#Los Angeles Pride 2020

[natlacentral]

ONE NAME IS ALL KIAWENTIIO NEEDS

The mononymic Mohawk actress stars in the highly anticipated new adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” one of Netflix’s most expensive series ever. It’s a role she’s been preparing for almost her entire life.

At first, it’s a ripple. Hovering drops rising from a puddle soon cluster into a faster-moving, levitating stream that swirls into an orb of water floating over a young woman. The focused motion of her hands control this aquatic flow. In the lore of the beloved animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, the ability to manipulate the elements is known as “bending” and wielding this power is Katara, a fan-favorite of the franchise’s core characters. In this instance, she’s no longer animated, but rather living and breathing in Netflix’s recent adaptation of the cult show, as played by Kiawentiio, the 17-year-old actress and singer-songwriter from the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne. For young Indigenous audiences, it’s a powerful moment seeing what was always an Indigenous-coded character, dynamic and independent, brought to life by an Indigenous actor. Her interpretation of the heroine is both true to its source material and grounded in an undeniable sense of Indigeneity, notable in the scenes of Katara’s survival of the violence inflicted upon her tribe and their later resistance to its recurrence. Free from the confines of Western film tropes or the expected relegation to secondary and background roles, Kiawentiio’s Katara is unprecedented. She’s both of this world and beyond. A sign of things to come.

There’s a balletic velocity to Kiawentiio when she arrives at her photo shoot, a certain sense of purpose and the pull of a trajectory toward something just off of the horizon. She’s traveling with her mother Barbara, who works in their community’s cultural restoration efforts, and her father Corey, a volunteer firefighter and building inspector for their tribe. They beam with pride as they watch her and recount the recent stops she’s had on the show’s busy press tour. In the dressing room, she smiles while reviewing pieces she requested from Indigenous designers Josh Tafoya and Karen Francis. It’s like witnessing someone coming into alignment, a new possibility realized. She says, “It feels like it’s not real, to be honest. Sometimes it feels like I’m living this fantasy life or living someone else’s life, especially with where I come from.”

The evening prior, Kiawentiio walked the red carpet for Avatar’s Los Angeles premiere in a stunning ensemble, also fashioned by Indigenous designers: an ice-blue duo chrome taffeta skirt by Evan Ducharme, accented by a hand-beaded corset from Tasha Marie, and jewelry by BYCHARI and Dean Davidson. The look, both in color and from the corset’s beaded wave design, is a subtle nod to Katara’s Southern Water Tribe in the show. Kiawentiio grew up watching the original series, which makes this all the more surreal. “For filming, we were in British Columbia for almost a year and stepping out of that was really kind of like a culture shock,” she explains.

It’s not lost on her that this is her moment, one that she’s balanced with both grace and aplomb, but also a time to reflect on all that’s led her to this point. From her beginnings as a guest star a mere five years ago on the Canadian series Anne With an E, to playing the title character in Tracey Deer’s debut feature Beans in 2020, and more recently appearing in Peacock’s Rutherford Falls and Marvel’s What If…?, Kiawentiio’s career has been nothing short of meteoric. In many ways it mirrors the creative boom of Indigenous-led and centered television in the last half-decade. That a young, Indigenous actor is now one of the leads in a $120 million Netflix production—one of its most expensive to date—that also happens to be an adaptation of what is considered to be one of the best animated series of all time, is as much of a cultural tipping point as it is an expectation rewriting itself. And Kiawentiio is at its precipice.

Over the phone, Kiawentiio discussed this moment and what it means to her.

How did you connect with the Indigenous designers you’ve chosen to work with recently?

One of the looks was Josh Tafoya, a fashion designer out of New Mexico. I actually got to meet him, I think it was two years ago now. He also works closely with 4Kinship, which is also a really cool Indigenous vintage brand. For the red carpet, I got to work with two Indigenous designers to custom-make this very beautiful gown. Tasha Marie Designs was the designer that beaded my corset and Evan Ducharme made my skirt, and they both just came together so beautifully. I love how it turned out, truly.

Does anyone in your family do beadwork? Is it something that you grew up around?

Yeah, my mom beads. She doesn’t sell any of her work, which she should. My sister also beads. I grew up beading here and there, but it was never something that I continued. I think out of all my creative outlets, it got the short end.

My mom does some beadwork too, so I know it’s super meticulous. How do you approach style outside of professional spaces, like the red carpet? What are you drawn to?

I feel like my style has been changing a little recently. I like really baggy pants. I haven’t really worn jeans in a while, but I wanted to up my whole closet recently. I’ve been wanting to get more color because I tend to lean on black a lot and earth tones in general. It also depends on what time of year, ’cause sometimes in the summer I like giving off that skateresque vibe.

I like a lot of men’s fashion too. I’ll have long shorts that are past my knees and huge T-shirts on and be like why do I look like a boy? Oh, I’m dressed like this. Doing a lot of this press and having this part of my life really lets me tap into my feminine side.

You grew up in Akwesasne?

Mm-hmm.

When you’re on set and you’re in front of the camera, how do you become this character that you grew up with?

It was honestly really crazy, like that first time we had that transition. Growing up, seeing this character all of the time and idolizing this character almost, and then to have that transformation and look in the mirror and see yourself as that person. It’s like whoa, whoa, whoa. But honestly, Katara and I have a lot of similarities in our personalities. And I feel like it’s kind of a double-edged sword in that it becomes easy to become them. But because there are some similarities, it’s hard to differentiate yourself from the character and keep those things separate.

Were you able to draw on or tie some of your own Mohawk roots? It was great talking to your parents too and hearing about the impact of their own work, your mom’s work in cultural restoration and your dad’s work with your tribe. I’m curious if any of that went into how you shaped this role, especially because Katara is a very Indigenous-coded character.

I think with my Mohawk roots and what my parents have done my whole life, I feel like it has shaped me as a person. With that, I can’t help but take that to every role that I play in the past and in the future, too. So, I feel like my Kanienʼkehá:ka roots will always be there with me in every character that I have the pleasure to portray. I haven’t said this before, but really, I truly do owe everything that I have to my mom and my dad.

What was some of your preparation for this role?

We binged the original show. I think I watched it twice and then went into specific scenes for Katara’s character and her mindset, and then also her bending. Every time we had a fight or we wanted to re-create something from the animated show, we were watching clips of Katara’s bending and that also was really helpful for me.

What’s it like being a young actor now in the age of TikTok and social media?

I think it’s a delicate balance. I feel like in this age, it’s really easy to get caught up in what people are saying, good or bad. Because it’s just so accessible. It’s really important to be able to protect yourself from that. With the show dropping, I will have to find ways to protect myself from the outside and what they are saying, even though I have this sense of wanting to look, wanting to know what the public thinks. That’s how I’ve been this whole time leading up to the show coming out. I want to be and I try to be an open-minded person. So, with what people are saying, I like to look at it just plainly, not trying to hurt my own feelings or anyone’s feelings. I like to have this information and [take] it as a learning type of thing.

With the show dropping and how massive the scale is, there is going to be so many opinions, so many thoughts. So, I feel like it’ll be OK if I just kind of let this one go for a while and revisit when I’m in a more stable place.

I think that’s healthy. On the flip side, for somebody coming up in your generation, specifically somebody Indigenous working in this industry, what’s it like to watch actors like Lily Gladstone or Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs lead the way?

It’s so beautiful. It’s beautiful to see all these amazing strong Indigenous actors. A lot of our stories have been trying to break through for a long time. To now be able to see it in multiple people that come to mind immediately with Reservation Dogs, Killers of the Flower Moon, and Echo, all of these things are so amazing to be able to see in the industry. It’s come so far even from when I was little.

I think one of the main reasons that I was drawn to Avatar: The Last Airbender growing up was being able to have a strong brown role model in Katara. She was one of not many. I think representation, even in that time, was so scarce and rare. So, to be able to carry the torch that’s been passed down for a long time now and be able to light multiple fires and lead the way for the generations coming is so important. I am truly blessed to be alongside all these incredible Indigenous actors leading the way.

Has there been a particular performance by another actor that’s had an effect on you like that? Somebody that you saw growing up, or are even watching right now that’s a model for your career?

The only person that I could think of is Zendaya. I grew up watching her on K.C. Undercover and Shake It Up, when she was just a kid star on Disney. Another thing that is so inspiring to me is her fashion sense. I love how she doesn’t always step out to all these different events. But when she does, everyone knows it and she’s making a statement. It’s just really inspiring to me, her fashion sense and her choices. Also, to have a single name that’s different from what you always hear is also something that we relate to and is inspiring to me.

What is it like having this be something of a new normal for a Native actor where you’re not necessarily just relegated to these roles in westerns? That’s something that people have been dreaming of. It seems like it’s a totally open future now too. What does that feel like?

It feels so surreal. Honestly, sometimes I get the sense of guilt. There are so many people that fight for the same spot. Sometimes, I have to remind myself how hard I’ve worked for things because it sometimes can feel like maybe someone else deserved this. You know that type of feeling?

But I’m lucky enough to have an amazing support group. To be able to be in this position that I’m in now is so incredible. Something that my dad always told me that we’re always where we’re supposed to be. I think that’s something if I had the chance to tell other Indigenous people, or just people in general, especially with actors and acting—you’re always where you’re supposed to be. If you didn’t get this job, it was for this reason. If you feel like you really wanted this thing but it didn’t end up happening, it was because this thing was waiting for you. And I feel like a lot of times, fate works in really funny ways. Of course, I was auditioning for so many things before Avatarhappened. I just can’t imagine if I had landed a different role and then wasn’t able to go out for this. So, it’s so funny how the universe works in crazy ways to make things align perfectly.

#natla #atla #netflix avatar #avatar the last airbender #netflix atla #avatar netflix #atla netflix #kiawentiio #interview #photoshoot #ssense

[divinesymmetry]

Pride Month list part 2: book edition

I read a lot (and I mean a lot) of queer books, especially during my YA phase ages 15-17, but here are a few that have particularly stood out to me, and why you should read them:

Maurice by E.M. Forster (published posthumously in 1971): everything you'd want from an early 20th century romance, except it's gay, and arguably the best piece of 20th century queer literature

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong (2019): absolutely heartwrenching, will have you gasping for air in between sobs, and it's written by a poet so you KNOW the prose is amazing

Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart (2022): set in 1990s Glasgow, will absolutely rip your heart out and tear it to shreds

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo (2021): 1950s lesbian coming of age during the red scare, need I say more?

Don't Cry for Me by Daniel Black (2022): written in the form of letters, from a Black father to his gay son

Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski (2020): for some reason, no one seems to have read this, and they absolutely should have. will, once again, leave you in sobs (I am beginning to suspect I might cry easily)

My Government Means to Kill Me by Rasheed Newson (2022): another underhyped one, about race and sexuality during the AIDS crisis

Un Garçon d'Italie by Philippe Besson (2003): one of the narrators is literally a rotting corpse, that should be intriguing enough

A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood (1964), Confusion by Stefan Zweig (1927), Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown (1973) and Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin (1956) because, if you're like me, you're desparate to find queer literature from before the 1990s

Angels in America by Tony Kushner (1993), much quicker to read than to watch though, unfortunately, you do not have Andrew Garfield as Prior Walter in the written version

Ace of Spades by Faridah Abiké-Iyimidé (2021) starts with a quote from Get Out and that tells you everything you need to know

Ziggy, Stardust and Me by James Brandon (2019) is surprisingly rich for YA, exploring homosexuality in the 1970s, conversion therapy and Native American identity

Crush by Richard Siken (2005) if you're more into poetry, particularly the kind that will bring you physical and emotional pain

Dykes to Watch Out For by Alison Bechdel (1986) because you can't not read Alison Bechdel

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun (2021), The Feeling of Falling in Love by Mason Deaver (2022), and She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen (2021) are the perfect romcoms if you want to switch your brain off for a few hours (or emotionally recover from half of the other books on this list)

For the similar list I made about movies, click here

Happy Pride!🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

#please give me more recs #particularly lesbian and trans #stone butch blues is on my tbr as we speak #yes ive read carol no i will not recommend it #we do not stan patricia highsmith in this house #pride month #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtq books #queer #queer literature #book list #book recs #literature #gay #trans #book recommendations #writers of tumblr #gay literature #lesbian #bisexual

[fandomtrumpshate]

Counting down the hours - a numbers update!

Since the update yesterday evening, THIRTY more creators have signed up for another THIRTY EIGHT offers … including a signup for Goncharov, NINE new write-in fandoms, and FIVE more folks willing to work in any fandom.

Sherlock has managed to tie up fifth place in the listed fandoms, sharing the spot with Teen Wolf. And the tenth spot is now a 4-way tie between Merlin, Original Work, The Sandman, and The Witcher.

Under the cut is a list of the Unlisted Fandoms with just one write-in. A single sign up would bump them up the list. A handful of signups can completely shake things up.

Signups close TONIGHT at 11:59 PM Pacific.

1 A Series of Unfortunate Events 1 A Voice from Darkness (Podcast) 1 Ace Attorney 1 Alex Stern series - Leigh Bardugo 1 All The Wrong Questions 1 Animorphs 1 Be Kind My Neighbor 1 Bioshock 1&2 (only) 1 Blood of Youth 1 Blue Exorcist 1 Blue Lock 1 Bug Fables 1 Cabin Pressure 1 Call the Midwife 1 Cats the Musical 1 Charlie's Angels (2019 film) 1 Cherry Magic (TV) 1 Citizen Sleeper 1 Cobra Kai 1 Coco Pixar 1 Coffee Talk [Video Game] 1 Cosmere (Brandon Sanderson) 1 Crossover Chaos AU (multifandom crossover AU) 1 Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 1 Dead by Daylight 1 Dead Poets Society 1 Derry Girls 1 Dice Punks (podcast) 1 DMBJ/Grave Robber's Chronicles 1 Downton Abbey 1 Dr. STONE (anime/manga) 1 Dragon Ball Z 1 Dragonriders of Pern - Anne McCaffrey 1 Dungeons and Daddies 1 Eerie Indiana 1 Emma - Jane Austen 1 Fire Country 1 Firefly 1 For All Mankind 1 Glee 1 Grace and Frankie 1 Greys Anatomy 1 Grimm 1 Guardian/Zhen Hun 1 Gundam 1 Half-Life 1 Hello From The Hallowoods 1 Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni / Higurashi When They Cry 1 Hit the floor 1 House of the Dragon 1 How to Train Your Dragon (Movies) 1 Hudson & Rex 1 IDOLiSH7 1 Ikemen Vampire 1 Imperial Radch Series - Ann Leckie 1 Infinity Train 1 Jane Austen (any novel any pairing) 1 Jeeves - P. G. Wodehouse 1 Jojo's Bizarre Adventure 1 Jurassic Park 1 King of Scars Duology 1 Les Misérables 1 Los Simuladores 1 Love Between Fairy and Devil 1 Madre Solo Hay Dos 1 Miss Scarlet and The Duke 1 Mob Psycho 100 1 Monochrome Factor 1 Motorcity 1 Naomi Novik's books (Temeraire /Spinning Silver/Scholomance) 1 Obey Me! 1 One Last Stop 1 Outlast 1 Paper Girls (TV) 1 Parasol Protectorate 1 Peacemaker 1 Persuasion - Jane Austen 1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen 1 Prodigal Son 1 Psych 1 Qi Ye 1 Ranger's Apprentice 1 Ranma 1/2 1 Roseanne 1 RPF 1 Sable 1 Sanders Sides 1 Scooby Doo 1 Shameless (US) 1 Sidemen 1 Silicon Valley (TV) 1 Skins (UK) 1 Tamora Pierce works 1 Tangled the Series 1 Ted Lasso 1 Teen Titans (Animated Series) 1 Temple of the White Rat series by T. Kingfisher 1 The Ancient Magus Bride 1 The Boys 1 The Daevabad Trilogy 1 The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes 1 The Diviners (Libba Bray) 1 The Goblin Emperor - Katherine Addison 1 The King: Eternal Monarch 1 The L Word: Generation Q 1 The Legend of Drizzt 1 The Lion Hunters Series - Elizabeth Wein 1 The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015) 1 The Man From UNCLE (TV) 1 The Princess Weiyoung (Jinxiu Weiyang) 1 The Tarot Sequence - K.D. Edwards 1 The Terror (TV 2018) 1 The Vampire Diaries (TV) 1 The Wilds (TV 2020) 1 This Way Up 1 Timeless (2016 TV series) 1 Tortall - Tamora Pierce 1 Tower of God 1 Transformers 1 True Blood (TV) 1 Twilight 1 Twilight (All media types) 1 Until We Meet Again 1 UuultraC 1 Valorant 1 Velvet Goldmine (1998) 1 Vikings (TV) 1 Vorkosigan Saga - Lois McMaster Bujold 1 Warframe 1 White Collar 1 White Collar (2009-2014 TV series) 1 Whiteley Foster's Mansong 1 Xena: Warrior Princess 1 Yellowjackets (TV) 1 Yu-Gi-Oh!

#fth 2023 #fanworks charity auction #signups close tonight!

[sunburnacoustic]

Muse’s Matt Bellamy: ‘I felt that we could do no wrong. Obviously, we could’

By Mikael Wood in the L.A. Times (pasted because paywalls)

(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Matt Bellamy wrote Muse’s new album in a Santa Monica recording studio painstakingly decorated to resemble the so-called red room from “Twin Peaks.”

Crimson curtains, leather armchairs, black-and-white zigzag flooring: The 44-year-old frontman of one of England’s biggest rock bands reproduced every detail of the otherworldly chamber from the cult-fave TV show he remembers devouring during Muse’s first tour on a bus back in the early 2000s.

“It just sets a certain tone, you know?” he says, looking around the space with obvious pride on a recent afternoon.

Yet as Bellamy sat composing amid a thicket of electric guitars and vintage synths — including an old Roland model he says was the same used for the “Stranger Things” theme — what really inspired him was the tumult unfolding outside the studio, which he observed through an enormous one-way mirror in the building’s front wall.

This was mid-to-late 2020: Bellamy, who’s written for years about the menacing encroachments of technology and government, watched (without those on the street being able to see inside) as shops went out of business during the pandemic, as Black Lives Matter protesters marched through the city, as riot-gear-clad police and National Guard moved in to shut down demonstrations, as a man took up residence in a car parked right in front of the studio. Helicopters seemed to be circling constantly; a drone hovered over Bellamy one day as he loaded gear in through a back door.

“It was like being inside a scene from ‘RoboCop,’” he says now. “All the anxieties and the dystopian strangeness that had always been kind of speculative in our music — suddenly it felt like it was all coming true. It was actually happening.”

The result of his observations is Muse’s ninth studio album, “Will of the People,” on which Bellamy rhymes “a life in crisis” with “a deadly virus” and “tsunamis of hate are gonna drown us.” (Sample song titles include “Kill or Be Killed” and “We Are Fucking Fucked.”) But if the LP confronts a brave new world, it also knowingly looks back: Musically, the band—rounded out by bassist Chris Wolstenholme and drummer Dominic Howard—dials down the fluorescent electro-pop vibe of 2018’s “Simulation Theory” in favor of the harder, more guitar-oriented sound that made Muse a prog-metal sensation more than two decades ago.

Muse performing in Philadelphia in 2013. (Owen Sweeney / Invision via AP)

What are those so-called worst parts of Muse? Probably a tendency to veer off and experiment in areas that we’re not very experienced in. Most of [2012’s] “The 2nd Law,” for instance — classical dubstep, weird clarinet solos, whatever else is on that album. I think we felt we’d achieved so much with [the 2009 hit] “Uprising” that we could do no wrong. Obviously, we could.

You produced “Will of the People” yourself after collaborating with the producer Shellback on “Simulation Theory” and with Mutt Lange on 2015’s “Drones.” With people like that who are so successful, I think sometimes we’ve gone in the studio and been a little bit like, “OK, we’ll do just whatever you say.” In hindsight, I wish I’d been more involved and put more of our stamp on it. So we’ve kind of gone back to our safe space on this album. If we’re in complete control, it may not be the most cutting-edge or the most modern-sounding thing, but it’s the only way to guarantee that we’re gonna love it.

(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

June 2020 was a heck of a time to bring a baby into the world. I came to America in 2010 as a single person looking to experience L.A. for a bit — and, boy, have I had an experience. Ended up with a Hollywood actress [Kate Hudson], had a baby together and the whole cliché scenario of the ups and downs of celebrity life. Then married a Texan [model Elle Evans] and had another baby. Been evacuated from my house during wildfires. Then the pandemic and the full January 6 Trump meltdown. It’s just been an unbelievable period to be here.

“Will of the People” suggests it hasn’t left you terribly optimistic about the future. It depends what your definition of optimism is. To me there’s a fighting spirit in the music, which is a form of optimism. It’s like the moment in “Rocky” when Adrian tells Rocky to win.

Do you think it’s clear to listeners who you’re fighting? In the new song “Compliance,” you’re singing sarcastically about people falling into line and doing as they’re told. It could be interpreted as an anti-woke anthem. I never thought about it that way. I thought about it in terms of the rising authoritarianism that we’re now seeing is a real thing— Trump in this country, but also Putin and the China situation. These ideologies, I feel like we kind of tested the waters in the 20th century and realized that fascism and communism are both just absolute disasters and that we don’t need to go near that stuff ever again. And yet it’s emerging.

What’s your reaction to that? I have an anti-authoritarian nature. My parents say that when I was a young child I was never very good at being told what to do. I don’t like the idea of vast centralized power that’s very far away from where I live. I come from Devon in England, which is a couple hundred miles from London. But when I went to see where my wife’s from in Paris, Texas, it’s like, Holy s—! It’s thousands of miles from the places of power in America. So the resistance to someone deciding how I should live who has no idea what my day-to-day life is — I can understand it, even though there’s a risk of it being hijacked by more extremist factions that have gone down roads I don’t agree with.

Have you considered becoming a U.S. citizen? I have. Overall, I actually think the United States’ structure is really amazing, with all the different ways to make laws at the local level. It seems like every month my wife is voting on some sort of proposition. I’m looking at that going, Wow, England is so behind on that front. We don’t ever get to vote on policy.

The oddest thing about that late-2020 period where things in America and California seemed so chaotic and crazy was that I felt my connection deepening. There’s something going on here that is critical to what’s happening in the entire world. America has become a kind of center point for this idea that there’s an empire on the verge of collapse, and how do we save it? Or how do we know which parts to save and which parts to let fall away?

For some people — Dom, to some extent — it made them want to get out. But for me it had the opposite effect. It’s everything I’m interested in, and it’s massively creatively inspiring.

Has becoming wealthy shaped your political views? I don’t think so. I remember all my feelings of what it was to be from a poor rural background with no opportunities and all the disadvantages. And I still have some views that would be considered pretty socialist by some. Universal health care is an obvious one; I can’t even believe there’s not universal healthcare here. I’ve also come to the view that maybe land shouldn’t be privately owned.

Can you relate to music that’s unambiguously joyful? Coldplay, let’s say. Absolutely. Chris [Martin] is a friend of mine. I love what they do. I wish I could write more songs that enter the love sphere. But I think it might be against the nature of the sounds our band makes. When the three of us are jamming, it’s like Rage Against the Machine riffs are coming out all the time. I can’t imagine hearing those riffs with Chris Martin singing about peace and love on top.

What’s the happiest Muse song? “Starlight” is pretty positive. I think “Verona” on the new album is pretty nice — little bit of “Romeo and Juliet” in there.

Do you think rock music is in good hands with the generation behind yours? My 11-year-old son likes Slipknot and Metallica. My stepson Ryder from a previous situation [with Hudson], he’s 18 and he’s really into rock. He turned me on to Willow Smith.

Can you envision touring in your 60s and 70s like Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones? Yeah, but Metallica is the one that’s really made me think we could do it. The Stones and McCartney, they have universally uplifting music. But Metallica — I’m not sure how old they are, but they’re up there — that’s really heavy music and they’re still out there. The great thing about rock is that, even though the genre is largely irrelevant in the mainstream, you can actually grow old with it. You can make a real life career.

#Muse interviews #matt bellamy #muse band #Will Of The People #some parts of this interview were really interesting/slaps in the face #Like where Matt talks about feeling invincible roughly around albums 4-6 #It did really feel like that (I’ve talked about this before): Muse could do no wrong. The world was at their feet! #When he says ‘we could’ - he’s obviously talking about T2L and the way fans weren’t too pleased with it. #That’s disappointing to hear though. T2L is hardly an album to be dismissed. #It’s literally the only direction Muse could’ve gone in after The Resistance #Idk I think they got caught up in an era where rock bands were dwindling and 00s guitar fans were resentful of that synthy sound #(I blame the EDM boom) and so Muse genuinely interpreting ‘heavy’ as a kind of sound not solely connected to distorted guitars #Fell on its arse when in fact it was brilliant. I see nothing wrong with e.g. Unsustainable; Matt is 100% right when he says it’s heavy. #And of course his thoughts on America and the America he sees around him. His take on it as a non-American. Quite interesting #And on production and why Muse self-produce albums #muse #WOTP

[blouisparadise]

Upon request, here is a rec list of BL fics where either Louis or  Harry are fashion designers or fashion stylists. While this is a shorter rec list, we hope you’ll enjoy it. Please remember to like the post and reblog it on Tumblr to help spread the word. Happy reading!

1) I Know You're There | Explicit | 2979 words

Louis is Harry's personal stylist. Harry is a big celebrity. They spend too much time together and well.. Things happen.

2) Coming Up For Air | Mature | 11067 words

It's a long plane ride to LA but sitting beside Harry makes time fly.

3) Your Paw Fits In My Hand | Mature | 12064 words | Sequel

The one where Louis was taught that being a kitten is something to be ashamed of, and Harry thinks there's no innocence left in the fashion business. They meet, and Los Angeles is a lovely place to fall in love.

4) A Springtime's Wilt, An Autumn's Bloom | Explicit | 20593 words

Harry is Louis' personal chauffeur, and although he hides his feelings for his boss behind a wall of rigid professionalism, Louis still manages to squeeze through the cracks.

5) Why Can't It Be Like That | Explicit | 63567 words

Louis Tomlinson, head of his local hospital's charity fund, suddenly finds himself in the heart of the Royal family when his mother marries the third son of the reigning monarch. Such an upset in lifestyle brings a lot of changes for Louis, one of them being the need for a stylist.

Enter Harry Styles, a cutting edge fashion stylist who loves his job and prides himself on his passion. The first time he sees Louis Tomlinson on the cover of a tabloid he wants to dress him, style him, make him as beautiful as Harry knows he could be. When he's hired to do just that, he knows this will be a perfect partnership. That is, until he actually meets the man.

A fashion AU with a royal twist, where Louis doesn't need a stylist, Harry's thrilled to have a real life Barbie doll, and they're both very wrong about each other.

6) Beautiful Stranger | Explicit | 66074 words

When Alpha Harry Styles attends the Gucci Cruise 2020 show, he knows what to expect: clothes, clutch bags, and a few too many pretentious people. What he doesn’t expect, however, is to run into an Omega who is more beautiful than anything on the runway.

7) Feeling Borrowed, Always Blue | Explicit | 68210

Louis has been dreaming of his wedding since he was young - he just never expected it to happen like this.

Check out our other fic rec lists by category here and by title here.

#bottom louis #top harry #trackinghome #blp #blp fic recs #fashion designer au #stylist au #fic recs

[gucciwins]

one final chance

Harry and Y/N get a reunion no one was expecting…

Word count: 3324

A/N: hi friends! this is the final part to Confessions l and ll. I wrote Confessions l in  January of 2019 when I had been writing for a few months. The second part came August 2020. This last part now in 2022. I honestly read back the first stories and see how my writing has grown for this last part it might be short but it’s a nice conclusion I think. More writing soon promise! 

 ______________________________________

AUGUST 2021

One thing you take pride in is being a safe driver.

Not a single parking ticket and many people think that’s hard in Los Angeles. No crossing red lights, and never pulled over for speeding. Having begged your brother to teach you once he got his license was easy to convince, and that is how you got your license at sixteen. A license and no car. It wasn’t necessary as Thomas still lived at home, but when finally transferring to a university after two years in community college, he went across the country to New York City. Your big surprise was that he left you his white Toyota Corolla that he took care of as if it were his kid; you vowed to do the same. You didn’t change the car until graduating from university because Thomas was embarrassed you still had it, not that it was ugly or mistreated, just that it was old and you needed an upgrade.

He drove you both straight over to the dealer and let you pick out a car at graduation. That was overwhelming, leading to more tears than car choosing. In the end, you picked out a Jeep Wrangler, a sleek white. It was love at first sight. Also, a car you dreamed about forever, thanks to your brother’s hefty salary, he called it a gift, not letting you pay a dime.

Thomas wanted to get you something nicer and pricier, but you insisted he didn’t. As much as you would have loved whatever car you got, it was not something you needed. You liked not blending in with the rest of Los Angeles.

It’s Wednesday, in the middle afternoon, and having left work early meant avoiding rush hour. You decided to stop by for a smoothie at a place that your friend recommended. A bit pricey, but that’s LA for you.

You are coming up on Sunset Blvd and put your blinker for the right, hearing it blink, checking your mirrors and over your shoulder, seeing no car about to pull into an empty parking spot next to a meter when an easy parking space to slip right in. No need to parallel park today. As you were straightening out the car, when you feel a car slam into you from behind, you’re quick to hit the brakes.

You sit back in the seat, trying to get your breathing under control because a car just hit you.

Another car hit you.

You were just in an accident.

You look over your shoulder seeing the man sitting in his car, shocked. You try to get your focus and park your car quickly, needing to get out and check yourself over and see the damage to your vehicle. You hop out, trying to steady yourself.

You don’t even realize when the car that hits you pulls in to park behind you at a reasonable distance. You pull your phone out of your cardigan pocket, needing to call someone to talk you down, but your hands shake too much. Instead, you settle with leaning your head against the side of your car and focusing on your breathing, counting to thirty. You do that until you feel your hands stop shaking.

The man is getting out of his car, phone already held up to his ear, probably his insurance company. It’s a classic Mercedes Benz; no doubt your insurance will skyrocket, somehow getting blamed for the accident. That is how most cases in Los Angeles go. It might be really time to leave the city now.

“Alright, I’ll update you later.” The man hangs up as you stand there looking at your car.

Getting yourself together, you’re now able to take a look at the back of your car. The damage isn’t as bad as you thought it was. Maybe it was just the initial hit that scared you so much. The left tail light was broken, and there were scratch marks. The paint has peeled off. Easy fix, thankfully.

“I’m so sorry.” The man addresses you finally, shoving his phone in his pocket. You tense up hearing his accent. You’re ashamed to say you do it with every British person you come across.

It used to fill you with dread, but it left you disappointed over time because it was never the person you wanted it to be.

You look away from your car only to lock eyes with a person you have only ever seen in your dreams since that goodbye at your last dinner together.

“Harry,” you breathe out. He’s dressed in black shorts and a Columbia sweater. His hair is full of messy curls pushed back by his sunglasses.

Harry looks just surprised to see you. He scans you head to toe, making sure it’s you and seeing if you’re alright.

“You-I-I can’t believe it’s you,” he breathes out. He doesn’t move his eyes from you as if you might disappear.

You nod, agreeing because what are the chances. You expected to see him at a concert, a mutual friend’s party, or even out at dinner, but never believed it would be like this from Harry hitting your car.

“Are you okay?” You ask, making sure he’s not injured.

“Am I okay?” He repeats, “I hit your car.”

“I’m fine,” you assure him, “a bit shaken up but very much okay.”

“That’s great.” You see him relax just a bit, “I’m okay as well.”

You nod, falling silent.

“I’m sorry, I saw you put your turn signal, but I was going a bit fast and thought I would make it past, but that was not the case. I’ll need your insurance, but I’ll make sure it’s all covered, I promise. It was 100% my fault.” Harry expresses wanting to get the issue resolved.

“Thank you, it’s best we trade info just so we can give both insurances the proper information.” You answer professionally.

“Of course.” Harry opens the driver's side, leans in to pull out a notebook, and rips out a paper, handing you a pen to write your number. You scribble it down, making sure it’s all eligible, and give it to him. He hands you a sheet of paper with his number and his insurance below.

You think this is goodbye, it feels like it, but you can’t bring yourself to do anything about it. “It was great to see you, but I wish it was under different circumstances.”

“I agree,” he smiles.

You run a hand through your hair, turning away from him. If you leave now, this could very well be the last time you see him.

You say screw it.

“You want to grab a smoothie with me?” You point to the building behind you. “It’d be nice to talk.”

Harry is shocked, you can tell, but there is a glimmer of excitement in his green eyes. “I’d really love that.”

“Great. Let me grab my bag.” You open the passenger door before locking it and meeting him at the door.

You go up to the register and take a long look at the menu before deciding and ordering an apple and ginger smoothie; Harry picks mango. He doesn’t fight you on paying, something you’re grateful for.

You take a seat across from each other, silent until your drinks are called, and Harry goes to retrieve them for you both.  

“What are you up to in LA?” You ask.

“Tour preparations. We start in a week.” He shares.

You almost spit your smoothie out. “Shut up, no way.”

Harry tries to hide his disappointment at you not knowing about the tour. “Yeah, it’s Love on Tour. The first show in Vegas…” he trails off.  

You can’t hold it anymore and burst out laughing. “I wish I could have recorded that. You looked so sad thinking I didn’t know, as if Sarah hasn’t told me all about it.”

“You’re mean. You made my heart drop.” Harry says, letting out a deep breath he was holding.

“You have to admit it was good.”

He grumbles whatever.

“Excited for it?”

“Buzzing to be out on the road. Everyone has worked so hard,” he raises his ringed hand to brush through his curls. “I’m proud and ready to share with the fans.”

“Right, I heard you got new bandmates. From what Sarah and Mitch have said, you’re in for a hell of a tour with them.”

Harry blushes, loving the validation thrown his way.

He’s missed you like crazy; he hasn’t dated since you. He knew you’d forever be the one that got away. He hoped you’d walk back into his life, and he was right.

“You should come to our soundcheck tomorrow. I’m sure Sarah would love having you.” He scratches his neck. He’s being very fidgety, a tale sign he’s nervous. “I would as well.”

“I’d love that,” you tell him softly. “You’ll send the address?”

“Yes, three pm” He pulls out his phone, shooting you a text with all the information. “You’re more than welcome to come earlier to hang out and get the feel.”

“I’ll let you know. I need to figure out if I want to drive or get a ride. Have got to fix my car. Driving with a broken taillight will only lead me to being pulled over.”

“I could have Jeff or Tommy pick you up and then drive you home. If you’re okay with that,” he offers.

You smile, “that sounds really nice. Thank you.”

You chat for over two hours in the smoothie place, and before saying goodbye, you confirm Friday.

“I’d call it a date, but it’d be you watching me perform rather than us talking.”

You step into his arms, giving him a hug, happy over the lovely afternoon together. You lean up to kiss his cheek as you pull away.

“I say let’s call it a date, seeing as you’ll be driving me home. Then you can walk me to my door just how first dates should end.”

Harry blushes. “It’s a date.

~~~~~~

The day of the soundcheck. You have changed your outfit three times.

You finally decide on a white loose tank top, pink corduroy pants, and your favorite worn-out Doc Martens that you swear to elevate each of your outfits. You keep your makeup minimal, knowing it is an informal practice.

The car comes to pick you up at three, and it’s Tommy. You had the pleasure of meeting once, but now is the chance to speak more. The conversation jumps from how long you lived in the area and how grateful he is to work with Harry. You tell him you’re old friends with Harry.

Arriving, Tommy brings you through the back entrance, where you spot Sarah. She screams as soon as she sees you.

“You saw me a few days ago.”

“Doesn’t mean I didn’t miss you.”

“How’s bub? I want some cuddles.”

“Sleeping now. Excited to see his favorite auntie when he wakes up.”

She promises to make time for you before you move.

“Y/N?”

You turn around to find Mitch with a sleeping baby strapped to his chest. It’s not a new sight, but it always makes you smile. He’s such a fantastic father.

“Does H know you’re here?” Mitch asked, shocked to see you.

“I texted him that I was with Sarah.” You tell him casually, “Tommy must have let him know.”

Mitch nods. “He’s two doors down if you want to go find him.”

You look panicked. “Should I?”

They nod yes.

“Alright.”

And off you go.

You don’t know your way around their practice space, so you end up at the wrong place as you took a right out of the room you were originally in and not left. You see a woman shutting the door as you finally make it in the right direction. The woman had dark hair and a tan completion from her time in the sun. As she turns in your direction, you recognize her as Harry’s mother, and she’s smiling at you.

“Hi,” you greet. “You’re Harry’s mother, right, Anne.”

She nods proudly, “that’s me.”

Anne keeps her eyes on you before an ever bigger smile sets on her face. “You must be her, the girl he always talks about. I’m sad we’re only just meeting.”

“I’m sorry we never met sooner.” Life happened, but you’re glad for the chance now.

“Nonsense, dear, no apology.” She waves you off, “this boy gets into so much trouble on his own.”

“That he does.” You laugh together.

“Do you want to go in and see him? He’s free.” You’re not sure what to say before you can decide; the door swings open.

“Mum-” He cuts himself off, seeing you standing next to his mother. “Are you two ladies gossiping about me?” He teases.

“Well, of course not. You don’t need your ego-inflating H.” You respond without thinking, surprising yourself and Harry. Anne just looks at you, amused.

“I like her, dear.” She tells Harry. “Now, Y/N, you come to find me, and we can watch them rehearse together right by the sound booth. How does that sound?”

“Perfect, thank you.”

She squeezes your shoulder and then walks away quickly, finding someone new to chat with.

“You just met my mum.” Harry states.

“That I did.”

“Now, you just need Gem.” You nod, not sure where he’s going with this. “How about October? I’ve got a few shows in New York if you’re free.”

“A little presumptuous, don’t ya think?” Your face is neutral, but you’re trying your hardest to stop a smile from surfacing.

“Maybe so, but don’t think I want to go so long without seeing you.”

You admire his honesty.

Together you bask in the silence and decide that you do want that. You do want to meet his sister. He always told you stories of how he looked up to her. You want to meet the equally amazing sister that Anne raised.

“Alright, I accept.”

“You do?” Harry sounds surprised.

“Yeah, I-I also want to spend time with you,” you confess.

“First date, moving a little fast, aren’t you,” he teases.

“Keep it up, and no kiss goodnight for you.”

Harry puts his arms up in defense. He opens his door gesturing for you to come in and hang out. It’s full of his stuff as if he’d been there all week, clothes on the floor. Gucci pillows on the couch, his outfit hanging on the back of the door.

“You look beautiful, don’t think I had a chance to say it.”

“Thank you,” you do a little twirl. “I love these pants. They make my butt look nice.”

Harry looks down, focused on your ass as you do a spin, “I agree.”

“Harry!’

“Not my fault. You were asking for me to look, baby.”

You blush and step close to him, toying with the hem of his sweater. “Baby, huh.”

Harry blushes at your touch and at the term of endearment. “Can I call you baby, or is that moving too fast?”

“I quite like it.” Your gaze fixated on the pearls on his neck. “You look pretty in pearls; it feels very you.”

“Thank you, I quite like it as well. Lambert got them for me as a gift for finishing the album. These are real now. Went around wearing fakes for the longest until Lambert found these.”

“Might be one of his best finds.”

You step away from Harry and go sit on the couch. You don’t hide your smile when he joins you/  You’re on a high it feels surreal being here with him after so long. You focus your gaze on the lettering of his sweater, “I’m gonna die lonely,” an adorable panda in the middle.

“We haven’t discussed the elephant in the room,” you decide to bring up.

Harry reaches for your hand and begins to play with your fingers before slotting them together and resting them on his lap. “I know.”

“It was over a year since we last met at the diner.” Harry nods because he knows he’s been counting the days, not that he’d mention that. “I don’t- I think after a few months, I wondered why I pushed you away if I was now left with missing you like crazy.”

“It was hard, gosh. I started therapy again even though I officially moved back to London. LA isn’t home anymore. I think I didn’t like who I had become here and being home brought me back to who I was and the person I knew I could be.”

You nod while listening intently. “Proud of you.”

Harry blushes at your words but decides enough about him, “What did you do in the year?”

“I started working with UNICEF, and it’s been amazing. I started in New York for about a month before being moved to LA, and well, they needed someone in London, so I jumped at the chance.”

“That’s amazing. I’m proud of you.”

“Thank you. I love it. It’s- it’s good being able to do what I love,” you share with him.

“You feel good about yourself?”

“I do. Do you?”

He pinches his bottom lip with his free hand before nodding, “I do, yeah.”

“How do you feel about us?”

“Honestly.” You nod. “It feels like everything is falling into place. Like it’s our time to take care of each other together.”

“I agree. I feel this pull to you that is telling me. I’ve pushed you back together. Now it’s your turn to make it work.”

“I’m assuming you’re serious about this with the London move.”

You nod. “Very serious. I’m all in.”

You’re not shocked at how quick and assured that came out of you. You feel it this time that you’ve both grown.

“I am too, baby. I’m all in with you.”

You stare at each other, beginning to lean in when the door flies open. It’s Jeff.

“You are needed,” Jeff says, then spots you sitting next to Harry. “Oh, Y/N. It’s great to see you. I’m glad his terrible driving did not leave you injured.”

“Jeffrey, that’s enough.”

“Drama queen, hope you can fix that.” You laugh as Harry throws a pillow at Jeff. Harry kissed your cheek. “I’ll give you a moment,” Jeff told you, noticing the apparent tension.

You stand up and look at Harry, who has followed you, now only standing a step away from you as you lean against his vanity.

“I’m proud of you, I may not have been around to see you write this album, but it’s beautiful and 100% your heart that you put out for the world to see. It might not even mean a lot coming from me, but I wanted you to hear it.”

“Hey,” he closes the gap, his hands resting on the side of your face, “It means everything coming from you. Thank you, baby.” He kisses the top of your head.

Harry pulls away, but you pull him back and look in his eyes to see if he’ll stop you, but all you see is love reflected in his eyes. You connect your lips with Harry’s, and it’s everything. You feel the butterflies settle in your stomach as he deepens the kiss. You’re safe and cared for.

Your feelings for Harry are strong, and you know things will be different.

You know now that you’ll get to love him, and he will get to love you.

Life’s journey together is just beginning.

“Good luck, kiss,” you tell him.

He looks dazed. “Just rehearsal,” he breathes out.

“Good luck can be used for anything.”

“Enough to let me go home with you.”

“If you braid my hair and buy me takeout.”

“As you wish.”

Harry gives you one last bruising kiss before walking out, head held high and heart left in your arms, the safest place it can be.

_____________

Thank you for reading <3 feedback is welcomed and appreciated 

#harry styles #harry styles writing #harry styles fluff #harry styles angst #harry styles stories #harry styles blurb #harry styles one shot #harry writing #harry styles fan fiction #harry styles love on tour #harry styles pleasing #daylight #daydreaming #harry's house #fine line #pleasing

[deobi-scenes]

healing therapy — sohn y.j.

synopsis | who knew that even the most energetic person of The Boyz had his own worries and fears?

genre | short drabble

tw | mentions of health facility, anxiety, panic attacks, etc.

notes | Hello, loves. With all that has happened today, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy and worried at the same time for our beloved boys. I know much emotions have been felt today so I hope this short drabble will help comfort you in these times.

PS, this is purely fiction. I do not intend to diagnose nor relay a fake message to you all.

Hugs and kisses, always

———

y/n’s POV

“how are you feeling y/n?” My therapist, asked me with a calm voice.

I was currently staying in a wellness facility in Seoul. Unlike other facilities, this specific place was serene and peaceful.

There weren’t much rules here other than phones and any modes of outside communication other than in-person meeting were prohibited because the facility believe that it only triggers ones emotions.

“ I’m fine. The attacks are more manageable.” I said playing with my hands.

“that is so good to hear.” she said holding my hands.

After a while of consultation and meeting, I went back to my room only to see the once empty bed with a young man on it. Judging on from his looks, he looked about the same age as me.

Just as he was about to look up at my direction, one of the staffs barged inside the room together with a new set of notebooks and pens for me.

“I see you’ve met your new roommate.” she said handing the supplies to me.

“I-i just got here.” I said to her and back at the guy.

“ if that’s the case, then please make yourselves comfortable. Youngjae-ssi, if you need anything, just press the button.” she said pointing at the big red button by his bed.

“Got it. Thank you so much.” He said soullessly

The staff then excused herself leaving the both of us in the room.

“I’m y/n. Nice to meet you.” I said reaching my hand out for him to shake.

“ I’m youngjae.” he said shaking it back.

His eyes looked tired and dull. He was just like me when I first came here.

“I’ll just be here.” I said pointing at my bed

The curtain that divided us gave us privacy. However minutes later, Youngjae went over to my side of the bed with his phone, trying to get some signal.

“There’s no signal here. The only place where there is signal is in the therapist’s room.”

He only looked at me and sighed. He went back on his side of the room and plopped himself on the bed.

My peaceful writing session was disturbed by the sudden shuffling of the curtains. I looked up to see Youngjae scratching his head.

“ D-do you know a quiet place other than this room? Somewhere outside would be nice”

I closed my notebook and wore my slippers.

Like a lost puppy, he followed me outside to my secret hideout — a hidden garden.

He and I sat on the bench and stared at the fountain in front of us.

The silence was peaceful and comforting at the same time.

“ so… how did you get here?” he asked cautiously

“hmmm… panic attacks and trauma from my toxic relationship.” I simply said, smiling bitterly.

“ how long has it been? Since you got here?”

“around 2020? It’s been two years.” I said looking at the sky.

“ don’t you get bored?”

“no, not really. It’s a tranquil escape from the madness of the world, you know? What about you? What’s your story, Youngjae?”

———

eric’s POV

THE BOYZ’ Eric to go on hiatus due to health issues

THE BOYZ’ Eric to take a break and focus on health

THE BOYZ’ Eric heads back to hometown Los Angeles to get rest during hiatus

seeing how y/n barely having any clue who I was gave me a refreshing sense of comfort.

“ Do you know kpop?” I asked her

“of course. We’re in Korea, it would be a shame if you don’t know anything about our country’s pride.” she said before going wide-eyed

“wait… don’t tell me. Are you an idol?”

I chuckled at her dumbfounded and innocent reaction and nodded my head.

“I’m The Boyz’ Eric.”

“ I’m sorry if I don’t recognize you-”

“it’s okay. You don’t have to apologize for that. It’s been a while not to have someone on your back, monitoring what your next move will be.”

“if it’s not rude to ask… how did you exactly end up here? I mean you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to-”

“ I was on hiatus from my group, The Boyz. I love my fans and the attention we’re getting but… I-i don’t know. It’s all happening too fast. I lost myself in the moment. When I came back from LA, I was referred to by a friend to visit this place. So far, this place is different.”

“yes, it really is. People here don’t treat you like patients. They don’t give you medicine or force you to do something that will discomfort you. This is a place of healing from the real world. It’s our little escape from all the madness happening all around.”

———

y/n’s POV

Our conversation was cut off when the wind chimes signaling our time for supper. Youngjae or Eric and I went back to our room.

From there, we went to the dining hall where they served the meals.

It was amusing to see Eric eating well and looking around the atmosphere.

“ this is so good! I wish I could stay here forever.” He said digging on his food.

“you can stay here as long as you want. Get all the healing you need.”

“thanks for the warm welcome, y/n.”

———

y/n’s POV

It’s been three days since Youngjae got here.

In those three days, I got to know him more and likewise, he got to open up about his woes and worries about his idol life. He even told me how sorry he is to his members for not being there for them.

All I could do was to listen to him and assure him that everything will be fine.

He too, did the same. Whenever I would feel sudden outbursts, he would come over and hug me just to calm me down.

Last night, when we were up with nothing else to do, he asked me about what I wrote in the notebook I always had with me. I normally don’t show it to anyone else other than the therapist but I unwillingly showed him my way of healing — positive writing therapy.

When he opened the notebook, he was surprised to a collection of short stories that were all about love. Considering the fact that I was traumatized by my past relationship.

I told him how the therapist told me that in order to heal myself from the pain, I should continually let myself feel the pain so that afterwards, it wouldn’t hurt as much.

At first, he was confused with the idea of positive writing therapy but I told him that it wasn’t too different from writing lyrics. It was just him writing his emotions on paper.

My afternoon nap was disturbed with a very sullen looking Youngjae walking to the door.

“how was your consultation?”

“I’m going home tomorrow.”

I should be happy for him but for some reason, I didn’t want him to go. He was my healing.

“ Why do you look sad? The B’s are finally seeing their Eric back!” I said trying to cheer him up.

“yes, I’m excited too.” he said in a monotonous tone.

“don’t be sulky. Let’s make the most of today! Whatever you want to do. Let’s do it.” I said pulling him from his bed.

We spent the day walking around and playing games. For dinner, I asked the chefs to prepare Youngjae’s favorite food which surprisingly was ramen.

Youngjae smiling from ear to ear made me realize how in a few hours, he would return to his celebrity life as The Boyz’ Eric.

After taking a shower, I saw Youngjae sitting on my bed.

“Can…I ask you one last thing?”

“sure what is it?” I asked placing my used towel on the rack.

“ stay with me tonight.”

“ of course, we’re roommates-”

Youngjae pulled me towards him and made me sit on the bed. He then plopped his head on my lap and closed his eyes.

“May I?” I asked if I could run my hands through his hair.

He only nodded his head and closed his eyes. Moments later, light snores can be heard and his head felt heavier than usual.

I looked down to see Youngjae dozing off. I gently fixed his position so that he could fully sleep comfortably on the bed.

I was about to go to his bed to rest but he wrapped his arms around my waist; pulling me towards him.

I didn’t want the moment to end. Taking a leap of faith, I stared at his face and delicately traced his features.

I took a deep breath and whispered to him the words I wanted to say to him.

“ Youngjae-ya,

I know you probably won’t remember me or any of this once you go back as Eric but these past few days have been magical.

I hope you know just how amazing you are and how much you are loved by everyone. Your family, friends, members and fans.

Please don’t be too hard on yourself because you are doing an amazing job.

Don’t feed your mind with negative thoughts and just always be positive and full of energy.

Whenever you feel sad or worried, always know that you are not alone.

Continue on doing amazing things.

It’s been a pleasure meeting you.

Hopefully, once I’m better, I’ll get to see you perform on stage.

Whatever path or decisions you make, I’ll be rooting for you.

Thank you for healing me.

Always remember, y/n loves you.”

———

post credits note: I honestly don’t know if this imagine made sense but I hope it comforts all of you my fellow deobis.

#tbz imagines #tbz fanfic #sangyeon #jacob bae #younghoon #hyunjae #juyeon #kevin #new #q #ju haknyeon #sunwoo #eric sohn #the boyz fanfic #the boyz imagines

[laconservancy]

Time, Taste, and Tradition: Preserving L.A.’s Legacy Businesses 

Congratulations to the selected recipients of the L.A. Conservancy’s Legacy Business Grant! The five legacy businesses of the first round of our $5,000 grants have been selected and we’re thrilled to introduce them to you: 

88 Gifts Shop (1987) in L.A.’s Chinatown 

Candelas Guitars (1947) in Boyle Heights 

El Aguila Bakery (1973) in El Sereno  

Gardena Cinema (1976) in the City of Gardena 

SIKA (established in 1992) in Leimert Park 

From an essential neighborhood shop selling everything from houseware items to plants to a rare, affordable single-screen movie theatre, these locally-owned businesses boast a combined age of more than 200 years in operation in their neighborhoods and communities. They also represent the essence of L.A.’s legacy businesses: long-standing neighborhood anchors where people connect, memories are made, and a sense of community is nourished. 

We hope that their stories demonstrate the value of longtime businesses and that you hurry out to patronize their business in the very near future! 

ABOUT THE WINNERS 

88 Gifts Shop 

Photos courtesy 88 Gifts Shop

311 Ord Street Los Angeles, CA 90031  

 For over 30 years, the original location of 88 Gifts Shop (88 Gifts) was at 711 North Broadway in BC Plaza. In 2020, owner Annie Ma was forced to relocate her business to its present location. 

Ma’s shop sells housewares, plants, and a variety of Lunar New Year gifts to neighborhood residents and tourists. Perhaps most notably, 88 Gifts sells Chinese-language newspapers to Chinatown’s elders, allowing them to remain in touch with news events both here and abroad 

Still feeling the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, this grant will make it possible to pay for rent increases and avoid another relocation.  

CANDELAS GUITARS 

Photos courtesy Candelas Guitars 

2724 E Cesar Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033 

Brothers Porfirio and Candelario Delgado-Flores moved from Mexico to Los Angeles in 1947 and brought with them a burgeoning music business that specialized in custom guitar marking. The store’s clientele includes famous artists like José Feliciano but it’s also a source of community pride, giving back to Boyle Heights in many ways including the creation of a 501c(3) nonprofit that provides free music lessons to local youth. 

After closing for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Candelas was thankfully able to re-open but is still facing the residual effects of the shutdown. The grant will go towards payroll for the business and operating expenses. 

El Aguila Bakery 

Photos courtesy El Aguila Bakery 

5028 Huntington Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90032  

El Aguila Bakery was established by Apolinar Casillas in 1973 and has been a beloved fixture in L.A.’s El Sereno community ever since. With a loyal, multi-generational clientele, El Aguila prides itself on its authentic Mexican sweet breads, cakes, tamales, and so much more! The bakery also supports the community by giving back to local institutions such as the city, schools, and places of worship.  

But the bakery’s authentic flavors come at a cost. When ingredient prices rose more than 200%, the bakery had to increase its prices, causing sales to slump. This grant will allow them to cover increased costs and make payments to necessary vendors. 

GARDENA CINEMA 

Photos courtesy Gardena Cinema 

14948 Crenshaw Boulevard, Gardena, CA 90249 

Gardena Cinema is a single-screen movie cinema built in 1946 and operated by the Kim family since 1976. It’s the only such theatre located Gardena and has provided affordable entertainment options for more than four generations. It's a place where families can enjoy a film together and have meaningful experiences: in addition to their unique film slate, Gardena Cinema also hosts cinema potlucks, popcorn happy hours, and more. 

A combination of the pandemic and personal health challenges forced the cinema to be closed for 32 months. The grant will provide them with a much-needed cash infusion toward daily operating expenses. 

SIKA 

Photos courtesy SIKA  

4330 Degnan Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90008 

Sika, an institution of Leimert Park Village, has been specializing in custom jewelry, African art, clothing, and other goods for 30 years.  Sika, the store’s owner, weathered a downturn in the economy in the 2000s when many businesses left the Village. His resilience has commanded the love and respect of the Leimert Park community and, today, despite concerns about gentrification and displacement Sika remains at the heart of the neighborhood as a cultural gathering place. 

This grant will be used toward business marketing and community jewelry-making workshops.  

ABOUT THE GRANT PROGRAM 

When we first announced the grant program in November of 2022, it was the culmination of more than two years of advocacy, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of legacy businesses throughout Los Angeles County. 

Longtime businesses add to our rich history and culture. These community anchors have long been one of the focal points of the Conservancy’s work, from responding to threats of demolition to providing technical assistance. We saved the original McDonald’s from demolition in the ‘90s, brought funding for the rehabilitation of the Formosa Cafe���s Pacific Electric Red Car, and rallied to designate Norms on La Cienega, Tom Bergin’s on Fairfax, and Otomisan Japanese Restaurant in Boyle Heights as Historic-Cultural Monuments (HCM). In late 2019, we proudly launched a Legacy Business initiative to raise awareness about and support for these important places in L.A. County. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we understood the immediate threat and unthinkable challenges facing longtime business owners. Thanks to Wells Fargo, we’ve been able to expand our legacy business initiative to include a grant program. This grant provides $5,000 to ten (10) eligible small businesses that have operated and contributed to their community’s history and/or identity for at least 20 years and have less than 25 full-time employees. 

So far, the response has been overwhelming. Nearly 400 owners applied for the first round of grants, making the task of choosing just five winners almost seem impossible. Please join our Legacy Business Network and follow us on social media to learn more about our winners and to stay up-to-date on Round 2 of the L.A. Conservancy’s Legacy Business Grant Program! 

Visit laconservancy.org/grant to learn more. 

#historic preservation #preservation #conservation #legacy businesses #small businesses #shop small #los angeles #LA history

[tganalostarosciak]

Other artists with unusual style. Part 2

Kei Zama:

Kei Zama (座間 慧 Zama Kei) is a Japanese comic artist and metalhead. After discovering Last Stand of the Wreckers, they fell hard for Transformers and started hunting down every Western comic they could, with Geoff Senior and Derek Yaniger being faves and influences for their "powerful and aggressive" styles.

Starting as a regular cover artist for IDW Publishing, they became the regular artist on Optimus Prime in late 2016.

As well as Transformers, they've drawn for their fan-fave 2000 AD: starting with those other war robots, ABC Warriors, for a 2017 Free Comic Book Day special. They were unsure about doing it at the same time as starting their ongoing Optimus Prime gig but John Barber, their co-creator, talked them into it.

Kei Zama is a Japanese comic book artist who has worked on several Star Wars projects for Marvel Comics as an illustrator and cover artist, including War of the Bounty Hunters – 4-LOM & Zuckuss 1, Life Day 1, and Doctor Aphra (2020) 21. They enjoy the prequel trilogy films and appreciated the experience of drawing characters from the 1999 prequel trilogy film Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace for the Pride Month variant cover of Darth Vader (2020) 24.

My opinions for this artist, they have made lot of details when they are making transformers comics as which they've drawn for their fan-fave 2000 AD which is starting with those other war robots aka Cybertrons and Decepticons.

╰── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅──╯

Ben Templesmith:

Ben Templesmith is an Australian comic book artist best known for his work in the American comic book industry, most notably the Image Comics series Fell, with writer Warren Ellis, and IDW's 30 Days of Night with writer Steve Niles, which was adapted into a motion picture of the same name.

Templesmith produced his first commercial American comics work in 2001, providing the art for Todd McFarlane Productions' Hellspawn, which was published by Image Comics. He has gone on to create his own original works as well as contribute to many licensed properties at various publishers, most notably IDW Publishing, with which he had an exclusive agreement through most of 2008 and part of 2009 before returning to being a freelancer.

Original works Templesmith has produced include the miniseries Welcome to Hoxford, the New York Times best-selling Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse Tommyrot: The Art of Ben Templesmith, Conluvio and Choker at Image Comics with writer Ben McCool. He also provided a number of covers for the Oni Press series Wasteland.

In April 2012, DC Entertainment announced that Templesmith would be one of the artists illustrating a new digital Batman series with stories set outside regular DC continuity.

My opinions for this artist, that his art works have like different emotions but he want it to be in the dark theme scene on the comic as it very unusual for it in the comic itself as it is like explaining the emotions with colours but in dark theme style.

╰── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅──╯

Joëlle Jones:

Joëlle Jones is an American comic book artist and writer, best known for her work on Lady Killer, a series published in 2015–2017 by Dark Horse Comics, for her cover work on various Marvel Comics series, and for her work writing and illustrating DC Comics series including Batman and Catwoman.

Joëlle Jones is an Eisner nominated artist currently living and working in Los Angeles, CA. Since attending PNCA in Portland, OR, she has contributed to a wide range of projects and has most recently has worked on Batman for DC comics. She also wrote and drew the series, Lady Killer, published by Dark Horse comics. Jones has also provided the art for fashion designer Prada, and various projects for Marvel, Boom, Vertigo, Oni Press and The New York Times.  Joëlle currently has projects with DC comics as well as continuing her Series Lady Killer.

My opinions for this artist, that her art works has very complexing colours on her work as she works on the details little by little as she had made positive spaces and aswell negative spaces to show what specific parts that our attention should be.

╰── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅──╯

[alexbkrieger13]

https://www.tumblr.com/alexbkrieger13/718780415476908032/to-the-anon-sportbladed-or-fotbollskanalen-are

Yeah, Swedish media are very reliable with transfer rumours. Especially when they've gotten info from their own sources and not refer to foreign media. But even then they tend to publish only transfer rumours that are the most probable to turn out to be true and it has 9 of 10 times checked out.

We're actually able to show Swedish media's good track record with transfer rumours since back in the days when Marta left Umeå and Schelin left for Lyon 🤷🏻‍♀️ Below is a sample of at that time unconfirmed transfers. It's in no particular order and there's been more than one football media outlet in Sweden that wrote about these. I've limited the list for length reasons 😅

Marta SvD: To leave Umeå for Los Angeles Sol https://www.svd.se/a/8a927d3e-afc7-357c-a95e-d246c8f2ca84/marta-lamnar-umea

Fotbollskanalen: Move to LA Sol confirmed https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/andra-ligor/marta-klar-for-los-angeles/

Sportbladet: To be presented later that day by Tyresö https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/WLk89Q/marta-klar-for-tyreso

Svt and Sportexpressen: To leave Rosengård for Orlando Pride https://www.svt.se/sport/fotboll/marta-kan-ga-till-orlando-gratis https://www.expressen.se/kvallsposten/sport/uppgifter-i-natt-marta-lamnar-rosengard/

Janogy VK: Chooses between Piteå and Linköping after her time out from football https://www.vk.se/2020-07-25/janogy-valjer-mellan-pitea-och-linkoping

Lisa Dahlkvist Fotbollskanalen: Leaves Psg for Örebro https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/damallsvenskan/uppgifter-lisa-dahlkvist-lamnar-psg-for-allsvenskan/

Rolfö Svt: She confirms the rumour she'll go to Bayern Munich https://www.svt.se/sport/fotboll/rolfo-till-bundesliga

Fotbollskanalen: Leaves Wolfsburg for Barcelona https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/bloggar/sillybloggen/2021/05/31/uppgifter-rolfo-pa-vag-till-barcelona/

Schelin Sportexpressen: Leaves Gothenburg for Lyon https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/damallsvenskan/lotta-schelin-jagas-av-franska-lyon/

Sportexpressen: Could leave Lyon for Sweden https://www.expressen.se/tv/sport/fotboll/lotta-schelin-kan-lamna-lyon-for-sverige/

Sportbladet: Going to Rosengård https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/kaeBwX/uppgifter-lotta-schelin-till-rosengard

Asllani Sportbladet: Leaves Manchester City this summer https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/vqwn5/avslojar-asllani-lamnar-city-i-sommar

Fotbollskanalen: Linköping confirms interest. (Also mentions of Harder and Blackstenius are rumoured to leave and Hurtig on her way in) https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/damallsvenskan/linkoping-vill-ha-in-asllani-kontakt-med-hennes-agent/

Svt: Likely to leave Real Madrid. Reveals two big clubs in Europe have made offers https://www.svt.se/sport/fotboll/tva-storklubbar-har-lagt-bud-pa-kosovare-asllani

Sportbladet: Close to a move to AC Milan https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/rEqldR/kosovare-asllani-nara-flytt-till-ac-milan

Fischer Radiosporten: Leaves Linköping for Wolfsburg https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/5603617

Hurtig Sportexpressen: Leaves Umeå for Linköping https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/damallsvenskan/supertalangen-hurtig-pa-vag-till-linkoping/?site=tablet

Sportbladet: On the way to England from Juventus https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/475699/lina-hurtig-kan-lamna-juventus-pa-vag-till-england

Blackstenius Svt: Leaves Linköping for Montpellier https://www.svt.se/sport/fotboll/svt-sport-erfar-stina-blackstenius-till-montpellier

Sportexpressen: Could leave Montpellier for Linköping https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/inte-spelat-det-har-varit-en-tuff-situation/

Svt: Leaves Häcken for Arsenal. (With mentions of Miedema staying or leaving is yet unclear) https://www.svt.se/sport/fotboll/uppgifter-blackstenius-lamnar-for-engelskt-topplag

Harder Svt: Her agent confirms she leaves Linköping and says Lyon, Wolfsburg, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are among the clubs that have shown interest. Svt has info Harder has visited Wolfsburg the day before https://www.svt.se/sport/fotboll/agenten-harder-lamnar-linkoping

GP: Could leave Wolfsburg for Chelsea after the CL final https://www.gp.se/sport/harder-kan-l%C3%A4mna-wolfsburg-efter-finalen-1.33403191

Seger Svt: To sign for Psg the day after. They have info it's for 2 years https://www.svt.se/sport/artikel/seger-till-psg

Svt: On the way from Psg to Lyon https://www.svt.se/sport/fotboll/uppgifter-caroline-seger-pa-vag-till-lyon

Holmgren Fotbollskanalen: Leaves Lyon and has signed for a yet unknown top club in one of the top 5 leagues https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/franska-ligan/avslojar-holmgren-lamnar-lyon-skrivit-pa-for-toppklubb-/

Fotbollskanalen: Confirmation she leaves Lyon https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/franska-ligan/bekraftat-holmgren-lamnar-lyon-tillsammans-med-fyra-andra-spelare-/

Glas Svt: Close to a club move from Eskilstuna to Psg https://www.svt.se/sport/fotboll/eskilstunastjarna-nara-paris-sg

Fotbollskanalen: Medical examination by Psg https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/bloggar/sillybloggen/2018/09/20/uppgifter-svenska-landslagsspelaren-lamnar-eskilstuna-lakarundersoks-av-psg/

Fotbollskanalen: Could leave Psg https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/sverige/glas-kan-lamna-psg---berattar-om-tuffa-tiden-har-sagt-att-jag-behover-speltid-/

Sportbladet: Expected to leave Bayern. Close to a move to Kansas City Current https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/EQj3KA/hanna-glas-vantas-lamna-bayern-nara-kansas-city-current

Ilestedt Sportexpressen: Rumoured to Psg. She confirms she'll leave Germany and has signed for a new club but doesn't say which one https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/uppges-klar-for-psg-jag-har-bestamt-mig/

Berglund Fotbollskanalen: Leaves Psg. Next club adress is very likely Gothenburg https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/franska-ligan/avslojar-svenska-mittbacken-lamnar-psg---hogaktuell-for-goteborg-inga-komment/

Martens Sportexpressen: To be sold from Rosengård to Barcelona https://www.expressen.se/kvallsposten/sport/derbyhjalten-lamnar-rosengard-for-barca/

Bennison Fotbollskanalen: Rosengård confirms she'll leave and has signed for a club in Europe. Rumour is Everton https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/damallsvenskan/rosengard-bekraftar-hanna-bennison-lamnar-klubben/

Sportbladet: Reports Bayern tries to sign her. Everton is pointed out as the most likely club move https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/aPgEVO/avslojar-bayern-munchen-forsoker-varva-bennison

Bennison, Björn and Anvegård Sportbladet: Likely to leave Rosengård. Credits Fotbollskanalen for they were the first to report on the interest from Everton. After a bit more digging they found Anvegård is of interest too. Reveals Björn has come the furthest in the negotiations but that nothing is signed yet for any of the trio https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/0K5rX6/engelska-toppklubbar-vill-ha-rosengards-trio

Anvegård Fotbollskanalen: Reveals she'll leave Everton before end of contract https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/england/avslojar-anna-anvegard-pa-vag-bort-fran-everton/

Sportbladet: Rumoured to Häcken from Everton https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/v50Ovp/anvegard-atervander-till-damallsvenskan

Viggosdottir Sportbladet: To leave Rosengård for Bayern https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/a/M119qK/viggosdottir-lamnar-rosengard-for-bayern-munchen

Rytting Kaneryd Fotbollskanalen: Reveals she's in England to negotiate with a top club. Refers to Sportbladet as source it's Chelsea https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/damallsvenskan/avslojar-rytting-kaneryd-lamnar-bk-hacken/

Cankovic Sportbladet: Sjögran confirms Cankovic will leave Rosengård but can't say where she's going. Sportbladet and Sydsvenskan has info she's going to Chelsea https://www.aftonbladet.se/senastenytt/ttsport/sport/a/Ead93G/cankovic-lamnar-rosengard

Thanks for this. Didn't know asks could be this long

#swewnt article

[matsumotoart]

We’re excited to share with you all “SS BEYOND (Ver. V),” a personal tribute to the iconic saga of “Dragon Ball” and the Saiyan prince, Vegeta the 4th!🐒✨ . In 2020, “Version G” was announced after being introduced to Dragon Ball and reading the full story for the first time ever that year. Since then, we’ve met so many passionate fans around the world, and we felt inspired to companion our first love letter to Dragon Ball with a second: “Version V.” This piece is the result of being the newest fans of Akira Toriyama & Company’s genius, craft, and legacy. Personally, Vegeta represents the epitome of redemption & the value of humility and, obviously, self-pride. Hope you enjoy this! Can you spot everything?✌️ . We have a one-time, small run of limited-edition prints that will be available Sun, Oct 2 @ 9am PST, in an original & variant color scheme. Limited to 2 per person. Link in bio. . It would mean a lot if you could help boost this post by Saving & Sharing this specific post to all your friends & fellow fans! Thank you all for your support! 🙏✨ (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjN7t3kr4bu/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[frontproofmedia]

March 25: Jose Ramirez-Richard Commey Junior Welterweight Main Event & Seniesa Estrada-Tina Rupprecht Title Unification Showdown Set

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Published: January 16, 2022

Ramirez-Commey and Estrada-Rupprecht will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

FRESNO, Calif. — The fighting pride of California’s Central Valley and one of boxing’s pound-for-pound queens are joining forces for a special Fresno Fight Night.   Former unified 140-pound world champion Jose Ramirez will meet former lightweight world champion Richard “RC” Commey in the 12-round junior welterweight main event Saturday, March 25, at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.   The co-feature will be a world title unification clash, as WBA minimumweight world champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada collides with WBC world champion Tina Rupprecht. Ramirez-Commey and Estrada-Rupprecht will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.   Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets starting at $29 go on sale go on sale Friday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and the Arena Box Office.   Ramirez (27-1, 17 KOs), from Avenal, California, returns home to the friendly confines of the Save Mart Center, which has hosted six of his previous fights. Following his 2021 decision defeat to Josh Taylor for the undisputed junior welterweight title, Ramirez rebounded last March with a unanimous decision victory over former two-weight world champion Jose Pedraza. He has been among the sport’s best 140-pounders since winning the WBC world title over Amir Imam in March 2018. After defending that title twice, Ramirez stopped Maurice Hooker in six brutal rounds to unify the WBC and WBO titles. Ramirez retained both belts with a hard-fought majority decision over Viktor Postol in August 2020, a win that set up the Taylor showdown.    “Fresno and the Save Mart Center hold a special place in my heart, and I am blessed to be able fight in front of my Central Valley fans once again,” Ramirez said. “Richard Commey is a championship fighter with everything to gain. I expect the best version of Commey on March 25. My goal is to become champion again, and I am more motivated than ever to prove that I am the best junior welterweight in the world.”   "Ramirez is motivated like I have never seen, and he's out to prove some things,” said Rick Mirigian, Ramirez’s manager. “It all starts in Fresno in front of 15,000 hometown fans."   Commey (30-4-1, 27 KOs), from Accra, Ghana, made his name as one of the sport’s top lightweights, winning Commonwealth honors before capturing the IBF world title in February 2019. His title reign lasted 10 months, as he knocked out former world champion Ray Beltran before a stunning second-round stoppage defeat to Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden. Commey’s lightweight run ended with a December 2021 decision loss to Vasiliy Lomachenko. Last August, in his junior welterweight debut, he fought to a 10-round draw against Pedraza.   Commey said, “I want to thank my team for putting me on the path to fulfilling my dream of becoming a two-weight world champion. I also want to thank Bob Arum and Top Rank for once again showing faith in me by allowing me to headline against a formidable opponent in Jose Ramirez. I’m up for the challenge, and I intend to make Ghana and all my fans around the world proud."   Estrada (23-0, 9 KOs), from East Los Angeles, California, returns to her home state intent on unifying world titles for the first time in her decorated career. The 30-year-old veteran turned pro nearly a dozen years ago and has competed at the world class level in three weight classes. In 2021, she captured the WBA minimumweight and WBO light flyweight titles in consecutive fights. Estrada then vacated the light flyweight title to pursue undisputed glory at minimumweight. She signed with Top Rank last year and returned from a nearly 11-month layoff in November to shut out Jazmin Gala Villarino.   “I want to give Tina credit for being a world champion who isn’t afraid of a unification fight, unlike Yokasta Valle,” Estrada said. “Since we couldn’t get Yokasta into the ring, we decided to do one better and fight the woman who beat her. The Fresno fans are passionate, and they are in for a great show.”   Rupprecht (12-0-1, 3 KOs), from Augsburg, Germany, has made five defenses of her world title after being elevated from interim champion in 2018. Earlier that year, she toppled Valle, who is the current IBF and WBO unified minimumweight world champion In July 2021, Rupprecht edged former world champion Katia Gutierrez by split decision. Following more than a year away from the ring, she shook off the ring rust to dominate Peruvian veteran Rocio Gaspar to set up the Estrada showdown. Rupprecht has fought all but one of her pro bouts in Germany and will make the nearly 6,000-mile journey in hopes of ruining Estrada’s undisputed goal.   “To fight in America against a fellow world champion in a world title unification is a dream come true for me,” Rupprecht said. “Seniesa is considered one of the sport’s best fighters, and I look forward to seeing who is the true number one in the division. This will be a Fight of the Year candidate and another huge night for female boxing. I’m going to be victorious and return to Germany with two world title belts.”   The undercard, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+, is scheduled to include the following standouts: Lightweight contender Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (16-0, 13 KOs), from Fontana, California, and trained by Robert Garcia, makes his 2023 debut in a 10-rounder. Muratalla went 3-0 in 2022, including stoppage victories over veterans Jeremy Hill and Miguel Contreras.   Rising lightweight Karlos Balderas (14-1, 12 KOs), a 2016 U.S. Olympian from Santa Maria, California, looks to author his sixth consecutive victory in an eight-rounder. Balderas is coming off a career-best showing over Esteban Sanchez, a methodical beatdown that resulted in an eighth-round TKO.   Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles (6-0, 6 KOs), a 6-foot-9 heavyweight from Des Moines, Iowa, aims for knockout number seven in a six-rounder. Mireles has three first-round knockouts and three second-round stoppages on his ledger.   Lightweight prospect Charlie Sheehy (5-0, 4 KOs), the former U.S. amateur star from Brisbane, California, makes his third professional appearance in Fresno in a six-rounder.   Javier “Milwaukee Made” Martinez (8-0, 2 KOs), who trains with Ramirez at Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, will fight an opponent to be named in a six-round middleweight tilt.   Flyweight prospect Jessie James Guerrero (3-0-1, 3 KOs), from Gilroy, California, will see action in a four-rounder in his U.S. debut.

#HF #Jose Ramirez #Richard Commey #Seniesa Estrada #ESPN #Top Rank Boxing

[musicblogwales]

flor Unveil Epic New 'Same Color As The Sun' Video

Today, Hood River, Oregon's alt-pop pride and joy flor are riding out the joy of independence with the release of their new single "Warm Blood Pt 2." With the song's precursor dating back to their 2016 debut album come out. you're hiding, part two wasn't initially created as a follow up. But as the band began writing with the intent of creating something as rapturous as the original, things started to fall in place — Stream. 

Lead singer Zach Grace shares,“When we got together to start working on ‘Warm Blood Pt 2’ we were trying to make a song that felt as euphoric as ‘Warm Blood’ did when we played it live. We wanted to compose a new song with that inspiration in mind.”

flor closed out 2023 releasing “Same Color as the Sun”, quickly seeing it praised by Rolling Stone and Ones to Watch. Soon after, the single began taking off at Triple A radio, with early support at at 91x, KVYN, WWCD, WERS, KLRR, KQCJ, KROQ, KITS, WAQX, WNRN, Sirius XM/Spectrum. Last week, the single was given an official video to accompany it — Watch. 

Also at the end of last year, flor joined their friends in The Maine for a massive North American tour, selling out almost every single date. Over the coming months, flor will continue to ride their current wave of inspiration with lots of new music on the way.

ABOUT FLOR

flor finds light in the promise of a new day. The Hood River, OR trio—Zach Grace (vocals, guitar), Dylan Bauld (bass), and Kyle Hill (drums)—excavate unshakable melodies from jubilant synths, buoyant beats, and lush guitars as they relay a coming-of-age story all their own. 

The story began as high school kids playing in a garage. The band quietly generated hundreds of millions of streams in the wake of their 2016 debut come out. you’re hiding. In 2019, ley lines only accelerated their momentum buoyed by tracks including “white noise,” “slow motion,” and “dancing around.” Critical acclaim followed from NYLON, Billboard, Paste, and Ones To Watch who hailed the album as “an exhilarating balancing act.” 

They concluded a successful headline tour at the top of 2020 only to face the harsh reality of the Global Pandemic with the rest of us. Once it became safe enough to do so, the musicians congregated back in Los Angeles at Dylan’s studio for a series of writing sessions. This time around, they built the bulk of the songs face-to-face together inspired by favorite records from the likes of MGMT, Phoenix, The Killers, and M83. The result was their 2022 third full-length album, Future Shine which won over the praise of Rolling Stone, AltPress, and many others. 

After taking some time to evaluate who they want to be creatively, flor is now back and more refreshed than they’ve ever been. The end of last year saw the release of “Same Color as the Sun” as the band joined The Maine for a massive North American tour. 

###

For more information on flor, please visit:

Website / Instagram / Twitter / YouTube / TikTok / Spotify / Apple Music

#flor #same color as the sun #Madi Florence PR #Youtube

[kicksaddictny]

Celebrating Four Years of Progress: NIKE, Inc.'s Black Community Commitment and Grantees' Achievements

This week, NIKE, Inc. celebrated a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to racial equity and the fight against systemic racism. In Washington, D.C., the company marked the fourth year of its Black Community Commitment (BCC), a 10-year, $140 million investment aimed at advancing racial equity and dismantling systemic racism.

The BCC was announced by NIKE, Inc., including Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand, in June 2020. This commitment deepened the company's longstanding dedication to the Black community and marked a pivotal moment in its support for nonprofit organizations at the forefront of the fight for racial equity.

To commemorate the work of BCC's grantee organizations, a series of "Path to Progress" events were held. These included panel discussions featuring Nike leaders and BCC grantees, a special tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and a marquee conversation among Nike leaders, Nike athletes, and grantee leaders on the impact of the BCC so far, held at the Anacostia Arts Center.

The event also served as the launchpad for the Nike Social & Community Impact Grantmaking Guide, an open-source playbook designed to provide actionable steps for catalyzing change through community investments. The guide aims to encourage other companies and funders to adopt participatory grantmaking strategies rooted in respect and trust. It covers topics such as grantee selection, onboarding, investment management, and investment transition, drawing from Nike BCC grantmaking insights. At its core, the guide emphasizes the importance of collaborative relationship-building in the grantmaking process and the power of community-centered giving.

Vanessa Garcia-Brito, VP, Chief Social & Community Impact Officer at NIKE, Inc., highlights the role of authentic relationships in the success of the BCC's first four years. She emphasizes the importance of supporting grantees in ways that allow them to drive impact where they and the communities they serve need it most. This philosophy of participatory philanthropy, which prioritizes collaborative and community-centered giving, has been crucial to the BCC's success and is now central to how NIKE, Inc. supports community organizations overall.

Through the BCC, NIKE, Inc. has committed $8.6 million so far in its fiscal year 2024 to national and local organizations primarily focused in seven key U.S. cities: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis, New York City, Portland, Ore., and St. Louis. With the addition of its 2024 BCC grantees, NIKE, Inc. has supported more than 125 nonprofit organizations through the BCC and is on pace to fulfill its commitment of $40 million since its fiscal year 2021.

John Donahoe, President and CEO of NIKE, Inc., expresses pride in the company's work and commitment over the past four years. He acknowledges that without the passion, dedication, and hard work of the more than 125 grantees, the company's investments would not drive the impact they jointly aspire to have.

Looking ahead, NIKE, Inc. will continue to support leading organizations on the front lines of the fight for racial equity through their work on economic empowerment, education innovation, and social justice. At the local level, the company will focus on advancing social justice through sport, recognizing the power of sport to unlock potential for success beyond the game, particularly for young people. NIKE believes that greater participation in sport will create opportunities for inclusive communities to move forward on the path to progress in all aspects of life.

Over the next six years, Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand will continue to support Black-led national and local organizations doing important work on economic justice, education, social justice, and narrative change through the BCC.

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[hmgn3]

23-September 散財記録

02(sat) ・Branko Mataja / Over Fields and Mountains (2022, used LP) ・Hannah Peel & Paraorchestra / The Unfolding (2022, 2LP) ・DoomCannon / Renaissance (2022, LP) ・笹久保伸 / MOUNT ANALOGUE (2022, LP) ・rei harakami / 広い世界 と せまい世界 (2021, used cassette) ・Erika de Casier / The Sensational Remixes (2021, LP) ・NRQ / was here (2015, LP) ・ELEKTRO HUMANGEL / FOREVER AFTER (2009, LP) 03(sun) ・The Magic I.D. / Till My Breath Gives Out (2008, used LP) ・Zebrahead / Get Back (1998, used 7inch) ・Nash The Slash / Children of the Night (1981, used LP) ・古沢良治郎クァルテット / RACCO (1977, used LP) 07(thu) ・The Durutti Column / Without Mercy (1984, used LP) 16(sat) ・Decha / La Vida Te Busca (2021, used LP) ・Lol K / The Breeze (2020, used LP) ・Led Bib / It's Morning (2019, used LP) ・王舟 / don't hurt pride/Muzhhik (2018, used 7inch) ・Purity / Live in Los Angeles (2016, used LP) ・Michael Mantler / Something There (1983, used LP) 17(sun) ・スティーブジャクソン / おもいでCDR (2023, CD-R) ・滝沢朋恵 / 白い花 (2019, CD-R) ・tachyon / 笛 (2019, CD-R) 18(mon) ・Mugison / Sea Y (2004, used 12inch) ・The Notwist, Console, Klimek / Solo Swim (2004, used 12inch) ・The Notwist / Lichter (2003, used 12inch) 24(sun) ・MOON FACE BOYS / VAMOSU (2023, CD) ・Dos Monos / Larderello (2021, used LP) ・Arbre Du Ténéré / La Pelle Del Fantasma (2015, used LP) ・Urban Renewal Program (2002, used 12inch) ・Philip Glass / Koyaanisqatsi (1983, used LP) ・Jacques Kerrien / Jacques Kerrien Remembers (1977, used LP) 30(sat) ・Sirconical / Make The Music With Your Mouse (2000, used 10inch) ・Penguin Cafe Orchestra / Broadcasting From Home (1984, used LP)

#disc

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