#//they cannot justify spending money on this arms race forever

[spectrumspace]

not to jinx it, but i haven't had to deal with youtube's adblockblock baloney yet, most likely because i take a couple of additional measures to keep them from getting my watch history too tailored to me. but rest assured, alphabet suits, the day you bar me from your service is the day i go back to my old habits and scrape my character playlists out of your cold corporate hands with my bestie vlc media player and you lose what few remaining pennies my advertiserless clicks net you.

#ada weblog tag #//from what i hear this is literally a case of ''every time one updates their filters the other has a way around it within 24 hours'' #//which is nuts #//i heard one person say that adblock devs are fighting a losing battle but i have to disagree #//youtube is a for-profit company existing in a capitalist system #//they cannot justify spending money on this arms race forever #//and from what i hear (me included) adblock users are like freakin. allegory of the cave. #//once you understand the power of adblock you can't settle for an internet with ads #//and boy oh boy youtube sure has a lot of competition lately huh #//they can't risk these potential customers moving to twitch. or... god forbid: tiktok #//anyway if they delete my youtube account: good riddance! :)

[omfgtrump]

Who is Really on Trial?

The slow drip of damning facts continue to reaffirm The Don and his crime gang’s shakedown of Ukraine.

As a result of Lev Parnas damning and riveting interview with Rachel Maddow this week-which implicated practically everyone in the administration except the president’s cook*-I have been thinking of producing “I Love Lev” t-shirts and buttons.

Anyone want to go in on a business venture with me? For starters, we can set up a cart outside of the Trump Hotel, as I heard there are people paying good coin for the booze; some like Robert Hyde get so intoxicated that they decide to curry favor with The Don by setting up surveillance of Marie Yovanovitch, America’s former ambassador to Ukraine. (Remember, she’s the one that The Don said would be “going through some things.” Never did she imagine she would be monitored by her own government!)

Text’s show that Hyde was sending messages about Marie’s whereabouts in an attempt to catch her doing something egregious and justify her firing.

Here are a few of Hyde’s texts to Lev:

“She’s talked to three people. Her phone is off. Computer is off.”

“She’s next to the embassy.”

“Not in the embassy.”

Rumor has it that Hyde surveilled Maria entering the women’s bathroom and instructed the thug following her to change the sign to “Men”, but he was caught in the act by another woman who called the local authorities on him.

Madcap stuff.

I hope C-Span covers that trial as it will be must see TV and will actually have witnesses. And given the Republican game plan of denial and blind allegiance to The Don, there might be a better chance of convicting him through the trial of the Ukrainian thug.

The Don keeps insisting it was a “perfect phone call” and his Republican colluders say: maybe it wasn’t perfection but perfection is so overrated.

He keeps insisting that he barely knew Parness, even though every day new photos of the two of them emerge with big smiles on their faces. Pictures of Lev with Don Jr, Ivanka and Jared have also just surfaced. Seems there are enough photos to make a family photo album.  We can title it: “Lev and the First Family’s Illicit Adventures,” though we are still waiting for the one where Lev has his arm around Melania before it can go to press. Supposedly, there is a special pullout section with Lev and Rudy G. That part is entitled: “Two Thugs With Some Ugly Mugs”!

Even the finding by the independent Government Accountability Office, that The Don’s withholding of money appropriated by Congress for Ukraine was illegal, had no teeth with the Republican Party, which from this point on will be referred to as the “Immoralist Party.”

The agency found that the White House violated the law because it did not notify Congress about withholding the spending. Instead, the administration was arguing that it had the right to determine the “best use of such funds,” ignoring Congress’s power to set spending requirements.

According to the G.A.O.  “Faithful execution of the law does not permit the president to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law,” the accountability office wrote in an opinion released Thursday. “The withholding was not a programmatic delay.”

The White House response was: “we thought we dissolved this agency; and anyway, why are these people so obsessed with the law as it is so overrated!”

The Republican Senators’ response was: “Did you have to wake us up from my nap to tell me that?”

Republican strategy to the new revelations was summed up beautifully by Martha McSally, Senator of Arizona.

When McSally was asked a by a CNN reporter whether she would consider the new evidence being released, she snorted that the reporter was “a liberal hack.”

An hour or two later, her campaign created a fund raiser with her snort. If you recall McSally lost her race to Krysten Sinema, but was appointed to serve out John McCain’s term. Seems McSally has decided that being as much of a belligerent asshole as The Don will lead her to victory in November. Arizona we turn our desperate eyes to you.

I was not a fan of John McCain, but boy what I would give to see his response to the current circumstances. Between his hatred of The Don (remember the joy he had giving his famous thumbs down Obamacare vote?) and his commitment to protecting our democracy, I believe he would not be cow-towing to The Don. What would have been really interesting was to see what the despicable Lindsey Graham would have done with the conscience of McCain hovering over him. Might have made great political theater.

Let’s face it. The facts are very clear: The Don committed an egregious impeachable offense. He abused his power and has been covering up Congress’s attempt to get to the truth by refusing to turn over documents and not allowing witnesses to testify. He is guilty as charged. Now even the Republican defense that he didn’t commit a crime is neutered by the G.A.O., which unequivocally stated that The Don’s actions violated the law. That sounds like a criminal act, right?

I am sick and tired of pundits lamenting about how The Don has taken over the Republican Party, oops I mean the Immoralist Party. Please spare me the victimhood nonsense.  The Senators are grown-ups. Charged with protecting our democracy, they are enacting the story of Pinocchio in reverse; they have gone from humans to puppets with an evil Geppetto playing them. In this version Geppetto’s nose is always elongated because he never stops lying.

The Don is the person on trial but it is actually the Immoralist Party that really is on trial.

Their unwillingness to honor the oath they took on the Senate floor as Chief Justice Roberts swore them in as jurors is not only dishonorable, but a big middle finger to the people of this country and to democracy itself. Their compliance and collusion with the evil puppet master neuters what is supposed to be a co- equal branch of government; it reduces congress to what Groucho Marx has called “a mockery of a travesty of a sham.”

In essence, once they choose the position of cult member, they bestow upon The Don even more power than he already has; the criminal and huckster escapes again. His vindication allows him to abuse his power even more than he already has.

It makes me think of the moment at a wedding when the person presiding says: “If anyone can show just cause why this couple cannot lawfully be joined together in matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.” In the Senate, someone needs to get up and say: “Anyone with a commitment to democracy and a sense of morality speak now; if you don’t, we are in for anything but peace”.

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[sweetpeachience-blog]

Awkward Situation - 1 (KaiSoo College AU Fanfic)

Summary: Kyungsoo is a 20 year old college student. He’s your average college student, broke and eating ramen noodles for days. Although his social awkwardness is most indefinitely not average. He avoids all human contact at all costs, and finds cashiers absolutely terrifying. But alot of us can relate to that, right? Kyungsoo’s awkwardness often leads to horrible situations and missed opportunities, but one day he realizes his awkwardness has given him the chance to meet his polar opposite and quite possibly future boyfriend.

Note: I seemed to have accidentally deleted a paragraph when editing! It's fixed now, but it may have confused some of you due to the sudden change of settings from Kyungsoo's literature class to the library! I should pay more attention to that when going over stories! I apologize for not catching that sooner~

Also I recommend reading the teaser below so you aren’t too lost~

Awkward Situation (Kaisoo College AU Fanfic) Teaser

Kyungsoo trudged down the stairs, slouching. His face covered by his black hood. He was glad he thought to bring his hoodie, his face was still burning and he was sure it was obvious. Kyungsoo sighed, it was his last class for the day, which he was ever so grateful for.

Kyungsoo smiled nervously. Maybe the tan boy would forget all about him within the next day. He didn’t seem all that bright if Kyungsoo had to be honest. He never paid attention to the lecture and would instead flirt with the girls around him. Which Kyungsoo found irritating. He scoffed. The boy seemed to chatter endlessly. Did he have a mute button? Kyungsoo hoped he did. Because if he heard another cocky remark slip out of those silky, deliciously red lips. Kyungsoo’s cheeks heated up even more at the thought of the boys’ lips. He shook his head and the thoughts away. He would seriously grab his pencil and stab the nearest persons’ eye out. Sure, they were innocent, but be honest, you would do the same if some ridiculously hot guy was flirting with everyone else but you. Kyungsoo bit his lower lip, he couldn’t possibly feel jealous this guy was flirting with every other human imaginable yet seemed to ignore his existence? I mean, everyone else already did, but this…this was different.

Kyungsoo by now had reached the exit of the college, yawning as he pushed the doors open. He looked out, light rain beginning to hit the ground. He got past the two doors, pulling his hood over his head, he was greeted by a familiar short, and annoying loud thing. Baekhyun. Great. Just what Kyungsoo needed to add onto the list of, ‘Why Today Was A Horrible Day’.

“Hi Kyungsoo~” Baekhyun purred. Kyungsoo cringed. “Stop trying to be cute…or whatever that was. Don’t humiliate yourself.” Kyungsoo spat out coldly.

Baekhyun frowned. His hood slightly slipping off his head. “You’re no fun! How am I supposed to practice my seductive greeting when all you do is shoot my hopes and dreams down?” Kyungsoo snorted. “Seductive? Who are you trying to seduce? The neighbor’s dog?”

Baekhyun glared knives at Kyungsoo. “No I’m not trying to seduce the neighbor’s dog, although that pooch is super cute!” He squealed. “But! There’s this super cute guy in my nutrition class. He’s tall, is buff, has a hot deep voice, and get this! He can play piano, guitar, the drums, he can even rap! His singing voice is angelic. I literally cannot fathom how perfect this guy is!” Baekhyun ranted, much to Kyungsoo’s dismay. The rain had begun to come down much faster now. “Are you done?” Kyungsoo asked, looking down at his watch. Baekhyun smiled, “Yes.” He said with content. Kyungsoo sighed, “So to the dorm?” He asked Baekhyun. Baekhyun nodded. “I’m soooo tired!” He whined. Kyungsoo nodded, yawning. Baekhyun wrapped his arm around Kyungsoo’s neck, “I’d kill for some sushi right now. How about we skip all that homework and go eat instead? Sounds good right?” Kyungsoo scoffed, “We’re poor college students, so you better be satisfied with ramen noodles and leftover pizza because I am not spending money on an ungodly priced sushi bar.” Baekhyun shoved Kyungsoo lightly, not wanting to hurt the boy. “You’re no fun! I’ll just ask that cute hunk of a man to take me instead!”

Kyungsoo shrugged, feeling indifferent. Baekhyun sighed, before one of his eyebrows perked up. He smirked. “So, have you seen any hot guys lately? I’ve seen some walking in the halls, but that tall one is the only one I’m going after.” Baekhyun looked at Kyungsoo, whose cheeks were now bright red. “No. I have not seen any hot guys.” He said, tone serious. Although his face said otherwise. Baekhyun snickered, “Uh huh….who is it?”

Kyungsoo shook his head. “Nobody. Keep asking me and I’ll make sure you don’t see the light of day ever again?” He threatened, voice cold. Baekhyun shivered and laughed nervously, “Alright, alright.” He said, arm going around Kyungsoo’s neck in attempt to silently apologize.

In 10 short minutes the two short males had arrived at their destination, the male dormitories. Both males were soaked with rain and Baekhyun whined, staring at the locked door. “Hey Kyungsoo do you have your key on you? I forgot mine.” He explained, Kyungsoo nodded, he slipped his hood off his head before unzipping his bag and beginning to rummage through his belongings. He pushed aside notebooks, pencils, a pack of tissues, some spare gum, but his key just wasn’t in sight. Kyungsoo began to panic slightly, his cheeks beginning to heat up. “I-I…should have it…” He whimpered.

He reached to unzip one of the smaller pockets only to he greeted by pens and erasers. He opened another pocket, which had spare money and his student ID along with crumpled papers and food wrappers he was too lazy to actually throw away. His hairline was now dotted with small beads of sweat. “You know maybe…I just need to dump everything out…” He mumbled shakily, his hands reached towards the bottom of his backpack turning it around, all the contents spilling out.

Baekhyun hissed in frustration, and Kyungsoo’s hands fidgeted in his lap. “I swear…they were in there!” He justified. Baekhyun scoffed, “Did you drop your bag earlier today? Or something?” He questioned. Kyungsoo’s head hung, biting his lip in shame. He nodded slowly. He looked as if he was a puppy just scolded by its owner. “M-maybe…” Baekhyun ran his hands through his hair, tugging at the strands in frustration. “Well go back and get it you damn idiot! I’m not sleeping out here!”

Kyungsoo flinched at Baekhyun’s loud voice. He picked himself up off the ground, head still hanging. “Pick my things up, I’ll go back and see if it’s there.” He said quietly before heading down the hallway to the exit of the dormitories.

Kyungsoo bit his lip as he headed out, scurrying down the sidewalk. His face hidden from view behind the hood. He began to cringe. “What if that Jongin has it? I’ll be fucked then! Oh my god, he’ll forever remember me as that idiot with absolutely no social skills whatsoever. ” Kyungsoo threw his head back in a groan.

As he neared the University he broke out into a run, breathing becoming ragged. His shoes now soaked from running through puddles. He skidded to a stop at the entrance, hands on his knees and panting. “Oh my god. I’m so out of shape. But hey! Round is a shape right?” He joked, laughing at himself. “I’m so hilarious.” He complimented, smiling to himself. He pulled the doors open, finding some students lounging around on the couches with books open. He looked around, before beginning to speed over to his literature class. Where he dropped his belongings earlier, and where he met that chiseled Greek god by the name of Jongin.

Kyungsoo peeked his head into the large room, seeing his elderly professor correcting papers. Kyungsoo took a deep breath before tip toeing in. The professor lifted his head with a smile, "You came to claim a key...right?" He asked with a gentle voice. Kyungsoo smiled sheepishly before nodding. "Is it...here?" He asked, taking a look at the floor only to find no keys lying around. The professor scratched his head, "Well, that Jongin boy, he told me if I managed to catch you that he would be up in the library studying. He'd give you your key then." He explained with a wide smile. Kyungsoo nodded, hiding his terror. "Alright. Thank you sir. I really do appreciate it." He thanked, bowing to the man before scurrying out the room. "Well, I now know the universe absolutely loves to screw me over." He mumbled to himself as he stuck his hands into his pockets with with a frown.

He turned a corner, seeing a familiar winding staircase that he often walked up to head to the library, he gulped, his heart beginning to race. “Well, here goes nothing.” He whimpered, heading up the stairs. He walked slowly to the doors leading into the library, wanting to stall this inevitabe meeting with this ridiculously beautiful man as long as he could.

His hand reached out to the handle, his heart thumping loudly. He pulled the door open, slipping in quietly. Making sure to avoid disturbing the students nearby. He craned his neck, unsure as to where the sunkissed boy could be. His searching was interrupted as he was grabbed roughly by his arm and pulled behind a bookshelf. He gasped as his back hit the shelf, wind successfully knocked out of him. His eyes fluttered open, plump lips greeting him. His eyes widened, he looked up slowly, seeing a familiar lanyard with printed puppies dangling on the taller males’ finger. The male smirked. “Looking for this right?” He asked, looking at the lanyard on his finger. Kyungsoo quickly snatched it away, his cheeks so hot he could’ve sworn they could light this whole library up in flames. Kyungsoo looked down at his feet, fidgeting with the lanyard, the tan male let go of Kyungsoo’s shoulder, his hand dropping to his side.

“You left it earlier thrown on the floor. You left before I could give it to you. But atleast you managed to get it back, right?” The tall male joked. Kyungsoo bit his lip, nodding, avoiding eye contact with him. The tan male cocked his head to the side in confusion, his finger tilting Kyungsoo’s chin up, Kyungsoo now forced to look at those beautiful chocolate brown eyes. “Are you okay? You seem rather down.” He asked, his thumb now caressing the soft, pale skin that was Kyungsoo’s. Kyungsoo’s cheeks reddened. “N-no…I’m just a little embarrassed.” He explained, Kyungsoo hadn’t noticed, but he was beginning to lean into Jongin’s touch. But Jongin certainly did, his mouth twitched. This innocent boy certainly had him wanting to know more. He hadn’t been so intrigued by someone in so long, he usually had a fling or two here and there, but none of those people ever triggered the same want he was feeling for this small boy.

He smirked. “Embarrassed? Why?” He asked, his thumb still on his skin. Kyungsoo’s cheeks were now tinted a slight pink. Jongin licked his lips, and Kyungsoo’s breathing quickened. “U-um, I have a roommate who’s waiting to g-get back into our d-dorm.” He slipped out of Jongin’s touch, bowing. “T-thank you for returning my key. I really do appreciate it, Jongin.” He thanked before beginning to walk away towards the doors. Jongin’s heart did flips, ’He remembered my name?’ He watched the small boy walk out the door with a small smile.

Kyungsoo reached his room to find his things and Baekhyun both gone. Kyungsoo turned the knob to see Baekhyun lounging on the couch with a bowl of potato chips. “You’re back!” He said with a smile. “Turns out I had it in my pocket all along! Sorry for making you go through all that trouble Kyungsoo.” He apologized with loud laughter before returning his attention to the TV screen.

Kyungsoo’s jaw dropped. “You asshole! You’ll pay for this Byun fucking Baekhyun!”

#kaisoo #exo #exo fanfiction #kim kai #kyungsoo #kpop #exo exok exom #kim jongin #do kyungsoo