than mine, and he's much more eloquent telling it. He mentions how he was taught to fear Palestinians. An automatic thought, "If I go with you, you'll kill me." I was taught this too. I was taught that, if I'm in a taxi, I should be looking at the driver's name. And if that name is Arab, I should watch the road and the route he's taking, to be prepared in case he wants to take me somewhere to kill me. Just a random person trying to work. For years it stayed a habit, I'd automatically look at the driver's name. Even after knowing that I want to align myself with liberation, justice, and equality. It was a process of unlearning.

On October, not long after the current escalation of violence, I had to take a taxi again. A Jewish driver stopped and told me he'll take me, "so an Arab doesn't get you." Israeli Jews are so comfortable saying things like this to each other. My neighbors discussed a Palestinian employee, with one saying "We should tell him not to come anymore, that we want to hire a Jew." The second answered, "No, he'll say it's discrimination," like it would be so ridiculous of him. And the first just shrugged, "So we don't have to tell him why." They didn't go through with it, but they were so casual about this conversation.

In the Torah, we're told to treat those who are foreign to us well, because we know what it's like to be the foreigner. Fighting back against oppression is the natural human thing to do. We know it because we lived it. And as soon as I looked at things from this angle, it wasn't really a choice of what to support.

[trulyhblue]

Media Duties (Pt 2 of Communication)

Kyra Cooney-Cross x Dutch! Arsenal! Reader

Warnings: fluff, REALLY bad translated Dutch, language barrier, suggestive if you squint really hard.

Masterlist

___________________

While your English was far from great, it was slowly improving.

You spent most of your time at training listening to the conversations around you, trying to match words to emotions and faces to sounds. Your Netherlands teammates had slowly integrated the second language into your Dutch conversations, and your Arsenal teammates urged you more and more out of your shell.

You were still very soft-spoken, ushering a few words here and there, smiling when the group set off into chuckles at something one of them — primarily Katie — had said.

After games and training, Vic and you would go out to dinner, listening to her order before doing so yourself. It was embarrassing at first and continued to be until you memorized the pronunciations entirely.

Viv often invited the two of you over for dinner. It became a sort of tradition after training on Mondays and Fridays; when neither of you were willing to cook. You would listen to Beth talk about everything because she regularly did so whenever she had the chance. Viv would tease her for talking too much, but you enjoyed the blonde’s bubbly personality.

Alessia would come over to yours when she wanted to, using the few Dutch phrases she knew to bond with you. The ex-united player was very giggly, and wouldn't stop giggling until someone had to physically restrain her. In your opinion, she had the easiest accent to read.

Kyra’s on the other hand, was not.

Kyra was stuck to your hip the moment you met. You weren't used to having someone as physically clingy as the Australian, but you didn't seem to mind it. She would bring you a chocolate every morning, cheekily popping her one in her mouth with a smile. She would give you her packet when you left yours in your cubby, and when the two of you were subbed off, she’d sing your ear off with the strangest songs you ever heard.

When she first slept over with you, Victoria and Alessia, she refused to play Monopoly if she wasn't the dog, and you had to remind her that she wasn't actually going into debt — she could've just mortgaged her properties — but she threw her hands up and claimed everyone was gaining up on her. She took the blankets all to herself when you went to sleep, and when you whinged about how you were cold, she curled both her arms around your waist and cuddled you like a teddy bear.

Unrecognizably, Kyra’s Dutch started to improve. Neither of you noticed it at first, having used Google Translate in the first few weeks of meeting each other, but ever so slowly, the Australian found herself talking small phrases to you in your native language.

It wasn't like she went home and practised them on Duolingo, no, she’d never…

“My jacket looks good on you,” Kyra said to your hunched figure. You don't look up at her, but from her tone, you can tell she is smug.

Today's game against Chelsea was a big one. The famous London Derby was well awaited, with the Emirates banking up to pretty much sell out by the morning of. You kept seeing the anticipation of the game on social media. Tweets on the starting eleven predictions and score prognosis were being thrown left and right, causing you to feel slightly displaced regarding the upcoming match.

You had sat next to Kyra on the bus, having done so for every game this season so far. The trip to the stadium wasn't far, yet the suspense of the crowds daunted you as your head leaned against Kyra’s shoulders.

You were a part of the starting eleven, meaning you’d be up against Jessie Fleming and Erin Cuthbert. The young Aussie beside you wasn't, which rattled you even more. The combination of you, Vic, Kyra and Katie in Midfield was unstoppable, but on the rare occasion that you were all on the field at once was rare. Vic and Lessi were sitting in front of you, making TikToks. Vic had gotten up early this morning, but you two still managed to nearly miss the bus. Alessia was wearing her usual multiple layers of clothing, while Vic was only in her kit.

You matched Kyra’s silence for most of the ride, her small conversation being met with your distant hums. She could tell you were nervous, you didn't know how, but she knew.

“Domme meid.” Silly girl. She muttered. This nickname wasn't new to you. In fact, it was used quite frequently by your Netherlands teammates. Nonetheless, the quip made you look up, meeting the Aussie’s beady, brown eyes and childish smirk.

“I am not silly.” You retorted. “You are.”

“I am what?”

“Silly.”

Kyra shook her head, running her hand through her hair, her smile brighter. “Je stress te veel.” You stress too much.

“Ik niet. Je bent te relaxed. Ik benadruk omdat ik het goed wil doen.” I do not. You are too laid back. I stress because I want to do well. Your voice was pointed, the glare from your eyes making your point known.

But your gaze softened upon seeing Kyra’s eyes widen, her nose twitching as her lips fell into a frown. She didn't understand.

“Sorry.” You sighed, smoothing your shorts out with your hands. “I am… I am stressed… I want to…”

“Do well?”

You nodded, her face smoothing over. “Yes.”

“You are a very good player.” Without much thought, Kyra took your hand, her thumb drawing patterns over your palm. The blush that fell over your cheeks was noticeable. You could tell by Kyra’s smile. “You play very well.”

You could tell Kyra was struggling to find the right words to say. She bit her lip in thought, pulling out her phone. You knew what she was doing right away.

When she finished typing, the familiar voice rang out.

“Je zult niet begrijpen wat ik zeg als ik Engels spreek. Je moet je vandaag geen zorgen maken, want je bent een van de beste middenvelders die ik ken. Je hebt ongelooflijke vaardigheden. Je verdient het om trots te zijn op wat je kunt doen.” You won't understand what I’m saying if I speak in English. You shouldn't worry about today because you are one of the best Midfielders I know. You have incredible abilities. You deserve to feel proud of what you can do.

Your cheeks were very red by this point, your grip on Kyra’s hand tightening as you listened to the voice pour out of her phone.

“I want you to… play.”

“I might come on. You never know.”

You shook your head, telling her you didn't understand. She started typing up a storm once more, and you watched in adoration as a concentrated crease formed between her eyebrows.

“Als je je nerveus voelt, kijk dan rond en tel hoeveel mensen je trui dragen. Elke week zie ik hoop. Dat zal je laten zien hoeveel mensen in je geloven, zelfs als je dat niet doet.” If you are feeling nervous out there, look around and count how many people are wearing your jersey. Every week I see heaps. That’ll show you how many people believe in you, even if you don't.

You beamed, moving closer to Kyra by hugging her waist, using one of your arms to push underneath the hem of her shirt. You fiddled with the fabric to whole way there, feeling a wave of calm and peace flow over you.

***

Not once had you interacted with a reporter throughout your time at Arsenal. Never once did you find yourself in the awful situation of being caught out after a game.

Until now.

The game went incredibly well for the Gunner, coming away with a four-one win against the top of the ladder in front of nearly 70,000 people. You played the whole game, assisting one of the goals, and receiving player of the match.

This was your first time accepting an award at Arsenal. Kyra got the fan’s Player of the Month in November, which was definitely well deserved. At first, you had thought Alessia wouldn't obtain today’s award, but you were pleasantly surprised when Kyra came running up to you with the trophy, probably snatching it off someone so that she could be the first to hold it.

“Look at you go, Y/n/n.” She spoke, slipping her arms around your waist, spinning you around. “So proud of you.” This was a very special moment for you. You were trying awfully hard in your new club, and it felt like all of the tough work was paying off.

You were about to answer Kyra, praising her on the game she had, being subbed on in the second half, when you felt a presence come up behind you, alongside several cameras.

This was not your first time in front of the media, being known for your charismatic media presence back at AFC Ajax. You noticed fans loved the challenges you did with your old teammates and the joy you’d bring to the videos that would gain so many more views than all the others. You’d been tagged in all these tweets begging you to be in an Arsenal video, but you knew it wouldn't be the same.

You’d stutter, unable to find the right words you were thinking of in Dutch. Your humour wouldn't be as quick and witty in English. While you had grown an uncanny friendship with all of the Arsenal girls over these last months, you had known your Ajax teammates for four years, some even longer if you played with them at youth level.

“Y/n, congratulations on the game today and, of course, on Player of The Match, how would you describe this moment?”

The reporter was quick to point her microphone at you, waiting as you stood there speechless at her words. You only caught onto snippets of her speech. You hadn't heard the first part of her question, being too caught up in your moment with Kyra.

The Aussie was standing next to you, her arms still wrapped around your waist. She must've caught onto your stunned disposition since she swiftly moved you from side to side, stalling the moment by dancing with you cheekily.

The reporter laughed at the interaction, the cameraman panning to catch Kyra’s cunning smile and your flushing cheeks. She took the trophy from your hands, holding it up like Simba from The Lion King. You were giggling at the sight, and the camera caught Kyra’s beaming, proud response to your reaction.

“Well, I think this moment speaks for itself. Kyra, do you think Y/n’s commendation was well deserved?”

Kyra took her arm and swung it over your shoulder, giving you the trophy back with a toothy grin. “Who else would they give it to?”

“Lessi.” You suggested, modest in your attempt to calm the hyper state Kyra was in. The reporter laughed as Kyra gasped.

“You’re just being humble. She's a stress head, y’know, always worrying about the game. But look,” She pointed at the trophy, specifically your engraved name. “The amount of jerseys with her name on it says enough.”

“How are you going to celebrate now?” The woman asked, the microphone now between the two of you.

“Play a game of Monopoly.” Kyra smirked, watching you scoff.

“No.”

________________________

victoriapelova

Liked by leahwilliamson, and 32,363 others

victoriapelova — disgusting, the two of them 🤢

Tagged : yourusername, kyracooneyx

comments :

bethmead_ — let them be!!!

user1 — I wonder what they’re smiling at 🤔

^ yourusername — google translate 💗

^ user2 — SHE’S SO UNIRONICALLY FUNNY LMAO

^ user3 — IKR LIKE THE HEART SHES SO CUTE

alessiarusso99 — I'm already motion sick! Don't need that 🤧

^ victoriapelova — AGREED

^ kyracooneyx — your TikToks make us sick. Keep them in drafts, no one wants to see them ‼️

user4 — my two pookies 💞

* liked by kyracooneyx

katie_mccabe15 — @ yourusername where is my cuddles?! 😡

^ kyracooneyx — why cuddle you when she's got me?

^ charligrant — your cuddles are lethal, Kyra. I've nearly been suffocated to death.

^ alessiarusso99 — blink if you need help.

User12 — THEM IN THE INTERVIEW TOGETHER UGH THEY WERE SO CUTE

^ User15 — THE WAY KY DANCED WITH Y/N/N CAUSE SHE WAS NERVOUS OMG

yourusername — Vivi in the back 🤣

^ viviannemiedema — I was sleeping, shush.

^ user5 — looks like she's manifesting a win

^ viviannemiedema — I was.

user7 — they are so dating

^ user8 — they literally met like four months ago I doubt it

^ user9 — call me delulu, but they are trululu

^ user10 — no one can tell me otherwise after her POTM interview

^ user11 — THE WAY KYRA LOOKED SO PLEASED WITH HERSELF WHEN Y/N STARTED GIGGLING

^user10 — “who else would they give it to” “lessi” LIKE AWWWW SHES SO HUMBLE

(pretend its the Arsenal jerseys hahahaha)

kyracooneyx

kyracooneyx — Domme Meid

*comments are limited*

yourusername — silly girl 💗

alessiarusso — cute ig

*liked by victoriapelova

___________________________

[2amriize]

Hey guys, I know this might not help much, but if you could sign the following petition to show that we want Music Bank in Madrid, I’d be very grateful. Here is the link: https://chng.it/v7wygKLhh9

For more context on what’s going on, yesterday (while I was at the cinema watching the RIIZE movie lol), the news broke that the stadium where Music Bank was supposed to be held decided to cancel or postpone all their concerts. They did this without notifying the promoter and less than a month before the concert.

The reason for the cancellation is that local residents are complaining about the noise (even though they’re the ones who paid a lot of money to live in the city center next to a stadium). Because of this, it had already been announced a few weeks ago that the concert’s end time would be moved up from 00:00 to 23:00.

Obviously, everyone is upset about the situation because it’s unfair to cancel it so close to the event without proper notice when they could have handled it differently or waited until after the scheduled concerts to take action. Moreover, in Europe (specifically Spain), we rarely get K-pop concerts, so Music Bank was going to be a huge event and something very important for the entire Spanish K-pop community.

There are people coming from other countries like Portugal, France, the US, China, Thailand, etc., who already have their flights and hotels booked, which obviously cost a lot of money. Not to mention all the projects, freebies, banners, and events (like after-parties) that people have been preparing. And it’s not just about the money; it’s also about the time and effort put in by the idols and everyone involved in organizing the event.

As for the organization, nothing has been officially canceled yet because they obviously want it to go ahead at all costs, and Music Bank is too big of an event to be canceled in this way.

Thank you for reading ♥

[randombtsprincessa]

Backseat of my Rover

All Rights Reserved. © RandomBTSPrincessa, Tulips98.

Author: Randombtsprincessa

Characters: Kim Namjoon x Reader (2nd POV)

Words: 4k

Genre: Smut

Rating: Mature (18+)

Summary: You are trapped in an uncomfortable sitting position. Can Namjoon help make it better?

Playlist: banks - meteorite

Content Advisory - Friends to Lovers, Fluff and Crack, Comedy, Lap Sex, Fingerfucking, Public Sex, Accidental Voyeurism

A/N:  It's BEEN SO LONG! This is one of my Nano works and I am slowly getting back into writing! Gif by yours truly, it sucks I K

The stadium location rang with screaming ARMYs, piercing the ears of the people working without earpieces or the ones who remained backstage. You were one of them, standing just meters from the blackout drapes that hid the beloved idols once their jobs were done. Once these drapes fell, so did the men, wheezing to get oxygen into their lungs after having given it their all.

Your hands covered your ears, providing meager protection against the uproar outside. The end of the encore saw that blessed curtain falling for a few moments, letting the boys get into some warmer clothing before they made a reappearance. Towels soaking up sweat, water bottles clutched in one hand and a microphone in another, they beamed at their galaxy of lovers, cameras pointing to catch every single facet of a glance.

You wondered yet again how they managed to keep that smile going when they knew that the moment they stepped foot outside, the media would rip into those precise smiles for anything to smear them with. It was madness. But it was a madness that they worked hard for - and perhaps, in some deep, dark crevice of their soul - they even felt benefited by it. It certainly seemed to pay off every time they graced the threshold of a dignitary hoping to harness the power of a vast multitude.

Tearing your eyes from the hypnotic wave of swaying people, you turned to look at the leader of BTS.

Kim Namjoon commanded the attention of the people in the room the moment he decided to raise the mic to his mouth, taking a few puffs of breath before shouting for the fandom.

The response was immediate, renewed zeal coloring the resounding yells.

“What a night, really!” He finally began, waving a hand to his grinning members. “I am, as usual, speechless with the support that you guys always shower us with. You’d think someday I’d get used to it, right?” He aimed a wink at one of the nearest fan cameras, essentially making the woman blush and shy away. “Ah, but no, it is better every single time and it’s more every single time.”

Your hands had migrated to your mouth now, covering a sheepish smile as you blatantly tuned him out. While Kim Namjoon was in no way predictable, you had to admit that you found it - extensively - difficult to focus when he…well, when he looked like that.

Namjoon’s ash blond hair stuck up every which way where he had hastily rubbed at it. The band around his head was long gone - the stray strands that fell over his forehead doing more for his disheveled look than the carefully styled grunge do could ever hope to achieve.

You sighed into your hands, lowering them till they now clasped neatly at your front, looking the picture of a doting listener. No one was really paying any attention to you, the stage managers, directors and personnel were too busy eyeing the occupants of the stage with hawk-like precision.

BTS was no amateur, of course, but it was their job. You knew they were very good and dedicated to what they did, but you still had to put up an act just on the off chance someone was bored or distracted and caught you with a dopey look on your face.

While it wouldn’t make a difference - you would never live down the shame of it.

Besides the fact that you happened to be one of the closest friends BTS had, outside of each other, you had been enjoying certain ‘privileges’ as soon as Hybe - then Big Hit - had vetted and checked the OK next to your name.

Merch at a much lower rate discounts at the brands they worked for and tickets to any events you wanted to attend were just scratching the surface and you did not want people to think that you were getting off scot-free for things people paid through the nose for.

You did, but still…

For all you knew, there were mutters about your existence already, with you being over their homes or studios as much as you did. You would still try and make sure they knew you weren’t…being untoward with them.

You weren’t, because over everything, they were your friends, very good friends and you valued them for what they meant to you and the world at large.

That didn’t mean that you couldn’t ogle. You just did so covertly.

Plus when your job had started back up, you had even less free time to be over as freely as you had once. You now attended only when you could.

And, somehow, you felt much better about it.

It certainly put a bar over any pesky feelings that had no business being there.

Eyeing Namjoon on the stage, you sighed again.

With the end of the speeches and end moment, the curtains fell again, sweeping the boys into a dark embrace where they could be normal again, just seven men with mighty personas that ruled the world to say the most.

Jimin was the first to reach the backstage, hands shivering as he reached for the piles of water bottles. He nearly tore the cap of one, pouring water into a throat that had sang, shouted, screamed and was probably painfully hoarse.

You watched him from a respectful distance even as Hoseok joined him, the same actions exhibiting just how in need of elements they were. Seokjin, Yoongi and Namjoon remained on the stage front, no doubt deep in discussion of the concert to find out any chinks that would be addressed in their meetings later on. By the time the two youngest members joined the rest of their members; Jimin had looked up and caught your reflection in the mirror.

“____!” He cried out in surprise, eyes crinkling immediately into a beaming grin.

The call for your name drew attention from the rest of the six boys, similar yells of happy shock ringing out before Taehyung had carefully wrapped you in a bear hug. “You never told us you were coming!” He huffed.

“Yeah, I didn’t know until the last minute that I was.” You laughed, down on your feet again. You presented the small bag of candy that you had brought with you. “I got this for you all as a thank you and ‘I’m very proud’ present.”

“Oh man,” Jungkook was the first to grab it out of your hands. “You got all the good ones, this is the best.” He proceeded to tear into one of his favorite chocolate bars.

“Yah, Jungkook-ah,” Yoongi and Jin said at the same time.

The Maknae paused, one cheek ballooning around his mouthful. “Wha`?”

“You just performed a very demanding set. You need water and something light.” Namjoon said calmly.

Jungkook looked down at the bar. “This is light.”

“And healthy,” Hoseok clapped the youngest on the back.

“Guys, five minutes - and then we’re out.” One of their managers poked their head into the conversation, speaking quickly and receding just as fast. Sometimes you marveled at how quick they all were.

“Right,” Namjoon nodded at the man before looking at you. “____ will come with us. We’ll drop you on the way.”

You shook your head when the rest of them agreed. “No, no, I can take a cab. You guys are all tired and need rest. I couldn’t possibly -”

“It wouldn’t be appropriate for us to let you go off alone into the night, ____.” One of their female managers came up. “We can always take you home once we drop the boys. It’s fine. Just come along.”

In the end, you quietly followed the seven to the parking lot where their SUV waited. As usual, they had to divide, a part of them going with a few managers while the rest with other staff members.

The managers were already in, cramped with equipment.

Jin entered first, followed by Yoongi, Hoseok and Taehyung. Namjoon stepped into the vehicle, grunting at the tight fit.

“That’s that.” The woman who had told you to come with said, shutting the door after Joon. She turned to Jimin, “The Rover will take the rest of you.” She said, just as the door of the SUV opened again.

“Hey, if they’re getting a separate car, I should stay with them. It’s a bit of a squeeze here anyway and you can take the others home. They need the rest.”

The woman chewed her lips, considering his request before sighing. She was probably too tired for this as well. “Fine, you won’t have to wait long. I told Sungwon to come as soon as you all came out.” She said, climbing into the place Namjoon had vacated.

The SUV waited till Sungwon came with the Rover, Jimin and Jungkook quickly filing in. You glanced into the car to see the back full of metal boxes, clearly bearing more equipment. That left…

“Ah shit.” Namjoon cursed when he looked in as well. He looked over where the SUV exited, the red tail lights blinking mockingly at them now. “Sungwon-nim, why are the boxes in this car? I thought they keep this for emergencies like these.”

“What to do, Namjoon-ssi; they had all these boxes lying about and Ara told me to pack up what I could. I didn’t think you would need the car today, forgive me.”

Namjoon was quick to dismiss the man’s apology, smiling reassuringly. Then he heaved his own sigh and turned to me.

“Jimin can sit on my lap.” Jungkook piped in suddenly, making the both of you look at him.

“Fuck you, you should be sitting on my lap.” Jimin said immediately.

“I’m way bigger than you.”

“I’m older, you brat!”

“I’ll just squeeze in the back, really, its fine.” You squeaked.

“Nonsense. If anyone should be sitting in the back, it should be one of us.”

“Should I sit in the back and one of you drives?” Sungwon added in, looking amused. That effectively stopped the bickering.

Namjoon thought a moment before muttering a ‘fuck it.’ He clambered into the empty seat. “____, you’ll have to sit on my lap. We can adjust till we get home.”

There was silence.

“Huh?” You said, trying not to look horrified.

“It’s not a big deal. Just sit till we get there.”

“Your legs are already sore from all the dancing you did today.” You crossed your arms. “I’m not sitting on you.”

Namjoon rolled his eyes. “You’re not that heavy. And I’m not that weak.”

“Yeah, ____,” Jimin grinned at you. “Hyung’s been working out in case something like this happens.”

“Do you want to sit in the back, Jimin-ah?” Namjoon asked.

“____ sit on his lap, please.”

You purse your lips, looking from Jimin to Namjoon in his stubborn glory. You heaved another sigh. You were losing count of those today. “Fine.”

Namjoon had not been lying; you discovered when you proceeded to sit on him. His thighs bulged and shifted under you, muscles moving as he adjusted himself. You kept one hand on the window’s edge, keeping most of your weight off him.

“____,” He admonished when he realized what you were doing. He placed his hands on your shoulder, pressing down till you were actually sitting on his lap.

“This is a long drive, you know. I won’t let you make yourself uncomfortable for all of it.”

“Joon, be reasonable. Just let me sit in the back.”

“No. Stop being ridiculous. Just sit quietly and it’ll be over soon. You can even sleep if you want to.”

True enough, if you leaned back, you could rest your head on his shoulder but as it was, you were already nervous and on edge. So you sat ramrod straight and looked out the front, feeling Namjoon turn his head to stare out the window as they passed the now empty stadium.

The silence of the car soon became comfortable, lulling the worn out occupants of the car into sleep. Jungkook had his head leaning back on the headrest, earphones in while Jimin had curled up already in his seat, shoes off and head cradled in his arms against the side. Small snores now echoed from his side.

You wanted to look back to see if Namjoon was asleep too, to see if you could lift yourself up from him without him realizing. While it was very…kind of the man to offer up his possibly aching legs for you to flop on, you had to admit it felt cruel to do so. Not to mention…weird. You wouldn’t lie and say that you had never found lust in your heart when they wore those ridiculous costumes that (if twitter was anything to go by) made many people gnash their teeth to avoid screaming. You admitted that you stared at your friends and found them hot. But you had always kept it objectively fair.

This though…

You turned your head as best as you could; only managing to see the side of his head. You huffed, trying to move to the front so you could turn properly. Only, you were inhibited by the angle you sat in and the motion of the car. You squiggled, trying to find the best way to look at his face when Namjoon’s hands moved again. This time, they didn’t land on your shoulders. They wrapped along your waist.

“____, what are you trying to do?”

His voice was low, husky in your ear and you had to fight back the shiver it brought.

“Um, I was just checking to see if you were awake.”

“Why?”

You shrugged, not really wanting to admit that you were about to get off him. You’d sit on the floor of the car if it came to that. “I’m sorry I woke you.” You whispered instead.

“Oh, you woke me alright.” His hands were still on your waist, warm and snug, keeping you still on him when you felt it.

Oh…oh dear…

“Um, Joon?” You hedged, freezing on him when you realized that what you were feeling wasn’t actually his thigh muscles after all.

“Yes ____?”

“I think you…um, I think that you…”

“Yes? I am what?”

You refused to say it. You would not say it so you fell silent. It seemed that even Namjoon wouldn’t help you along with it.

“Turned on? Aroused?” He murmured finally when you never spoke again.

“Joon, just go back to sleep.” The…thing was much more noticeable now and this had to be the most awkward position you’d ever been in your life. You wouldn’t lie and say you’d never accidentally brushed up with their ‘bits’ ever. You were friends, it happened. But this…with his voice in your ear and his hot hands on your body…

Suffice it to say, you couldn’t wait to get home.

Namjoon ignored you. “I’m hard.” Gone was the murmur, his voice harsher against you. “And you keep squirming on top of me - that’s not helping.”

“Do you want me to get up?” You asked, careful to keep your voice down.

“No. You’re so warm and soft on me, like a blanket, why would I let you get up?” He chuckled in your ear and your neck prickled at the proximity.

This wasn’t right…

“Namjoon, you shouldn’t…” You trailed off when his hands moved, one going around to place a large palm on your front, holding you to him and the other rubbing down your leg. The slinky material of your skirt was cold in the car’s air conditioning, a startling contrast to the heat of his palm.

“Hmm?”

The skirt rose up as he drew his palm back. Your hands clutched at the window edge, trying to find some leverage to pull away from him. His hand was now under the material, hand flat against the side of your thigh. You gasped, wildly looking around at the car.

Jimin was still asleep, snores now very obvious. Jungkook still had his ear phones in but his head drooped to indicate, he too must have dozed off. You looked at the driver. Sungwon had the radio on, humming along and the seat was too high for him to notice anything behind him.

“Am I doing something you don’t want me to?”

His actions ceased immediately at his words, and in that moment you took stock of what was actually happening.

Kim Namjoon had his hands on you with one very close to the apex of your thigh. Namjoon, the man you’d felt flutters of nothing and everything for, was trying to hook up with you. Stepping away from the slippery slope that that led to, were you even equipped to handle what he could dish out?

In that moment, you were forced to pick between a jumpy but eager heart and body and the cold logical presumption of your brain that disdained the idea of you being good enough to date a BTS member. Not when they could have literally anyone they wanted.

“Joon, please,” You begged. You didn’t know what you were pleading for. Was it to keep him going? Was it to end this madness and push you both back to a place where you would always wonder of that pesky ‘what if?’

“Do you want me, ____?” Was his next question and obviously, you couldn’t bring yourself to lie.

“Yes,” You whispered, hating the way your whisper cracked on such a small but crucial word.

Even as you saw the line being drawn in the sand of your friendship with them, Namjoon took a moment to gauge your acceptance.

His fingers ran slow circles over your skin, warming your flesh in a way that had you melt further into your stupid decision. But well, you’d decided…and now you couldn’t just not go through with it, could you?

You leaned back into him, finding some solid comfort against his chest. The hand that held you to him tightened while the one under your skirt now pushed towards your center. You kept your eyes to the front as Namjoon maneuvered your body, sinking you further into him and angling you just so his hands landed on your core with the skirt covering his actions if anyone did turn their eyes on you.

“Are you sure, ____?” He asked.

“Please, Joon,” You whispered again and then his hands were inside your underwear, tips of his fingers caressing the mound. “Wait, what about you?”

“Shh, this is about you right now.” He muttered against your shoulder, breath hot. “Just work with me.”

You weren’t sure what to say. A part of you was thrilled to have him be doing this, but you didn’t want to seem as you were…taking advantage of his situation. Any other word of protest that you might have uttered died when his finger found your clit, having pushed your legs to spread over his own.

You covered your mouth when he applied pressure, considering your now lewd posture on top of the leader of BTS. And it might be hidden, but it was pretty damn obvious what was happening.

You let out a quiet grunt at the first circle of his rough fingers around the button. “Quiet, ____,” Why had you never realized how much you liked hearing your name from him? “We don’t want everyone to hear us, do we?” That question sounded too open-ended to be a real admonishment.

You bit your lips, trying to float with the way Namjoon worked you. He maintained a painfully slow pace, rubbing into your clit before alternating to pinch your lower lips closed over the nub. Your skin tingled, sensitive from the attention you were getting.

“Joon,” You turned your head to whisper to only him, hoping, praying he would have some pity. It was unbearable, sitting in a cold car with a hot hand over your most vulnerable spot, keeping you on edge.

“You want more?”

He took your squirming as a yes, hand pushing further into the panties to dip into your wetness. Tapping the wet flesh, he tracked the fluid upwards, painting the skin with your arousal for better lubrication.

“I think we can do better, can’t we?” He asked, sounding amused before his middle finger delved towards your hole.

Your muscles contracted at his proximity, Namjoon tutting once as his other hand moved as well. It fumbled under your shirt, finding its way in to cup a covered breast. “You have no idea how much I want to see you, ____. This will just have to do for now. I want you to relax, just breathe ok.”

And that was the thing about Namjoon.

It would be the strangest of things but he would be able to reassure and comfort you to such a degree that you would do anything. And so, you took a deep breath, settling against him and relaxing your body. Slowly, very carefully, you felt his digit enter you, curling some distance in.

He had to cough to cover the sound the both of you let out, his finger still in you, and your walls pulsating around him. He yanked his hand out of your shirt, grasping your neck to turn your ear to him.

“Fuck, ____, I want to kiss you so bad right now.”

You stared at him as best as you could, eyes falling to his mouth as you licked your lips in preparation. He followed the movement, grinning. “Only, let’s not, I won’t be able to control myself if I kiss you right now.” He opened his mouth as he pushed his finger completely into you, the knuckles brushing against your thighs.

He pumped you twice with one finger, gently sliding in another when he felt you relax more. Keeping your head turned towards the side where you breathed in his scent, he glanced over your shoulder, the motion of his hand visible through the fabric of the skirt.

Maybe it was you, but the wet sounds that emanated from his actions soon echoed loudly around you. Sungwon had long since stopped humming, the radio now a distant croon in the background. Jimin snorted a few times, the both of you freezing when he did but soon turned and continued to sleep. God, when would you get there already? You didn’t think you could take any more.

Namjoon had found your sweet spot a few minutes in and was unabashedly exploiting it, brushing against it to get your hackles up and then missing it entirely to rile you up. Your hands were clutching the handle, the other now in his hair.

Head buried in your neck, Namjoon panted hotly, muttering sweet nonsense to you that you could barely hear over the pounding of your blood. If you could get away with it, you’d have trashed, begged him to let you fall over the edge already. You were so close, it hurt. Your eyes fluttered close, a moan bubbling in your chest.

“Shit, ____.” Namjoon growled and your eyes flew wide open, seeing things in HD suddenly.

You were about to fall, you were toeing the line and then…

Your eyes met Jungkook’s.

His earphones were still plugged in, mouth agape as he stared at you in the mirror attached to the shotgun. The mirror must have reflected every damn thing that had happened and you had no clue how long Jungkook had been watching.

Namjoon hadn’t caught his Maknae watching, he only felt your walls tighten on him and redoubled his efforts to make you come.

And you did.

Watching Jungkook’s eyes trail down, most likely to where he could see…the activities, you climaxed.

Your core gripped Namjoon’s helping hand passionately, your juices slicking his fingers while the man pressed silent kisses to the side of your head to ease you along with it.

You slumped back against him in the aftershocks, eyes warily seeking the passenger in the front.

Jungkook’s eyes had returned to stare straight into your eyes. Gone was the wide-eyed stupefaction, in its place all you could see brewing was an alarming intensity.

Oh dear, what had you gotten into?

[wack-ashimself]

John Oliver taught me new things on student loans debt.

1-last summer, biden did try a small bail out for student debt. The supreme court OVER TURNED IT. I hate our supreme court. Entirely. Hope they all retire, by choice or force. They work 100% EXCLUSIVELY for the rich.

2-Old people are going into debt. So...when I was a kid going into college, I was furious my parents refused to cosign on my college loans. At 38, I AM SO GLAD they didn't. They were rigged! It would have FUCKED THEM out of retirement, and THEY DESERVED TO RETIRE; they're so happy. In the show, he shows a guy who paid his kid's loans from 2004....and they wouldn't be paid off till 2040!!!!

3-I guess there's low income payments. See, I knew of the 10 year program: make regular, consistent, semi large payments for 10 years, NEVER MISSING A ONE, and whatever your debt was is forgiven (however, if you missed ONE PAYMENT, I am not exaggerating, you're fucked forever). But I guess there's another one, same premise, but for 20+ years (show hinted 25 years!), where you get a TINY payment and, after 2 decades, all is forgiven. Here's the problem: of the 2 MILLION people who qualified recently, only 32 (literally 32) actually got it forgiven. What the ever loving fuck!?

4-We all knew these federal loan programs were garbage, but, intentional or not, debt services 'forgot' or were late on mailing out bills, and over 800,000 people were late on payments due to it. THAT IS MALICIOUS!

5-So the last summer biden dismissal of student loan forgiveness had ads against it. It was ironic. Cuz first it said don't forgive rich people's loans, when, logically, historically, rich people don't HAVE loans for college cuz their parents pay for it. DUH. Secondly, it was mocking theater degrees....with actors paid to play 'regular' people hating on theater degrees. Like, irony squared.

5-He pointed out how we can have tax payers pay for stadiums not everyone uses, but we can't forgive student loans?

6-Oliver, like normal, jerked off the government anyways at the end. He does this EVERY FUCKING SHOW. 'The government/the rich/the media are to blame for everything, but I promise they will get it right THIS time if we just give them patience and power.' I fucking hate his sell out ass in that regard. He never demands immediate action from us; trust those who originally cause the problems to fix them. Dumbass. I watch cuz he is informative, but he is a sell out too.

7-As I said on other posts, forgiving ALL major debt (public/personal) would ONLY fuck the banks who WE BAILED OUT, so they owe us anyways. PERIOD.

8-I know this is me watching too much of this show, but I could tell, by his tone alone, he was going to say they were off next week. Serious.

[stephstars08]

🤍✨Liam Payne Tribute🤍✨

It’s taken me a while to post about the passing of Liam and I think it’s mainly because I’m still in shock that he’s gone. I’m still in shock that the world loss a human who always wanted to share his love of music with the world. The loss of Liam has really hit me because he was such a big part of my life. The next morning when I woke up is when it really hit me that Liam was gone.He was a big part of all of people’s lives. Yes, I never met him but you don’t have to meet someone for them to mean something to you. I became a directioner when I was 11 years old. It was the summer of 2012 and I wouldn’t be turning 12 years old till October but my best friend and I, that summer of 2012 was just us singing and dancing to the songs from One Direction’s first album. One Direction’s music touched my heart and they were my comfort artists. My whole teen years all I did was listen to one direction when I was sad, happy, excited, angry. Whatever I was feeling I was listening to their music. I always felt like Liam was the sunshine of the group. He was always smiling in interviews and taking care of his band mates but he also took care of his fans as well. I actually was able to see One Direction play at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland which is my hometown. I got to see them during their last tour together. I still have the ticket taped on my bed room door and I’ve been looking at it a lot these past days because that was a night that I’ve never forgotten. I still remember the day my parents told me I was going to go see them live. I cried my eyes out. One Direction was a big part of my life so to have to write a tribute post for one passing away, I never thought I would have to do it at just 24 years old. Liam, you still mean so much to not just me but people all over the world. You will be missed by so many and I just hope you know that. I hope you know that you are so loved and you are so missed. Liam, your legacy will live on forever and ever. You’ve gotten taken away from this earth far too soon. My thoughts and prayers go out to Liam’s family, friends, his son, and his band mates who weren’t just his band mates, but were his brothers.

I love you, Liam. Thank you for everything and I hope you are at peace.❤️

[wavesoutbeingtossed]

Can I ask how you got your tickets for Lyon? I’m thinking next time Taylor goes on tour I will have to try for somewhere in Europe! It’s just too expensive in North America and resell prices are a joke!

Same as everyone else, luck of the draw with Ticketmaster! I registered for the presale for nearly every city I felt I could feasibly travel to and hoped for the best. I must have signed up for at least a dozen cities in Europe and could even have been more.

I got selected for a code for Lyon and got put on the waitlist for London and Edinburgh. I got off the waitlist for Edinburgh after the sale started, but by that point the only thing left were like single ticket VIPs which were more than I wanted to spend and also I wanted to travel with friends. I did end up getting off the waitlist for London part 2 about five days before the shows, which was SO lucky because I was already going to be there, so my friend and I ended up getting to see the show again in the obstructed/nosebleed seats.

My suggestion would be to sign up for everything you feel like you would be willing to travel for. Being flexible is key: signing up for just the cities near you is a crapshoot. Case in point: as a Canadian, I also signed up for Toronto and Vancouver thinking that if I got in I'd sell my Lyon tickets, and never even made it to the waitlist, let alone get a code. If I had waited for the Canadian dates to be announced, or sold my Lyon tickets to hedge my bets on Toronto, I would have been screwed. Of several dozen friends and family who signed up for Toronto and Vancouver, I only know three who got tickets, and one of them ended up selling hers because the cost of hotels and airfare were so exorbitant her weekend trip with her girls was going to end up costing $10k.

I ended up going to four shows total (one in Lyon and three in London) and I am certain the four of them cost less than what I would have likely paid for a lower bowl ticket in Toronto for one show. Again, part of it was flexibility (obstructed view seats were relatively cheap in London and turns out you get an awesome experience anyway; my floor GA in Lyon cost less than what upper bowl/nosebleeds were going for for Olivia Rodrigo and not much more than what I paid for Noah Kahan tickets near me; basically, I wasn't too picking about my seats or dates), part of it is tickets seemed way cheaper in Europe than they did in North America, even with the exchange rate.

And also: if you're going to travel, build a trip around it if you're able to. I was lucky that I had vacation time banked so I was able to take two weeks off (and then another week later in the summer for London). I LOVE travelling and had been itching to do a big trip since before the pandemic, so this was it for me. I used the show as the anchor point, and then built the rest of my itinerary around it. One of my friends did the same thing to see Adele in Germany this summer and made a whole Euro trip out of it. It's wonderful to travel just for a concert, but as someone with perpetual wanderlust, you get SO MUCH more out of it when you can explore and take in the sights. There's something so cool about being immersed in a new or different place and just giving main character energy to your day lol. And candidly: if anything ever goes belly-up with the show (e.g. it gets cancelled), you've still got tons to do and see. Up until the minute I stepped onto the tube to Wembley Stadium I was still worried the show would get cancelled (after Vienna), but it wouldn't have mattered because I had the absolute best trip ever that formed so many core memories.

ALSO: if you plan on going with friends, have everyone in the group sign up for the presales as well to maximize the chance of at least one of you getting a code. Also plan accordingly because this time you were allowed a max of four tickets per code. So for Lyon, I went to one show with three friends. For London, I went to two shows with one friend. (She had gotten tickets for another show.)

Sadly the last bit is also: money. I'm not rich by any means, but I had a healthy savings fund that I'd been contributing to since before Covid and my big ticket item was travel. It's an absolute privilege that I don't take for granted. I am fully aware that many can't afford to travel for a show. (I used to be in that same boat until the last few years.) I couldn't travel like this every summer, but every few years is hopefully in the cards.

TL;DR: be flexible, get what you get and don't get upset re: destination (i.e. if you get a code for a city you otherwise wouldn't think of travelling to), team up with your travel buddies if applicable, plan your trip around your concert date and not the other way around.

[spotlightlowlife]

Who's in charge? They are charged after all.

According to Blitzø, Mammon, whose face is on the bank notes, 'bitched about taxes'', so it seems he's unlikely that he's also that greedy banker sat at the top of the federal reserve on top of a all else. Like the sins we met before him, he works his trade and benefits from those at the bottom.

The taxes remark was no doubt a way of letting us to how greedy Mammon is without an afterthought, but it set up an economical structure that couldn't be blamed on him, greed.

So who is receiving taxes?

Are fines issued?

Now that Hazbin has pushed Lucifer as a misunderstood, bullied hero and visionary with a successful uplifting wife and angles are bad and heaven is bad. Since those who sit at the top now aren't so bad...

When and why would taxes factor in?

When did the concept come into existence?

Ozzie's nightclub was just some place Moxxie was interested in and had no issue entering, Blitzø got in pretty easy too, there was nothing exclusive about this place, it was run by royalty but there's no proof that anyone knew or cared and price was no objective. Likewise, Bee hosted a party that was easily accessible for any rando, friendless Loona chose to go and Blitzø rocked up there with no issue, the same night he did at Ozzie's, all her guests need to do is 'make honey'. Honey and adult toys could be a decent money spin but why does business seem like just a hobby to those who we are set up to like? To what degree do they have a choice?

The distinct impression of these sins having a job to do is given, the distinct impression that they directly benefit from others behaving in a lustful or gluttonous manner is given, yet only Mammon is seen happily handling money at an event where a red carpet was rolled out, a stadium was filled and kids will blow their saving to attend.

Do they have to meet quotas?

Who are they answering to?

Not just the alleged higher ups, but how are the likes of Blitzø managing, we have little reason to believe that his business is doing well yet he has a vehicle, spacious home, daughter to support and a small workforce? How was Millie and Moxxie, a young couple who come from backgrounds both modest and estrangement managing in their own place with I.M.P. being their source of income?

Nobody mentions money being tight, having to look for work elsewhere, business closure, unemployment and what the options are, etc.

Where do new dinners, fresh in hell, Blitzø's target audience, get the money to pay him?

Money seems to just pop up as proof that a bad guy is a greedy bad guy.

How are taxes distributed?

Do the poor 'bitch about taxes'?

How much of a dump is hell if you can get by on nothing?

[danwhobrowses]

That (Other) Time I was All In

From this angle it seems like I was farther away, but I assure you I was at least 10 rows closer this time XD

Another All In is in the books and I had the pleasure of attending it again. I promised myself last year that if I was gonna come back it'd only be under 2 requirements; I'd get closer seats and the card had to sell it to me this time. And for the second consecutive year AEW delivered massively.

I'll discuss more below, not a lot of action pictures I'm afraid they all came out blurry.

Also Spoilers for All In 2024 if you don't already know the results

So there are two things to talk about, one is the show (split into before and during) and the other is travel, so I'm just gonna rant about both in case anyone else thinks about going to Wembley in 2026 (or next year if Forbidden Door is at Wembley, they only say London right now).

Travel to and from Wembley

Okay for starters, travelling during a train strike is rough. I get why they picked a bank holiday weekend but what was initially a 45 min to 1 hour train to King's Cross turned into a 2 hour journey, having to take a bus to Bedford and then a train with a bunch of stops, including Luton Airport, to London

Premier Inn needs to update its info because the website said I could check in for free after 11am and the desk said 3pm, I didn't want to leave my bags in there for an extra £10...which bit me in the ass.

Don't make the mistake I made on consecutive years and come off at the wrong Wembley station. There are 3 of them and 2 are quite a walk away from the stadium compared to the one right outside of it. My mood was already tense since my travel had been up to 3 hours at that point but also again the turnstiles swallowed up the ticket I was also gonna use to get back, meaning I paid extra on the way back. Go to Wembley Park, it's on the Circle Line, you can get there via Baker Street too.

Bring as little as possible to the stadium, they think they're fucking airport security and overestimate how many view their website when getting tickets via ticketmaster. When I made it to the stadium I was stopped at the steps, being told that my bag was too big to bring in, and I'd have to pay £10 to put it in a bag holding area - which was a fair walk away from the stadium too. So either way I was forking out cash

Then after hours of waiting, queuing and getting into the stadium I was told that my drinks bottle I had brought from home couldn't be brought in, even when empty, because it was 'too big and could be thrown at someone'. I protested, since they're not gonna reimburse me for forcing me to discard my belongings and were insisting that I go back to the bag holding to put away a plastic drink bottle I took with me last year, but they treated me like I was gonna throw hands - and insisted that the info was on the Wembley website - so I threw it away to placate them. Still a drinks bottle can't get in but you can bring your phone and keys - both of which can equally be thrown to deal even more damage, I'm sure my shoe could do worse too. Just a con to squeeze more money out of you.

Premier Inn has cosy rooms, but I don't like any lights being on, so having a TV always on standby on the wall opposite and a smoke alarm blinking above me was just added nuisance to my aching body and natural difficulty in sleeping, also there's no toothpaste, you can buy some but it seems to be the only thing that doesn't come with the room (and a toothbrush but I brought my own expecting that). Breakfast was nice though.

Before the Show

Despite my travel woes there was some caveats before the Zero Hour began. For one I cross paths with Cultaholic again, they weren't asking questions but they were doing a punishment bit, so I followed behind watching but also trying not to intercept. I shook Tom Campbell's hand though.

After seeing Emi Sakura and Lulu last year I did keep my eyes open for other wrestlers arriving to Wembley, and I did spot another, this time someone on the card (really wanted Emi on this card). Sammy Guevara and Tay Melo were too far for me to approach - they were carrying their kid too so it wouldn't have been appropriate - tbh I spotted Tay before I spotted Sammy, in spite of his sky blue suit and haircut.

This was how close I was to the ring, and upon getting to my seat I was met with an interesting surprise too, a padded chair and a note...

So you know all that above nonsense about not being allowed to bring in a drinks bottle because you might throw it and hurt someone? Well they let me leave the stadium with a fucking steel chair, how's that for hypocrisy?

I wasn't expecting to take home the chair, I knew it was a thing for VIP tickets but my ticket never said it was a VIP one. Not easy to carry around mind you and I gotta find a place to put it now...

When soaking in the area I also spotted Lexy Nair and Alicia Atout in their sparkly dresses making their way around to the ramp for the Zero Hour.

Unfortunately we still don't get video coverage of the Zero Hour outside of matches, you hear a few interviews and maybe the screen shows some footage but that's about it, which is a shame.

Lots of fans didn't find their seats until midway after the Zero Hour, and a lot of them liked to move around, get drinks between each match and all that, which could get annoying. Not as many signs in my way though and since I had a bit of space beside me I could shuffle a little bit to the far side for more space. You'll always get the contrarian chanters too, the ones who cheer the heels.

Close seats are great for in-ring wrestling, not so much everywhere else. I understand that wrestlers want fans from all seats to get a look at the action but yeah, even on the barricade it's covered by a swarm of bodies trying to get a look, or get on tv.

My position had the added benefit of having a good view of the rampway, the place where most wrestlers would stop to get the on-ramp camera was within my eyeshot.

The Show itself

Fans love the commentary btw, Daddy Magic and Schiavone got a lot of love and gave it back too.

Zero Hour was fun, the first multi-man was a bit of a potluck of faces and heels. Private Party came out as faces but then Ari Davari comes out with them? Still match was a lot of fun; Lio and Satnam, Kip getting a massive pop from the crowd, Top Flight going nuts, Kyle being badass, glad Dark Order got to show up too they mentioned it was on their list for the year. Dante and Kyle threw their shades and elbow pad into the crowd too.

Mixed Tag was funny as hell too, Stoke knows his role, liked that Statlander got to wrestle Ishii a bit too. You can't hear me but I do shout 'you're wearing him down!' to Stoke when he's trying to shoulder barge Ishii.

The big 10 man was alright, we all loved Dustin and Shibata, we were still unsure with Sammy but we rallied at the Von Erich's urging. The aftermath with the Claw was better, the botch on Shibata with the throwing powerbomb did make us a little worried.

Jamie Hayter coming back was a huge pop, I was hoping Emi was gonna show up since I expected Hayter for the TBS title match but it's great she's back.

Ladder match was great. Tables didn't really comply a lot in the match but we loved the effort and the narrative and PAC. The image is smaller but you can see me stand up the moment he kicks Christian off the ladder realising he's gonna take it. Great opening surprise win.

Then to hit us with the story-charged women's title bout of Mariah vs Toni. We were in full song for that one, it's hard to gauge the crowd noise when you're so close but you can hear the echoing for the Toni Storm sang in the tune of Daddy Cool chant. Right woman went over too, very strong match.

I kinda feel bad about how effortlessly we the crowd derailed the FTW title match by following Cardiff's lead and cheering for Big Bill XD HOOK and Jericho put on a fine match (cricket balls were dubious though this ain't the Oval) and Tazz showing up was great, but it was a lull in the show. The people around me at least chuckled at my 'He can see! It's a miracle!' when HOOK took his patch off.

It was difficult to gauge the Tag Title match too because we chanted hard for FTR and the Acclaimed during their entrances but they were also at each other's throats. Didn't like the CM Punk chants, it's fucking unnecessary let it go. I knew Sgt Pepper's Young Bucks would win but it did feel like it could've gone another gear.

Grizzled Young Vets walked RIGHT PAST ME! I barely even noticed until I clocked that it was Zack Gibson. Attacking FTR was on brand but it did make the cheering fall to uncertainty, but this is a fresh team to enter the picture.

If I had a nickel for every time Christian Cage did double duty to swerve us all...well I'd wonder why you're giving me nickels we don't use them here. The Casino Gauntlet was a lot of fun, we expected Ricochet but Okada, ZSJ, and Nigel McGuinness coming out of retirement were all big surprises, Jarrett getting cheered like a babyface and cracking Hangman with a guitar, OC with the Mr Bean intro too! But Luchasaurus with the bait and Killswitch, goddammit! He can't keep getting away with this!

MJF/Ospreay was a cream of the crop kinda match. We knew the story would be Max absorbing all of Ospreay's arsenal but it came down to who would be eating the Tiger Driver 97? I dunno if I'm in shot when Max soaked in our corner to a parade of middle fingers but I did tell him his country sucked (had he returned to the corner more beaten I'd have made a healthcare jab). We were all for Ospreay though, thought it was Adam Cole with the intercept first but glad it was Garcia, great match.

The TBS title match was hard to gauge as well, it felt like the crowd was drained a little from the previous match, or just the more misogynist part of the crowd leaving to skip it. There was nothing wrong with the match itself, Moné's entrance was great and that reverse super powerslam from Britt was creative. We tried to will the chants of CEO and DMD but the ending did feel abrupt. Still another correct outcome but I feel like Hayter's return could've been utilized better here.

The TNT Coffin match felt like a sprint. Honestly though even though I couldn't see much of it given how little of it was in the ring I appreciated how Jack approached the match. The real glass and soaking in the boos (Cry Me a River chants are acceptable, 'Fuck CM Punk' chants were not) were great but I particularly loved the storytelling that Jack knew he couldn't outdo Darby in violence so worked to subdue instead, essentially hogtying him to get him in the coffin.

Sting coming back was rumored but still amazing, can't believe I've seen Sting on 2 consecutive AEW shows. I hope narratively we use this loss and outwitting as a way for Sting to coach Darby into trying to find his edge again for his upcoming world title shot.

And well, what can you say about the Main Event? It was the only one I couldn't call down the middle, we were either seeing the end of Bryan Danielson or we were seeing him win his last world title of his full time career. The noise I'm sure was incredible for the Final Countdown, but at ringside it was godly.

So much props to Swerve too, he knew exactly when to heel it up enough with the ring bell and the stomping in front of Bryan's family - a focal point of the match's storytelling - plus with Hangman's surprise distraction we may end up doing a second double turn from this. He was a great world champion, extremely crisp in the ring, and absorbing the Buisaku Knee like an anime villain was a great touch.

But the night belonged to the best fucking wrestler in the world Bryan Danielson. The YES chants are infectious, he pulls off the babyface in peril so well, the constant looking and reaching for his family for strength as well is just chef's kiss. And in a chorale of 50k fans demanding Swerve tap was only droned out by the immense cheer of when he did. My throat is hoarse, my hands and feet are sore, but I left the show happy - albeit in a massive queue for my bags while carrying a steel chair XD

Fortunately the queuing didn't cause me to miss all of Whatculture's live ppv Ups and Downs. I could hear him talking about the TNT title match but it was still hard to hear, didn't help that two guys were arguing in front of me because one was protesting that he hadn't consecutively been rubbing up against his girlfriend and took umbrage with being told to give each other space to avoid it happening again, another guy chiming in with 'it doesn't matter how she feels' when asking for an apology annoyed me too because it fucking does! Both parties left separately a few moments later so I got closer and was able to partly hear more. Then I carried my ass to the hotel and came home the following morning.

All In All (pun intended), another fantastic show of wrestling. Travel and external factors had threatened to dampen my experience but it was great nonetheless. I doubt I'll go to Texas but maybe 2026 I'll run it back again. In the meantime we'll simply soak in the joys of multiple debuts, returns, title changes and Bryan Danielson as a World Champion again.

[sonsband]

As Catiny’s main vocalist - who do you think has the spiciest vocals in kpop right meow?

How spicey do you mean?

(also if you like discussions of music I sometimes do those on my side blog changdyke and would love to talk about vocalists or music with people! okay shameless plug done)

Well, the spiciest vocals come from Changmin, who is a level 2 spicey boy at MOST. I mean, the 240105 Music Bank high note for "Down"? I don't know how half the boy groups didn't immediately vaporize as soon as he did That. I know it was probably just that he didn't hit the note at first, but he made it sound so good with that dissonance resolving into whistle register? (I would say something about Nissan Stadium Forever Love but until that's back up on YouTube I refuse to contemplate it so I don't burst into tears) But I'm a hater and don't like him so don't put him on the list.

EXID's Solji might not be active right meow, but she just did that musical so she counts!

Of course BTOB, Eunkwang and Minhyuk especially, I mean, "Boom" era was everything to me.

All of A.C.E, obviously, the world is a little brighter for their comeback. I can't wait for Donghun to absolutely devastate me again, but friendly reminder for your daily required viewing of their It's Live performance of "Goblin".

WayV's Xiaojun, I know Mujin Service is pitch corrected but the sheer emotion in "Ashes" is too much. He doesn't need to do as much as he does at all times, but thank god for it.

Does Forestella count as kpop? Because they've got the spice and the spicey vocals. All of them, but Woorim's wife was right to lock him down after that performance of "Bad Romance".

I might be ride or die for Seonghwa Main Vocal When, but back in like February 2021 I said San from Ateez strained a lot and he said "why would you say such a thing? btw hi lesbians" and just immediately went fuckin insane. I'm bummed it happened after they stopped actively promoting it but I will never shut up about how when he gets a mic for "Turbulence" he saves the whole song with that modulation to keep it from being a diminished fifth. I know he's a great dancer but he's vocal line for a reason. Watch "Breathe" btw.

SPEAKING OF "BREATHE"!!!! [edit: I got too excited to jump into IU that I forgot to finish this, sorry, I know it's a Lee Hi song] Lee Hi is that good good alto and the fact she had that voice at debut? We Love Altos.

IU!!!!! GIRL!!!!!!! No list of spiciest vocals would be complete without IU. "Love Poem" should be a UNESCO World Heritage piece of culture. I love her and I can't believe you're keeping her hostage and away from us, Addy.

Fun fact: DK is actually short for "DyKe rights" (editor's note: this is not true) and my sister will let me blast "Hot" in her car specifically so we can vocalize along with his chest voice there. He's got such a good ear.

The Boyz genuinely has some power vocals. Why do you think his name is SANGyeon? That video of him singing in a parking lot plays behind my eyes while I try to fall asleep.

Shownu simply does not get the credit he deserves as a vocalist. His voice is more subtle, so maybe not particularly spicey, but he's my husband and I will not let him go unappreciated on this list. What's the opposite of spicey? That's how I feel about I.M, except he's actually got interesting vocals, he's technically weaker but I think that makes him more interesting vocally. Plus he's the King of Vocal Fry (complimentary).

Another vocal fry master -- Taehyun from TXT. I feel so much about that kid. Most of it good.

For the hags, all of 2pm! (I'm not taking antipsychotics right now so I'm allowed to be delusional and they're active in my heart.) "Make It" was THE song of 2021, no notes at all. And "ADTOY" had no right to be that good. Also we love grown men being grown up spicey.

Woodz, don't talk to me about enlistment if I don't acknowledge it then it isn't happening. The live versions of "Chaser" and "Trigger" and "Accident" and and and and? I think his harmonizing gets overshadowed sometimes by his vocal power, especially since he has to harmonize with his backing track rather than another singer, but bro... bro... Also he was the closest to a Changmin "Mirotic" note, I will ignore any arguments to the contrary.

Red Velvet's Seulgi has really good vocals when she's given the chance to flex them, I really wish we could hear more from her. Underappreciated, tbh.

Highlight's Dongwoon, do we need to talk about that performance of "Fiction" again? Because I will talk about that performance of "Fiction" again. And I choose to believe his scene in "Good Luck" is part of the most watched section because of that little C# Major moment. Yeah his only other band mate Yeoseob is good but I gotta give the crown to Dongwoon. Also his outfits from last May's concerts were so spicey.

I'm so excited for Chungha's comeback. I know she's not really appreciated for her vocals since she's definitely a pop vocalist, but "Play"! I'm not even mad when she uses playback on music shows, she's in chest voice enough.

I can't believe I'm about to put a manlet on this list but Hui's got the spice. He's got the vocals. He deserves. That's all.

And how about Doyeon from Weki Meki. Siyeon from Dreamcatcher (omg that "Overdose" cover). Ailee, obviously. BB Girls Yujeong. Sistar just as a whole but especially Hyolyn, "Layin Low" changed me as a person and I swear it wasn't just the Nicole Kirkland choreo.

Okay I've just powered through so many Vocalists that my brain's been turned to mush. Tell me what else you think!

[septembersghost]

Old quote- quite poignant "(When I ask Swift if she tried to get her masters from Big Machine, her whole body slumps with a palpable heaviness. “It was either investing in my past or my and other artists’ future, and I chose the future,” she says of the deal she struck with Universal.)" vogue(.)com/article/taylor-swift-cover-september-2019

she did so many good, insightful interviews for lover, i hope eventually she feels like doing a bit of press again because i always value hearing her thoughts and more about her process. this was so foreshadowing of, "he's got my past frozen behind glass/but i've got me." she banked on her future and she was right, and she's managed to forge ahead while triumphantly claiming that past anew. it doesn't mean it's all been easy or erase this hurt, but she's really flown free.

this part too:

"IT'S ENLIGHTENING to read 13 years of Taylor Swift coverage—all the big reviews, all the big profiles—in one sitting. You notice things.

How quickly Swift went from a “prodigy” (The New Yorker) and a “songwriting savant” (Rolling Stone) to a tabloid fixture, for instance. Or how suspect her ambition is made to seem once she acquires real power.

Other plot points simply look different in the light of #MeToo. It is hard to imagine that Swift’s songs about her exes would be reviewed as sensationally today. I wonder if, in 2019, any man would dare grab the microphone out of a young woman’s hands at an awards show. I stared into space for a good long while when I was reminded that Pitchfork did not review Taylor Swift’s 1989 but did review Ryan Adams’s cover album of Taylor Swift’s 1989.

I ask Swift if she had always been aware of sexism. “I think about this a lot,” she says. “When I was a teenager, I would hear people talk about sexism in the music industry, and I’d be like, I don’t see it. I don’t understand. Then I realized that was because I was a kid. Men in the industry saw me as a kid. I was a lanky, scrawny, overexcited young girl who reminded them more of their little niece or their daughter than a successful woman in business or a colleague. The second I became a woman, in people’s perception, was when I started seeing it.

It’s fine to infantilize a girl’s success and say, How cute that she’s having some hit songs,” she goes on. “How cute that she’s writing songs. But the second it becomes formidable? As soon as I started playing stadiums—when I started to look like a woman—that wasn’t as cool anymore. It was when I started to have songs from Red come out and cross over, like ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ and ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.’ ”

Those songs are also more assertive than the ones that came before, I say. “Yeah, the angle was different when I started saying, I knew you were trouble when you walked in. Basically, you emotionally manipulated me and I didn’t love it. That wasn’t fun for me.”

I have to wonder if having her songwriting overlooked as her hits were picked apart and scrutinized wasn’t the biggest bummer of all. Swift: “I wanted to say to people, You realize writing songs is an art and a craft and not, like, an easy thing to do? Or to do well? People would act like it was a weapon I was using. Like a cheap dirty trick. Be careful, bro, she’ll write a song about you. Don’t stand near her. First of all, that’s not how it works. Second of all, find me a time when they say that about a male artist: Be careful, girl, he’ll use his experience with you to get—God forbid—inspiration to make art.”

Without question the tenor of the Taylor Swift Narrative changed most dramatically in July 2016, when Kim Kardashian West called her a “snake” on Twitter, and released video clips of Swift and Kanye West discussing the lyrics to his song “Famous.” (No need to rehash the details here. Suffice it to say that Swift’s version of events hasn’t changed: She knew about some of the lyrics but not others; specifically, the words that bitch.) The posts sparked several hashtags, including #TaylorSwiftIsASnake and #TaylorSwiftIsCanceled, which quickly escalated into a months-long campaign to “cancel” Swift.

To this day Swift doesn’t think people grasp the repercussions of that term. “A mass public shaming, with millions of people saying you are quote-unquote canceled, is a very isolating experience,” she says. “I don’t think there are that many people who can actually understand what it’s like to have millions of people hate you very loudly.” She adds: “When you say someone is canceled, it’s not a TV show. It’s a human being. You’re sending mass amounts of messaging to this person to either shut up, disappear, or it could also be perceived as, Kill yourself.”

An overhaul was in order. “I realized I needed to restructure my life because it felt completely out of control,” Swift says. “I knew immediately I needed to make music about it because I knew it was the only way I could survive it.”

[brasiliangp]

Ok now i need to know why you think like that about Messi, like i agree they already asked a lot of questions about him to Cris obvss they doing it on purpose they know how much Cris likes Messi (and its gettin on everyone nerves how they get advantage of that for the marketing) but to say that he didn't change the league is already going far away

to be fair he did change it…..he made tickets more expensive and that’s about it

but on the grand scheme of things, he’s in Miami to make as much bank as possible before retiring in a couple seasons not to revolutionize the league. Good American players aren’t staying in the MLS because Messi is there. Good European players aren’t moving to the MLS because Messi is there, except for the ones who are ready to retire.

Americans might have become slightly more interested in the sport because Messi is playing there now but it’s mainly people in Miami and imo that interest isn’t as massive as people are making it out to be. The average American is too busy with their oversatured sports market to go want to drop $700 to sit next to celebrities who don’t know shit about football in Inter Miami’s tiny stadium that fits 18k people in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The hype will die down soon enough and the US will go back to only giving a shit about football when their women’s team plays in the world cup.

[thenighttrain]

I think Oceania and Asia fans got the short end of the stick and they did not or cannot match the actual level of want, like she could do a residency in Melbourne for a month and make BANK or and stay in Signapore for a month too and print cash but no Europe and America get all the options and we get scraps and I'm only sometimes furious about it

well this is true but i actually think oceania has enough shows (there are only like. 30 million of us). asia doesnt - i mean compare it to europe where she has countless dates. asia has billions of people, the philippines is one of the countries that stream taylor the most so i really do think asia should’ve gotten more shows. singapore and japan are also very expensive in terms of exchange rate - my malaysian friend is paying 2.5k in her local currency for 1 ticket. I know it probably wasn’t possible in terms of stadium capacity etc but i still think it sucks

[e17omm]

what IS your comfort fic? :0

A tad embarrassing, but I did feel the urge to reread it again and I did bring it up...

Its not a soft, goofy and fluffy fanfic, its actually dark but I like it a lot with its more unique plot and execution...

It's Black Reaper by Vengfulfate over on ff.net

Its a RWBY AU fanfic, and... Uh, its kinda edgy, but I have caugh myself, in my mind, de-edgy-fying it. Like, every overly edgy moment and detail is toned back by like, 6 in my head.

But despite its edgy (and some cringy) moments... The plot of it is so interesting and I think its plot development is great - especially because theres not many fanfics like it.

So to go over the start (this is assuming that you've watched the first 3 seasons of RWBY (the only good seasons) to their ends)

The Fall of Beacon happens differently. Ruby is dating Velvet and is down in Vale instead of at the stadium, and when the Fall begins, they run into Neo, and stops her before she can use her Semblance to teleport to the ship Roman is on to break him out in time.

So he remains captive. Ruby then makes her way to Beacon and runs into Blake, Yang and Adam! That scene goes differently and Adam is captured, but not before he can throw his blade at Ruby.

This is where the fun begins, because Yang jumps to block it to protect her little sister, logical thing to do. But this isnt a cheesy happy story, so she miscalculates and gets herself impaled.

Then she fucking dies. But Ruby tried to save Yang with her Aura, which doesnt work as her own and Yang's aura turns on her

Ruby takes on Yang's Aura and Semblance. An emotion-based semblance, a semblance that makes her stronger the angrier she is.

And Ruby has no control over Yang's semblance as it is too strong for her, and she was never meant to have it. Take a Yang with a speed Semblance, an anger-based strength Semblance, and double the Aura reserves. Also make her unable to control her anger-based Semblance at all. That's Ruby in Black Reaper.

Queue Ruby getting angry at everything. Stuck in hospital? Mad. People get scared of her? Mad. Cant have a shouting match with Weiss? Mad. Getting hit in training battles? Almost kills Jaune. Banned from training matches? Mad. Mentions of the Fall or of Yang? Mad. This goes on for a year.

She keeps running off to the forest to fight Grimm to vent, until one day she instead ends up in Vale. And she kills a (likely) innocent faunus on the street, because it reminded her of when her sister died. Then she runs away from Beacon.

Months later, Neo finds her in Vale, they team up and break Roman out. And, Ive gone on long enough.

>One of the plotpoints I love is that, Ruby never truly redeems herself. Sure she eventually goes back to being a good guy™... But she's still a criminal at heart now, she casually steals minor stuff like chocolate bars just because she didnt feel like paying for it, even when she has billions in her bank account and a Heiress of a massive company right next to her.

As I said! It is cringy at times and edgy a lot (especially in Black Reaper 1 *mild shudder*), but if you take a step back and look at the idea, the plot, and the storyline - its great.

Its also the one fanfic I keep wanting to reread every now and again, especially when Im feeling down. I dont know, maybe it just brings me back to the past? It was written... 6 and a half years ago? o_o

Sadly the Author got burnt out. I chatted with them privately and it was a mix of burnout due to character bloat (OC's that are pretty good) and feeling like they (the Author) had to give every single character at least a scene in every chapter.

So its abandoned... What's there is pretty good, or at least decent, I think.

As you can probably tell I like it a lot, despite how edge it can be (which I subconsciously dial back in my head. Gotta keep reminding myself that I do that if I want to try to talk about it objectively...)

[spaciousreasoning]

Celebrating Pride

We got off to a slow start Saturday morning, thanks to a difficult night’s sleep for both of us. My blood sugar had dropped a bit more, down to 249. Got to keep avoiding those mocha shakes and carbs.

When we finished our coffee and morning brain games, we headed out for the Eugene Pride event, in Alton Baker Park, located along the Willamette River and a stone’s throw from the University of Oregon’s Autzen Stadium. We discovered this park while walking along the river path following a meal at the nearby McMenamins North Bank not long after we arrived.

Oregon Pride events are celebrated throughout several months, from June to September, primarily to allow communities around the state to support each other. Eugene celebrates Pride in August, while Salem holds a parade and block party in June, and Portland now holds its celebration in July.

Nancy fell over a curb on the way in, and when we got to the first aid tent, it was staffed by folks from the same medical office where granddaughter Kathleen works. When we mentioned her name, the young woman who was bandaging Nancy’s knee said, “Oh, we love Kathleen!” That was a nice thing to hear.

There was plenty to see and thousands of people to watch, including two stages, lots of food trucks, and many tents and booths from a variety of groups and organizations, including a number of churches. Representatives from St. Thomas were there throughout the day.

We chatted briefly with some folks at the Eugene Gay Men’s Chorus tent. One of them was familiar with Tucson’s gay men’s chorus, Reveille. Sadly, we arrived too late to hear their performance, but they will be presenting a holiday concert in December. We will definitely try to make that.

We only lasted about ninety minutes before all the walking and the increasing heat got to us. On the way back, we stopped in downtown Springfield for another visit to Cornucopia on Main Street. Nancy’s daughter and son-in-law introduced us to the place, and we have been back a couple of times.

After working up an appetite at Pride, we were in the mood for their good hamburgers and tots. Nancy went for the cheeseburger with cheddar and all the fixings. I got the mushroom and Swiss burger. We brought home half the tots for later consumption.

Following our post-lunch nap, we started to get the lawnmower ready for Kathleen and Ronin’s assistance. When Nancy and I finally pulled it out of the box, however, it was already assembled. We just had to open and extend the handle and attach the basket for catching the cuttings.

Then we cut the lawn and Ronin did some edging. When we were finished, they packed up the lawnmower to take to Kathleen’s place, where there is even more lawn to cut than at our place. She reported later that they managed to cut their entire lawn without needing to charge the battery again.

Since Nancy and I did a lot of walking earlier in the day, we passed on wandering around our neighborhood in the evening. And because of the big meal consumed earlier, we passed on dinner. Instead, we dived right into an evening of streaming, with our snacking peanuts and a bowl of green grapes nearby.