#Express Entry draw 2023

[federpath]

Discover the Inner Workings of Express Entry Latest Draw

Express Entry's latest draw is the key if you want to immigrate to Canada. This points-based system, employed by the Canadian government, efficiently handles skilled worker applications for Canadian permanent residency.In this system, there are three main programs. Such as:Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class.The Express Entry system ensures a fair chance for all skilled individuals. Additionally, category-specific draws have recently been introduced to further streamline the process.To determine your eligibility, your profile is evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This system assigns a score, ultimately ranking you in the highly coveted Express Entry pool.You can check your eligibility by calculating your CRS score. Contact Federpath Consultants for consultation and follow us on Facebook to get all the updates from different countries.Visit our Blog For More Information:https://federpath.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-invitations-in-express-entry-draw-275Call us for FREE Counseling & make your Overseas Career dream a reality.

[expresswayimmigration]

Canada Express Entry Latest Draw August 15, 2023

Express Entry Draw 262 | 4,300 Invited in All-Program Draw On Tuesday, August 15, 2023, IRCC sent out 4300 invites to apply for Canadian Permanent residency in the latest Express Entry Draw 262. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) required for eligibility stood at 496. In this draw, IRCC considered All 4 programs; Provincial Nominee Program, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal…

[nationwideimmigration]

On February 2, Canada held its first-ever FSWP draw in history. Draws in 2023 have deviated from the routine seen since Express Entry was established in 2015.

[inc-immigrationnewscanada]

Alberta Express Entry Draw 2023 Sent 200 New PR Invites

Two Alberta PNP (AAIP) draws in January 2023 sent 200 invitations under Express Entry stream. First Alberta PNP draw on January 19, 2023 invited only 46 Express Entry profiles having a CRS score for 324 and above. Second Alberta PNP draw on January 23, 2023 invited 154 Express Entry profiles having a CRS score of 385. With Express Entry system shifting more focus towards Provincial Nominee…

[reliablevisblog]

[shumailach-blog]

Alberta Express Entry Draw: Province Invites 200 Candidates, Minimum CRS Of 324

Alberta has invited 200 candidates in two new draws through the Express Entry-linked stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.

In a January 23 draw, the province invited 154 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 385

On January 19, 46 invitations were issued with a minimum score of 324.

Important requirements for the stream are that candidates have stated an interest in immigrating permanently to the province, are working in an occupation that supports Alberta’s economic development and diversification and have family ties to the province.

For full details of the requirements for Alberta Express Entry, please see below.

Alberta Express Entry 2023 Draws

The province also has 1,152 Alberta Opportunity Stream applications and 276 expression of interest applications in the Alberta Express Entry pool.

High Number of Applications

Alberta says a high number of AAIP applications have been received in the following occupations, meaning they may take longer to process:

62020 – Food service supervisors

62010 – Retail sales supervisors

63200 – Cooks

21231 – Software engineers and designers

13110 – Administrative assistants

42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants

73300 – Transport truck drivers

12200 – Accounting technicians and bookkeepers

60030 – Restaurant and food service managers

21222 – Information systems specialists

What are the Requirements for Alberta Express Entry?

In order to be eligible to receive a notification of interest, candidates must:

Have an active Express Entry profile in the federal Express Entry pool.

Have stated an interest in immigrating permanently to Alberta.

Be working in an occupation that supports Alberta’s economic development and diversification.

Have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 300 points.

Factors that may improve a candidate’s chances of receiving notification of interest:

A job offer from an Albertan employer and/or work experience in Alberta.

Having graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution.

Having a relative that is living in Alberta: parent, child and/or sibling.

Factors that decrease a candidate’s chances of receiving notification of interest:

The Express Entry profile expires within the next 3 months

You work in an ineligible occupation

Source: https://www.cimmigrationnews.com/alberta-express-entry-draw-province-invites-200-candidates-minimum-crs-of-324/

[agrebel18]

I’ve been busily and excitedly working on this, so if you’re an Owl House fan and you like/love Willow, then listen up!! I have ALSO gotten help from @msbadatnamingthings​

[ID: a digital document that is green and has sparkles and plants all over it. the header says “Willow Park Appreciation Week” and the sub-header says “Takes Place @ May 22 through May 26!!” Under this, there are 5 prompts that say “May 22/Day 1: Palismen bonding OR crossover.” “May 23/Day 2: Childhood OR father/daughter bonding. “May 24/Day 3: Flyer Derby OR favorite on-screen outfit.” “May 25/Day 4: Favorite on-screen moment OR any type of AU (alternate universe) and lastly “May 26/Day 5: character development/growth OR friendship(s).” All of the words typed in are in white font, and to the right, there is a picture of Willow from The Owl House. She has her season 3 hair style and Halloween costume from season 3, and she is slightly blushing with a shocked face expression. END ID] 

This is LOOSELY inspired off of that one Gus Week that was hosted last year, and it was super fun, so I went, why not make a week for a core Hexsquad member??  You can post/do fanart, BUT you can ALSO do short drabbles/fanfiction, collages or even a video edit if that’s what you prefer, all types of works are valid!!  

AND you can also post your entries on other social media, like Twitter or Instagram (if you wanna find me then I’m on Tumblr) AS LONG as you give credits as to who is running this week OR to tag it as #willow week 2023 

ONE LAST THING (THIS IS @ MY FANARTISTS WHO WANNA JOIN IN) if you draw Willow skinny, ESPECIALLY on purpose, I will ignore your entry/submission.  

ALSO, HAVE FUN!!! 

[gael-garcia]

Writers Against the War on Gaza (WAWOG) is an ad hoc coalition committed to solidarity and the horizon of liberation for the Palestinian people. Drawing together writers, editors, and other culture workers, WAWOG hopes to provide ongoing infrastructure for cultural organizing in response to the war. This project is modeled on American Writers Against the War in Vietnam, an organization founded in 1965.

Statement of Solidarity

October 26, 2023

Israel’s war against Gaza is an attempt to conduct genocide against the Palestinian people. This war did not begin on October 7th. However, in the last 19 days, the Israeli military has killed over 6,500 Palestinians, including more than 2,500 children, and wounded over 17,000. Gaza is the world’s largest open-air prison: its 2 million residents—a majority of whom are refugees, descendants of those whose land was stolen in 1948—have been deprived of basic human rights since the blockade in 2006. We share the assertions of human rights groups, scholars, and, above all, everyday Palestinians: Israel is an apartheid state, designed to privilege Jewish citizens at the expense of Palestinians, heedless of the many Jewish people, both in Israel and across the diaspora, who oppose their own conscription in an ethno-nationalist project. 

We come together as writers, journalists, academics, artists, and other culture workers to express our solidarity with the people of Palestine. We stand with their anticolonial struggle for freedom and for self-determination, and with their right to resist occupation. We stand firmly by Gaza’s people, victims of a genocidal war the United States government continues to fund and arm with military aid—a crisis compounded by the illegal settlement and dispossession of the West Bank and the subjugation of Palestinians within the state of Israel.

We stand in opposition to the silencing of dissent and to racist and revisionist media cycles, further perpetuated by Israel’s attempts to bar reporting in Gaza, where journalists have been both denied entry and targeted by Israeli forces. At least 24 journalists in Gaza have now been killed. Internationally, writers and cultural workers have faced severe harassment, workplace retribution, and job loss for expressing solidarity with Palestine, whether by stating facts about their continued occupation, or for amplifying the voices of others. These are instances that mark severe incursions against supposed speech protections. Specious charges of antisemitism are leveled against Zionism’s critics; political repression has been particularly aggressive against the free speech of Muslim, Arab, and Black people living in the US and across the globe. As was the case following the September 11th attacks, Islamophobic political fervor and the widespread circulation of unsubstantiated claims has galvanized a US-led coalition of military support for a brutal campaign of violence.

What can we do to intervene against Israel’s eliminationist assault on the Palestinian people? Words alone cannot stop the onslaught of devastation of Palestinian homes and lives, backed shamelessly and without hesitation by the entire axis of Western power. At the same time, we must reckon with the role words and images play in the war on Gaza and the ferocious support they have engendered: Israel’s defense minister announced the siege as a fight against “human animals”; even as we learned that Israel had rained bombs down on densely populated urban neighborhoods and deployed white phosphorus in Gaza City, the New York Times editorial board wrote that “what Israel is fighting to defend is a society that values human life and the rule of law”; establishment media outlets continue to describe Hamas’s attack on Israel as “unprovoked.” Writers Against the War on Gaza rejects this perversion of meaning, wherein a nuclear state can declare itself a victim in perpetuity while openly enacting genocide. We condemn those in our industries who continue to enable apartheid and genocide. We cannot write a free Palestine into existence, buttogether we must do all we possibly can to reject narratives that soothe Western complicity in ethnic cleansing. 

We act alongside other writers, scholars, and artists who have expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause, drawing inspiration from the Palestinian spirit of sumud, steadfastness, and resistance. Since 2004, the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) has advocated for organizations to join a boycott of institutions representing the Israeli state or cultural institutions complicit with its apartheid regime. We call on all our colleagues working in cultural institutions to endorse that boycott. And we invite writers, editors, journalists, scholars, artists, musicians, actors, and anyone in creative and academic work to sign this statement. Join us in building a new cultural front for a free Palestine.  

Signed,

WAWOG Interim Organizing Committee

Hannah Black

Ari Brostoff (Senior Editor, Jewish Currents)

Elena Comay del Junco

Kyle Dacuyan (Executive Director, Poetry Project)

Kay Gabriel (Editorial Director, Poetry Project)

Kaleem Hawa

E. Tammy Kim

Shiv Kotecha

Wendy Lotterman (Associate Editor, Parapraxis)

Muna Mire

Perwana Nazif

Brendan O'Connor

Alex Press (Staff Writer, Jacobin)

Sarah Nicole Prickett

Dylan Saba

Zoé Samudzi (Associate Editor, Parapraxis)

Jasmine Sanders

Claire Schwartz (Culture Editor, Jewish Currents)

Janique Vigier

Harron Walker

Chloe Watlington

Gabriel Winant (Department of History, University of Chicago)

Audrey Wollen

Hannah Zeavin (Founding Editor, Parapraxis)

Signed, In Solidarity

Fatimah Warner (Noname)

Saul Williams

Susan Sarandon

Janeane Garofalo

Gael García Bernal

Danez Smith

Ocean Vuong

Aria Aber

Saidiya Hartman

China Miéville

+ full list here

[expresswayimmigration]

Canada Express Entry Draw #242 invites 667 applicants via PNP

Express Entry Draw 242 | 667 PNP Candidates Invited On March 1, 2023, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 667 invitations in the Latest Canadian Express Entry draw 242. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 748. This draw was program-specific. In the third program specific draw of the year, only candidates who were nominated under the Provincial Nominee…

[ruubesz-draws]

Draw This In Your Style Challenge!!

Now CLOSED!

YESSSSS!! I am SO excited! It's finally here, and I cannot wait to see what you guys have in store! This is going to be fun!

📢Rules below *Please Read*

Rules:

Draw your own version of mine! Be creative! Use your style! You don't have to copy every single pose or facial expression. 

Post your drawing on social media (Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram). You MUST tag your entry with #ruubeszdtiys AND @ me @ruubesz (@ruubesz-draws for people on Tumblr). I'll be checking and following all the entries. If you don't tag me, then I won't be able to reblog or share them :'(

As long as you draw Muscle Mothra as the winner of UNO and everyone looks flabbergasted (lmao), all will be good. You can change whatever you want. Just keep the original theme, and we're cool!

NO BLATANT TRACING! I want to see them in YOUR style, not just a straight copy of mine.

The deadline/ last entry is on 31 May 2023

We have PRIZES!!! (Of course, we do) I'll pick the winners by choosing my favourite pieces.

1st prize: Full body + colour (minor details)

2nd prize: Half body + colour

3rd prize: Half body line art/sketch

It doesn't have to look super detailed, accurate, realistic etc. You don't have to be a genius artist for this challenge. Just as long as you have fun! No pressure whatsoever :)

If you have any questions, feel free to reply, comment or DM me. 

Thank you! Hope you have fun! :D

Without the text:

[inc-immigrationnewscanada]

First Express Entry PNP Draw Sent 893 New Invites For PR

Today, first PNP only Express Entry Draw of 2023 sent 893 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency (PR). Applicants having a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 733 or above received the invitations. This is the first Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) specified Express Entry draw since June 2022. Below are the details of today’s PNP Express Entry draw. Provincial Nominee…

[hockeylovee12]

Crossing Enemy Lines

Chapter Six

Luke Hughes x Original Character

November 18th, 2023

Luke stands in front of the mirror, in his bathroom, his fingers fidgeting with the collar of his crisp white button-down. He's paired it with a nice pair of black jeans, and his white sneakers, hoping to display a balance between dressed up and casual. 

He glances at his phone, resting on the bathroom counter, for what feels like the hundredth time In the last hour. He checks the time: 6:47. 

He knows he should probably leave by 7,if he wants to get her flowers-which he does-and still pick her up on time. 

Luke takes a deep breath and runs a hand through his curls, trying to calm the nerves in his stomach. He's nervous for the date, he's also nervous because he's about to go on a date with Jacob Trouba's sister, a detail he has and will continue to keep hidden, at least until he can figure out what to do about it, but tonight, he just needs need to focus on the date, because all the other stuff, all the other stuff can wait. 

He glances at his phone again, seeing only a minute has passed, he sighs wishing time would move faster, then the door to his room opens, and Jack strolls in, flopping down on Luke's bed with no knock, no warning. 

"Sure just come on in" Luke sarcastically says. 

Jack grins, folding his arms above his head "Aw, don't be like that Lukey. You know you love me." 

As Luke walks away from the mirror, he rolls his eyes, but he's unable to suppress the small smile tugging at his lips "Did you need something? Or are you just here to annoy me?"

"Can't it be both?" Jack quips. His eyes land on his brother's outfit, and his grin widens "Big date tonight, huh?" 

Luke nods, scanning his bedroom for his cologne. He spots it sitting on his dresser and grabs it, spritzing a little on his neck and wrists. 

Jack sits up and looks at the bottle "Isn't that my cologne?" he asks, narrowing his eyes. 

Luke shrugs, putting the bottle down. "Possession is nine-tenths of the law" He remarks as if he's playing a role in Law & Order, "You left it in my room, so now it's mine" 

Jack scoffs, but there's no real heat behind it, there can't really be, considering half of his closet is in Luke's and vice versa "Whatever. I'm taking it back, when you leave" 

Luke just smirks, knowing it's an empty threat,  and turns back to the mirror, to adjust his hair one last time.

Jack watches him for a moment, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"What's the plan for tonight?" He asks, his tone softening

"I'm picking her up and we're going for dinner at uh Velvet & Vine" Luke answers 

"Fancy" Jack jokes, before his tone shifts "You really like her?" He asks 

Luke nods. 

"So you gonna tell me who she is?" He questions, moving from his position on the bed, towards Luke. 

Luke scoffs before sarcastically replying "Why? So you can go spill it to the rest of the team?" 

A small sigh escapes Jack's lips, as a frown appears "Come on man, I was joking I didn't mean to upset you-I won't" 

Luke cuts him off before he can continue, facing his brother "Jacky, I was just kidding, I'm not upset" he tells him. 

Jack exhales, his frown disappearing "So who is she?" he asks 

"I'm not upset, but I'm still not telling you" He says 

"Oh come on man, I promise I won't tell the team" Jack swears, drawing an X over his left pec with his fingers, "Cross my heart" 

"I know, dude, but I-I just wanna keep it to myself, it's our first real date and all you know?" Luke replies, hoping Jack doesn't question the slight crack in his voice. 

"Ya ya I get it man" Jack assures, watching as Luke searches for his wallet and keys. 

"I gotta get going," Luke says, after finding them.

Jack nods, and follows his brother as he walks out the bedroom door, and into the hallway of their shared apartment. 

Luke takes one last look in the small mirror, hanging above their entry table, and takes a deep breath to steady his nerves.

Jack comes up behind him, clapping a hand on his shoulder.

"You look great man, have fun tonight" 

"Thanks Jack." Luke smiles.

Jack grins, giving him a gentle shove towards the door. "And make sure you're back before sunrise, Casanova. We've got practice tomorrow" 

Luke rolls his eyes, a smile still present on his lips as he heads out the door.

He makes his way down to the parking garage, his heart pounding with anticipation as he climbs into his car. 

Luke settles into his seat before pulling out his phone, and typing in the address of a nearby flower shop.

The drive to the shop is short, and Luke finds himself humming along to the radio, his fingers tapping against the steering wheel in time with the beat. He's never been the type to get nervous before dates, but something about Jordan feels different, special, in a way he can't quite put into words yet, he doesn't know if it's the mystery behind it, doing something he wants to do, doing something that he shouldn't be doing, or if it's just her...but he hopes it's just her. 

Luke pulls into the parking lot of the shop, he exits the car and makes his way towards the entrance, the bell above the door jingling cheerfully as he steps inside. 

The shop is small and cozy, filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.

Luke wanders the aisles, feeling a little out of his depth as he takes in the endless array of colors and varieties.

Luke's eyes scan the array of beautiful flowers, but he feels like something is missing.

As he's about to ask the florist for her opinion, a splash of vibrant blue catches his eye. Nestled among the roses, a single stem of forget-me-nots stands out, its delicate petals a striking contrast to the bold red blooms.

Luke reaches out, gently touching the tiny flowers, a smile tugging at his lips. They remind him of Jordan's eyes, of the way they sparkle when she laughs at his jokes or tells him about her day.

"What about these?" he asks, pointing to the forget-me-nots. "Could we add a few of these to the bouquet?"

The florist leans in, examining the flowers with a thoughtful expression. "Forget-me-nots? An unusual choice, but a lovely one. They symbolize true love and memories."

She looks up at Luke, a knowing twinkle in her eye. "She must be a special girl."

Luke feels his cheeks heat up, but he can't help the grin that spreads across his face. "Ya, ya she is"

The florist nods, a soft smile on her face. "Let's see what we can do."

She carefully selects a dozen of the most perfect red roses, arranging them in a classic bouquet. Then, with a delicate touch, she nestles a few sprigs of forget-me-nots among the blooms, their blue petals peeking out like little secrets.

"What do you think?," she asks, stepping back to admire her work.

Luke takes the flowers, cradling them gently in his arms. The mix of roses and forget-me-nots is striking, a perfect balance of classic romance and personal thoughtfulness.

"It's perfect," he says softly, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. "Thank you."

The florist wraps the bouquet in tissue paper and ties it with a ribbon, handing it to Luke with a warm smile. "You're very welcome, dear. I hope your date goes wonderfully."

Luke pays for the flowers and makes his way back to the car.

He places the bouquet gently on the passenger seat, and glances at the little blue flowers that seem to wink at him from among the roses. 

He smiles, before pulling out his phone, and typing out a text to Jordan. 

I'm on my way. See you soon :)

*****

Jordan sits at her desk, in her comfy robe, putting the finishing touches on her slicked back ponytail-which took forever-and admiring her makeup, when her phone chimes. 

Her heart skips a beat, as the four letters spelling out Luke appear on her screen, with the message I'm on my way. See you soon :)

A smile spreads across her face, and she quickly responds Can't wait :)

Jordan takes a deep breath, and sets her phone down, before walking towards her closet.

She rifles through hangers, pulling out various dresses, tops, and skirts.

She slips on a black mini dress with a straight neckline and spaghetti straps and turns towards the mirror, frowning slightly. It's a classic dress, it's too classic, there's nothing special about it, she's worn it a million times before, and it's just not right. 

With a sigh, she tugs off the dress and tosses it onto the growing pile of discarded clothes on her floor.

Next, she pulls out a flowy floral sundress, thinking it might strike the right balance of dressy and casual.

But as she pulls it on and looks at her reflection, she realizes the colors wash her out, and it's too summery for November. 

She groans, tugging it off and tossing it onto the floor. 

Jordan continues trying on outfit after outfit, each one failing to meet her increasingly high standards. A pair of skinny jeans and a sparkly top seem too casual and too clubby, while a jumpsuit feels too trendy and not quite her style. She even considers a romper, but quickly dismisses it as too childish. 

As the minutes tick by, her floor becomes increasingly covered in rejected clothing, and Jordan feels her frustration mounting.

She wants everything to be perfect for her date with Luke, including her outfit, and she knows it's just dinner, but it feels like so much more. 

With another groan of exasperation, Jordan flops down on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She's just about to give up and resign herself to wearing something mediocre when there's a soft knock at her door.

"Come in," Jordan says, sitting up. 

Kelly enters the room, holding a black shopping bag. 

"Having some trouble?" Kelly asks, glancing around at the clothes strewn across the room.

Jordan chuckles, "I have nothing to wear," 

"I can see that" she jokes, but her tone is kind and non-judgmental.

"I think I have just the thing" Kelly says, placing the bag on the bed, she pulls out a stunning, black lace dress. It's ankle-length and just a little bit see-through. 

Jordan's mouth drops open, her eyes wide with wonder. "Kelly, it's... it's gorgeous."

Kelly grins, holding the dress out to her. "Try it on. I have a feeling it's going to be just right."

With a gleeful smile, Jordan takes the dress and slips into the bathroom to change. As she slides the soft fabric over her skin, she feels a rush of confidence and excitement.

When she emerges, Kelly's face lights up with approval. "Jordan you look gorgeous"

Jordan twirls in front of the mirror, marveling at the way the dress hugs her figure in all the right places. It's elegant and sexy, but still tasteful and comfortable.

Then she rushes over to her sister-in-law, enveloping her in a tight hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you," she gushes, her voice muffled against Kelly's shoulder. "You are the best sister in the world!"

Kelly laughs, returning the hug with equal enthusiasm. "I know. Just make sure to wear a jacket with it."

Jordan pulls back, raising an eyebrow. "Because it's cold outside?"

Kelly smirks, a mischievous glint in her eye. "No, because Jake's not letting you out of the apartment in that dress without one"

Jordan chuckles, rolling her eyes as Kelly slips out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Jordan stands in front of her mirror, putting the finishing touches on her look. She carefully selects a pair of small gold earrings and inserts them into her first piercings, the delicate metal catching the light as she turns her head. For her second piercings, she chooses a pair of understated fake diamond studs, adding just the right amount of sparkle.

Next, she slips on a gold bangle bracelet, the smooth metal cool against her skin. She rummages through her jewelry box, picking out a few gold rings that complement the bracelet and slides them onto her fingers.

Sitting down on the edge of her bed, Jordan straps on her short, open-toed black heels, knowing if she chooses anything taller than 3 inches she won't be able to walk to the park, where Luke's picking her up.

Standing up, she takes one last look in the mirror, adjusting the small gold lock pendant engraved with a "J" that rests just below her collarbone. 

She reaches for her favorite perfume, a light floral scent with a hint of vanilla, and spritzes it on her wrists and neck, she takes one last look in the mirror, when her phone chimes with an incoming message. 

It's from Luke: Almost there

Jordan's heart skips a beat, and she feels a rush of excitement tinged with nervousness.

She grabs her favorite oversized leather jacket, and she slips it on, the supple material soft against her bare arms. 

With a deep breath, Jordan picks up her phone and purse and takes one last glance around her room, making sure she hasn't forgotten anything. Satisfied, she switches off the light and makes her way into the living room.

As she enters the room, Jacob and Kelly look up from their place on the couch.

"Jords you look gorgeous" Kelly beams "Doesn't she look amazing?" she asks nudging Jacob

"Very grown up" Jacob says 

Jordan scoffs "I am a grown up" 

"Ehhhh" Jacob teases

"Shut up" Jordan jokes

Jacob sits up a little straighter, his brow furrowing. "So, when do we get to meet this mystery man of yours?" he asks, his tone lightly teasing but with an undercurrent of protectiveness.

Jordan shifts uncomfortably, avoiding her brother's gaze “Someday, but not today."

Jacob looks like he wants to argue, but Kelly places a gentle hand on his arm, shaking her head almost imperceptibly.

"So, where are you two going?" she asks instead, changing the subject.

Jordan smiles, feeling a rush of gratitude for her sister-in-law's understanding. "Just dinner, somewhere in Manhattan. Nothing too fancy, but hopefully a nice place to talk and get to know each other better."

Jacob leans back on the couch, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Make sure he knows if he hurts you, I'll sic the entire Rangers team on him."

Jordan forces a laugh, her stomach twisting with a subtle pang of guilt, knowing if Jacob knew the truth, he'd do it anyway. 

"I think I can handle myself, Jake," she says, trying to keep her tone light.

She glances at her phone, realizing that she needs to leave if she's going to make it to the park on time. "Alright, I should get going. Don't wait up, okay?"

She gives Jacob and Kelly each a quick hug before heading out the door, her heart pounding with anticipation. 

The ride down to the lobby seems to take forever, but finally, the doors slide open and Jordan steps out into the cool evening air.

She walks quickly, her heels tapping out a steady rhythm on the sidewalk as she makes her way towards the park.

*****

Luke sits in his car, his fingers tapping nervously on the steering wheel as he waits for Jordan to arrive. His heart skips a beat when he sees her walking towards him, looking absolutely stunning in her black lace dress and leather jacket. A smile spreads across his face as he gets out of the car, holding the bouquet of roses and forget-me-nots behind his back.

"Wow, Jordan, you look... incredible," he breathes, his eyes taking in every inch of her.

Jordan blushes, a shy smile on her lips. "You don't look too bad yourself."

Luke reveals the flowers from behind his back, holding them out to her. "These are for you."

Jordan's eyes widen as she takes the bouquet, her fingers gently brushing against the delicate petals. "Luke, they're gorgeous. Forget me nots are my favorite. How'd you know?"

Luke grins, feeling a rush of warmth in his chest. "Just a lucky guess."

He opens the car door for her, waiting until she's settled before closing it gently and making his way to the driver's side. As he slides behind the wheel, he glances over at Jordan, his heart full.

"Ready?" he asks, his voice soft.

Jordan nods, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Definitely."

As Luke pulls out of the parking lot and onto the road, they fall into easy conversation, laughing and talking about everything and nothing. The city lights fade behind them as they make their way to the restaurant, a cozy place nestled just outside the city. 

When they arrive, Luke hurries to open Jordan's door, offering her his hand as she steps out of the car. She takes it, her skin warm against his, and together they make their way inside.

The restaurant is every bit as romantic as Luke had hoped, with soft lighting, crisp white tablecloths, and low music. The hostess greets them with a smile, her eyes flickering to the reservation book.

"Good evening. Do you have a reservation?"

Luke nods, his hand finding Jordan's. "Yes, under Hughes."

The hostess nods, grabbing two menus and leading them to a secluded booth in the corner. "Right this way."

As they slide into the plush seats, Luke can't take his eyes off Jordan. She's even more beautiful in the candlelight, her skin glowing and her eyes shining.

They open their menus, perusing the options and chatting about their favorite dishes. When the waiter arrives to take their order, Luke goes for the lobster, while Jordan opts for the pasta with grilled shrimp.

As they wait for their food, they start talking, their earlier nerves melting away. 

"So, tell me something about you that most people don't know," Luke says, leaning forward with a grin.

Jordan thinks for a moment, then laughs. "Okay, well... when I was little, I was convinced I could talk to animals. I used to have full-on conversations with my stuffed animals, and I was sure they were talking back."

Luke chuckles, shaking his head. "That's adorable. I can just picture little Jordan, chatting away with her teddy bear."

"Oh, it wasn't just teddy bears," Jordan says, her eyes sparkling. "I had full-on debates with my brother's action figures. I was convinced that G.I. Joe was a pacifist at heart."

Luke laughs, his eyes gleaming "That's hilarious" 

"So what about you, what don't people know?" Jordan asks

Luke hesitates, thinking, before a smile crosses his face "When I was younger I had an imaginary friend" He starts

Jordan giggles, "Really?"

"Yep, he was a whale, named Captain we use to talk about hockey, and play board games" Luke explains

"Captain?" Jordan teases

"Hey I was 5, and never been very creative" Luke jokes 

They dissolve into laughter, the sound mingling with the soft music playing in the background.

They're conversation continues, exchanging funny childhood stories, and they get so lost in one another, they barely notice when the waiter returns, setting their meals down in front of them.

"Lobster for the gentleman, and pasta with shrimp for the lady," he says with a smile. "Enjoy."

They both thank him, before unfolding their napkins and placing them on their laps.

As they eat, they trade stories back and forth, learning more about each other with every passing minute. Jordan tells him about growing up with Jacob, about the pranks they used to pull on each other.

"One time, when he was about 15, he decided he wanted to dye his hair blond," she says, grinning at the memory. "But he didn't want to tell our parents, so he tried to do it himself in the bathroom sink. It was a disaster - his hair turned out this weird orangey-yellow color, and it was so fried from the bleach that it felt like straw."

Luke nearly chokes on his lobster, he's laughing so hard. "I can't see Jacob Trouba doing that," he manages, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes.

"Oh, believe me, he did," Jordan chuckles. "And he had to go to school like that for a week before he could get it fixed. The guys on his team called him 'Cheeto Head' for months."

As their laughter fades, Luke feels a sudden surge of affection for the girl sitting across from him. Without thinking, he reaches across the table, taking her hand in his.

"Jordan," he says softly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "I really like you. Like, really, really like you."

Jordan's smile is soft, her eyes shining in the candlelight. "I really like you too, Luke."

Luke's heart soars, but a flicker of uncertainty crosses his face. "What are we going to do about... everything else? Your brother, my team... it's not going to be easy."

Jordan sighs, but she doesn't pull her hand away. "I know it won't be easy. But Luke, I don't want to let other people's opinions dictate my life. I like you, and you like me, and as cliché as it sounds, I think that's enough."

Luke nods, a slow smile spreading across his face. "I feel the same way. But do you think we should tell them? About us?"

Jordan thinks for a moment, then shakes her head. "Not yet. I say, for now, we just enjoy this - enjoy being together, without any outside pressure. We can tell them eventually, but right now, I just want to spend time with you."

"I want that too," Luke says softly

They finish their meal, the conversation flowing easily once more. When the check comes, Luke insists on paying, waving away Jordan's protests with a grin.

They step out into the crisp night air, their hands intertwined. They walk for a bit, enjoying the quiet of the countryside, until they stumble upon a little ice cream shop.

"Ice cream? In this weather?" Luke laughs, but she's already tugging him towards the door.

They order their flavors - rocky road for Luke, strawberry for Jordan - and settle onto a bench outside, huddled close together for warmth.

"This is crazy," Luke chuckles, taking a lick of his cone. "It's like 40 degrees out here."

"Hey, there's never a bad time for ice cream," Jordan argues, grinning. 

They finish their treats, laughing and talking, their free hands clasped tightly together. When they finally make their way back to Luke's car, he walks her to the passenger side, his heart pounding in his chest.

Just as he's about to open the door for her, Jordan turns to face him, her eyes locking with his. The air between them is charged, electric, and before either of them can think too hard about it, they're kissing.

It's soft at first, tentative, but it quickly deepens, Luke's hands coming up to cradle Jordan's face as her arms wind around his neck. They pour everything they're feeling into the kiss - all the affection, the longing, the hope for what's to come.

When they finally break apart, they're both breathless, their cheeks flushed and their eyes shining.

"Wow," Jordan whispers, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

"Ya" Luke agrees, pressing one more quick kiss to her lips before opening the car door for her.

As they drive back towards the city, their hands clasped over the center console, Luke feels a sense of peace settle over him.

*****

Jordan and Luke sit in his car, in the parking lot of the park. The engine is off, but neither of them makes a move to leave, both reluctant to let the night end.

Jordan turns to Luke, a soft smile on her face. "I had a really great time tonight, Luke."

Luke reaches over, taking her hand in his. "Me too, I'm so glad we finally got to do this."

They sit in comfortable silence for a moment, their fingers intertwined, before Jordan's phone buzzes, she can see her brothers contact name, and reluctantly pulls away, "I should probably get going" 

"Ya, ya me too, I got practice in the morning" Luke sighs "Are you sure you don't want me to drop you off at your apartment? It's a little late" Luke asks 

"Ya I'm sure, Jacob's probably still up" Jordan says 

Luke nods, "Fair enough, just be safe okay" 

Jordan nods, a warm feeling spreading through her chest at his concern. "Of course. And Luke?"

"Yeah?"

"Text me when you get home, okay?"

Luke smiles, leaning in to press a soft kiss to her lips. "I will. I promise."

With one last squeeze of his hand, Jordan steps out of the car, the bouquet of roses and forget-me-nots clutched tightly in her hand. She makes her way across the park, down the street, and  into her apartment building. 

When she opens the door to her apartment, she's unsurprised to find Jacob and Kelly still awake, cuddled up on the couch watching TV. They both look up as she enters, muting the television.

"Hey, Jords," Jacob greets her, a teasing smile on his face. "How was the date?"

Jordan can't help the grin that spreads across her face. "It was great, actually. Really great."

Kelly's eyes land on the flowers in Jordan's hand, and she lets out a little squeal of excitement. "Oh my gosh, he brought you flowers? What a gentleman!"

Jordan blushes, looking down at the bouquet. "Yeah, he really is. It was such a sweet gesture."

Kelly stands up from the couch, heading towards the kitchen. "Let me get a vase for those."

Jordan follows her, setting her phone and the flowers down on the counter. Jacob trails behind them. 

"So, when do we get to meet this Prince Charming of yours?" he asks, leaning against the fridge.

Jordan rolls her eyes, but there's no heat behind it. "Slow your roll, Jake. It was just one date."

"One date that apparently went really well," he counters, raising an eyebrow. "I'm just saying, as your big brother, it's my duty to make sure he's good enough for you."

Jordan laughs, shaking her head. "I think I'm old enough to decide that for myself, but I appreciate the concern. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to change into something a little more comfortable."

She heads off towards her bedroom, leaving her phone on the counter. Just as she disappears down the hall, the device buzzes with an incoming text.

Jacob glances at Kelly, who's busy arranging the flowers in a vase. "It's probably her date" 

Kelly shoots him a Look. "Jacob Trouba, don't you dare snoop through your sister's private messages."

But Jacob is already reaching for the phone, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, come on, Kel. It's not snooping if it's left out in the open like this."

Kelly swats at his arm, but there's a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "You're impossible."

Jacob just grins, unlocking Jordan's phone with a swipe of his finger. His eyes scanning the screen. The contact name reads Luke, there's no last name attached, just the single word followed by a heart emoji.

"I had a great time tonight," he reads aloud, his tone softening. "Smiley face."

He sets the phone back down on the counter, a genuine smile on his face. Kelly leans over, resting her chin on his shoulder.

"She seems happy," she murmurs, watching the screen fade to black.

Jacob nods, wrapping an arm around his wife's waist. "Ya she does."

[boxdstars]

GIANT HALLOWEEN MC COLLABORATION!

Come one, come all! Artists everywhere are invited to draw YOUR (yes your!) Hogwarts Legacy OC to be placed in this epic collab! The background, placements of the characters, lighting, and overall editing will all be taken care of by myself. 

Artists of all skill levels are welcome to join - absolutely no pressure!

The Prompt

One Big Massive Halloween party! The setting will be in the Death Day Party room, so dress them up in costume! There is no time period exclusivity, so go historical or modern or straight up silly! They can be dancing, or running amok, or posing for the camera - the world is your oyster.

What YOU do

Draw a Hogwarts Legacy character, either your MC or OC. (or someone else's, with express permission from whoever's character you are drawing on the behalf of.)

Fully colored, at the very minimum half body but full body is preferred!

Digital Artists: Please use a big canvas and export a large image! Make sure to send it with a transparent background.

Traditional Artists: Scan it in OR take a clean, clear picture of your entry with good lighting! I can be flexible.

How to Enter!

Comment / Reblog AND DM me (just in case! Tumblr has been hiding notifications from us all). Tell me who you will be drawing! You can even draw 2 characters if you'd like!

DEADLINE

October 25th, 2023 - the collab will be posted on either Oct. 30th/Oct. 31st, Pacific Standard Time

How to submit!

Message me for my email or discord! Images sent over tumblr have terrible resolution.

[thecurioustale]

My New Book Is Out! | Tokens of Zeal

My new book is out!

Buy it! Buy it now!

That's right: In secret, on January 2 of this year I began writing a book of essays. Some of you may know that I have an online journal, which I created in the summer of 2003 when I was just 21 years old and have kept up with ever since. For my new book I went back to the journal and read through it, entry by entry, drawing out excerpts of interest that became conversation pieces for 81 various and sundry essays reflecting on my past life and past thoughts.

The essays are short, often very short. They are less challenging than my usual writing, I would say. My purpose was not to advance my personal frontier of philosophy and intellectual thought in 2024, or to reach a niche audience of deep thinkers, but instead to reflect sincerely on some things I've seen along the way and muse upon how my thoughts have changed and stayed the same over twenty years.

I mention this to you because I am a bit worried that anyone who reads this book might think there's not much to me as an author, and might be dissuaded from reading my works of fiction when those books eventually come out, so I'll lampshade that by adding that I wrote this book in two-and-a-half months. Make of that what you will. I told myself I wouldn't self-sabotage the book by needlessly saying negative things about it, and I am proud of it, not only the fact that I finished it at all, let alone so quickly, but of the actual contents too.

This book is "Volume 1" in a hypothetical series, as it doesn't cover the entire twenty years of the journal but only the first four months, from August to November of 2003—at which point the essays had reached "book length" (lol). So really this book is a snapshot of my life in the latter half of 2003. At that time, I was fading out of college due to financial hardship and other issues, and did not realize that I would never (as yet) return.

I have been wanting for years to go back and reread my journal, and writing a book out of it was the perfect impetus to finally do it. I think a few things stand out about the Josh of 2023:

First, my principles have remained remarkably consistent, but my awareness and understanding of the world has grown drastically, and so those same principles have led me over time to some different policy views and worldviews on some things.

Second, I was a 21-year-old arrogant block of cheese, full of hormones and self-conviction, and that definitely shows up at times in ways that I simultaneously am not proud of and yet which I admire for their sheer gall. There is something very magnetic about the old me which doesn't exist anymore.

Third, following up on that point, it was pretty inspiring and encouraging to revisit the old me, with all that native optimism and drive. I don't express those qualities anymore because life has worn me down and also because I have come to recognize that humanity's problems are a lot more stubborn and irremediable than I thought. By glimpsing into the past, I couldn't help but be cheered on by the old Josh's proud, utopian sense of human inevitability. It lifted my own spirits in the here and now!

I made the mistake of announcing the book on Patreon right after I finished writing it, i.e. back in mid-March. Then I had to wring my hands every week about how post-production was taking longer than expected. Between the irritating realities of formatting a book in software not properly equipped to format a book (never write a book in Google Docs), the complexities of my detail-oriented manner and strong vision regarding the cover design (and engaging for the first time ever with modern generative AI, and having to learn those ropes), and sustaining illnesses and other life priorities and so on, it would take me another two months in all to finally reach today, where I can now publicly declare:

The book is done! It is for sale right now. It is called:

Tokens of Zeal: Words from a Vanished Age

(Caption: Book front cover of Tokens of Zeal: Words from a Vanished Age, by Joshua Calars.)

You can buy it through Amazon in either paperback or e-book format. (I recommend the paperback version for aesthetics as it is much truer to my design vision for the book's layout and appearance, but my profit margin is actually a dollar bigger with the e-book version, so really just go with whichever version you prefer.) It is available in the US as well as in basically all the other countries that Amazon has expanded its publishing service into. If you need help finding a link to a particular version, give me a ping and I will point you there (if there is a "there" to be pointed to). This is my second published book, following Prelude to After The Hero in 2015, and the first book to be published in print.

If you do read it, first of all thank you! It's an honor that you would take the time. Second of all, I would love any feedback you care to offer. That's not a platitude either; feedback is hard to come by and I really would be interested in anything you have to say, good or bad. You can e-mail me, DM, reblog this, drop an ask, or tag me in an independent post. Whatever you like! Feedback will help me greatly when I eventually get around to writing Volume 2. And feel free to leave a review on Amazon, whether good or bad (though hopefully you enjoy the book); I am told it pleases The Algorithm. But most of all, if you enjoy the book, tell someone about it! Your word-of-mouth is currently 100 percent of my advertising budget, lol.

That's all. I wrote a book; it took four-and-a-half-months; it's done now; and it's the first time I've ever gotten to hold a book that I wrote in my hands as a physical thing, and that's pretty neat.