#carry on countdown 2020

[headless-angel-writes]

Una Rosa Es Una Rosa

Resumen: Baz ha estado robando rosas del jardín de un extraño. ¿A quien el esta llevando esas flores? Prompt: Devoción Los personajes pertenecen a Rainbow Rowel

Palabras: 1206

Fanfiction: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14170393/1/Una-Rosa-es-Una-Rosa

Ao3:  https://archiveofourown.org/works/43508553

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/1293560908-carry-on-one-shots-una-rosa-es-una-rosa

@carryon-countdown​

Baz.

Hay un chico parado frente a mí. Está usando botas, un overol, camisa blanca, guantes  y un enorme sombrero de paja que cubre sus rizos dorados. Tiene la cara llena de pecas y sus ojos son tan azules como el cielo 

Es hermoso. El chico  más hermoso que he visto en mi vida. Me mira con fastidio, como si quisiera matarme. Lo único que nos separa es una reja, así que no estoy protegido.  

Me atrapó robando sus rosas. Y es bastante obvio que le importa mucho este jardín.  No lo puedo culpar por sentirse así. 

—Así que eres tú quien viene a lastimar a mis rosales.

Su voz es tranquila a pesar de que sus ojos reflejan furia.

—Lo siento. Puedo pagar por ellas, si quieres

Honestamente no sé qué más decirle. 

—¿Son para una chica?—ignora mi pregunta.

—Podría decirse que sí.

No es tan fácil explicárselo a una persona que acabo de conocer. Aunque me interesa bastante que nos conozcamos más a fondo. Él se encoge de hombros, avienta el sombrero y guantes hacia una mecedora que está a sus espaldas y salta la reja que nos separa. 

Ahora que estamos más cerca, puedo ver que tiene aún más pecas y lunares de los que pensé. No sé porqué se molesta en tratar de protegerse del sol. Huele bien, a una mezcla de flores y canela. (No debería oler así considerando que estaba trabajando.)

—¿Qué haces?

—Voy a ir contigo

Levantó una ceja. ¿Qué está pensando ese tipo?

—Mis rosas son valiosas. Quiero saber si tu chica merece que robes por ella.—Explica con simpleza.

Maldición. No puede acompañarme. Y mucho menos hoy. 

—Es raro que pienses así. Ni siquiera nos conocemos.

Comienzo a caminar, dudo que hable en serio sabe seguirme. Me doy cuenta de lo equivocado que estoy cuando escucho pasos detrás de mí.

—Lo raro es que robes del jardín de un extraño—Dice.—Llevas meses haciéndolo. Necesito saber quien recibe mis rosas. 

Lo ignoro y trato de apresurar el paso. Tal vez pueda arreglármelas para perder al chico bonito. 

Sí no… ¿Cómo le explico que voy al panteón a visitar a mi madre muerta por su aniversario luctuoso?

............................................................................................................................

El Chico Bonito es mucho más obstinado de lo que creí. Al principio, trate de confundirlo, cambiando de ruta y entrando a tienda,  para alejarlo de mí. No funcionó. Me compadecí de él y le permití caminar a mi lado.

Y él se acercó para tomarme del brazo. 

—Para que no vuelvas a escaparte.—dijo

Soy fuerte, podría haberme librado de él con facilidad; también soy débil y en cuanto sentí el calor que emana de él me rendí. 

Hemos recibido un par de miradas curiosas. Supongo que mi traje negro contrasta demasiado con su ropa. Y las rosas que llevo en mi mano no ayudan. Desde fuera, podría parecer que estamos en una cita.

Ojalá fuera así.

—¿Cómo te llamas?—suelta de pronto.

Su voz me hace saltar de la sorpresa. No me había dicho nada antes y es raro oírlo ahora. 

—Basilton Grimm Pitch.—Respondo. 

Él se ríe. No es la primera vez que pasa cuando alguien escucha mi nombre. Solo suelto un suspiro.

—Lo siento. Es un nombre un poco extraño. Me gusta ¿Puedo llamarte Baz?

Siento que mi cara se calienta un poco.

—Si quieres… ¿Y cómo te llamas tú?

—Simon Salisbury.

No sé cómo es que se ríe de mi nombre cuando pareciera que a él lo nombró Stan Lee. Decido no decir nada más y simplemente seguir caminando. A veces siento cómo él acaricia mi brazo. Es tan suave que creo que no se da cuenta de lo que hace.

Al fin, la puerta del panteón está frente a nosotros. Me quedo parado un momento sin estar seguro de que hacer ahora. No pensé que llegaríamos tan lejos. Me giro a verlo, él luce pálido.

—¿Qué hacemos aquí?

—Vengo a visitar a alguien. 

Él se aferra con más fuerza a mi. Ese gesto me ayuda un poco a atreverme a continuar. Conozco muy bien el camino, vengo cada cada mes desde que tenía quince años. Me detuvo frente a una lápida de mármol negro. 

En la lápida, se lee el nombre de mi madre: Natasha Pitch. Y la fecha de hoy: doce de agosto. Me suelto de mi acompañante  y procedo con lo que vine a hacer. Saco del jarrón las flores secas y las cambio por las frescas que llevo en la mano.  

—Ella es quien ha estado recibiendo tus rosas. Las tomé porque me parecieron dignas de ella. Lo siento, Salisbury

Está parado un poco lejos de mi.Y se quedó pasmado. Siento que los ojos me pican y que quiero llorar. Pero no voy a hacerlo frente a él.

—Simon.—aclara.—Y yo… lo lamento mucho. No debí seguirte hasta aquí.

—No importa, en serio.

—Baz…

—Ya pasaron más de diez años, debería haberlo superado

De pronto, la tristeza me invade y las lágrimas comienzan a salir. No quiero que Simon me vea en ese estado, así que me doy la vuelta. Solo entonces me permito llorar.

Escuchó pasos, seguro que él ya se va. Seguramente se siente incómodo. No debí arrastrarlo hasta aquí. 

Entonces, siento una presencia cálida en mi espalda. Un par de brazos me rodean la cintura desde atrás. Simon Salisbury, a quien acabo de conocer, está tratando de consolarme.

—Está bien. Lo que sea que estés sintiendo ahora está bien.

Es reconfortante escuchar a alguien decir eso. Desdé que ella murió, mi padre se volvió un hombre mucho más reservado de lo que ya era. Nunca lo vi llorar, al menos no frente a otra persona. Me volví un poco cómo él. No me gusta mostrarme débil.

Aquí y ahora, no me siento obligado a ello. Me giro, con cuidado, y correspondo al abrazo de Simon. Es más bajo que yo, así que apoyo mi cara en su cabello. Es muy suave y huele a rosas. 

Sus manos trazan círculos en mi espalda, tratando de calmarme. 

Cuando estoy más calmado y las lágrimas se han detenido, me alejo un poco. Es extraño, pero no me siento avergonzado por mi pequeña escena. Me tallo los ojos, espero no verme demasiado hinchado.

—¿Te sientes un poco mejor?—dice, tratando de sonreír.

—Un poco. Gracias por el abrazo.

Él se encoge de hombros, como si  confortar a alguien que no conoces sea algo que se hace normalmente.

—¿Quieres venir a mi casa

—¿Qué?

Pensé que ahora cada uno de nosotros tomaría su propio camino. Al parecer, él quiere continuar pasando el tiempo conmigo.

—Tengo pastel de mi casa, lo hizo mi abuela.

—Está bien, iré contigo.

Simon se acerca y me toma de la mano. 

—Y puedes llevarte rosas, pero esta vez tienes que pedirlas

..............................................................................................................................

 No nos hemos soltado de las manos. Y quisiera no hacerlo nunca. Mientras vamos caminando, de camino a su casa, me surge una duda.

—¿Por qué dices que tus rosas son valiosas?

Su mano aprieta la mía con un poco más de fuerza.

—Mi mamá inició ese jardín. Amaba todas las plantas, pero las rosas eran sus favoritas.

Ahora entiendo porqué era tan importante para él saber que es lo que yo estaba haciendo con ellas. 

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 ¡Hola!

Me atrasé un día. El prompt de ayer era devoción. Y  pensé que poner a ambos chicos sintiendo eso por sus mamás era buena idea. Me basé en una publicación de Tumblr, pero no tengo el link 

El título viene de una canción de Mecano

Muchas gracias por leer

Ciao!

#carry on rainbow rowell #carry on countdown #carry on countdown 2022 #coc 2020 #simon snow #baz pitch #snowbaz fanfiction #snowbaz #my fanfiction

[haveyouseenthishorrormovie]

Stats from Movies 1-100

Top 10 Movies - Highest Number of Votes

Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) had the most votes with 2,493 votes.

The 10 Most Watched Films by Percentage

Coraline (2009) was the most watched film with 89.41% of voters saying they had seen it.

The 10 Least Watched Films by Percentage

Halloween (2007) was the least watched film with 64.13% of voters saying they hadn't seen it.

The 10 Most Known Films by Percentage

Coraline (2009) was the best known film with only 0.08% of voters saying they'd never heard of it.

The 10 Least Known Films by Percentage

Shrooms (2007) was the least known film with 74.77% of voters saying they'd never heard of it.

The movies part of the statistic count and their polls below the cut.

Carrie (1976) Scream (1996) Hereditary (2018) It (2017) Candyman (1992) Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988) The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) The Babadook (2014) Paranormal Activity (2007) An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Misery (1990) The Fly (1986) Black Swan (2010) House of 1000 Corpses (2003) The Devil’s Rejects (2005) 3 from Hell (2019) Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008) Halloween (1978) Halloween (2007) Re-Animator (1985)

My Bloody Valentine (1981) Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010) Little Shop of Horrors (1986) Scary Movie (2000) Birdemic: Shock and Terror (2010) Psycho (1960) Train to Busan (2016) Thelma (2017) The Dark (2018) Ravenous (1999)

Shrooms (2007) Let the Right One In (2008) It Follows (2014) Martyrs (2008) The Wicker Man (1973) The Descent (2005) Dead End (2003) Fear Street trilogy (2021) The Ring (2002) Bride of Re-Animator (1990)

Frankenstein (1931) Broken (1993) NoroI: The Curse (2005) The Eyes of My Mother (2016) Jacob's Ladder (1990) Phenomena (1985) Ichi the Killer (2001) Nightbreed (1990) Braindead (1992) Hatching (2022)

Wait Until Dark (1967) The Host (2006) Oculus (2013) Skinamarink (2022) We're All Going to the World's Fair (2021) Perfect Blue (1997) The Night House (2020) Lake Mungo (2008) Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) Phantom of the Paradise (1974)

The Cabin in the Woods (2011) Devour (2005) My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009) Unfriended (2014) Choose or Die (2022) The Ritual (2017) Countdown (2019) The Wretched (2019) House (1977) Suspiria (1977)

Hatchet (2006) Hell House LLC (2015) The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014) The Exorcist (1973) Poltergeist (1982) Gremlins (1984) Child's Play (1988) A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) Audition (1999) Cam (2018)

Jennifer's Body (2009) Ready or Not (2019) Dracula (1931) Freaks (1932) Alien (1979) Saw (2004) House of Wax (2005) Parasite (2019) Nope (2022) The Lost Boys (1987)

Hellraiser (1987) Ghost Ship (2002) Triangle (2009) Talk to Me (2022) Terrifier (2016) Coraline (2009) Monster House (2006) Mama (2013) Pulse (2001) Midsommar (2019)

#recap

[ellas-journey]

Time in Japan 🕰️

   Did you realize something different in the clock that the spider Oni showed Zenitsu? I will let you think. Yes, it does not have numbers. I mean it does, in the tiny clock within the clock. And there is a reason for that, the clock that he is holding is a Japanese clock. So, a clock made in Japan? Ah not really. Let me explain.    People in Japan, like in most of Asia, did not count the time like we do today. There is the conception that ancient people lived according to natural cycles, that for them the daytime was for the living and the nighttime for the dead. Taking a step further, that westerns were concerned with schedules, and non-westerners seem to act like they did not care, they did not have a time-consciousness at all. But that was not true. The way they counted time sure was different but was still a way of counting the time, they used the so called “variable hour system”.    As the name suggests, the length of the hours varied with the seasons. The day was divided in daytime and nighttime, and each divided further in 6 equal periods called koku ou toki [ji]. Each of the twelve hours had the name of an animal of the zodiac. They would know the what time it was thanks to a public time-telling bells or drums, that were installed in high towers (to those that like to read danmeis like me, you must be pretty familiarized with this concept) so that the sound would be carried into the distance.    The mechanical clock arrived in Japan trough the hands of the Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier in the 16th century. It was gifted to the daimyo of Yamaguchi - Ouchi Yoshitaka - for him to allow Christianity in his territory, as soon more of this ticking machines would be asked to the Jesuits. Even Oda Nobunaga asked Louis Frois to see this intriguing machine, and, even tho this was an “useless thing” more and more clocks were brought to Japan to be used as expensive gifts. Even the Tokugawa family loved clocks even if they hated the westerns.    You should expect that since there was a flood of clocks in Japan that they soon would adopt this way of counting the time. That was not the case. The koku system continued in Japan until 1873, were in the 5th year of the Meiji Era the Emperor decided to adopt the Western calendar and way of dividing the time. But before that, western clocks were adapted into the Japanese way of seasonal time.     They were called “Wadokei - 和時計 - Japanese clock”. Why did this happen?  Well because “the clocks were counting the wrong time of hour!” Edo people were not used at not having the distinguishing between long and short hours, so they quickly decided to adapt the various types of western clocks into their system. “The mechanism of these clocks was practically identical to that of Western devices of the sixteenth century, with the only alteration being made to the locking plate of the alarm, which was modified to allow the clock to strike the number of times according to the Edo-period hour count, which consisted of double nine-to-four countdown series” - Frumer, 2012;    While it started as a novelty, by the 18th century clocks were not a rarity anymore. “Most mechanical clocks were only available to the rich and powerful, but the emergence of the economical and less decorative type indicates that there was some demand for mechanical clocks in the general society, possibly by merchants for their practical use in knowing the precise time.” - Hashimito, 2020; While we see the most expensive and decorative ones at museum, we must not forget that is exactly these characteristics that made their owners not throw them away, because in the case of a simple one you wouldn’t even think twice. “Clocks are not different from other museum exemplars suck as pottery or lacquerware - the existence of the state-of-art object does not imply that there were no simpler versions used by people of humbler status the daimyo” - Frumer, 2012;    Japanese clocks soon started to have both the Japanese hours and western hours, like in the clock that the Oni does have! While sure by the Taisho era the Japanese society would be fully adapted to the western way of telling the time, but imagining that the Oni was a human while this was the standard way of telling the time it is understandable why he does have that clock. Plus said clock had an specific time for the sunrise so can you really blame him for sticking to that? Same with the Ubuyashiki girl clock. Since they had to track the sunrise it would be way more easy to keep an old japanese clock that was the best a doing that job!

   FRUMER, Yulia. 2012. - Clocks and Time in Edo Japan. PhD. Diss. Faculty of Princeton University;    HASHIMITO, Takehiko, 2008 - Japanese Clocks and the History of punctuality in Modern Japan. East Asian Science, Technology and Society: An International Journal, 2:1, 123-133. <https://doi.org/10.1215/s12280-008-9031-z>    Linfamy. 2022- How christians intruduced the first mechanical clocks to Japan for GOD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQVNxAVlR44    Linfamy. 2023 - Traditional japanese clocks: 1200 years of history. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5eJgqSV6eA&t=321s     

#demon slayer #demon slayer from history to fantasy #demonslayerfromhistorytofantasy #kimetsu no yaiba #demon slayer history #history #research #history research #japanese clocks #zenitsu agatsuma #ubuyashiki

[rylem33]

New Year's Resolutions

Here's my last post of 2023. This is the complete story, which is also posted over at my blog. Enjoy! -------------------------------------------------------------- 2019

On the evening of December 31, 2019, in a New York apartment adorned with festive lights, Maria Ricci was preparing for the annual New Year’s Eve party hosted by her long-time friend, Lisa. Maria, a woman of Italian-American descent with a heart as warm as summer in Sicily, was known among her friends for her kindness and generosity. 

Maria worked as a librarian in Manhattan, a job that suited her love for books and quiet, thoughtful moments. Her apartment, a cozy one-bedroom in Queens, was a testament to her simple and unassuming life. Family photos adorned the walls, capturing generations of Riccis with their characteristic dark hair and expressive eyes. Maria, however, always felt that she lacked the striking beauty that seemed to run in her family.

As she slipped into a modest dress, Maria gazed at her reflection in the mirror. Her gaze lingered on her reflection, taking in the details that she had grown so familiar with over the years. Her face, round and softly contoured, carried a perpetual kindness that was accentuated by her deep brown eyes. They were eyes that seemed to hold stories, brimming with empathy and understanding. Her nose, slightly prominent and characteristic of her Italian heritage, added a distinctiveness to her profile.

Her lips, while not plump or striking, curved into a gentle smile that had comforted many friends over the years. Her skin, though well-cared-for, bore the subtle marks of time and a life lived fully, with faint laugh lines crinkling around her eyes.

“Maybe this year will be different,” she whispered to herself, a hint of hope in her voice. Upon arriving at the party, Maria was immediately enveloped in a warm, enthusiastic embrace from Lisa, her friend’s familiarity a comforting contrast to the sea of faces she was about to face.

The party was in full swing when Maria arrived.  “Maria! You made it! I’m so happy to see you,” Lisa exclaimed.

As the clock neared midnight, Maria stood by the window, watching the city lights. She overheard couples making resolutions and friends sharing their dreams for the new year. A sense of longing filled her heart.

“This year, I’ll change,” she resolved, her inner voice bold yet uncertain. “I‘ll be someone people notice, someone like Alessandra. Next year, I won’t be standing here alone.”

The room erupted in cheers as the countdown ended, and 2020 was welcomed with joyous celebration. Maria clapped and smiled, her heart set on the promise she made to herself.

2020

As 2020’s New Year’s Eve approached, Maria Ricci looked back on her year with a mix of pride and frustration. She had joined a gym, attending sporadically between her busy work schedule. While she felt healthier, the physical changes were less dramatic than she had hoped. Her weight loss was modest, and her attempts at style transformations were still in their infancy.

For the New Year’s Eve party at Lisa’s, Maria chose an outfit that was a step out of her comfort zone – a deep purple dress that was more form-fitting than her usual attire. It was a small change, but for her, it was significant. Her hair was done with a bit more care than usual, falling in soft curls around her shoulders.

“Thanks, Lisa. Yes, it’s new,” Maria replied, her voice carrying a hint of newfound confidence.

The party was lively, filled with the buzz of conversations and laughter. Maria felt more at ease than the previous year, yet she still hovered on the fringes, her confidence wavering. She couldn’t help but notice Alessandra Bellini, who, as always, was the center of attention.

Midway through the evening, a man approached her. He was average-looking, with a kind smile and an earnest demeanor. “Hi, I’m Tom,” he said, offering his hand. “I don’t think we’ve met before.”

Maria shook his hand, replying politely, “I’m Maria. I’m a friend of Lisa’s.”

They chatted briefly about the usual party topics – the food, the music, and how they knew Lisa. Tom seemed genuinely interested, but Maria found her mind wandering. Her gaze intermittently drifted to Alessandra, noticing the ease with which she captivated those around her. 

Tom noticed Maria’s distracted attention and took it as a sign he wasn’t what she wanted. It wasn’t until after he excused himself that Maria felt the loss, but she mistakenly assumed it was that she wasn’t pretty enough.  At midnight, amidst the cheers and the clinking of glasses, Maria’s resolution solidified. “This year, I’ll dedicate myself completely. I won’t settle. I want to be stunning, irresistible,“ she thought, her inner voice stronger and more resolute than before.

As the crowd celebrated the arrival of 2021, Maria’s smile was firm, her eyes alight with a new, burning ambition. This would be her year, she decided. No more half-measures. No more excuses. 

2021

The year 2021 was a pivotal one for Maria Ricci. She had dedicated herself to her resolution with an unwavering focus. Her efforts in the gym had paid off, leading to a noticeable change in her physique. She had lost a significant amount of weight, and her style had evolved to showcase her newfound confidence.

Beside her stood her date, Michael, a charming man she had met at her gym. He was handsome, with a keen smile and an air of sophistication that Maria found captivating. She had never brought a date to Lisa’s parties before, and the prospect excited her.

Upon their arrival, Lisa greeted them with an expression of genuine surprise. “Maria, you look amazing! And who’s this?” she asked, her eyes moving between Maria and Michael.

“Thanks, Lisa! This is Michael,” Maria replied, her voice tinged with a hint of triumph. “I’ve done it. I’m not the same Maria anymore,“ she thought to herself.

The party was buzzing with energy, and for the first time, Maria felt like she was part of the excitement, not just a spectator. However, the real test came when Alessandra Bellini made her entrance. As always, she was stunning and effortlessly drew the attention of the room. Maria watched as Michael’s gaze lingered a little too long on Alessandra, a familiar sting of jealousy and insecurity nipping at her.

Determined not to let this affect her, Maria tried to engage Michael, but as the night progressed, his attention kept straying back to Alessandra. The realization that even with all her changes, she couldn’t keep her date’s attention from Alessandra was a bitter pill to swallow.

Feeling both hurt and angry, Maria confronted Michael. “I thought you were here with me,” she said, her voice steady but her eyes betraying her hurt.

Michael seemed caught off guard. “I am, Maria. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…,” he stammered, but Maria was no longer listening.

The night ended with a hollow countdown to 2022. Maria’s triumph had turned to ashes. She realized that merely looking the part wasn’t enough. She needed to be more than just a pretty face; she needed to command presence, to be someone no one, not even a date, could ignore in favor of another.

As she stood amidst the festive chaos, her resolution for the new year formed clearly in her mind. “This year, it’s not just about looking better. I need to be stronger, more assertive. I need to command attention, not just seek it,“ she resolved, her inner voice now laced with a steely determination.

2022

The year 2022 was full of dramatic changes for Maria.  As she sculpted her appearance, she also embraced a newfound sense of strength and assertiveness. This inner change was profound, reshaping not just her self-perception but also her ambitions and career trajectory.

Moving away from her role as a librarian, a career that once resonated with her gentler, more reserved nature, Maria stepped into the world of fashion and beauty. She started working at a high-end boutique in Manhattan, and in this new setting, surrounded by the latest fashion trends and luxury, Maria’s assertiveness became her standout trait. She was still in the early stages of her career in the boutique, but her confidence and keen eye for style quickly got her noticed by both clients and colleagues. Maria found that her opinions on fashion were sought after, and she took pride in her ability to influence the choices of others.

For the New Year’s Eve party at Lisa’s, Maria chose a dress that was a bold statement in itself – a striking scarlet gown that embraced every curve of her toned figure. Her hair was styled in a sophisticated updo, and her makeup was daring yet elegant, enhancing her sharp features.

Lisa greeted her, her eyes wide with a mix of admiration and concern. “Maria, you look… incredible. You’ve really changed,” she said, her voice betraying a hint of uncertainty about the friend she once knew.

Maria’s smile was poised, her voice laced with newfound authority. “I have, Lisa. And for the better, don’t you think?” Her inner voice echoed, “Yes, this is who I’m meant to be.”

Throughout the night, Maria was the center of attention. Her conversations were lively and engaging, her laughter resonant and confident. She was no longer the wallflower of years past; she was a force to be reckoned with.

The true test of her transformation came with the arrival of Alessandra and her date. Maria watched as Alessandra, ever the enchantress, entered the room. But this time, Maria did not feel overshadowed. Instead, she felt a sense of competition, a desire to outshine.

Maria approached her with a steady gaze and a firm voice. “Alessandra, you look stunning as always,” she said, her tone equal parts compliment and challenge.

Alessandra, taken aback, replied with a hint of respect, “Maria, you’re quite the vision yourself. I hardly recognized you.”

Alessandra’s date, captivated by Maria’s allure, soon found himself gravitating towards her. Maria, aware of his interest, played along, her interactions laced with a newfound boldness.

“You are simply captivating,” Alessandra’s date said, clearly enchanted by Maria. Alessandra quickly grabbed him by the arm and led him away.

Inside, Maria swelled with triumph. “I’ve matched her, stood my ground. I am her equal now.“ The small voice of doubt tried to surface, questioning if she had lost a part of herself in this transformation. But Maria swiftly silenced it. “No, this is my victory. This is who I choose to be.“

As the clock struck midnight, Maria was in her element, surrounded by people hanging on her every word. The old Maria, the one who questioned, who hesitated, was a distant memory. Her resolution for the new year was crystal clear: to fully embrace this new persona, to leave behind any remnants of her old self.

2023

On the eve of 2023, Maria had now fully embraced her new persona, a stunning embodiment of beauty and assertiveness, but at a cost. The kind-hearted, empathetic Maria was buried deep beneath a veneer of vanity and self-importance. Embracing her newfound assertiveness and keen fashion sense, Maria had rapidly made a name for herself in the competitive world of fashion retail. Her ability to anticipate trends, coupled with her unerring eye for style, led to her promotion to a managerial position at the boutique. In this role, she was not only responsible for curating fashion collections but also played a key role in shaping the boutique’s brand image.

Maria’s advancement in her career was a direct reflection of her personal journey. Her position allowed her to exert influence and authority, feeding into her desire for recognition and admiration. She interacted with a high-profile clientele, advising them on their fashion choices with a confidence that bordered on audacity. Her decisions were bold and often avant-garde, earning her both respect and envy in the industry.

“Tonight, I am untouchable,“ she thought, her inner voice devoid of any warmth that once resided there.

Entering the party, Maria was like a force of nature. Eyes followed her every move, whispers of admiration filled the air, and she reveled in it all. She was no longer just part of the party; she was the party.

Lisa approached Maria, her eyes scanning the dramatic transformation. “Maria, you’re breathtaking,” she said struggling to find the right words. Lisa’s voice was filled with sadness for the loss of the warmth and kindness that once defined her friend.

Maria, fully immersed in her new persona, responded with a cool detachment. “Thank you, Lisa. It’s all about knowing your worth and not settling for mediocrity,” she said, her voice laced with a subtle yet unmistakable condescension

Lisa paused, taken aback by Maria’s choice of words. There was a brief flicker of hurt in her eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the growing chasm between them.

As the party wore on, Maria’s new outlook was unmistakably highlighted by the attention she received from the men in attendance. They approached her one after another, each drawn by her stunning appearance and the commanding presence she now held.

“Would you like to dance?” one gentleman asked, offering his hand with an admiring glance.

Maria accepted with a poised nod, her movements graceful and assured as she moved to the rhythm of the music yet she seemed bored by the interchange.

Another admirer stepped forward. “You’re the most beautiful woman here,” he said, his words a blend of charm and awe.

“Thank you,” Maria replied, her voice smooth as silk but with an undercurrent that suggested her mind was elsewhere. As she conversed, her eyes, though bright, did not mirror the vivacity of her words.

The defining moment of the evening occurred when Alessandra made her entrance, gracefully accompanied by her date. As they mingled among the guests, Maria’s gaze fixed on them with calculated intent. The air around her seemed to change, charged with a silent but palpable determination.

Alessandra, always the embodiment of charm and poise, seemed momentarily unsettled under Maria’s intense scrutiny. Seizing the opportunity, Maria made her move, her steps measured and purposeful as she approached Alessandra and her date.

Maria’s interruption was smooth yet brazen. “Alessandra, how lovely to see you,” she said, her voice dripping with a feigned warmth that thinly veiled her true intent. Her eyes locked with Alessandra’s, a silent challenge in their depths.

Turning to Alessandra’s date, Maria’s expression softened falsely. “And who do we have here?” she inquired, her words laced with a seductive curiosity.

Caught in Maria’s allure, Alessandra’s date hesitated, then introduced himself, his attention now undeniably shifted towards Maria. “I’m David, and you are… incredible,” he remarked, clearly captivated.

Maria smiled, a cold, calculated smile. “Thank you, David. I do aim to be unforgettable,” she replied, her tone suggestive, ensuring her words carried across the gathered crowd.

The atmosphere at the party shifted palpably as Maria engaged David in conversation. She was charming and witty, her words carefully chosen to captivate him. Alessandra, meanwhile, stood beside them, a mix of disbelief and frustration etched on her face. Maria was fully aware of the effect she was having, and she relished it.

“David, have you seen the view from the balcony? It’s breathtaking,” Maria said, her voice a siren’s call. Without waiting for his response, she gently took his arm, steering him away from Alessandra.

Alessandra’s voice, tinged with desperation, broke through the hum of the party. “David, aren’t you forgetting something?” she said, her attempt to salvage the situation clear.

But David, seemingly entranced, followed Maria, leaving Alessandra standing alone, her protestations fading into the background. The crowd watched, some with shock, others with whispered gossip, as Maria led David away, her victory over Alessandra evident to all.

On the balcony, under the starlit New York sky, Maria’s act continued with practiced ease. She laughed at David’s jokes, her laughter a melody in the night air, and leaned in close, creating an intimate bubble around them. David, captivated by her presence, seemed to forget the world beyond their conversation.

As the night deepened, Maria artfully maneuvered the situation, her every gesture calculated. In a moment that seemed both spontaneous and inevitable, she drew David into a kiss – a kiss that was more a performance than a display of affection. It was at that exact moment that Alessandra stepped onto the balcony, her expression turning from confusion to heartbreak as she witnessed the scene.

The impact of the scene was immediate and devastating. As Alessandra stepped onto the balcony, her eyes met Maria’s for a brief, intense moment. The silent exchange was laden with betrayal and hurt, but it was abruptly shattered by Alessandra’s reaction.

Maria, unflinching in her demeanor, held Alessandra’s gaze for a moment longer, her expression one of cold triumph. Alessandra, overwhelmed by the betrayal, tears streaming down her face, turned sharply and hurried back into the party. Her departure was marked not just by despair, but by the visible, heart-wrenching pain of someone who had been deeply wronged.

Maria, now with her objective achieved, instantly withdrew from David, her warmth vanishing like a mirage. “I think you should leave now,” Maria said coldly, her voice void of any emotion.

David, still reeling from the sudden shift, stammered, “But I thought…”

“You thought wrong,” Maria interjected sharply.

As Maria re-entered the party, the atmosphere had shifted subtly. Whispers followed her path, a mix of admiration and shock at the drama that had just unfolded on the balcony. The revelers, though still immersed in the festivity of the occasion, now cast glances filled with a curious blend of intrigue and apprehension.

Maria moved through the crowd, her every step exuding a confidence that bordered on arrogance. The earlier scene with Alessandra and David had cemented her status as the party’s center of attention, but it was a role she now embodied with a sense of cold indifference. She engaged in conversations and exchanged pleasantries, but her interactions were marked by a superficial charm, devoid of genuine warmth.

As midnight approached, the party’s energy surged in anticipation of the countdown. The room filled with the chorus of voices counting down the final seconds of 2022. Maria stood amidst the crowd, her expression one of detached observation, as if she were above the emotional swell of the moment.

“This is it, the moment I’ve been striving for,” she thought to herself, her eyes surveying the room not with joy, but with a sense of triumph. The clock’s chime at midnight was more than just a signal of the new year; it was a testament to the culmination of her journey. She had achieved the pinnacle of beauty and social prominence, a feat she had pursued with relentless determination.

Her inner thoughts were a whirlwind of satisfaction and power. “I am the queen of this realm, untouchable and revered,“ she mused, soaking in the glow of admiration and envy that her presence elicited. The warmth and depth of the relationships she had once valued now seemed like distant, unimportant memories.

As the party continued into the early hours, Maria was like a star at the center of its own galaxy, drawing others into her orbit yet remaining distant and aloof. She relished the attention, the power that her beauty and newfound persona wielded. “They all want to be me or be with me,” she thought, a cold smile playing on her lips.

Her satisfaction came not from genuine connections or shared joy but from the recognition of her stature and the power she held over others. She had traded the warmth of genuine human connection for a throne of beauty and prestige. As she looked around at the faces lit up with genuine happiness, she felt no longing for what she had lost. Instead, she reveled in her own ambition, fully embracing her role as the envied and unapproachable icon of allure.

The new year, for Maria, was not a time for resolutions or hopes for change. It was a continuation of her reign, an opportunity to bask in the shallow yet intoxicating power she had garnered.

#f2f transformation #personality change #bitchification

[hallmark-movie-fanatics]

New in July - Hallmark Movies Now

Caribbean Summer (2022)  Starring  Heather Hemmens and Ser’Darius Blain   Hallmark Channel / Summer Nights 

The Last Bridesmaid (2019)  Starring Rachel Boston and Paul Campbell   Hallmark Channel / June Weddings 

Paris, Wine & Romance (2019)  Starring Jen Lilley and Dn Jeannotte   Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Summer 

Destination Wedding (2017)  Starring Alexa PenaVega, Jeremy Guilbaut, and Andrea Brooks Hallmark Channel / June Weddings 

One Starry Christmas (2014)  Starring Sarah Carter and Damon Runyan   Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Christmas 

It's Christmas, Carol! (2012)  Starring Emmanuelle Vaguer and Carrie Fisher   Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Christmas 

Christmas Song (2012)  Starring Natasha Henstridge and Gabriel Hogan   Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Christmas 

June 1 

Campfire Christmas (2022)  Starring Tori Anderson, Corbin Bleu, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Catlin Stryker, and Matt Hamilton   Hallmark Channel / Christmas in July  

Christmas in Rome (2019)  Starring Lacey Cabaret and Sam Page   Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Christmas 

In the Key of Love (2019)  Starring Laura Ones, Scott Michael, Andrea Brooks, and Shannon Chan-Kent   Hallmark Movies Now 

With Love, Christmas (2017)  Starring Emilie Ullerup and Aaron O’Connell   Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Christmas 

July 6 

The Journey Ahead (2022)  Starring Holly Robinson Peete and Kaylee Bryant   Hallmark Movies & Mysteries 

My Grown-Up Christmas List (2022)  Starring Kevin McGarry and Kayla Wallace  Hallmark Channel / Christmas in July 

The Christmas Ring (2020)  Starring Nareen Contractor and David Alpay  Hallmark Movies & Mysteries / Miracles of Christmas 

Once Upon a Holiday (2015)  Starring Briana Evigan and Paul Campbell   Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Christmas 

Sun, Sand & Romance (2017)  Starring Tricia Helfer and Paul Campbell  Hallmark Channel / Summer Nights 

July 13 

A Tail of Love (2022)  Starring Brittany Bristow and Chris McNally  Hallmark Channel / Spring Into Love 

July 20 

Big Sky River (2022)  Starring Emmanuelle Vaguer and Kavan Smith  Hallmark Movies & Mysteries 

July 27 

Romance to the Rescue (2022)  Starring Andrea Brooks and Marcus Rosner  Hallmark Channel 

All Saints Christmas (2022)  Starring Ledisi and Roger Cross  Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Christmas 

The Holiday Stocking (2022)  Starring Nadine Ellis, Tamala Jones, and B.J. Britt  Hallmark Movies & Mysteries / Mahogany / Miracles of Christmas 

Sense, Sensibility & Snowman (2019)  Starring Erin Krakow, Luke Macfarlane, and Kimberly Sustad  Hallmark Movies & Mysteries / Miracles of Christmas 

Christmas in Toyland (2022) Starring Vanessa Lengies abd Jesse Hutch Hallmark Channel / Christmas in July

And more new movies every Thursday. 

#new on hmn #hallmark movies #hallmark movies now #christmas in july #schedule #hallmark channel #hallmark movies & mysteries #trailers #Youtube

[ammg-old2]

Late last month, armed troops in Niger overthrew the government, arrested the elected president, and seized power for themselves. Soon after, a small group of Nigeriens who supported the coup in the capital city, Niamey, gathered to show their support for the military government, some waving the Russian flag. They denounced the West in general, and France, the former colonial power, in particular. “Long live Putin!” they chanted. “Down with France!”

The coup has created considerable alarm in Western capitals, and with good reason. Since 2020, there have been coups throughout the Sahel, the strategically important belt of hot, semiarid land stretching across Africa just below the Sahara desert. In 2020, Mali’s government fell. In 2021, the same thing happened in Sudan, Chad, and Guinea. Last year, a coup took place in Burkina Faso. Niger was seen as the Sahel’s final bulwark against chaos and instability, the last regime standing. The United States had a drone base in Niger, and France had stationed troops there, a crucial line of defense against surging West African jihadism. Now all of that is at risk.

Few Americans are in the habit of giving much thought to Niger (“Do you mean Nigeria?”), but this summer’s events seemed to offer a stark takeaway: Pro-Russian soldiers overthrew a pro-Western government. Democracy was uprooted by military dictatorship. To anyone who lived through the Cold War, the story felt familiar. The fact that Niger exports uranium—a crucial resource for nuclear reactors—makes its struggle even easier to understand as a geopolitical chess game. Niger was a pawn, and coups happen when pawns are pulled between geopolitical kings. And so, the coup has quickly become a story about America, Russia, and France—and not about Niger.

When explaining major events in international news, particularly those that take place in unfamiliar locations, we all tend to exhibit geopolitical bias, a mindset that filters every incident through the prism of international grand strategy—and makes the moral of every story about us. Simplistic, familiar narratives trounce nuanced explanations that involve political actors few nonspecialists have heard of, known by obscure acronyms and hard-to-pronounce names.

The military coup in Niger has already become fodder for sensational headlines and political statements linked to grand geopolitical tropes. A senior adviser to Ukraine’s president insisted, without evidence, that Russia instigated the coup. Bloomberg covered the coup as the latest evidence for the “Long Arm of the Kremlin.” Newsweek declared that Niger’s coup means “The Countdown to the Next Great War Has Begun in Africa.”

Russia will likely expand its influence because of the Niger coup (and there have been reports that the junta is requesting help from the Wagner Group mercenaries). But much of the speculation about the extent of Russia’s involvement so far is based on extremely thin evidence—a few hundred people, in one protest, in one city, a handful of them carrying Russian flags, in a country that’s twice the size of France and home to more than 25 million people. Even before the coup, Niger’s capital city was an opposition stronghold, so one should hardly be surprised that some people who live there would demonstrate in support of soldiers who overthrew a president they loathed.

The impetus behind the coup is very likely complex, nuanced, and less about the Kremlin than about domestic dynamics. The possibility of a more banal local cause doesn’t negate the real anger that many Nigeriens feel toward France, or the misguided impulse some have to turn to Russia as an alternative international sponsor that’s explicitly anti-Western. But the simple explanation for why the coup happened, as reported in the local media, is plausibly the right one.

The incumbent president, Mohamed Bazoum, had been planning to fire a general, Abdourahamane Tchiani, who commanded the elite presidential guard. Now that the coup has happened, General Tchiani isn’t going to be fired. Instead, he has proclaimed himself the head of the new military junta, which calls itself the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland.

The Occam’s-razor explanation may just be correct: A general who was going to be fired decided to fire the president instead. Many coups have such simple origin stories, triggered by factional rivalries within the military, and ambitious, self-serving men who would happily swap the barracks for the palace.

Whatever the reason for his gamble, Tchiani likely didn’t anticipate the intense opposition he has faced since seizing power. Most international actors, including Russia, have condemned the coup (though the Kremlin’s statement about respecting the constitution is best consumed with a grain of salt). And perhaps the most surprising threat to Tchiani’s plans has emerged from a major regional power broker, the Economic Community of West African States. The bloc of 15 West African countries, with Nigeria as its most powerful member, has taken a hard-line stance against the coup, even threatening military intervention. As a result, some have painted ECOWAS as a puppet of the West, the sharp end of the European and American spear.

Yet again, a simpler (and less geopolitically exciting) explanation is likely correct. ECOWAS may not be taking a tough stance against this coup because it’s a marionette or because it has an ideological aversion to Vladimir Putin; the governments of its member states may just be concerned about their own self-preservation.

“One reason why regional presidents are interested in military intervention is because they’re increasingly scared of being taken out themselves,” says Professor Nic Cheeseman, an expert on African politics at the University of Birmingham. “It comes after several other coups in the region, and they realized that they could be next if they didn’t draw a line in the sand.”

Niger’s coup may not have originated in great-power competition so much as in politics and other dynamics nearer at hand—but it could still have serious international repercussions. The security situation in the Sahel is deteriorating as jihadism rises. The junta governments that have taken power in the past three years have proved unable to combat it. Moreover, although many of the new military regimes—notably in Mali and Burkina Faso—have allied themselves with Russia, the Russian government and the Wagner Group are not exactly flush with spare cash or bursting with well-trained troops waiting to deploy to Africa, bogged down as they are by their debacle in Ukraine. In the coming months, the postcoup regimes in the Sahel are likely to realize that they’ve swapped Western partners, which had deep pockets and a long-term commitment to supplying foreign aid, for a diminished Kremlin that will inevitably overpromise and under-deliver. The money will eventually run out.

Europe has skin in the game: France, which is mostly powered by nuclear energy, gets roughly 10 to 15 percent of its uranium supplies from Niger. Moreover, in 2015, the European Union paid Niger’s government to effectively create a European “Sahel border,” shutting down pathways of migration through Niger toward the Mediterranean. The coup could reopen that route, reinvigorating the formerly thriving transit hub of Agadez. The United States cares about Agadez too: The American drone base Niger Air Base 201 is just outside the town.

If Niger’s junta manages to stay in power, it will almost certainly align itself with Russia. The interim regime has already announced the cancellation of several military agreements with France. But it’s in for a rude awakening if it cozies up to the Kremlin. Russia, as Mali and Burkina Faso are finding out, is rich enough to pay for small contingents of mercenaries and to line the pockets of greedy soldiers, but it is nowhere near rich enough to help provide for the broader population of one of the world’s poorest countries, where the GDP per capita is less than $600 a year.

As is so often the case in sub-Saharan Africa, the victims will be those who can least endure it. The broader population of Niger will suffer as soldiers turned politicians enrich themselves. And that story, which is not about geopolitics, but rather about the ordinary distress of millions of vulnerable people, will be one that garners substantially less ink.

#current events #politics #nigerien politics #russian politics #warfare #2023 nigerien coup d'état #russo-ukrainian war #2022 russian invasion of ukraine #niger #france #russia #mohamed bazoum #abdourahamane tchiani

[bazzybelle]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love ♥️

Hello Anon! Thank you so much for this! I am so sorry that I'm only getting to it now. Thank you also to @amywaterwings and @carryonsimoncarryonbaz for the tags.

5) Speak My Language of Love (Teen, 8K)

It isn't always easy to say what the heart feels. Words get jumbled, thoughts get hazy, and nerves sometimes keep us from expressing the things we want to express. Fortunately, where words fail, actions speak. And for some, that's the best way to show the person you love just how much you love them. That's the case for Simon Snow after all.

This was a fic, I wrote back in 2020, for @carryonsimoncarryonbaz's birthday, who wanted fluffy, domestic, in-love SnowBaz. I gave them a 5+1 fic about love languages and the way that Simon and Baz show their love for each other. I also added a little kinda twist, but it's a really subtle one. I just really loved writing this fic and just going all out tooth-rotting fluff with it.

4) Love is a Dream of Beauty (General, 4K)

I am known by many names in this court. Signore Pitch is one, but I find that to be dreadfully formal. I am not a master, nor am I nobility (well… not anymore). Amongst my peers and the scholars at the Academy, as well as the members of Lorenzo’s court, I am referred to as Tyrannus (which is probably worse than Signore Pitch, but these Florentines do love their classical history). My closest friends (of which I can count on one hand) refer to me as Basil or Baz, which is frankly what I prefer. It was what my mother and father called me before they died. There is also what enemies of the Medici like to refer to me as: The Displaced Prince. I would find it rather insulting, if I wasn’t so amused by it.

So, I wrote this fic back in 2019, for the Carry On Countdown. The prompt was Time Travel, so I toyed with the idea of a historical AU I wanted to write. This is on my list for several reasons, I remember writing this fic in like a couple of hours, wanting to dive deeper into their story. I love Renaissance Florence, and everything about it. And... it was after writing this fic that I decided to start COTTA (@carryonthroughtheages). I saw all the wonderful historical AUs, and I felt we needed an event to showcase our beloved characters in different historical settings. I had actually started to write the rest of this fic during the first COTTA year, but stopped when research became too overwhelming... It's still there, in my WIP folder, waiting to hopefully come alive again.

3) So Close, We've Always Been (Explicit, 12K)

Simon Snow has worked in security for most of his life, having dealt with some of the most difficult clients. None has come as close to being as frustrating as Tyrannus Basilton Grimm-Pitch. The man is stuck-up, arrogant, and a complete arsehole. He's rude, careless, and Simon really should have quit months ago. Until there's something more that keeps him by Baz's side... Namely him being the best shag Simon's ever had. He may insist that the nights with Baz mean nothing, but not even he can prevent the feelings that start to flicker beneath the sheets.

I wrote this fic, in 2021 for the @carryon-anon-fest. Honestly, this was one of my favourite fests to participate in. I loved the idea that everything was so secretive. You didn't know who gave the prompts, and who filled them. I felt that took the pressure off of writing, and I really just had the most fun writing it. Also, it's a Bodyguard AU, and since publishing this fic, I keep having scenarios to put them in. I dunno... maybe I'll some more Bodyguard AUs?

2) keep me warm (the 'go and kiss him' remix) (Explicit, 8K)

Baz knows it's a stupid idea to sneak into the Catacombs. Any other day would be asking for trouble, but tonight, of all days? He's walking right into the lion's den, and he knows it. But, this is the evening before the Final Big Battle, and he has some final loose ends to take care of. Getting caught by Simon Snow is certainly NOT one of them. Baz knows this is the end. This is what it's all been coming down to, right? Him verses Simon; The Villain verses The Golden Boy; The Dark verses The Light. In the end, both Simon and Baz know what is right and what needs to be done. There is simply no other way. But... What if there is? What if there is something better than fighting?

I realize this is a love letter to my favourite fests, consider 4/5 favourite fics have been written for fests... BUT ANYWAY. This was written for another fest that I adore, @carryonremix. I participated twice in this fest (writing The Best Game You Can Name for the first one) (which came REALLY close behind number 5) (so I'm giving it an honourable mention). This was another fic that I had SO much fun writing. Getting to remix one of @im-gettingby's fic was an absolute joy (you need to read their stuff, because their fics are INCREDIBLE). Not to mention, at the time of writing it, it was one of the hottest smut fics I'd written (but... that may change once I publish my CORB fic).

1} Falling Back To You (Teen, 54K)

When a magician comes into their magic, they gain the ability to communicate with their soulmate. From the time they turn eleven, any message they write on their skin ends up on the skin of their soulmate. There are rules, as magic always has: only they can write to their soulmate and they can’t reveal their names to each other until they turn 18. Losing a soulmate connection is practically unheard of. When Simon Snow suddenly loses his, he knows just who to blame: it must be the doing of his ever-scheming roommate. For Baz Pitch, losing his soulmate is really just an inevitable side-effect of being a vampire. It confirms, once and for all, that he is a monster. After all, how can one still have a soulmate if they no longer have a soul?

Last year's @carry-on-big-bang fic is my favourite fic I've written. It has all of my favourite elements, soulmates, emo music, Simon saving Baz from Numpties, I was so proud of this fic when I finished. It was also the first fic I wrote that surpassed 50K, and I felt really good about that (though my COBB this year will most definitely beat that WC). I loved that I also wrote something I hadn't seen before in the fandom; The idea of Rejecting one's Soulmate. What would happen if you have a soulmate, but reject them (accidentally or not). I would love to see this trope more in the fandom, because there are so many other ways one could take this idea.

Ok tagging... I'm gonna tag some old friends and some new friends. I wanna get back into reading CO fic, so SEND ME YOUR BEST ONES!

@f-ing-ruthless-baz, @fight-surrender, @ninemagicks, @palimpsessed, @tea-brigade, @facewithoutheart, @martsonmars, @aroace-genderfluid-sheep, @urban-sith, and @confused-bi-queer.

#favourite fics #belle babbles #tag game

[xtruss]

Why “North Atlantic Terrorist Organization (NATO)” Has No Right to Complain About Russian Nukes in Belarus

— Sunday May 28, 2023 | Ilya Tsukanov

Moscow and Minsk signed agreements this week on the deployment of Russian tactical nukes at a special storage facility in Belarus. The deployment will mean a significant security boost for Minsk, and threaten to unravel NATO’s entire missile defense strategy, says international relations and security analyst Mark Sleboda.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has confirmed that Russia has moved ahead with the deployment of tactical nukes to Belarus.

“We had to prepare storage areas and the like. We have done this, so the movement of nuclear weapons has already begun,” Lukashenko said, speaking to Russian media in Moscow on Thursday.

The Biden administration responded predictably, with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre slamming the nuclear deployment as “yet another example of making irresponsible and provocative choices” by Russia, and reiterating Washington’s commitment “to collective defense of the NATO alliance.”

Jean-Pierre’s remarks echo those made by NATO in March, when Moscow and Minsk first outlined plans on the transfer of tactical nukes to Belarusian soil. At that time, an alliance spokesperson called Russia’s plans “dangerous and irresponsible,” and dismissed any suggestion that the decision was a response to longstanding NATO policy – including the stationing of US nukes on European soil.

Mark Sleboda rejects these excuses. “First off, it has to be said, one of the first justifications Russia used for doing this is that the US has actually had tactical nuclear weapons in Europe for decades, hundreds of them, in fact, and they have recently even been upgraded to the B61-12 tactical nuclear warheads [in place] of older gravity bombs,” Sleboda pointed out in an episode of Radio Sputnik’s The Final Countdown on Friday.

“They are located in a number of NATO countries, including Belgium, Italy, Germany. They’ve been there for decades, and Russia has long complained about it. And that longstanding grievance, combined with other NATO escalations, convinced Russia that if you set the precedent and you don’t consider it a violation of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, then you can hardly accuse us of doing the same if we do it in Belarus. But of course, hypocrisy knows no bounds,” the observer said.

US Nukes in Europe: Where are They Stationed? Russia's plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus sparked an outcry from North Atlantic Terrorist Organization (NATO), with the alliance issuing a statement condemning Moscow for its "Dangerous" and "irresponsible" move. But given that the US has around 100 nukes at six separate European bases, the rhetoric seems like a case of the pot calling the kettle black. (March 27th, 2023)

Russia’s move isn’t an act of “escalation” so much as it is “an act of equity,” according to Sleboda, with the decision sending a “definite signal” on Russia’s commitment to Belarus’ security, and the future of any potential NATO-Russia conflict.

Combined with the deployment of Russian Iskander-M missile systems and the modification of Belarusian jets to carry nuclear weapons, the analyst hopes the move will cool any hotheads in the Pentagon, Warsaw, and NATO as a whole.

Inoculation Against Color Revolution

Pointing to Belarus’ alliance with Russia, including its membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Russian-Belarusian Union State, is “something that’s not often talked about with the West because they don’t like to acknowledge its existence,” Sleboda said, recalling the regular threats to Belarusian security from the West, including an attempted color revolution in the country in 2020.

“Just in the last week, a Polish general and former deputy defense minister, Waldemar Skrzypczak, appeared on Polish TV and said there will be an uprising in Minsk. He spoke about a ‘pro-Ukrainian army’ by which I assume he means the Belarusian neo-Nazis fighting for the Kiev regime –basically the idea that they will come home and overthrow the Belarusian government, and that Poland should be prepared to support them. Obviously this is exactly one of the types of things that this placement is meant to secure Belarus from,” Sleboda said.

On top of that are the strategic considerations, both given NATO’s nuclear provocations – like staging nuclear-capable bomber drills near Russia’s borders over the Black and Baltic Seas in recent years, and longstanding efforts to create missile defenses in Eastern Europe to try to render Russia’s nuclear deterrent obsolete. The nuclear deployment in Belarus should counter these threats, from Moscow’s perspective, Sleboda believes.

Why is Russia Deploying Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Belarus? Announcing this week’s signing of a deal on maintaining Russian tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian soil, Russia and Minsk reiterated that this is a response to the aggressive policies pursued by unfriendly countries. What prompted Moscow to deploy its non-strategic nukes in Belarus? May 26th, 2023

As compared to strategic nuclear weapons, an NSNW is less powerful and aims to devastate enemy targets in a specific area without causing widespread destruction and radioactive fallout.

"I would like to note that all the activities are organized strictly in accordance with existing international obligations and do not violate the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons,” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.

He Sergei Shoigu all of this indicates that both Belarus and Russia are facing a very hostile environment, which in turn prompts the two to further strengthen their partnership, particularly pertaining to bilateral relations in the military sphere. Peskov did not specify whether Russia had started deploying TNWs in Belarus or not.

"Over the last two and a half years, the Republic of Belarus has been subjected to unprecedented political, economic and information pressure from the United States, the United Kingdom and its NATO allies, as well as the member states of the European Union. In view of these circumstances, and the legitimate concerns and risks in the sphere of national security arising from them, Belarus is forced to respond by strengthening its own security and defense capabilities," the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The Russian president underlined that the immediate trigger for the deployment of TNWs in Belarus was the UK government’s decision to provide Ukraine with armor-piercing shells containing depleted uranium, something that he said was “one way or another related to nuclear technology."

— May 26th, 2023, Sputnik International

Belarusian Military Train in Russia to Operate Iskander-M Missile Systems! The Iskander-M is a mobile short-range ballistic missile system developed by Russia. It has a range of up to 500 km and is capable of carrying a range of conventional and nuclear warheads. The missile system is designed to evade interception and can be quickly deployed across different landscapes, such as deserts, snow-covered, and rough terrain. It also integrates advanced technologies such as inertial and optical guidance systems, making it highly accurate.

“One of the reasons they’re putting them there is, you know, the tactical value of having nuclear weapons closer to NATO’s borders, which ruins all of their missile defense plans… But it also puts Russia’s nuclear shield more firmly over Belarus. There will be no military incursion into Belarus [because] there will be nuclear weapons there. And likewise as well, it makes any future attempts at some kind of color revolution or Maidan type insurgency to overthrow the Belarusian government extremely unlikely because Russia will then always have an excuse to intervene,” he said.

Along with the increased security, the nuclear agreement might mean the transfer of additional advanced military hardware to Belarus, and perhaps some undercover “economic sweeteners” for Minsk, like cheaper gas prices, the observer suggested.

Change in Russia’s Nuclear Posture?

Asked about what the nuclear deployment in Belarus means for Russia’s nuclear doctrine, and whether it signals a shift in Moscow’s willingness to preemptively use nuclear weapons – including in Ukraine, as written about ad nauseam in Western legacy media and by DC think tanks, Sleboda stressed that until Moscow announces otherwise, “Russia’s nuclear doctrine does not allow for a first strike capability.”

“The exception for that is, of course, the use of some other type of weapons of mass destruction against Russia, you know, chemical weapons, biological weapons… The other situation, and this is an exceptional one, is an overwhelming conventional attack [that may] threaten the very existence of the Russian state, which is generally interpreted to mean a gigantic NATO conventional attack that manages to destroy the Russian military and is marching on Moscow or St. Petersburg,” he explained.

“I would say that there have been a number of Russian officials and political figures that have been very loose with nuclear talk. They talk about the casual use of nuclear weapons like US congressmen do, you know, it’s like [late Arizona Senator John] McCain saying we should turn something into a ‘glass parking lot.’ But those statements of bluster and rhetoric have nothing to do with reality. And I have to say that in this particular situation I find such use of nuclear threats (that are not part of Russia’s nuclear doctrine and so are meaningless) to be less than constructive,” Sleboda noted.

Otherwise, the international security observer noted, “Russia’s nuclear doctrine is clear,” and that unless someone uses nukes or other WMDs against Russia first, a nuclear response will not follow, including in Ukraine.

#Russia 🇷🇺 #Belarus 🇧🇾 #Russian Defense Ministry #Tectical Nuclear Weapons #Iskander Nuclear Missiles #North Atlantic Terrorist Organization (NATO) #War Criminal US Nuclear Weapons in Europe

[nightsidewrestling]

D.U.D.E Part 9 - Your Man (Set in 2020)

Note: This is set in a universe where Men VS Women / Intergender matches can happen.

Chapter 1: here Chapter 2: here Chapter 3: here Chapter 4: here Chapter 5: here Chapter 6: here Chapter 7: here Chapter 8: here

Tags: @piratewithvigor @tantamount-treason @thedollmaker16 @janetreader

Around 2000 Words. 18+ in places (those chapters will be marked as 'Mature / sexual content' just to be safe). Please inform me if you wish to be tagged or untagged from posts. If the text is in italics and orange it's Kirby's inner monologue. If the text is coloured but not in italics, it's either dialogue or a P.O.V change (P.O.V changes will be in bold and translated dialogue will appear in square [ ] brackets), Key below. Quick note on Geia's text colour: Yes I do know that as Greed she should be in yellow but I decided to colour the men's dialogue yellow so Geia was changed to be pink like the other women in the story outside of the main 8.

2nd Quick note: Eddie's parents are named (in the story) Ruth & Earl, and his brother is Eric. I have not yet decided on a name for Eddie's sister-in-law.

The Main 8: Damo - Bio. Vi - Bio. Billie - Bio. Geia - Bio. Kirby - Bio. Honey - Bio. Eli - Bio. Sara - Bio.

Eli's Vlog / Stream P.O.V:

At six Eddie and Kirby show up, joining Eli and Geia on camera, the stream in a 20 second countdown, allowing them to get settled on the two beds. Geia and Eli on one, Kirby and Eddie on the other.

"Bonjour à tous, bienvenue mesdames et messieurs. Ce soir, nous jouons à Minecraft avec Geia, Kirby et Eddie. [Hello everybody, welcome ladies and gets. Tonight we are playing Minecraft with Geia, Kirby and Eddie.]"

"Before anyone, especially Hound, says anything. Kirby didn't faint from shock, there's a lot of rumours going around. Allow her to clear them up." Geia explains, gesturing for Kirby to talk.

"Thanks Geia. Uhm, where do I begin... for those who know about my history, you'll know I used to have anaemia on and off. After the show last night I fainted, not from shock or anxiety, but because my iron level had dropped significantly since we flew out to Jacksonville. But that means I'm back on iron tablets, and I'm also taking Xanax to deal with my anxiety." Kirby explains, leaning back between Eddie's legs.

"Wow, Hound's first question of the stream, 'why is Eddie here? I thought he'd be with Moxley'."

"I'm here, 'Hound', 'cause I gotta look after my girl." Eddie shrugs.

"Yeah, and because you met my parents today, so Eddie's not letting not letting me out of his sight, unless I need the bathroom."

"So Eddie is going to be here, until, you know, either the stream ends or you two decide to leave?" Geia asks softly.

The stream goes for the full two hours, going over their allotted time by about a minute.

Gluttony's P.O.V:

Eddie drives himself and Kirby back to their motel, carrying his half-asleep girlfriend to the bed. The following morning (Saturday 15th, August, 2020), Eddie's smoking on the balcony, Moxley and him chatting when Kirby wakes up.

"I told ya, Mox, my Ma's been fretting over Kirby since she got here."

"You did tell Ruthie that Kirby's basically your wife." Moxley chuckles.

"Yeah, I know I did, but every time my Ma has a worry about Kirby, she comes back in here... Woah, hey gorgeous." Eddie's jaw drops when he sees Kirby.

Kirby stands in the balcony doorway, dressed in just a bikini, "Are you two talking about me?"

"Yeah, Eddie's mother, Ruthie, has been worrying about you after Eddie said you fainted." Mox explains, not looking up from his phone.

"I know I've seen you naked, but damn, are ya try tryin' to kill me wit' that body of yours?"

"Nope, I was gonna suggest we go down to the beach, let our parents talk the day away, have an actual date... just the two of us." She whispers, pulling Eddie into a gentle kiss.

"Deal, me and you, all day long... fuck, you look so goddamn sexy."

"Eddie... Edward, my face is up here, my tits can't talk." Kirby chuckles softly, lifting his chin gently.

When Eddie's eyes meet Kirby's he smirks, "Mox, go out front and block the door. Don't let anyone in for the next ten minutes."

Mox rolls his eyes but does as Eddie asks, The moment Mox is out of the room, Eddie capitalises on the opportunity, lifting Kirby by her thighs & ass and tossing her on the bed; he climbs over her and yanks her bikini bottoms down, before practically ripping his belt, jeans and boxers off; he teases her for a minute, getting her soaked and squirming before sliding in, making out with her as they make love.

"I'm gonna fuckin' make everybody know, I'm the only man who can fuck you like this." He growls against her lips.

"Fuck, King... Eddie, you're getting me pregnant is what you're doing, you handsome deviant." She whispers between moans.

"Livin' up to my end of the deal, 'Princess', my parent's need to meet you. After that, I'm gonna find the perfect ring, I'll marry ya pretty ass, then I'm fuckin' ya in every place available, bedrooms, bathrooms, fuckin' elevators if I can."

"You'd fuck me in public?" She asks, digging her nails into his back, "fuck, Eddie, right there... oh Papi."

Eddie doubles his pace, groaning loudly as he finishes inside her, breathing deeply as he lays on top of Kirby. She smiles softly as she catches her breath.

"My girl," he growls, "my fuckin' queen. Your last name may mean 'Exalted King', but you are a fuckin' queen, my fuckin' queen."

"Is that your way of asking me to marry you?"

"It's my way of sayin' that, but more my way of sayin', I'll marry you no matter what."

Kirby kisses Eddie deeply, feeling his dick twitch inside her. Eddie groans gutturally as he gets up and cleans both of them up. He gets dressed in his 'usual' get-up, boxers, jeans, timbs, a white tank-top, his rosaries, a black graphic t-shirt and Yankees cap.

"You're a fuckin' tease," He whispers, tossing one of Kirby's 'ready made outfits' at her, "I'll take ya to the beach, if you put this on."

"I need shoes, Eddie." she grumbles as she gets dressed.

"I'll get ya a pair of timbs, you'll be fine." He shrugs.

"Wow, my very own pair of timbs, it's like we're married already." Kirby jokes softly.

Eddie pulls her in close to him, kissing her deeply, his eyes only moving from her own when Mox walks back in, followed by Eddie's parents. Kirby looks over and blushes, a wave of fearful and nervous energy flooding her mind, clearing her throat and going to button up her shirt.

Eddie takes her hands in his, "breathe, beautiful, you'll be fine." He whispers.

"Ah, she's awake, hola mi nueva nuera. cómo está [hello my new daughter-in-law. How are you doing]?" Eddie's mother asks.

"Estoy bien, debes ser la mamá de Eddie [I'm good, you must be Eddie's mother], Ruthie?"

"Oh wow, you do speak Spanish, I thought Eddie was fuckin' with us." Eddie's dad chuckles.

Eddie's mother looks over at him, mouthing 'Earl, shush'.

"I speak a lot of languages, English isn't actually my first language either, nor is Spanish."

"It isn't?" Eddie asks, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

"Nope, it's my fourth. I speak Welsh, Irish, Scots Gaelic, English, French, Spanish and Japanese."

"Anythin' else I should know about ya?" Eddie chuckles softly.

"Uhm... I have a bachelor's degree, I went to college and university, the scar on my face is from a botched moment in a death-match." Kirby murmurs.

"You have a... how the fuck are you wit' me?" Eddie whispers.

"I like you, correction, I love you. You make me happy, you protect me, especially when I can't protect myself."

"You have a bachelor's degree?" Eddie's mother, 'Ruthie', asks.

"Yeah, I have a degree in 'costume and makeup design for film and television'." Kirby smiles softly.

Ruth rushes up to Kirby, hugging her tightly, Kirby looks at Eddie for help as her anxiety rises.

"Ma, take it slow, Kirby hasn't taken her anxiety meds." Eddie explains, grabbing Kirby's medication for her.

"Thank you, Kingy. I'm all for hugs and affection, but I have to either be on these, or know and trust you first." Kirby explains as she takes her medication, grabbing her phone and making a note, making sure she doesn't take too much.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, from how your parents described you, I would have never guessed."

"My parents usually leave out certain things, like how, I'm a giant, I have autism, I struggle with anxiety, you know, little things, but those little things add up over time."

"They also left out the fact you have a tattoo on your lower back." Eddie smirks.

"Edward." Ruth scolds, smacking Eddie's arm.

Eddie's father, 'Earl', chuckles softly, shaking his head and patting Kirby's shoulder, "Welcome to the family, Kid."

"Oh, uhm, thanks... I'm still getting used to everything," she mumbles, "hold on, Eddie, one sec."

"Yea, what's up, sweetheart?" Eddie asks softly.

"Is that... is that my Ice Cube 'The Predator' album shirt?"

"Yea, maybe, it was on my side of the bed." He shrugs

"Oh, I wonder why my shirt was on your side of the bed, Mr Kingston, Six-feet of sin, you are." Kirby teases playfully.

Eddie smirks and winks at Kirby, "You know you love me."

"I do, but you're gonna make my shirt smell like cigarettes. I like when you smell like cigarettes, but my stuff?"

"I'll wash it tomorrow. Today, though, I'm takin' you to the beach."

Eddie manages to talk his parents into spending the day with Kirby's folks, saying 'bye' to Moxley, driving Kirby (and himself) down to the beach, parking up and choosing the perfect place to sit on the sand. Eddie sits and watches as Kirby places down a blanket, before she returns to the car.

"Babe, what are you doin'?" Eddie asks, turning to look at Kirby.

She walks back, with a cooler in one hand and two pizza boxes in the other, "What, you didn't think I'd prepare for a date?"

"I leave you with ya parents, for five minutes, and you get all that?" He chuckles softly.

"Yeah, my mother knows what I like, she guessed what you would like, texted me she was gonna set something up, and this is the result." She explains, placing down the cooler and pizzas, as she this next to Eddie.

"I love your family." Eddie whispers.

"You love my parents and me, Eddie, you haven't met anyone else." Kirby murmurs, covering her mouth as she eats.

They sit together for about two hours, talking, kissing and holding each other close. Eddie makes them leave when it starts getting crowded, driving to a mall, cursing under his breath when he sees the crowd there.

"Eddie, we'll be fine, they'll barely notice us." Kirby whispers, putting her sunglasses on as she gets out of the car.

"You sure?" Eddie asks, staring at Kirby's ass from the driver's seat.

"Yeah, I'm sure. They're too busy crowding around that table, it looks like a petition thing."

Kirby shuts the passenger door, Eddie grumbles as he climbs out of the car. He holds Kirby's hand, leading her through the maze of stores, taking her to a jewellers.

"I want ya to find yourself a ring, one you think is perfect, I'll buy it." Eddie whispers.

Kirby nods and walks around the store, Eddie holding her hand, eventually she sees it, her 'perfect' ring, silver with an amber stone, slightly Celtic in style, sleek and simple but beautiful.

"That one," She whispers to Eddie, "that's my perfect ring."

Eddie smiles softly, "That one, the pretty little orange one? That could leave a mark... if you punched someone."

Kirby picks it up, getting it sized while Eddie waits, and they walk out with the ring, in a box. Eddie takes Kirby to get her shoes next, her own pair of timbs.

"You wear a size sixteen?" Eddie asks, holding the box of black timberland boots.

"Yeah, I am a giant, Eddie." Kirby shrugs.

"I know that, just... didn't expect you to wear anythin' bigger than a size ten."

"A size ten, on a six-ten frame?"

"Yea, ya right, dumb of me to assume... made an ass outta you and me." He murmurs.

"What?" She raises an eyebrow in confusion.

"Assuming shit, makes an ass outta you and me." He shrugs.

"Oh... I like it...Ooh, Eddie look, lingerie."

"No, you want me to have a heart attack, you in lingerie would kill me."

"Oh come on, just one outfit, just the one, please?"

"A'ight, one. Just one." Eddie groans.

Kirby grins, leading Eddie inside the store and looking for a single outfit. Eddie's breath catches in his throat, making him cough and head to the nearest bathroom. Kirby continues looking, working her way through the way through the store, taking a photo of every item she likes. She soon finds a two-piece set, bright and 'fun' looking, she pays for it before texting Eddie that she'll be outside the store.

Kirby waits for five minutes, slowly getting worried for Eddie. He walks out of the bathroom, red-faced and breathless.

"Edward Moore, do not tell me that you did what I think you did, you did not, you better have not." She grumbles.

"What, you're the one who took me in a fuckin' sex shop." He shrugs.

"Eddie, one, it's not a sex shop, it's a lingerie store, and two, did you really just wank one out in a public bathroom?"

Eddie smirks, "Would've taken you with me if I got your attention."

#eddie kingston fanfiction #eddie kingston x oc #aew fanfiction #aew oc #aew fic #wrestling fic #wrestling oc #D.U.D.E #Daughters Under Darkness Elite #Kirby Gluttony Lucifarian #Kirby Rhydderch #The King Of Hell Damien Lucifarian #Damian Lum #Vi Pride Lucifarian #Viola Nye #Billie Lust Lucifarian #Bienvenida Marino #Geia Greed Lucifarian #Pelageya Winter #Honey Sloth Lucifarian #Honey Di Napoli #Eli Envy Lucifarian #Elinor Herbert #Sara Wrath Lucifarian #Saraid Grady-Sullivan #Eddie Kingston x Kirby Lucifarian #Eddie Moore x Kirby Rhydderch #wrestling fanfiction

[mjohnso]

Three Futures

Even as I eulogized the doll concept in 2019, I knew it would return. History supported me in this belief. As I noted in my introduction to Doll People: A Compendium of the Doll Concept the doll concept is cyclical. Groups and singers will reach for it frequently until they do not. Then it will lie dormant for months or years before making a comeback. Case and point: I have never found a single instance of the doll concept that dates to any year between 2003 and 2007. But following the release of SNSD's "Gee" in 2009 though, it was suddenly everywhere. By 2018 though, its popularity waned and it all but disappeared.

That is until now. There are indications that the doll concept may return, although I hesitate to call it a comeback. The numbers are not there right now. Unlike other moments though, the present one feels more heavy with potential, as if this could and maybe will being changing soon. Leaning into this feeling, below I wrote about three instances of the doll concept from this year. They not only represent three different takes, illustrating what I mean when I talk about its elastic nature, but they also offer glimpses into a possible future that may yet come to pass.

(G)I-DLE �� “Tomboy” Release Date: March 14, 2022

When Soyeon emphatically declared herself to be “not a doll” in (G)I-DLE’s “Tomboy” she was not breaking new ground much as adding her voice to a chorus that already exists. Others have declared in songs that they are also not dolls, like the girl group Sunny Days. In their 2015 single, “Blah Blah,” they sang, “I don’t wanna be a baby doll/I’m not your baby doll what” telling off an ex-boyfriend who refuses to leave them alone. Likewise, Nine Muses’ Euaerin in their 2013 single "Glue" declared herself free from the baggage of a past relationship, announcing, “You’re bad news to me, no more, I’m not your doll.” And as for CLC’s Yeeun, in her 2020 song “Barbie Doll” she makes it clear that she is both not a Barbie doll but also “won’t play with dolls.”

Technically, Soyeon’s declaration is not wrong. She is not a doll, but in the “Tomboy” music video, she and the other members do have doll counterparts. The dolls first appear around the 2:10 mark, during which the video undergoes a distinct visual shift. Before that point, the members of (g)-idle play the main parts. After a quick shot of a closing clapboard the dolls temporarily take over, kidnapping their ex-boyfriend—also played by a doll—and getting their revenge.

While this may appear to put "Tomboy"-as-song and "Tomboy"-as-music video in conflict, there is no tension here. How the lyrics of this, and similar songs, use the doll differs from how it usually plays out in the video. In the song, ‘doll’ is used as a metaphor, with Soyeon rejecting not the doll as an object but the meaning it carries. In the context of the video, the use of dolls creates a visual distinction between the action of the music video versus the film embedded in the music video. In doing so though, it reduces the doll to its very utility, in a way not often seen in the doll concept. That is this is the doll as prop, or object.

CHOBOM – “Copycat” Release Date: July 13, 2022

It took an M! Countdown stage to sell me on the idea that CHOBOM’s “Copycat” music video counts as an instance of the doll concept. Before, despite teaser images showing Bomi and Chorong as dolls I waffled. If indeed a doll concept, their take seemed too subtle, contrary to other versions that announce themselves as such. I expected a doll concept about twin dolls escaping (the premise of their video, according to Bomi) to look something like the video for Song Ji Eun’s 2016 single “Bobby Doll”. Before even hitting the play button, that concept is clear from the song’s title alone. The lyrics (“Take me out of this box/I’m your bobby doll/Baby, on your bobby doll/Play with me”) and video then further emphasize it. In the case of the latter, there are multiple shots of Song Ji Eun as a doll, including her seated in a chair on a rotating platform, arms bent at sharp right angles, expression frozen, and also dancing while strung up as a marionette.

CHOBOM’s “Copycat” music video is never that obvious. Instead, in the video scenes where the doll concept is most present, it is in the details, literally background to the action. Opening with a woman dressed in white pushing a rolling cart down a hallway, adorning the walls behind her are shelves decorated with various mannequin heads, hands, and anatomical torso models and heads. She enters a tiled room that, like the hallway, is full of doll parts, including heads, hands, and legs. Life-sized mannequins line the wall, and it is among these that the woman places the twin dolls, Chorong and Bomi, styled identically from their blonde hair to white dresses. On the wall behind them is a poster titled “Diagram of a Doll.”

There are several other shots where the doll concept does peek through, including a memorable scene where Chorong and Bomi literally come apart, although that is all it ever does. It neither asserts nor reveals itself as a keystone detail of the music video. At most, it serves as a fun detail, on par with the cat motifs, both playing on the song’s title. Dolls are, as attested to by all of the identical mannequins in the video and doll parts, mass-manufactured and frequently identical, which is to say they are copies, at least of each other. Ironically, the same cannot be said for their take on the doll concept.

Red Velvet – “Feel My Rhythm” Release Date: March 21, 2022 Among these three takes on the doll concept, Red Velvet’s “Feel My Rhythm” is unlike the others. Theirs is a more traditional take, in line with the version of the doll concept popular among the second generation. That is the members, not actual dolls, play the part of the dolls. For example, in their individual ‘calmato’ video teasers, each member is styled as a music box ballerina, complete with white tulle skirt and pink tweed bustier top, posed on a round base decorated with Rococo flourishes against a black background. As a music box version of Bach’s “Air on the G String” plays, the platform rotates and moves but Red Velvet is fixed in a pose.

In another of their ‘calmato’ teasers, this time a still photo, the members are again cast as music box figurines, in the same pose, on the same platforms in the same outfits, only now wearing pointe shoes. Instead of being set against a black background, they are literally in the center of a larger tableau, resting on a bureau. On either side of them are various objects including a teddy bear, vases of flowers, bottles of perfume, and porcelain figurines, none of which Red Velvet towers over as much as matches their size. The implication here is not that these objects are huge, but that the members are small.

In the scheme of the doll concept, none of this is especially innovative, which may also make its inclusion here questionable. Indeed, it may appear to undercut my earlier point that the doll concept is undergoing any change. Yet I have included it here since I believe that given both the Standard Doll Concept’s popularity and ubiquity in previous years, it is unlikely to disappear. If anything, while the frequency of its use may decrease, as Red Velvet shows, it will always have a place and a purpose.

#kpop #dollconcept #red velvet #(g)i-dle #chobom

[elecalice]

CHANNELETTES SKETCH DUMP

Context: This is for my idea of Channelettes, which are Antropomorphised TV Channels. Or TV Channels Gijinka.

I love Gijinka ever since I became fixated with OS-Tans when I was young. Gijinka, in my opinion, is a good creative exercise in giving human qualities and characterization on non-human things.

I'm planning more on this project. But for the moment, have this sketch dump.

The First Sketches

Featuring early designs of ITV's Anglia, Southern Television and Channel Television. All being part of the United Kingdom's ITV Network.

While I did some ideas of TV Gijinka before, Adam Martyn's Ident Review Extra episode of the ITV Idents inspired the whole new Channelette Project, and with it, those first three designs.

The design for Anglia convinces me, while the others need more refining. Especially Southern Television. Although, Channel Television will be a catgirl, without doubt.

Deutsche Welle (Or DW-Lette)

Made in May.

Sorry for the weird pose, I tend to do those. I don't know what's missing on DW-Lette's design.

RT-Lette

Based on the State-Owned Russian channel.

(Before I did this drawing, I did some sketch with her and CGTN. But I'll not post it here, since it's kinda unintelligible)

She will be portraited as a selfish daddy's girl (The "daddy" being of course The Pudin, You-know-who) who uses the majority of the money given for her own benefict. She doesn't like the other Channelettes. And the other Channelettes doesn't trust her.

She's CLEARLY made for satire. (NO Russophobia allowed with the character!! Xenophobia will NOT be tolerated!)

TV3 Catalunya

Based on TV3 of Catalunya, Spain.

The reason of me making this Channelette is because the 80s TV3 theme is so DAMN EPIC SOUNDING!!

I imagined a Gacha-Inspired animation of TV3-Lette with her flag-carrying spear. It was so cool, I HAD to draw her design.

I tried to draw her with a traditional Catalunya outfits. Making the flag was REALLY hard, though...

EARLY, PRE-CHANNELETTES IDEAS

(Note that NOT every design will be there. Because I sketched in different notebooks and I ended up missing some sketches)

1984 TVN Gijinka (or 1984 TVN-Lette?)

Done in January 2023. Based on Chile's TVN logo from 1984 until 1988.

I LOVE this TVN logo, even if it was short-lived. I love it due to how beautiful and creative the idents are, with those two ribbons moving around. Really elegant idents, also.

I tried to make her design look so formal (Authoritarian? because ya know, dictatorship)

She needs a more defined design and a bigger drawing. Random idea, she will have Ribbons on her main design.

BBC News Early Design

Okay. I forgot that this sketch was from 2020!

I Watched the BBC World News channel and sometimes I watch it with my dad's TV box. And I liked watching the idents and the intros. And I love the countdown.

And I tried to draw her more, but I stopped with this. She needs a better design, still. BUT the idea of her using a antenna-inspired spear as her main weapon will carry on her design.

UCTV Early Design

Based on UCTV, actually named Canal 13, from Chile.

Oh god (ironic), this design also comes from 2020! The idea was older than I thought.

His design was based on a priest, because the UCTV at that time was owned by a Catholic university from Chile. (WAS, nowadays no more, since... Late 2000s early 2010s)

Also because the channel used to show off some priests telling reflections before the channel signs off. (I remember catching some of those Reflections when I was a kid. But I didn't payed attention to those)

While I like this design, I think I'll redesign him. Spoiler of the new design idea, the channel used to have bumpers with angel cartoons, and it's why UCTV was nicknamed "The Channel of the Little Angel" ("El Canal del Angelito"). Wink Wink.

There was this 2022 redraw of UCTV-Lette's design, with another designs for two other Chilean channels.

UCV Televisión, which design is the one with heels and one-eye covering hair. She's was the oldest Chilean TV channel, so i'll try to give her justice on a upcoming design.

AND Telecanal. Which is the one who's holding a box exclaiming "Buy My Shit". The joke refers to the fact that Telecanal's programming consists of an ABSURD majority of infomercials, and little to NO original content... I'm still baffled that this channel SOMEHOW is STILL AIRING. Sorry for the random rant. I'll try to come up with a better design.

I'll be continuing posting more sketches, as well as develop more of the Channelette project.

I'll be making a Masterpost of the whole Channelette later.

When I return to digital drawing, I'll try to digitise the designs. (And Hopefully do more drawings in general. I'm trying to make drawings from my tablet but... I need to build confidence with it)

Hope you like it!

_Elec

#channelettes #sketches #sketch #character design #gijinka #anthropomorphic #TV channels #A cute queue #elecalice work

[64bitgamer]

[dailyrugbytoday]

NSW Waratahs confirm the signing of Fijian International Nemani Nadolo

New Post has been published on https://thedailyrugby.com/nsw-waratahs-confirm-the-signing-of-fijian-international-nemani-nadolo/

The Daily Rugby

https://thedailyrugby.com/nsw-waratahs-confirm-the-signing-of-fijian-international-nemani-nadolo/

NSW Waratahs confirm the signing of Fijian International Nemani Nadolo

The NSW Waratahs can today confirm the signing of Fijian International Nemani Nadolo on a one-year deal for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.

One of world rugby’s box workplace players, Nadolo joins the Waratahs with an illustrious Test and membership resume, including a wealth of expertise, length, and enjoy to the Waratahs’ backline.

Born in Sigatoka, Fiji, Nadolo moved to Brisbane at three months of age before attending Nudgee College and representing the Queensland Schoolboys team.

2023 NSW Rugby Waratahs Club Memberships on are on sale now – click here to secure yours

The large ball-carrying winger made his Test debut for Fiji in 2010, wherein Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman turned into the Assistant Coach, towards Australia and has scored 22 attempts in 32 Tests and starred for the Flying Fijians within the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The Fijian flyer is no stranger to the Waratahs as he turned into at first shriveled to the group in 2008. Limited opportunities saw Nadolo head abroad, with stints in France, England, and Japan earlier than returning to Super Rugby with the Crusaders.

Nadolo changed into one of the standout players for the Crusaders in 2014, finishing the season because the opposition’s same leading attempt-scorer with 12 attempts, which include scoring of their Super Rugby Final loss to the Waratahs.

Stints at Montpellier and the Leicester Tigers followed, with Nadolo completing the 2021-22 season with ten attempts from 21 suits in his most latest season for the Tigers in Premiership Rugby.

After a stellar club profession spanning Europe and New Zealand, the Fijian winger was excited to go back to Australia and play for the Waratahs.

When the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Day, the countdown to Super Rugby Pacific well and truly begins.

NSW Waratahs Nemani Nadolo scoring for Fiji against Georgia in 2020 Autumn Nations Cup

Nemani Nadolo stated, “Who would’ve idea after leaving these doors 12 years ago I’d get another opportunity to be a part of the membership again.

“I’m thankful to Darren and the board for having faith in me and giving me any other possibility.

“NSW are heading inside the proper direction and I’m happy I may be a part of their adventure.”

Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman changed into thrilled to feature every other experienced Test participant with a completely unique factor of difference to his roster.

“We’ve all seen what Nemani has carried out in World Rugby inside the final ten years and it’s noticeably exciting to have him in a sky-blue jersey,” Coleman stated.

“One of the matters we recognized from our season evaluate turned into the need to feature some size and strength to our roster, and Nemani brings a number of length and physicality for you to upload an additional size to our team.

“He’s stimulated to get again to Sydney have some other crack at Super Rugby and push his claims to get in the Fijian Test team for their 2023 Rugby World Cup marketing campaign,”

Nadolo will be a part of the squad on December 1 for the Waratahs’ pre-season.

The NSW Waratahs are also pleased to announce the signing of loosehead prop Tom Lambert on a -year deal, bolstering the team’s the front-row shares ahead of their 2023 Super Rugby Pacific marketing campaign.

A made from the NSW pathways, born in Sydney and schooled at Trinity Grammar School, Lambert represented Australian Schools and became a part of the Waratahs Academy before heading distant places to Scotland in 2020.

Lambert represented Scotland’s below-20s side during the 2020 Six Nations and signed with Glasgow Warriors on an academy settlement earlier than graduating to the main crew in 2021

United Rugby Championship: Dragons vs Bulls on Friday night at kick-off 7.35pm

by debrambuhl on January 5, 2023 at 3:38 pm

After losing their last three matches in all competitions, the Bulls will be determined to return to winning ways in Friday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter with the Dragons at Rodney Parade on Friday night. Ollie Griffiths will make his first appearance of the season as the Dragons take on final yr’s crushed finalists Vodacom

Joe Marler has been banned for two weeks for comments to Jake Heenan

by debrambuhl on January 4, 2023 at 3:24 pm

Joe Marler has been banned for two weeks with a further four weeks suspended for comments made towards Bristol flanker Jake Heenan. Harlequins and England prop Joe Marler, who accepted a charge of conduct prejudicial to the game, made the remarks during the first half of Tuesday’s Premiership match that reportedly related to Heenan’s mother. The greater 4-week suspension

Harlequins and England prop Joe Marler defeat by Bristol on December 27

by debrambuhl on January 3, 2023 at 5:06 pm

Joe Marler has had a lucky escape and his Six Nations hopes are still alive after his latest brush with controversy saw him banned for an initial period of just two weeks. Harlequins and England prop Marler started a fracas in his team’s defeat by Bristol on December 27 when he insulted the mother of Bears forward

ACT Brumbies set to play the first ever Super W game face to Fijiana Drua.

by Brenda Reed on January 3, 2023 at 12:47 pm

ACT Brumbies vs Fijiana Drua Rugby: The Buildcorp Super W competition returns for 2023 with the new season kicking off on Friday 24 March, the ACT Brumbies set to play the first ever Super W game in Fiji against the defending champion Fijiana Drua. Scott Fava’s side will then play their first of two home

Where to Watch Super Rugby Aupiki 2023: Time & Schedule, How to watch in Australia and New Zealand

by Roger Brown on January 1, 2023 at 8:57 am

Super Rugby Aupiki is a professional women’s rugby union national club competition in New Zealand. Its inaugural season commenced in March 2023. It is a steppingstone between the Farah Palmer Cup and the Black Ferns. Women’s rugby in New Zealand will open a new chapter on March 5 when the first-ever Super Rugby Aupiki match takes place at

The Australia-born prop has spent two seasons with the Warriors and brings invaluable European the front-row experience to the Waratahs beforehand of their 2023 marketing campaign.

[hallmark-movie-fanatics]

New in March - Hallmark Movies Now

The Way Home Season 1 (2023)  Starring Andie MacDowell, Chyler Leigh, Sadie Laflamme-Snow, Evan Williams, and Alex Hook.  New episodes available every Thursday.  Episodes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 available 

The Love Club: Nicole’s Pen Pal (2023)  Starring Brittany Bristow, Marcus Rosner, Lily Gao, Chantel Riley, and Camille Stopps. 

The Love Club: Sydney’s Journey (2023)  Starring Lily Gao, Jesse Hutch, Chantel Riley, Camille Stopps, and Brittany Bristow.

The Love Club: Lauren’s Dream (2023)  Starring Chantel Riley, Andrew Bushell, Camille Stopps, Brittany Bristow, and Lily Gao.

The Love Club: Tara’s Tune (2023)  Starring Camille Stopps, Brett Donahue, Brittany Bristow, Lily Gao, and Chantel Riley.

The Secret Ingredient (2020)  Starring Erin Cahill and Brendan Penny.   Based on a Hallmark Publishing original novel.  Hallmark Channel / Love Ever After 

You’re Bacon Me Crazy (2020)  Starring Natalie Hall, Michael Rady, Michael Karl Richards, Casey Manderson, and Rhiannon Fish.  Hallmark Channel / Spring Fever 

The Story of Us (2019)  Starring Maggie Lawson and Same Page.  Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Valentine’s Day 

March 1 

Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman (1993 - 1998)  Starring Jane Seymour and Joe Lando.  CBS / All six seasons available. 

It’s Christmas, Carol! (2012)  Emmanuelle Vaguer, Carrie Fisher, Susan Hogan, Johannah Newmarch, Catherine Lough-Haggquist, and Carson Kressley.  Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Christmas 

March 2 

The Way Home - Season 1, Episode  6 

Welcome to Mama’s (2022)  Starring Melanie Scrofano, Daniel di Tomasso, Lorraine Bracco, and Matty Finochio.  Hallmark Channel / Loveuary 

Just My Type (2020)  Starring Bethany Joy Len and Brett Dalton.  Hallmark Channel / Spring Fever 

March 9 

The Way Home - Season 1, Episode 7 

Color My World With Love (2022)  Starring Erica Durance, Benjamin Ayres, Lily D. Moore, David DeSanctis, and Karen Kruper.  Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

March 16 

The Way Home - Season 1, Episode 8 

March 23 

The Way Home - Season 1, Episode 9 

A Splash of Love (2022)  Starring Rhiannon Fish and Benjamin Hollingsworth.  Hallmark Channel 

March 30 

The Way Home - Season 1, Episode 10 

Cut, Color, Murder (2022)  Starring Julie Gonzalo and Ryan McPartlin.  Hallmark Movies & Mysteries 

And so much more. New movies pop up every Thursday. 

#new on hmn #hallmark movies #hallmark movies now

[bakmccleary]

A Plea For The Criminalisation Of Stigma Towards Ex-offenders In South Africa

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[voippiner]

Most common bills to pay

Most common bills to pay how to#

Fortunately, we live in the 21st century and technology can do our “writing down” for us. That cumbersome exercise stops a lot of expense-cutters in their track. The old-fashioned way to track is to write down every expense as you make it. “You may be surprised at how much you’ve spent on certain items, but this gives you a good chance to see just where adjustments are needed going forward,” Barker said. Who knew that much money was going toward your Kindle or Egg McMuffin habit? Tracking spending over 30 or 60 days will probably be an eye-opener. The first step to cutting spending is figuring out where the money is going. Here are some tips on reducing expenses so you can pay off debt. “It’s better to look at it as being necessary in order to take control of our money.” This is why any effort to cut expenses will also often have to be accompanied by a shift in mindset.”īarker said reducing spending to achieve financial goals, including paying off debt, shouldn’t be seen as a sacrifice. At the same time, for many of us, carrying debt is also seen as completely normal - which it absolutely shouldn’t be. “Many people are reluctant to cut expenses, as they simply believe it’s too hard,” said Anna Barker, of LogicalDollar, a money management firm “As we become used to living a certain way, the idea of making changes that may force us to cut back on things that we consider completely normal and essential to our lives is incomprehensible to a lot of us. The easiest way is to cut expenses and use the money to pay off debt. So how do we bring that stack of debt down to earth? If you stacked that amount of debt in one-dollar bills, it would reach all the way to the moon. was a record $14.6 trillion for the first quarter of 2021, which seems like a lot of debt and it is. Practical Suggestion for Tax Refund: Pay off Credit Card Debt! January 9, 2018.Tax Season Countdown All Over Again June 30, 2020.Payroll Tax Deferral: Is It Worth It? September 11, 2020.How Biden & Trump Tax Policies Compare October 2, 2020.Paying Down Student Loans Before the COVID Suspension Is Lifted October 28, 2020.Google Is the Latest Company to Offer Student Loan Repayment Benefits November 3, 2020.

Most common bills to pay how to#

How to Get a Refund on Your Student Loan Payments During COVID-19 May 3, 2021.Details on Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan August 24, 2022.Why Credit Card APR’s Are Rising, Despite Fed’s Third Rate Cut of 2019 November 4, 2019.Stimulus Checks for COVID-19 Relief July 1, 2020.FHA Steps in to Help Nursing Homes by Backing Mortgages February 1, 2013.JPMorgan Accepts $13 Billion Fine For Lending Practices November 20, 2013.Why Millennials Aren’t Buying Homes December 14, 2016.How the Fed Raising Interest Rates Affects You July 29, 2022.3 Reasons To File For Bankruptcy June 22, 2015.In Era of Trump, Has Bankruptcy Stigma Lost Its Sting? August 8, 2019.Court Ruling Favors Student Loan Bankruptcy Discharge October 2, 2020.Nonbanks Fill Demand from Borrowers with Poor Credit April 25, 2018.New Law Allows Credit Freeze October 22, 2018.How the New FICO Credit Scoring System Will Affect You January 29, 2020.Should I Apply for a New Credit Card During COVID? September 24, 2020.

#Most common bills to pay