#wee world book club

[somecunttookmyurl]

my boyfriend is not any flavour of queer. he says he "wishes he was" because queer people "just seem to understand the world so much" by which i assume he means we by default actually consider society wrt sex and gender, but he is unfortunately both cis and het. he's checked.

he carries around a copy of "the little book of lgbtq" in his backpack at all times in case he needs to look something up.

a good chunk of his youtube history is queer history / queer media / 'what it's like to be x' videos. he thinks all of you with the less famous identities (ie not the L G B or T) are very cool and funky and hopes you have a good day.

he knows he's straight because he has kissed men on several occasions and was not into it sexually. one of those times was a gay dude who promised to buy him drinks all night in exchange for a kiss and my boyfriend is nothing if not a wee whore. one of the others was kissing his gay friend who was depressed about not being able to hook up with anyone, because he is a very sweet wee whore.

he would do it again because he is very neutral on the kiss itself (not into it, but not grossed out by it. it's just a kiss, innit) and because he doesn't want people to be so lonely and sad that they cry in the smoking area of the club.

#i still think he has some gender fuckery going on that he hasnt unearthed yet #he grew up in a very MEN! ARE! MEN! community and is very insecure about his masculinity #he WANTS to be perceived as male but to the extent he frequently laments not being able to wear certain things bc they are 'too feminine' #and thinks women get cooler clothes than men #i mean we do but also you can just wear them it's goth attire its basically gender neutral by default #he started wearing (black) nail polish as a regular thing after we met and is just now branching out to other colours #he gets hit on by gay/bi men a lot which is funny bc he's always like #'i'm so sorry i WISH i was but i simply am not you are very handsome though'

[scotianostra]

On 11th March 1911, Sir Fitzroy MacLean, the Scottish soldier, diplomat, politician and author was born.

Another controversial figure to classify as a Scot as he was neither born nor died in the country, but MacLean had Scots blood proudly running through his body,

His father a member of the Scottish landed gentry, was serving in Egypt with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders when Fitzroy was born. The family are descended from the MacLeans of Ardgour, a Sept of the Clan Maclean, whose chiefs have as their historic seat Duart Castle on Mull.

His hero was Bonnie Prince Charlie and he often expressed regret that the most important part of his life was compressed into an 18 month period, when he was sent to Yugoslavia during World War 2 to liaise with Partisan in the country fighting the Nazis.

Before the war MacLean was a diplomat and one of his postings was in the former USSR, it was here through contacts he made, that he is said to have found out about the likelihood of a Nazi-Soviet pact.

In 1939 he was posted back to London but was frustrated that his status as a diplomat ruled him out of fighting in the war he resigned from the Diplomatic Service, to “go into politics” but after tendering his resignation he immediately took a taxi to the nearest recruiting office and enlisted as a Private in the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. He was soon promoted to lance corporal and was commissioned in 1941. He is one of only two privates to make it all the way to the rank of Brigadier during WW2.

Picking up wee snippets of the man from interviews and newspaper articles on him, I like this wee passage from, from an interview;

“To some people, my life might seem one long adventure holiday, blowing up forts in the desert, clandestinely parachuting into guerrilla wars, penetrating forbidden cities deep behind closed frontiers”

Well to some it was a big adventure, the author Ian Fleming is said to have taken inspiration for James Bond from the stories of Fitzroy MacLean, his physical description does somewhat lend itself to the famous character of so many films and books, he was a tall, handsome, broad-browed, imposing, energetic figure, and of course had the Scottish connections.

His daring exploits behind enemy lines were with a fellow Scot, and leader of the newly formed SAS, David Stirling, another anecdote from an article, shows the audacity of what they were doing, this is the stuff of fiction, you would think, but these men were there doing this.

On one occasion, while trying to mine Benghazi harbour, Maclean posed as an Italian officer and, in fluent Italian, roundly berated the sentries for inattention while mounting sentry duty.

Seemingly a man oblivious to danger and with nine lives, Maclean had his only near brush with death after a car crash resulting from Stirling’s reckless style at the wheel. He was unconscious for four days after the crash and later remarked:

“David Stirling’s driving was the most dangerous thing in World War Two!”

Friendly critics dubbed Maclean “the Balkan brigadier”, “the Scarlet Pimpernel” and even (from his penchant for Highland dress) “Lothario in a kilt”.

After the war war and away from politics he ran his own hotel, “The Creggans”, on the shore of Loch Fyne at Strachur. Maclean was a patron of Strachur and District Shinty Club. He collected an extensive library, including a full set of early editions of James Bond novels, which sold in September 2008 for £26,000. He was a well known figure in the area and very well liked by all.

In the later years of Sir Fitzroy’s life, his work included making television documentaries, writing, and commenting on Soviet history. In addition, he and his wife made one of the first mercy missions into the war-torn former Yugoslavia, taking a truck with medical supplies through Bosnia to the island of Korcula, ,with a substantial contribution from the people of Rothesay and Bute. For that Maclean was posthumously awarded the Order of Prince Branimir for the humanitarian aid to Croatia, as well as contributing to international affirmation of Croatia.

For his wartime services he was awarded the French Croix de Guerre, the Soviet Order of Kutuzov, and the Yugoslavian Order of the Partisan Star.

There will be those among you who have your own opinions of whether MacLean should be included as a Scot, for me there is no doubt about it, I may not agree with the mans politics, he was a Tory MP for years, but his pride for Scotland and the Jacobites, and his years spent in Scotland, around Argyll and Bute, his home for over 40 years. He was also very well thought of by all who knew him, including those around Strachur and Strathlachlan on the Cowal peninsula.

Finally just to show the mettle of the man, Maclean died while he was visiting friends in the English village of Hertford having just completed a swim at the age of 85!!!, he was stricken by a heart attack and died instantly, I think he would rather have gone that way rather than faded away.

He was returned to the location of the family home in the village of Strachur, Argyll County and was interred in the cemetery of historic Parish Church there.

#scotland #scottish #history #nobility #soldier

[sighonaraa]

tell me about listen: there's a hell of a universe next door; let's go (side note/bonus question if you feel like answering: i love your titles — how do you come up with them?)

OUUUGH YES I LOVE THIS ONE!!!!

listen: there's a hell of a universe next door; let's go

this is one of my halfway-finished gift fics that i've been working on and the incredibly short version of the plot is: Sam. Jamie. Mid-Season 2. Start A Book Club Together, Just The Two Of Them. and thus begins one of my most favorite friendship that this show gave us! here's a wee wippet:

Sam unwraps his sandwich from its cling wrap. Peanut butter and jelly, he’d been in a rush this morning and hadn’t had the time to make anything more exciting. But it at least seems more interesting than Jamie’s lunch, a salad which appears to consist of a limp collection of greens topped with a few bits of cheese and no dressing in sight. “I never thanked you,” he says, after taking a bite. “But I should have, so. Thank you, Jamie.” “Sure,” says Jamie. Then, “What for?” “For…helping me,” says Sam. “For the band-aid. And, well. For being kind.” “Oh,” says Jamie. “I didn’t, like. It weren’t a big deal or nothin’.” Sam disagrees. He thinks it was a very big deal, considering that in the past most of his and Jamie’s interactions have ended in bruised egos and sharp words and him heading home with a heavy, sinking sensation in his chest. But he doesn’t tell Jamie this. Instead, he lifts one shoulder in a half-shrug and pulls the crust from his sandwich bread. “Well, either way,” he says. “Thank you.”

titles

WEEPS?? i agonize all thee time over titling my fics so hearing that you like them means so much genuinely :')

i typically crib lines from songs or poems that i feel strike a particular emotional chord that fits with whatever the fic i'm attempting to title is about. i'm pretty sure every title on my wip list is from a song or poem except for one, which is a line this yoga instructor on youtube i like said once that stuck with me for whatever reason sdkjfk.

listen: there's a hell of a good universe next door; let's go is a line from a poem by e.e. cummings called 'pity this busy monster, manunkind' and since this fic is about sam and jamie forming a book club together and exploring different worlds and working through Big Emotions and trauma via those worlds, i thought it was appropriate! i just took out the 'good' bc i felt it flowed a bit better for a title that way. also it just sounds. so cool. that line has Haunted me for many moons.

ask me about my wips!

#sid speaks #the-sea-anenome #weeeeps thank youuu for the ask <3 #listen! i love talking about my wips! and i also love talking about my wips' titles! #come hit me up! #ted lasso #gift fic wips

[bitter69uk]

“Christmas at Pee-wee’s Playhouse, inarguably the best and most significant holiday variety show of our time (this is not up for debate!) has been a staple of my family’s holiday tradition for my entire life. For many of us children of '80s and '90s, it served not only as an entry point to the zany world of Pee-wee Herman, also as a refreshing alternative to the boring, strait-laced Christmas specials from squares like Andy Williams and The Carpenters … Joyously combining the era's rising stars, campy gay icons, and all-American cultural icons of the 1960s, Christmas at Pee-wee’s Playhouse feels vibrant, punk-rock, queer, and alternative even 30 years after it originally aired on 21 December 1988.”

/ From “Forget Frosty: Christmas at Pee-wee's Playhouse Is the Holiday Special That Keeps on Giving” by Dom Nero in the December 2018 issue of Esquire magazine /

Wow! I didn’t realize that the Lobotomy Room film club’s presentation of Christmas at Pee-wee's Playhouse on 21 December 2023 actually represents the 35th anniversary of when it first dropped on TV! How serendipitous! Venue: Fontaine’s cocktail lounge in Dalston. Spaces are limited, so reserve your seat now (phone [phone] or email [email protected]). Pictured: Pee-wee (Paul Reubens) with special guest star Little Richard!

#christmas at pee-wee's playhouse #christmas #kitschmas #christmas kitsch #lobotomy room #lobotomy room film club #queer #retro christmas #vintage christmas #lgbtqia #punk rock #weird christmas #kitsch #punk #camp #retro #fontaine's bar #dalston #film club

[simslegacy5083]

NSB (Straud Legacy) Gen 8 Ep. 186: Sweet Success

Luigi’s social disappointment induced urge to focus on his studies and earn early graduation stood him in good stead when finals rolled around.

Even though he’d only been hitting the books for a little while that hard work enabled him to get the highest scores on his exams. He was sure that he was well on his way now to being able to put high school drama behind him for good and move onto better things.

---------------------------------------------

On prom night his cousin Denton invited Luigi to a sleepover at the family’s ranch and nectar farm in Chestnut Ridge.

The boys had a great time hanging out, drinking juice, and playing videogames until the wee hours of the morning.

Luigi decided he was glad Haylee had turned him down – he was sure he’d had more fun hanging out with his cousin than he would have making small talk with a bunch of Sims he didn’t really like in the stuffy school auditorium.

---------------------------------------------

Luigi had avoided Haylee and her friends since the “prom incident”, no longer feeling safe and happy hanging out with them.

When he heard Haylee and the other computer club kids spreading nasty rumors about things the new girl, Isra, had supposedly done at her old school he was suspicious. Thinking of his Papa’s advice about verifying the truth and not prejudging folks, he quietly asked for more details.

Looking at the story critically the way his detective parents had taught revealed the rumors to be amateur tales fabricated to be amusing at the expense of an easy target. The injustice infuriated Luigi far more than the rudeness he’d endured, and he publicly called out Haylee and Mauricio for their part in making the new girl feel unwelcome. He now wondered if there had been some similar incident behind Haylee's fight with Bryon that had introduced him to the club.

---------------------------------------------

Luigi’s good deed seemed to have made him a new friend. Isra began seeking out his company during free periods. Haylee had never done that!

He and Isra didn’t have many interests in common, but it was nice to have a friend who really seemed to enjoy his company (and didn’t come with problematic friends and tendencies). She wasn’t bad looking either, although he was too busy rushing graduation to try starting a relationship just then.

---------------------------------------------

Sure enough, in no time Luigi was called into the principal’s office and learned that all his hard work had paid off.

When Ms. Kane offered him the opportunity to graduate early, he didn’t think twice before accepting. One new friendship wasn’t enough to make him want to stick around Cooperdale! Besides, if Isra turned out to be more than a friend of convenience, they could always see each other outside school.

---------------------------------------------

When he got home that afternoon Peachy insisted on taking the household out to celebrate. After a pleasant evening at the theater Luigi made his way to the side yard to spend some time with Papa Jack, telling him all about his latest achievement and his plans for the future.

Up in his room Luigi did one final thing before bed. As an early graduate he was eligible to apply to university. He filled out the forms, crossing his fingers that his grades and high-level programming skill would be enough to get him into Foxbury’s distinguished computer science degree program.

He drifted off to sleep dreaming of his graduation with top marks from Foxbury. He couldn’t wait to show the world what he could achieve!

-----------------------------------------

Want To See More? View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

#sims 4 #sims 4 challenge #sims 4 legacy #sims4 #sims 4 nsb #sims 4 not so berry #sims4nsbstraud #sims 4 let's play #sims 4 gameplay #sims 4 lets play

[morallyandrogynoussandwich]

Hello and happiest Monday to all!

Went to a book club yesterday, for the book in photos in question there. And it was...a wrecking ball of a novel. It's good to go outside my normal purview of lit, and I'm so glad I did here. Short story collection, feminist, horror leaning, overtly sexual, confronting society's relationship with women's bodies, women's own relationships with their bodies and forms and places in the world, the struggles to adapt to a world where you are not wanted...and also a reimagining of Law and Order: SVU and a retelling of an old wives' tale. Powerful as can be.

And also got to finally meet some of Court's friends after each of us canceling twice in the last month. The difficulties of adulthood. I miss the days when I'd just call up a friend, say "hey, wanna hang?" and we would, same day. No job, no stresses. Just boys being boys. But it was a really nice time to hang out with this particular couple. A small screaming child was part of the equation, but she was balanced out by a very good pup (Ophelia), a very old and blind pup (Pug), and some good music discussion (finally someone else who's listening to Dio and Rainbow). And some very good pizza, too! Papa Murphy's. Worked there when I was but a wee 19 year old, and I thank God that was my only food service industry job.

Today is a good day. A very good day. Enjoying metal and the sun.

#scrambled brain sauce

[alirafiaei]

Top Travel Destinations in the South

In January 2023, Travel + Leisure and CNN Travel compiled their annual list of top travel destinations for the year. Unsurprisingly, a number of US cities made the list of top destinations. Of the chosen cities, six were in the American South.

Two of the cities named were in the Carolinas. The January 2023 issue of CNN Travel reported that one vacation destination well worth visiting was Charleston, South Carolina. Noteworthy destinations include the Spoleto Festival and the International African American Museum, expected to open in June 2023.

Held in March, the Spoleto Festival hosts theatrical, dance, opera, and musical acts at a range of venues. The International African American Museum offers visitors the chance to tour places where Africans arrived during the slave trade. Visitors can also tour exhibitions that describe the lives of enslaved people and their descendants.

Charleston also has something for those who enjoy dining out. Food lovers can hang out at the Charles Wine and Food Festival in March. Alternatively, visitors can experience the upscale establishment Magnolia's. For a less formal night out there is Bertha's Kitchen, where visitors can try its famous red rice with sausage, fried chicken, and lima beans.

Asheville, North Carolina, is the other city that made the top destination list in the Carolinas. Travel + Leisure reports the town offers a well-rounded vacation destination. Here, tourists can partake in year-round outdoor activities, explore the city's historic sites, and enjoy sophisticated dining spots.

For example, those who like white water rafting can visit Wrong Way River Lodge, where they can stay in A-frame cabins sitting along the French Broad River. Those who want to camp comfortably can stay at AutoCamp Asheville, which will open in mid-2023. The Glamping Collective is another newly opened establishment on a 160-acre site, where visitors can stay in glass cabins and domed pods.

Essential dining establishments include the S&W Market, a food hall offering a wide array of cuisines. French Broad Chocolates and Battery Park Book Exchange are old favorites, the former offering confections and the latter a chance to sip Champagne while enjoying a good read.

Just north of these two states, Alexandria, Virginia, provides tourists with easy access to vineyards in the northern part of the state and the chance to learn more about its history. The city was home to the country's largest domestic slave trade during much of the 1800s.

Sites such as the Freedom House Museum tell the narrative of Africans forced to work as enslaved people. Furthermore, the African American Heritage Trail, which opened in 2020, features 11 historical sites narrating 200 years of African American experiences, including stops at the Torpedo Factory, where Black people worked during WWII, and Waterfront Park, a point known for it slave trafficking. Jones Park is another significant landmark where visitors can learn about Benjamin Banneker, a notable mathematician, inventor, and free man who was instrumental in surveying the new U.S. capital.

Another American favorite, Nashville, Tennessee, is in the middle of a renaissance. The Conrad, 1 Hotel, Soho House, and redesigned Hermitage House are a few of the hotels fueling this rebirth. Regarding good places to dine, visitors can head to Fifth + Broadway Complex, where they can enjoy Southern staples such as fried chicken at Hattie B's or the Assembly Food Hall, which offers varied eating establishments and bars.

In terms of nightlife, travelers can get their fill of honky-tonk bars until the wee hours of the morning. They can also head to Justin Timberlake's Twelve Thirty Club or live events, such as CMA Fest (Country Music Association Festival), which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

For travelers looking to entertain the entire family, Central Florida offers various theme parks, such as Disney World, Epcot, and Universal City Walk, the latter offering adults a sampling of Orlando nightlife. Travelers to Disney this year can eat, breathe, and sleep Star Wars at its newly opened Star Wars: Galactic Star Cruiser, a two-night adventure. Another option is to travel southeast to Tampa and spend the day at Busch Gardens, an amusement park experience with a tropical theme.

#Ali Rafiaei

[theycallmequeerhat]

Very much loving your WN fic - I (Really) Do. I love your writing style and the story is just so compelling that I can’t wait for Mondays.

It seems like you have a good taste in books as well with Delilah Green Doesn’t Care and the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Got me wondering what else might be on Bea’s bookshelf. Do you have any other similar recs for lighter reads like those? Thanks!

First of all, thank you!!

Second of all, here's a list of Bea's (my) sapphic shelf. Admittedly might have more, can add if I realize I've put something in the wrong place on my shelves at home. *I've not put Author's names in these because I'm not trying to turn into booktok. The people that have the energy and ability for tiktok deserve all the love and awards. I'm just a book worm and will buy/read anything that seems kinda sapphic.* That being said, if you can't find a book from here and want more info, just ask. I can send photos of covers, etc.

Sapphic Books

YA Romance Novels

-Last Night at the Telegraph Club- I can guarantee you that this would be Bea’s favorite lol

-A Scatter of Light- no where near as good as LNatTC. Also, you have to tilt your head and squint for this to be a sequel. Which obviously annoyed me.

-She gets the girl- cute y/a romance

-home field advantage- y/a. eh. had to google just now to remember what it was about

-A Falling in Love Montage- I will defend this book because I don’t feel like we get queer books like this. That being said, this book pissed me off.

-I kissed a girl- if you like low budget horror movies, this is your book. if not, it’s just okay.

-She drives me crazy-I thought Irene could do better. i said what i said.

-Her Name in the Sky- So accurate to growing up queer in the south. I cried several times. I also asked my mom to read it. She did. We then cried together.

-Ash- It has been so long since I have read this, that I’ve just moved it back to my tbr pile

Adult Romance Novels

-The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo-there's a reason this is getting developed into a movie/show. Netflix will probably ruin it, but there's a reason it's getting one.

-Delilah Green Doesn’t Care- probably my favorite sapphic romcom to date.

-Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail-I don’t like Astrid as much as I like Delilah so that probably impacted my feelings of this book. Well written, probably better than the rest of the list, but Delilah was SO good.

-One Last Stop- fun, almost fantasy, almost young adult, but it’s a wee spicy, so we’ll put it here.

-Count your lucky stars-possibly better than the first

-written in the star-super cute. there is a third in this series, but it's m/f and I'm just not here for that, as lovely as they might be.

-the Romance Recipe- spicy, legit started skimming the rest. preferred the porn to the plot.

-Read Between the Lines- Cute, i’d read more of this author

-The Perks of Loving a Wallflower- cute, regency, unrealistic, but totally fine with that, part of a series, but you don’t need the rest

-Bloodmoon: Bound <- Yep, I’m promoting my own book lol, though I doubt Bea would be into it. very nsfw. vampires, bdsm, it's a good time

Sci-Fi and Fantasy (My favorite and subsequently, Bea’s favorites)

-Crier’s War- i want a movie

-Iron Heart-i aggressively want a movie

-Gideon the Ninth-these books will change your brain chemistry

-Harrow the Ninth-like a fever dream you don't want to wake up from

-Nona the Ninth-i love nona.

-The Space Between Worlds-Bea would absolutely love this book. one of the coolest reads of my life.

-This is How You Lose the Time War-pure poetry. i read it, let out a weird noise between a sob and a gasp and then immediately re-read it.

-The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet- barely queer, but I’m counting it. no i won't elaborate, that would be spoilers.

Graphic Novels:

-Sunstone-If you’re in to BDSM. PLEASE do yourself a favor and order all of these now. i believe volume 8 is set to release in November.

-Lumberjanes- SO SO SO SO cute. and good. and innocent.

-Batwoman (The New 52)- 1-27 are amongst the greatest comics I have ever read. F*ck DC. They know what they did.

-Space Trash (really, anything by Jenn Woodall is queer. also, small run comic books, deserves some support, you can find them online)

Currently Reading/To Read this Year Shelf:

-Malice

-She Who Became the Sun

-The Jasmine Throne

-The Priory of an Orange Tree 

-A Closed and Common Orbit- Not sure if this will be sapphic

-Sorry, Bro

-These Witches Don’t Burn

-Melt With You

-I think I love you

[adickaboutspoons]

tag 9 people you want to get to know better!

you're the sweetest, @givefangapuppy !

Three Ships of All Time:

Ed/Stede: I mean, no question. They haunt my every hour. I love their love with all my might, mind, and soul. Because of them I'm writing for the first time in decades. Overly verbose meta! Fic of dubious quality! I'm all in, baby!

Clark Kent/Lex Luthor (Smallville): I can't not. I still think of these boys on the regular. True story - I turned in some CLex fanfic I had written with the names swapped for aliases for my final project for my senior creative writing seminar in English, because my prof was the kind of jackass who had "poet" listed as his specialty on his office door but couldn't recognize haikus when I submitted them earlier in the class, and I was damned if I was going to waste my time on something new for him instead of focusing on my senior thesis in psychology. I got As on both ;). Also, my wife and I met by writing CLex fan fic together. We will have been 20 years in March.

Juno Steel/Peter Nureyev (Penumbra Podcast): Hardboiled enby space detective with crippling insecurities that they mask with hypercompetency and witty quips? and their complicated homme-fatale master thief sometimes-lover? This show seriously ticks all my boxes.

First Ever Ship:

The Baroness/Destruo (G.I. Joe): I'd say this was a tie with my Lady J/Duke/Flint/Scarlett love-quadrangle, but I honestly don't remember whether that was in the text of the show, or just the shows I'd stage for myself with my brother's action figures. What can I say? I started shipping young. My 3rd grade teacher commented on one of my writing assignments that I should write soap operas when I grew up.

Last Song:

Burning by Alcazar. Sometimes a girl just wants to dance alone in her living room.

Last Film:

Free Guy. Guilty pleasure. Comfort movie.

Currently Reading:

Aunts Aren't Gentlemen by P.G. Wodehouse. Guilty pleasure. Comfort author. Wodehouse is my brain candy, my absolute fav. author (yes, I know I said 'House of Leaves' by Danielewski is my fav. book. I'm complicated), and I rarely go more than a few months without a re-read. This isn't one of my all-time faves, but it's delightful nonetheless and it's been awhile since I read it last. Bertie retires to the peace of a simple country living at the urgings of his doctor after coming down with a minor rash, but still manages to get himself tangled up in crime due to the machinations of his Aunt Dahlia and accidentally engaged to a local stunner against his will. Jeeves/Wooster would have made it into my OTP list above except Jeeves would never permit himself the liberty. :(

(Except, hear me out - "Jeeves and the Tie that Binds" was the American release of "Much Obliged, Jeeves", and is identical except for the ending, in which Jeeves reveals that he destroyed the pages enumerating Bertie's peccadillos from the Junior Ganymede club book - FOR WHICH HE COULD BE BLACKBALLED FROM THE CLUB -, because he doesn't want anyone but him to ever be Bertie's gentleman's personal gentleman but him, because there is a "tie that binds" them. I mean to say, really!)

Currently Watching:

The Miraculous Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. Look. I have a 10-year-old. He loved ladybugs as a toddler so we started watching the show together when he was wee based on the title alone. But it's actually SO GOOD. And the new season recently dropped on Disney +. I get to talk to my kid about how it's a metaphor for how bad actors in the world exploit feelings of fear and isolation to radicalize otherwise normal people to their destructive agendas? And how there's real heroics to be found in community organization and creative problem solving? And about issues of consent, both romantic and platonic?

But also I have OPINIONS and SHIPS, and I'm DYING to talk to someone who is NOT my child about how Nathalie just SLAMMED Gabriel face down on the kitchen counter and leaned over him to hiss in his ear about how he betrayed her and I am IN TO IT, but I will NOT go anywhere near the fandom because I don't need the drama of being in a kid-show fandom as a full-ass adult. Send help.

Currently Consuming:

Some cucumber/lemon-infused water.

Currently Craving:

I mean, other than another grown-ass person to indulge my not-kid-friendly thoughts about a superhero cartoon? Feeling pretty satiated, thanks!

Tagging:

If you're down for it, my v. dears - @nicnacsnonsense @tisziny @chocolatepot @the-orange-in-red-silk @wearfinethingsalltoowell @okayestokapi @asneakyfox @batsarebetterthanpeople @red-sky-in-mourning and anyone else who feels so inclined ;)

[scotianostra]

On 11th March 1911, Sir Fitzroy MacLean, the Scottish soldier, diplomat, politician and author was born.

A controversial figure to classify as a Scot as he was neither born nor died in the country, but MacLean had Scots blood proudly running through his body, his father a member of the Scottish landed gentry serving in Egypt with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders when Fitzroy was born. The family are descended from the MacLeans of Ardgour, a Sept of the Clan Maclean, whose chiefs have as their historic seat Duart Castle on Mull.

His hero was Bonnie Prince Charlie and he often expressed regret that the most important part of his life was compressed into an 18 month period, when he was sent to Yugoslavia during World War 2 to liaise with Partisan in the country fighting the Nazis.

Before the war MacLean was a diplomat and one of his postings was in the former USSR, it was here through contacts he made, that he is said to have found out about the likelihood of a Nazi-Soviet pact.

In 1939 he was posted back to London but was frustrated that his status as a diplomat ruled him out of fighting in the war he resigned from the Diplomatic Service, to “go into politics” but after tendering his resignation he immediately took a taxi to the nearest recruiting office and enlisted as a Private in the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. He was soon promoted to lance corporal and was commissioned in 1941. He is one of only two privates to make it all the way to the rank of Brigadier during WW2.

Picking up wee snippets of the man from interviews and newspaper articles on him, I like his quote

“To some people, my life might seem one long adventure holiday,” he said in an interview, “blowing up forts in the desert, clandestinely parachuting into guerrilla wars, penetrating forbidden cities deep behind closed frontiers”  Well to some it was a big adventure, the author Ian Fleming is said to have taken inspiration for James Bond from the stories of Fitzroy MacLean, his physical description does somewhat lend itself to the famous character of so many films and books, he was a tall, handsome, broad-browed, imposing, energetic figure.

His daring exploits behind enemy lines were with a fellow Scot, and leader of the newly formed SAS, David Stirling, another anecdote from an article, shows the audacity of what they were doing, this is the stuff of fiction, you would think, but these men were there doing this.

On one occasion, while trying to mine Benghazi harbour, Maclean posed as an Italian officer and, in fluent Italian, roundly berated the sentries for inattention while mounting sentry duty. Seemingly a man oblivious to danger and with nine lives, Maclean had his only near brush with death after a car crash resulting from Stirling’s reckless style at the wheel. He was unconscious for four days after the crash and later remarked: “David Stirling’s driving was the most dangerous thing in World War Two!”

Friendly critics dubbed Maclean “the Balkan brigadier”, “the Scarlet Pimpernel” and even (from his penchant for Highland dress) “Lothario in a kilt”.

After the war war and away from politics he ran his own hotel, “The Creggans”, on the shore of Loch Fyne at Strachur. Maclean was a patron of Strachur and District Shinty Club. He collected an extensive library, including a full set of early editions of James Bond novels, which sold in September 2008 for £26,000. In the later years of Sir Fitzroy’s life, his work included making television documentaries, writing, and commenting on Soviet history. In addition, he and his wife made one of the first mercy missions into the war-torn former Yugoslavia, taking a truck with medical supplies through Bosnia to the island of Korcula, ,with a substantial contribution from the people of Rothesay and Bute. For that Maclean was posthumously awarded the Order of Prince Branimir for the humanitarian aid to Croatia, as well as contributing to international affirmation of Croatia.

For his wartime services he was awarded the French Croix de Guerre, the Soviet Order of Kutuzov, and the Yugoslavian Order of the Partisan Star.

There will be those among you who have your own opinions of whether MacLean should be included as a Scot, for me there is no doubt about it, I may not agree with the mans politics, he was a Tory MP for years, but his pride for Scotland and the Jacobites, and his years spent in Scotland, where he is fondly remembered around Argyll and Bute, his home for 40 years.

Finally just to show the mettle of the man, Maclean died while he was visiting friends in the English village of Hertford having just completed a swim at the age of 85!!!, he was stricken by a heart attack and died instantly, I think he would rather have gone that way rather than faded away. . He was returned to the location of the family home in the village of Strachur, Argyll County and was interred in the cemetery of historic Parish Church.

#scotland #scottish #soldier #diplomat #spy #history

[jazzmusicsposts]

Jazz Journeys: Where Notes Speak Louder Than Words 🎶

Hey, fellow music aficionados! 🎷✨ Let's dive into the enchanting world of jazz music – where every note tells a story, and the rhythm of life finds its syncopated beat.

🌟 Why Jazz?

Jazz isn't just a genre; it's a conversation between instruments, a dialogue that transcends boundaries. From the soulful melodies of the saxophone to the rhythmic magic of the drums, each instrument brings its own voice to the jazz ensemble.

🎹 Exploring the Classics and the Contemporary:

Whether you're into the timeless classics of Miles Davis and John Coltrane or vibing with the innovative sounds of contemporary jazz artists, there's a jazz journey for every ear. The beauty lies in the diversity – from smooth and sultry to upbeat and swinging, jazz has a flavor for every mood.

🎷 Iconic Jazz Venues:

Imagine being transported to the smoky ambiance of a jazz club, where the sound of the trumpet echoes against dimly lit walls. Share your favorite jazz spots – from the historic Blue Note to the cozy corner joint that feels like a hidden gem.

🎺 Jazz Fusion and Collaborations:

Jazz doesn't shy away from mixing it up with other genres. Have you discovered any mind-blowing jazz fusion tracks or collaborations that blend jazz with unexpected styles? Share your discoveries and let's create a playlist that defies genres!

📚 Jazz Education:

For those looking to deepen their jazz knowledge, let's swap recommendations for books, documentaries, or podcasts that uncover the rich history and evolution of this genre. Knowledge is the key to truly appreciating the nuances of jazz.

🌌 Late-Night Jazz Sessions:

There's something magical about letting jazz serenade you into the wee hours of the night. Do you have a go-to jazz playlist for those late-night contemplations? Share your favorites, and let's create a collective soundtrack for the midnight hours.

🎶 Your Jazz Story:

Every jazz lover has a story – the first time you fell in love with a jazz tune, the live performance that left you speechless, or the album that became the soundtrack of a particular chapter in your life. What's your jazz story? Let's swap anecdotes and celebrate the musical moments that have shaped us.

Drop your favorite jazz emoji in the comments if you're ready to embark on this sonic journey together! 🎵✨ #JazzMusic #SonicExploration #MusicMagic

[daniiworld]

Welcome my loves ❤️

Thought I'd give you a little introduction to me and can't wait to share my Journey with you all.

Where to begin.

From a little girl I've always been a very empathetic girl, and always could connect with people and there emotions and my own. I've always been able to get along with most people and very self awareness and always believed I was meant to help people.

Growing up in a small town in the Highlands a wee little countryside, beautiful greenery, peaceful surroundings, beautiful farms and the loveliest of people I've been very lucky.

I was brought up with both my parents and Gran. I have an older sister and brother. Where when I was 14 my brother committed suicide on Christmas eve which has affected me majorly throughout the years, I am now a massive supporter of SAMH and have done a few charity work such as skydive and race of life in aid of this incredible Charity which has helped me and my family out over the years.

Other than that I have had a very lucky life, I grew up with 2 boxer dogs Skye and Ocean who were my entire world.

I have been a care worker since the age of 15, worked for a few care companies and the NHS and have been trained in Diverse needs, elderly, dementia,, mental health and disabilities over the years which I absolutely adore.

In late 2018 my dad found out he had a brain Tumour grade 4 ans a very rare one, I found support and comfort with The Brain Tumour Chartiy and all the stories ans support. Very quickly he went downhill after that and by Oct 2019 he eventually passed away once I got back from Camp America.

After that I decided to take a year out of work to focus on myself and my well-being and ended up studying Beauty Therapy which then lead me onto an amazing f opportunity at a world top private club joining as a Spa Assistant where I was offered the opportunity to gain my qualifications Inhouse and on the job. Getting trained in a whole lot of treatments from the most luxury brands in massage, facials, scrubs, Manicures Pedicure ect with the most top brands in the world Ishga, Carol Joy and Oskia and The Gel Bottle. Well-being and holsitic became my own personal therapy- working and learning about different oils and how aromatherapy can possibly help with most problems which then became my love. And I want to share this all with you.

Other than this, I've been very blessed with beautiful doggos my Pug Bubba and my wee bestie Bailey who is a bocker and just a pup. And our 2 family dashunds Bertie and Blanche. My wonderful boyfriend of almost 2 years and my family close by. You can get through anything.

I wanted to share my story with you all and hopefully something will come into play with your own story's and life. I would love to get to know everyone and keep supporting and hopefully this becomes a blog for all our wellness, mental health, holsitic source where we feel like a safe place to talk and always a listening ear.

I love to read, Books, all genres. Fanfiction is my guilty love.

I love F1, Rugby, Football and golf and a soft spot for motozport. So any fanfiction about these sends me the link 👀

#wellness #life #life story #charity #safe space #safety #dms open #holistichealth #holisticwellness #health #biography #beauty #friendship #online

[learnfrenchwithgladys]

Basic Conversational French Building Blocks for Effective Communication

Introduction (50 words): Learning a new language can be a rewarding and enriching experience. French, often regarded as one of the world's most romantic languages, is no exception. In this article, we will explore the basics of conversational French, equipping you with essential vocabulary and phrases to kickstart your journey toward effective communication in this beautiful language.

Greetings and Pleasantries (100 words):

Bonjour (bohn-zhoor) - Good morning.

Bonsoir (bohn-swahr) - Good evening.

Bonne nuit (bohn nwit) - Good night.

Salut (sa-loo) - Hi/Hello (informal).

Comment ça va ? (koh-mah sah vah) - How are you?

Ça va bien (sah vah byen) - I'm doing well.

Merci (mehr-see) - Thank you.

De rien (duh ryen) - You're welcome.

Introductions (100 words):

Je m'appelle [Your Name] (zhuh mah-pehl [Your Name]) - My name is [Your Name].

Enchanté(e) (ahn-shahn-tey) - Nice to meet you (for males/females).

Voici [Name] (vwah-see [Name]) - This is [Name].

Comment t'appelles-tu ? (koh-mah tah-pel too?) - What's your name?

Basic Questions and Responses (100 words):

Oui (wee) - Yes.

Non (noh) - No.

Parlez-vous anglais ? (par-lei vooz ahn-glay?) - Do you speak English?

Je parle un peu de français (zhuh parl uhn peuh duh frahn-say) - I speak a little French.

Combien ça coûte ? (kohm-byen sah koot?) - How much does it cost?

Où est la toilette ? (oo eh lah twah-let?) - Where is the restroom?

Quelle heure est-il ? (kel eur eh-teel?) - What time is it?

Common Phrases for Getting Around (100 words):

Où est la gare ? (oo eh lah gahr?) - Where is the train station?

Je voudrais un billet pour [Destination] (zhuh voo-dray uhn bee-yeh poor [Destination]) - I would like a ticket to [Destination].

À quelle heure part le train ? (ah kel eur par luh trahn?) - What time does the train depart?

Où se trouve [Place] ? (oo suh truv [Place]?) - Where is [Place] located?

Je cherche un restaurant (zhuh shairsh uhn reh-stoh-rahn) - I'm looking for a restaurant.

L'addition, s'il vous plaît (la-dee-syon, seel voo pleh) - The check, please.

Eating Out (100 words):

Une table pour deux, s'il vous plaît (u-nuh tahbl poor duh, seel voo pleh) - A table for two, please.

Je voudrais le menu, s'il vous plaît (zhuh voo-dray luh muh-nyoo, seel voo pleh) - I would like the menu, please.

W

L'eau (loh) - Water.

L'entrée (la-an-trey) - Appetizer.

Le plat principal (luh pla maan-syahl) - Main course.

Dessert (day-zair) - Dessert.

L'addition, s'il vous plaît (la-dee-syon, seel voo pleh) - The check, please.

FOR MORE INFO:-

Cultural Discussions

French Book Club

[dailyrugbytoday]

All Blacks star Richie Mo’unga officially signs to Japanese club rugby

New Post has been published on https://thedailyrugby.com/all-blacks-star-richie-mounga-officially-signs-to-japanese-club-rugby/

The Daily Rugby

https://thedailyrugby.com/all-blacks-star-richie-mounga-officially-signs-to-japanese-club-rugby/

All Blacks star Richie Mo’unga officially signs to Japanese club rugby

All Blacks star Richie Mo’unga is heading to Japanese club rugby after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, signing with Toshiba Brave Lupus.

All Blacks playmaker Richie Mo’unga is to join Japanese club Toshiba Brave Lupus from Super Rugby side the Crusaders after next year’s Rugby World Cup. Toshiba announced the move, saying Mo’unga would be joined by Highlanders and All Blacks flanker Shannon Frizell at the club, who are coached by ex-New Zealand captain Todd Blackadder.

Reports in New Zealand media stated 28-12 months-vintage Mo’unga, who has 44 All Blacks caps, signed a 3-12 months cope with Toshiba. Under New Zealand Rugby guidelines, Mo’unga and Frizell will now not be eligible to play for the All Blacks whilst in Japan. The duo are set to sign up for the membership after the 2023 World Cup in France.

All Blacks star Richie Mo’unga officially signs in Japan

All Blacks star Richie Mo’unga has signed a three-year deal with Japanese club Toshiba from 2024.

The Crusaders pivot will also be joined by Highlanders and All Blacks flanker Shannon Frizell.

Their signings were announced on Monday by Toshiba.

Under current NZ Rugby rules, Mo’unga and Frizell will not be eligible to play for the All Blacks while in Japan.

Attractive salaries in Japan are a tempting lure for All Blacks.

The Daily Rugby News, Scores, Results, Features

Gallagher Premiership Rugby: Exeter Chiefs 20-15 Bath

by debrambuhl on December 25, 2022 at 4:41 pm

Exeter Chiefs were made to sweat right until the final moments in recording a welcome Christmas Eve Premiership win over Bath at a blustery Sandy Park Sandy Park plays host to Exeter Chiefs v Bath Rugby in Round 13 of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership on Christmas Eve. Chiefs come into the match following impressive back-to-back

The best Biggest rugby moments in year of 2022

by debrambuhl on December 24, 2022 at 7:05 am

It was a hell of a rugby year, with loads going on (good, bad, and ugly as hell some of it). We’ve even forgotten a few moments, we bet! So here is a wee refresher of some of the biggest stories of the rugby year. If we’ve missed any, hit us up with your favourites

Who is your best Welsh rugby men’s player of 2022?

by debrambuhl on December 23, 2022 at 4:50 am

The Welsh rugby player of 2022 candidates and who deserves your vote With the year drawing to a close it’s time for you to decide who has been the best men’s player in Wales this year. As 2022 draws to a close it’s time to consider who has been the best Welsh rugby player in

Mo’unga’s great rival for the All Blacks’ No 10 jersey – Beauden Barrett – reportedly earned $1.5 million for his one-season sabbatical with Suntory Sungoliath in 2020 and former Wallabies lock Rory Arnold is believed to be on the same rate with the Hino Red Dolphins.

Frizell, 28, has made 25 appearances for the All Blacks on the grounds that making his debut in 2018.

Mo’unga, who played ninety four games for the Crusaders and scored greater than one thousand points, stated he turned into searching forward to experiencing rugby with an distant places team.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity and to be part of the Lupus own family I plan on doing the whole thing I can to make Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo the primary team in Japan,” he said in the media release.

“It’s a dream of mine to play rugby foreign places and to revel in a exceptional tradition and I realize this could be an extremely good experience for my circle of relatives.”

Mo’unga may be joining some acquainted faces – ex-Crusaders Matt Todd, Tom Taylor, Seta Tamanivalu and Jack Stratton are on Toshiba’s books, at the side of New Zealand-born Japan test lock Warner Dearns and Christchurch-raised former Japan flanker Michael Leitch.

Mo’unga, 28, has 44 All Blacks caps due to the fact making his debut in 2017 and has played ninety four Super Rugby video games for the Crusaders and fifty one appearances for Canterbury.

Before pronouncing sayonara to Christchurch, he remains determined to spearhead the Crusaders to a file-extending seventh consecutive Super Rugby identify in 2023.

🇳🇿 ✈️ 🇯🇵@AllBlacks fly-half Richie Mo’unga is set to join @bravelupus1048 for the 23/24 League One season pic.twitter.com/REaHMmzcab

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) December 26, 2022

The Crusaders were my lifestyles all the time, even earlier than I joined the crew it was my lifestyles, dreaming of being part of the family,” Mo’unga stated on Monday.

“Looking again at my time with the team due to the fact 2015, it makes me so thankful to be a part of this sort of franchise, part of some certainly exquisite reminiscences, a few fantastic achievements and wonderful moments, and to simply meet some surely unique people.

My energy going into this season is no different to any other, I’m here to give my everything. I still want to perform, to do the best for the Crusaders, our members and our fans. There’s still a heck of a job to do before I leave.”

Mo’unga made his professional rugby debut in 2013 for Canterbury and will be entering his ninth season for the Crusaders.

He has scored 1053 Super Rugby points and has continued the proud tradition of quality Crusaders No 10s, following Andrew Mehrtens and Dan Carter.