#FireChat

[bettreworld]

Fireside - Harriet Cao

[soubidou]

BRENNAN

TAYLOR

STOP IT WITH THE WITCHES AND THE MUSIC I'M ALREADY ON MY KNEES I'M ALREADY PRONE TO RUN TO BE KILLED

[derekklenadaily]

@giftober | Day 17: Phone Call/Text

[firewatchings]

🦖 RAWR!! means 'i love you' in dinosaur 💚 keep this dino on his journey and send him to all the blogs you love 💚 RAWR!!

HE BE DANCIN <3 RAWR

[stackofstories]

shotgun rider | chapter 3

Pansy Parkinson, the hard-faced girl, kept shooting looks. Squeezed between towhead Greengrass and pudgy Bulstrode, she thought she was being slick. With each turn of her head, Parkinson glanced at him with her beady eyes and then let out a braying laugh.

Blaise focused on his meal, a side of grilled salmon and mashed potatoes, refusing to give her the reaction she was trying to elicit. Mamma warned him. It was his first time away from home and the comfort of his community. He was different and because of those differences, he was singled out.

Still. Blaise made sure to hold his head high because as proud as these heirs of the Most Ancient and Noble Houses were, Blaise was prouder still. He was of King of Kings and Queens of Queens. His line went back to antiquity. Not to mention, he was also very rich. He wagered richer than almost all in the Hall baring the Chang heiress. Parkinson laughed because that was all she could do: laugh.

These truths didn’t lessen the itchiness burrowing under his skin. The whisper in the back of his mind. Maybe, he should have waited until the winter holidays before unbraiding and washing his hair. He wasn’t sure what to do with it aside from a bun. For at least six weeks, he was without a style.

When dinner cleared away, dessert appeared, and he went for the mint ice cream. Blaise contemplated the merits of asking Snape to firechat Mamma. Maybe there was a way to arrange his absence for a day. It was a dire situation. A Zabini couldn’t go around looking like a bum.

Blaise shoved the last of his ice cream in his mouth. He didn’t bother to wait for the Slytherins to get up from their seats as they were almost always the last table to leave the Hall. Blaise went into the sea of Gryffindors and Ravenclaws. Someone reached out and yanked his black cloak back.

“Who—” Blaise hissed, colliding into the back of the person and feeling them both stumble. Blaise whirled around. He expected Harry with a sheepish half grin poised with an apology. Instead, Blaise got comical wide brown eyes and hands up in a universal placating sign.

Shoulders still raised, Blaise tried to place the tall Black boy. He was bean-pole thin and young looking. Ink spattered his white shirt, and the inside of his left hand, and he was wearing a tie of red and gold.

“I’m sorry!” the Gryffindor boy said. “I was just trying to get your attention and I didn’t know your name.”

“Well, you don’t need to pull on me,” Blaise said flatly. “And it’s polite when introducing oneself, they lead the introduction.”

“Oh, right.” The boy shifted on his feet. “Sorry again. I'm Dean Thomas.”

Thomas. Blaise couldn’t place the name.

“Muggleborn?” Blaise asked.

Thomas tilted his head to the side squinting into the distance. Definitely muggleborn. Blaise withheld a sigh. “It usually means you’re the first magical child in generations,” he explained patiently. Of course, the matrix of blood was a complicated math and science and it varied depending on whom one talked too.

“Oh.” Thomas shifted from foot to foot. “My mom doesn’t speak much about my dad.”

Blaise thought about his own father and his absence in his life. He was just fine with himself and Mamma. He didn’t need a father.

“What did you want, Thomas?” Blaise asked.

“Oh, right. Your hair.” Thomas hurried along with Blaise’s flashing cross look. “I can braid your hair if you like.”

That was unexpected and a bit presumptuous.

“I didn’t take you for a braider,” Blaise said.

Thomas laughed, nodding. “I get it from my mom’s side. We’ve got steady hands. Mom’s a surgeon and Auntie Aaliyah has her own braiding shop, and well, I’ve been helping out in the shop as long as I can remember.”

Blaise adjusted his cloak and frowned. He wondered what had made it obvious that he needed someone to do his hair. “How much for your services?” he relented.

“I don’t know.” Thomas shrugged and crossed his arms. He gave him an appraising look. “Auntie charges £90. 45 if they’re under 12, but she’s a professional and she takes less than two hours.”

“I don’t have muggle money,” Blaise said shortly. “Do you take galleons?”

“Those are the golden ones, right?” Dean asked.

Blaise fought the urge to sigh once more. He ended up, nodding. “There are seventeen sickles to a galleon and twenty-nine knuts to a sickle. I don’t bother with knuts. For my hair, I think three galleons is an appropriate amount.”

Thomas squinted. “I want five.”

“You don’t even know how much a galleon is worth in muggle money,” Blaise said.

Thomas shrugged and smiled. “I know but you could be taking the piss.”

Sound reasoning. Thomas’s ignorance was staggering. The holes in his knowledge would be easy to manipulate, but finding good hair care was a rarity and if Thomas proved skilled, Blaise was set for seven years. It was a potential bridge he wanted to maintain.

“Four galleons and thirteen sickles,” Blaise said.

“Four galleons and sixteen sickles,” Thomas countered.

“Fifteen sickles,” Blaise said neatly.

Thomas’s smile widened. “Done.” He held out his smudged hand. His fingers were long and thin. Graceful.

Blaise shook his hand. “I’m Blaise Zabini.”

“Blaise.” Thomas rocked on his feet. “I can do your hair tomorrow after early breakfast. 7:30? In my common room.”

“I’ll see you then, Thomas.” Blaise turned on his heel and headed in the direction of the dungeons.

—

Blaise wanted to ask did the Gryffindor common room need more gold because he felt like there wasn’t quite enough gold in the space. Like there was an actual dearth of gold in the room. He contained his twitch at all the scarlets and gold threads and the golden chandelier and golden trimmings and golden candle holders and gold, gold, gold. He plopped into one of the stuffed armchairs, waiting.

Thomas clambered down the winding mahogany steps (decorated in gold and red) with several items in hand. He held them in front of Blaise like treasures. A wide toothcomb, a spritzer full of water, several hair ties (thankfully not in gold and red), and a jar of “What is that?” Blaise asked. “It’s blue.”

“Yeah, mate. Good eyes.” Thomas cracked a grin. “This is a staple for Auntie. Keeps your hair looking fresh.”

Blaise grabbed the jar and unscrewed the lid. He looked at the thick jelly of blue goo and took a whiff. It was a faint echo of memories. Following Mamma to her braiding shop, dutifully greeting aunties and enduring smattering kisses on his forehead and pinched cheeks and fussing comments as he was settled into a chair. For two hours, he sat still as his hair was washed and parted and combed and braided.

“If my hair falls out, I’m cursing you,” Blaise warned. He slid down to the plush carpeted floor eyeing the empty hearth.

“Scary,” Thomas said with a tone telling Blaise he was anything but. “I wish we had a telly. I don’t know how Auntie does this without anything. I brought a couple volumes of Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z if you want something to read.”

Blaise shook his head. He dug through his satchel and pulled out his wireless. It was small, the size of his hand, and shaped like a rectangle. The dials to fiddle with the station were found on the top and so was the antenna. This wireless definitely wasn’t the one of Mamma’s generation. Blaise shuddered to remember the cumbersome design Mamma kept in the attic. “It has all the channels,” Blaise said. “Well, all the channels here in the U.K.… what do you want to listen to? Warbeck? Weird Sisters?”

Thomas wore flat look apparently less than impressed. “I don’t know who those people are. I don’t suppose your lot gets N.W.A. or highlights of the footie matches?”

“The Wireless will occasionally get signals from Muggles,” Blaise said.

Thomas sighed. He laid his tools on the table next to him and sat behind Blaise on the stuffed armchair. His long legs reached the floor. His shoes had been white but were riddled with black drawings and flowing script. Blaise wagered Thomas’s books and homework looked similar.

Blaise flipped through the channels while Thomas loosened his hair from the bun. Blaise stopped when he heard an excited “Update on Gringotts break in.”

Turning up the volume, Blaise listened closely. He vaguely recalled a headline he read in passing on this very matter a few weeks ago. Hearing it was just as odd as reading it. Gringotts was supposed to be impossible to break into.

“For the last time, nothing was taken from our vaults. The contents of the vault in question are none of your business. There will be no further comments on the matter,” Platinumfinger, Gringotts representative told us this afternoon.

“Goblins are well-known secret keepers for all those passing through their doors. What we do know is that someone tried to rob Gringotts and this is still an active investigation. It is believed dark wizards and witches are behind this crime.

“We’ll be speaking with Auror Chopra this evening for further developments.”

“What’s the big deal?” Thomas asked. “Don’t you guys have bank robberies?”

“It’s not just a bank robbery,” Blaise said, interrupting the Nimbus 2001 ads and turning to another channel. “The two most highly secured places in the U.K. are Gringotts Bank and Azkaban. You can’t just walk in and walk right back out.”

“But someone did,” Thomas said. “And there are no leads.”

“Exactly.”

“Freaky,” Thomas said.

Thomas didn’t even know the half of it. If Blaise remembered correctly and he knew he did this robbery coincided with debutant Harry to the wizarding world. For eleven years, the whispers of the dark wizards and witches on this island had been all but silenced. And now, the supposedly impregnable Gringotts was full of holes. Blaise didn’t believe in coincidences.

“Oi! Don’t turn that dial! What am I listening too?” Thomas leaned around him.

Blaise blinked. “A quidditch match. Harpies against the Harriers.”

“I haven’t got a clue on what those words mean.” Thomas raised a hand. “I don’t need you to explain it. This quiddick match sounds fun. Turn it up and leave it on.”

All right, Blaise thought. That was easy enough. He placed the wireless on the table and sat incredibly still.

It was a little more than two hours later when he felt Dean pull away from his hair with a satisfied “Done! Auntie uses hot water to seal the ends or a lighter, and I don’t have any of those so needs must: I knotted the ends.”

When Blaise moved, he felt the world did too. For two hours, he sat as still as a statue and in those two hours, he and Dean invited the outside world in on their ritual. Gryffindors pored from the dormitories and their common room opening, shooting them glances and the occasional whisper. Some of them chose to stay, watching. Once more, Blaise was reminded of the difference in background. Didn’t anyone teach them that it was rude to stare? Blaise had years of training to hold his head high regardless of the situation, and it seemed like Thomas did too. If he had noticed befuddled eyes and whispers, he paid them no mind, intent on keeping his line straight and cheering on chaser, Ines Nielsen of the Harriers.

“Here you go.” Thomas gave him a mirror. “Look at it. Before you pay me.”

Blaise accepted the mirror. He met his brown-green eyes silently amazed that his fluff of juiced curls were pulled back into small braids with neat lines gathered into a high ponytail to reveal his fade(thankfully, he had enough sense to refresh that style before heading Hogwarts). Next time, he would bring gold cuffs or cowrie shells to adorn his hair. Powerful, protective magic those were. Blaise didn’t like to be without.

“It’s not half bad,” Blaise said as he handed the mirror back. He stood and stretched.

“It’s not half bad,” Thomas mocked with an eye roll and grin. “Is that your way of saying ‘thank you’?”

“No. This is.” Blaise pulled out five galleons and sixteen sickles for Thomas. Never let it be said the Zabinis didn’t pay handsomely for proper products and services.

“Thanks. I guess I’ll see you around?” Thomas asked.

Blaise gave him half a smile.

From the top of the steps, Harry yelled his name. Blaise turned to look at Harry clad in his robe and pajamas. Blaise offered a wave.

“What are you doing here—why didn’t you tell me—I’m coming down—” Blaise blinked. He did not want to spend any more time in the Gryffindor common room than what was necessary.

“There’s no need for all of that, Potter. I had an appointment here with Thomas and I’m done now. I’ve got to go back to the dungeons.” Harry’s face fell spectacularly. “However, this afternoon, around 2, I’ll be walking around the Black Lake…”

“I’ll be there!” Harry grinned.

[novelindependencepark]

NOVEL Independence Park by Crescent Communities in Tampa, FL

Discover more about the renowned NOVEL Independence Park by Crescent Communities, known for its Tampa luxury apartments with pool setting that promises chic living spaces. Their blend of thoughtful design and advanced home technology creates the perfect environment for a laid-back lifestyle. Be among the first residents to this luxurious community by reaching out to them today. The large fitness club provides a range of workout options, from Matrix cardio to TRX suspension training, and even includes a flex studio for yoga and spin classes. Embrace a more relaxing way of living and explore the beauty of this new community.

Tampa, FL

Nowadays, it’s amazing to create a travel itinerary. If you’re making one now, you can check out these Eventbrite posts. Most of these activities are perfect for first-time visitors in the city. First, there will be a free event named Rooftop Third Thursdays Networking Firechat this coming Thursday, April 17, 2025, at around 5:30 PM, at Sal Y Mar. In addition, the Bern's Winefest: Grand Tasting Experience is scheduled on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at around 12:00 PM, at Haven. Lastly, you can also opt to attend the exciting activity named AFTERNOON DIVAS Launch Party on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at around 6:00 PM, at Byblos.

Glazer Children's Museum

The Glazer Children's Museum in downtown Tampa, Florida, is a popular destination for families seeking relaxation and bonding activities. Children especially enjoy the museum, making it a top choice for weekend adventures among parents. As a non-profit institution situated next to the Tampa Museum of Art and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, it forms an integral part of the Downtown River Arts neighborhood. The museum features both a permanent collection and rotating traveling exhibits, offering diverse learning experiences for visitors of all ages. Overall, the Glazer Children's Museum stands out as a famed tourist spot that blends education, entertainment, and family fun seamlessly into one enriching destination.

Pinellas County acquires 14-acre sanctuary, sealing its commitment to conservation

There are many thought-provoking news reports in Tampa, FL. In a recent news article, the topic was about conservation efforts. As such, Pinellas County has announced the finalization of a 14-acre preserve in an effort to protect environmental lands. Moreover, it was mentioned in the news that West Klosterman Preserve, near Tarpon Springs, was acquired through joint efforts between the county and WK Preservation Group Inc., each contributing $1.5 million to buy it from the Pinellas County School District. In January, the group announced the acquired contribution, fulfilling the agreement. Finally, dating back to 2022, members of West Klosterman Preserve fought to save the land from a developer turning the area into a condominium.

Link to map

Glazer Children's Museum 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602, United States Get on I-275 S 3 min (0.9 mi) Continue on I-275 S. Take FL-60 W/State Rd 60 W to Independence Pkwy. Take exit 2B from FL-589 N 7 min (6.7 mi) Continue on Independence Pkwy to your destination 2 min (0.4 mi) NOVEL Independence Park by Crescent Communities 4108 George Rd, Tampa, FL 33634, United States

[lawblogng]

Free Stamp and Seal was wasn’t stopped by Maikyau, Don't Mislead Lawyers- Fiery Ikeja Lawyer, Victor Ariavie Esq Counters NBA GS

In a sharp response to recent statements made by the General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, Ikeja-based lawyer Victor Ariavie has refuted claims regarding the discontinuation of complimentary stamps and seals for lawyers. Dr. Ojibara had earlier stated during a “Firechat” Zoom session with lawyers that the policy of issuing free stamps and seals upon…

[cheepuppp]

Activism & Protest: How Social Media Sparks (and Complicates) Revolutions

Can a hashtag change the world? Social media sure makes it seem like it. From #BlackLivesMatter to #StopAsianHate, hashtags have become rallying cries for global movements. They mobilize protests, expose injustices, and amplify voices that traditional media often ignores. But here’s the thing: while social media is a powerful tool for activism, it’s also a minefield of challenges. Let’s dive into how platforms like Twitter and Facebook are reshaping activism, for better, for worse, and for everything in between.

The Power of Going Viral: How Social Media Drives Movements

One of the best things about social media? It turns everyday people into activists overnight. Take the Hong Kong protests, for example. When the government started cracking down, protesters used Twitter and encrypted apps like FireChat to organize rallies without getting caught (Mahtani, 2019). Even when the internet was blocked, they found workarounds with mesh networks, basically offline communication systems that couldn’t be traced (Koetsier, 2019). Talk about innovation.

In Myanmar, social media played a similar role. Protesters used Facebook to document human rights violations during the military coup, rallying international attention and solidarity (Banki, 2021). The posts were raw, heartbreaking, and impossible to ignore. Social media wasn’t just a tool for spreading the wor, it became a lifeline for people fighting for democracy.

And let’s not forget the #StopAsianHate movement in the U.S. When anti-Asian violence spiked during the pandemic, hashtags like #StopAsianHate and #COVIDRacism brought communities together. Abidin and Zeng (2020) explain how these hashtags did more than raise awareness, they gave people a safe space to share their stories and demand change.

The Risks: When Social Media Bites Back

But here’s the catch: the same platforms that empower activists can also be used against them. In Hong Kong, protesters had to wear masks and ditch their phones to avoid being tracked by surveillance tech (Walters & Smith, 2019). In Myanmar, the military turned Facebook into a propaganda machine, spreading fake news to discredit the protestors (Shao, 2019). And let’s not forget how algorithms work, they prioritize engagement, which often means pushing the most divisive content to the top of our feeds. That’s great for outrage clicks, but terrible for nuanced discussions.

Sigal and Biddle (2015) caution against putting social media on a pedestal. Yes, it’s a powerful tool, but it’s not a silver bullet. Censorship, surveillance, and misinformation are real threats, and they can undermine even the most passionate movements.

The Wildcard: K-Pop Fans and the New Wave of Activism

Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Activism isn’t just happening in traditional spaces, it’s spilling into fandoms. Yes, fandoms. K-pop stans are some of the most organized communities on the internet, and they’ve started using their skills for social justice. During the Black Lives Matter protests, BTS fans raised over $1 million for the cause, rallying behind the hashtag #MatchAMillion (Cho, 2018).

This kind of “fan activism” (Jenkins & Shrestova, 2012) is a game-changer. It shows that digital communities whether they’re built around music, memes, or activism have the power to mobilize for real-world impact. Who knew streaming BTS’s latest album and fighting for justice could go hand-in-hand?

Personal Reflection

I’ll admit it, I used to think sharing hashtags and liking posts didn’t really count as activism. But during the #StopAsianHate movement, I found myself retweeting stories, signing petitions, and even joining online discussions about how to help. It felt small at first, but it also made me realize the ripple effect of social media. One share can lead to ten, then a hundred, and suddenly you’ve got a movement.

That said, I’ve also seen the limits. Clicking “share” is easy; showing up to protests or making donations takes more effort. Social media is a great starting point, but the real challenge is turning those clicks into action.

Conclusion

Social media has completely transformed activism. It gives marginalized voices a platform, connects global communities, and turns hashtags into rallying cries. But it’s not perfect. The risks of surveillance, censorship, and slacktivism are very real, and not every hashtag leads to lasting change.

Still, the potential is undeniable. Movements like #StopAsianHate, the Hong Kong protests, and K-pop fan activism show us that when digital communities come together, they can achieve incredible things. The challenge now is to take that online energy and make it count offline because that’s where revolutions really happen.

References

Abidin, C., & Zeng, J. (2020). Feeling Asian Together: Coping With #COVIDRacism on Subtle Asian Traits. Social Media + Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305120948223

Banki, S. (2021). Thanks to the Internet, we know what's happening in Myanmar. But a communication blackout may be near. The Conversation.

Cho, M. (2018). 3 Ways that BTS and its Fans are Redefining Liveness. Flow: A Critical Forum on Media and Culture, 24. http://www.flowjournal.org/2018/05/bts-and-its-fans/

Jenkins, H., & Shrestova, S. (2012). Up, up and away! The potential of fan activism. Transformative Works and Cultures, 10. https://doi.org/10.3983/twc.2012.0435

Mahtani, S. (2019). Masks, cash and apps: How Hong Kong's protesters find ways to outwit the surveillance state. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/masks-cash-and-apps-how-hong-kongs-protesters-find-ways-to-outwit-the-surveillance-state/2019/06/15/8229169c-8ea0-11e9-b6f4-033356502dce_story.html

Shao, G. (2019). Social media has become a battleground in Hong Kong's protests. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/16/social-media-has-become-a-battleground-in-hong-kongs-protests.html

Sigal, I., & Biddle, E. (2015). Our Enduring Confusion About the Power of Digital Tools in Protest. Fibreculture Journal, 26. https://twentysix.fibreculturejournal.org/fcjmesh-007-our-enduring-confusion-about-the-power-of-digital-tools-in-protest/

[hackernewsrobot]

FireChat was a tool for revolution. Then it disappeared

https://www.fromjason.xyz/p/notebook/firechat-was-a-tool-for-revolution-then-it-disappeared/

[dungeonmastersconsortium]

What the magic status in Eonera? Is it common place? Incredibly rare? Outlawed?

That depends on where you are! Are you in the Magocracy? It’s pretty commonplace, though warlocks are looked down upon in comparison to other arcane casters. Elsewhere on the continent, it gets rarer the further away from the Magocracy you get. Are you on the continent of Lanaria? Then it’s not technically banned, but as the continent is locked in a state of perpetual war between city states, spellcasters are often primary targets for conscription and/or murder. On Thesylra, it’s on the rarer end of the spectrum.

[bigmammallama5]

@firechat replied to your post “Do you think Kara needs kryptonite to cut her hair? To clip her nails?...”

She just bites it off.

*jenna marbles shark noise* NYEHGNYEHGNYEHGNYEHGNYEHGNYEHG

[nudityandnerdery]

If you don't mind me asking, what happened to the sacred seasons podcast? I'm still trying to catch up, and I'm not able to find it anymore. The podbean page isn't available anymore. Did something happen?

Unfortunately, we were defeated by the most implacable of foes in D&D: the real world. The campaign went on hiatus and eventually was cancelled because of real life things that deserved to take priority.

Alas, my idiot of a warlock is back adrift amongst the multiverses, searching for a home again. (Also, I miss getting the play with all the other dorks in the campaign, you all are awesome.)

[lumpypulloversallround]

started potty training boy #2 today

this one is much less concerned when he goes and ends up just peeing somewhere and wandering off until we find it or he accidentally steps in it

sigh

[derekklenadaily]

A part of the conversation with Tony and Derek today on 'Sitting Room Only with Tony Marion'!

[lawblogng]

YC Maikyau SAN abolished Complimentary Stamp for Lawyers, not Afam Osigwe SAN- NBA GS, Dr. Ojibara

The NBA General Secretary,  Dr Mobolaji Ojibara has stated that the current NBA Administration under Afam Osigwe SAN is not responsible for the abolition of free stamp and seal for lawyers. In a recent Zoom session titled “Firechat” with lawyers, the General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), addressed the concerns of lawyers over the discontinuation of free stamps and seals for NBA…

[simandhar--education]

Bcom to CPA journey | Placed at J.P Morgan | Ex - Big 4 | CPA Course |Trailer

Simandhar Education will help you ace the CPA, CMA, EA, CIA, and IFRS certifications. For any further information regarding the courses, you can feel free to reach out to our expert counselors at 𝟕𝟕𝟖𝟎𝟐𝟕𝟑𝟑𝟖𝟖. Drop your Details: https://bit.ly/3wf2fD4 In an exclusive interview with Raghav, we covered "𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐔𝐒 𝐂𝐏𝐀 " Tag your friends and colleagues who aspire to become US CPA. Comment to know more. Get more details about the CPA training program here: https://simandhareducation.com/course...