#best islands to visit in february

[ch-4-eri]

Hi, I hope you had a good day

Can you write DI Jill x reader smut (age gap plz) that would contain SCISSORING (I'm tired of strapons I love pussies)

(Death island Jill is my favorite if she wont be in my bed on 14th February im gonna quit it)

Love your work!

I LOVE THIS REQUEST THANK YOU SOO MUCH!!

Jill X fem! Reader.

Warnings: mentions of trauma, slight angst, sad Jill, post death island Jill, scissoring, cursing. Smut, porn with plot, vanilla sex lowkey, Jill is much much older and reader is of legal age.

Word count: 1.7k

Guys I can fix her, I swear.

Your mom’s best friend had an almost near death experience at her job, which is almost every mission.

Jill Valentine has been your mom’s best friend for at least a good decade now, they both met at a support group and the friendship took off, surely a trauma bond lasts a lifetime.

As you both picked up the woman from the airport as she decided to unwind and forget about the horrible island she was talking about, in so little detail— knowing Jill for that long, she’s a woman of mystery, doesn’t say much but does say enough for you to grasp the full picture that lacks detail.

You were in the backseat as your mom drove— Jill staring outside the window with her beat up clothes, you’ve no idea if she liked ripped clothes or she’s just too busy to buy new clothes— either way, she was perfect, she smells nice and takes good care of herself, her almost greying hair perfectly trimmed and tucked behind her ear, she cuts her hair like a mother— not that she has kids, or even wants any.. which is fair.

Your eyes were taking in every detail about her, the way she was sitting, her hands calloused and placed atop her thighs as your mother was making conversation, dragging words out of her… barely so.

She turned to look at your mother which caused you to catch a glimpse at her nose, her blue eyes shining as the aging lines around her eyes were more prominent than last time you’ve seen, and before her visit to that island.

Jill felt eyes on her as she caught you staring, turning those to the backseat, giving you a half assed smile adults give to children and looking away, surely you’re no kid— but to Jill? It kind of doesn’t matter.

Deep down you’d take any kind of attention from her.

You always kicked yourself for thinking of that woman that way, Jill seems like the untouchable kind of woman— anyone’s lucky to even talk to her. you’ve no idea why she gives off that sort of energy… maybe because your mother is her only persistent friend outside of her job ones, and even so she barely talks, you’re curious, you wanna know more, and it grows to an attraction or even an obsession on your behalf.

Each time your mother brings her up, you’re tense, the hair on the back of your neck stands and your heart races, not even in fear, Jill was never threatening around you or your mother despite the training and whatever she’s capable of, and you know exactly what she can get away with.

But she’s a good person, and a good friend, and your mother loves her… so do you, except it’s a different kind of love, or maybe lust, a mere curiosity about the woman with decent intentions and morals, seeing it in her eyes as your mother insults a bad driver on the road and Jill just shushes her, she’s perfect, looks innocent even.

And you know she’s not, not even close.

You tossed and turned next to your mother in bed that night as you gave your room to Jill so she can rest on a bed instead of sleeping on the floor or the couch like she usually argues to do so.

And the thought of her sleeping on your bed is driving you crazy, your bed will smell like her, have her fucking perfect face on your pillows.

The overwhelming feeling made you sit up, not even in the mood to sleep at this point as your mind circled around the same thing, you wanted her.

To talk? Let her open up to you? Oh god she’s asleep on your bed.

And it’s like your legs had a mind of their own, you slowly got out of your mom’s bedroom, and closed the door— letting out a breath so heavy you felt your lungs shake.

Your room was right there, the door closed as Jill was right behind it, on your damned bed.

Your shaky hand was placed on the doorknob as you twisted the handle, allowing yourself to be creepy just this once as the desperation was eating you alive, making you feel smaller.

What if she gets mad? You never saw Jill angry, she’s incapable of being disrespectful like that, she’s too perfect, no matter how much she argues she isn’t.

You saw her awake and staring up at the ceiling, her gaze falling on you, and again; Jill would never be angry with you.

“Hi, sorry.. I just wanted something.” You lied, closing the door behind you.

“No worries.” Jill spoke up, the sound of her voice sending chills down your spine, you needed a fucking grip. “You alright?” You ask, not caring about the act of needing something from your bedroom at this point, what you wanted was her, to talk— to fuck— god anything.

“Just thinking.” Jill responds after a moment of silence, knowing she’s trying not to open up like usual, maintaining her secrets but still keeping a firm honesty— no matter how much it lacked, but you were so done with that, you wanted her to talk, say more, cry it out, anything.

You sat on the edge of the bed and faced her and she looked even more beautiful like this, wearing a gray tank top that barely covers anything, your eyes trying their hardest not to slip up, keeping them on hers instead.

“You can talk to me, you know?” You start, maybe just maybe this would get her to talk, it’s late and Jill looked vulnerable, worn out even. “I don’t wanna talk about it.”

Goddamn it, it was too close.

“Why not?” You found yourself arguing, were you that desperate? Perhaps, you absolutely were. Jill raised an eyebrow at your persistence, straightening back as she tilted her head. “Because, I don’t want to.” Jill replied, her tone firm like she needs you to stop arguing back if that’s what you were trying to do.

You gulped, you wanted to argue, wanted to tell her off, wanted to let her know she’s got you, that you were right here; anything.

“You should go to bed.” Jill ordered, her tone as firm as a moment ago, making you narrow your eyes in challenge.

“I don’t wanna go to bed, I know you wanna talk and I’m not leaving until you do.” You said, not sure what the hell’s gotten into you, and now Jill was starting to look pissed, a sight you haven’t seen before, maybe part of you was relieved you provoked her, maybe she’d say something, do anything.

She doesn’t say anything for now, you know she’s thinking something over in that head of hers, wishing you had a clue what the fuck it was. “Come here.” Jill gestured at you to come closer. Her fingers pointing at the bed, opening the blanket, her long legs exposed to your hungry eyes as you gulped.

“I said come here.” Jill repeats, her voice louder now, like she’s holding back yelling at you in the middle of the night. You obliged, unsure how you did so— all you could think about were her legs.

You came closer to her, crawling on the bed in front of her, watching the way her eyes studied you, her lips parted with anticipation as she grabbed your waist and brought you closer forcefully, feeling how strong her grip was, making you bite on your lip.

“Why are you suddenly so curious about it?” Jill asked, her fingers splaying themselves on your hip, keeping you close in such a strong grip and that’s just one hand.

“What do you want me to tell you?” Jill whispered, her other hand coming up to part your knees for her, gripping your thigh as she picked you up and brought you into her lap, like you weigh nothing. “That I’m so fucking tired; I’m so fucking sick of everything?” She whispered into your ear, her tone strained like she’s holding back the tears and the despair she’s felt for so so long.

“What do you want to hear?” Jill asked, her voice choked with tears. She wanted to cry but she refused to, her leg moving around your hip. Bringing you closer, her mouth placed near your neck. “I want you talk to me about it, maybe I could help—“

“You can’t help me doll.” Jill whispered, her breathing fanning your neck, her hands placed on your waist. “Nobody could.” She adds, positioning your middle on top of hers. Her hips slowly moving against yours, desperate for any kind of friction. “Jill—“ you gasped, catching a hold of her shoulders as you were both bumping against each other.

“Please doll just let me do this.” Jill begged, her hands gripping your hips hard as her clothed pussy was sliding up into yours, the fabric so wet as it bumped against her clit and made her bite into her lip, trying not to scream at the pent up feelings and frustrations, your eyes were glued to pussy, you wanted a taste, to feel her throb in your mouth, your pussy cumming at the friction as Jill moaned, her hands moving your hips with her full strength with both your panties soaked, Jill’s fingers moved in between you two and rubbed at both your clits, her breathing strained as she lifts her fingers up and shoves them into your mouth.

Seeking pleasure from the way you suck on her fingers, her other hand bringing your lower back closer as she chased her high, you had no idea your legs could do that, it was not a common position but it felt fucking amazing with your mouth full of Jill’s fingers and her pretty pussy fucking into your own, “come on— cum inside of me baby.” She urged, bringing your hip closer, pushing your pussy into hers. “Need you to cum inside of me.” Jill pants, too focused on her pretty eyes, mesmerised by her entire being, your noises were soft whimpers and whines as she got wetter at the sound of them.

“Jill—“ you called her name, your muscles spasming as you let out a choked gasp, your cum mixing with Jill’s as you both orgasmed at the same time, your foreheads pressed together and you both panted at the feeling, holding Jill’s shoulders while hers held your hips.

“I better not hear you ask anything else about me,” Jill requests, lifting your hips to get you off of her.

“You know enough doll, now trust me and get some sleep.” She says, slipping out of bed to get you cleaned up before you’d sleep. Leaving you dumbfounded and flustered.

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

“But also, there was the Platinum Jubilee too. Maybe something happened there - like maybe Eugenie got fed up with Harry’s tantrum about being demoted to sit “behind” her and Beatrice. I feel like that could’ve made Eugenie rethink things and then whatever happened over the summer or with the funeral, it really hammered something home for her.”

Go back to the coronation and watch Harold entering behind Jack and Eugenie. He’s just exchanged what appear to be neutral pleasantries with Beatrice and Edo who’ve reshuffled so he can walk ahead of them ( protocol be damned since he should have walked behind Beatrice as the highest status person of the group).

Anyhue, Jack and Eugenie say something to him which we don’t see, and Harold responds with a smirk then says something to Eugenie which includes physically miming her big belly - she was very pregnant - which angers her. She turns sharply to the front with her face in a mixture of rage and embarrassment while trying to pull her coat / outer garment around her as if to make her belly smaller. She never looks or talks to Harold again. 

The way they procession in, Eugenie should have been seated next to Harold, but instead she takes the inside seat next to Edo so that Jack sits next to Harold. Beatrice and Edo sit down exactly as they’d walked in. 

IMO, like Princess Mary with David Duke of Windsor, Eugenie kept up with Harold because she genuinely love(d) him. He is her closest male cousin in the family, and for a variety of reasons she kept in with him and showed public support, even visited him February 2022.

However, something happened in the spring - summer of 2022 so that she distanced herself. The Queen’s death in September 2022 saw ALL the cousins distance themselves from Harold. 

She was papped in Miami in December 2022 and in LA in February 2023 - didn’t hope across to Montecito to see Harold unlike the previous year. 

She hasn’t shown any public support to Harold or Meghan on her IG or anywhere since spring - Summer 2022. 

The Sussexes keep posting that they are in touch with her or visiting her in Portugal, but there is no reciprocal confirmation.

Instead, she or her other friends post pictures of her in different cities that show she’s nowhere near the Sussexes eg Sussex send out PR articles that claim they are in Portugal possibly visiting with her, and Eugenie and friends post pictures of themselves in Lamu, Kenya and London, UK during that timeframe. 

The Sussexes post pictures of themselves in the Carribean and Eugenie does the same except her pictures are from a different island and she’s surrounded by her group of friends and all their babies.

Afew months ago, BOTH Eugenie and Beatrice made a point of being publicly papped with Piers Morgan who has revealed on a few occasions that he is friends with their mother too. 

This weekend, Eugenie was pointedly papped with Cressida who has publicly called Harold a bad person. 

And that’s before you throw in the 2 times in as many months when she’s publicly shown that she’s with the home team now - Kate’s christmas concert and praising KC3 & William on a recent podcast she did.

I think that Eugenie, unlike Princess Mary with David Duke of Windsor, has cut Harold off. 

People refuse to see the change or perhaps are skeptical because she was so public about her support. 

Beatrice has never been in Harold’s corner. My guess is that she tolerates him because he is family, her sister’s favourite cousin /party buddy, and her mother included him in family time eg family vacations. 

The most time Beatrice spent with him in public was during his relationship with Cressida who is a family friend and the sister of Beatrice’s best friend, Isabelle Branson. Isabella and Cressida spend alot of time together and during this relationship, Harold ended up hanging out more with Beatrice and her friends, the Bransons, and their charity Big Change. 

All of that stopped when Harold and Cressida broke up. 

Apart from attending their wedding, i’m not sure that Beatrice has ever acknowledged Markle in way. Similarly, Markle talks about her friendship with Eugenie, how Fergie helped her learn to curtsey, how she thought Andrew was The Queen’s servant, but not a single word about Beatrice.  

*****

Really great summary, anon. I don’t think Beatrice ever cared for Meghan - I feel like the end of her relationship with Dave Clark and their subsequent breakup really opened Beatrice’s eyes to a lot and, obviously, Edo being around too certainly made a difference as well. She might have liked Meghan in the beginning because Eugenie did and Harry was her cousin, but it was short-lived.

(And I also feel like Beatrice and Harry weren’t as close as Harry and Eugenie -- Harry and Eugenie have the same chip on their shoulders for being second-born so I think they bonded more strongly over that. I don’t know that William and Beatrice had a similar ‘firstborn’ bond but they seem like they had been getting closer around Philip’s funeral. I can’t forget the way William looked at Beatrice when they were leaving at the end of Philip’s funeral - such a small thing and barely lasted two seconds, but it spoke a whole story.)

Reading this summary, especially your point of Eugenie attending the Christmas concert - reminded me of an earlier one. Maybe the 2021 concert? I don’t remember if it happened before or after the service, but most of the cousins were together and they were all greeting Kate, except Eugenie, who was getting a little bit of the cold shoulder from everyone. I wonder if this moment had anything to do with pushing Eugenie closer to the Harkles because all of a sudden, there was a lot of “Eugenie and Harry” PR and then also there she was in LA at the Superbowl. 

(And yes Eugenie was very offended and upset by Harry’s gesticulations of her size at the coronation. I felt so horrible for her in that moment and you know it made her upset before they even sat down because of the way she adjusted her coat. But I bet you Harry doesn’t think he did anything wrong; if he thinks it was fine for Meghan to call out Kate’s hormones, he thought it was fine to call out Eugenie’s size.)

[lonestarbattleship]

January 21, 2024 Update from the Battleship Texas Foundation

"DRY DOCK TOURS

Dry Dock Tour dates have been added in February. To sign up, visit: https://battleshiptexas.org/plan-your-visit/

Brave participants mark the end of their Dry Dock Tour with a picture at the ship’s bow.

Dry Dock Tour participants look for ways to straighten the rudder.

Troy from Battleship IOWA stopped by today! Come on, Iowa?

Bob discusses the ship’s action off the coast of Cherbourg, France.

27,000 tons isn’t so bad!

STEEL REPAIR - Steel repairs have been completed on the hull of Battleship Texas.

HULL - The ship’s hull has been coated in PPG SIGMASHIELD 880 GF to protect the hull. While the hull is supposed to be red below the black band at the waterline, the Battleship Texas Foundation has chosen to not spend the extra funds on a something that will not be seen once the ship is back in the water. The coatings that have been applied are plentiful, and should protect the ship for many years to come.

The stern of Battleship Texas.

NAVY BLUE 5-N - Above the boot top (above the black band) the ship has been painted Navy Blue 5-N. This color was matched from existing examples found aboard (both internally and externally) the vessel.

New paint job!

The rest of the ship will be painted once repairs in those areas conclude.

The ship was painted in this camouflage scheme (Measure 21) prior to deploying to the Pacific Theater in World War II. At this time Battleship Texas is the ONLY museum ship painted in this scheme and only one of two Battleships in their WWII measure.

HULL NUMBERS - The new hull numbers have been extensively researched so each number is not only the correct font, but applied in the appropriate position it was in 1945. The numbers have been applied to both bow and stern.

Looking forward while inside main battery control.

Looking aft while in main battery control.

Galveston island from the highest point aboard Battleship Texas

Don’t look down!

The painted map inside the captain’s cabin. The missing section has been professionally recreated.

Where are we? (New store item coming soon)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

KEEL BLOCKS - Yes, the keel blocks supporting Battleship Texas can be moved. Each block is moved so the area atop of them can be blasted, repaired (if need be), and coated.

SPLASH! - The ship will be put back into the water in February 2024, but is dependent on the weather.

WHAT ABOUT THE RUDDER? - The rudder will remain where it is. Funding is best spent elsewhere.

REOPENING? - There is a lot to be done before the ship is ready for touring at its new home in Galveston, Texas. Reopening is projected to happen sometime in 2025 or 2026.

WHAT’S NEXT? - Battleship Texas will remain at Gulf Copper Shipyard for the time being. Additional steel work, removal and replacement of the ship’s deck, and superstructure/aft fire control restoration will continue.

Live, Laugh, And Flood your Torpedo Blisters.

To donate to the preservation and operation of Battleship Texas, please visit: https://battleshiptexas.org/

Support Battleship Texas by making a purchase through the ship's store: https://store.battleshiptexas.org"

Posted on the Battleship Texas Foundation Group Facebook page: link

[omegaremix]

Record Store Victory Tour, 2018.

Having three shoulder operations to beat cancer has been the ultimate life victory thus far. It was the most amazing and largest outpouring of support ever. Friends, family, allies, co-workers in good-standing, and even names whom I haven’t seen or heard from in years came to congratulate me and wish me onto a speedy recovery. I don’t know if nine months is what you call “speedy”. Nine months of shoulder replacements, ten weeks of in-home nurse visits, a MRSA infection, six weeks of in-home intravenous antibiotics, and missing two label showcases were balanced out with staying up until 4AM every morning finding endless music (Negril, Robert Ashley, and Steve Khan to name a few), daily postings, heavy amounts of sleep, and Dad’s daily deliveries of free food full of steak, sushi, pizza, chicken, egg rolls, and pasta. With a nine-month blackout period of not leaving the house ever, you had to make the best of it. I knew that after this I would never ever answer to any random nobody about my shoulder. And looking back at it, I say to myself as to why I even let it go so far.

Working for a great company and playing your cards right, you could sit and collect benefits while staying at home doing almost next to nothing. I now had more money in the bank when I last left work. So I promised myself that after I fully recover, I’d treat myself like I never had before. I decided that I would go on a record-store victory tour. I would hit up each and every independent record place, go crazy, and buy up everything I can. After nine months of being bed-ridden and staying home, I needed to treat myself with retail therapy. I needed to get out there and be myself again. Of all I been through and endured, I deserved it.

I didn’t immediately do it, however. It took me a few months to earn back the $2,000 I lost in savings when the benefits ended. While that happened, I enjoyed hot August days walking from my house to the veteran’s park and back, witnessed my ex- Yenny get married, attended Hospital Productions’ 20th Anniversary showcase (a day I will never forget), had a night out in my neighborhood Dave & Busters with my co-workers, and started getting in touch with a Brooklyn witch. I made two label orders with Italians Do It Better and RRRecords which help things get started. As you see, it only got better.

February came and we got a surprise $1,000 from our company. Tax refunds and a third paycheck of the month sealed the deal and all systems go. My first stop was at Patchogue’s Record Stop, their new location since moving from their Shirley warehouse, and thumbed through whatever old-school hip-hop, 12” singles, and other small easy victories I could find. It wasn’t until places like West Sayville’s Vinyl Paradise was when spending three hours minimum searching in stores and $200.00 a visit on music was normal. I can also count West Babylon’s Looney Tunes, Mineola’s Mr. Cheapo’s, and Amityville’s High Fidelity who could’ve matched the totals I had from that store. It’s all about finding the most for less. Whether it’s Seventies’ jazz / fusion on vinyl, discount 12” singles, used CDs, dollar hardcore / punk 45’s, or other long-awaited finds, amassing history and style points is the most self-serving and exciting hunt I take part of. Other stores such as Northport’s Record Reserve, Massapequa’s Infinity Records, Riverhead’s Sunday Records, and Rosie’s Vintage (the smallest of them all) allowed for tidier spaces and friendlier prices for me to walk out with, with smaller receipts ranging from a mere $30.00 to $100.00.

Of course, with many victories come disappointments. Plainview just opened a new store called Vinyl Bay 777. It’s one of the cleanest and shiniest stores on the island, but also the most expensive. With a penchant for ambition and grading, their selections are anywhere from three to five times the price of what you’d find in others store. It was the only experience of the tour that I left feeling poor and let down. The other disappointment? Innersleeve Records all the way at the East End / Amangansett. Why? I’m disappointed that I wasn’t able to go.

And almost every store have their own legacy. Record Stop’s been around since 1974 starting in Ronkonkoma, then shuffling to a warehouse in Shirley before finally settling in Patchogue. The family-owned and highly-awarded Looney Tunes had survived a summer fire and took them 90 days to rebuild. This year they’ll celebrate their 50th anniversary. Mr Cheapo’s has two locations, the only store on the island to do so. High Fidelity moved to larger and cleaner digs which solved their storage issues. Record Reserve just moved again; their fourth time in ten years of operation. Infinity Records was the only store on the ropes during the pandemic relying on crowd-funding to make up for the rent. Rosie’s Vintage isn’t owned by Rosie. In fact, Rosie doesn’t exist. It’s a rockabilly wife named Thea who owns an antique store. And you can’t get any literal than Sunday Records, which is only open on Sundays. It’s the only store I know who classified their records not on genre but radio stations and chart positions.

The entire experience was great and I looked to do it again the year after. Unfortunately, I had lots of traffic tickets, fees, and violations to pay. With a vehicle in disrepair and an expired inspection, driving out in daylight without the police spotting me was not ideal. Then I looked to do it last year, and we all know what happened. The pandemic paralyzed and killed businesses left and right. With immediate closures and stop of life, everyone stayed home for their lives.

Next time, it’s going down.

Essential money was saved all throughout the pandemic. Two stimulus checks later, a third on the way, tax refunds, a third bi-weekly check in April, and a bank transfer means I’m ready to do it all over again. In fact, it’s already started! Rough Trade announced it’s relocating from its’ Williamsburg spot. With 25% off books, merchandise, and CDs, it was an incentive to get to it. With me waiting forever to go, now was the chance. I found the perfect March Wednesday to do it and I finally made it happen. What you’ll read later on became the most expensive purchase I ever made at a record store, and also the greatest.

Most locations (except Vinyl Bay 777, replaced by any given one New York City store) are on the list for the next record-store tour. I healed mostly from last summer’s depression and I had a trouble-free winter. With a day out at Williamsburg’s Rough Trade, the spring euphoria and hope came back like it did the first time around. With money in the bank, vaccines, and everything coming back into play, it’s time to have fun again like I want to.

For those who can’t be harassed by looking up our series and reading our visits one-by-one, here’s the final results of 2018’s tour:

Record Stop:

Sugarhill Gang “The Lover In You” 12”

Grover Washington Jr. Mister Magic

Carmen McRae In Person

U.T.F.O. “Roxanne, Roxanne” 12”

Ahmad “Back In The Day” 12”

DJ Yella “4 Tha E” 12”

L.A. Style “James Brown Is Dead” 12”

Knucklehedz “Hed Rush” 12”

Flatlinerz “Live Evil” 12”

Blondie “Rapture” 7”

Chemical Brothers Come With Us

Royal Trux Thank You

Delerium ft. Sarah McLachlan & DJ Tiesto “Silence”

Prime Minister Pete Nice & Daddy Rich “Rap Prime Minister & Daddy Rich (Rat Bastard)” 12”

Vinyl Paradise:

Laura Nyro Christmas And The Beads Of Sweat

Genesis Invisible Touch

Clash, The Black Market Clash 10″

Delegation The Promise Of Love

Herbie Hancock “Rockit”

B-52’s, The Wild Planet

Blondie Parallel Lines

Spyro Gyra Catching The Sun

Brecker Bros. self-titled

Herb Alpert Rise

Heart Dreamboat Annie

Tom Scott Blow It Out

Pat Metheny American Garage

Martha Velez Escape From Babylon

Stanley Turrentine Have You Ever Seen The Rain?

Bob James & Earl Klugh One On One

Sister Sledge All-American Girls

Black Moon “Who Got The Props?” b/w “Fuck It Up”

Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock “It Takes Two”

Shannon Let The Music Play

Jellybean “Wotupski?”

Fu-Schnickens “Sum Dum Monkey” b/w “Visions (20/20)”

Tortoise & Autechre “Adverse Camber” b/w “To Day Retrieval”

Shirts, The Inner Sleeve

Freedom U.S.A. Hardcore

Coke Bust Confined

Ressurection I Am Not: The Discography

Spit It Out self-titled

Vice Flawed

Terror The Walls Will Fall

This Is Hell Bastards Still Remain 

Subterfuge Fight Back 

Bikini Kill self-titled single red 7″

Hangman A Vile Decree 

Dead Kennedys “Nazi Punks Fuck Off!” (with lyric bag and armbands)

Until Your Heart Stops We Are Not Coming Down

Corrective Measure self-titled

Soft Cell “Tainted Love”

Kraftwerk “Pocket Calculator” b/w “Dentaku” clear yellow 7”

Six Weeks label America In Decline CD

Tear It Up The December 2000 Sessions CD

Dee Cracks “Be My Valentine” red heart-shaped flexi

This Means War “Use It Up” flexi

Broadcaster b/w Aspiga (Secret Audio Club Wax Pack)

Marathon b/w Fire When Ready(Secret Audio Club Wax Pack)

Looney Tunes:

Up In Arms / Eternal Youth split 7”

Defiant Trespass / Cold Like December split 7”

Make Or Break Down For Life! 7”

Arcadius / 7654 Stories split 7”

Pissed Jeans demo 7”

Search Bloc Life, By The Code 7”

Proud Youth Nothing’s Changed 7”

UN Bodies Unremarkably Mortal 7”

Force Of Change The Bond We Share 7”

Self Defense Family “Indoor Wind Chimes” b/w “Cottaging”

Tolerate self-titled 7”

Joe South & The Believers “Walk A Mile In My Shoes” b/w “Trespass”

Bread And Water / Reason Of Insanity split 7”

Stigmata There Is No Mercy Here 7”

Degenerats, The 7”

Monster X 1993 demo 7”

Last Dead Word 7”

Let It Burn From Jersey With Love 7”

Slak Another Disaster 7”

Eurythmics “Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These” 7”

Toni Basil “Mickey” 7”

Squeeze “853-5937″ 7”

Nena “99 Luftballons” 12”

Staple Singers City In The Sky

Unsung Heroes “What Would You Do?” 12”

White Mystery self-titled

D.S. 13 Vad Vet Vi Om Kriget?

Killing Joke Brighter Than A Thousand Suns

Marc Hurtado & Vomir 2011 / Sang+

Razed In Black Shrieks, Laments, And Anguished Cries

No Future Plan Of Attack

Die Krupps & Front Line Assembly Remix Wars

Maldoror She

Self Defense Family Heaven Is Earth cassette

Unholy Archangel The Wrath Of Kosmostistis cassette

Tod Hate Campiagn, Hymn To The Death cassette

Krieg Blue Miasma cassette

Hekseri The Atrocity (Early Demos) cassette

Crebain Under Black Wigs Of Night cassette

Riddle Of Meander End Of All Life And Creation cassette

Black Flame Torment And Glory cassette

Xasthur self-titled cassette

Krieg Songs For Resistance cassette

Striborg A Procession Of Lost Souls cassette

Tod Black Metal Manifesto cassette

Cheapo's (Commack):

Blackbyrds, The Action

Deodato 2

Jon Lucien The Best Of…

Bob James 2

Hubert LawsRomeo & Juliet

Deodato Love Island

Rolling Stones Undercover (stickered)

Bob James 3

Deodato Whirlwinds

George Benson White Rabbit

Bob James 4

Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth Mecca & The Soul Brother

Jedi Mind Tricks Legacy Of Blood

Naughty By Nature self-titled

M.I.A. Arular

P.O.S. Never Better special edition disc

Unseen, The Explode

Richard Hell & The Voidoids Blank Generation

M.I.A. Kala

All Dogs 7”

Last Shop Standing DVD

Katt Williams The Pimp Chronicles Vol. 1 DVD

Jerky Boys, The Stop Staring At Me cassette

Paula AbdulForever Your Girl cassette

Record Reserve:

Cars, The Shake It Up

Rolling Stones, The Some Girls (cut-out)

Peter Gabriel Melt

Weather Report Heavy Weather

A Clockwork Orange motion picture soundtrack

Genesis Abacab

Laura Nyro self-titled

Stranglers, The IV

Samantha Fox I Wanna Have Some Fun

Spyro Gyra self-titled

Cars, The Candy-O

Peter Gabriel Scratch

Debbie Gibson Out Of The Blue

Spent Idols “Chinese Suicide” b/w “Gacy’s Gone” 7″

Out Cider D.C. label Raise The Flag: DC Hardcore Vol. 1 7″

High Fidelity:

Prurient & Kevin Drumm  All Are Guests In The House Of The Lord

KMD  Mr. Hood

Sonic Youth   Evol

Algiers  self-titled

ESG  A South Bronx Story deluxe disc

No Age   Nouns

Greymachine Disconnected

Killing Joke   Hosannas From The Basements Of Hell

Television   Marquee Moon expanded disc

Esther Phillips  Capricorn Princess

Severed Heads  Cuisine With Piscatorial

Elastica  self-titled

Sonic Youth & Mats Gustavsson & Merzbow  SYR8

Killing Joke  Pandemonium

Eric Gale  Multiplication

Front Line Assembly  Echoes

Wavves  King Of The Beach

Strawberry Switchblade  Since Yesterday 12”

Bjork   Telegraph

Public Image Ltd.  Second Edition

Esther Phillips  Performance

Hatebreed  The Rise Of Brutality

Killing Joke  Night Time

Wilbert Longmire  Champagne

Grover Washington, Jr.  A Secret Place

Young Black Teenagers  “Tap The Bottle” 12”

Sagat  “Funk Dat” 12”

Crash Crew   “Breaking Bells (Take Me To The Mardi Gras)” 12”

Prurient   Pleasure Ground

Victory Records  Victory Style II

Esther Phillips & Joe Beck  For All We Know

Sonic Youth  Confusion Is Sex + Kill Your Idols

Swell Maps  A Trip To Marineville

Severed Heads   Rotund For Success

Whodini  Escape

Killing Joke   Revelations

Stop The Violence Movement, The  “Self-Destruction” 12”

Eric Gale  Part Of You

Professionals, The   “The Magnificent” 7”

Guyana Punch Line  self-titled 7”

Heart   self-titled cassette

Infinity Records:

Self Defense Family “Self Immolation Family” b/w “World Virgins” 7”

Peter Gabriel Security

Mantronix The Album

Eric Gale Forecast

Arsonists As The World Burns

Beat Street motion picture soundtrack

Kool & The GangLight Of Worlds

Dire Straits Making Movies

Shirts, The Street Light Shine

Belinda Carlisle Belinda

Makers, The Rock Star God

Bug, The Infected

Peter Gabriel Car

Filter Short Bus

Warzone Fight for Justice

Mood Doom

Jane’s Addiction Nothing’s Shocking

Depeche Mode Ultra

Curve Cuckoo

Rosie's Vintage:

Genesis Abacab

Nice & Wild “Diamond Girl” 12″

Shabba Ranks “Mr. Loverman” 12″

Dire Straits self-titled

Mad Skillz “Nod Factor” 12“

Boogiemonsters “Recognized Thresholds Of Negative Stress 12″

Blahzay Blahzay “Danger!” 12″

Harold Faltermeyer “Axel F” 12“

Spyro Gyra self-titled

Malcomb McLaren & The World Famous Supreme Team “Buffalo Gals” 12″

Sunday Records:

Cabaret Voltaire  The Arm Of The Lord

Nitzer Ebb As Is

Strawberry Switchblade  Who Knows What Love Is?

Steve Jones  Mercy

Patti Smith  Easter

Ramsey Lewis  Tequila Mockingbird

Doors, The  Greatest Hits

Cabaret Voltaire  Drinking Gasoline

Utah Saints “Something Good”

Image In Vogue self-titled EP

Steely Dan  Pretzel Logic

No Age  Losing Feeling

Dead Or Alive “Brand New Lover”

Cabaret Voltaire  The Drain Train

Public Image Ltd. “Home”

Gary Numan “Cars” / “Metal”

Malcomb McLaren “Soweto” b/w “Zulu’s On A Time Bomb”

J. Geils Band “Centerfold” b/w “Rage In The Cage”

Fad Gadget “One Man’s Meat” b/w “Sleep”

Tony Basil “Mickey” b/w “Hangin’ Around”

Stray Cats “(She’s) Sexy + 17” b/w “Lookin’ Better Every Beer”

Madness “Our House” b/w “Cardiac Arrest”

Todd Rundgren “Hello It’s Me” b/w “Cold Morning Light”

No Age  Eraser 7”

Suzanne Vega “Luca” b/w “Night Vision”

Siouxsie Sioux & The Banshees “Hong Kong Garden” b/w “Night Vision”

Mr. Cheapo’s (Mineola):

Mic Geronimo “Masta I.C.”

Jemini The Gifted One “Funk Soul Sensation”

Hi-Tek “Hi Teknology”

Schoolly D “Livin’ In The Jungle” b/w “Gucci Again”

Richie Cole New York Afternoon

Dott & Night School Carousel split e.p.

Joe Beck self-titled

Chick Corea Return To Forever

Hank Crawford Hank Crawford’s Back

Steve Khan Tightrope

Tappan Zee label Best Of…

Shabba Ranks “Ram Dancehall” b/w “Original Woman”

D&D All-Stars “1, 2 Pass It”

Rayvon “No Guns, No Murder”

Doug E. Fresh & Beenie Man “Hands In The Air”

Black Moon “Black Smif-N-Wesson” b/w Smif-N-Wesson “Headz Ain’t Redee”

Goats, The “Burn The Flag” b/w “Typical American”

Little Shawn “Don Perignon”

Specials, The More Specials

Lee Ritenour The Best Of…

Steve Khan Arrows

Genesis Invisible Touch

Vacancies, The Tantrum

Nobodys, The Generation XXX

Easy Action Friends Of Rock & Roll

New Bomb Turks Scared Straight

Roots, The Do You Want More?!!!??!

Eric B & Rakim Don’t Sweat The Technique

Boogie Down Productions Edutainment

X Clan Xodus

Lords Of The Underground Here Come The Lords

Buckshot LeFonque self-titled

Channel Live Station Identification

Funkdoobiest Brothas Doobie

Method Man & Mary J. Blige “I’ll Be There For You” / “You’re All I Need”

GZA / Genius Liquid Swords

Milk Never Dated

Naughty By Nature19 Naughty III

Das EFX Straight Up Sewaside

Grand Puba 2000

Naughty By Nature Poverty’s Paradise

Ol’ Dirty Bastard Return To The 36 Chambers (dirty version)

George Michael Faith

Vinyl Bay 777:

(No purchases.)

[bangtanintotheroom]

Goodbye 2023!

Well well well, it's the end of another year and miraculously, I'm still here on Tumblr writing my silly little smut fics. To think it's been two years since I started this on a whim and have experienced so much on this blog, it's crazy. But this year felt so different compared to the previous one, for multiple reasons that I'll talk about underneath.

To start off on a major personal note, my year didn't start off the best.

I lost my grandmother last December after she struggled with health issues since the pandemic (non-COVID related). She was my last grandparent and although I didn't agree with a lot of her views, she loved me and I loved her. The holidays were rough to get through, to say the least.

Then my great uncle (her brother) passed in February while my family and I were on vacation. We visited and stayed with him last summer, which was the longest I had ever been around him in my life. It was a sudden decline in his health and to have it so soon after his sister was shocking.

Only the people in my personal life know about this as I didn't want to bring this up on here. I make sure to keep certain things separate from my life as a writer, but now I feel comfortable enough to tell you all just what's been going on. I'm doing better now, thankfully. We visited the cemetery recently where my grandmother and grandfather are now laid to rest together with their newly-acquired headstone. It was bittersweet, but it felt good to finally see a marker there after all this time. 💕

Now onto the good notes, which there were plenty of!

This is the first time I have ever went to Trinidad TWICE in one year! We went in February and in May, both for different reasons, but it was a relaxing and fun time. Something about the islands is refreshing, especially when you live in a cooler climate.

And then came April...MUTHAFUCKIN AGUST D TOUR 🗣️🗣️🗣️

This was officially my first K-pop concert and boy, was it an experience. Despite the rain and Prudential staff being shitbags, I had an amazing time and I look back at my videos and pictures with fond memories. Shoutout to @minttangerines @kithtaehyung and @here2bbtstrash for meeting up and listening to me scream drunkenly about nuggets at 2 AM!

I also had some nice weekend and day trips with my irl friends, filled with chaos and conversations that would probably get us committed lmao

I went to Texas for the first time, too! My brother moved down there last year and I already made plans from the jump to go visit him. It's a whole different world down there, but I'm already planning to go back in 2024 (with a checklist of what we have to do)!

Let's see...I did my usual cons and got somewhat back into cosplay, too. My friends and I are planning to return to the last one we visited before the pandemic started, so we're very excited!

Those were the main things in my personal life that occurred, other than work (which is still ass) and the usual daily things.

Now onto my year in writing.

2023 paled in comparison to 2022. My output lessened considerably, due to multiple personal events, exhaustion and stress from work and mental health.

I was writing most of the time, but I was rarely finishing anything to post. My WIPs kept nagging at me on Notion and it got to the point where I recently cleaned up shop. I cancelled some of them, but kept them in a page where I could reuse the concept and scenes for something else. This gave me peace of mind.

But I also have to do some cleaning up for fics that have already been posted.

I know I said I would stretch some of them out, but I am at the point where I have zero desire to still do that. Plus I am getting into new groups and find myself wanting to write for them instead. I will make a separate post on my intentions for my current fics, just so there's no confusion on anyone's end whether it will be continued or not.

It's also been extremely jarring how many people have just...left.

When I compare the end of 2022 to the end of 2023, it's like a ghost town. A majority of the servers I was in have shut down or been abandoned. Many fellow writers have disappeared, deactivated or gone on hiatus (for reasons that are valid and I wish them all the best). And the atmosphere has shifted, but not in a positive direction.

Interactions have lessened, anons are being ruder than ever, people are plagiarizing left and right. It's a mess.

I've had a couple of moments where I debated on stepping away, but I can't right now. Writing gives me an unexpected joy and it's always a treasure to see my mutuals posting their own works that they've put their blood, sweat and tears into. I'm not quite ready to leave that yet.

Although, I do have to take a slight step back, just to focus on personal things. I'm practicing art again to see if I can start selling once I'm comfortable enough to. If things ever get overbearing and I can't juggle the two, I will let you all know as soon as possible. But for now, expect at least one more year of AJ aka bangtanintotheroom!

Wow, this was long 😬 but I've been sitting on these thoughts for months and I had to get it out somehow.

I'll finish this off by saying thank you to everyone who follows me or reads my fics or plans to start reading them. Thank you to my mutuals who are supportive and encourage my crazy ideas. Thank you to everyone.

Happy New Year! 🥳

[pers-books]

Star-studded Opening night for Wilko World Premiere at the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch.

A dazzling Opening Night unfolded on Saturday, marking the world premiere of Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s inaugural show for their spring season. Wilko is a production skilfully written by renowned journalist and TV broadcaster Jonathan Maitland, playing until 24 February.

The star-studded event drew in illustrious personalities, including Jemma Redgrave, celebrated for her roles in Dr Who, Holby City, and Grantchester. Currently sharing the screen with Jason Statham in The Beekeeper, Jemma expressed her enthusiasm: “I absolutely loved it. It’s brilliantly written, exceptionally well-performed, and the music is fantastic. Come and see it!”

John Michie, known for his roles in Holby City, Coronation Street, and Taggart, revealed his admiration for the Canvey Island legend, saying, “I’m a big fan of Dr Feelgood. I loved Wilko Johnson, and this cast tonight absolutely nailed it. The music was spot on. It’s a great show; I highly recommend it!”

Patrick Gibson (Shadow and Bone, The Tudors),Richard Gibson (‘Allo ‘Allo), and Penelope Rawlins(award-winning voice artist) praised the evening as “the best evening imaginable,” commending the amazing cast and the performance of fantastic music.

Sadie Nine of BBC Essex Radio described the show as “absolutely fabulous” and urged those near Canvey Island to attend.

The list of VIPs included Richard ‘Kid’ Strange, founder of the mid-1970s proto-punk band Doctor of Madness, and Rebecca Harris MP for Castle Point.

From standing ovations to heartfelt commendations, audiences have showered praise on the world premiere of this rock ‘n’ roll extravaganza. Its enchanting blend of humour and emotion has captivated viewers, who lauded the cast’s brilliance, the well-crafted script, and the superb staging.

Here’s a glimpse of the audience’s acclaim for “Wilko”:

• “An extraordinarily brilliant show. It had integrity; amazing performances, fabulous music, and much to say about life…go see it!”

• “Great show. Brilliant cast. Very well written and staged. Went last night and will be back for sure.”

• “Anyone who is a fan of Dr Feelgood or Wilko Johnson should see it.”

• “It’s brilliant. The actor who plays Wilko is great. All the cast are fantastic. Some laughs and some tears.”

• “Take my hat off to the writer who gave us great insights into Wilko’s life and career.”

• “10/10 – I want to see it again!”

Wilko is a striking biographic play with live music celebrating the extraordinary life of Dr Feelgood co-founder Wilko Johnson. In 2012 the iconic rock star was told he had inoperable cancer and a year to live. Refusing all treatment, he decided to spend his last months living meaningfully: seeing the people, places and things which meant most to him during his remarkable life. Then, a miracle happened….  This new play is a mixture of words, rock ‘n roll, and quotes from the man himself – tells the amazing, uplifting true story of Wilko, the Essex legend. 

Tickets from £19 (plus 65p QNext fee), under 26s £8 (age guidance 11+). To book, call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or visit queens-theatre.co.uk 

[destinyc1020]

A month in the Caribbean. Came back for work for February and first week of March then immediately heading back to Tom in London with Noon. When I tell you girlfriend Z is so damn adorable! I love that she’s in love. Both of them.

I know right?? 2.0 Tomdaya has definitely been about them prioritizing each other. 💯

We saw that early on....

Tom flying out to LA and spending months on the set of EU S2 with her

Taking their baecation up north

Attending a wedding together 🥰

Going on several days together (ie. LA, NYC, etc

Tom surprising Z in Italy while she was over there for work ❤

Them spending time with each other just about every weekend while they were both filming their respective projects in NYC and Boston (TCR & Challengers)

Tom visiting Zendaya in Budapest, Jordan, and wherever else the heck Dune Part 2 filmed last year rofl 🤣

Them spending a full MONTH together on a private island with each other in the Caribbean

Now... Zendaya is BACK with Tom visiting him and his family over in London, and she's even brought her freaking DOG with her (which leads me to believe that she's probably going to be there for at least a little bit)

So yea.... They're definitely prioritizing each other in 2.0, and we love that for them! 🥰 They found a compromise and a way to make things work for them. ❤

And see, this is precisely why I keep telling fans to just CHILL, relax, go with the flow, and TRUST Tom and Zendaya and realize that they know what is best for them. Just W.A.S.!

Just a week ago, some anons were complaining that Z hadn't visited Tom in London, or were bitter that Tom was staying in London instead of accompanying her to all of these awards shows in LA. 🙄 Some were even assuming or calling for their breakup lol 😒

Chiiiilllle.... Meanwhile, Tom and Z have already long-since planned that they would see each other after she got through with her obligations in LA and in Paris.😅🤣 Imo their plan made way more sense to me, especially since now we know that Tom himself was also very busy with his family obligations, attending events for his brothers, going on a trip with his buddies and brothers, and doing the TBT event himself. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Like, you all have to START TRUSTING Tom and Zendaya.

I feel like SOME "fans" are just waiting on edge 24/7 for their impending breakup even though there's nothing of the sort to even suggest that at all! Idk if that's due to the trauma from July 17th 👀, being a newbie shipper, or just being an anti in disguise, but whatever it is, it's annoying, and I personally do not intend to spend my Tomdaya 2.0 shipping time being anxious or waiting for the other shoe to drop like that 24/7. 🙄😒 These two are practically married to each other at this point rofl. 😂

Believe me, when a couple has broken up, there WILL be MAJOR signs.... (massive unfollows of ppl on their end, no more likes on posts, no more visits or pics of them together for over 6 months at least, them being spotted out getting cozy with other ppl - 👈🏾 this is honestly the BIGGEST and most reliable sign right here lol🤭) ...

When a celebrity couple splits, believe me, the signs are there. 😏 So unless you start seeing THOSE signs all at once, you really don't have to worry about TZ at all.

Jmho....

[manessha545]

Grytviken

Hamlet in the South Georgia Island, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Grytviken is a hamlet on South Georgia in the South Atlantic and formerly a whaling station and the largest settlement on the island. It is located at the head of King Edward Cove within the larger Cumberland East Bay, considered the best harbour on the island. The location's name, meaning "pot bay", was coined in 1902 by the Swedish Antarctic Expedition and documented by the surveyor Johan Gunnar Andersson, after the expedition found old English try pots used to render seal oil at the site. Settlement was re-established on 16 November 1904 by Norwegian Antarctic explorer Carl Anton Larsen on the long-used site of former whaling settlements

Whaling station Grytviken in 1989

South Georgia Museum, Grytviken

Whaling and sealing ships at Grytviken

Along with the surrounding area, the station has been declared an Area of Special Tourist Interest (ASTI).

Grytviken is a popular stop for cruise ships visiting Antarctica, and tourists usually land to visit Shackleton's grave. The South Georgia Museum is housed in the manager's house of the former whaling station, and is open during the summer tourist season.

The station's church is the only building which retains its original purpose; it is still used occasionally for services. There have been several marriages in Grytviken, the first being registered on 24 February 1932, between A.G.N. Jones and Vera Riches.

On 28 January 2007, a service was conducted in remembrance of Anders Hansen (a Norwegian whaler buried at Grytviken Cemetery in 1943) and to celebrate his great-great-grandson Axel Wattø Eide's baptism occurring in Oslo the same day.

Grytviken - Wikipedia

[wizardflower01]

One thing that a lot of people have been arguing with or spreading misinformation is the timeline of Total Drama. So yeah, I'll analyze the timeline of the main series + Ridonculous Race. I will also explain the ages through the timeline set.

For Island, everything we needed to know is given in episode 1. The first 26 episodes take place in 8 weeks (aka 2 months) and ep27 takes place the day after episode 26. In episode 27, Chris states that Action takes place 2 days after ep27.

Therefore, between ep27 and ep28 (1 of Action), there is a gap of 2 days. In episode 28, Chris states that the contestants will stay for a good 6 weeks. Hence, Island and Action combined together take place in an entire Summer and half September.

World Tour is certainly tricky, but first, we must find the gap between ep27 of Action and ep1 of WT. In episode 27, there's several stuff that revealed the season takes place after the New Year's. Specifically:

- Lindsay and Beth were said to have been imprisoned for months.

- Izzy's director was counseled for months.

- The Drama Brother's best single from LAST YEAR was mentioned.

Therefore, it makes sense to say that between mid-September and early January there was a gap. So yeah, WT starts in early January. But when does it end? It's simple! Cody's birthday is April 1st, since it is celebrated in episode 23 of WT, and eps 24 - 26 take place the day after, it's obvious that World Tour ends on April 2nd. On April 2nd, Geoff also said that he didn't see Bridgette since February 18 (he had said 44 days). So episodes 18 to 26 take place in a month. TL;DR World Tour starts around January and ends April 2nd.

Revenge of the Island is even more confusing. It's not outright said that it's been a year since WT's finale, only implied. So yeah, a year has passed and it ends in an unknown date or month.

All-Stars is said to take place a year after ROTI's finale, since Chris wasn't visited by Chef in prison for a year. It again, ends in an unknown date or month. However, since both take place in summer, we may say that ROTI takes place in the first half of the Summer (June with mid-July) whereas AS starts mid-Summer and ends early late August/September? It honestly makes sense.

Pahkitew Island becomes, again, hard to say. But I have figured that I can only explain it using RR, so they'll be mixed here. Since all contestants are 16, and Leonard's age is given in Ridiculous Race as 16, we can say that he is 16 in this series as well and presumably starts before, after or is a parallel story to Ridonculous Race. It additionally makes sense that the series also takes place 3 years after Island, which sounds crazy, but makes sense: Owen, Noah and Geoff are 19 in RR while Leonard is 16.

Oh well and what's left is TDI23, which we obviously know it starts 15 years after TDI07.

[caz66]

For @goodboylupin candy hearts challenge - my candy heart prompt was ‘love bird’

135 days left though Sirius, as he crossed off yet another day on the calendar that he and Remus picked up on their last visit to the zoo. February's picture was of two penguins bending down into the shape of a heart. Sirius was, deep down (really deep down) a true romantic, in his own way. Remus was one of the few people who understood this about him, not finding romance in the yearly red roses that popped up in the shops, but in the every day to day. Like knowing he actually likes two teaspoons of sugar in his morning coffee, not one, but only in his first cup of the day. Or that while Remus will devour any chocolate based treat, but his true favourite is a Twix, with a cup of tea so that he can dunk it and use it as a straw. As he re-capped the pen, Sirius realised that tomorrow was Valentine’s Day.

And he would be alone.

Not that he was really alone, however this year Remus had been selected to venture to the Galápagos, ‘his dream job’ for 6 months. He knew they were scheduled for a video call tomorrow evening, or lunch time for Remus. It didn't make him miss him any less.

It had only been 45 days since their teary goodbye at Heathrow, as much as Sirius tried but utterly failed to hide the tears cascading down. Remus had a similar problem, but they both knew that this was the opportunity of a lifetime for Remus, one that would not come about again with the island disappearing due to climate change. There was a soft knock on the door ushering Sirius from his thoughts, he not expecting anyone and James never knocked. Sirius padded over to the front door and swung it open. On the other side of the door, a delivery man was holding a large oval shaped object that was covered with a red velvet cloth.

“Hello?”

“Mr Black?” the man asked,

“That's me,”

“Great, sign here please,” he held out the electronic signing pad for Sirius to scribble something that looked like his name on with his finger. “Here ya go, glad to finally be rid of the chatter,” confused by the man's comment, Sirius had no choice but to take the object from the delivery man as he thrusted the item at him. One hand on the bottom, which turned out to be flat, and the other to the handle hooking out of the covering fabric. It was lighter than he thought it would be.

“Thanks,”

Bewildered, Sirius shut the door with his foot and placed the unknown delivery onto the coffee table in the living room. Gently he went to pull off the velvet material.

“Love you” a voice from underneath squawked. Startled Sirius dropped the cover.

“Err, hello?”

“Hello pretty,” the voice answered. Sirius was feeling quite disconcerted about what was in his home right now.

“Okay, I’m going to remove the cover now,” gently Sirius lifted the cloth fully off to find a cage, inside which were two beautifully coloured birds. Parrots to be exact, if his knowledge of birds was correct. The feathers around their eyes were burnt orange while the plumage of their bodies a vibrant green. Who would send him parrots? The man who could not keep a single house plant alive.

“Hello pretty,” the bird chirped at him.

“Hello,” Sirius replied, “ I wonder where you came from,”

“Love you, love you” the second bird chirped back.

“So a guy dropped two parrots off at your door, no note, nothing?”

“Yeah,” replied Sirius, studying the birds in the cage. He had been out to get some bird food, and the owner of the pet shop had supplied him with the best food for the parrots. “Like, am I a parrot parent now?”

“I guess so, unless there has been a mistake and there were for the McGonagall and her cat next door?”

“Unlikely James, I doubt she would get such extravagant food for the cat”

“Humm, well I suppose you should do some research to figure out how to, like, keep them alive and all that,”

“I guess, Remus would know what to do, but he is out of contact until tomorrow evening,”

Since the phone call, Sirius had gone out and bought them an extra large, 3 story bird cage equipped with swings, chew toys and puzzle cubes. It was much roomier than the travel cage they had arrived in and the two birds had taken to their new space. Over a few hours of research, Sirius has learned that the birds needed foraging toys, as well as ones that are shreddable and chew toys to help keep their beaks well trimmed. The puzzles help keep their minds sharp and stop them getting too bored. There was so much information to take on board about keeping them well looked after.

Sirius was rudely awakened to a joyful tune floating around him.

“The fuck?” questioned Sirius, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Wanting to make sure the birds were settled he had slept on the sofa, to nervous to leave them

“Fuck” the words were repeated back at him.

“Love you,”

“Fuck.”

“Fuck” the last coming from Sirius as it dawn on him that he just taught the birds to swear.

Sirius opened the cage door to freshen the bird's water, he took the water bowl out and to the kitchen. Once the bowl was re-filled, Sirius turned, taken aback by the sight to two beautiful birds sitting on the kitchen island worktop.

“Oh, um hi you two, how did you get out?” Sirius looked through to the living room and saw he had stupidly left the cage door open. Of course the birds would get out. Grabbing a few seeds he held out his hand to see if they would come to him. Much to his surprise they did, gently nibbling the seeds from his hand.

“Well, I think I need to give you names, you can be…” Sirius looked around the room for some inspiration, landing on the fruit bowl, “ Mango, and you will be known as,” Sirius looked around the room again, his eyes landing on the treat box. “Twix, Remus’ favourite caramel chocolate biscuit.” the birds bobbed up and down at the names, so Sirius took that to mean they liked them.

“Hello love, happy valentines day,” Remus’s tanned face flashed up on the screen.

“Re, hi, happy valentines day babe,” Sirius felt his heart grow three sizes upon seeing his boyfriend. “How are you? Did the parcel arrive okay?” Remus chuckled.

“Yes love, I’m good, we did the most amazing observation of the turtles nesting yesterday. And then I came home to a perfect parcel of tea bags, marmalade and, most importantly Twix's’,” At the mention of Twix’s, Twix decided to jump into the conversation.

“Love you,”

“Did you speak without moving your lips? Or has your screen frozen again?” asked Remus.

“Not frozen, nor did I speak. I guess, well there was a delivery.”

“They arrived?!” questioned Remus excitedly.

“You…. you sent them?”

“Yes, I thought you could do with some company in the house and I was so tempted to get you a puppy, but I know we don't have the time right now for one. And well, my friend from the clinic had these two come in, needing a loving home, and I just knew they were the right fit.”

“Parrots Remus?”

“Agapornis Roseicollis,” Remus corrected him.

“Pardon?”

“Love birds, rosy-faced lovebirds to be exact. Very intelligent birds.”

“Yeah, I'm realising that. I’ve called them Twix and Mango.”

“Haha, I approve”

“They can already escape from the ridiculously expensive cage I got for them.” Proving his point, Mango glided across the screen, before coming to rest on Sirius’ shoulder. Twix took delight in stamping his claws on the keyboard, bobbing his head into frame.

“Well, I must say, they suit you.”

“Fuck” squawked Twix,

“Oh god, you taught them to swear already? Don’t let them near Harry just yet, Lily has not forgiven me for teaching him ‘shit’,” Remus laughed.

“It was an accident,” Sirius chuckled back, “But tell me more about the turtles,”

“Shit,”

“Fuck,”

“Love you,” the love birds chorused.

[alpinebirdingworld-blog]

Bird Watching Tour in China: Discover The Best Places

The winter season makes us indeed lazy, but choosing to get out of the cozy blanket and head for a bird watching tour in China will never be a regretful experience.

It is time to escape the daily busy schedule and head to China’s top destination for bird watching. China is home to various bird species that are a real treat to the eyes of a bird enthusiast.

Furthermore, bird watching is one of the best ways to give your mind a dose of peace and refresh your inner soul. So, are you confused about which places to explore in China for bird watching? Continue reading the article below.

So, let’s get started!

Rongcheng

Rongcheng is said to be the largest Swan habitat, covering an area of about 10,500 hectares. It is one of the top swan lakes in the world and is perfect for birding trips in China. As soon as the winter season knocks on the door, thousands of swans from Siberia fly towards Rongcheng Swan Lake for wintering. Watch the swans dancing, singing and walking with your naked eyes, which promises an enchanting experience overall.

Xinjiang Bayanbulak Swan National Reserve

Towards 400km northwest of Korla, high-altitude wetlands form the second-largest grassland area in China, with the Kaidu River flowing through it. In addition to this, it is known to be the famous Xinjiang Swan Lake, which is the natural habitat for the massive population of wild swans. Don’t forget to capture some of the captivating moments when the bird’s wings are fanning.

Poyang Lake

This lake is a must-watch destination for birding trips in China. It falls in the Jiangxi Province. The place holds around 310 species of birds and is famous for being the “Kingdom of the Stork.” You will come across a huge number of rare birds here, like Grus leucogeranus, Grus japonesus, and many more. Along with this, the place is also popular as the largest migratory bird wintering area in Asia since around 1 lakh birds fly here during the winter season.

Dongtan Wetland

Another best place for bird watching tour in China is Dongtan Wetland on Chongming Island. It is about 100 km away from downtown Shanghai. Being one of the most preferred winter birding parks, it spreads around 24 square kilometres. Every year, from November to February, the place holds an annual birding festival, welcoming the largest number of birds.

Yunnan

This place provides a warm and mild climate in winter. Red-billed gulls from Siberia have spent their winters here for almost 30 years. For birding trips in China, add Dianchi Lake and Chuhu Park to your bucket list in Yunnan. Head to the Botanical Garden in Xishuangbanna, which has a tropical climate, to watch the Crimson Sunbird and Anastomus Oscitans from close by. However, the Napa Lake wetlands in Shangri La are home to noble birds like black-necked cranes, attracting numerous photographers worldwide.

Wrap Up Time

Finally, these were the places ideal for bird watching tour in China. You should add these destinations to your bucket list and make sure to visit them once you land in this country. Don’t forget to carry your cameras as you are going to capture the most beautiful birds behind the lens.

[sweet-vanilla-sims]

Year 1679 - Part 1

TW/CW: Child Death, Death Mention, Teen Pregnancy

The year began with the Collari family officially confirming a new future addition to the family. While at the Ludovici home, Katharine was starting to worry about not having conceived since the birth of her son, when he was younger it was a relief to only have one young child to care for but as she and Leonardo tried, no luck was had. Though as days turned to weeks of little rain, maybe it was for the best...

In a way of distracting herself, Katharine was happy to treat her cousin and cousin's mother-in-law to new outfits though nothing too fancy since they didn't wish to impose too much.

February brought with it news that the young Collari boy had passed from unclean water. Ashley felt for the loss the family was feeling having lost her eldest but it just made her more grateful for her healthy children.

After weeks drawn into months by storms and poor weather, Giovanni Cesare finally reached the shores of the islands he had been dreaming of. It was a new start for him enough so that the moment he arrived he decided to simply go by Giovanni. He never vocalized the feelings but he always knew that his name was only his because his late older brother died before he grew up and on the islands at least, Giovanni Cesare had no legacy to continue or live up to. It was just him in a new part of the world his family could hardly dream of. He was quickly sent off to work for a wealthy family, the Bailey's to serve them which was a surprise to Giovanni Cesare as he had expected more physically demanding work but he was not going to complain about having easy work.

It was April when Cristofolo went to visit his love and when he saw her she was deep in thought looking troubled. He worried for her and questioned her only to find that their youthful passions had let to Antea being with child. With the words spoken aloud neither really knew what to do as neither had expected a child.

For Antea, telling her aunt about her child with Cristofolo was difficult as she knew her reaction would be poor but after the initial anger and shock, Gabriella told her that the young couple should at the very least wed before the birth of child to preserve what little was left of her niece's reputation for both her and her unborn child's sake.

Given the illegitimate status of Cristofolo regardless of his adoption and the fact that he had an older brother and Jolene's pregnancy, Bianca had little argument over the young couple marrying and like Gabriella, pushed for it to happen sooner than later so as to not have a bastard for a great-grandchild. While it wasn't the romantic circumstances the young pair would have liked for the promise of spending their lives together, they were excited to marry and so before April came to an end they were wed.

The good feelings following the wedding of Cristofolo and Antea came to an end in May when Alessandro's father died from the lack of water brought on by the famine and the loss of one of the Laurent boys didn't make Alessandra's fears for her own child ease in the slightest when June came and labor struck her. Despite that on June 18th, the Rossi family welcomed a son they named Iseppo. Though July brought with it news that the late Osana's husband passed in some sort of accident and his widow was more than happy to leave young Juliette in the care of her aunt, Orelia.

The work Giovanni Cesare had wasn't difficult like he had first assumed though his employers were often rude to him and treated him with little respect. Most of his work consisted of fixing things the lady of the house or her eldest broke in one of their constant fights or cooking meals. He tried to keep his head down as best he could but the fights were hard to ignore when they got loud.

He did feel for the younger lady of the house Vivienne as some of what they argued about seemed to be her future since her step-father was eager to have the child of his wife's first marriage out of the home and sadly the girl's mother was also of the same mind. It wasn't his place to interject but he'd watch to make sure that the young lady was safe when she'd walk down to the beach late at night after fighting with her mother.

As the summer progressed, Landon and Jolene repaired their relationship especially in the wake of the loss of their young son and the anticipation of their newborn.

Sadly it wasn't meant to be as August took Landon into the Watcher's embrace following a bout of sudden but severe illness and sadly the famine showed no signs of stopping.

One night after a particularly nasty fight between the lady of the house and her daughter, while Giovanni Cesare was following her down to the water he was joined by her younger brother who also felt the same and the pair were caught by Vivienne. At first Vivienne was shocked to learn that she had been followed by them both yet she was flattered that her young brother was checking in on her and while she didn't say it aloud near her brother, the fact the handsome young servant cared for her safety made her heart flutter.

And so even after the young boy left, having been caught Giovanni Cesare realized that there was no more point hiding that he wanted to make sure she was okay. The pair spent a good portion of the night chatting and making sculptures on the beach to cheer up Vivienne. Giovanni was glad to see the young woman perk up though Vivienne was seeing the young man in a new light not as a mere servant but as a young man who while still beneath her was now worth her attentions.

[vishnuveera]

The Best Time to Travel to Hong Kong Ideal Weather Seasons

Hong Kong, with its vibrant culture, stunning skyline, and delicious cuisine, is a destination that attracts travelers year-round. However, understanding the nuances of its weather can significantly enhance your experience. From balmy summers to cool winters, each season offers a unique charm. Let's delve into the best time to visit Hong Kong based on its weather patterns.

Autumn in Hong Kong is characterized by pleasant temperatures and lower humidity levels, making it one of the best times to visit. The weather is generally clear with blue skies, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the city's parks. Additionally, autumn marks the festival season in Hong Kong, including the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Chung Yeung Festival, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture.

While winter in Hong Kong is relatively mild compared to many other destinations, temperatures can drop, especially in January and February. However, with temperatures rarely falling below 10°C (50°F), it remains comfortable for outdoor exploration. Winter also brings fewer tourists, making it a great time to enjoy popular attractions without the crowds. Don't forget to pack some layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.

Spring heralds the arrival of warmer temperatures and blooming flowers, creating a picturesque backdrop for your travels. March and April offer comfortable weather, perfect for exploring Hong Kong's outdoor attractions such as Victoria Peak, the Tian Tan Buddha, and the outlying islands. However, humidity levels start to rise towards the end of spring, so be prepared for occasional showers and stick to lightweight clothing.

Summer in Hong Kong is characterized by hot and humid weather, with temperatures often soaring above 30°C (86°F) and high humidity levels. While this might deter some travelers, summer is an excellent time to enjoy Hong Kong's beaches and water-based activities. Additionally, summer marks the Dragon Boat Festival, where you can witness thrilling dragon boat races and indulge in traditional delicacies. To beat the heat, plan indoor activities during the hottest part of the day and stay hydrated.

The best time to travel to Hong Kong largely depends on your preferences and tolerance for weather conditions. Autumn and spring offer comfortable temperatures and pleasant weather, making them ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Winter provides a quieter atmosphere and mild temperatures, while summer appeals to beach lovers and festival enthusiasts despite the heat and humidity. Regardless of when you choose to visit, Hong Kong's dynamic energy and rich cultural experiences await you year-round.

[mulaasritha]

Discovering the Optimal Time to Experience South Padre Island's Charms

Introduction: Nestled along the Gulf Coast of Texas, South Padre Island beckons travelers with its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and abundant outdoor adventures. While this tropical paradise welcomes visitors year-round, understanding the best time to visit South Padre Island can enhance your experience, whether you're seeking sun-soaked relaxation or thrilling water sports.

Spring Break Bliss: For many travelers, spring break epitomizes the quintessential South Padre Island experience. From mid-March to mid-April, the island transforms into a lively playground, drawing college students and families alike. Beach parties, concerts, and exhilarating water activities abound during this period, creating an energetic atmosphere that's perfect for those seeking excitement and socializing.

Pleasant Spring Weather: Beyond the spring break festivities, the months of March to May offer delightful weather conditions ideal for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts. With temperatures ranging from the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit (20s to 30s Celsius) and minimal rainfall, spring provides the perfect backdrop for sunbathing, swimming, and exploring the island's natural beauty.

Summer Escapes: Summer, spanning from June to August, brings warmer temperatures and bustling crowds to South Padre Island. Families flock to the island during this time, making it an ideal destination for a classic beach vacation. While temperatures can soar into the 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius), the refreshing Gulf breeze offers relief, and water activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, and fishing are in full swing.

Fall Tranquility: As summer transitions into fall, South Padre Island enters a period of tranquility, making it an appealing destination for travelers seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. From September to November, the island experiences milder temperatures and fewer visitors, providing the perfect opportunity for peaceful beach strolls, birdwatching, and enjoying the island's natural wonders.

Winter Retreats: Winter on South Padre Island is a haven for snowbirds escaping colder climates. From December to February, the island offers mild temperatures, typically ranging from the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit (15s to 20s Celsius), making it an inviting destination for outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and dolphin watching. Additionally, winter brings opportunities to witness unique wildlife, including sea turtles and migratory birds.

Conclusion: Choosing the best time to visit South Padre Island depends on your preferences and interests. Whether you're seeking the vibrant energy of spring break, the tranquility of fall, or a winter escape from the cold, South Padre Island offers something for every traveler. By understanding the island's seasonal variations and planning accordingly, you can ensure a memorable getaway filled with sun, surf, and relaxation on this enchanting Gulf Coast paradise.

[omegaremix]

June 21, 2022.

Summer paid out more than I expected. It started unofficially with Sacred Bones’ 15th anniversary showcase at the Knockdown Center. Dominican Pete gave me two days notice before he stopped by, ending an eleven-year drought of not seeing him. All he did was take me to 7-11 to get him some lighters then back home to roll up, light up, and play me some Tears For Fears before he was barely conscious in la-la land (my house) as we listened to Pure Hell. Eleven years didn’t compare to when I came to visit my Jewish-ginger friend Candy at her family restaurant in the fields of Calverton. Not since leaving the Brentwood-era behind and making endless promises to patronize her had I seen how she was doing. Barely getting by, she said, as she looked to re-locate to a busier locale. Oh, and my compulsiveness showed up to throw my money away at record stores again. I spent more than what I did four years before and I still wasn’t finished hitting up all the shops of my liking.

Another check-up at Manhattan’s West side was around the corner so that gave me an idea. I visited the Academy Annex in Greenpoint in late February for a city jaunt and spent a sizable sum for some out-of-the-ordinary records. Wee, Throbbing Gristle, Sweeping Promises, Lonnie Liston Smith were the highlights of that cold-snap visit. That’s because I made two pretty inexpensive online orders from them in December. They had another location in Manhattan, so what better way to spend the rest of the day in the city? I was in and out in a matter of 45 minutes. I couldn’t wait another second for a secretary’s confirmation of a next visit. So guess what? Don’t call me, I’ll call you. I hastily walked out of the building and took the next 6 train I could hop on. Nine stops and six minutes downtown was all it took to resume walking to East 12th Street under hazy cloudy skies and temperatures borderlining on 70*F.

I walked east along what seemed like the sweet narrow streets. Residential buildings high enough to provide shade as I walked past the groups of school children and their leaders expounding on being aware of their surroundings and looking out for each other and themselves. Young kids in groups of three, four, five of colored hair, piercings, and skate-punk outfits standing on the sidewalk talking about nothing significant. I approach the Lower East Side playground where at least forty or so high-schoolers shot hoops, chased each other around, and screamed out loud. Only then I look to my left and there was Academy.

I stayed for a good two-and-a-half hours perusing through 90% of the store’s inventory thumbing through everything I could. City stores had what the island stores didn’t. What a treat it’d be to find those key releases I’ve always been reading about. Surely there were plenty. Finally, they came home with me.

Three exhausting hours later, I payed up and left with my finds. Around the corner was the L line which connected me to the uptown 1 / 2 / 3 to Penn Station where I reverse the process under still-overcast silver skies. I was getting these city music-store excursions out of my system. It all started with Williamsburg’s Rough Trade and that was such an unreal experience that I regretted holding off the borough stops for so long. No real excuse why. Nevermind the few island stores left. On the train ride home, I considered whether to visit either Generation Records or Captured Tracks, one which was growing on me to stop by. Summer was still young with lots of time on the clock to still make the best happen.

Caparezza: “Eyes Wide Shut”

Henry Mancini: “Hilly’s Theme”

Rips: “Mirror”

Exek: “I’m After Your Best Interests”

Genghis Tron: “Alone In The Heart Of…” Sunrot: “21%”

Savak: “Cold Ocean”

Fontaines D.C.: “I Love You”

Mediaslaves: % (Of…)

Devil Wears Prada, The: "Watchtower"

Kill Alters: “Eyelid…”

Hardcorebae: “Um…” Street Sects: “Present Tents”

UNSPKBLE: “Where…”

Smirk: “Do You?”

Great American Ghost: “Kingmaker”

Michael Berdan: “Angels Of Vengeance”

Restraining Order: “Better Luck Next Time”

Age Of Apocalypse: “Fury”

Black Dresses: “Angel Hair”

Ayria: “My Device”

Queensway: “Return To Dirt”

Exek: “Sen Yen For 30 Minutes Of…”

Strangers With Guns: “Somebody Needs A Hug”

Riot For Romance: “Less For Regret”

Ill Communication: “A Lecture In Survivability”

Offset: Spectacles, The: “Dead Air”

Old Iron: “Planetism…”

[rahilask]

A Guide to the Best Seasons for Visiting Malaysia

Are you contemplating a visit to Malaysia but unsure of the perfect time to go? Malaysia, with its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and tropical climate, offers something for every traveler year-round. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the best seasons to visit Malaysia, ensuring you make the most of your experience in this enchanting destination.

Embarking on a journey to Malaysia promises an adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable memories. To ensure your trip is nothing short of spectacular, it's crucial to choose the ideal season that aligns with your preferences and interests.

Exploring Malaysia's Seasons

1. The Dry Season: March to September

The dry season in Malaysia, spanning from March to September, is ideal for travelers seeking sunshine and clear skies. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as beach excursions, jungle trekking, and sightseeing.

2. The Monsoon Season: October to February

Contrary to the dry season, Malaysia experiences its monsoon season from October to February. While this period brings occasional rainfall and humidity, it also offers unique opportunities to witness Malaysia's lush landscapes in their full glory. Embrace the rain and explore the verdant rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant cultural festivals that characterize this season.

Best Time to Visit Malaysia's Top Destinations

1. Langkawi: November to February

Langkawi, with its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, is a paradise for beach lovers. The best time to visit this island gem is from November to February, when the weather is dry, and the seas are calm, perfect for water sports and relaxation.

2. Penang: March to August

Renowned for its culinary delights and cultural heritage, Penang shines brightest from March to August. During these months, visitors can explore the island's bustling markets, colorful temples, and historic streets without the interruption of heavy rainfall.

Tips for Travelers

1. Pack Accordingly

Regardless of the season, it's essential to pack appropriate clothing for Malaysia's tropical climate. Lightweight, breathable fabrics, sunscreen, and insect repellent are must-haves for any traveler venturing into the Malaysian outdoors.

2. Embrace the Local Culture

Immerse yourself in Malaysia's rich cultural tapestry by participating in local festivals, sampling traditional cuisine, and engaging with the friendly locals. Respectful interaction and an open mind will enrich your travel experience and create lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is Malaysia safe to visit during the monsoon season?

A: While Malaysia experiences occasional rainfall during the monsoon season, it remains a safe and enjoyable destination for travelers. With proper planning and flexibility, you can still experience the beauty of Malaysia without any inconvenience.

Q: What are some must-visit destinations during the dry season?

A: The dry season is perfect for exploring Malaysia's coastal areas, including Langkawi, Tioman Island, and the Perhentian Islands. These destinations offer pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life for unforgettable experiences.

Q: Are there any cultural festivals to experience in Malaysia?

A: Malaysia is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, including Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and Deepavali. These celebrations offer a glimpse into Malaysia's diverse cultural heritage and are a must-see for visitors.

In conclusion, determining the Best Time to Visit Malaysia depends on various factors, including your preferred activities, weather preferences, and personal interests. Whether you're drawn to the pristine beaches of the East Coast, the vibrant culture of festivals, or the tranquil beauty of the highlands, Malaysia offers something for every traveler year-round.