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jbaileyfansite · 3 months

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Interview with Interview Magazine (2024)

Before he was known as the dashing Lord Anthony Bridgerton or Tim Laughlin, the character in Fellow Travelers for which he won a Critics Choice Award earlier this month, Jonathan Bailey caught the attention of Phoebe Waller-Bridge with his confident, self-possessed audition for her show Crashing nearly a decade ago. “You came in like a fireball,” said the Fleabag star on Zoom with Bailey, recounting how, while reading for the role of the sex-obsessed Sam, Bailey asked permission to lay his script out on the floor in front of him like a rainbow. “You had no embarrassment. You didn’t actually refer to it again, but you took those few seconds to just completely set up what you exactly needed for that audition, and then you were so free.” In the years since, with roles in Bridgerton, the Showtime drama Fellow Travelers, and the upcoming Wicked movie adaptation, Bailey has become one of the most sought-after actors in the business, capable of generating sparks with whoever’s on screen with him. Waller-Bridge attributes this to the 35-year-old’s distinct understanding of tension. “You’re like a chemistry machine,” she gushed. “There’s this incredible erotic energy that people are so excited about.” Last week, from a hotel room at Claridge’s in London, Bailey talked to Waller-Bridge about longing, orgasms, frosted tips, nostalgia, Shakespeare, and his very first role: playing a raindrop in a stage production of Noah’s Ark.

PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE: Hi.

JONATHAN BAILEY: Hi.

WALLER-BRIDGE: I’m taking my glasses off. Now I can be real.

BAILEY: I’ve just had a gin and tonic, actually. I had a meeting and he really wanted a glass of Whispering Angel, so I was like, “Well, I’ve got to dive in.”

WALLER-BRIDGE: What’s the time there?

BAILEY: Oh, I’m literally around the corner from you. Literally, I’ve come into Claridge’s Hotel and checked in for an hour just to have a Zoom.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Oh, god. That’s so chic. Jonny, I want all of your secrets.

BAILEY: I feel like you’ve got quite a few of them already.

WALLER-BRIDGE: I do, actually. And we’re not going to talk about any of those. But I did also get to do a little bit of research on you.

BAILEY: Oh, god. What have you got?

WALLER-BRIDGE: Jonathan Stewart Bailey, I’d like to jump straight in with the fact that the first professional job you had was playing a teardrop, or a raindrop?

BAILEY: There were teardrops, but yeah, I was playing a raindrop.

WALLER-BRIDGE: You were a crying raindrop.

BAILEY: A crying raindrop in Noah’s Ark.

WALLER-BRIDGE: And how old were you then?

BAILEY: I think I was about 5 going on 29. I was really upset because it didn’t rain. The bitch that played Noah, she forgot the cue for the rain to come. So my dance didn’t make it, but at the end of the show they allowed me to do it once everyone had applauded.

WALLER-BRIDGE: I asked you that specifically because you’ve also said that your grandmother took you to see a production of Oliver in London and that’s what changed everything.

BAILEY: Yes.

WALLER-BRIDGE: So was the raindrop before or after that? I am getting to something, I promise.

BAILEY: I think it was probably afterwards. I was really young when I went to see Oliver.

WALLER-BRIDGE: I’m interested because I read that seeing it made you decide you wanted to perform. Can you tell me the specific thing that made it click?

BAILEY: I’ll tell you, the most bizarre thing is that I had three seasons at the RSC under my belt by the age of nine. There was a moment where I played Prince Arthur, the kid in Shakespeare who gets his eyes gouged out and has to escape a turret. I remember doing that production and thinking I was aware of the power of words, if that makes sense. You’re so porous at that age, I think. It is such a gift, isn’t it, to be shown what iambic pentameter is.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Do you still feel passionate about Shakespeare now?

BAILEY: I do, actually. It’s my dirty, filthy habit.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Your dirty little habit. I know what you mean, though, how if you come to it quite raw, and it’s not something that you’ve had shoved down your throat at school, there is nothing more epic and spectacular.

BAILEY: And being around people who are just so committed to their vocation, whether they’re writing or creating. The smell backstage at the RSC at the Barbican was like cigarettes, stage makeup, Joe Fiennes, and hope.

WALLER-BRIDGE: That’s a lot of beautiful smells you’ve got going on there.

BAILEY: I know. Talk about top notes and bottom notes. I was like, “These men, these titans of theater!”

WALLER-BRIDGE: That’s extraordinary that you were exposed to that kind of level of professionalism. Because you are consummately professional, and I remember that. You have this incredible ability to be completely live and spontaneous and wild at the same time as being so incredibly professional, and that’s why working with you felt totally safe. I know that I’ve got a professional actor coming today, but I have absolutely no idea what’s going to happen because you still managed to keep that spontaneity and danger.

BAILEY: I suppose it’s sometimes dangerous. Today I had to do an interview. Crashing came up and I described working with you as being on the constant edge of an orgasm and also hysteria.

WALLER-BRIDGE: It did have a kind of wild, beautiful energy.

BAILEY: There’s a chemical alchemy when you get the right group of people led by the right people.

WALLER-BRIDGE: I haven’t had that in quite the same way since, where everyone has equal importance in the story. That’s the thing that feels quite rare, actually, there’s like six of you and they’re all as fucked up as each other. I remember your audition. You came in like a fireball and you already felt like you had a Sam energy. You sat in your chair, took out your script from your bag, and then you were like, “Give me a second,” and you laid out your script around you on the floor. You had no embarrassment about what you needed or in front of you. You didn’t actually refer to it again, but you took those few seconds to just completely set up what you exactly needed for that audition, and then you were so free. And I just wonder if you’ve felt that particular type of confidence your whole life?

BAILEY: That’s a really good question. I’ve got three older sisters and I wonder if they are a structure. I’ve definitely been in environments where I don’t feel free, and then you give the worst performance of your life. What I’ve found in the last few years is that, of course, you have to adapt so quickly to work out what you need in order to be able to be free. I think if I don’t have the equivalent of that on the floor, I panic or get really scared.

WALLER-BRIDGE: There’s something about that, which is being able to play dangerously in a safe environment. I feel like that’s got so much to do with an understanding of tension, which I think you have. You’re like a chemistry machine. Obviously, with Bridgerton and then in Fellow Travelers, there’s this incredible erotic energy that people are so excited about.

BAILEY: I really think it comes from Crashing.

WALLER-BRIDGE: It doesn’t come from Crashing, it comes from you. I think you’re the king of tension. I think you understand what that is.

BAILEY: I think you can give yourself butterflies, can’t you?

WALLER-BRIDGE: Is that what you’re looking for, the butterfly all the time?

BAILEY: Yeah, I’m always looking for my butterfly farm. The misty, slightly smelly greenhouse full of butterflies.

WALLER-BRIDGE: That’s your tummy?

BAILEY: Yeah, that’s my tummy.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Did you always dream of playing leading man roles growing up?

BAILEY: Not at all, no. I never thought I would be able to.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Why?

BAILEY: I’ve realized that I’m completely in awe of other people and performances and creative endeavors. I go to the theater and I love a performance and I’m like, “How do they do that? I can’t see the seams.” So therefore, I feel like I must be driven by that. And when something comes my way, there’s a fear that it won’t work.

WALLER-BRIDGE: What’s really exciting to me is when I see palpable dynamics between characters, which you have done multiple times, like the relationship between Tim and Hawk. There’s so much opportunity for intimacy and that kind of danger. And when you get to play those sorts of roles, when you know that you can stand in front of each other and you don’t really need to do anything because it��s giving you something, it must’ve just been a joy walking into this world because it’s like a banquet of stuff to play with, right?

BAILEY: Totally, and it feels sort of vital and sexy. I do remember this one memory, which I guess I’ll share with you now. I did play and there was a tiled wall,at eye level with a mirrored border around. And there was a guy, we were into each other, and I remember just looking up in the middle of a conversation and he was looking at me in a reflection. And I was like, “This is what life is about.” Anyway, I think that it must have something to do with feeling the most alive in that.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Do you know Esther Perel?

BAILEY: Yeah, I love Esther Perel.

WALLER-BRIDGE: So she’s written about how she believes that your next orgasm begins at the very end of your last one, which is basically our whole life just building up to our next orgasm.

BAILEY: That’s just fantastic. It’s just so positive and hopeful—

WALLER-BRIDGE: And so beautiful, isn’t it?

BAILEY: It is.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Everything that you encounter in your life, every conversation that you have, is in some way building up to the next euphoric physical experience. Every single character has to have that inside them one way or another, because every human does. And I think with Fellow Travelers, because you long for them so much as an audience and you want them to have everything that they want from each other, but they’re also brutal to themselves and to each other, there is something so extraordinary seeing characters in that time portrayed in the way that you guys have portrayed them.

BAILEY: One thing that we’re all born with is the sense of longing. Longing comes before anything else, doesn’t it? Whoever you put on the wall, laminate the poster or whatever, it’s there. And actually, if you long for someone, more often than not you don’t think you are worthy of it. And that, to me, is a way into characters.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Do you remember your laminated poster longing person?

BAILEY: I think I had the Simpsons, which was obviously me trying to disguise myself as much as possible. Lucy Liu was a big one for me, too.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Well, I can see that.

BAILEY: I suppose there’s the laminated wall in my literal bedroom and then there’s the laminated wall in my gay—

WALLER-BRIDGE: Mind.

BAILEY: Who was yours?

WALLER-BRIDGE: You know what? It’s really interesting, because I was the eagle in the Rescuers Down Under. That wasn’t necessarily a sexual longing, but it was a romantic idea, that overwhelming sense of watching the Rescuers Down Under and being able to run out of the back of my house on my own, age 10, and jump onto the back of a giant eagle and he’ll fly me around. But in terms of just a hottie that I really fancied, I think it was probably Leo [DiCaprio].

BAILEY: Oh, yeah.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Are you a nostalgic person?

BAILEY: Yes, I think so. I think a lot about my younger self. I’m always like, “Guys, remember this?” It’s slightly annoying, but I’m always drawing a line between the past and now for sure.

WALLER-BRIDGE: That’s how you measure your life, by remembering the time that’s gone by or what 11-year-old you would think of what you were doing?

BAILEY: I think I’m probably more romantic than nostalgic, if that makes sense.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Go on.

BAILEY: Well, I just think I’ve fully committed to the idea of everything being brilliant and then I work backwards from there.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Well, having starred in two hit period dramas and also being a huge part of the fact that they are a hit, that’s why I wondered about what your relationship is with the past and history, and how much you actually knew about McCarthy America?

BAILEY: Oh, no. Have you got a quiz?

WALLER-BRIDGE: I actually don’t. Do you want one?

BAILEY: No, that would be the worst.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Do you enjoy historical novels? Do you live in the past in any way in your mind? Or you are kind of like, “We’re here and we’re moving forward?”

BAILEY: I do think I’m here and moving forward. I really struggled with history at school, I could not take in information about the past. When it came to exams, I would remember the page where things were written but I couldn’t stitch together epochs and eras and kings.

WALLER-BRIDGE: It crashes my brain, too. I have a friend, and you can say to her, “June 24th, 1999,” and she can tell you pretty much what she was up to.

BAILEY: That’s amazing.

WALLER-BRIDGE: You can see her go into the diary in her mind. She has a very different wiring of her brain. But speaking of longing, are there any fictional or real life couples, gay or straight, that captured your heart over the years?

BAILEY: Oh my god, what a question. What about Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling in Blue Valentine?

WALLER-BRIDGE: I think Morticia and Gomez Addams were the most romantic couple.

BAILEY: Yeah, I see that.

WALLER-BRIDGE: They understood it. They got it all.

BAILEY: Also maybe Ryan and Marissa in The OC.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Any gay male couples that you ever looked up to or were romanced by?

BAILEY: Well unfortunately, there just weren’t that many were there growing up.

WALLER-BRIDGE: So wild.

BAILEY: But I met Matthew Rhys recently, who I just love. And I was thinking about that relationship in Brothers and Sisters. And then there was Queer as Folk. Russell, T. Davies changed the game. So many people owe so much to him just purely for visibility. There is no Tim and Hawk to a 2023 audience without Queer as Folk.

WALLER-BRIDGE: But did you feel frustrated?

BAILEY: Well, speaking of history, I was doing media studies with an amazing teacher and I decided that I was going to do my dissertation about the representations of Hutus and Tutsis and the Rwanda genocide, looking at Hotel Rwanda and Shooting Dogs. And then Brokeback Mountain came out and I was like, “Hang on, how can I possibly create a world where I can go and have a free pass to go to the cinema to watch it 10 times?” I’m really proud of my 17-year-old self, I wasn’t necessarily out, but I changed the topic to representation of homosexuality in Brokeback Mountain and I watched that film 10 times. And this amazing teacher, Dr. Brunton, who probably had an idea of what was going on, was just like, “This is brilliant, keep going, keep going.” And I think it was the best mark I ever got.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Do you still have it?

BAILEY: It must be on a hard drive upstairs in the attic. And obviously, that completely changed me, something chemical happened there. But it’s funny, I’m not clear on memories. And I do think it’s a common thing for a lot of people, growing up and having to survive and be basically in fight or flight, there’s a murkiness to how I recall.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Of course, because you couldn’t be truly present because you weren’t being completely yourself.

BAILEY: Totally, yeah.

WALLER-BRIDGE: When you look back and start unpacking it, do you feel overwhelmed with sympathy for how hard you were having to work as a 16-year-old, coming up with excuses to see the movie that you wanted to see?

BAILEY: Yeah. But I spent more time trying to be sympathetic towards the people that were around me who didn’t support or couldn’t help. I look back and I go, “Hell.”

WALLER-BRIDGE: Yes. But you are representing that and living that for so many people now. Your speech at the Critics Choice Awards the other day was so sublime and beautiful and straight from the heart. You are so electric as a human being and that is the most important thing. There aren’t many people in the world that can do that, that can stand there in front of people and speak from their heart about what it means to them to be given this opportunity. And I know that your career is just going to be the most extraordinary journey. When I first met you, I remember sitting with Josh [Cole], who was the producer on Crashing, and we were like, “If we get this guy, it’s going to be the game changer for the show.” And I know that every single person now wanting you on their project is feeling the same thing.

BAILEY: I definitely feel overwhelmed by that, but it’s lovely to hear.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Can I just ask you one question which I couldn’t remember about Crashing?

BAILEY: Yeah.

WALLER-BRIDGE: The frosted tips were your idea, wasn’t it?

BAILEY: I had this conversation today. I think it’s in the script. But my reference picture was Justin Timberlake in double denim.

WALLER-BRIDGE: No, I don’t think it was [in the script], because Sam’s a character that I hold closest to my heart because, in so many ways, he represents how I feel about maybe my inner life. I just love him so much, and your ability to play every single little corner of him that I dreamed of.

BAILEY: Maybe that’s the answer I was looking for when you asked if I was drawn to any romantic couples? No, it was just about wanting bleach blonde hair.

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#jonathan bailey #phoebe waller bridge #jonny bailey #interviews #interviews:2024 #interview magazine #interview magazine interview #fellow travelers #crashing #NEW!

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50centexecutivembaclass · 4 months

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I got 2018 GQ Man of the year honors shared with me as Henry Goulding thank you to him for accepting that award for us m I've been getting man of the year since 2015 - 2020 then got 2021 , 2022 that one I got from Jail , Time magazine man of the year 2022 shared honors with New York Yankees player Aaron Judge and named the 16th captain of New York City in New york city history thanks to the New York Yankees and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees 2022 all the while in prison I got those awards true story probably one of the first to get awards and bring the world toward me wherever I'm at and congratulations to my cannabis stores in New York City I sponsor them just pull up in your truck or Benz run in the store where Kay Jewelers was at Down Town Brooklyn New York and buy some weed run in the store get your sneakers from the Jordan store 🏬 then your clothes from Macy's and get you some good weed where the Kay Jewelers was at and do you brother enjoy yourself things are getting much better , anyway this is my schedule for 2024 and imagine a school that teaches these subjects from a black royal couple Jay Z and Beyonce the Carter family .

Roc Nation university

My 2024 daily schedule - Recording artist

school schedule on Roc Nation campus everywhere I go is there campus

My personal class schedule :

Operation management for dummies Small business for dummies Quality control for dummies Retail business kit for dummies Music business for dummies Home recording for dummies Management Branding for dummies

Class upon class and so much subjects to learn this year balanced with staying fresh and getting athletic , just learning academics and athletics after physical fitness training then working and recording music . I'm moving on from this page now hopefully helps everywhere that needs it this is my last post on my social media page .

This page is very true

Very true sponsored by Jay Z , Kanye West , Beyonce Knowles Carter and their daughter Blue Ivy and me their son the new son Allen Henry aka Free World Allah aka SIR we sponsor this page thank you it has been fun thanks .

You are welcome for my help on this page to the people MK Michael Drayton keep your career going we love the music and your style please keep us in tune your music is hot and I support it and I know your fans love your music you going platinum true story your music hot we friends for life love your old brother and friend we will always be brothers to each other friends congratulations on your wifey and all that you doing real good living good music good and stress out of your life he good music good greatest quotes about good old friend of mines , thanks for everything . I believe in sportsmanship playing the game fair I got my second chance and second stage let me play let me compete let me play my sport rap music is my sport and I got a second chance and second stage for it , congratulations to Vado and our mutual friend MK Michael Drayton making his way back to the stage and music recording booth player and coach for real I learned a lot from him when we grew up together his mother and aunts and cousins raised me where family and sometimes sadly that don't change I'm still family to our aunts , cousins , nephews and nieces all in Chicago and New York City and happy to see ESPN announce his return to the stage , music videos a d recording congratulations to Harlemites Cam'ron , Jim Jones , Dave East , MK and it is excluding me this season I'm going left with ROC Nation Jay ordered me to get my education my second chance at that getting my life together I finish that on time I get to play with my other teammates over there at Roc Nation , but congratulations to my old stomping grounds and them make it back to the front of the room and front of the stage and ESPN announcing it that is big congratulations now I go off in my journey and my process .

youtube

My story

A beautiful woman got my heart a couple of beautiful women got my heart I think you know them they are famous girls famous women , wish me luck with a good life I'm looking toward my curse being broken so I could do what I love record music either way I am going to record and perform music like my second stage said I rather just do it without this curse on me this voodoo hex I want them off me so olI could live my life in peace but I'm going ahead with my projects later this year and compete that is the only revenge or vengefulness I would of felt but I'm focus and see only good things about me my perspective is fixed about everything about me I finally love me and it is all because of God my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that is major putting God first in my life now it make life all the more better for me now thank you for letting me share that with you goodbye 🫂 and take care of yourself 💖 .

#Youtube

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coochiequeens · 25 days

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Women’s safety is more important than men's gender feelz

By Genevieve Gluck April 2, 2024

Recent landslide victories secured by a women’s football team with five trans-identified male players have sparked controversy, leading one club manager to reveal that at least 20 female players have excluded themselves from the sport in recent weeks in order to avoid competing against the men.

Frank Parisi, president of St. Patrick’s Football Club, spoke with Reduxx and revealed a range of problems that had arisen as a result of men playing in women’s football matches, as well as an incident in which a female player’s leg was broken in two places.

The Flying Bats Football Club in North West Sydney, Australia, has on its team five males who identify as transgender. The team was awarded a $1,000 prize after winning the North West Sydney League pre-season Beryl Ackroyd Cup on March 24, following a season of winning every game they played in the Women’s Premier League matches, 10-0.

As previously revealed by Reduxx, one of the five men on the women’s football team is trans activist Riley Dennis, who was previously accused of severely injuring women while participating on another women’s team. However, the problems created by the male players on The Flying Bats team aren’t limited to safety risks and fair sport for women. Female players have been self-excluding from the sport by the dozens, says Parisi, in order to avoid competing against the trans-identified men.

The information first came to light when an audio recording of Parisi speaking during a meeting on the evening of March 20 was leaked on social media.

The meeting, held at Christie Park, was organized by the Northwest Sydney Football Association in response to an informal discussion among football club presidents that had taken place three days prior. That initial gathering was convened on March 17 in order to address “concerns around how implausible it has become for any team to win against the Flying Bats as well as physical safety concerns.”

In the audio clip, Parisi can be heard describing an incident that took place “a couple of years” prior in which a female player was so severely injured by a trans-identified male player that she was no longer able to participate in the sport.

“A couple of year ago, one of the Flying Bats players broke one of our players’ legs in a game. It was a clumsy tackle from behind. Our player had her leg broken in two places and she’s no longer playing football. It was a direct result of a real bad, tall player… he didn’t get a red card. Accidents happen, but this could have been avoided,” Parisi said at the meeting.

“One of our players rushed over to try to help her, she was screaming in so much pain. At that time, she made a derogatory remark to the Bats player, which we apologized for. [She was] suspended. The Bats player, nothing happened to [him].” Parisi clarified that following this incident, the player was suspended from matches for a total of eight weeks. Parisi further revealed that 24 women had recently withdrawn their registration with his football club as a “direct result” of the possibility of competing in a match against the males on the Flying Bats team. “They’ve all said to me, ‘Frank, we do not want to play against the Bats players.’ I’m going to say it straight, there’s men playing in a women’s competition. And that’s wrong.”

Speaking with Reduxx, the president of St. Patrick’s Football Club confirmed that the player who had broken the female player’s leg was a male playing on a Flying Bats team in the 2022 season, but was unable to provide the personal identities of those involved. He emphasized that the male player could not have been Dennis, despite his history of injuring female opponents, as at the time he had not yet transferred to the Flying Bats from Inter Lions, and that the injury occurred in a different division.

Parisi also explained that of the total of 24 women who deregistered from the St. Patrick’s Football Club within the past several weeks, at least 20 stated that they had done so in response to becoming aware that they would be expected to play against The Flying Bats’ male team members.

“There’s a massive impact. I’m a very small club, we’ve only got seven teams in my club, and now I’ve lost both my women’s teams, and it was a direct result of members of The Flying Bats who were male playing in a female competition,” Parisi told Reduxx, though emphasizing that he was hopeful for an eventual resolution.

There are a total of at least nine trans-identified males playing football within the women’s leagues, “not just the five” in The Flying Bats Women’s Premier League, Parisi added, citing a comment made by another of the club presidents in attendance at the March 20 meeting.

According to regulations put forward by the North West Sydney Football Association (NWSFA), “players may register and participate on the basis of their gender identification.”

“This is not about the sexuality of the players, because I have had a lot of players on my team who are lesbians. So it’s got nothing to do with that. It’s the fact that there is a number of males… It’s more than five. And everyone is just remaining silent on this, and it’s just so wrong in so many ways.”

Last year, after winning a title, one of Parisi’s women’s teams turned down the opportunity to be promoted to the Women’s Premier League, the highest level before players can enter state-based competitions.

A Flying Bats Club Committee Member accepting a Fair Play award following the severe injury of a female player in 2022.

“Our girls played in Women’s All Age One, where there were no Flying Bats players. We then by winning that competition should have been promoted up to Women’s Premier League, and our girls rejected that. They didn’t want to play up in the women’s Premier League, because there was that Flying Bats team stacked full of male players.”

He continued: “I told the association, no, that I’ve lost a lot of players, and we can’t do that. They said, Okay, we’ll put you into All Age One, which is the next level down, a competition that we won last year.”

In 2022, the year in which a female player for St. Patrick’s FC had her leg broken by a trans-identified male associated with The Flying Bats, club president for the latter group, Jen Peden, was honored with a Fair Play award presented by the NWSFA – a fact announced to the club’s Facebook page with the comment, “We play nice.”

Last week, massive public outcry ensued after news broke of the five trans-identified players on the WPL Flying Bats team. In response, LGBTI Rights Australia, a Facebook community with over 250,000 followers, made a public statement mocking “TERF Nazis.”

“Congratulations to The Flying Bats Women’s Soccer Club who recently won the Beryl Ackroyd Cup! Transgender women have been proudly part of the Bats for 20 years, yet it took TERF Nazis up until this week to take notice,” reads the post. An image accompanying the statement is captioned, “To all the transphobes complaining, we suggest you train a bit harder.”

Flying Bats president Jen Peden told Daily Mail Australia last week: “As a club, the Flying Bats FC stand strongly for inclusion, and pride ourselves on safe, respectful and fair play, the promotion of a supportive community for LGBTQIA+ players, officials and supporters, and the significant physical, social and mental health benefits that participation in sport brings, especially to marginalized members of the LGBTQIA+ community. We are a club that values our cisgender and transgender players equally.”

She continued: “We strongly support the Australian Human Rights Commission’s guidelines for the inclusion of transgender and gender diverse people in sport.”

During the March 20 meeting, which was attended by CEO of Football NSW John Tsatsimas and convened by CEO of NWSF, Matthew Geracitano, attendees were told that a decision to boycott participation by forfeiting matches against The Flying Bats would result in “disciplinary action” being issued.

“If there was a concerted effort by teams to forfeit games against a particular opposition that would be viewed as an act of discrimination,” said Chris Salmon, Chair of the Board of Directors for NWSF. While incidents of discrimination are weighed on a case-by-case basis, possible penalties include suspensions, from as little as two months to two years.

Football Australia’s Anti-Discrimination Policy defines “excluding people on the basis of their sex and / or gender identity status from participation in a competitive sporting activity” as a prohibited form of discrimination.

#St. Patrick’s Football Club #The Flying Bats Football Club #North West Sydney #Australia #Riley Dennis #Save women's sports #Save Women's Sports Saturday #North West Sydney Football Association (NWSFA)#Biological sex is real gender is feeling #Australian Human Rights Commission #Football Australia’s Anti-Discrimination Policy

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katewritesthings · 3 months

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Love Me Like I Can // 2.5

Chapter 2.5 // Media Catch Up

@DianaMusic: @WhatYouKnead Bakery is the perfect way to start a Lazy Monday. Not an ad, just the best baked goods I've ever had.

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bizzyhayes: The best cinnamon rolls I’ve ever tasted! DianaFiana: Feet pics??? FOR FREE???? DIANA JANE! DiUpdates: 👀👀👀 IslaNg: I’ll have to check it out!

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February 15, 2024

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS NOMINEE CAUSE ONLINE STIR

Another year of the public voting for their favorite Pop Culture moments has come to an end meaning that the one and only People’s Choice Awards is this weekend. The awards show is the only one of its kind where the public votes to honor their favorite entertainment moments from the past year.

Since nominations were announced, the internet has been set ablaze with discourse around the nominees. The awards received positive feedback for being one of the few award shows this season to not only nominate Ryan Gosling for his role as Ken but Margot Robbie for her role as Barbie.

Nominations for the show Band Together have also stirred up controversy on the internet as of late. The show, which chronicles the day-to-day life of the band Bedford Scrolls, was nominated for “Best Reality TV Show of the Year” while one if its recurring cast members, Diana Hayes, was nominated for “Favorite Reality TV Star”.

These nominations caused discussion amongst fans for numerous reasons. Some fans of Bedford Scrolls claim that it is unfair that Diana is being nominated for Favorite Reality TV Star because she was never actually a main cast member.

@ConMeLew: idk why Diana got nominated for any TV awards? She was only in half the season and she’s not even in the band! @Scroll2Bedford: I’ve never met someone who got cheated on and suddenly just gets nominated for awards. Diana is milking it.

Fans of Diana disagree, with many fans saying that the only reason that Band Together was even nominated in the first place was because of Diana’s storyline.

@DianaFiana: y’all can play all you want, but lets be real. Would half of us even have watched this season of band together if it werent for Diana? @RnBGirly: i only ever watched the episodes she was in until the scandal was announced. Then i went back and Sherlock Holmes’d that shit

There is something that both sides can agree on, though: how awkward the ceremony is going to be with the entire band Bedford Scrolls and Diana confirmed to be in attendance.

Tune in Sunday Night to watch the events unfold!

-------------- New Stops Added to Diana Hayes' Upcoming Tour!

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Sorry this one is so short! Thank you so much for reading!

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Taglist: If you'd like to be added, let me know!

@therapycat21 @rd14 @wickedfun9 @toterry

#joe burrow #joe burrow fan fic #joe burrow fic #joey b #joe burrow x oc #lovemelikeican #diana hayes #joe burrow x diana hayes

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simplyclary · 4 months

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I Loved How Good You Looked: A TZP 2023 Fashion Wrap-Up (Part 1)

(Edit by yours truly)

In the world of fashion, every outfit tells a story, and 2023 has certainly been a memorable year for rising Hollywood star Taylor Zakhar Perez.

From his lead role in Amazon Prime's hit movie "Red, White and Royal Blue" to his unforgettable fits throughout the year, Taylor shows no signs of slowing down in both the acting world and the fashion world.

As 2023 comes to a close, it's time to take a glamorous stroll down the Taylor Zakhar Perez fashion memory lane! I'll unravel the variety of trends that graced the catwalks, adorned the red carpets, and became street-style staples.

This TZP fashion wrap-up promises a dazzling lineup of looks that defined the essence of elegance and daring creativity that made 2023 unforgettable, especially for Taylor and his ever growing fanbase.

Join me as I unwrap the fashion moments that left fans breathless, inspired, and utterly in love with the one and only Taylor Zakhar Perez.

So get comfortable, grab a drink and some snacks and let the fashion show begin..

Vanity Fair London- February 2023

Ahhh, look at how dashing he is in that black suit? Already slaying and it's only February!

Anyway, Taylor in this black ensemble is nothing but perfection. Also, the way that his hair was styled up and his clean-shaven look adds a bit of a pristine vibe to the overall look.

Give me Taylor in a black suit any day and you would just catch me swooning over it for the rest of the day.

Cyclops x Moncler Genius Show- February 2023

This is the lighter contrast to that of his look during Vanity Fair London, because instead of donning an all-black outfit, Taylor opted for more lighter colors like white, light blue and a dark(ish) aqua green shade.

For this event, he opted for a t-shirt with the name of the brand on it under a plaid flannel like shirt and dark aqua green pants that also has the brand's name on it.

The one thing that I didn't really like is the shades that he wore. It's too big for me and I would've preferred that he went without the shades. However, if he was going for an outer-space alien vibe with this look, I think he nailed it because those shades definitely looked like the eyes of an alien that's coming to invade or seek peace on Earth.

Versace Cruise 2024 Show- March 2023

This is one of Taylor's look that live rent-free in the minds of fans. I mean, how can it not? He looks so handsome.

This mesh tank top with leather pants is a combination that I never thought would work but it actually could, on Taylor at least. I love how his bits of jewelry added a bit of sparkle to the overall darkness of the outfit, similar to stars in the night sky.

I need Taylor to rock more outfits like this come 2024, because this look definitely had fans wanting more.

Green Carpet Fashion Awards-March 2023

I swear to the angels, this look is giving me real Rhysand vibes, and I'm not mad about that.

Just another all-black Taylor outfit for the year (trust me, I know you know this ain't the last all-black outfit he wore), and dang, he looks absolutely handsome. With the clean-shaven look and his hair that styled up, this is a vision of a Night Court prince right here.

Yep, I'm just here throwing out my fantasies, but it is what it is.

Woolmark Trip to Australia-March 2023

One of his memorable supply chain trips that he took to further understand the fabrics that go into the very clothes that people wear.

For the first photo, it was a good choice that he wore a sweater to Australia because he went there during the fall season in the country (which runs from March to May). It's also a good pop of color and compliments really well with the green of the grass (and the white of the sheep).

As for the second photo (which was taken when he was in one of the shops looking at fabrics), he wore a plain whitish-grey shirt underneath a navy blue blazer. It exudes simplicity with a dash of elegance. I also love how it was during this time that he made a custom-wool suit for himself.

I love a man who cares about the environment. Men like him are a rare breed nowadays.

BMW x Coachella- April 2023

Be honest with yourselves, when you look at this picture, what did you look at first? The scenery? The car? Or Taylor? It would be the third option, obviously.

This was a collaboration of BMW with the summer music festival Coachella and to have Taylor as a model for it is perfect because it's like mixing together adventure (with the car) and music & fun (I mean, that's one of the reasons people go to Coachella, right?), which sums up Taylor's personality in a way (adventurous and fun-loving).

For this, Taylor wore a summer look, with a white tank top underneath a black jacket with black shorts and green rubber shoes. I love how the green adds a touch of color to his overall neutral outfit. It's a simple combination but he makes it look like a masterpiece, if I'm being honest.

Ralph Lauren Event- April 2023

Taylor, why are you wearing gray? What do you have against color (Kidding..)

To be clear, I have nothing against the color gray. It's just not my first pick for a color. It comes off as dull and boring for me, but that's just my humble opinion.

For this event, Taylor wore a grey and white ensemble, with a gray shirt paired with a gray blazer and white pants. The overall look may lack color, but do admit that Taylor looks good in it (he looks good in whatever color he wears, to be completely honest).

International Woolmark Prize (IWP) Event- May 2023

Knowing Taylor, he would not pass up on an opportunity to advocate about fashion sustainability while still being fashionable himself, which I honestly love.

During this event with The Woolmark Company, he wore a navy blue ensemble, which is composed of a white tank top and a striped navy blue button-down that is layered by a navy blue coat. He completed his look with black loafers and a pair of necklaces, which add a little shine to his outfit. Again, a simple combination but on him, it looks like a masterpiece.

Take it from Taylor, folks. This is how you advocate for a good cause while also looking good yourself.

Prada (Spring/Summer 2024 Menswear Show)- June 2023

*This is also an excuse for me to post Taylor's unforgettable shirtless entrance photo*

The iconic Prada SS24 Show!! Taylor's fashion week debut (he said so himself during the "Get Ready With Me" video). He really said "this is my first fashion week so I gotta make it memorable". And it was memorable indeed, maybe more for the fans, but regardless, it was an iconic event.

Taylor's photos from this event was one of the first photos that I ever saw of him the moment I became a fan, and it will be one of those events that will forever live rent-free in my mind. I mean, how could I not? Look at the stunning assembly of looks he pulled off for the show. From stepping out of the car shirtless to wearing a white Prada tank top at the end of the day, he surely made the 2023 summer even hotter.

I also love how he made it a designer summer. Prada is a designer brand and then he combined it with some summer essentials like a white tank top and sunglasses. Personally, I love that theme.

Maybe Taylor will be able to beat this on 2024, if he gets invited to the Prada event again (I have faith that he will be).

Givenchy Event- June 2023

It's one fashion show after another, I take it. After Prada (or before, I'm not sure), it's Givenchy.

I got to be honest, this all-black jumpsuit outfit is not my favorite, but I'll make an exception because it's black which is one of my most favorite colors on Taylor. What I love about this is that he made the jumpsuit ensemble not too plain-looking by adding silver jewelry and sunglasses.

This is more of a practical look but hey, something that's both fashionable and functional is what people really look for nowadays.

Tag Heuer Event- July 2023

Let's be honest, it's not Taylor if there was no picture where he does the peace sign.

In this particular photo, I love how his outfit was the dark contrast to the light colors of his background and even to the very couch he's sitting on. His dark outfit is something I can see a warrior in a fairytale wear and I'm not one to complain about that.

This ensemble is something people can wear in the summertime, consider the varying degrees of heat that the summer season brings in every country during the summer months.

Miu Miu Event- July 2023

I would like to point out that this look is very similar to the one Taylor wore to the Tag Heuer event, only with a different brand, but I'll look past that, I guess.

With this look, it still has the summer vibes. I can see people wearing this type of outfit during the summer time where people often opt for sleeveless clothes.

Maybe pair this outfit with your favorite pair of sunglasses, get on a boat and go sailing off into the ocean with the sea breeze in your face and you'll have an unforgettable summer.

Red, White and Royal Blue Billboard Sighting and NYC Street Style- August 2023

Ahhh August, the month where Taylor was catapulted into even more fame (and also the month that I knew of him).

August was the month of the premiere of "Red, White and Royal Blue" where Taylor played his first lead role as Alex Claremont-Diaz. It also premiered in the middle of the 118-day SAG-AFTRA strike, so sadly, there was no red carpet event for the movie but Taylor had to show off his style one way or another.

In the first two photos, it's just Taylor casually walking in the streets but he still looks so good. In the first photo, he wore a blue-black ensemble (two of my favorite colors on him) and the second photo was a contrast to the somehow dark ensemble of the first photo because it shows him wearing a much lighter outfit, which includes a cream vest and green track pants with sneakers.

The third photo is special because it was when Taylor was in New York (Times Square to be exact) with his parents and they went to see the billboard that had the poster of RWRB on it. His outfit is a wool (or cotton) shirt with a mix of orange, brown, black and white colors paired with dark jeans. It was a more casual outfit as compared to the magnitude of what he saw on Times Square that night.

Aperol Spritz Event- August 2023

I suddenly want to have a drink with Taylor and just chill. I mean, don't we all?

With this event, Taylor wore a white tank top underneath a blue striped button-down with matching pants of the same design. I honestly love how the color of his outfit compliments the color of the drink (In art class, blue and orange are known to be complimentary colors because the darkness of blue makes the lightness of orange pop off).

The darkness of the grassy green background also makes Taylor stand out, especially with the angle of this photo, so this outfit is a yes from me. Plus the slightly tousled hair and the little scruff adds more to the chill vibe of the event.

Vogue World: London- September 2023

This was the event that cemented Taylor's status as a prince in my mind. As an avid fan of fairytale stories, his two looks during this event was how I sometimes imagine princes when I read.

The white top with the attached waistcoat and the flared bottoms gives me the vibes of what people in the olden eras of London would wear. Think Victorian/Edwardian era. The second look of the night was this sparkling sleeveless number which is also unforgettable and provided a good contrast to the pristine white top.

I would also like to note that the grey sleeveless top is cropped so a bit of midriff was shown but I'm not complaining since Taylor is cut and fit anyway. These two outfits were really fit for a handsome prince like Taylor who is off to a stunning night in London.

Burberry (Spring/Summer 2024, London Fashion Week)- September 2023

If there's one thing I'm sure about, it is the fact that Taylor will slay even the most common of clothing. In this event, he wore a trench coat that is almost like a raincoat over a plaid long sleeve. It could be a common outfit for people who experience the rainy weather more often, but Taylor rocks it like a masterpiece meant to be exhibited in a fashion show, which is also a lovely idea.

I don't adore this outfit as much as I do the others, but one of the things that I like about this one is the practicality of it. It's a trench coat that can be used as a raincoat if one does not have an umbrella on hand and the rain suddenly started pouring.

Another thing was the idea that Taylor went to London Fashion Week and it generated like the highest media value. Like, that is a record and I'm not mad that he was one of the reasons that happened.

London and Milan Street Style- September 2023

Taylor is one of those people who could make street style look absolutely stunning. He could wear like a super casual combination of clothes like jeans and sneakers but combine that with his charm and you get a photo of him walking the pedestrian lane as if it's a fashion runway or him standing outside of his hotel yet it's gonna look like he posed for a fashion magazine shoot.

His street style in between the gorgeous ensembles he wore attending fashion weeks in London and Milan had fans gasping. Why? Because he looks so good in them.

These are four of my favorite Taylor street-style looks because it’s style and comfort, casual and preppy at the same time. All his clothes look plain at best but it still has the element of shimmer because of his accessories like his signature necklaces and bracelets, which is always lovely to see.

Ferrari (Spring/Summer 2024)-September 2023

Taylor was in his Doctor Strange era during this fashion week and I was so here for that era. It also made me scream because if you don't know, Doctor Strange is one of my most favorite Marvel characters ever!

Taylor could've played a variant of the character because to me, he kind of pulled the reverse version of Doctor Strange. Instead of wearing an all-blue outfit like the character, Taylor wore a dark red turtleneck top with a set composed of a dark trench coat and pants. He kind of completed his Doctor Strange look with tousled dark locks and a bit of stubble.

Honestly speaking, he also gave me a bit of Sherlock Holmes vibes with the trench coat which I honestly love, because I love the Sherlock Holmes stories.

Other than the fact that I completely rambled and disassociated, this look gives immense fall vibes to me, and it's perfect for that chilly stroll around the city while drinking a cup of cocoa or a cup of pumpkin spice latte.

That's A Wrap....for now...

Well, due to the limited amount of images I can put on here, I'm gonna need to put a part 2 for this fashion wrap up. This only means that Taylor had so many good looks this year that this site couldn't keep up with the insane amount of photos (kidding!).

But anyway, here's a link to Part 2 of the TZP Fashion Wrap-Up, so head over there if you want to see more of Taylor's fashion for the year.

#taylor zakhar perez #red white and royal blue #rwrb #fashion show #fashion #style

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maximumwobblerbanditdonut · 23 days

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The honorary Grand Marshal, usually a famous Scottish personality. For 2024, the NYC Tartan Day Parade Grand Marshal was Dougray Scott Emmy Award-winning Scottish actor.

In the United States, 🇺🇸 the Senate declared it “Tartan Day” in 1998 to celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of Scottish Americans to the United States.

Air Vice-Marshal Marcus Grainger (Dougray Scott) Vigil season 2 BBC One.

Tartan Day on Saturday 6 April embodied the pride and passion of Scotland. In some locations, including the US and Canada, This date coincides with the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath – Scotland's own Declaration of Independence – which took place in 1320.

This document was a letter sent by Scottish nobles to Pope John XXII, declaring Scotland's independence from England

"It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom, for that alone which no honest man gives up but with life itself."

However, Tartan Day was founded in Nova Scotia 🇨🇦 as an annual celebration of Scottish culture and heritage and has become more popular each year. That’s right, it’s a Scottish holiday in Canada (one that, sadly, doesn’t justify a day off from work) and they are honoured to tell you a little trivia about the country they’re part of.

It’s the day when Canadians come together to celebrate Scottish heritage and Scottish independence by playing bagpipes, wearing kilts, eating haggis and drinking whisky. Scotland and Canada have enjoyed a special relationship for centuries, some of the connections that bind the two countries together.

Canada is home to approximately 4.7 million people who claim Scottish descent with blood running through their veins, and the ties that bind the two countries are just as strong as they have ever been, so it’s no wonder they dress so well in plaid.

The Day began in the late 1980s in Nova Scotia, when the provincial government made it official. The rest of Canada, seeing the incredible holiday that the Maritimers (along with New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, all bordering the Atlantic Ocean) celebrated each year on April 6, soon decided to join the party. As a holiday location, it has real potential. It’s still young and they hope to celebrate it bigger and better each year.

#tartanday #declarationofarbroath #scottish #albagubrath #nyctartanweek #DougrayScott #GrandMarshal #Maritimers #NewBrunswick #NovaScotia #PrinceEdwardIsland #emmyactor

Posted 7th April 2024

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elvisabutler · 1 year

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Hi! I have a request, if you're feeling inspired. So I've basically fallen in love with the entire Dove multiverse, and I'm a sucker for fluff. I was wondering if you had any happy/fluffy headcanons about an alternate universe pregnancy for Dove where they're together/there's no drama? I love how creative you've gotten with the different scenarios, and this is one that I feel would be so sweet. ❤️

hi anon! 🥹❤️ first off thank you so much for the request and falling in love with my little series/multiverse. it always warms my soul to see that because it was my first big thing and a lot of- feelings have gotten wrapped up in it ( guilt at not finishing it still among other things ) so i always feel extra special when people fall in love with it. second off, so here's the funny thing, what you want? that's actually their future. their future for their main timeline. everything else is the au. there's a hint of the whole it's priscilla's baby more than mine when she has her rough days but it's like a once in an every two year occurrence. but trust me this inspired me like nobody's business. so let us consider, shall we? and bless my soul i'm just gonna use they and she, we all know it's a reader fic but ya know.

content warning for pregnancy and mild descriptions of birth.

so consider. consider that the year after elvis is filming where they end up getting married after the press tour and he goes to film and she goes to film is just a no go on even trying for a baby.

consider even the therapists is like y'all are busy just you know, wait a bit.

dove is young anyway and austin is fine with waiting because she's it for him, he thinks.

so probably around let's say 2024, so post the oscars and that award season dove just sort of whispers in austin's ear.

"want to make you a real daddy. put our baby in a little onesie."

austin didn't actually realize that he wanted that as bad as he did until he spent the rest of that night trying to make it happen because he's felt it. he's felt how she doesn't have on her patch any more she's being serious.

but consider it still takes about a month or two and dove doesn't- dove doesn't quite notice at first that she's missed her period because she's on the set of a new movie and austin is doing something on broadway.

she goes to visit him and austin notices something different about her. notices how when he hugs her she hisses because her breasts are tender.

"dove are you pregnant?" "no, my period's probably coming." "when was your last one?" "last- oh."

he picks her up and twirls her around as best he can backstage.

they don't tell anyone until she's out of the first trimester, too worried something might happen but she handles it like a champ despite her morning sickness.

they both rearrange their schedules, warning agents and directors and everyone else that they won't be able to take any projects past probably their next one.

and they make an agreement to try and take the first year off their baby's life off together. because austin isn't going to leave dove hanging to take care of their newborn by herself.

speaking of, it is just one baby. it's a big baby because austin is a tall boy but it's just one which they're both thankful for because they couldn't have taken care of two at once.

"they're sure it's just one?" "yeah, just one very big baby." "so if i ever was to get you pregnant with twins-" "daddy. don't."

she has no morning sickness which is great for her but her cravings are intense. both for austin and for just food.

which is a problem for when he's still filming away from her and vice versa but they make it work with facetime and her showing him how her bump is growing.

"you look bigger than yesterday." "i am! i went to sleep and then our daughter announced her presence to everyone. costuming was so mad."

it's a girl, because austin deserves to have a girl first for he is a girl dad to a tee i will answer no questions on the matter.

when they see each other he cannot keep his hands off her stomach. not because he's possessive or anything weird. he just wants to protect his girls and touch his wife and daughter.

she has this baby shower that is this big production while also being small. basically they have it at baz's house because truly dove collects older gentleman to treat her like their actual child with him and her agents/managers.

everyone she cares about is invited and same with austin. it's a party that's a whole adventure but it's also very much an affair just for them.

coincidentally no one lets baz have a camera or a phone unsupervised post a few drinks and the party is private.

by about 8 months in they're both at home just getting ready for their daughter and painting the walls and the crib and folding the sea of clothes. there's elvis lyrics- the lyrics to are you lonesome tonight at the top of the wall along the whole perimeter of the room with can't help falling in love down on the bottom perimeter.

austin sings to the baby non stop. elvis, sometimes, but he sort of runs a gambit with the songs he chooses.

he also does an obscene amount of research into the baby supplies, the car seat, the crib, the bassinet, the merits of pacifiers, etc etc.

when dove goes into labor it's a comedy of errors in that she goes to sleep thinking everything is fine. she's still early for her due date. like a week, nothing major, the baby is done cooking. wakes up 3 hours later feeling like she needs to poop.

realizes about 2 hours in- oh, she's in labor. because bless her soul she does not realize when her body is telling her things like this.

austin is groggily woken up by her and falls back asleep after she tells him. only to wake up ten minutes later in shock.

"you're in labor." "i told you that ten minutes ago, daddy. you went back to sleep." "i didn't understand what you were saying!"

so they get to the hospital in one piece. somehow with austin driving which dove was unsure of and was about to drive herself before she bent over trying to open the door.

it's an 18 hour labor filled with her walking and generally trying to hurry the baby along and when it's time to have her, austin is right there watching and holding dove's leg when she's too tired to hold them up herself.

their daughter is screaming when she comes out and only quiets down when put in dove's arms as austin coos at both of them.

her name is loretta. shortened to lori.

her godmother is ashley because austin can't help himself.

her godfather is luke bracey because sometimes back in the day when austin wanted to be stupid dove would chill with polly and luke and just ignore her daddy until he came by and apologized in true elvis style.

the group facetime call to everyone someone how does not wake her up but hanging up somehow does.

she is the most spoiled little girl.

#little dove series #dove series #you read your lines so cleverly and never missed a cue #austin butler x priscilla actress reader #austin butler x reader #austin butler #austin butler fluff #austin butler headcanons #austin butler fanfiction #ally writes #whispers i'm so soft for them always.#and it's still happy and fluffy despite the name.

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moviecritc · 8 days

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part 2, from the start ⋆ oscar piastri series

pairing: oscar piastri x driver!oc (named Margo Castello)

tropes: childhood friends to lovers

summary: margo gets ready for the FIA event in Baku, meeting eyes with oscar for the first time in years

warnings: none

a/n: english is not my first language, sorry for the mistakes and poor storytelling.

masterlist | wattpad | letterboxd

part 2 of the from the start series

She had arrived in London the previous afternoon. It was already past one in the afternoon, and she had just woken up to a row of replicas of her trophies won in that championship, because the real ones had been kept by the team, to place on their shelf. She knew going to London wasn't a great idea, because in a few days she would have to rush to Baku for the FIA gala. But it was where she had her flat and her dog, a white chihuahua named McLovin, whom she hadn't seen in months.

She made herself breakfast; now that she had a bit of freedom to eat and drink what she wanted, she felt quite liberated. She had always struggled to stick to a diet, although now she was faced with the fear of eating something she shouldn't.

While having breakfast, she took a look at the Alfa Romeo profile. There were a few days left before they announced her as a driver for the 2024 season, along with her teammate, Zhou Guanyu.

She couldn't even believe it yet. After almost fifteen years in the industry, she was finally going to reach where she had been wanting to get for so long: Formula 1. She had given it her all and she had made it. She had fulfilled her dream, and that generated a strange sensation in her body. Plus, her best friend would also be around the paddock, as a reserve driver at Ferrari.

The only problem she saw was Oscar. Oscar fucking Piastri. Almost two years without exchanging a word or seeing each other. Sometimes Margo wondered what had gone through Oscar's mind the day he decided to leave her on read and stop seeing her stories, although he continued to follow her, probably to avoid causing a stir on social media.

But it burned inside her that her former best friend had become a complete stranger overnight. She tried not to talk about it with her friends; she was supposed to have gotten over it, she had cried a little for him, out of frustration, and had moved on with her life. But deep down, she still wanted to confront him and scream at him: Why?

・🫧・

Baku

She had jet lag, a lot of jet lag, but she still went to have breakfast with Zel and Théo Pourchaire. The three of them had achieved the top three positions in the championship and were in Baku to collect their prizes at the FIA gala.

"You showed up!" Zel exclaimed upon seeing her. They greeted each other with a kiss on the cheek, and then she fist-bumped Théo.

He had been her biggest competitor that season; because of him, several races had become more challenging, although not enough for her to lose the championship. Also, now that the season was over and they weren't working anymore, Théo was back to being the French guy who crashed into her in go-karts.

"Good morning to you too," she said to Zel, with a slight glare, although she quickly changed it to a calm smile.

"Isn't it amazing that we're here?" Théo commented, putting both hands on the table, with a glint of excitement in his eyes.

"Yeah," Zel agreed, before adding, "although I think Margo is a little nervous."

Margo, who was in the middle of a yawn, shut her mouth instantly.

"Why would I be?" she questioned, pointing to herself.

"Because of Oscar," Zel spoke, in a whisper.

Margo rolled her eyes exaggeratedly; Oscar would also be at the gala, to collect his Rookie of the Year award, even though it was the second time he had won it.

"Whatever," was all she said.

"Don't deny it!" Zel emphasized, with all the excitement in the world.

Théo looked at Margo with a curious look; she shook her head slightly to prevent him from asking questions she didn't feel like answering.

"Zel, I just want to pick up my trophy, celebrate it, and go back to London with my dog and my mom," Margo nodded, pressing her lips together.

"Aw, well," Zel made a face, taking a sip of her coffee.

Margo watched as her agent entered the dining room and walked to their table. "Girls, you need to start getting ready now."

They looked at each other and then at Théo with a little pity for leaving him alone. But he wrinkled his nose a bit and told them not to worry, that he would go to his room in a while.

Margo was the first to shower; meanwhile, the dresses for the gala had arrived, and the makeup artists would come in an hour. When she came out, Zel was lying on the bed on a video call with Logan.

"Logan! Tell your girlfriend to stop messing around and come help me!" Zel laughed, and Logan laughed a little too.

"We'll talk later, okay?" Zel said, blowing a kiss to the camera. "Bye, love."

"Bye, beautiful," came from the phone.

They hung up, and Zel got up under Margo's curious gaze.

"Why haven't you guys said 'I love you' to each other yet?" she asked.

Zel shrugged. "Can I help you with the dress?"

Margo didn't dwell on that question any longer, and they started getting ready. Her stylist had brought her a pink satin dress with a slit in the leg and white gloves. Zel had opted for a sleeveless white dress with black details and a bit of flare. They felt like complete princesses.

"Look at us, the next Alfa Romeo driver and the next Ferrari reserve driver," Zel said as they looked at themselves in the mirror.

Margo took a couple of photos in the mirror, with them posing. "I can't believe we'll be in Formula 1 next year."

"I can't believe you're going to reunite with Oscar," Zel said, with total excitement.

Margo rolled her eyes unpleasantly and left the bathroom. Shortly after, the makeup artists arrived, and they left them looking beautiful. Margo sent her mother a few photos of Jezebel and herself.

While waiting for the car to pick them up, they stayed in the room watching episodes of Community. It had been Margo's favorite series since she was little, and whenever she was a bit nervous, any episode of Community would calm her down, at least for twenty-one minutes.

The car arrived to pick them up very punctually; Théo met them in the elevator and praised their outfits. In the car, Margo's hands were already sweating; it would be her first contact with the Formula 1 champions that year. Margo had vague memories of watching Max Verstappen debut in the Australian Grand Prix in 2014, and since then, he had become her favorite. Knowing that she was going to compete against him after so long seemed like an incredible madness.

There were cameras everywhere, although they weren't the ones that the journalists wanted to take more photos of. All the journalists were waiting for the three Formula 1 champions to arrive, so Margo felt like the flashes of their cameras were only out of pure compassion.

First, on the small red carpet, they posed separately, but Margo quickly waved them to come closer, and Zel and Théo joined her, and they posed together.

Margo slightly turned her head to the left, exchanging glances with Oscar Piastri by mistake. Two years without seeing each other, and there he was, in a suit and waiting to pose after them. They looked at each other for a moment, and Margo could see a hint of a smile in Oscar's expression. She remained completely serious and turned her gaze back to the front, showing a smile that was now fake.

"Look. Oscar is on the carpet," Zel said, after leaving the camera area. She looked back again, but this time he didn't turn. He seemed a bit overwhelmed by the cameras, but she forced herself not to care.

Margo made an unpleasant face. "I don't care."

"Sure," Zel said, pursing her lips.

"I'm serious, damn it. I come to pick up my award and I'm leaving," Margo declared, putting her hands on her hips. "No, wait. I pick up my award and I'm going to the PREMA party to drink."

Zel burst out laughing, and when she turned around, Margo locked eyes with Oscar again, biting the inside of her cheek.

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pocima · 2 months

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My seasonal music highlights: winter 2024 🧣

Welcome to a new series of my silly music-blogging. Starting it because I want to regularly properly write about and describe the songs I enjoy, and to present my own candidates for the unofficial “song of the season” awards. I already started an annual fav list for albums/EPs and wanted something less major and more presentable as a little playlist, not really in particular order. Enjoy! Note that I kept the list one song per artist, most have incredible new releases outside of the ones focused on, these are just my picks for the season or my most played. And let me tell you, countless artists are dropping new music and projects left and right and I’m getting FED. This list alone is extremely abundant and we’re barely 2 full months into the year. The competition for this year’s personal favorite album spots and the highlights for the next seasons is about to be real tough. Can’t wait. (GIF source: MV for Cyberia by Meth Math.)

❅ winter again - 4s4ki

What better way to start a songs of the winter list than with THE anthem of this winter season? With her ability to not only pull off but absolutely excel at the different genres she incorporates into her music, 4s4ki simply never disappoints. She went into the studio with a mission to give the famous Last Christmas by Wham! a true successor and the mission was wonderfully accomplished. In this mellow 80s pop influenced track, she channels her inner Cocteau Twins (word to that one YouTube comment in the lyric video) while longing for a loved one that didn’t seem to stay by her side not even to have some canned coffee and bento this holiday season. Now I’m gonna channel my inner platonic delulu and say that it was released just on time, when I was discovering and especially feeling Boy Harsher’s alternative 80s inspired music (collab when?). Ironic how a self-described reverse Christmas song ended up doubling my winter spirits. She never fails to give me exactly what I need. I love this woman. (Big ups to Magic sword but as I mentioned I’m keeping the list one song per artist.)

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❅ 4eva - Shygirl feat. Empress Of

You know from my username that I’ve been loving what Shygirl has had to offer for quite a while now, and 4eva was my personal post-Nymph jam ever since I heard a snippet of it back in last September and neither the full studio version nor my intuition let me down. Shygirl’s rapping and Empress Of’s verse over the Kingdom-produced delicious wobbly synths indeed stay playing on my mind. Empress Of’s feature came as a tracklist surprise and I’m more grateful for it than I had expected. The jungle drums in the chorus, and honestly the structure of the song in general were unexpected to me as well, but nevertheless they took part in forming possibly my favorite dance track of 2024. Both the Club Shy EP and 4eva have secured firm spots in my favorites of the year.

❅ Deer Teeth - Sega Bodega

Father of music, first ever man in the music industry, smash hit sorcerer, my favorite producer of all time… However you may refer to Sega Bodega, you can always rely on him to create an entire universe in one record and take you there and back. With Deer Teeth, he tells a story of a sighting of a late mother laid to rest with her child in a swan’s wings along with 200 deer teeth (hence the song title), which brings with itself a tale of hope, sacrifice and eternity. With reversed and distorted vocals, the addition of Mayah Alkhateri’s siren-like voice and obviously Sega’s otherworldly production style, the tale transforms into a cinematic masterpiece in sound form. Extra note: perfect to fall asleep to in a road trip, tried and tested. Both Deer Teeth and his newer single Set Me Free, I’m an Animal are stunning masterpieces, and I know this will make my year-end album list real predictable but SB3 is the most solid candidate for the top spot as of right now. Save me Sega Bodega, save me…

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❅ Ex-Girlfriend - Erika de Casier feat. Shygirl

New slow R&B earworms drawing on different nostalgic genres couldn’t be more perfect for the chilly season, especially when they’re delivered by the one and only Erika de Casier. She has this ability to mix the best musical aspects of the near past (namely the 90s/00s) with her very own sensuality, freshness and uniqueness. Her soft vocals over a down-tempo R&B beat to match come after an orchestral, arguably dramatic intro and the melancholic, yearning yet cocky-ish tone is set. Shygirl’s deep, almost raspy voice always shines with slow, gloomy instrumentals (also seen in Lapdance from Asia by Cosha) and this track was no exception, matter of fact it’s now certainly one of my favorite features of hers. I will be returning to this song not only on the colder days of March, but the whole year, or rather until it’s wiped off existence completely.

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❅ Cyberia - Meth Math

Before the quirky experimental trio’s slightly overdue, highly anticipated debut album Chupetones (go give the best b-side Pócima a listen too), they released 4 singles and I was not at all aware beforehand of the release of the third one. Pressed play, was impressed, pressed the loop button and the rest (at least 80 plays within the first week) was history. The intro immediately catches your attention, and the descriptions of a sad-looking happily-dancing angel over toot sounds, ripping synths and bonking bass transition into happy hardcore perfection. The 3-second bit before the second chorus gets me the most, it’s like a minuscule break to slow down and reflect on the all the absurdity before resuming the alien dancefloor madness. This banger completes my Meth Math song holy trinity, which is now Tambaleo-Fantasía Final-Cyberia. Add Pócima into the mix if you wanna form the four horsemen. Whatever your personal favorite may be, we can all agree that Meth Math always come at us with excellence.

❅ dOpamine - OnlyOneOf

Hallelujah. We have finally reached an era where all lyOns can live in harmony and sleep in peace instead of fighting over title tracks and new lows for the group’s flaming hot garbage record label. Even their biggest haters (so-called “fans” with a strange superiority complex) were finally praising an OnlyOneOf title track, and with how good it really is I’d be admiring their dedication to hating their own faves if they didn’t. Anyway, dOpamine is one of their best, it really is. I’ve been hoping for them to get on the drum & bass train for quite a while now, and they did it with a bright, twinkling, breakbeat-incorporating twist. They don’t lazily dip their toes into dnb and breakcore and leave it at that though, the buildups and structure of the track stay fascinating and the bridge drifts (should I intend the pun?) into their gritty industrial side before the outro closing out the song on a vocally strong, passionate but never over-the-top note. While the whole mini is exquisite, the lead single ended up being my favorite. Simply put, OnlyOneOf never fail to deliver quality K-pop against all odds.

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❅ Sorbet - Kelela (LSDXOXO Remix)

The pre-release singles off of the RAVE:N remix album were all incredible just like its album tracks, however this gem is particularly lingering on me and my February mood. This spin on Sorbet encapsulates the AM club aspect of the project in one re-envisioned tune. Kelela and LSDXOXO, who produced and remixed numerous of her songs, reunite as a power duo to turn the dulcet, sedate Sorbet into a Eurodance-coded amped-up slapper that will get anyone moving. You can tell the song is DJ set opener material from when the first beat kick. The chorus melody sticks to your mind and the late night-like sonic experience becomes unforgettable. The special encounter requiring dim lighting is now set in a flashy rave scene. Completely flipped scenario yet everything makes perfect sense. All in all, Kelela’s vision for her dance records is 20/20 and LSDXOXO’s execution never leaves you hanging either.

❅ Fuetazo - Isabella Lovestory feat. Villano Antillano

Born to embody camp, forced… no, also born to be a hit maker. Isabella is undebatably one of the freshest, most outstanding figures of neoperreo and neoreggaeton, and her eccentric flare still comes through in a single as a (hopefully) pre-album snack. Fuetazo was released early into the season and closed out Isabella’s activities for the year. While the playful chorus introduces a whip that comes and goes, Villano Antillano mentions vacations and 42-inch weaves with her tone that meshes with the cheekiness of the track, and their chopped up vocal bits go back-and-forth in the outro. With the Chicken, Kamixlo and Dinamarca producer trio, the instrumentals can’t go wrong. The hard-hitting dembow drums and the lighter synths and other aspects of the song create a contrast that feels like a breeze, maybe more of a summer one even but a confidence booster gots to stay on rotation regardless of weather or temperature.

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❅ Messy Room - The Deep (+ mini EP review)

Had I postponed the release of my 2023 fave project list just a little, the Messy Room EP would have at least scored an honorable mention. For those who need a quick debrief: The Deep is an independent K-alternative artist whose discography radiates coziness and sweetness. Mayhaps I should say sugar, spice and everything nice. Taking part in the production of her music, creative direction and visual curation, she ticks all the boxes for the bedroom pop star that should’ve reached her target audience ages ago. While she’s taken inspiration from R&B and indie and still does, “resurfaced” genres such as UK garage, dnb and Jersey club are fairly newer additions to her range. I love all of these genres as you could tell and I adore the songs in which she uses them (got into her through the UKG bop Muah!), but surprisingly the track that glanced at her “roots” hooked me in the most. Maybe it’s because it contains the core “messy room” atmosphere of the EP, maybe it’s her soft vocals shining brightly, maybe it’s because she has the recipe to making a tune to unwind to. I hope this praise doesn’t sound like a jab at the rest of the EP because not a single skip is detected over there. In Brand New House and BAPPI, The Deep talks about deserving the luxuries and getting to the bag over garage and house beats. bow wow is about confidence despite troubles and annoyances, while 20’s is a self-reflection on the constant search for perfection and attempts to heal. The project is most definitely worth checking out if you want a bit of calm, refreshing new music, or if you’re looking for a multi-skilled artist to support.

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One line section (music I loved but honestly don’t have as much to say about, so I fit my thoughts into one line/sentence)

❆ Gold On Me: Mother ABRA is back and I’m definitely checking out Groupthink after this, now it’s time for the album innit 🍽️ (should’ve definitely written about this in more detail but maybe another time soz)

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❆ 4 noviosS: While everyone came to Club Shy to play, she entered with pen and paper and a goal.

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❆ Perdió Este Culo: I have to give flowers where they’re due, I wish the La Joia album had more quality of this level though. (However shoutout to Sexy, La Que No Se Mueva and Sin Carné.)

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❆ TYOSTAR: Can’t tell if their music is aimed at dudebros (disgustingly irritating audience) or hyperpop girlies (slightly less irritating audience) but they scored a night ride hit either way, definitely one of Starkids’ finest to date.

Thankies for getting here, and shoutout to @chuuuvi for pretty much directly fueling my writing process and inspo and @a-moth-to-the-light for inspo as well 😁

#keyboard.com #finally writing again yippee #bro spring’s highlight list already has 3 definite entries. it’s the first day of March. the food is too good #4s4ki #shygirl #empress of #sega bodega #erika de casier #meth math #onlyoneof #kelela #lsdxoxo #isabella lovestory #villano antillano #the deep #me when 2024

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alyjojo · 4 months

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New Year Reading for 2024! 🌟 - Gemini

Preshuffle: The main energy that came out for you was 9 Pentacles & The Lovers. This is someone independent, self-sufficient, perfectly content on their own, and financially stable enough to cover necessary expenses *and then some*. Doing very well for yourself. The rest of the energy was split. Some of you are likely dating around, multiple people. Some of you are putting a lot of effort into your career and may receive fast news or an offer of some kind related to this, feels really good, a promotion, a bonus, some extra perks. Some of you may be falling for a friend you probably already have some kind of feelings for, those keep growing. And some could be invited to spontaneous events or fun occasions with friends (a wedding?) where you meet someone with real potential. Everything feels really positive here, but it’s a mixed bag 💯

Meditation: There was a large wreath above your door, that opened up and spilled confetti when I stood under it. Opening the door, you became Marilyn Monroe (I think she was a Gemini?), confetti 🎊 flying everywhere still, and you’re being cheered for by a whole audience of people. Rushing up to someone to accept a scepter and a crown, you’re thanking everyone profusely. Your/her? vibe can only be described as overjoyed, with a smile so wide it’s contagious. It could be a beauty pageant, prom/homecoming Queen/King, acting, a costume contest even, an award - you’re popular and loved by many, being recognized for *something*. I’m not sure if the wreath/confetti shows the holiday season, or just after the New Year. It could be your year ✨

🔸 Whole of Your Energy: Queen of Cups & Page of Wands rev

Regarding: 3 Pentacles

I’m hoping the preshuffle & meditations are what’s to come, positive messages to inspire you to keep going. Because I’m getting you’ve been through it, probably continuing to go through it after a major loss of some kind - what that is will differ for everyone. Relationships, job losses, dreams on some level, deaths in the family - The Guide speaks of inheritance, both literally and spiritually. “It’s up to you now.” This bell 🔔 The Guide carries changes hands, to you, like a rite of passage. I was not expecting this to be so deep, I’m feeling very emotional and can’t explain it. Loss could be attached to this.

Queen of Cups feels thing very deeply, the love that she has for those around her is not comparable to anything else, she gives all she has and then some. That’s actually her challenge, she can be an over-giver, and I’ve seen 6 Pentacles make an appearance at the bottom of several of these rows, over giving is something that’s being addressed this year. For your own sake. Or someone else’s. She’s connected to something that was a dream, *the* dream, it inspired you, lit the fire under your bum, this made you feel like you had PURPOSE, meaning, this was everything. It could be anything. Now either this Queen is someone else that will not cooperate with you anymore, or in order to make this dream real - or you need cooperation from others, and can’t find it. You feel like your dreams are dying, or have left with someone else, something you had hoped for, something probably outside of your control. Whatever this is/was meant a lot to you, you genuinely loved this - person, idea, passion, job, etc., and you’re having to leave it behind. Judgement rev can indicate “no return”, no repeats, there is no fixing something, you simply have to keep moving. The Star at the bottom shows healing, the light in the dark moving you down your path - one The Guide shows is inherited in some case, and though there is clearly some sadness around this situation, there will be healing too. There could be a note here about generational curses, if your life looks eerily similar to a parent’s/family member’s, it’s meant to be that way, and you could be the one “chosen” to break whatever “curse” this is referring to.

🔸 Character Oracle: The Guide 🔔

Everyone gathers for the ceremony, where a bell rings, and a new Guide has been chosen. Their position has been inherited, their path here has been predestined, and their role is to correct the mistakes of their predecessors, to set things right again. It’s not an ideal situation, whatever this is, but you must work through this time period and keep going. Once you’re on the other side, you will have gained more perspective about the lessons learned, but for now there’s nothing to do but make the most of it and accept the cards you’ve been dealt. Things will continue changing as you go.

🔸 Relationship: 3 Swords & 6 Pentacles

Regarding: 9 Cups rev

Either someone has broken your heart or you’ve broken theirs, you could be on either side of this issue. The main energy is repeated here, Queen of Cups, but here (again) she has a broken heart - 3 Swords. Someone was indulgent & out to please themselves, someone may have acted passionately or spontaneously, someone may have been a player, or just unreliable and non-committal, immature energy. Some of you have been this person and now regret it, because this Queen is leaving, she has to take care of herself, her own heart, and stop giving so much to others. Or you are this Queen, it’s the first card out in your main energy, signaling it’s the most important, I feel most of you are this person.

The sadness lies in how much TIME was given to this. Or maybe how long you were unaware of this in the first place, some of you couldn’t have known. Someone may have had a difficult family dynamic at home and was giving to other things, 9 Cups rev can also refer to drugs & alcohol abuse and heartbreaking situations related to that, actions they’ve been taken under the influence. Much of this feels outside of your control - 3 Swords indicates you, a person, and some other thing that’s the problem between you. One person may give too much, and the other just takes and takes, they may even be unconscious to their own behavior, which leaves you in a very difficult position. Main energy shows you can’t keep doing this, you will leave. Or they will. It’s not balanced, and if leaving is involved I’m sure everything was attempted before coming to that solution. I don’t get the problem being “new”, you’re just finally putting your foot down. Separately, the topic of inheritances keeps making an appearance with The Guide, you or your person may have to deal with another family member that’s unreliable or into unsavory things, possible addictions, causing problems with an inheritance during an already difficult time. If not an inheritance, same situation - different lane. Someone’s sibling, child, uncle, you name it, there is heartbreak around this, you could be making yourself very clear on “this stops now”, like you’ve done enough. Or they have.

If this is you, some of you could be on the other side of this situation now…you were that person, and it never made you happy, or it doesn’t now. You could be seeing the situation from the perspective of another person, maybe your person, your child, or something eerily similar (it’s meant to be that way), and it breaks your heart. Not everyone will be breaking up of course, but for some it’s inevitable, and probably known. Boundaries will be enforced, enough is enough, for some that includes leaving.

🔸 Singles: 10 Wands rev & 4 Swords

Regarding: 8 Wands

Those of you breaking up, newly single, I don’t see you in any rush to move onto the next thing. You’re healing, and doing what’s best for you. Assuming you’re this Queen of Cups, she appears at the bottom again, she has to fill her own cup before she can offer it to someone else. Making yourself feel loved, something has completely drained you of this feeling and it’s going to take some to refill.

For others, there are a lot of different options, you’re probably talking to a lot of different people, not really committing to any just yet. If anything, you could get into a tussle with some of them for “ghosting” or not responding in time, and I’m getting you’re not even doing that, you’re working 💯 Or sleeping. You gotta live your life too, take care of yourself! Some of these options could be Stage 5 clingers. Or they’re really into you, but more than you are into them. Justice is here with Ace of Swords, very powerful Swords energy, if it’s not for you, just say so and end it. Don’t worry about how you come off or their response, you can be nice but just “I’m sorry, this just isn’t for me, it was nice meeting you.” That will do. It’s possible someone drives you bonkers (or several), like your phone is blowing up constantlyyyy. If you want it though, you’ve definitely got it 🧡 Spirit won’t give me a particular person/card that stands out though.

Singles Oracle:

71 Free Associate

Allow the first thing that comes into your mind without self-censorship to bestow a vision upon you.

🔸 Career: King of Pentacles & Judgement rev

Regarding: Death

I’m seeing this as separate from the rest of your life, where some may see Death and feel freaked out, I see this as very positive. Whatever pain you’re experiencing, whatever endings have occurred, you’re getting a reprieve from these heavy emotions while at work. A small portion of you may leave a job - it’s the job that’s the issue for you, and if so there are no regrets, you’re happy to move onto other things. You could even be saying “fk you” as you exit the place, leaving feels like a win.

For most I see you as this King of Pentacles, doing very well financially, you could be a leader wherever you work, someone highly respected. Some of you may even be getting recognition or being promoted with 6 Wands here, and if so it’s like you’re the OBVIOUS choice, there is no room for argument. Of course Gemini is going to get it, they’re the next in line, and again I see a scepter being handed to you, a scepter could mean something in particular? You could be having bosses retire, pass away even, step down, leave in some way, and you’re the next one to rise up and fill this person’s shoes. Where The Guide doesn’t resonate for family traumas & the like, it’ll resonate much more for career, and *this* is where I’m seeing a lot of celebratory energy, you’re winning. Some of you could be proving naysayers wrong, and privately celebrating that. “They thought I couldn’t xyz, look at me now.” Beautiful energy 🎉

Those tangled up with family or relationship issues are very successful generally, but probably have other things on your mind, and are happy coasting along where you are for now. Still possibly receiving some kind of recognition or reward, you’ve been going through a lot elsewhere and work is where you go to heal, it keeps your mind on the present & helps you move past…the past.

Career Oracle:

80 Go Deeper

Expressing the deeper meanings in life, while staying attuned to childlike wonder, is at the heart of all great art.

🔸 What needs to be left behind in 2023: Page of Pentacles & 9 Swords

Regarding: Queen of Swords

The first thing I got was if you’re someone that apologizes all of the time for no reason, that could be a trauma response or something learned…you don’t have to be sorry for doing what’s best for yourself, separating yourself from mental anguish, confusion, or any other painful situation. Nor should anyone else. What’s necessary is necessary. If you’re obsessively worried and upset whether someone will overcome addictions or any other destructive thing in their lives, you have to release this - for your own sake. Anything that confuses you, keeps you up at night, worries you or plays in your mind over and over again, you have to take practical steps to *consciously* not do that anymore. Don’t give it your time or mental space. Queen of Cups, you have to love yourself, focus on you, treat yourself how you should be treated first, then you know what it looks like when someone else tries…and either succeeds or fails, you’ll know. If someone else has left and you cannot figure out how they’re “just fine” without you…you have to stop caring. That was last year’s problem. Because they’re Knight of Wands rev, for many of you, they don’t know what the hell to do with a Queen of Cups level of emotions. Or maturity. Or real love. For the majority, this can simply be saying - heal yourself. If you know something is going to trigger upset, don’t do that thing, do happy things. Allow yourself space to process and know when to cut it off, go outside, do other things, distract your mind. Some of you could have wanted to apologize but don’t see that whoever you’re apologizing to has already healed. If that’s switched, you may want an apology, but know it couldn’t go beyond that anyway…would they even? Do they even fully get it? Probably not. It just needs release. Meditation apps, yoga & different exercises to help calm the mind would benefit you.

88888 is a positive message beginning with The Star, this is your path being illuminated for you, but first you have to leave something behind (or be left). After the actions are taken, new doors will open up for you, you’ll process this & heal. Free Associate & The Star can be your intuition both trying to tell you or show you the right path. You just have to move towards it, heal, and not overthink it too much. 8’s are action, after the deliberation and confusion of 7’s, 8’s are where we have to apply some kind of effort to reach a destination. Acting in your own best interest.

Astrological Shifts in 2023 (for Risings):

Jan 01 - Mercury direct in Sag

Jan 21 - Pluto enters Aqu (again) - 9th 😇

Feb 14 - Mars conj. Pluto Aquarius - 9th 😇 - intense & powerful drives towards education, information, foreign cultures, travel, and spirituality. Could be flying off to Paris for Valentine’s Day if you’re in a relationship, traveling, or you’re just more focused on furthering your education & understanding of all things. Could get obsessive, irritable, or paranoid, take breaks from any rabbit holes or studying.

Mar 09 - Mars Aqua squares Uranus Tau at 5:55 P.M. - likely a day of conflict - 9th 😇 vs. 12th 😵‍💫, could be spiritually based or someone’s beliefs/traditions may clash with yours, you’re easily triggered right now, could be experiencing deeply personal spiritual events around this time

Mar 21 - Venus conj Saturn Pis - love & boundaries go hand in hand

Mar 25 - Lunar Eclipse in Lib - 5th 🎉

Apr 01 - Mercury retrogrades Ari - 11th 🤝 social media, friends and associations may get under your skin at this time or there can be issues with tech gadgets of any form

Apr 08 - Solar Eclipse in Ari - continued lessons from the nodes throughout this year, issues between masculine/feminine likely, father/mother, action/reception, others/self

Apr 24 - Mercury direct

May 18 - Venus conj Uranus & Sun conj Jupiter, all in Taurus - 12th 😵‍💫 likely brings light to your mental state, triggers, wounds, enemies, things that are usually in the dark come to light, could be in a dream or via some spiritual experience - for your benefit

May 25 - Jupiter enters Gem - 1st 🫵 a very positive transit for you, you’re lucky in all ventures and have a gift for winning others over to your side in almost anything. If you’ve been waiting for a right time for anything, it’s during this transit 💯 Be careful of things being too much, eating, spending, partying, drinking, Jupiter expands all things, usually in good ways, but it overindulges too.

May 29 - Mars conj Chiron Ari @ 22’ - 11th 🤝 addressing pain related to friends, networking, social media, may be taking a break from these things or doing something about it, be careful you aren’t the one on the attack

June 29 - Lilith enters Lib - 5th 🎉 Only felt with close aspects, or synastry, this is a placement of temptation 💋 of all taboo & sexual varieties, gambling, partying, games, art, music, the fun side of The Devil so to speak. Dating and sex are definitely highlighted, but may just be casual flings, unless more long lasting placements exist, things are likely to heat up 🔥 or you’re being tempted by the dark side, or “darker” interests than usual 😈

July 06 - Venus Can square Chiron Ari - 2nd 💰 vs. 11th 🤝 - issues with social media vs. your self esteem and self worth is what I’m getting here, don’t compare yourself to anyone, everyone has a different purpose, path, goals, priorities, and no one is “right”, also be careful of judging others based on your own values - use compassion when you can

Aug 04 - Mercury retrogrades Vir-Leo - 4th 🏡 and 3rd 🗣️ could see issues with siblings specifically, along with the rest of your family, possible disagreements or misunderstandings

Aug 19 - Venus Vir opposes Saturn Pis & Jupiter Gem squares both - T square of 4th 🏡, 10th 🔨, and 1st 🫵 could be showing a battle of work vs home with you caught in the middle - or the instigator, boundaries or schedules may need to be set or enforced regarding these things

Aug 27 - Mercury direct Leo

Sept 01 - Pluto enters Cap (last time) - 8th ☠️

Sept 16 - Venus Lib opposes Chiron Ari @ 22’ - 5th 🎉 vs. 11th 🤝 - not a fan of the degree being 22’, involves or addresses pain with children, hobbies, interests, social media and friends, some of you just need some new friends fr, a purge may be necessary, you’re looking to find your tribe for current you, with your current interests, you’ve changed, follow who/what uplifts you

Sept 17 - Partial Lunar Eclipse Pis - 10th 🔨, preparing for the nodes to shift next year

Oct 02 - Solar Eclipse Lib - 5th 🎉

Nov 19 - Pluto enters Aqu (for good) - 9th 😇

Nov 25 - Mercury retrogrades Sag - 7th ❤️ be patient with partners and close connections, misunderstandings and issues are likely

Dec 06 - Mars retrogrades Leo - 3rd 🗣️ could be reevaluating your neighborhood, old beliefs, old friends from childhood, the old you vs the more evolved you currently, some of you may benefit from studying a progression chart bs your regular birth chart, it can show your changes more blatantly

Dec 15 - Mercury direct Sag

Dec 24 - Jupiter Gem squares Saturn Pis - 1st 🫵 vs. 10th 🔨 - you may wonder if you’ve outgrown your work, your friends, your beliefs, even the conflicts seem to do with growth in yourself and things not changing as you do, you can’t expect them to, this all may be describing a spiritual awakening for some, an identity crisis for others, all of your issues seem to have a deeper meaning to them, it’s a time of transition. Pluto 9th feels very positive for you, this year is like the first step in a long string of positive change 💖 First. What isn’t working anymore? Blame you, not them, and growth is good, not bad.

#Gemini #Gemini rising #new year tarot reading #2024 tarot #Gemini 2024 reading #new year reading #2024 #predictions #astrology #tarot #astroblr #tarotblr #2024 readings #horoscope #Gemini 2024 horoscope

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conjectureand-gloom · 4 months

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“and with that, the 2023 season comes to an end…”

it's amazing how much can change in one year. 12 months. 365 days. that's... really not that long. but yet, so much has happened in this time.

i fully dedicated myself to my life long dream- begin posting fanfiction. this was probably one of my best decisions i ever made. i've made new friends, both online in fandom, and in real life. i spent time with family, and grew closer to my older sister. i went to my first concert, and started listening to music more, developing my own music taste. i moved up to a more advanced martial arts class, and completed a school musical. danced in the rain, sung karaoke. i asked out my crush and best friend, who proceeded to tell everybody that we were never together just a few weeks later. i lost that whole friend group, but grew much closer to a better group of people. had a goal to start caring more about life, but... well... maybe i need some work on letting go of some more difficult parts.

i went through one of the hardest and darkest times in my life, but i survived and ended up the happiest i have been in many years.

and i cannot say how glad i am that i did survive it all.

i got a partner, who i fell absolutely head over heels in love with, and is literally my everything, and i love so fucking much (and i really miss like it HURTS i need to see you again my love)

i grew closer to friends who i can talk to, and who seem to actually care.

i grew a lot more confident in martial arts, getting the most improved award.

and improved in my writing abilities.

everything somehow came together and worked out.

and i hope i can continue to grow in 2024, and put an end to my years long streak of having pretty shitty years (it’s been 4 years i’m so sick of this lmao please end this streak)

also i purposely didn’t tick the checkpoints for whether i’ve lost/gained weight, because my weight doesn’t matter and shouldn’t be a factor in my year. you aren’t your weight <3

#2023 #2024 #year review #year reflection #personal #akeyla ml #this year has been absolutely insane holy shit #ALSO AHAHAHA IM IN A WHOLE DIFFERENT YEAR FROM YALL AMERICANS #i’ll let you guys know how 2024 is

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booksandabeer · 3 months

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TV Round-Up | Jan-Feb 2024

One of my "goals" this year is to keep better track of things I read/watch/listen to (well, other than fanfic) because I'm getting old and forgetful and there's just so much stuff. And isn't this what ✨blogs✨ are for? Due to The Worst Flu in the History of the World, I've been watching a lot of TV recently, so let's start with that:

Barry | Started watching this on a whim about a week ago, am now already on season four and completely losing my mind over it. Why the fuck did no one tell me how good this show is? I mean, I know a lot of people love it and it has received a fair amount of critical praise and awards attention, but that in no way prepared me for just *how* good it is. It's unlike anything else I've ever watched; I wouldn't even know what to compare it to. Maybe Breaking Bad /Better Call Saul, but not because it's thematically or even tonally similar, but because, just like with the Gilligan shows, you never know what the fuck is going to happen next. It takes some WILD swings but until now every single one has landed for me. Season one was very entertaining, season two really hooked me, and season three was mind-blowingly good: It's the showrunners—and the show itself—slowly turning towards the audience until they're looking them right in the eye, and going 'See? This is what we’ve been doing all along. You felt safe in the assumption that this is a comedy, but really, none of this was ever truly funny to begin with; you simply chose to laugh about it. And what does that say about you?' MASTERFUL.

Masters of the Air | Given that I'm a Band of Brothers superfan, I'm the primary target audience for this...and yet, 4 episodes in, I cannot muster up more of a reaction than 'eh, it's fine?' The first warning that this would be a bit of a disappointment came in the form of the overlong opening credits sequence, which is dripping with patriotic kitsch (and yeah, if you already thought that was one of BoB's flaws, believe me, you are not prepared for this). Everything is too clean, too glossy, there's an artificial sheen and a flatness to it that prevents any real immersion into the story. It doesn't help that I do not for a single second buy baby-faced Austin Butler (still doing the Elvis voice!) as a tough USAF major, leading his men into aerial battle. Callum Turner and Barry Keoghan are slightly more convincing in their roles, but it's all giving 'Boyband Goes to War.'

The Curse | I've watched four (?) episodes of this now and I'm not sure if I'm going to stick with it. It's not a bad show at all, but essentially, it's the Succession problem for me all over again. Just like Succession, The Curse is very well acted, produced and directed; it's sharp and funny in that relentless 'secondhand embarrassment' way that you either love or hate (and I don't love it), but in the end, it's a show about terrible people doing terrible things to themselves, each other, and—because they have so much money and power—to the world at large. And I just don't know that I have the energy or the desire to watch them do it for 10 hours—especially when it's often presented in such an irritatingly smug way.

True Detective: Night Country | This is a bit of a weird one. There are a lot of things that I like about this season. The two female leads radiate with impressive presence individually and have great chemistry together; the set design feels both authentic and telegenic; there are brilliantly staged atmospheric and/or body horror sequences (I love The Corpsicle!). And yet there are also a lot of things that don't really come together for me; subplots or characters where I'm left to wonder why they were included at all? Like, Christopher Eccleston, good to see you sir, but why are you even on this show? Everything hinges on the final episode which will (hopefully) reveal that a lot of the elements that are not quite working for me now were in fact not evidence of bad writing, but instead either clever misdirections or hints towards an explanation that is both surprising and satisfying. I sure hope for the latter.

The Fall of the House of Usher | Look, there's no nice way to say this, so I'll just say it: I hated this. It's silly, trashy tv masquerading as a prestige drama. It certainly looks expensive and it has some good or at least beloved actors in it, and...yeah, no that's all I got on the positive side. Not to bring up Succession again, but it really felt like the brief here was 'Succession but dumber and with more gore and sex and mystery!' I made it through 2.5 episodes before admitting to myself that I didn't care about any of the characters and was almost spectacularly uninterested in the central mystery. This was the second TV show that I've started watching based solely on one (1) tumblr gif-set. Unfortunately, it was not nearly the delightful surprise that IWTV turned out to be.

_____________________

Back in early January, I also finished the fifth season of Fargo (excellent performances by Juno Temple and Jon Hamm; overall very good season even if some of the narrative threads felt unresolved; the puppet theater sequence remains an absolute highlight) as well as the third season of Slow Horses (just highly entertaining spy tv; Unlike its protagonists, everything about this show exudes competence and yet no one seems to take themselves too seriously. Kristin Scott Thomas as "Darth Tavener" is magnificent—as is her character's wardrobe. I love this show and I hope they'll renew it forever.)

#tv ramblings #tv round-up

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bearterritory · 5 months

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Bears Three-Peat For Third Time

Papanikolaou Wins MVP As Cal Claims 17th National Title

LOS ANGELES – They didn't want to talk about it all season long. So, no one really brought it up.

But, with so much proven talent returning and the established championship pedigree on their team, every Golden Bear knew there was only one real mission in 2023 – to become just the fourth men's water polo team ever to win three straight national titles.

California (24-5) accomplished that mission, defeating top-seeded UCLA 13-11 at Uytengsu Aquatics Center behind a third straight NCAA Championship MVP performance from Nikolaos Papanikolaou. After dispatching #1 USC on Saturday, the Bears were once again able to tackle another championship game with laser focus.

"Incredibly proud of these guys. Everything that they battled through this year," Cal head coach Kirk Everist. "It's only been done a few times. To be able to figure out how to win three in a row is something that's very rare, but this is an extremely rare group. I'm proud to be a part of it."

For much of the game, the only way the Bruins (26-3) could stop the two-time Cutino Award winner from scoring was by fouling him. In the four possessions following Papanikolaou's seventh drawn exclusion early in the third quarter, the Bears got the separation they needed, scoring three unanswered goals to put them up 12-6.

UCLA clawed its way back and would have cut Cal's lead to just two goals on a promising counter attack at the end of the third period if not for a heroic save by goalkeeper Adrian Weinberg. The three-time ACWPC All-American finished with 11 saves, including four in the fourth quarter.

The Bruins did eventually cut the deficit to 12-10 with 5:36 left in the game, but Max Casabella answered with a dagger from straightaway on the following play, lasering in his fifth goal straight down off the crossbar. Casabella and Weinberg both joined Papanikolaou on the NCAA All-Tournament First Team, while Jake Howerton earned second-team honors.

"There was a lot of adversity this season, but the best part about this group is we're always going to stick together no matter how bad it gets," Weinberg said. "I was pretty confident (since the start of the season) that we'd make it here."

With time on their side, the Bears leaned on their defense and let the clock run out, cementing their place alongside Cal's 1973-75 and 1990-92 squads as the only Golden Bear teams to win three straight national titles.

"It's pretty nice. You don't accomplish something like this without incredible players," said Everist, who won his sixth NCAA championship as a coach and eighth overall. "It takes a lot more than just great players to do this time and time again though. I'm just grateful to have been around these guys."

After missing the first two games of the tournament, Roberto Valera returned in a big way, contributing to more goals than any other player with four goals and two assists. Albert Ponferrada finished with game highs of four assists and three steals.

A send-off following a third straight championship game victory was always going to be the best possible scenario for Cal's nine-man senior class of 2023 – eight of whom are in their fifth year as Bears. Everist reiterated how proud he was for all that they've battled through and accomplished for the program, while Papanikolaou and Weinberg lightheartedly joked about where this championship ranks among the three.

"I think both of us can agree that this one was very special because it was a culmination of everything we worked for," Weinberg said. "It's very special and it hasn't really registered yet, but it probably will in about a week."

Weinberg ends the year with 984 career saves, placing him at No. 3 all-time in MPSF history. Still fresh off winning a gold medal for Team USA at the Pan American Games in November, Weinberg is hopeful to continue competing at the highest level for Team USA as it prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Papanikolaou reached a tally of 253 goals which ranks No. 2 all time at Cal. But according to Everist, when it comes to overall Cal legends, that's not where he places Papanikolaou in the rankings.

"I played with a guy who lives in Greece now. His name's Chris Humbert. He, rightfully so, thinks that he's the best player who ever played at Cal," Everist said. "I keep telling him he's the second-best player, but he would say, 'I have 3 championships and [Papanikolaou] only has two.' So, now I can text him and say, 'Alright, take a step down.'"

No. 2 California 13, No. 3 UCLA 11 Cal 4 5 3 1 – 13 UCLA 2 4 3 2 – 11 Cal Goals: Max Casabella 5, Roberto Valera 4, Nikolaos Papanikolaou 2, Garrett Dunn, Nik Mirkovic UCLA Goals: Rafael Real Vergara 3, Frederico Jucá Carsalade 2, Ben Liechty 2, Makoto Kenney 2, Marcell Szécsi, Giorgio Alessandria Cal Saves: Adrian Weinberg 11 UCLA Saves: Garret Griggs 9

#National Champs #Go Bears!#UC Berkeley #Bear Territory #Cal Water Polo #threepeat #champions

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