#they've said this so many times since 2022

[5sospenguinqueen]

Lullabies Pt 2 | Max Verstappen x Singer! Reader

Summary: Max left without letting you fully explain. Nearly a year later, he realises he made a mistake when he thinks you're moving on.

Warnings: Swearing. Angst but also fluff. Redemption arc.

Female reader with various faceclaims (pics found on pinterest). Takes place in 2021 with slightly altered timelines.

Main Masterlist

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Oct

YourUserName just posted

liked by pierregasly, kellypiquet and others

YourUserName a huge thank you to everyone who came to my album release concert! 🥀 a huge apology to anyone who missed out but after such a phenomenal crowd this evening, i'm pleased to announce the GUTS tour coming 2022!!

11,998 comments

User1 a tour!!! release the dates/countries now please and thank you

User2 mother treating us

User3 okay but when she SANG The Grudge with the tears rolling down her cheeks, poured her whole soul into that

→ User4 omg yes, you could legit feel the pain in your own chest

→ User5 no no no because what about the gasp through her sobbing at The Stranger

User6 nobody can tell me that Obsessed wasn't written as a kelly piquet pov

→ User7 haha literally because y/n has never said a bad word about this woman but she is all up in her business 

→ User8 and all up in her likes too from what i saw

User8 not my delusional ass hoping it’s max and that the lighting just made his hair darker

User9 love how she’s still featured on the wags page despite her and max not being a couple for 10 months now

→ User10 legit. they post her more than kelly

User11 i bet max is kicking himself for letting her go now that someone else has realised how much she’s worth 

FutureF1Wag i need to know where f1 wags got that pic from because it’s SOOO much clearer than the one i got

User12 okay but where can i get a man like that because that kiss looks hawt!

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Nov

YourUserName just posted a new story

lilymhe have the best time, babe. brunch debrief tomorrow?

→ YourUserName 11?

→ lilymhe absolutely 

YourBestFriend oo look at you being treated right 

→ YourUserName i know. how sweet

they're sooo pretty as well

→ YourBestFriend you’ve had bigger though 

→ YourUserName don’t do this today 

→ YourBestFriend sorry. be safe. text me when you’re home 

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Dec

User1 max really said, just because i didn't want her doesn't mean anyone else can

→ User2 be serious, he clearly loves her. he just confused his priorities for a hot second

User3 the way these rumours have been floating since max and kelly went social media official though. like everyone has constantly said they're on the rocks since we found out about them

→ User4 literally. like i loved max and y/n but they've both moved on. people are just creating drama because they can't accept that max and y/n aren't together anymore

User5 no because y/n is literally max's forever after and nobody can convince me otherwise

User6 max and y/n are literally each other's one true love. kelly was just the poison apple that leads to their true love's kiss

User7 y/nstappen shippers rise!

User8 she's watching his races again!

User9 she watched him win!!

User10 @ YourBestFriend is just like us for real. you can tell she's been praying for them to get back together

→ User11 she's feeding us crumbs and we're lapping them up

User12 not red bull down here fighting with us in the trenches

maxverstappen1 just posted

liked by YourUserName, danielricciardo and others

maxverstappen1 FUCK YEAH! WORLD CHAMP! 🥇🇳🇱 a huge thank you to @ redbullracing for their support throughout the whole season. you made all of this possible.

7,330 comments

redbullracing what a season! here's to many more, champ

christianhorner so unbelievably proud of you! enjoy the celebrations

danielricciardo congrats, mate. couldn't be happier for you. looking forward to celebrating later 🍾

landonorris woohoo! my shirt is still wet from your tears

→ maxverstappen1 don't lie. you cried more than i did

→ landonorris true

mclaren well done, max! an amazing achievement

YourUserName congrats, world champ x

liked by maxverstappen1

→ User13 mama en papa

→ User14 not the best phrase to use when the reason they broke up is due to a miscommunication about having children 

User15 omg omg omg, not a drill, guys. the queen has commented. and max liked!! 

→ User16 user we may not get them back together but i’ll take the tiny trickles of friendship they give us

→ User17 same sis same 

→ User18 may our delulus come trululu

YourUserName just posted

liked by maxverstappen1, carmenmmundt and others

YourUserName so i may have just won my first grammy? my ultimate gratitude to @ lovelessofficial for taking a chance on me when no one else would, the biggest love to those who supported me before i deserved it, and a final huge thank you to the inspiration behind the album 💕🦁

9,556 comments

User1 miss thing, looks like you got more than just your first grammy

→ YourUserName it's definitely a nice collection ;)

francisca.cgomes so proud of you, minha linda 🌼

→ YourUserName couldn't have done it without you pouring wine down my neck, kiks

lilymhe that's my girl!!

YourBestFriend wow, look at that dress. it would look better on my bedroom floor

liked by maxverstappen1

lewishamilton amazing achievement, y/n. well done

→ YourUserName thanks, lewis. you raced so well this season

danielricciardo did somebody say celebratory drinks later? 🥂

maxverstappen1 congrats, grammy winner x

liked by YourUserName

→ lovelessofficial thanks for joining us for the celebrations

→ User2 max was at her after party!!!!

→ User3 over a year after their breakup and we might be getting them back together??

User4 the trophies in their house must be overwhelming 

→ User5 love that we’re talking like they’re already back together

User6 'the inspiration behind the album' is so shady and sweet haha, poor max. i love that he'll be forever reminded of how badly he fumbled

→ User7 what makes you think she's on about max

→ User6 um, she wrote the album after their breakup and used the lion emoji, which she always used in posts about him. read the room, babes

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Jan

YourUserName just posted

liked by victoriaverstappen, charles_leclerc and others

YourUserName happy new year's from me and my loved ones to you and yours (yes, he got drunk after this and ruined the rest of my photos)

13,441 comments

User8 omg omg omg omg!!!

User9 they're back together! they're back together! we win!

charles_leclerc beautiful couple. glad to see you both happy again

danielricciardo yuck. i haven't missed the pda

→ YourUserName you're just jealous you can't be our third

→ danielricciardo every day baby

maxverstappen1 i didn’t ruin them! they just become less pg

→ User10 woah, mr verstappen, we were not familiar with you

redbullracing our favourite trophy winning couple. can't wait to have y/n back in the paddock next month

maxverstappen1 looking forward to all that the future brings us, mijn mooie vrouw 🥰

→ YourUserName mijn lieve echtgenoot 💕

→ User11 um, the pet names!!!

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I know some people said on Danny’s that they wanted it to be longer but this are only planned as a duo series. Sorry, guys! 💕

Baby Fever Angst Series

Tag list

@bibissparkles @barcelonaloverf1life @rlalliehayes @dullypully @softtina @callsignwidow @lav3nder-haze @minkyungseokie @luvrrish @fall-bambi @evans-dejong @sadsierra2 @justdreamersdream @spookystitchery @dark-night-sky-99 @majusialikesfastcars @luckyladycreator2 @bborra @mrosales16 @reguluscrystals @tvdtw4ever @alwaysclassyeagle @gigicisneros @spanishcorndogs @thecubanator2 @goldenharrysworld @awritingtree @jxnellat @sbrn0905 @hc-dutch @buckybarnessweetheart @ironmaiden1313 @dreamercrowd @yourbane @reguluscrystals @peachiicherries @g-l-o-b-e-w-h-o-r-e @itsjustmyopinionf1 @evesfile @openthenyoor01 @princessria127 @hrrorflm @the-untamed-soul @nataliambc @oliviarodrigostan13 @sweate-r-weathe-r

As always, so sorry if I missed anyone. Thanks for all your support x

[wouldvelovedmewheniwassoft]

help keep a queer disabled system couple from breaking NC with my rapist ❤️‍🩹

(CW: parental abuse/familial trauma, death from cancer, alcoholism, domestic violence, homelessness, sui + hospitalization, incest/rape, victim-blaming, abandonment + gaslighting by a toxic friend, harassment involving police, disordered eating)

please don't tag my post. proof of situation provided in imgur album.

i've held off on publicly asking for help beforehand, as i know there are many people in more dire circumstances right now. but i'm at a point where it's absolutely necessary.

i moved out of state to live with my partner system (we both have DID) in March of this year. we already planned to live together, but circumstances forced me to escape and go NC (no contact) with my remaining family for my safety.

i lived in my childhood home for my whole life until this year. my parents and extended family have always been abusive, but things escalated after my mom passed from Stage 4 lung cancer. my father started deteriorating after her diagnosis in 2018, and since her death in 2022, our relationship is no longer salvageable.

his alcoholism worsened significantly, resulting in multiple instances of him driving home drunk, collapsing, and almost being charged with a DUI. he hasn't hit me since i was 13, but he's acted domestically violent by slamming and hitting things whenever i've angered him. he threatened me with homelessness twice for being suicidal (once after a four day hospitalization, once after an attempted overdose), knowing full well i had no resources at the time and would've ended up on the streets. i attempted to escape last year, but my paternal aunt purposefully sabotaged it, forcing me to stay in an unsafe situation and suffer quietly. my mother's family abandoned me in 2020, and they no longer accept me (specifically for being queer/trans, disabled, and a vocal leftist), so they wouldn't help even if i wanted to resume contact.

it took over a year to move out due to my father controlling every aspect of my life with the justification of me being disabled. i tried to get his blessing for me to move in with my partner; but he refused to let me leave him, and he made it clear his disapproval of my relationship was because he didn't want me to have any autonomy outside of him.

the breaking point came after three days of nonstop verbal and emotional/mental abuse from him over an argument he started; everything culminated in him raping me while i was incapacitated. both my best friend of three years and their partner offered for me to crash at their apartment while my partner planned to get me. they also escorted me to a sexual assault center in my state to get a rape kit done.

i burned nearly every bridge in the process, as the people who could help me sided with him. but i didn't anticipate my friends to abandon me, too. they spent my last three days with them coercing me into changing my escape plan and dismissing my visible distress at how doing so would jeopardize my safety. less than 12 hours before we left, my best friend abandoned me via text, saying they'd refuse to help me if i didn't get police involved. anything i said in response resulted in gaslighting from them, mainly using therapy speak of "boundaries" and "triggers" to justify their actions. i cut contact with them after my partner told me they planned to drop me from the start (they told my partner this in a phone call while i was out) and discovering a cruel vague post they made after i last texted them. the last time i ever reached out was to send them money to get through their own situation.

since then, my partner and i have struggled financially. they're currently one write-up away from being fired, and their supervisor has always been volatile, so confronting him or going to anyone else at their job will do nothing. they've gotten help from their grandparents, but they're similarly abusive and unaccepting of them for the same reasons, so it hurts them to beg them even if they're unable to go NC right now.

i'm unable to reapply for disability, and previously lucrative sources of passive income have currently dried up. i'm waiting for orientation to be scheduled so i can start my new job, but we've financially suffered in the meantime. my account was charged off, and i only just now paid off a month's worth of PayPal debt; most of the debt came from paying off medical bills after i was injured in late April (currently contemplating pursuing legal compensation but nothing's set in stone).

i had to break NC twice for my father to help, but it's been triggering both times. i had to block his number before due to him harassing me via call/text, and he made me talk to police twice by falsely reporting me missing.

i cannot risk breaking NC again if my future job falls through or my partner loses theirs. we both had to skip meals several times within the past month to keep from buying food, so it's gotten scary already.

anything you can send helps. if you're unable to, PLEASE share this wherever you can. i also do writing commissions, so DM me to know my rates and what i'm willing to write.

ca | pp | vm

imgur album

(edit 6/18/24: created a new imgur album link; had no idea why the first one was inaccessible, but hopefully this is better formatted and contains additional context)

[dozyisdead]

Hi! I was reading your reply to that anon, and I wanted to say that the Williams is notoriously hard to drive (especially since around 2018-ish where they got last in the constructors championship...)! Williams car is more low downforce heavy, which means the rear is more shaky and the car generally slides around a lot more (harder to drive in the corners)--- this also explains why the Williams was so good at straights last year! On the other hand, cars that are more high downforce are the opposite (better at turning, harder on straights.) From what I've seen, it's a lot easier to drive a high downforce car. I think it's also interesting how Williams has consistently been putting their academy drivers/rookies into these seats (Lance, Latifi, Logan, the three L's?) and they've all struggled in the car besides maybe George (who's also notably a Mercedes junior academy driver). It feels like Williams is honestly setting their junior drivers up for failure?

Last year during Qatar (?) we saw James on his little a Vowels dissection thing saying how they were going or be focusing on the 2024 car, and in a way he did? The Williams is still frustratingly slow on some tracks, but it does seem like their trying to get their car to be more balanced. It sucks seeing them lose their straight line speed, but I think if they could fix their downforce problems/aero, the car will be exponentially easier to drive and also help their junior academy drivers in the long run!

Oh wow, thank you for the information! I am completely lost when it comes to the technical aspect of F1, but I am trying to learn! I did happen to know that Williams was especially proficient in the straights, just based off of watching their track positions live. I watched Canada, Spain, and Great Britian, and noticed the way that both Logan and Alex seemed to do very well in the straights, with Alex doing better in the turns out of the two. And I knew I had heard something about how difficult the car was to drive, so thank you for validating that. If that's true, do you kno which other teams have similar set ups with their cars? Or are most of the other teams leaning towards high downforce? I mostly kept up with Logan while watching, but I did notice that, overall, Williams seemed to be the main ones with low downforce heavy set ups based on what you said.

I do think that over the past few races we have seen overall improvement for both drivers, but if we really compare them Logan has had the most improvement while Alex has still been better off. Like, Logan had growth while Alex had already grown and there was less room for him to move. If that is true though, I think Alex has had the most time getting used to the change in the car, or the mess that was the car in 2022/2023? I mean I can imagine going from being a test/reserve driver for Red Bull and AlphaTauri, who presumably have high downforce car set ups to Williams will a completely different set up could be difficult, but that also could explain a portion of why he does so well in the Williams car compared to his teammate if we ignore the upgrades issues.

And the fact that we've seen multiple drivers struggle so badly with this is somewhat alarming. I feel like maybe people have forgotten that. It really puts some perspective on the fact that these drivers may really not be as bad as everyone is saying, they just have an absolute mess of a car. But this also can put into perspective how great of a driver Alex really is. I would love to say that if Alex was put in a Mercedes, he would be in the top 7 at every race. But that also means that Logan is not nearly as bad as people say he is.

I would really love to see both drivers in an easier car, also in equal machinery, to properly gauge their skill sets and driving abilities. I mean, we can clearly see that Lance is not as bad as a driver as many claim he is, but that's really seen when we see him in a good car. The upgrades Aston Martin have brought this season have been incredible. It really puts into perspective how important the car is in the aspect of F1, besides the obvious importance. I have seen somewhere that someone said that Max could put a Haas on the podium, but based on the information you've given me regarding the importance of the car, I highly doubt that. I think he would struggle in the Williams just as much as Logan, if not more, especially if he came into F1 the same way Logan did and with the same car.

Again, thank you for the information. I enjoy learning as much as I can about the technology involved in F1, even though I really am still quite lost. If you have anything more to share I would absolutely love to hear it!

[freakblrbookkeeperofficial]

Blog Name: I didn't get to say goodbye

Username: @cringelordofchaos

Aliases: @mr-broom, @x-daisy-x, @hailey-i-guess, @xjaded-sadiex, @background-bg-chan, @xx0blooming-orchid0xx, @totallysean, @freakblr-lore, @tmf-tournaments

Type of Blog: Original Freakblr Seven

Date created: Late 2022-Early 2023

Reason Created: N/A (Non Applicable)

Last Active: Present Day

--------------------------------------

@cringelordofchaos is one of the more noticeable and still active members of Freakblr. And is also been cited as one of the Freakblr Original Seven, giving them special status on this blog. As previously mentioned, all Freakblr Original Users are sourced from @sobeksewerrat's post from several months back.

Cringelordofchaos stated that the main reason they joined tumblr in general, is because this is where they were able to find content for their favorite fandoms. "I noticed that when I search up cringe ships I like and go to Google images most of the things sourced back to "Tumblr", and so I realized that Tumblr could be a place I could be more accepted at, that people wouldn't judge me for being cringe, for my personality, fandoms, interests, ships or queer identity, and I wanted in." They even gave a reason for the name of their blog, "I made the blog called "cringelordofchaos", to reflect the fronte part of myself I was willing to share."

Though, they specifically found Freakblr like many of us do. Through, "@tmf-confessions!(While scrolling through the TMF tag on tumblr I came across . There were barely like, 15 posts at the time if not less when I first discovered the blog, and each post had like 2 likes from the same people, and that blog really was a primary catalyst for sharing your thoughts or anything related to TMF really, we all quickly became mutuals cuz again there weren't many of us"

They described the early days as many Freakblr Original Users and older members of the community do. "It was great! It was a pretty small group of people, like what? 3/4/5 of us at first? We mostly hung out at @tmf-confessions, right? And we were pretty tight since there were so few of us, and we let ourselves go wild and do all sorts of shit." It seems many believe the early days to be best, when activity was at an all time high and when there was a sense of freedom and almost casual community.

Cringelordofchaos has several aliases/alternate blogs. It's quite impressive. I listed many in the above section of this post. but some of note would be: @freakblr-lore and @tmf-tournaments. Still, the rest are just as important, making up their identity in Freakblr and the mark they've left on the community thus far.

When asked about blogs of note, chaos specifically mentioned haileyxaustin (left tumblr) and roryheart (deactivated). As well as zzstar-head, b0ytr4sh and zoeyhoeyisalive (deleted). Through just these connections, it's clear Chaos is/was very involved in this community.

They also noted that they were very close with @sobeksewerrat and @undeserved-halo.

When asked about enemies they said they felt they had no enemies. "I don't think I have any enemies ??? I consider myself pretty close to most of the OG7 + some others to the point where we talk abt much else more than tmf."

The memory Chaos decided to share is one that's considered classic amongst members of Freakblr, specifically those older members of the community. "When berry (@strawberry-pretzels) revealed they had rats that laid eggs, I mean that's always going to be iconic." They also had another memory, that's much more obscure in contrast to the previous one. "The time Roxy said she wears socks with tights." But, i think it's important to note they also said this, "I find each moment in this community equally important and special."

As mentioned previously, like many older members of Freakblr, they had mentioned not an aversion too new Freakblr, but a longing for it's earliest moments. "I liked the older days of Freakblr much, much better. Since there were less of us we all pretty much knew each other, we were pretty tight like an actual friend group and had a ton of inside jokes n stuff the new Freakblrs don't know, and we used the Freakblr tag for non-tmf related stuff more." There was, as mentioned, a sense of casual community. A tight knit group that felt more like friends than just strangers bonding over the fandom. "In short we were all much closer and it all felt so special and if the community wasn't as small as it was before I don't think I would've met my closest mutuals." Like I said, this seems to be the consensus among many Freakblr Users who were around for the early days.

Cringelordofchaos is one of the Freakblr Blogs I consider to be memorable. You can find their comments and reblogs in many older Freakblr posts. And even outside of Freakblr they pop up in places like Ao3 comment sections. While not as active in Freakblr spheres specifically anymore, they are still an active member of the overall tumblr community. And when you think about Freakblr, it's hard not to think of their blog. Like all Freakblr Original users they've left their mark on the community and will always be remembered by us.

As a final quote to sum up their thoughts and feelings on Freakblr, Chaos had this to say:

"This place is a perfectly imperfect disaster and I don't wish to ever leave."

[pickledpascal]

Hold Me Like Water

Chapter Eight: Naked In Manhattan

Warnings: WHUMP !!! fluff. an equal amount of both. alcohol consumption.

Word Count: 2.2k

Hold Me Like Water Masterlist

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

December 2022,

Things were slowly getting back to normal as quarantine ended. Maya still brought a mask everywhere and was extra careful if she got sick, which rarely happened anyway. She was back in New York with Sakari who was also being careful. She didn't go out as much as she used to. She was in her later twenties so it was the perfect time to slow down a bit. 

Maya had got a few offers to be in films but none interested her lately. She didn't mind having nothing to do, though. Nothing work related, at least. Quarantine wasn't too bad for her. She was able to spend time with family, friends, be within her culture again and pick up a few skills she previously didn't have. 

Arlo respected this and didn't bother her much unless they were sent something they thought would really get her attention. 

Maya was on her way to Ryan's production company office, Maximum Effort, and was on the phone with Arlo. “I can't believe you want me in a Ryan Reynolds movie.” She chuckled.

She loved Ryan. Ever since Hugh introduced them, they've kept in touch and talked every so often. One of her favorite films was The Proposal. She always thought 13 Going On 30 was the better rom-com though she'd never say that to his face. 

“Trust me, babe, you're gonna thank me later!” Arlo said, clearly not being able to contain their excitement over Maya's potential casting. 

A few months ago, Ryan and Hugh announced Deadpool 3. Hugh would be reprising his role as Logan Howlett aka the Wolverine. Maya was excited for him. He obviously still loved the character and wanted to play every facet of the gruff Canadian mutant. Hell, she called him and jokingly whined about the man not telling her beforehand. 

Strangely, Maya believed this meeting had nothing to do with that film at all. Even though, in the video, Ryan said he hasn't been writing much, she didn't think that was true. Filming was going to start in a few months and she was sure all the casting was done. 

“Whatever,” She sighed, adjusting the phone in her hands. “I gotta go now, bye.”

Arlo groaned. “Bye, I reserve the right to say ‘I told you so.’ Love you.” 

“Mhm, yeah. Love you.” Maya chuckled as she hung up and put her phone away. 

If someone was Maya's friend, especially a close friend, she was going to tell them she loved them every chance she could get. 

She saw a meeting room with Ryan and Hugh inside, they waved her over. She stepped in, gently closing the glass door behind her. She wasn't expecting Hugh to be here for this. Unless he was secretly involved in Maximum Effort productions and she just didn't know. He did cameo in a lot of the movies. 

“Hey, Maya!” Ryan immediately hugged her tightly, glasses on his face and a large grin. 

Then Hugh hugged her, also wearing his glasses and a large grin. Both of them looked like they had the best news on the planet. 

“Sit down.” Hugh motioned to a chair which Maya immediately sat on. 

She smiled softly at the two men, a crease between her eyebrows. She hadn't seen either of these men so excited before and it was all because she was there. They weren't sitting down either, a bit too jittery. She was suspicious.

Maya crossed her arms, “What's going on? Why did you want to meet with me?” Her eyes flicked from Ryan to Hugh and then back again. 

They shared a look. There was silence for a few minutes. A few long minutes. 

“We want you in Deadpool and Wolverine,” Ryan finally said. Maya felt her chest tighten. “As Sedna.” She blinked, mouth parting slightly. 

She was shocked. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting, but that was certainly not it. As much as she loved Sedna and held the character very dear to her heart since it kick-started her Hollywood career, not many fans looked at her and recognized her because of that character anymore. Her character was thrown away after Days of Future Past. She didn't show up in any other films as Sedna. 

Maya was skeptical. “You're sure?’ 

Hugh's excitement faltered. “Of course we're sure.” His eyebrows furrowed with confusion. 

“Look, we have a whole plan for your character. All you have to do is show up, I guarantee you'll love the script.” Ryan said firmly, a light, confident smile on his face. Though, there was a bit of anxiety behind his eyes. 

Maya pursed her lips into a thin line. She didn’t have much else to do and most—if not everyone—people loved the Deadpool movies. Plus, Arlo was sure she would like her part which meant they must’ve already had the script. 

She let out a breath. “Alright. I’ll sign on.”

Hugh clasped his hands together, a bright smile on his face. Ryan clenched his fists in the air. They were both clearly excited. “Great! I sent your agent the contract and everything else you’ll need.” 

Maya could’ve guessed that. She stood up, not prepared for the sudden hug Hugh gave her. She nearly fell but laughed it off as she wrapped her arms around him in return. He clutched onto her tightly, burying his face in her shoulder. Every time they met up lately, he’d been doing this like it could be the last time he saw her in person again. 

Hugh pulled away from her with a large smile, rubbing his hands against her arms. “I��m so happy I get to work with you again.” He said sincerely, eyes soft and affectionate. 

Maya didn’t even think about that at first. She would be working alongside Hugh again. It was a shame they’ve only worked together once on the same film years ago but it was a wonder to watch Hugh’s evolution from the sidelines. And it was nice that her career was mostly separate from his or else the media would start making up lies that she was leeching off him or something. 

Ryan patted Maya’s shoulder. “And I’m excited to work with you in general.” He chuckled. 

“Mm, I can’t wait to say fuck in a blockbuster movie.” Maya commented, a mischievous look in her eyes.

Ryan laughed again. “More than once.”

“Oh, I’m special, aren’t I?” Maya whistled. 

“Very much so.” Hugh squeezed her arm again. “You deserve to be here. You are such an amazing actor.” He told her.

Hugh always had a soft spot for Sedna. He believed Maya’s performance was always overlooked simply because it was a superhero movie. Of course, she's had countless performances that were on the same level but he thought she deserved some recognition for playing a character with so much depth and complexity who didn't have as much screen time as himself or James or Michael. 

Maya's expression softened, a grateful smile appearing on her lips. 

“I'm gonna agree with Hugh here. I've seen some of your stuff, beautiful performances.” Ryan added. 

They talked for a little while longer. Maya told them Sakari had to be in the makeup department. After years of being in the industry, it was her only real stipulation when she was hired into a film. She tried to go without her once… that was never happening again. She did not look good to say the least. 

Hugh offered to walk her home. She accepted, knowing that he wasn't needed much since she was strong enough to handle herself but it was a nice offer anyway. 

He needed to talk to her in private too. She opened the door a little wider to let him inside. He had been in her apartment countless times so he was fairly comfortable with shouldering off his coat and hung it up by the door. 

“Need some wine?” Maya asked, looking at Hugh as they went into the kitchen. She could tell something was weighing on him. 

Hugh took a breath. “Mind making a martini?” 

It wasn't Maya’s drink of choice but she could tell he needed it. He and Deb have been having… problems. Nothing horrible. He was still exhausted with her and he couldn't explain how or why it happened. 

Thankfully, Sakari must've been out because she wasn't there. Or maybe she was in her room doing something.

She looked at him carefully but nodded and quickly mixed one for him. She knew exactly how he liked it and he preferred hers more than anyone else's. She even grabbed a proper martini glass to pour the cocktail into. 

Hugh took a large gulp, savoring the flavor for a moment. “I think I'm gonna divorce Deb.” He confessed it as if it had been weighing on him for years. 

Maya took a soft breath, a flare of nervousness going through her for him. But she supposed it was better to divorce her now since their children were older. Oscar was in the middle of college and Ava was in her later teen years, they could understand why their parents would make the choices they made. 

“I can't tell you it's a good or bad decision because that's yours to make.” Maya said carefully, eyes sparkling with empathy. “But whatever choice you do make, just know I'll be there for you.” She knew it would be hard on Hugh. 

Deborah was the only partner he'd really ever had. He's had crushes and a few girlfriends but they didn't last long. He and Deborah have been married for nearly thirty years. Having a partnership like that and then having nothing would be quite an adjustment for him. 

Hugh's eyes softened as he looked at Maya, “I'm sorry to bother you with this.” He mumbled, casting his eyes downward. 

“No, no, no, Hugh, you're not bothering me at all.” She stepped closer to him, lifting a hand to rest on his back. “I'm your friend. You could never bother me with something like this.”

When he looked back up, there were tears in his eyes. “I just… I thought we'd be in love forever. I really, really loved her.” He sniffled. It must've hurt to use the past tense. 

Maya frowned and pulled him into a hug, rubbing a hand up and down to try and soothe him. “I know, honey, I know.” She could see how much Hugh loved Deborah whenever she was around them. Maya wished she could find someone like that for herself. “But even the best relationships don't always last forever.” 

It broke her heart when she heard Hugh begin to sob against her shoulder, clutching onto her for dear life. She ran a hand through his hair, cradling the back of his head. He needed this. He needed someone to talk to. She knew he had a therapist now as did the rest of his family but having a friend to talk to about his problems was different. It showed that he had a support system. 

Maya was his biggest support. He could go to her for anything and she wouldn't mind. He could kill someone and call her to help hide the body. She would do it in a heartbeat. 

Hugh nuzzled his face against her shoulder, moving to the point where his face was in her hair. He breathed in deeply as his sobs began to mellow out. 

He was one of the only people Maya let touch her hair without them asking first. That was a privilege in her culture. She wasn't sure if he knew that but she wouldn't tell him. 

When Hugh pulled away, his eyes were still watery. He rubbed some dry tears away. “God, you… I love you. Thank you for this.” His breathing was a bit shaky but he looked better. 

“There's no need to thank me, alright? You're my friend, I'm here for whatever you need.” Maya smiled softly, rubbing his arm. “In fact, why don't you stay for dinner, huh?”

Hugh returned the smile, though it was a bit weak. “Yeah that… sounds amazing, actually.” 

“Yeah? I was gonna make some vodka pasta with chicken.” She offered. She just wanted to be sure he would be alright. 

“You know I love your cooking, no need to convince me.” Hugh said in a soft, low voice. 

Whenever the Jackmans had a large party and invited people over to bring their own dishes, he always complimented Maya the most. It made him feel like he was at home whenever he ate her food. It was seasoned to perfection and hearty and filling in the best way possible. 

In fact, Hugh was beginning to realize Maya’s presence filled him. She was so kind and considerate and made time for him whenever she could. She may have come from a colder climate and had cold skin but anytime he left her apartment, he left feeling warmer than when he came in. 

[lokisasylum]

You know shit's going DOWNHILL for Hybe when they start PAYING the SAME journalist who defamed and downplayed Jimin's achievements on Billboard Hot 100, and every other record he got without the company's push to start fabricating dating rumors in order to use that artist as a shield from the backlash the company's already facing under the allegations being made/exposed by MHJ.

Such as the fact that Bongo tried to bribe MHJ into accepting him having NewJeans' album sales inflated so they could "beat aespa's record".

ALSO:

(The OP is referring to 2022 when "With You" was released and Jimin's personal information was sold to antis, who spread it to the media to make it seem like Jimin hadn't paid his apartment's rent [its called "health insurance", but in reality its apartment rent] in 3 months, when at the time BTS had been on tour in the US and therefore Hybe should have absorbed the payments until their return. But a manager who was in charge of delivering the mail stole Jimin's for those 3-4 months in order to sell it to antis on DCGallery. And Hybe "allegedly" had no knowledge that this was happening right under their noses and put up that halfassed apology.

And the girl group OP is referring to is Lesseraphim, since at the time one of the former members, Garam, got involved in a very ugly scandal that resulted in her getting kicked out of the agency. OG Armys know about Bighit/Hybe's past scandal with their first gg GLAM and without the fabricated distraction using jimin's mail, this would've put BH/Hybe under a very shitty position infront of investors. )

(Yes, you read all that right, Hybe personally chooses/hires problematic journalists in order to PAY THEM to write articles that favor THE COMPANY. Even if it means damaging their own artist's image/reputation. Like what they've been doing to Jimin since FACE was released last year. ALL of those Weverse Magazine articles that targeted, defamed, downplayed Jimin's achievements, but favored and praised ANOTHER MEMBER, were all PAID and APPROVED by Hybe themselves.

Jimin stans have been warning and talking about this since last year, but nobody believed us. They thought we were throwing baseless allegations "out of jealousy" only for it to be brought to light in the end.

The sales that were stolen and erased from Jimin's album so that he wouldn't get the record of "First 1Million Seller Ksoloist"? Got proven with an official Retail Chart near the end of year that proved Jimin's album had not only sold MORE copies than the other members, but he was the only member who's numbers matched the pre-order with the ones that were actually bought AND shipped/delivered to actual fans (and not some warehouse in China without owners only to be discarded in alleys, train stations and bathrooms << ).

I wrote something similar to this last year around June, how we should be cautious of content Hybe would be releasing in the following months; with possible shipping content included to benefit only ONE member who was obviously being favored above the others to prove a point.

That the company isn't blind, they KNOW which member currently has a large following of unique loyal fans and if said member wasn't the company's favorite they will do everything they can (rumors, scandals, forced shipping content, ect) to wear out the solo fans and make them leave that member to make him dependent only on the group's fandom or company support (even if its nonexistent).

And it amused me the amount of shippers and company stans that got hella triggered by that post I wrote, even though in the end it all came true.

As for that problematic (crazy bitch) girl from IG claiming to be "jimin's gf" ? Just know that she's been doing this since 2018 to MANY male Idols/Public figures for clout (i guess it helps to boost her already TANKING career as a mediocre "actress").

Hell, she even at some point in the past 2 or 3 years claimed to be f*cking JK too.

[makaira-nina2005]

I'm not the type of person that usually comments on idols personal lives or what they've done in their past but even though it's been about two weeks since this incident happened, I'd still like to share my opinion and thoughts about it. On April 1, Woojin who is currently a soloist and is an ex member of Stray Kids released a video. In the video, Woojin speaks about his time and Stray Kids, and what he was accused of. Now, I only got into Stray Kids in late 2022, during the Maxident era, so I don't entirely know what Woojin did and if he was innocent or not. I know some people have many different views on Woojin and what he did. Honestly, I have no clue as to why Woojin would release a video five years after the allegations. I mean, five years, seriously? The boys in Stray Kids have probably moved on from Woojin and I really hope that they did, but c'mon man, speaking up five years later and on April Fools day for that matter? Like, you leave during the middle of preparations for a comeback, making the remaining members of Stray Kids have to rerecord and refilm all this stuff, I don't understand what person would do that to other people. You blame it on you being young and selfish. You were Chan's only hyung, and the rest of the members all looked up to you from what I can tell from the videos I've seen. Chan needed you and you left him during a very difficult time. During the Unlock Tour, the boys begged for Stays not to leave them, like you did. How could you do that? Hyunjin begged, and sobbed, for Stays not to leave him, promising he would do better, when he was already doing so well. None of them deserved this. I can't even think of the amount of pain and stress you put those boys through. Han had to take most of your lines along with Seungmin. You hurt them and you blame it on you being young and selfish?? Why would you do that to them especially after they moved on and have received so much love and support from around the entire world? They don't deserve this. Your apology really seemed like it was put up to save your ass from being hated. You thought it would clear things up? No, it only left you receiving more hate and not doing anything for you.

If anything I've said is wrong or if I've misunderstood anything, please let me know. Before I really found out about Woojin, I did listen to his music, I admit that, but after reading all this stuff about him I can't bring myself to support him, I'm sorry to any people who support him. But I can't support a person like that. I mean, I basically owe Stray Kids my life. When I found out about them, I was in a dark time in life where it didn't seem like anything was going to get better. But Stray Kids saved my life Without them, I'd probably be dead. I owe them my life and more. They saved me. And I will eternally be grateful for them. And I will love and support them until the end of everything. They are what keeps me going.

I apologize for this long rant, but I think everything I've said, someone will understand.

[spooky-spextre-arts]

Encanto Fic RECS (Part I)

(*REPOST due to some unnoticed file errors during first posting)

I've been wanting to do one of these fanfic lists for a while now, but never really got to finishing any. Today, however, will be the time I finally make and post my silly little thoughts on some of my favorite fics in the Encanto fandom.

My personal taste is big ol' mixed bag of different tropes, AUs, and (platonic) relationships. However, I'd say I'm usually geared towards your typical gen, hurt/comfort or angst with a happy ending (most of the time).

(OFFICIAL WARINING: Because this is mostly a recommendation list, there are a few fics that may contain upsetting or triggering subject matter. Those fics have been labeled with a little *** next to the title, followed by a warning of what themes they may contain.)

This is merely a Part I, only covering multi-chapter fics I've read so far. Part 2 will be out shortly, containing one/two-shot fics and the ones I'm currently reading or plan to.

With that said, let's get right into it!

To fall apart, to reunite [T]

- Ongoing | by ADabOfBlessings ( @adabofblessings ) & Wikluk ( @wikluk )

Set in an AU where Mirabel doesn't survive Casita's collapse, Julieta struggles the most in the midst of her youngest’s death, hoping against hope to getting her back. Fortunately, she might just have a chance.

This fic is absolutely heart-wrenching, but in the best way possible. I was never as much of a Julieta fan as so many other people were, but I'm pleasantly surprised how much more I grew invested in her since reading this fic. Reading (mostly) from her perspective really helps enhance her character - especially once the rest of the family and even the townspeople get some time to shine. (Just saying, the characterization of Mariano’s grandmother(?) quickly became one of my favorite details of any background character.

One Step Closer [T]

One Step Beyond [T]

Complete | by Breanna (on AO3)

Part of a Bruno-and-Mirabel-centric series, these two fics explore the (platonic!) relationship these two develop with one another and their family in the time set during All Of You (Closer), and even post-canon (Beyond).

I REALLY love the (second) father-daughter sense Mirabel has with Bruno (it will make a lot of sense later in Closer), which leads to some very well-written wholesome and bittersweet moments parsed throughout.

A Place For Crows (to rest their feet) [G]

Complete | by Acewithapaintbrush ( @acewithapaintbrush )

PEDRO LIVES HALLELUJAH!!

As the note above suggests, Pedro did indeed survive the marauder attack and lived for the past 50 years in a town far, far away from the Encanto. Fortunately, after he discovers the new crack in the mountain, he rediscovers his family and how they've grown without him. This fic also explores how much the family's all grown since All Of You, but where they still struggle in a post-canon world.

I really love this one, even as someone who's… not thaaat much into the ‘[insert dead character] Lives AU’. There are both some wholesome and awkward moments where Pedro re-connects with Alma, his children, and the rest of his family. (Let's just say there's one really funny scene early on involving Mirabel, Bruno, and a classic bloodline misunderstanding.)

Because of how long Pedro's been away from his family, there's obviously a heck of a lot he's unaware of (which the family doesn't seem all too keen on sharing with him hmmmm….?) This leads to quite a bit of delicious angst and hurt/comfort, especially towards the end, but I'm happy to say it all resolves quite nicely by the end.

Mariposa [T] *

- Complete | by cloudyencanto ( @cloudy-encanto )

*(mild cw: brief child abuse and violent moments)*

An Encantober series from 2022, writing (again, mostly) from Alma's POV, with each chapter topic centering around one of the main prompts. Starting from her childhood years as a triplet herself, to meeting Pedro, having the triplets, leading the Encanto, to becoming an Abuela.

All of this really culminates into a vast character exploration showing just how much Alma had grown from a mere Caterpillar to a powerful, headstrong Butterfly.

(**As a bit of forewarning, there are a few moments early on that might be difficult to read. **These include moments where Alma's mother verbally and physically abuses her children, as well as quite a few violent moments once the marauders attack the village, and Pedro and Alma are forced to leave.)

Encanto (Tía Pepa POV) [G]

- Ongoing | by cloudy_encanto

Like Mariposa, this one's told from the POV of another character - being Pepa and her side of the family (and a few others, like Isabela, sprinkled in here and there.)

Because this one's told over the course of the movie, there are a lot of new scenes that feature the warm-colored family and what they were doing when the focus was elsewhere on Mirabel or somewhere else. There are several tooth-achingly sweet scenes that really show how much these characters love and care for one another, as well as several tense, angsty scenes that won't fail in tugging on your heartstrings.

Tremors [T]

- Ongoing | by Missilestorm ( @missilestorms )

A post-canon fic where Mirabel receives a gift after Casita's revival. The downside, however, is that this gift causes literal cracks to form. Bruno acts as a much-needed supporter and anchor for Mirabel, who must learn how to keep her new gift under control.

Each character's emotional struggles are shown incredibly well - particularly that of Mirabel and Bruno. It's heartbreaking to see how much anguish this gift causes Mirabel, especially considering how much she's encouraged her family to see their individual values that are separate from tying back to their gifts. On Bruno's end, it's sweet seeing how much he cares about Mirabel, recognizing her struggles with having a potentially dangerous gift, and consistently providing support or an extra hand to grab on to when it becomes too much. This sentiment is also applied to the family themselves, who also reach out to help in whatever ways they can.

Old Habits Die Hard [M] ***

- Complete | by Missilestorm

**TW for SA/Underage !! **

Set just after Casita’s reconstruction begins, Mirabel is sexually assaulted by a rogue townsperson. With Bruno acting as her main supporter and confidant, this fic explores the trauma of the event itself and how past, unresolved familial trauma bleeds into it.

This fic is honestly one of my favorites. I'd say it's somewhere in my top-five favorites out of all the stories I've read thus far. This story is just so raw and heartbreaking - which always hits harder when it's happening to characters you love. Not to mention, the author's handling of the subject matter is done with as much respect and care as I would hope a story with content matter like this should require. I especially love how each character (except for the villain mf) - particularly in the family - is written and how they react to the devastating events playing out around them. Despite this fic mostly centering around Bruno and Mirabel, the rest of the family have time to shine (some more than others), and man, just reading how much they care and want to help Mirabel is - just -gah! I love it, man.

I definitely recommend checking this one out if you're up to it.

we see how brave you've been [G]

- Complete | by hearth_goddess | (Mirabel & Antonio-centric)

Set in alternating pre-canon and canon, this fic is kind of a character study told through the different perspectives of the triplets. The scenes from the triplets' perspectives are of sweet moments involving Mirabel, Antonio, and their friendship (or short moments of just them with Mirabel or Antonio.) These scenes include moments set pre-canon, in-between, and during canon scenes.

One of my favorite gen pairings in the Encanto fandom is the one shared between Mirabel and Antonio. They share an incredibly sweet, wholesome, and powerful bond, despite the... admittedly little time they actually share together in the movie. But this fic definitely fills in the unseen gaps in their friendship, particularly in the moments preceding Antonio's ceremony. Seeing the triplets' reactions to the loving bond the two youngest grandchildren share is just so sweet and proves that, despite everything that led to the cracks, this family never stopped caring about one another.

Cold and Numb [T] ***

- Complete | by Amisaurus

**TW for Self-Harm and Suicide (Major Character Death) **

This one's just sad. Like - very, very sad. Set sometime after Antonio's gift ceremony (and presumably before the cracks appear), Mirabel struggles a lot with her self-worth, believing she isn't wanted in the slightest. Unfortunately, this isn't helped at all with how terribly Alma treats her in this fic and, despite good intentions, how her parents, sisters, and cousins are unable to understand not having a gift. This leads to a devastating moment in the first chapter, with the second chapter showing just how much this action hurt the family.

(With that said, there is a hopeful moment in the second chapter.)

When The Bell Tolls One [NOT RATED]

- Complete | by BudBrock (Alma-centric)

We got another Alma POV!!

Written a bit like 'A Christmas Carol,' this is an ‘Encanto watches Encanto AU,’ where Alma is shown and reacts to the events of the movie after the scene where she begs Pedro to “open [her] eyes.”

What can I say? I'm a sucker for POV character explorations like these, especially for mixed characters like Alma. Out of any Alma-centric fics, this one's definitely one of my favorites. In between, there are some funny moments reading Alma's reactions to certain scenes. However, there are also several moments where Alma is given a bird’s-eye view into the harm she'd unintentionally caused for her family.

Sound of Silence [T]

- Complete | by JilyFirecracker

Also set in an AU where Mirabel dies in Casita's collapse, with the fallout told from the perspectives of varying characters (Agustín, Pepa, Luisa, Camilo, Antonio, and Julieta.)

Definitely a bit of a sad one, especially during flashbacks of each character's core memories with Mirabel. But I really liked Julieta’s part, especially with the note it ends on.

Shining [G]

- Complete | by Sokkas_First_Fangirl ( @sokkas-first-fangirl )

Since the grandkids (not including Antonio) were young, Bruno and his sisters spent their summers at a lake in the Encanto. After Antonio's birth and Bruno’s return, the family makes a date to spend a day at that same lake for the first time in forever.

SWEET SUMMER FAMILY SHENANIGANS! The entire family is written so well, and there are many scenes that show how much stronger their shared bond has become. This is such a wonderful fic to read at a lake or beach on a hot summer day.

That's that for the recommended multi-chapter fics I've read so far. It goes without saying that all of these authors are so incredibly talented and absolutely deserve all the credit for their incredible stories.

Part II will be out shortly...

[dawnfelagund]

This Week in Fandom, from a Small Site Owner's Perspective

This past week has offered an interesting example of synchronicity in fandom history. On 5 May, a comment on the Silmarillion Writers' Guild Discord about "AI fanart" prompted the mods to collectively make a uncomfortable noise like, "ummmm ..." and swiftly open discussion on whether AI-generated "fanworks" were actually fanworks. (We decided no.) The next day, 6 May, the OTW Signal highlighted the interview with legal chair Betsy Rosenblatt, where she expressed excitement for inclusion of fanworks in AI training and pissed off a bunch of fans. By this point, I'd mostly written the SWG's AI policy but was giving my comods the weekend for further research and discussion on the issue before turning the document over to them for comments and edits.

As a small archive owner, it is interesting to undergo this process, first with my comods and now with SWG members, at the same time as the OTW/AO3 is wrestling through theirs. Yesterday, my afternoon was spent researching and implementing, with the help of my co-admin Russandol, strategies to block as much AI scraping of the SWG as we can. In the aftermath of that work, I wrote this post about a small archive owner's perspective on the issue and how it has unfolded on the SWG vs. AO3.

Then, in a second instance of synchronicity, while I was writing this post, AO3 was clarifying their stance on AI. First, as a PSA to anyone reading this, AO3 does block AI scrapers and has since December 2022 (though I'll be petty and note that it doesn't seem that they've gone as far as the SWG in the tools they're using, at least based on this post). But AI-generated "fanworks" are allowed: "If fans are using AI to generate fanworks, then our current position is that this is also a type of work that is within our mandate to preserve." This is what I predicted in my [synchronous] post, and I was right.

Two big points emerge from my consideration so far of this issue and how it has been handled on a small site (mine) and AO3:

People want/need AO3 to be something it's not because there aren't any other options for the vast majority of fans. (Tolkien fans, you do have options. Not a lot, but trust that there are people in other fandoms wishing they had even the few small independent archives that we do.) OTW/AO3 need to take a principled stand that all fanworks deserve to be preserved. And fans often want spaces where all of the fanworks that ideal encompasses (like AI-generated ...) aren't included. Both are legitimate! But when AO3 is the only option for most fans, they turn their energy to trying to change a foundational value of the one option they do have, and that's fruitless and frustrating and contribute to the comments along the lines of "no one will listen or care."

Big organizations are big, and changing or responding to anything is like trying to port-round the Titanic: It's going to be slow and cumbersome and possibly involve catastrophic collisions with icebergs despite best intentions. In eight days, the SWG went from never having discussed AI formally to having a draft policy in front of members for comment and implementation of AI bot blocking. In the same span of time, OTW managed to rouse themselves to an apology that has been widely perceived as half-assed, and AO3 managed to inform people, after a week of worry, that they've been blocking most AI scrapers for months. This isn't a criticism of those organizations (really!) but an acknowledgement of the difference between big organizations and small ones and an argument for diverse options for archiving fanworks because both options have advantages to offer.

As I said above, I wrote much more about this here.

Of course, what should be done? The options are what they are, right? Right now, yes, mostly. That's the sad place where we've ended up, but we can reverse course. There was a time when many fandoms had dozens or even hundreds of options for archiving fanworks. Those small sites, archives, and communities died due to a variety of factors: closure of the platforms on which they were built (e.g., Geocities and Yahoo! Groups), low to no traffic (due to everyone reading and posting exclusively on AO3), and deteriorating software (e.g., eFiction ... and again at least partly due to low demand, again because everyone thought AO3 would be everything they ever needed).

However, there is hope that more options will become available (or already have).

Neocities is a resurrection of Geocities for personal homepages.

Bobaboard "lets you create moderated, privacy-oriented communities for all your fandom interests."

Dreamwidth is still around, fandom-positive, and underused.

eFiction is being rebuilt, ideally with the ability to host a site through their servers, much as you can build a Wordpress site without downloading Wordpress onto your own webspace.

Fandom Coders is a resource for educating fans who want to learn the skills to build and run website.

I'm working on a tutorial for how to build a fanworks archive in Drupal, the software we use on the SWG. I have the whole thing outlined and will be recording it this summer. Watch this space.

So what can you do?

If fanworks are hosted somewhere other than AO3: post there, read there, comment there, interact there, link there. I cannot overstate how vital this is for small sites.

Make sure your fanworks are archived someplace other than AO3 (like Dreamwidth), even if you're not getting clicks, comments, and interaction there ... yet.

Nearly all of the options for independent sites that I linked above accept donations toward their projects. eFiction is one where I know progress has stagnated due to a lack of funding.

So this turned into another tirade/plea for small sites, but it really is unfair to OTW/AO3 to ask them to be something they were never intended to be, and it's also unfair to fans that they don't have a place to put there work that they feel reflects their needs, wishes, and values.

[beardedmrbean]

Kano, Nigeria — Authorities in northern Nigeria's largest city have begun evacuating more than 5,000 street children seen as a "security threat" and a growing concern as an economic crisis forces more to fend for themselves. The Hisbah, a regional police force tasked with enforcing Islamic Sharia law, have carried out midnight raids on motor parks, markets and street corners in the regional capital, Kano, since the beginning of the year, evacuating children as they sleep.

"We have so far mopped up 300 of these boys from the streets and taken them into a camp provided for their rehabilitation," Hisbah's director-general Abba Sufi told AFP. "Their continued living on the streets is a huge social and security threat because they are potential criminal recruits."

"They are a ticking time bomb that needs to be urgently defused with tact and care," said Sufi.

In November, Kano State governor Abba Kabir Yusuf set up a committee to rid the city of the street children, most of whom are boys. Many sleep in the open and have no access to education or parental care.

With the highest divorce rate in Nigeria, according to official figures, Kano is dealing with a surge in children from broken homes.

Largely left to fend for themselves, the boys roam the city, begging, selling items at traffic lights and scavenging for scrap metal to sell to get money to feed themselves.

The west African economic powerhouse faces its worst economic crisis in decades, with inflation soaring to 34.6 percent in November, leaving many struggling to eat.

Nigeria has 18.5 million out-of-school children, with Kano State accounting for 1.9 million, the highest rate in the country, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in a 2022 survey.

The Kano figure accounts for 39% of the total number of children living in the state, the 2022 Nigeria Multidimensional Poverty survey said.

With the highest divorce rate in Nigeria, according to official figures, Kano is dealing with a surge in children from broken homes.

Largely left to fend for themselves, the boys roam the city, begging, selling items at traffic lights and scavenging for scrap metal to sell to get money to feed themselves.

The west African economic powerhouse faces its worst economic crisis in decades, with inflation soaring to 34.6 percent in November, leaving many struggling to eat.

Nigeria has 18.5 million out-of-school children, with Kano State accounting for 1.9 million, the highest rate in the country, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in a 2022 survey.

The Kano figure accounts for 39% of the total number of children living in the state, the 2022 Nigeria Multidimensional Poverty survey said.

Officials told AFP that many of the children in Kano city came from neighboring states.

"Some of them are from Kano, while others are from other states," said Hisbah commander Aminu Daurawa. "The first step is profiling them and identifying where they came from."

Some were sent from villages to learn how to read the Koran at informal Islamic religious schools called almajiri. Residents said many students of the Koranic schools beg for food and alms between classes.

Attempts by authorities and local groups to intervene and support the age-old almajiri system have faced opposition from traditional clerics.

The Hisbah police plan to provide "psychosocial" support and counselling to the children before enrolling those who show interest in school, Sufi said, adding that others will be given seed money to start a trade of their choice.

Daurawa told AFP that out-of-state children will be repatriated after their rehabilitation.

Previous attempts to clear the city of street children have failed.

Between 2017 and 2018, the Hisbah evacuated some 26,000 children and reunited them with their parents in and outside Kano, but they returned to the streets after a lull, according to Daurawa.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities in Kano shut almajiri schools and transported the pupils to their states, but they returned when the schools reopened.

"We want to avoid a repeat of the past experience, which is why we changed approach by camping the children and rehabilitating them before sending them back into the society," Sufi said.

[policemanofprincesspark]

There's so many popular out gay artists now that imo Harry is going to get even more hate if he queerbaits his way through the hs4 era by casting men as his love interest in videos etc like he has 3 times now. If the albums not out til next year he'll probably have a new "girlfriend" too.

Meanwhile nobody outside the fandom thinks Louis is an lgbt artist & he seems fine with that. He's just been doubling down on the straight laddy lad image with every show he does. He honestly seemed softer and had a much better voice at the start of 2022.

I dunno, it's hard to stay supportive of these dudes they're either mega complex or just fucking dumb

It's hard to like either of them these days. They've been spiralling since the 2020s began.

I don't think they'll come out until the 2030s minimum. Rebecca Ferguson said that these X-Factor contracts can last up to 20 years or even be indefinite. If I had to guesstimate a timespan in which I think they'll come out, I'd say 2032-2045.

[mcl4r3n]

From the prompt list (if you're still taking suggestions) - 20 + Dando & it's Lando saying it...

“Oh, don’t worry. I have every plan to make you submit to me.”

From here :3

---

Daniel has needs, and at this point, Lando has cataloged so many of them, aware of his tells now.

Despite his break off the grid, and despite his triumphant and celebrated return to it, there are still parts of Daniel that he's trying to piece together, make whole again.

A few months off didn't miraculously undo all of the damage from last two years, not when Daniel spent them tearing himself apart, questioning every decision he made, feeling himself fading.

It doesn't help that Lando still feels partly responsible for it, but Daniel has reassured him enough times that he was the only thing that got him through it, and Lando refuses to make Daniel think any longer that he doesn't trust what he says.

So Lando cherishes him, cheers him on, and does his best to give Daniel what he needs, and sometimes, what Daniel needs is to just give up all control, and let Lando lead.

But it's a precarious little dance they have to do, when Daniel gets in one of his moods, when the Lexapro seems to not cut it that day, when the reassurances that his mettle isn't being tested start to fall flat.

Daniel retreats into himself and gets quiet, but he'll plaster on a smile for Lando anyway—the kind that Lando hates, the kind that he spent all of 2022 putting on for the cameras.

He pushes back, his jokes cutting, just erring too much on the side of self-deprecating and outwardly mean.

It's when Lando knows to step in and step up.

Daniel's in one of those moods now, quiet after a poor showing in Mexico, humiliated after causing a collision with Valtteri that put him firmly in P20. Lando sets his phone down on his bedside table while Daniel scrolls through his, frowning at data from engineers that he's been poring over and over for the last hour.

"That's enough, Daniel," Lando says quietly. Normally he wouldn't interfere but Lando can tell that it's eating away at him again, those old demons in Daniel's head telling him he's not good enough, that he's past his prime.

Daniel ignores him like he knew he would. Lando sighs, and swings his leg over Daniel's thighs, sitting on him, his hands grasping Daniel's wrists. They've done this before. Daniel's told him he could, but that he couldn't promise he'd give in easily every time.

"Daniel," Lando says again firmly, and finally his boyfriend looks up at him, his frown now trained on him.

"Lan—don't, I need to go over—"

"No, I said that's enough." He takes Daniel's phone from him, earning him an annoyed grunt. He tosses it to the foot of the bed.

He needs to take Daniel out of this. He needs to take Daniel back.

He cards his fingers through Daniel's hair, longer now since he's been growing it out. He cups Daniel's jaw in his hands, thumbs brushing over the stubble that's started to grow wild since they got back to Monaco.

He makes Daniel look up at him properly, the smallest hint of force in his grip.

"Are you going to be good for me?"

His eyes are honey-brown and stormy but the pleading is there—the exact signal Lando was looking for.

Daniel doesn't answer, his fingers digging into Lando's thighs like he's warring with himself.

“Oh, don’t worry," Lando whispers. "I have every plan to make you submit to me.” He leans in closer, pressing a kiss to Daniel's forehead. "I'll only ask one more time. Are you going to be good for me?"

Daniel lets out a shaky exhale, closing his eyes for a moment. When he opens them again in the space of a breath, his eyes are darker than amber.

"Yes, sir," Daniel says. "I'll be good for you."

Lando smiles, satisfied, and kisses him.

[furrbbyx]

I had time today, because I caught a life threatening virus in Biden's America where precautions and tracking have been at Trump levels and I'm in quarantine. Yes, I'm saying the virus has spread further because of Biden's conservative Trumpian way of dealing with this. So anyway. I had time.

And speaking of viruses Biden's support of social issues is something that's been pushed around this app kind of irresponsibly.

Speaking of Biden as if he is an individual and not an administration, and confusing what is policy and what is just talk.

This image was my prompt. I'm not going to address every point, but I will give you the resources to look into the others.

Some definitions

Policy is a law, regulation, procedure, administrative action, incentive, or voluntary practice of governments and other institutions. (CDC, 2015)

An executive order is a signed, written, and published directive from the President of the United States that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders are not legislation; they require no approval from Congress, and Congress cannot simply overturn them. (American Bar Association, 2021)

Law can be said to be the body of rules and principles governing the affairs of a community and enforced by a political authority; a legal system. But there are other similar definitions.

A regulation has the force of a law, but may only be a governmental order. Such as during quarantine.

An executive order is not a policy. A policy is a law.

TLDR: This is supposed to be the people's administration. If the government doesn't live up to the peoples' standards of creating laws to protect the human rights they believe should be protected then it's not supporting the things the people support. Full stop. Biden administration is weak on many levels in terms of keeping promises, and pushing change. They can't even forgive all the student loans. Read critically and don't trust tumblr images about important topics because MAGA, red or blue, is invested in creating a less critical electorate that trusts their messaging as gospel. Is the US your gospel? Or is liberation your gospel?

There is no formal Biden administration policy supporting a ceasefire, an end to aggressions on civillians in Palestine, or a withdraw of military and opening of humanitarian corridors. That is literally malinformation. Members of his administration have signed letters and resigned over his policy on that issue. For months the US has vetoed ceasefire resolutions in international lawmaking. Yes he has said a bunch of things and proposed a deal without any backing or conviction imo, but where is the policy? Only on the right of misrael to exist. He did release a statement welcoming a ceasefire in 2022 but the words support were used in reference to the right to defense (Biden, 2022)

Trans Rights: The Biden administration has chosen to reinstate guidance on Title IX extending to protecting gender orientation. The Law is the Title IX, and the guidance is a legal interpretation of the law from the Obama administration. Other than that there's just an executive order, no law or national policy. There is a law making the Pulse Memorial a national one… Biden called for the Equality Act (an amendment to the Civil Rights Act) to be passed two yeas ago, and since then has not tried to stop states infringing on human rights, and they've taken down rainbow flags internationally at embassies.

The Environment: Biden wrote in executive order 13990 that it is the policy of his administration "to protect the environment; to ensure access to clean air and water; to limit exposure to dangerous chemicals and pesticides; to hold polluters accountable, including those who disproportionately harm communities of color and low-income communities; to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; to bolster resilience to the impacts of climate change; to restore and expand our national treasures and monuments; and to prioritize environmental justice"

However there aren't many POLICIES from his administration to back that up. In most instances they have updated bits of policies that are already in effect. Any law from this administration involving the environment is about allocating money to invest in "climate reform". The administration's solution has not been to create more polices to protect the environment, instead it signed an order reading

"… this order directs all executive departments and agencies (agencies) to immediately review and, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, take action to address the promulgation of Federal regulations and other actions during the last 4 years that conflict with these important national objectives, and to immediately commence work to confront the climate crisis." (Biden, 2021)

This order does minimal work basically asking agencies to look into the regulations and actions that conflict with the policy or "national objectives" of his administration (during Trump era only), to ask themselves is changes are needed, and they do not have to finish the review process during his term.

Removing the requirement that states meet the federal government's fuel economy requirements. This was to let California set higher standards, however it allows states to set any standard of emissions for motor vehicles. Or none.

Improving safety and reporting standards for gas pipline operators through rulemaking (regulations) under an existing policy (Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations). The standards improvement was only done in January 2024 (USDOT, 2024).

New renewable fuel targets under the 2007 Energy Policy requires a minimum of fuels to come from "renewable" sources. In this case renewable means biofuels which have been criticized because they require corn and soybeans, promoting land degradation, increased fertilizer use and bio-waste.

Mercury pollution standards re-strengthened because of executive order 13990.

This order also stopped leasing of oil rich land in North Alaska while the review process is going on. This doesn't mean it was stopped to save a natural habitat, or that the Biden administration is going to stop leasing gas rich fields in preserves. In fact nothing the Biden administration has done signals a willingness to protect federal preserves from environmental injustice.

The Biden administration has proposed strengthening NEPA but has not yet done so. NEPA is the Act that set the nations environmental policies. To me this is what belies the statement that the administration wants to protect the environment. According to Pulido (2017) less than 2 percent of litigation brought under these types of laws have been successful at applying those policies to address environmental injustice. This means it is already weak.

The claim about vaccines and public health and health care reform is downright malinformation. Firstly there is only a mandate for federal employees and vaccines for COVID-19, and none for masking. So far the only things that Biden and his administration have been able to put together for public health are executive orders, vaccine mandates, stimulus checks, cap on prescriptions prices for medicaid only. Oh and tons of money to police wrapped up in a public health act, which doesn't specifically say that police departments must improve public health, nor does it mandate the reporting of those murdered in police custody which is a public health issue, so I think that answers the claim of "criminal justice reform".

Biden said during his debate that "we defeated medicaid" he meant that shit. Biden has not address the fact that private equity has been gobbling up the public health system (a symptom of fascism). If you read or the COVID-19 Preparedness Plan you will get the sense that the administration thinks they saved us.

"And the U.S. government has successfully put equity at the heart of a nationwide public health response. Hispanic, Black, and Asian adults are now vaccinated at the same rates as White adults."

and

"The path forward in the fight against COVID-19 is clear: schools, workers, and workplaces have resources and guidance to prevent shutdowns."

and if you read the reactionary executive order 14076 which came out after "Roe" was overturned you might think that protections for birthing people are really important to the administration. But reading deeper reveals that similar to the vaccine mandate, it mainly effects federal employees, that it can only be applied to the extent of the law (no Roe, so it's states' laws) and that even the federal Health and Human Services department cannot enforce the PRECEDENCE of federal laws about medical treatment against the Texas Abortion law. (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2024).

For abortions the administration did reinstate Title X funding for clinics, but that's beside the point now. Biden has also been heard saying that he is "not big on abortion" (TIME, 2022) and previously supported the Hyde amendment which prevented public funds supporting abortion procedures. Articles online criticize Biden especially in his first 100 days for sending more money to Planned Parenthood and paint him as staunchly pro-choice, but why wasn't Roe enshrined in law (like he said he'd do), if he supports it so hard.

But don't forget this at the end of each order is a nice little

"This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person."

So, since this is already a million years long let me end by pointing out that environmental reform is not environmental justice, immigration reform isn't mentioned (because he's put more kids in cages than Trump) and he still has no plan for the student loans beyond a repayment plan or the future with COVID-19.

Biden administration is already folding, meaning they are not fighting against Trump. They are less invested in the outcome of the election than their electorate. People are defending a fuckass administration with zero plans on how to push them left, and zero action steps if they don't deliver. They could win today. If they stopped funding misrael and stopped the siege. If they wanted to win this election cycle they could, and if you people pushing this disinformation and malinformation would read critically you might realize why no one wants to hear your fearmongering, "lesser evil" fake arguments. The proof is in the (lack of) policy. People don't want to choose between fascists imo, they want to be free and have their rights enshrined in law.

sources

What is an Executive Order? American Bar Association, January 25, 2021, https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/publications/teaching-legal-docs/what-is-an-executive-order-/ Bennett, B. (2022, May 13). Biden’s Abortion Views, Faith at Odds Like Never Before. TIME. https://time.com/6176375/bidens-abortion-catholic-democrats/ Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge | Bureau of Land Management. (n.d.). Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://www.blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals/oil-and-gas/about/alaska/coastal-plain-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge Definition of Policy | Policy, Performance, and Evaluation | CDC. (2023, May 9). https://www.cdc.gov/policy/paeo/process/definition.html Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA) | CMS. (n.d.). Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://www.cms.gov/medicare/regulations-guidance/legislation/emergency-medical-treatment-labor-act Fueling America’s Economy: Legislation to Improve Safety and Expand U.S. Pipeline Infrastructure | US Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://www.transportation.gov/fueling-americas-economy-legislation-improve-safety-and-expand-us-pipeline-infrastructure House, T. W. (2021, January 21). Executive Order on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis. The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-protecting-public-health-and-environment-and-restoring-science-to-tackle-climate-crisis/ House, T. W. (2022a, July 8). FACT SHEET: President Biden to Sign Executive Order Protecting Access to Reproductive Health Care Services. The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/07/08/fact-sheet-president-biden-to-sign-executive-order-protecting-access-to-reproductive-health-care-services/ House, T. W. (2022b, August 8). Statement by President Biden on the Ceasefire in Gaza. The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/07/statement-by-president-biden-on-the-ceasefire-in-gaza/ National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan. (n.d.). The White House. Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/covidplan/ Pulido, L. (2017). Geographies of race and ethnicity II: Environmental racism, racial capitalism and state-sanctioned violence. Progress in Human Geography, 41(4), 524–533. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309132516646495 Quinn, M. (2023, June 28). Biden says he’s “not big on abortion” because of Catholic faith, but Roe “got it right” - CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/joe-biden-abortion-catholic-faith-roe-v-wade-got-it-right/ Tracking regulatory changes in the Biden era. (n.d.). Brookings. Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://www.brookings.edu/articles/tracking-regulatory-changes-in-the-biden-era/ U.S. Detention of Child Migrants | Council on Foreign Relations. (n.d.). Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/us-detention-child-migrants US EPA, O. (2013, July 31). National Environmental Policy Act Review Process [Overviews and Factsheets]. https://www.epa.gov/nepa/national-environmental-policy-act-review-process Klein, M. V., Kate Sullivan,Betsy. (2022, January 20). 5 significant bills and 5 executive orders Biden signed in his first year – and his 5 biggest priorities for 2022 | CNN Politics. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/20/politics/biden-laws-passed-priorities-to-get-done-executive-orders/index.html President Biden Calls for Passage of Equality Act to Advance LGBTQ Rights. (n.d.). Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/inclusion-diversity/president-biden-calls-passage-equality-act-to-advance-lgbtq-rights

[buttdawg]

Vince

There's really not a lot I can say that hasn't already been said. It looks like Vince McMahon's downfall in 2022 was just a warmup for what's happening in 2024. This time the allegations are a lot more detailed and horrific. Apparently Slim Jim decided to pause their sponsorship deal with WWE and that seems to have spooked TKO enough that Vince resigned.

Compare that to the scandal in '22, where Vince seemed to be in big trouble, but there didn't seem to be enough leverage to oust him from the company, then he finally did step down, and then he ended up coming back. This time things are happening much faster, and people are speculating about the complicity of others in the company. "What did Triple H know and when did he know it?" That sort of thing.

I'm just some dork on the internet, but it looks to me like Vince is running out of road. Pre-2022, he could rely on his majority shareholder power to wield unlimited power in WWE. I was kind of surprised he stepped down in 2022 at all, so when he used the majority shareholder power to get back in, I wasn't too surprised. They said it was just so he could preside over the sale to TKO, but that's over now, and they've been reducing his influence over WWE ever since. Now he's resigned completely, so all he has left are the shares he has in TKO, which he was in the process of selling off.

The way I understood it, he had so many that he couldn't sell them all in one go, because that would tank the stock, so he had to do it in big chunks over several months. That's assuming he intended to sell it all in the first place, and maybe his plans have changed now. Still, he's not going to have TKO or WWE to back him up in the future. They're going to want to cut ties with him quickly, so when all is said and done, it'll be Vince facing these allegations without the corporate machine behind him. I don't know how much that matters. I mean, he'll still have his vast personal fortune and legal resources, but this feels different. If that NDA gets voided, there could be even more allegations that come to light, and he'll come off looking even worse.

Realistically, he'll probably die of old age before he faces any real consequences. That sucks, but at least there can be some sort of dismantling of Vince's reputation. In 2022 he made that last appearance on Smackdown and fans were chanting "Thank you, Vince" and it was pretty sickening to hear. Maybe we're finally nearing the end of people trying to pretend like Vince McMahon was some sort of genius promoter. I don't think anyone's going to be thanking him much from here on out.

As for TKO, hopefully this will lead to some sort of purge of whoever was complicit in all of this. I'd be very surprised if we ever saw Brock Lesnar in a WWE ring again, and there's probably more names that'll come out of this. WWE claimed to do an investigation into all of this before, and apparently they weren't very thorough, so whoever's behind that will have to face the music. The Royal Rumble's tomorrow, and right now the most interesting part of it sounds like the press event after the show. I don't know what Paul Levesque's role in all of this was, but it's hard to believe he worked for WWE for 29 years and had no idea what Vince was up to. He voted against his return in 2023, so that means something. I have to think his career in WWE management will never be the same after this.

However it shakes out, hopefully this will allow TKO to clean house and put it all behind them. And maybe that'll put more pressure on other promotions to clean their houses... Well, I'm probably being too optimistic.

[stormblessed95]

https://www.tumblr.com/stormblessed95/737189682193022976/hey-stormieee-can-u-explain-to-me-about-the-whole?source=share

You said it so right stormy that ignoring tkkrs is actually a bliss. They have been crying since that japan trip. The fact here is that for yrs they mocked jkkrs saying tk are going to enlist together (cause one time in like 2014 tae said that he's going to enlist with jk and i think after hobi's enlistmemt also he said but i think he meant it at the same time which technically they did just one day apart), they were confident about it and alot of them knew what a buddy program is (there's ss on twitter from many tkkrs talking about buddy program and wanting tk to enlist through buddy program from yr 2022) but now that it's jkk who did the Buddy prgrm they're suddenly acting like they don't know what it means and are making up some tens of different theories because they spent yrs especially this last yr dragging jkk saying they're just co workers and don't even talk to each other if it's not work nd that jk doens't have jm's number (imagine saying jungkook of all people would not have jm's number whom he knows from the past 10+ yrs) only for jm and jk to enlist together and not just together but through buddy prgrm.

The important thing in this program is that you have to prove to the government that you're actually close enough to get a chance at buddy program cause only people who are close, relatives, siblings and from same hometown get approved here. So the whole "jimin and jk are not even friends but are coworkers"(which is actually more than their usual "jk hates jm" shit) agenda didn't fit here Cause the government says otherwise lol..

Not only Jikook travelled together across the world for the show right before enlsiting but also enlisted together through buddy program so they're mad and they gonna stay like that forever so it's best to ignore them. I have seen all of these theories on report accounts and I'm just blocking reporting and moving forward.

Lol you started by saying ignoring tkkrs is bliss and then basically caught me up on what they've been saying the past 2 years. Lol sounds like you could use some more bliss, love. 😂 You are right though, block, report, move forward. Most of the time they are looking for drama, don't give them what they want! Engagement also makes accounts harder to get taken down if they are being problematic.

[sushicha]

I'm feeling very grateful for Shourtney right now! This has nothing to do with the ship, but everything to do with Shayne and Courtney and how they've helped me grow as a person!

So growing up, my parents weren't very strong influences in my personal development, so I always tell people I was practically raised by the internet and was obsessed with YouTube since I was 8 years old (I'm 24 now...). But I've spent so much of my life surfing through garbage trying to find positive influences. There were times I was almost sucked into the alt-right pipeline, and even though I was eventually guided to the left, I made it through so much shit that I'm still unpacking a lot of the bullshit I consumed...

Rediscovering Smosh and the cast was a GODSEND! Not only is Smosh non-problematic and left-leaning, it's a COMEDY GROUP? Y'all have no idea how rare that is... so many creators out there whose sense of humor is being as offensive and edgy as possible. I just like silly content, dude. And Smosh is IT, man. Their stuff was cool back when it was Ian and Anthony, but modern Smosh is just SOOOOO good 😭

I was in an extremely toxic work environment for the last 4 years (toxic masculinity, homophobia, racism, misogyny, you name it...), and I'm so glad I rediscovered Smosh around that time. I became obsessed and watched everything they put out because it was in such stark contrast to the environment I was in.

Shayne became my biggest influence because he's so outwardly not a toxic masculine man. Very respectful, very understanding, very uplifting, just trying to make everyone laugh and feel good about themselves. I know he's pretty traditionally masculine, but I'm also that way and I just can't stand how many men get sucked into this idea of never showing emotion, never being vulnerable, hating the powerless, hating anything remotely considered feminine... he's none of that. I've spent my entire adult life trying to purge all my internalized misogyny and toxic traits (it's not easy!) and he's been such a great influence in that way. And his influence over my sense of humor has been GALACTIC. His humor isn't at anyone's expense but (sometimes) himself, and that's the best way to be funny is to just be as silly and ironic of an entertainer as possible. It's everything I aspire to be. I just wish he dressed a little better sometimes, LMAO 💀

If Shayne is my yang, Courtney is my yin! Courtney represents everything I've come to love and appreciate about personal growth, self-expression, and femininity (even though I know they're NB). They're SO weird and SO not afraid to be themself, even at the risk of seeming "cringe". But I freaking love it, dude! It takes so much pressure off of trying to be perfect and fit into everyone's box, and I think that's what makes them so funny and entertaining! They're so... authentic. And Courtney's always the one to uplift the vibes, to bounce off people's energy, to bring out everyone's potential. They have this natural charisma that makes it insanely difficult not to want them to be in every video. And they've grown SO MUCH in the last 4 years! You would think 2018 Courtney vs. 2022 Courtney are completely different people! Getting to witness that change in real-time was soooo epic. And them understanding their own identity helped me reevaluate my own understanding of gender, masculinity, and femininity. I'm still cishet, but I think it's important that everyone have a thorough understanding of themselves and Courtney got me to explore those questions more than I ever would have.

Putting Shayne and Courtney in a room together makes actual magic, y'all. Everything I just said about them individually, put that TOGETHER. PLACE AN EXPONENT AT THE END OF THAT SHIT 👏 They bring out the best in each other, and it makes for some of the most entertaining shit. Like yes, I'm a Shourtney shipper, but dating or not, they are an unrivaled duo and I'm here for every minute of it.

Y'all, I was DEVASTATED when they cancelled Smoshcast. I listened to it every week at work because it was so refreshing listening to such intelligent and adorable humans talk about life vs. the sea of brainless testosterone I was drowning in 😓 AND COULD YOU IMAGINE SMOSHCAST NOW??? A BRAND NEW COURTNEY, ALL THESE NEW CAST AND CREW MEMBERS, ALL THE STORIES THEY WOULD HAVE TO MAKE UP FOR LOST TIME??? I get why they cancelled Smoshcast, they want to focus on other stuff, but man, it still hurts 🥺 I'M FINE

ok RANT OVER, GO AWAY 😌❤️