#we are few in number but mighty in passion

[mothric]

would just like to say thank you to every single I, Ronaldini stan who's busting their butts to feed the other eight Ronaldini stans on here

[s-dei]

I wonder, how in your opinion did Illidan's and Khadgar's relationship started?

Hi anon!!! Thank you for askin, it will be fun to dive into my mind of 5 years ago and recall all the stuff :'D (It can go out of control…)

(IT DID went out of control, so I'm throwin it under the cut 😂) There may be typos or mistakes, haven't checked and lazy.

I think I should start with character's reasons to be interested in eachother. Like, beside from "we happened to be in the same place doing the same thing (fighting Legion)", a more specific moments from the both sides.

Khadgar's side: 1) He was glad to get one more ally who is really passionate to fight Legion. Of course, Legion was everyone's business at a moment, and there were a lot of powerful allies. And Illidan is well - pretty controversial person. But at this moment Khadgar was really exhausted, and still was questioning a lot his Guardian role (even if it was only nominal), and Illidan was realy personal with Legion. So he was mostly glad someone else wanted to take the main role (while there also were moments of regret xD)

2) That's a curious magic nerd Khadgar. And an ancient demon-elf. Of course he wants to ask something, even if he knows even more ancient creatures. While not using it himself, he would enjoy to listen about dark ways of magic or something.

3) Illidari. He was unsure at first, but in the end enjoyed 'babysitting' them. Even when Illidan is back, he still cares about them and asks if they need something, or just comes to chit-chat. He is also curious to know especially about the bond of Illidari and their Master, from the both sides.

Illidan's side: 1) That's a magic nerd Illidan (in other ways, but still here we are). And a human mage wielding a great power AND having mark of Sargeras left on his aura. Of course Illidan is curious about it. And he wants it - in a greedy demonic way he holds back, so he is just going with decent conversation.

2) Khadgar is an ally you better to team up with. Of course Illidan Stormrage is mighty and powerful, but he still lives in society 😂 Azeroth changed a lot since he went to Outland, the ruling power is different now. Illidan came back to life, but he's still a war criminal, and many ppl want him dead or in prison again. Of cooourse they need him to fight Legion, but if the war is over succesfully, who will speak for him and Illidari? Oh, maybe it will be Khadgar, who is suddenly non-hostile (while he have all the rights to be after Outland?) Let's keep it as an option. Illidari say too that he's really cool ally.

3) Some really far-fetched stuff, but Illidan pays attention to details. Back in the WotA he was trained by Rhonin and fought along Kur'talos Ravencrest, and so he makes a remark about Khadgar and his raven form. Even if Illidan chooses his way himself (tm), sometimes he still thinks about the promised Fate of his, and wonders if it is in a things repeating. (That's just me bringin all the lore bits to one pile, I love it. Khadgar also was in a Black Temple. Mind it)

Both sides: sharing the feeling of a "missed time". One literally spent hella majority of his life in isolation, and the other turned into oldman in his 17 (or 19? damn i always confuse those numbers). I think it works kinda equal for them, and they went "oooh, you understand?"

Events

Sooo in my vision, Khadgar already had some opinion about Illidan and things to ask him, and Illidan was fine with speaking to him aside from Illidari to know more about events happened in the world. I think before Brokenshore campaign started, they had a few personal and group meetings, and found out that they share something in common while having different tempers.

When the campaign began, things went… complicated xD They started to find out their differences, and always were loud discussing it and their disagreement. Sometimes they started with disagreement and finished with agreement, keeping it with a passive agression :Д Were they mad? They had fun! Mostly. I think both enjoyed a 'look i'm having a dispute with this important dude'

But besides from discussing strategy and other serious stuff, they still had a moments of discussions of magic and past events (unless they were too personal). Khadgar shared stuff with him, from food and drinks to artifacts and books, and enjoyed watching how Illidan interacts with it. Sometimes amazed. And often endeared. There was actions from Illidan's side as well, but he mostly did it via Illidari (not like he was ashamed, just really busy). And they mostly said "yeeeeah this is from Lord Illidan!"

Eventually Khadgar fell in love and WAS TERRIFIED. He spent a lot of time figuring out what he really feels. When he came to conclusion, he thought a lot if he should confess, coz it's fkin Illidan Stormrage. It felt so crazy, but Khadgar decided that his life is going crazy for a while, and he decided to try. I can see Khadgar as a person who isn't going love crazy right away. He feels something buzzing, a certain kind of interest, but it's not a "omg this is the one and only person in my life" untill they go mutual. He, of course, will be sad if Illidan rejects him, and it will take some time to recover, but he isn't going to keep it forever.

And so he decided to confess. He purposely have chosen a short peacefull moment before some big battle in case if the things go awkward or even bad, so they both have an excuse to leave.

Now coming back to Illidan and what he felt. Ngl he's a complicated char if you want to go thoughtful with him. But I think during this time he became a little sympathetic with Khadgar. Found him special in one ways and annoying in others, but def considered him and ally and maybe even a friend, while he wasn't going to admit it outloud.

Still, the confession made him baffled (even if he suspected it a bit). If it was someone else, he would just say "lol no" and leaved. But he was really curious about Khadgar's reasons and what the actual fuck. He couldn't say he felt something even similar to love, but also didn't went with just a "no". He said that Khadgar is probably mistaken, or just don't realize that he isn't the type to build a 'true lovestory' with and live happily ever after. He is a demon and his passion is already going on hating Legion, so don't you expect a romantic fairytale. Khadgar said that he pretty aware of all of this, he isn't going to fix Illidan, or cure his scars, or bring him into typical lovey-dovey routine. "How about we just find our own way?"

You see, Illidan says "yes" in any case, but I can see it going in different ways: - First is a direct "yes", but not in a "i want to be with you" way. It's a "You know what, I will be with you, and I'm curious how you gonna handle it". Being baffled at first, he is now going into offence and declares "If you want a challenge, I'm giving it to you". Not love - a challenge. The challenge isn't about Illidan being a demon/ancient/edgy person. It's about the fact Illidan knows zero shit about romance and he's goin to explore it and experiment af (of course he didn't said it literally, but he implied). He is going to be unbearable. And he enjoys how Khadgar reacts - confused and happy and non-believing and terrified. He's goin to love it. - Second is Illidan taking a time to think, and they talk once more after the battle was over. This conversation is more calm, more intimate and Illidan lets Khadgar close to try and see how he feels about it. They speak about some personal stuff, and while Illidan didn't said it directly, he implied he don't mind to try (yet warns that it still won't be a lovey-dovey stuff). (ngl, their moment of confession is so hard, I tried to write it 5 times with different words, so I will never come to a single solution)

Illidan promised no lovey-dovey, but he found out he enjoys it actually 😌👌

I think I have some more stuff to say, but this post already went WILD. IDK, feel free to ask more direct questions or somethin :)

[pawborough]

Hello everyone! 

First off, apologies for the later update this month! 

The truth is that the software developers were on a slow bend this month. A majority of time was spent on theoretical economy balancing and item number crunching. While this is important work for the long term, there’s not much to show for it aside from spreadsheet numbers. We’re now back in full swing!

Originally, we wanted to wait to update the demo with Longhairs before releasing a check in. You all deserve some substantial content. 

However, the devs reported that they were not going to be able to do this until next week. Hearing this, we didn't want to continue the wait after that!

That all being said, Longhairs and Cheeks/Lollipop are coming this month, full promise! The art has all been ready, we just had some technical kinks to buff out!

Moontails are next up with the majority of their patterns done. The breed currently needs 3 more patterns illustrated. Moontail wing color-picking has also been a mighty task that is nearing completion! Check out a few wing color previews: 

We expect Moontails to be up soon after Longhairs. 

We have in the meantime begun concurrent production on illustrating Thumpers, with Fyrets and Bovines close behind. 

This update, we will majority talk about what concrete expectations you as a follower can have for our timeline! 

Let's look at some art first! 

New Fauna

Nautitum 

This aquatic fella saves snacks for later in his belly!

New Accessories

We have completed a backer accessory!

Firefly Chime

The illustration of the Firefly Chime was a great experiment for us, as we worked with a copy-past-able asset and still positioned it in unique ways. 

With these two, we were able to test our pipeline for different types of accessories. The Firefly Chime was finished in record time, and we believe that we can illustrate quite a few simple accessories. 

This is all very exciting for our catalog! 

Guild UI

With this screenshot, we see how roll for outcome scenarios are played out!

We want to talk about our expectations for the future! 

Our goal for a dedicated alpha is to have a test of about 100 concurrent users run for two weeks straight. This is to stress test the servers and weed out apparent bugs. We already have many playable states, but this test would mark a tangible transition to beta. 

After which, we will move to beta to test things like number balancing, item drop rates, and general mechanic feedback. Beta is planned to run for several months while we iron the kinks. 

So what should you expect? 

Our original plan was for alpha to remain strictly internal and invite only. We wanted testers to understand that this would be a rather laborious volunteer job with less fun, more QA. However, we have been shown by the sheer dedication and passion in our supporters that some of you would want nothing more! 

So, we're opening alpha applications! 

Alpha Applications

Alpha will be a two week long test with an average of 100 users. 

We must stress that this is a volunteer job with more expectations than beta. You will be given a checklist of functions to test and buttons to click daily, and be expected to report any bugs or lack thereof each time. All alpha testers will be compensated for their time and energy with an exclusive fauna. (As mentioned before, exclusive Fauna will not be counted for Faunapedia completion rewards.) 

Compatible volunteers will be chosen at random from our application. 

Sign up here! 

Applications will close upon announcement. We will make an announcement of a closure date one week before they officially close!

Timeline

We are planning to have alpha up and running within 30-60 days from now.

Closed beta will begin 3 weeks after alpha. 

From there, we plan to open our doors for people without beta keys during registration periods. This will be "open beta." 

Projection for this is August of 2024. 

This asset will be pinned to all our social media. 

While we've had general estimations before now based on different factors, this is our first promise of an established expectation. We had a lot of learning curves, personal setbacks, and growing pains as a team, but we've ironed out much of the kinks seen in our early development. August has been a consistent goal of ours for opening registrations from the beginning, and we're now finally comfortable enough to announce it. 

We are still hesitant to announce dates at this time, as frankly anything can happen and we're loath to have users wait months for a date only to be disappointed by a push to the next week, but this is what our team is expecting and projecting. 

Dates will be announced when they are within 2 weeks time! This will give us a tight enough window to accurately predict when the game will be ready, and ensure there aren’t last minute pushes. It will also give users time to prepare for grabbing early registrations. 

From open beta, we'll be working to transition into a formidable game. All our focus will be on readying content and making sure our mechanics are balanced. This ballpark is dependent on a number of factors, so we'll need to update as we transition into Phase 4! 

One more note for users to expect: Throughout alpha and beta, there may be placeholder assets for smaller things such as food icons or items. These will be visually indicated as placeholders. 

The intention for these game states will be to make sure our software runs as smoothly as possible, the economy is balanced, and the game is fun to play. Our program will not be "launched" until all assets are final, but it will speed our development to both test and produce at the same time! 

Our artists during this phase of development are all freelancers, and their availability is largely dependent on outside factors. We must remain vigilant to this fact while we plan out our timeline, and we appreciate everyone's support and patience!

We realize this update has less content than previous updates, but a large amount of our manpower at this moment is going towards monotonous things such as repeat pattern illustrations, repeat accessory illustrations, and refinement of mechanics already featured.

Thank you to all our supporters who have stuck by us while we continued development and faced new challenges! It's a huge step for us to be at this stage, and we're all very excited!

To Summarize: We showed a new fauna, new backer accessory, guild UI development, and opened applications for 2-week dedicated alpha testing. 

What to expect next month: Further asset and UI development, peaks into alpha gameplay and dedicated game loops. 

[hoverboards-and-dragons]

Its Heaven time, archangels my beloved

Through the forests, through the mists, We still carry Grandpa's gifts!

Winners of heaven will cultivate varying relationships to the reigning Heir of the ring they live in. The fifth ring looks particularly up to Gabriel, an inventive and optimistic group that shares their chosen grandfather's value of giving and helping, and of glory and honour.

O Prince of perfection, Grant me my dream, Give me inspiration, Grant me the means To Reach my ideal!

The rings have dramatically different cultures, catering to different pursuits; So much so that some souls stay devoted to their preferred heir even when living elsewhere. You'll meet the self you never knew in life in Six where passion and beauty, expression and sensation comes before all. Guided by humanity's primordial muse Jophiel to hone your craft to perfection. Have you ever tried acid or estrogen? would you like to?

Cycle's ever broken, mighty ones will fall, I will serve your purpose, if it fits my goal!

Some relations are more strained; the Higher Archangels are disconnected figures, at the best of times especially from man. Although this doesn't bother the academics, researchers and scholars of the Fourth ring. The winner crowd thins out greatly, independent and ambitious types with little interest in their mentor unless they have need for the Sage. Uriel's attention is usually only drawn through grand achievement. Both are far more invested in the Great labyrinth of Archives they share.

Oh Angel of the Springs, you cursed source of life, May our sickness our torment and our rage now bring us might!

The most... unique of the Heir's followers for the deep divide in values. You will struggle to find winners of the Third ring that do not despise Raphael. Few in number, they seek the Doctor out despite the inhospitable to human conditions, in the hopes of protecting the still living, usually like they did in their own life.

Raphael's apathetic attitude towards death is a deep let down. 'Plague-maker' they spit in response to those who call the Doctor 'Life-bringer.' But they can't afford to reject the opportunity of the Third ring.

Raphael is fonder of them, happy to play the Challenge to those who throw themselves so fervently into the cycle, the struggle to decides who gets to live. They can handle the insults its good motivation.

[quackity1999]

[✉️ MAINTENANCE REPORT

FROM: [REDACTED]+mt@lnv.com

TO: cslime@lnv.com

cc: Foolish, President Quackity Attachments: 1 file]

Top o' the mornin' for ya, Mr. Slimecicle! We're back at it again with the memos passed up, rungs climbed, you know the drill! Guess at this point I'm quickly turnin' to the usual guy, since the usual usual-guy's on a sick leave to nurse his ol' achin' leg from the Casino incident. Though, fret not, with a bit o' Mr. Foolish's boots-on-the-field magic, we've pressed down our workplace incident numbers!

Now, I've talked 'nuff. To the point!

Saw Mr. Foolish stoppin' by the office to check up on things! My boys woulda stopped 'em for a work status update, but he was lookin' like he was on one hell of a mission. So if you'd kindly let 'em know to check on the attached weekly work status report. Got some fancy schmancy stuff like Needle deco updates, news 'bout the tarmac and paving road work, and plenty more to see!

Fountain maintenance goin' swell, though I'll have to pass on some requisition orders for pump parts, especially for them clogged up nozzles! Plus some anti-algae chemicals, of course. All the nickels 'n pennies tossed in has been scrounged up, cleaned, and tossed over to the treasury for countin' and checkin'! An' as always, you can check in with the staff for any unusual coins poppin' up!

An ol' souvenir shop at the side of the road was busted few days ago due to a fancy racin' car smashin' right through it at the dead of night, sure you've heard. We've cleaned up the site, closed the shop for a bit while the boys do some magic on the inside. Enclosed is the damage report, plus, er… casualties, unfortunately.

Relocated some gunk-covered sticky notes outta the maintenance panels. Much-o apologies, Mr. Slimecicle, your words o' encouragement were real lovely to see, and the boys love 'em to bits! But they were coverin' up some important bits we gotta look at. They've been moved to a special Mr. Slimecicle-only corkboard near the backstages!

Christmas decorations're set up in all major high-traffic areas! We got holograms, we got fluffy snow, glimmerin' trees. Oh, man, you gotta get down 'n have a look! City's mighty beautiful this time 'a the year, I say so myself!

Was sure a-plenty happenin' this week! That's all 'fer now. See ya next week! Have a very Merry Christmas, Mr. Slimecicle and other folks up there that keep this fine place from runnin' off like a headless chicken!

Best regards,

[REDACTED], Maintenance Supervisor

TO: [REDACTED]+mt@lnv.com

CC: Foolish, President Quackity

FROM: cslime@lnv.com

SUBJECT: Re: Maintenance Report

HELLO, MAINTENANCE MAAAANNNN FROM LAS NEVADAS!!!!!!!!

You're my favourite guy ever! That's why I left those sticky notes, literally. Gunked up to the max, huh? I solemnly swear to goop up every part of that corkboard. Interior design is my passion! :D

Was Foolish looking for President Quackity? I thought Quackity from Las Nevadas told everyone about the business trip. Haha!

About the souvenir shop . . That is a Big Whoopsies. I am very sad. Does that mean I'm in trouble because people died? :0

I hope not! I will put the FUN in their funerals!!!!

Quackity from Las Nevadas can definitely sort out the orders better than me. I keep getting the locations wrong :( Crazy how many humans people are needed for a nation to work out! :D Amazing!

Love ya forever! Your best friend,

Charlie Sticky-Note Slimecicle!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!

[inoankin]

hey, you!

do you like hazelight studios' hit 2018 co-op game A Way Out? do you want a dedicated space for AWO fanworks and discussion?

join the community!!!

we are few in numbers, but mighty in our passion. please join us! we really don't bite.

[pmpmyread]

2024 in Two Half Steps: Thoughts from a new writer on Tumblr

An end-of-year reflection on the pmpmyread x Tumblr experiment thus far, in the form of some yapping absolutely no one asked for, "for posterity".

While the creation of this Tumblr blog predates June 29, when I published my first JJK fic, I consider today to more or less mark six months since I joined the platform in earnest, as a writer.

A few days after sharing that first fic, once the high began tapering off, I vowed to make the conscious effort to refuse to play the engagement numbers game, judging it to be too slippery of a slope for the little it would yield, particularly for someone who is prone to slipping into the mindset of a mentally exhausting day job ruled by OKRs and KPIs as a measure of success.

"Watch number go up" would certainly not be the energy I'd bring to this endeavor.

Having said that, I did quietly hit a few neat milestones over the last few weeks, both on here and on AO3, and these little quantifications of how people received some of my writing over the last six months, modest as they may be, are only incredibly encouraging to me. Even after the recent cleanup I conducted on my followers list for what appeared to be bots/ageless blogs, I was surprised by the number of people I was left with on my tiny island of the internet.

If you follow me, if you’ve ever commented on, interacted with, or even just took the time to read something I wrote, thank you! I appreciate it more than words could ever convey.

Now, here’s a numbers game I'm willing to play, as someone who was struggling to get anything down on paper this time last year:

25-30 is the number of original/non-reblogged posts I shared this year. I didn’t know how to tag when I first started and I don’t really have it in me to hunt them lol. They were likely yap anyway. 17 of those were fanfics, 3 were meta posts/character analysis 11 Nanami fics (rookie numbers tbh lol), 2 Gojo fics, 2 Geto fics, 1 Nobara-centric story, and 1 Yuji and Sukuna-centric thing 5 gifted written works total, 3 of which I haven’t shared here. The presence of this metric is mind-blowing in and of itself because there was a time in a not so distant past when I would not dream of being confident enough to gift anything I wrote to someone. 6 Destiny fics, 5 of which were re-shares and 1 that I actually wrote this year. This is also an achievement on its own considering the terrible writer’s block and general dissatisfaction I’ve had with this game this year. I’m grateful for this small but mighty fandom and its talented artists that keeping it alive, in spite of everything. $17.15 is the yearly hosting fee for the OC writing blog I registered a couple of years ago. Now that I’ve finally found my spark to write OC again, thanks largely to my fanfic endeavors, I can finally justify its expense LMFAO.

If you’re a writer or really just any kind of creator on here, I encourage you to take a short trip down the soon-to-be memory lane that is the year 2024 and take stock of what you’ve created this year. Zooming out to view your broader personal progress and accomplishments is crucial for maintaining motivation, reminding yourself of the “why” and of the passion behind your efforts. We truly only do this for the love of the game!

If you’re a reader and you’ve made it this far (here’s a medal lol), thanks again for being here, I hope this can serve as a small glimpse into the journey behind this account. I admittedly run this blog a bit like my social life lol; long periods consisting largely of keeping to myself, punctuated by short bursts of high social energy. That said, I’d definitely like to get to know you more in 2025!

Finally, if you’re someone who sits in between these two categories, here’s some food for thought: In the initial six months of 2024, I was only silently reading the wonderful works others bravely posted on here, hovering in that awkward area between a desire to share my writing again and an aversion to being perceived.

It was exactly halfway through the year that I took a chance to post something for the first time, and though I was nervous in the moment, it was the most freeing thing. Mainly because I did it and I didn’t die lol.

If you feel that nagging from an idea you have, and that flame of creativity, if you’ve been eyeing that half-completed outline, or even just have some scenes replaying like a movie in your mind, I hope you know that you already are a creator.

At the risk of sounding corny, I’d invite you to consider this upcoming new year to be a blank page and try putting pen to paper for some of your ideas, and see where it goes. If you’re so inclined, create a post, tag it and send it off to the world, whether here on Tumblr or elsewhere. It may feel daunting or even a bit scary, but I promise you’ll feel accomplished and relieved to have finally tried it. And when you do it once, it’s always easier to do it again.

Just please do remember to do this for yourself and for your enjoyment first and foremost, to find your own voice and style and to resist the urge to compare your journey to others’. The best way to dismantle the thief of joy is to prevent it from sneaking onto the premises in the first place. The rest will follow. 🩵

As for 2025, I do have some aspirations for this blog, though I refuse to label them as resolutions LOL. I want to explore some more ideas for JJK and D2, I want to incorporate my underrepresented identities into my stories, I want to start cross-posting my original content over on another dedicated Tumblr page, I want, I want, I want...

I don’t know how much I’ll realistically get to, because life is life and I am also looking to make some rather big moves next year. Tumblr is only a small piece of my writing journey which itself is only a small part of my busy day to day, but all in all, I am so pleased to have re-engaged with this hobby on this platform.

For all of its flaws, Tumblr has a distinct flavor in its interactive element that I have yet to see elsewhere, it’s connected me with wonderful people, provided a much-needed creative outlet, exposed me to wonderful works, and helped to keep me grounded during what was an otherwise pretty hectic year.

Thanks for reading, and I wish you a safe, healthy and very happy New Year!

(I listened to the Comic Bakery Title song while writing this. My future self will get the reference hashtag posterity)

[libertineangel]

Right, here we go then, in today's "sentences I never thought I'd say" here's a bit of a writeup of the fucking Pistols gig. I'm tired as shit, unsurprisingly, so it may not be the most well-written piece I've ever posted but like it's the fucking Sex Pistols so who needs polish anyway?

Half-hour delay starting due to an unspecified medical emergency at front-of-house, but come 9:30PM they walked onstage and Cookie sat right down to give us the kick drum beat in for Holidays in the Sun, and the moment Steve played that classic cascading guitar riff I got slammed against the barrier with the weight of a few hundred jubilant punks. I stayed there the whole gig really, didn't even need a shower when I got home 'cause I was pinned too hard to mosh about enough to get sweaty.

Frank Carter has such a fucking energy about him as a frontman, his vocals and his posturing clearly draw inspiration from Johnny but only insofar as he perfected the performance of these damn songs and if you wanna do it well you have to do it a bit like him, but it was by no means an impersonation or a tribute. He was so clearly enjoying himself so much too, like yes he was full of punk attitude but none of the contempt Johnny always dripped with, this was sheer earnest passion for it all; the rest of the band were loving it too, this is I think my fifth time seeing Cookie and I have never seen him look so happy, so enthusiastic, they all have such chemistry together and are loving breathing new life into these old songs.

Anyway, after Holidays there was no breathing room before the first chord of Seventeen came crashing down, and god did it sound mighty, and just like 1977 - Steve's guitar tone is just like it always was, absolutely perfect sound, after nearly half a century I find it remarkable how bloody dead on he got his setup. Then came the moment to greet us, and a shout & request for applause for the person who caused the medical delay - "we came here intending to kill it but not like that" as Frank put it - before dedicating the next one to the band themselves, launching into New York and launching into the crowd, getting right deep in and spending at least a solid verse singing standing fully upright held up over the crowd.

Pretty Vacant came next and fucking hell it was Pretty Vacant, y'know? I did my best to remember every detail from the gig but on this one I can only tell you it was fucking fantastic, exactly how it should've been, crowd singing it as much as Frank and Glen very much having fun with it. After tearing the roof off with that one Frank took a moment to talk to us, tell us "punk has always been for people on the outside, who don't fit in and feel excluded, and no one feels that more than the ladies, so can we get some room and open this pit up, this one's just for the girls, it's called Bodies."

Whether his instructions were respected or not I couldn't tell, as mentioned I was pinned solidly in place just right of centre, but I can absolutely tell you he gave a real fucking bite to that song, infinitely more than I saw Billy Idol try last year, some may find it a questionable track these days but oh did it fucking work tonight.

Next up, to my mild surprise, was the ostensibly-Pistols-but-basically-Professionals number Silly Thing, which Frank dedicated to the support act Girlband and also sang himself instead of Steve; it's a great bit of crowdpleasing singalong honestly, you can't really go wrong with it. Liar came next and Frank tore the fucking throat out of it (and, to be honest, out of me), and he did say something or play with the crowd first but we're coming up on five hours since it happened so forgive me for forgetting exactly what he said.

Then, with no pause or build-up, came that iconic guitar blast of God Save The Queen King, which was just as fucking brilliant as you'd expect. Crowdsurfers getting pulled out by security every verse, I counted at least five plus Frank himself at one point, someone's water partially over my head (no booze though - been a while since I've felt that actually, guess no one wants to waste their money throwing drink these days), and oh this song has just as much fire as ever and this country just as little future.

If I recall correctly the next one was dedicated to the band too, or maybe Steve specifically I can't quite remember, but anyway it was Submission and it was a fair move to give us a slower one at this point but it by no means lacked energy because of course it fucking didn't, they still all play like they're fucking 20.

Satellite came next and Frank went full fucking Iggy on us, don't think he sang a single word of it from the stage and indeed I didn't even see him except through the phone of the person next to me, hanging off the outside of the fucking railing of the staff access stairs to the balcony for a bit before diving back into the crowd; his movement over our heads also included such moments as "alright put me down a bit - oi gently" and "you've just fully grabbed my bollocks there, thanks mate", because this is not a perfect art.

After returning to the stage he looked out at us and said "I'm staying on the stage for this one, I jumped off those stairs and I can't top that, I'd have to climb up that balcony and I'd fucking die", but about three seconds into the opening chords of No Feelings he said "no I've changed my mind" and launched himself back into the pit.

Then came No Fun, which was a bit ironic considering everyone - crowd and band alike - were so clearly loving every second of this; this was the number in which Frank introduced the rest of the band by name, "the man, the myth, the legend" Steve then (I believe) "the legendary" Paul and finally "the most stylish man on this stage" Glen, each of them doing their own little solo as is custom, after which Frank said to Glen "that was pretty nice, I liked that." Problems and EMI rounded out the front of the gig, and I know I'm forgetting some shit I'd've liked to mention but y'know they were fucking brilliant and that's what's important.

After a bit of an interval they returned, Glen & Steve sat on the drum riser while Frank asked us if we'd like one more, if we'd like two more, then said alright but he'd do it his way - cue spotlight, cue soft guitar, cue the great punk pisstake that wrecked all our throats a little bit more.

Then, finally, I'm sure you can guess which song has been thus far a notable omission, which song rounded out this fucking storming set. It needs no introduction, the great clarion call of a generation sounding once more with as much fire as it ever did, and I couldn't put into words what it's like to scream that legendary rallying cry before the band themselves. It's the fucking Sex Pistols, and it's Anarchy in the UK. Get pissed, destroy.

There may be no future for us, but this music is fucking timeless.

[squadron-goals]

Jagdstaffel Boelcke, 8 April 1917

My dear Miss Annamarie! Today I wanted to look for Easter eggs with you at the Hubertusmühle. Now I want to check in with you from afar at least with a letter. The return to the squadron [Böhme was injured on his hand in February and spent some time in hospital] was sad. When I arrived in Cambrai late in the evening, the first thing I learned was that two good comrades-in-arms had fallen: König and Wortmann. They were the last two in the squadron from the original Boelcke squadron. Now only Richthofen and I are still alive. The cup of Valenciennes seems to have passed me by [Böhme was ordered to the fighter pilot school as an instructor] - I even have the prospect of receiving the leadership of squadron 5. By the way, you must not think of the matter of Valenciennes as if being commanded there means being pushed aside. It is a task that is as important as it is responsible, because the quality of the entire replacement for the fighter squadrons depends on it. Only - I'm not up to this task. I am such an oddball that I prefer the smallest dogfight to a whole morning of playing teacher. There is a fabulous air traffic here. The English are coming in mighty swarms with new, very fast planes. But we also have a passion here now that is quite splendid. What a joy Boelcke would have! This morning I went to see Richthofen, who has now become a Rittmeister. He had just shot down number 38. It is amazing how high he has brought his squadron in such a short time. He has a lot of great guys around him who go through fire for him; his younger brother Lothar has also recently joined the squadron. Richthofen himself is as fresh as a daisy; although he climbs five times on some days, there is no sign of fatigue. What pleases me is that he is so completely without boastfulness, a distinguished but quite natural person - he is always particularly affectionate towards me. It would be good if he were put at the head of all fighter aviation soon. After to Boelcke, he would be the man to do it. At night, Richthofen and his men organized a merry target shooting because the English would not let him sleep peacefully. After these, flying very low at night, threw a few bombs at his airfield, he had 17 captured English machine guns installed near the casino. Then they expected the guests and, when they boldly came down to fifty meters, surprised them with a brisk fire. This way they have brought down no less than three in one night - something new for an aviator!  Now they will probably be safe from nocturnal disturbances. You will probably not discover much Easter spirit in this letter. You see: I'm back in the middle of a war. Hopefully it stays that way and I won't have to go to Valenciennes.

[yhwhrulz]

Charles Spurgeon's "Morning & Evening" Devotional: April 4th

Morning

“Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

Judges 6:33-40

Judges 6:33-34

When the enemy moved, the Lord moved his chosen servant to meet them, and at his signal many of the downtrodden people plucked up courage and came forth from their hiding places to face the enemy.

Judges 6:35

The Lord’s people are willing in the day of his power.

Judges 6:36-40

See how tenderly the Lord condescends to the weakness of his servant’s faith, and doubly strengthens his confidence. The Lord gives to us similar signs to confirm our faith. Sometimes under the ordinances we are bedewed with grace when others are not, and at other times we feel our natural gracelessness in the very place where others rejoice in abundance of grace. If our religion were mechanical, we could arrange its force; if it were formal, we could maintain its sameness; but since it is of the Lord, it is dependent upon his sovereign grace, and we are made to feel that it is so.

Judges 7:1-8

Judges 7:2

Helpers with God are never too few, but we learn from this passage that they may be too many. This is a blow for those who boast their numbers, and an encouragement for the few and feeble.

Judges 7:4

This was a great trial for Gideon’s faith. If weak in some points, it was mighty in others.

Judges 7:5

The lappers were men in haste for action, full of passion for the war; men who could not rest till they had smitten their cruel oppressors. Such men the Lord will work with.

Judges 7:7 , Judges 7:8

The swordsmen melted away, and only a few trumpeters remained. Now were matters right for conflict, and ripe for victory. When we are weak, then are we strong. Stripped of all such strength as can be seen, we cast ourselves upon the power invisible.

Evening

“Show me a token for good.”

Judges 7:9-25

Judges 7:9-10

See how gently the Lord deals with his servant. He assures him that there is no room for fear, but lest a fear should remain, he removes it.

Judges 7:11

To certain sincere characters, God deigns to give signs and assurances which it might be sinful for others to desire. Because Gideon had so many tokens, we are by no means to expect them, but rather to remember that blessed are they who have not seen and yet have believed.

Judges 7:14

It was a singular providence that one soldier should dream such a dream, that another should give it such an interpretation, and that Gideon should be listening during their conversation. The wonders of providence deserve the careful and adoring eye of the observer. The dream was just what Gideon wanted. He was as despised as a poor barley cake, and yet he should overturn the pavilions of Midian.

Judges 7:15

Note his worshipping under such circumstances. Devotion causes no delay.

Judges 7:19-21

Seeing so many torch-bearers, and hearing so many trumpeters, they reckoned that the army itself must be immense, and being smitten with sudden panic they fled.

Judges 7:23

Those who cannot go first, may do good service if they will come in later and aid the good cause.

Judges 7:24

A wise leader is anxious to reap all the fruit he can from a victory. When we have overcome evil of any kind we must labour to make the success a permanent one.

Judges 7:25

Thus faith wins the day against unnumbered foes. Let us but believe and we shall be established. The Lord is our Captain still, and we shall be more than conquerors. . Copyright Statement This resource was produced before 1923 and therefore is considered in the "Public Domain".

[litteratured]

Bukowski talking about meeting with John Fante

From "Charles Bukowski - Uncensored"

Bukowski's introduction to the new edition of Ask the Dust

Introduction

"I was a young man, starving and drinking and trying to be a writer. I did most of my reading at the downtown L.A. Public Library, and nothing that I read related to me or to the streets or to the people about me. It seemed as if everybody was playing word-tricks, that those who said almost nothing at all were considered excellent writers. Their writing was an admixture of subtlety, craft and form, and it was read and it was taught and it was ingested and it was passed on. It was a comfortable contrivance, a very slick and careful Word-Culture. One had to go back to the pre-Revolution writers of Russia to find any gamble, any passion. There were exceptions but those exceptions were so few that reading them was quickly done, and you were left staring at rows and rows of exceedingly dull books. With centuries to look back on, with all their advantages, the moderns just weren't very good.I pulled book after book from the shelves. Why didn't anybody say something? Why didn't anybody scream out?I tried other rooms in the library. The section on Religion was just a vast bog - to me. I got into Philosophy. I found a couple of bitter Germans who cheered me for a while, then that was over. I tried Mathematics but upper Maths was just like Religion: it ran right off me. What / needed seemed to be absent everywhere.I tried Geology and found it curious but, finally, non-sustaining.I found some books on Surgery and I liked the books on Surgery: the words were new and the illustrations were wonderful. I particularly liked and memorized the operation on the mesocolon.Then I dropped out of Surgery and I was back in the big room with the novelists and short story writers. (When I had enough cheap wine to drink I never went to the library. A library was a good place to be when you had nothing to drink or to eat, and the landlady was looking for you and for the back rent money. In the library at least you had the use of the toilet facilities.) I saw quite a number of other bums in there, most of them asleep on top of their books.I kept on walking around the big room, pulling the books off the shelves, reading a few lines, a few pages, then putting them back.Then one day I pulled a book down and opened it, and there it was. I stood for a moment, reading. Then like a man who had found gold in the city dump, I carried the book to a table. The lines rolled easily across the page, there was a flow. Each line had its own energy and was followed by another like it. The very substance of each line gave the page a form, a feeling of something carved into it. And here, at last, was a man who was not afraid of emotion. The humour and the pain were intermixed with a superb simplicity. The beginning of that book was a wild and enormous miracle to me.I had a library card. I checked the book out, took it to my room, climbed into my bed and read it, and I knew long before I had finished that here was a man who had evolved a distinct way of writing. The book was Ask the Dust and the author was John Fante. He was to be a lifetime influence on my writing. I finished Ask the Dust and looked for other books of Fante's in the library. I found two: Dago Red and Wait Until Spring, Bandini. They were of the same order, written of and from the gut and the heart.Yes, Fante had a mighty effect upon me. Not long after reading these books I began living with a woman. She was a worse drunk than I was and we had some violent arguments, and often I would scream at her, 'Don't call me a son of a bitch! I am Bandini, Arturo Bandini!Fante was my god and I knew that the gods should be left alone, one didn't bang at their door. Yet I liked to guess about where he had lived on Angel's Flight and I imagined it possible that he still lived there. Almost every day I walked by and I thought, is that the window Camilla crawled through? And, is that the hotel door? Is that the lobby? I never knew.Thirty-nine years later I reread Ask the Dust. That is to say, I reread it this year and it still stands, as do Fante's other works, but this one is my favourite because it was my first discovery of the magic. There are other books beside Dago Red and Wait Until Spring, Bandini. They are Full of Life and The Brotherhood of the Grape. And, at the moment, Fante has a novel in progress, A Dream of Bunker Hill.Through other circumstances, I finally met the author this year [1979]. There is much more to the story of John Fante. It is a story of terrible luck and a terrible fate and of a rare and natural courage. Some day it will be told but I feel that he doesn't want me to tell it here. But let me say that the way of his words and the way of his way are the same: strong and good and warm.That's enough. Now this book is yours."

[musicindustry123]

Top 5 Queer Singers Who Are Shaping LGBTQIA+ History

The history of LGBTQIA+ visibility in the music industry has been one of resilience, courage, and trailblazing talent. Many of the top queer singers throughout history have risked their careers, and in some cases even their lives, to be open about their identities. Today, we see an increasing number of queer musicians using their platforms to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, represent queer identities, and empower fans to embrace their own truths. These artists have not only shaped the music industry but have also been instrumental in advancing acceptance and awareness within society.

In this article, we’re celebrating five of the most influential top queer singers who are breaking down barriers, fighting for representation, and leaving a lasting mark on LGBTQIA+ history. From pop icons who dominated the stage to pioneers of rock and disco who set the groundwork for future queer expression, these artists have each contributed uniquely to LGBTQIA+ visibility and acceptance. Their stories continue to inspire, reminding us that music is not just a form of entertainment but a powerful tool for social change.

1. David Bowie: Breaking Boundaries in Rock and Gender Expression

Few artists have had as profound an impact on gender expression and self-identity as David Bowie. An icon of androgyny and non-conformity, Bowie used his music and image to challenge traditional views on masculinity and femininity. His personas, such as Ziggy Stardust, offered a vision of fluid gender expression that was unheard of in the rock genre. Though Bowie never explicitly labeled his sexuality, his willingness to openly explore and express gender fluidity inspired many LGBTQIA+ fans and paved the way for future artists to do the same.

Bowie’s songs like "Heroes" and "Space Oddity" broke traditional rock and roll barriers, using surreal narratives and theatricality that captivated audiences around the world. His influence extended far beyond music, impacting fashion, art, and popular culture. Even today, Bowie’s legacy as a queer icon endures, reminding fans of the power of self-expression and the importance of challenging societal norms. Through his music and performances, Bowie remains a timeless symbol of rebellion and authenticity, and one of the earliest top queer singers to make such a lasting impact on LGBTQIA+ history.

2. Sylvester: Disco’s Queer Icon and Voice of Liberation

Known as the "Queen of Disco," Sylvester used his powerful voice and fearless approach to represent LGBTQIA+ pride during the 1970s. Songs like "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" became anthems of liberation, celebrating queer joy and resilience at a time when the LGBTQIA+ community faced severe discrimination. Sylvester’s flamboyant style and unapologetically queer identity challenged societal norms, offering a sense of visibility and pride for many who felt marginalized.

Sylvester’s music was a rallying cry for acceptance and joy, providing a safe space for queer individuals, especially Black and Latinx members of the community, who were often sidelined. His courage to be openly queer and gender-fluid helped cement his place in LGBTQIA+ history. Sylvester’s success demonstrated that queer artists could not only find success but also inspire entire communities. As one of the top queer singers of his era, his legacy continues to inspire a sense of pride and self-love within the LGBTQIA+ community.

3. Freddie Mercury: Champion of Love and Acceptance

As the frontman of Queen, Freddie Mercury is one of the most celebrated musicians in rock history and a legendary figure within the LGBTQIA+ community. Though he was private about his sexuality, Mercury’s flamboyant performances and boundary-pushing persona defied conventional expectations of masculinity. Songs like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Somebody to Love" were not only musical masterpieces but also expressions of Mercury’s unique artistry and passion.

Freddie Mercury’s openness about his sexuality, though subtle, challenged the heteronormativity of rock music, inspiring fans worldwide to embrace who they are. Even after his tragic passing due to complications from AIDS in 1991, Mercury’s legacy lives on as an emblem of courage and authenticity. Today, Mercury’s music and legacy serve as a beacon for LGBTQIA+ individuals and artists, proving that one’s identity should never limit one’s dreams. His impact on music, combined with his influence on queer visibility, makes him an irreplaceable figure in LGBTQIA+ history.

4. Melissa Etheridge: A Voice for Queer Women in Rock

Melissa Etheridge was one of the first openly lesbian rock stars in mainstream music, coming out at a time when few public figures dared to do so. Her decision to be open about her identity marked a historic moment for queer visibility in rock music, particularly for lesbian women who often had limited representation. Etheridge’s songs like "Come to My Window" and "I’m the Only One" not only showcased her powerful vocals but also addressed themes of love and longing that resonated deeply with LGBTQIA+ listeners.

Etheridge’s courage to live authentically and to share her personal journey inspired many fans, especially queer women, to embrace their identities without fear. She has been a steadfast advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, using her fame to support various social causes and bringing attention to issues like same-sex marriage and LGBTQIA+ healthcare. As one of the top queer singers in rock, Etheridge has cemented her place in LGBTQIA+ history, proving that authentic representation can empower and uplift entire communities.

5. Adam Lambert: Breaking Stereotypes in Pop and Rock

Adam Lambert rose to fame as a runner-up on American Idol, quickly becoming a trailblazer for LGBTQIA+ representation in the music industry. As one of the few openly gay artists in mainstream pop and rock, Lambert faced resistance but remained unapologetically himself. Songs like "Whataya Want from Me" and "Ghost Town" showcase his powerful voice and emotional depth, connecting with fans around the world.

Lambert’s partnership with Queen as their frontman honors Freddie Mercury’s legacy while bringing queer representation to a new generation of fans. His activism for LGBTQIA+ rights and his commitment to staying true to himself have made him an inspiration. Lambert’s influence extends beyond his music; he uses his platform to speak out on LGBTQIA+ issues, proving that queer artists have a rightful place in all genres of music. Lambert stands as one of the modern-day top queer singers, carrying forward a legacy of visibility and acceptance.

Conclusion: These top queer singers are more than music legends—they are symbols of resilience, authenticity, and courage. Their contributions to LGBTQIA+ history extend beyond their chart-topping hits and unforgettable performances. Through their visibility and self-expression, they have created safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals and made it possible for future generations to live freely and without fear. Each artist has broken barriers, championed equality, and, in their unique way, reshaped the music industry into a more inclusive place for all.

Their impact is a testament to the power of representation and serves as a reminder that music can inspire change. Platforms like Deliver My Tune amplify the voices of these artists, helping their music reach diverse audiences around the world and reminding us of the importance of acceptance and inclusion. These trailblazing artists continue to inspire, showing that music is not just about fame but about creating a legacy that empowers and uplifts entire communities.

[mothereliza]

"The Wind Blows Where It Chooses"

John 3: 1-17

The wind blows where it chooses. You must be born again! These are words Jesus said to Nicodemus in our gospel reading. Today is Trinity Sunday. One common question an atheist may ask a Christian is the mathematics of the three persons in divine unity with God as One. It is indeed impossible to add the numbers - three equals one, and three ones equals one. WELCOME TO TRINITY SUNDAY!  

Our scripture readings do not explicitly define the “Trinity.” However, they defer to the presence, renewal, or rebirth by the Spirit. Each Sunday, we apportion a space in our worship and affirm our faith by saying: "We believe in God, the Father, in Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit, and life everlasting.” These words appear as a source of divine blessing every time we baptize or pray. But how many of us understand the mutuality of this peculiar relationship of God as three persons yet One God?   

The German theologian Karl Barth says this: “Independently of divine disclosure, a human possesses no knowledge of divinity that qualifies him to declare who or what God is unless God has revealed His reality and perfections.” Karl Barth is referring to the mystery of warmth, the gift, and the mighty effects of the unseen breath of Heaven and the remarkable work of regeneration. Regeneration is an individual and personal experience. Jesus expresses it beautifully to Nicodemus: “The [wind/Spirit] blows where it chooses, and you hear it, but you do not know where it comes from or goes.” 

Over the centuries, Christians have come to know God and enjoy a single energy and relationship with him through the embodiment of the Trinity.  

The word “Trinity” is not in the Old or New Testament. It was passed down to us in fragmentary units through the doctrine of our Church Fathers. If you don’t understand, you will never know this: They operate independently, yet they are united in their work as one. 

The mystery of the Trinity and ‘being born again’ are robust but complicated Christian theologies. Nicodemus’ meeting with Jesus takes me back to my first encounter as a witness of this rebirth. I was still incredibly young—a High School kid. I was confident that my love for Christ was pure, simple, and passionate. At an early age, I was exposed to the scriptures. But, like Nicodemus, I was puzzled about eternal life through regeneration. It was beyond my understanding – it still is.  

My encounter was at a weekend retreat. After the early evening session, we were divided into groups to study and pray.  My group included some high school seniors who invited their non-Christian friends from another school.  

It was a perfect August evening with a bright full moon. After a short prayer, the group began the study with the same John’s gospel we just heard, so the mood and scripture were suitable for the occasion. The visitors had a few taxing questions. We struggled with the answers, and after hours of studying and witnessing, the visitors embraced the gospel and even asked to be baptized.   

It was incredible! The stars became an altar for praise and worship. I witnessed the power of the gospel change somebody's life. I remember thinking, “I would like to help other people experience the power of Christ’s love.” As I matured in Christ, I realized that God’s divine love is by grace and following Jesus is a commitment full of struggles.  

What I learned about Nicodemus is that he was God-fearing, but something was standing between him and salvation; he wanted to know about his eternal destination. Our eternal destination is a question worth mulling over, and some of you may have thought of that question, too. The answer Jesus gave Nick left him shaking his head in confusion. "You must be born again!" As we continue to grow in Christ, we must face the trajectory of our souls. We must get connected. If our lives as Christians are only going through the motions and there is no profound conviction, we are not connected, and we must pray about the question - ‘what must I do to be part of God’s Kingdom?

Let us be steadfast, live in the Spirit, and pray that the grace of God the Father, the love of God’s Son, and the Holy Spirit our advocate keep us together and bring us to be witnesses of the three Persons in unity as One in eternal glory.

[freckledjoes]

I feel a little alone in this fandom cos I really really love stancy lol 😭 but when the show was on there were soo many posts like "UGH NOONE WANTS STANCY STOP" and I was like noo pls I do!

Like I understand people's hesitance but it's been years, they're both older and very different to the naive kids were when they got together first.

Maybe i just really like the 'second chance romance' trope idk. But it also always confused me how everyone seems to think Nancy hates the idea of having a family? Like she doesn't wanna be in a loveless marriage, but most of the family anxieties come from Jonathan (understandably) I feel like people project it on to her.

Also I really hate that people interpret Steve's speech as him saying "give birth to six of my children as you are a sperm receptacle and it is your place" like. That's soo people projecting again bc Nancy is a Strong Woman TM with no other qualities (in their eyes) and marriage and kids would RUIN her!!! (Though they usually don't care if its with someone not Steve lmao...) and also Steve is not asking her that!! He's sharing a dream, and likely only chose that number so there could be a 'haha mama Steve with the six kids' joke cos there are six kids fandom likes to say he adopted. There were way too many bad faith takes on that scene imo.

Also I remember seeing a few "I'd rather him die than get back with nancy" and I can't help but think do they even like him lol???? Like come on. I respect everyone's opinion but I also wish they would respect mine yknow?

Aww I know for a fact that there are quite a few people out there who do ship stancy!! You're not alone <3 I'm a steddie trooper but considering the way canon is going I definitely think you've got a fat chance at getting your endgame.

I get the appeal of a second chance romance! Outside of my arguments that I left in the previous post about this I generally just don't see their appeal but that's a matter of taste.

Gonna add a read more thingy because... I always write essays lmao.

I think most people think that Nancy's not really feeling the family life due to her reaction to Steve's nuggets speech? That's how I took it anyway, it didn't feel like she was too keen on the idea. But for all we know that could just mean that she's aversed to it right now, or the idea of 6 (I mean it is a lot - but the pick of the number was obvious too) sounded like too much. We can only assume and we will all have our own ideas. And maybe it's also just how people interpret her character, like perhaps it's an assumption based on other things they've seen throughout the show. It's fair for you (or others) to interpret it all differently :) I suppose we will find out (unless they give it an open end) in the last season.

I also never interpreted Steve's nugget speech as him saying Nancy's some kind of baby machine at all. He was literally just sharing his dream like you say, there was no misogyny going on there. And yeah! It was just them writing that narrative in there for the sake of conversation for the viewers.

I think people who say they'd rather see him die say that because they don't believe he would be happy with Nancy in that case. It's not so much about liking him or not, rather just really not wanting to see the alternative. Which I don't judge, but I get why you feel a certain way about that.

I've never been a fan of shipping wars and they are everywhere. I do think that it's up to you (not you in particular) to consume what you want to see. There's always the option to move on and scroll if someone has an opinion that you absolutely disagree with. Sure, you can start a discussion, I get where that passion could come from too, but when both people are very passionate about their ship, or even just a character on its own, it's rarely going to end well.

Every ship has seen commentary from other shippers, hating on their ship. It's how it goes. I personally wouldn't go out of my way to destroy a ship with my mighty words 'cause I'd much rather spend it on the ships I do ship :) Like why go out of your way to explain why the ship you don't like doesn't work? It shouldn't matter then, right? Just focus on the ship you do like.

Of course I'm fine with sharing my opinion if asked, but I really try to stay out of discourse over it because that's just suuuch a waste of time in the end. Like even if I state that I'm not a fan of stancy, I'd never want a stancy shipper to think that I'm shitting on their ship. I'm happy we can all enjoy and relate to characters and ships in such different ways. It's what's supposed to make it fun. :)

[whoahoney]

hey!! could i request some fluff with josh kiszka? i'm going through a tough time and i would like him to lay on top of me while we watch his favorite weird artsy films and he enthusiastically explains what makes them so special <3

Ugh I’m sorry you’re having a rough time, my love! I hope this helps 🤍

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

It hadn’t been long since you and Josh Kiszka started spending more alone time together, a few weeks of late night calls, sporadic text updates about your days, and generous amounts of spotify recommendations exchanged and discussed.

Every moment you managed to snag alone with him, time seemed to stop as you fell deeper and deeper into conversation and your fascination grew into deep admiration.

It began with Sam introducing you to his older brothers, a smug smirk on his lips as he watched Josh take you in, appraising you like his newest fixation as you spoke with an unmatched shine in your eye.

That very same night, Josh managed to find you alone—and without a drink! Which he fixed right away.

You’d sat outside beneath the stars and listened happily as he talked about what began as his influences, then quickly evolved into his inspirations, his passions and then never ending questions about everything that ever had to do with you.

The reasons you wake up in the morning, the songs that turn your day around, the foods that make your tastebuds sing, and your family and their whereabouts.

Soon you were the one caught up in a monologue about why your time in school was hard and how it affected your outlook on relationships of any kind, about how Sam was one of the first friends you’d made when you’d moved to town out of pure luck. The guy had really pulled you out of your shell and is a big part of the reason you have friends here in the first place.

Josh would be a liar if he said he didn’t worry about his chances with you based on how you spoke about his brother, but was quickly assured that you hadn’t found him to be romantically interesting, but a close platonic bond.

Before you parted for the night he was prompt to ask for your phone number, and you’d been talking ever since.

He’d invite you on late night drives, or hikes before brunch at his house, sometimes calling you up in the morning to make a spontaneous plan that almost always began with him fondly greeting you by name, melodic and mischievous, “… You got any plans today?”

And today was one of those days.

The sky was a calm downpour. The clouds a wool blanket of gray, and the lightning lit up the sky to amethyst purple with a mighty crack every now and then.

Josh’s living room had a perfect view to his backyard, a rolling green hill with spectacular trees fringing the area. The spring blooms had just blossomed and the grass was still long and thick from the lack of yard work done for the sake of the butterflies. He’d decided that morning when he opened the curtains that he needed to spend the day with you on the couch.

And who were you to refuse?

“I can be there in 20 minutes?” You offered.

You could practically hear the smile in his voice as he says, “Perfect, drive safe! And wear your coziest clothes.”

You hadn’t bothered with makeup or changing out of your pajamas, truthfully, before you shoved your socked feet into your rain boots and snatched up your keys.

You’d barely touched the doorbell when Josh appeared, beaming and reaching out to bring you inside. He didn’t hesitate to push the hood off your head and pull you in for a hug even if it meant getting his shirt a little wet.

He quickly got you settled on the couch, tucked into the best corner with a pillow and blanket draped over you. He busied himself in the kitchen with the kettle as he explained the plethora of dvds on the coffee table, “I’m still moving stuff out of my parent’s house, so when I go back they send stuff with me to bring here,“ he set down a ceramic mug that steamed with peppermint tea on the table before you and gestured to the piles, “I most recently received the treasured collection of dvds that changed my life.”

He sat down next to you, leaving a safe distance between you even though he wanted nothing more than to pull you close and hold your hand.

You’d yet to cross that line.

“Oh my gosh! Are any of these why you wanted to direct?”

He nodded and tapped a stack before picking it up, “Oh yeah, Monty Python and the Holy Grail inspired me to make my first film with my friends. It’s when I learned I liked satire! Well, that, and SNL….” He began rambling about his favorite cast and seasons, and then remembered himself before setting five movies in front of you to pick from.

“I want you to pick the first one.” He smiled and placed a hand in the middle of your back. Warmth consumed your skin in raised bumps all across your body. His touch had that effect on you sometimes.

You scan the options with difficulty, landing on a familiar favorite, “Fight Club?” You hold it up with a hopeful grin, one that Josh answers with his own, “Okay, but after we watch it, we can never speak of it.” You shoot him a weary glance, “It’s the rules.” He shrugged.

He stood to put the disc inside the ancient dvd player as thunder cracked and lighting broke the sky open for a moment. You jump, right as the flash lights up the room. Josh seems amused with this as he flops down next to you, closer than before. “No need to fear, darling.” He reminds in a transatlantic accent, throwing an arm around you. “It’s just a storm.”

You lean into his side as he presses play, chuckling and blushing at how this dork has you wrapped around his finger. He taps your nose and you reach up to interlace your fingers with his that dangled over your shoulder. He absentmindedly runs his thumb across your knuckles as the intro begins.

Josh can’t help but talk all through the movie, sharing his thoughts and opinions on the plot, frames of certain scenes he loves and hates, little bits of trivia no one else would ever know that you now know too because he shared it with you.

You revel in it all, learning about him—being here with him. It’s everything you’ve wanted since you met him. Josh never failed to make you feel special—just like Sam!

Except maybe a little bit different than Sam.

Okay, a lot different than Sam.

You’d wondered often where this was going between you two, getting teased relentlessly by Sam to thank him at the wedding someday but also never bothered to bestow upon you any information he may have about his brother’s feelings toward you.

Stupid brothers and their stupid code of conduct.

But it was moments like these, the ones where you keep getting closer and closer that make you wonder if it isn’t teasing at all from Sam. That maybe Josh really had his sights set on you and that maybe you weren’t too far off from—

“Hey, you still awake?” Josh asks quietly after a long silence. You’ve found that your head is on his shoulder and the movie is near over.

You raise up slightly before you feel his fingers curl around your shoulder in a light grip, as if asking you to stay.

So you did.

“Sorry, I didn’t even know I—“

“It’s okay! You could-uh, you could lay your head back down—if you wanted! You don’t—“ you interrupt his rambling as you laid your head down again, snuggling close to him with your knees almost in his lap. He sighed contently and placed his other hand on your knee. “Better?” He asks after a moment, and Brad Pitt slams his fist into an unsuspecting face on the screen.

You nod, “Mhm, thank you.” You can smell the lingering bergamot soap on his skin, fighting the urge to bury your nose in his neck and inhale before pressing a kiss to it.

“Thank you for coming over on such short notice.” He said quietly, his head laid over on yours.

You smile, “Of course. I… really like hanging out with you.”

Josh chuckled, his chest bouncing with it, “I like spending time with you too, doll.” He said fondly, bringing his hand up from your shoulder to stroke your hair. The affection had you stifling a sharp breath with a swallow.

The silence was thick after he spoke, your eyes glued to the TV and bodies unmoving though the energy passing between you was humming. It felt like something was about to happen.

“Y’know, when Sam told me about you I didn’t know…” he paused in thought before you lifted your head from his shoulder in question. Josh looked uncharacteristically somber, pondering his words carefully as they formed in his mouth. “I didn’t know you’d be so… beguiling.” He shrugged.

You chuckle, “Yeah, I’ve been told I’m a little weird.”

Josh smiles softly and shakes his head before finally looking at you with a tender caress of his finger down your cheekbone. “Sweetheart… I’m crazy about weird.” He smiles knowingly at your lips. “My day doesn’t feel complete anymore if I don’t hear from you.” He tsks, “It’s almost kind of ridiculous, I might even kinda resent you for it if you make me go a day without speaking to you!” He jokes.

You smile at him and lean into his touch. “I know what you mean, Kiszka. If I haven’t had my morning song rec I might as well have skipped my coffee, since I met you.” You bite the inside of your cheek as he appraises you, similarly to the night you met, the adoring smile he had on his face fading as he worded his next sentence carefully.

“They way I feel about you…” He sighed and shook his head, as if at a loss for words, “I think about you. All the time.” He whispers as if it’s a secret he’s afraid to tell.

Your eyes widen before you slowly nod, “I… I think about you too, Josh. Way too much for my own good, I think.” You admit just as softly with a glance to his lips. You have the urge to brush your thumb against his bottom lip, to take his chin in your hand and—

Josh smiles and tugs you closer, “Am I reading this wrong, or do you want me to kiss you?” He teases just as your noses brush, and instead of answering, you connect your lips to his, just as the final gunshot of the film fired.

It could’ve been seconds or minutes later when you stopped kissing, only pulling back an inch or so to linger as his eyes slowly opened. He smiled at you and swiped his finger along your cheek again, “I really like you. And I wanna do this with only you.” He said easily.

You can’t help but smile and nod before holding his face in your hands and kiss him again, “All of my kisses are yours.”

Josh’s eyes brightened at that and leaned in for more kisses, taking greedy pecks before your giggles melted into moans of content, the other movies long forgotten. You spend the rest of the afternoon laying on Josh’s chest, the windows open to listen to the pattering of the rain against the ground, and Josh’s heart beat beneath your ear, more than enough to kill you to sleep.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You didn’t leave Josh’s house after that day, three days later you were clad in his clothes and still on his couch, watching Josh’s picks no matter how gory or off-kilter they were. His commentary was your favorite part of every film, the bender filled with his laughter, critique, and praise.

You were picking the next dvd, replacing the one you just finished back into the sleeve of the book when you saw a disc labeled “Josh and Jake -2001”

“What’s this?” You ask as you hold it up.

Josh looks up from his phone as you approach, squinting as reads it before smiling fondly, “Oh, this is fantastic, put it in! You’re gonna love it.” He taps his hand on the table enthusiastically before rubbing his hands together and bouncing in his seat.

“Okay! Okay!” You giggle as you bend over, catching Josh’s intent lean forward in the black reflection of the TV, getting a full view of your ass before you straightened and pressed play. Josh held open his arms for you just as you flopped onto the couch and loud voices and a glitchy hole video filled the screen.

Two little figures stood in the middle of the grass, their hair short and their matching smiles just as large as they were today. They were shirtless, clad in denim shorts and barefoot as they sang into a small broom stick together, belting James Taylor as their family joined in.

“Oh my gosh!” You mused quietly, watching their little wiggling limbs as they danced similarly to what you’d seen on stage. Josh blushed as he watched you watch his childhood.

The next clip was the two of them standing in their kitchen, their little feet wanting to flee so badly but kept still to look into the camera lens. Their father spoke in the background, “Hi boys!”

“Hi daddy!” They chorused enthusiastically.

“Okay, so I’m gonna ask you guys some questions, and you’re gonna tell me your answers so we can remember them forever!”

“Yeah!” One of the twins yelled as the other nodded. “That’s me.” Josh pointed out, as if you thought any different.

“How old are you?”

“Five!” They said almost in tandem.

“What’s your favorite color?”

Jake shifted on his little feet as Josh began to bounce, “Purple!” He shouted.

“I like blue.” Jake added, nervously running his tongue over his lip as you’d seen him do just last week when conversation was turned to him at dinner.

“I like-I like red, daddy!” Ronnie yelled from across the room, sat at place at the dinner table.

“And Sam likes green!” Josh insisted as he pointed at the bald baby sat on their mothers knee, bibbed and slobbering with a smile as he bounced.

Kelly laughed behind the camera, “I think so too! What do you wanna be when you grow up?”

“I wanna….” Little Josh rolled his eyes as he trailed off with a gaping mouth as Jake perked up, “I wanna be a rockstar!” He said with light in his eyes and a smile on his face that Josh mirrored, “Yeah! We’ll be rockstars!” He agreed.

You giggled as they commenced their air drumming and mimicked screeching guitar riffs, finding Josh’s eyes on you as you turned to look at him, noting the warmth in your chest that grew when he smiled. “You always knew, huh?” You ask.

Josh chuckled dryly and shrugged, “Well, not always. I’ve always known I wanted to be with my brother. That he’s my partner in all things and I would do anything to make his dreams possible. Especially if I can have this much fun doing it.” He chuckles for real. “I think I’ve ended up here because I surrendered to the journey—the flow of the waters of life, if you will.” He gave you a look your quite familiar with, one he uses as he usually monologues.

“You go where life takes you?” You ask.

He nods insistently, “Absolutely. And I’m very happy with where I am, and where I’m going.” He smiled and took you in again, similarly to the night you met, “even more so, now that I can enjoy it with you.” He took your hand tenderly and squeezed it.

You can’t help your smile, and words fail you. You can only nod and press a deep kiss to his perfect lips, ready to spend this night and many more just like this.

-

-

A/N: I kinda hate this but also simultaneously love it, it’s my first time writing for Josh so I apologize if it feels out of character for him 🥲💖

[kulturegroupie]

Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert, December 10, 2007

✧ JOHN PAUL JONES ✧

As soon as we got together at the first rehearsal to explore the possibility of whether we could still play together and be as powerful and exciting as we once were, the answer was blindingly obvious. The energy and the chemistry was absolutely still there.

The show itself felt like the first night of a tour. We wanted to keep everything simple and real, to let the power of the music speak for itself.

✧ JIMMY PAGE ✧

There had been unfounded rumours of a Led Zeppelin reunion over a number of years.

When the opportunity arrived it was clear that to present a show illustrating how we

ticked musically would need careful consideration.

The first step was to get into a rehearsal room with Jason and kick it off. Even at this

stage it was robust, exciting and passionate.

We managed to continue with the rehearsals over the next few months, subject to

everyone’s availability, shaping the set, building confidence, reconnecting with the Zeppelin synchronicity.

The last days production rehearsal, at the sound stage in Shepperton, gives a

fine example of how ready we were to take on the world of the O2 and beyond.

There was a lot to live up to, but the preparation and passion was undeniable.

We were ready!

✧ ROBERT PLANT ✧

Why?

For me..

A fond farewell to Ahmet for all the reasons WE knew...

His contribution in that groundbreaking team that was for 30 years shaping taste for aspiring musicians....

For me..

A focus on Bonzo’s contribution to our adventures and to his tribe, Joan, Pat, Jason, Zoe, Devvie, and Matthew who I have been connected to since teenage days. So of course, Jason, magnificent juggernaut with style, enthusiasm and encyclopaedic reference to a hazy past ironically and finally was to drive us forward.

For me..

The night could consolidate: bring us together again with focus somewhere beyond fading memory....

And to do justice to meaning and expectation..

Four men stood in the dark behind a huge blacked out projection screen.

It was a big ‘ask’.

Anticipation and hype are not sensitive bedfellows...

Everyone had worked diligently around us; there was a plan...but no escape.

Many years long gone since the swagger and molten inventions of ‘devil may care’...

So who were we to ourselves and to each other to weave, to meld, to mean it..on that night?

House lights down – no place to hide....

✧ JASON BONHAM ✧

On June 10th 2007, Robert, Jimmy, John Paul and myself got together to start rehearsing for what was to become the greatest day of my life.

Six months later, we were at the O2 waiting to go on stage. I kissed my wife and kids as they left my dressing room to take their seats. I heard Robert’s voice in the hallway say, “Is he coming or not?” I couldn't even swallow let alone reply, so I walked into the hallway to see Robert, Jimmy and John Paul chatting and laughing with each other. They didn’t look nervous at all. We stopped for a quick photo and then Robert said, “Let’s have some fun. Remember to enjoy it because no one can take that away from you.”

The lights went down and I could hear the mighty roar of the crowd. I climbed onto the drums in darkness waiting for my cue. The moment was seconds away and still I couldn't swallow. It’s time. I raise my sticks and count us off into “Good Times Bad Times”. This really is the greatest day of my life!!

The show goes better than I could have hoped. I start to relax and I’m having a ball. With every song I’m feeling better and better. By the time we got to “Kashmir”, I was really going for it. Really, this was so good. Everyone was on top of their game. It was magical. We leave the stage and I’m in heaven. “Whole Lotta Love” is next, and it felt fantastic.

We closed the show with “Rock And Roll”, and my dream was coming to an end. “This might never happen again,” I thought. I didn’t want it to stop. I felt a certain closeness to Dad...like he was there with us and he was one with me. As I wait for my cue from Robert, I fill up with emotion and use it as fuel to deliver the drum break ending we all know so well in “Rock And Roll”. We take a bow. Smiles are all around me. I slowly walk to the dressing room where I collapse and burst into tears. I had fulfilled my dream – to play drums on stage with Led Zeppelin, the greatest band of all time. It felt good, really good!

— From the official ‘Celebration Day’ (2012) Booklet