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#Freedom of the press
txtstotheworld · 9 days
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any news on KOSA?
UPDATE KOSA 4/10/24
KOSA has unfortunately been introduced to the house of representatives. However, we have not heard if it has passed senate yet.
Please keep fighting. If KOSA becomes law, I will not be able to run this account anymore.
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thebanishedreader · 7 months
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Oh, what the hell, Florida.
Heyyy so I just looked at my spreadsheet of banned books and...
There are 1,402 BANNED BOOKS in the state of Florida ALONE.
To put that in perspective, on that very same spreadsheet, the number of banned books in California is: one (1).
If you guys have been following this (very new) blog and my posts, then you will know that the number of banned books in Colorado is: eight (8).
In Arkansas, it's four (4).
So. Just to reiterate, to repeat.
As of June 2023,
THE STATE OF FLORIDA HAS BANNED 1,402 BOOKS.
NEARLY HALF OF ALL BANNED BOOKS THIS YEAR, AND NEARLY THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF BANNED BOOKS IN 2022 IN TOTAL.
FLORIDA. HAS. BANNED. 1,402. BOOKS.
Please read banned books. Support libraries. Support authors. And please, please please please please, for the love of everything, stay safe. I love each and every one of you. Stay safe.
Support the American Library Association here.
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astralaffairs · 7 months
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hi!! before i go i jus wanna say, I love your work 🙏🏽 and I finally watch hamilton last night so I might write for it as well 😋😋 but i have a drabble idea.
anyways— thomas having a dance/ball for a campaign during the election and he meets aaron’s little sister, mc, who snuck in. and he can’t help but take interests in her.
“Now, what’s a lady like you doin’ getting a drink just for yourself? Nobody’s offered to do that for you yet?”
Y/N froze as her fingers met the stem of the champagne flute. She had promised herself she would stay to the outskirts of the ball, and her only goal for the night had been to avoid courting attention. However, the packed room was warm, and it was only more so at its perimeter under the lights, and the crisp bubbly had looked oh-so-inviting.
She turned with a polite smile as she picked up the glass, but her eyes widened when she saw the man behind her with his gleaming smile and his velvet suit. She recognized him instantly; after all, she’d seen him before, and he’d even been in her home, but they’d never formally met. He raised an eyebrow when her smile faltered. “I’ve only just arrived. I haven’t had a chance to speak to much of anyone just yet.”
“Then I’m gonna have to count myself lucky to have found you when I did. Thomas Jefferson.” He offered her a hand as he introduced himself, and when she took it, he dipped down to press a soft kiss to her knuckles. Her eyes went even wider.
She cleared her throat as he drew himself back up to his full height, still holding her by the fingertips, and it took a moment for it to occur to her to withdraw her hand. “You’re the host of this ball, then, if I’m not mistaken. Thank you for opening your home to us like this.”
“Believe me, sugar, the pleasure’s all mine,” he said. “Who’re you here with? Feel like I’ve seen you around, but I can’t put my finger on it.”
“Oh, um, my family’s here somewhere. I came on my own, though, and I was planning to meet them here.”
“Your family?” He pursed his lips. “You’re not a Schuyler, are you?”
“No, no, certainly not,” she replied before hastily adding, “although the Schuylers are lovely people, of course. To be a part of their family would make one lucky.”
“So you know the Schuylers, then?” he mused, and she nodded. His growing smile was making her mouth go dry. “I know where I recognize you from; you’re a Burr, aren’t you? Aaron’s sister?”
“I am, yes.” Her smile was tense, laced with unease. His grin was bright as he plucked a drink for himself off of the table behind them.
“So why haven’t I seen you at one of these before? Your family trying to keep you locked away from all the politics?” he asked, and as her eyebrows fell, he could see the look in her eyes sour.
“They’ve decided I can’t be trusted at this kind of event,” she said bitterly, and he quirked a brow. “Aaron claims he’s afraid I’ll say the wrong thing and jeopardize his career, but really, I think he just can’t deal with the idea of splitting people’s attention between us.”
“But you finally proved yourself trustworthy?” he asked mildly, taking a sip of his drink, and she shrugged uncomfortably.
“I suppose so.”
“Then where’s your dear brother now, hm? Why aren’t you here with the rest of your family?” He watched her expectantly, and when she didn’t answer right away, his grin broadened. “They don’t even know you’re here, do they?”
“No, and you’re not going to be the one to tell them,” she said sharply, pointing her champagne flute at him. He raised his eyebrows, amused by the fervor in her tone. “I had to walk miles alone in the dark to get here; I am not being thrown out as soon as I arrive.”
“Well, sweetheart, if you’re not with them, then really, I should be sendin’ you on your way.” Despite the threat, his voice was breezy, and she frowned.
“And what do you have to gain from kicking me out?”
“The respect and appreciation of your family,” he suggested blithely. “The knowledge that I’m not leavin’ a young lady to walk home alone ‘n vulnerable at the end of the night. ‘S just the right thing to do, really.”
She eyed his small smile for a moment before slowly asking, “But despite that, you’d rather I stay, wouldn’t you?” He shrugged unabashedly. “You’re quite shameless, aren’t you, Mr. Jefferson?”
“Only on a good day.” He winked as he took a sip of his drink. “After all, you went through all that effort to get here. There’s gotta be a good reason for it, huh?”
“Of course. I’m here to expand my mind just like everyone else," she said, and he raised an eyebrow.
“And not for the charming future president we’ve got roaming the ball?”
“Oh, I wasn’t aware there was one. Let me know if you see him?”
His full laugh proved him undeterred, and Y/N’s self-satisfied smile was reluctant. "'M glad to see you inherited more of the family wit than your brother seemed to."
"Please, don't tell him that. A lady needs to keep some things a secret."
"It'll stay between us, then," Thomas said, "but I don't think I ever got your name."
"Why, so you know whose presence to report to my brother?"
"So I know who to ask after the next time I see him." His response was quick, and it had Y/N on her heels. Her eyes were wide, eyebrows raised, but when she opened her mouth to answer—
"Y/N." Both she and Thomas turned on their heels at the loud voice to find her brother striding across the room toward them, and her groan was unchecked. The fury in Aaron's voice was barely contained. "What in the world do you think you're possibly doing here, sneaking out after dark? How did you even get here?"
"I brought myself, since nobody else was willing to take me," she bit back, and Thomas raised his eyebrows as he took a sip of his drink.
"That wasn't your decision to make," Aaron snapped. "We are a family, and you have to respect that—"
"Respect what? That you have total control over my life in the name of family values? Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?" she asked. "I respect that you have a career and a reputation to maintain, but I am a person, and—"
"And nothing, Y/N. Put the drink down, and leave Mr. Jefferson at peace," he demanded, and Y/N narrowed her eyes, her jaw set. Aaron turned to Thomas, and much of the fire in his voice had subsided when he said, "I'm sorry for her intrusion, Thomas. We didn't know she had followed us here, and we'll send her home at once."
"Now, Aaron, what makes you think she's uninvited company?" Thomas asked, and both Y/N's and Aaron's brows were raised. "Y/N's my guest here this evening; 's the opposite of an intrusion."
He frowned, glancing between Thomas and Y/N. "You mean you're responsible for her presence here tonight?"
"Well, I invited her, so I suppose you could say that," he said casually, and if he winked when he caught Y/N's eye, Aaron didn't think anything of it. Aaron's lips were pursed and his shoulders tense as he glanced between them.
"Why didn't you tell me Thomas had invited you?" he asked Y/N, and she shrugged.
"I didn't think you'd want to hear it, and I didn't want you trying to prevent me from coming."
"If I'd known he asked you to come—"
"So, what, my personhood is dependent on his permission now?"
"Your presence here is, at least."
"As a Burr, I would've been welcome either way."
"Not unattended, however."
"I can attend to myself just fine."
"You know that isn't what I mean when—"
"Aaron, was there somethin' else you needed?" Thomas cut him off, and Aaron's gaze was affronted when it snapped to him. However, he held his tongue. "I was just about to ask Y/N to dance, assuming that's her decision to make 'n all."
Y/N had to bite back her smile at his words, and although Aaron seemed to recognize the challenge in them as his jaw ticked, he said, "Of course. I'm sorry to have interrupted."
"Don't sweat it. Your concern for your sister is awful sweet, even if it isn't needed here," Thomas responded, his smile warm.
"'Concern' isn't how I'd describe it," Y/N muttered bitterly, and Thomas nudged her with his elbow. She frowned.
"Carry on 'n enjoy the rest of the ball, though, and please send my best to your wife," he said. Aaron could only offer a tense smile in response.
“You as well. I suppose I should go find Theodosia.” He looked down skeptically at Y/N. “How are you planning to get home?”
Y/N’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh, I…” She hadn’t thought that far, so her gaze was hopeful when it snapped to Thomas, who held her with a hand at the small of her back.
“I’ll arrange for a carriage to take her home,” he promised. “Don’t you worry, Burr. She’s in safe hands.”
“Right,” he said hesitantly, looking Thomas over. “I’ll leave you to it. Don’t do anything stupid, Jefferson.”
“‘S like you don’t even know who you’re talkin’ to,” Thomas said incredulously, and Aaron scoffed.
“I’m sure.” He barely spared them both another glance before departing unceremoniously, shaking his head all the while, and Thomas chuckled. Y/N turned back toward him.
“You’re a regular local hero,” she said sardonically, but the smile in her eyes betrayed her bored tone. Thomas grinned.
“I do try, sweetheart,” he said lightly, “maybe even in a way that deserves a ‘thank you’?”
“Thank you.” Her voice was sincere. “Really. I owe you.”
“Well, if you mean that,” he said, and his eyes were shining as he looked down at her, “I wouldn’t mind making good on that dance I mentioned. Unless you’re in a real rush to get back to your dear old brother.”
He offered her his arm with an eyebrow raised, and she left her empty glass on the table behind them when she took it, drawing a wide grin from him. “How could I say no to our charming host?"
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gwydionmisha · 3 months
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This is a direct assault of the Freedom of the Press.
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useless-catalanfacts · 5 months
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November 9th, 2023:
Journalists from Catalonia protest Israel's killing of Palestinian journalists and Israel's information blockade
The major Catalan journalist unions (Sindicat de Periodistes de Catalunya, Sindicat de la Imatge UPIFC, CGT, Comunicadores Feministes, European Network of Women Journalists, and Solidaritat i Comunicació SICOM) have called for a demonstration where they have raised the names of Palestinian journalists killed by Israeli fire. They set notebooks, microphones, vests and identification armbands piled on the ground to signify Israel's massacre of journalists and its attempt to silence information about Israel's war crimes in Gaza, with an attempt to stop journalists sharing the proof of what's happening in Gaza with the rest of the world.
As the Catalan journalists' manifesto said, Israel's attacks "don't respect schools nor hospitals and deliberately seeks to destroy media headquarters and journalists' homes". The protestors demand protection for journalists in Gaza and also for the foreign journalists so that they can enter and work freely. As of now, Israel forbids international media from entering Gaza.
In the 4 weeks since the Israel-Hamas war started, more than 10,000 people have been killed in Gaza. At least 41 journalists have been killed. Every day, at least one journalist has died. According to Reporters Without Borders (RWB), this has already been the deadliest start of a war for journalists in this century. A reflection of the magnitude of this massacre against life in Gaza.
The huge majority of media professionals who have died in this Israel-Hamas war —36 out of the 41 identified— are Palestinian journalists killed by Israeli attacks. RWB states that they're being "eliminated, one after the other" and that the ones who survive "are at imminent risk of death". At least 10 of the dead journalists were killed when they were "clearly working", according to RWB.
In the last month, Israel has destroyed —totally or partially— 50 media headquarters, including Al Jazeera's office building, Ain Media, and other local press, as well as the news agency France-Press (AFP).
RWB has filed a lawsuit against Israel for war crimes against Palestinian journalists in the International Criminal Court. In fact, it's the 3rd time that RWB does this in the last 5 years.
Protection of Palestinian and international journalists is vital. As is a ceasefire and prosecution for war crimes.
Sources: La Directa and Beteve.
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nodynasty4us · 5 months
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From the November 20, 2023 article:
[Mike] Davis heads Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation-funded $20 million plan to gut the executive branch and install only Trump loyalists at every level and in every building.
...
“He’s the man many in Trump’s inner circle including his own son Don Jr. and Steve Bannon are pitching to be the country’s next possible Attorney General. Earlier this week over on my Peacock show,” [MSNBC’s Medhi] Hasan explained, “I dove deep into the conservative lawyer’s record from Davis’ threats to send journalists to the ‘DC Gulag.’ He has repeatedly called on social media for his followers to quote ‘arm up against the violent Black underclass,’ and it appears I may have struck a nerve.”
“Davis has since responded to my monologue from earlier this week, pledging to indict me when he’s AG for what I’m not sure but he’s also threatened to send me to the DC Gulag.”
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EVERYONE CAN HELP
This is a petition to stop the KOSA bill. We cannot let this bill, which would affect so many people, be passed. It is dangerous and unconstitutional. If everyone who sees this post signs the petition, our voices can be heard.
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flange5 · 8 months
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scavengedluxury · 1 year
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workersolidarity · 24 days
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🇬🇧 🚨
UNITED KINGDOM HIGH COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF JULIAN ASSANGE, APPEALS MAY BEGIN
The High Court of the United Kingdom in British capital of London, ruled today in favor of Julian Assange, deciding the WikiLeaks founder will have an opportunity to appeal his extradition to the United States in British courts.
The High Court also gave the United States government three weeks the give guarantees that Julian Aplssange will be able to defend himself by invoking his rights under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The Court also seeks assurances that Mr. Assange will not face the death penalty nor that he will be disadvantage by his status as an Australian citizen, all of which the U.S. has so far refused to provide the Court.
If these assurances are not met, Assange will be granted permission to appeal and a hearing will take place.
Had the Court ruled against Assange, all his appeals would have been exhausted and his extradition to the United States would have been granted immediately.
Mr. Assange faces charges in the United States under the Espionage Act, an antiquated and draconian law never before used in cases involving journalists.
A last ditch effort could also have been made to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, however, following Brexit, it is unclear what, if anything, a European Court ruling against the extradition .could have done to influence the British decision.
#source
@WorkerSolidarityNews
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pratchettquotes · 2 years
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"So...we have what the people are interested in, and human interest stories, which is what humans are interested in, and the public interest, which no one is interested in."
"Except the public, sir," said William, trying to keep up.
"Which isn't the same as people and humans?"
"I think it's more complicated than that, sir."
"Obviously. Do you mean that the public is a different thing from the people you just see walking about the place? The public thinks big, sensible measured thoughts while people run around doing silly things?"
"I think so. I may have to work on that idea too, I admit."
"Hmm. Interesting. I have certainly noticed that groups of clever and intelligent people are capable of really stupid ideas," said Lord Vetinari.
Terry Pratchett, The Truth
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txtstotheworld · 14 days
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Do you think kosa is actually going to pass?
Cause I keep on hearing rumors that it is going to…
While I do attempt to keep my opinions off of this blog, I will answer this question.
I feel like yes, there is a high probability of KOSA passing. Especially with bills akin to those in Florida and Kansas being passed.
I personally am against KOSA. I need you all to realize that if this passes, my blog is being deleted. I am a minor, and my parents do not know about my social medias. Nor do they need to know.
However, we must realize that
A: KOSA has not left senate as of April 5th (senate will not return until the 8th)
B: Many bills are being produced to provide better solutions to the problem KOSA claims to solve
C: It has to pass every other step in the law making process
D: The bill will not be enforced until 18 months after it is instated.
I highly encourage you all to research and protest. Do not take rumors at face value. Research. Look up what is true. If we don't look into things, misinformation can be spread. We do not know anything for sure until it happens.
RESOURCES:
STOP INTERNET CENSORSHIP DISCORD
BAD INTERNET BILLS
SENATE SCHEDULE
ANTI KOSA PETITION
FIND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE (SENATE)
FIND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE (HOUSE)
CALL SCRIPTS:
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Use left if your rep is republican, use right if democratic.
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thebanishedreader · 7 months
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7 Banned Book Requests Made This Year
Infographic & original post by Impact
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astralaffairs · 8 months
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Don't mean to pressure you or anything but I really miss fotp and that last chap had me wanting to tear my heart open (TT)
If you're up for it, can I request for a short fluff abt mc and president t's marriage life? Or if you're still feeling villain-y, an angst will do! 😚
Hope you're having a fine dayyy, love all your works btw! 🫶🏻
astralaffairs villain era canceled. let me also refer u to late nights & speech writes for some president thom husband material
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“And where the hell have you been?” Strong hands grabbed Y/N by the waist the minute she locked the door behind her, and she squealed, stumbling over the hem of her long dress as she was pulled into a strong body. Rough wool scratched her bare shoulders. “‘S late. A woman like you shouldn’t be out all on your own like this. Who knows what coulda happened.”
Her laugh was breathless as Thomas kissed her neck, his stubble harsh against her skin, and her hands came to cover his as his arms wrapped around her waist. “Oh, please. I don’t think I’ve left the White House in the last 72 hours; I’m not exactly looking for trouble.”
“So why’ve you been out all night, hm?” He nipped at her earlobe, but she rolled her eyes. “Who’ve you been with all this time, sugar?”
“That Russian ambassador who did not want to hear that I have an early morning tomorrow,” she said dryly. “This is the worst part about state dinners. All the old men in the room still talk to me like I’m their young prospect rather than a peer in government who’s here as my job.”
“They’re all goddamn relics; don’t let ‘em get to you,” Thomas said. “They’re dinosaurs, and they’re gonna be dead in a few months, anyway.”
“At this rate, they’ll also be running entire countries when they’re on life support,” Y/N grumbled, and his laugh was sardonic.
“‘N they’re still gonna be tryin’ to hit on you when they’re hauling oxygen tanks around here behind ‘em.” He turned her around in his arms, and her drained expression made him frown. Her eyes looked empty. “‘M sorry you don’t get the respect you deserve at these events, though, sweetheart. Wish there was something more I could do."
"I don't expect you to be able to end all sexism in government, believe me," she said, reaching up to loosen his tie. "Doesn't help that they all see you as the ultimate guy's guy, though. Thomas Jefferson, the good all-American trust-fund baby who loves steak and baseball."
"Maybe I'll eat some tofu 'n take up figure skating," he suggested mildly as she slid her hands under the collar of his blazer, pushing it down his shoulders. He withdrew his arms from her waist for just long enough to shake the jacket off, discarding it on the chair by his desk in the corner. "I've always thought there was a whole lotta power in embracing the traditionally feminine."
"Sure you have," she scoffed. He grinned, taking a step back toward their bed with her in his arms as she started undoing the knot in his tie. "You regularly smoke cigars with foreign heads of state to celebrate national alliances. You're the epitome of the boys club."
"Hey, I smoke the cigars with women holdin' office too," he defended. She slid his tie out from the collar of his shirt.
"You're truly a feminist icon." The words were ironic as she pulled his button down out from where he'd tucked it into the waist of his pants, walking him back toward their bed all the while, and he raised an eyebrow.
"You're talkin' a whole lotta mess for somebody who's trying to undress me."
"You're not putting up much of a fight." She raised an expectant eyebrow, looking him in the eye as she undid his belt buckle, and when he pulled her close, she slid her hands up his chest. She fiddled with the top button on his dress shirt as he guided both of them through the final few steps between him and the foot of their bed.
"'N you're awful lucky I'm not." As he sat on the edge of the mattress, she stood between his parted thighs as he pulled her dress up her legs. "You just came home from a long night of work, 'n all you wanna do is objectify me? 'M a whole lot more than just a hot body, Ms. L/N."
Despite his words, when the hem of her dress was high enough for him to slide his hands under it, he pulled her onto the bed with him, straddling his lap as his hands ran up her bare thighs. She cocked her head to one side.
"You mean 'Mrs. Jefferson'?" she asked, and he grinned.
"Yeah, but I like it a whole lot better when you say it." He pushed her dress up her body until her hands covered his to pull it over her head, and although she didn't seem particularly concerned with where it landed, she suddenly felt very exposed in just her lingerie on his lap. His eyes didn't stray from her face, however. He pulled her closer by her bare waist, and her arms hung loosely over his shoulders. The open ends of his belt poked at her inner thighs. "Reminds all those Russian diplomats you're off the market."
"I have a feeling Nebenzya isn't trying to steal me away," she said, but Thomas shrugged. "With the way he talks about you, he might be hoping we're looking for a third."
"Unfortunately for Vasily, he wouldn't be at the top of my list," Thomas said, and Y/N's eyebrows shot up.
"Oh, you have a list, now?" she asked. He gave a lazy grin.
"Sugar, I've always had a list," he informed her, and she frowned. He kissed her downturned lips. "If we're working from the number one spot, though, we might have some trouble."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well, I've got a feeling John Adams wouldn't be too amenable to the idea," he said frankly, and Y/N's surprised laugh was closer to a scoff. "'N I don't feel like we know John Jay well enough as a couple, so that's not gonna fly, but inviting Lafayette just feels like it'd make things weird between all of us."
"Is your whole list made up of men?”
“‘Course.” His answer was immediate, but her skeptical gaze didn’t waver. He ran his hands down her thighs. “You already know you’re the only woman I got eyes for.”
“You’re so corny,” she said softly, running her hands down his shoulders to his upper chest. She picked at the buttons on his dress shirt. "Better tone it down before I get the wrong idea and fall in love with you."
"Now, we certainly can't have that."
"Especially not now. I'm too busy to take a lover, I'm afraid," she said, working down the buttons on his shirt to reveal his bare chest. "I'm just married to my work these days."
"'N you mean that literally, don't you, Madam First Lady?" He undid his cufflinks when she finished with his buttons, and he slid them into his pocket. However, he didn't take the shirt off despite her pushing its fabric down his shoulders. Rather, he took her hands in his, lacing his fingers into hers. "You're just a regular Mrs. America."
"You're really gonna stop me from taking your shirt off after you got me down to my underwear?"
"If I let you finish undressing me, it's gonna be a while before we get to sleep," he said, and she shrugged innocently. "We've gotta be up again in five hours. We both oughta get some rest."
"Being the first couple isn't nearly as sexy as I hoped it'd be." She sat back on her heels, resting her hands on his legs, and he gave her a tired smile. "Take the rest of your clothes off and come to bed, at least. I feel like I've hardly seen you all week."
"Right now, I'm all yours," he assured her. "Lemme get up 'n get some pajamas, though. Put on something other than a full suit for once."
"Just sleep without them," she countered, and he raised an eyebrow. "I like the feeling of your skin against mine. Just makes me feel more connected to you, I guess."
"You're adorable." He kissed her on the forehead, his smile endeared, and she could feel the heat rising to the tips of her ears as he leaned back to take his shirt off. After he did, though, he pulled her in closer, picking her up by her thighs as he stood, and she yelped, grabbing onto his shoulders. When he deposited her on his side of the bed, he undid his dress pants, taking them off before joining her on the mattress.
He crawled atop her where she lay on her back watching him, and as he dipped down to kiss her, one hand slid under her back, and she arched up against him. However, as he kissed down her neck, he unhooked her bra and leaned back to slide it down her arms. When he discarded it onto the floor, she was watching him with wide eyes, but he only kissed her forehead before rolling off of her and pulling the covers over them both. He reached over to turn off the lamp at his bedside.
"For what it's worth," he murmured as he wrapped an arm around her waist, and she rolled onto her side, letting him pull her into his body, "we've got plenty of time to sleep in on Saturday morning."
"Oh, yeah?" She rested her arm atop his, lacing her fingers into his.
"Mhm." He kissed the back of her shoulder. "So Friday night, you better not come home too tired."
"I'm gonna need all my energy for when I find you and Adams in our bed, huh?" When his hold on her tightened, his cold feet brushed against her shins, and she shivered.
"Not this time, sweetheart," he promised. "Once I get you alone, you better bet I'm not sharing you."
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feckcops · 5 months
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Palestinian journalists are risking their lives to counteract the ‘Israeli narrative’
“Reporters working in Gaza told Novara Media they are living and working in constant fear of death. ‘I’m under huge psychological pressure, as I feel I could be killed at any moment,’ said freelancer Rakan Abdelrahman. Last month, three of Abdelrahman’s colleagues were killed while trying to film a building in Gaza which was about to be bombed. Wearing jackets and helmets that clearly identified them as press, the men set up hundreds of metres from the stated target, only for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to instead strike a different building, much nearer to where they were standing.
“Last week, the IDF told Reuters and Agence France Presse it could not guarantee the safety of their journalists in Gaza, leading the news agencies to release a joint statement describing the situation on the ground as ‘dire’. ‘The IDF’s unwillingness to give assurances about the safety of our staff threatens their ability to deliver the news about this conflict without fear of being injured or killed,’ the statement said.
“In its letter to the news agencies, the IDF claimed Hamas is deliberately putting military operations “in the vicinity of journalists and civilians”. But several journalists who spoke to Novara Media said they believe they are being deliberately targeted by Israeli forces. ‘There were threats to several places where I was present, including Hiji Tower and Al-Tabbaa Tower’, said Abed Elhakeem Abo Riash, who has worked as a freelance journalist in Gaza for 14 years. ‘These towers all house the offices of journalists and foreign agencies.’
“Last week, Abo Riash was told to evacuate a residential tower by Israeli forces. He struggled to carry all of his equipment – which included his sleeping gear, two cameras, a laptop and a first aid kit – down from the 14th floor, and feared he would not make it out in time. ‘I was very afraid. The army has mercy on no one,’ he said.”
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A senior executive says Google hasn’t made a final decision whether it will limit journalism links from Canadians if the federal government’s online news bill passes.
Earlier this year, Google ran a five-week test that prevented 3.3 per cent of its Canadians users from seeing news links when searching for journalism on its search engine. It affected more than one million IP addresses, Google confirmed.
While the test ended in March, it remains a longer-term option for Google in response to the bill, which it opposes.
“We are continuing to raise concerns … we think there’s a better model,” said Kent Walker, Google’s president of global affairs and chief legal officer, while testifying Thursday at the Canadian Heritage committee. [...]
Continue Reading.
Tagging: @politicsofcanada
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