#buying a small business in australia

[howtobuyabusiness1]

A Comprehensive Guide to Buying a Business in Australia

Introduction: Buying a business can be an exciting venture, but it also requires careful consideration and strategic planning. In Australia, the process involves navigating legal requirements, financial considerations, and market analysis. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time buyer, understanding the nuances of buying a business in Australia is crucial for success.

1. Research and Due Diligence: Before diving into any purchase, thorough research is essential. Identify industries and markets that align with your interests, skills, and financial capabilities. Conduct comprehensive due diligence on potential businesses, including their financial records, legal status, market position, and growth potential. Engage professionals like accountants, lawyers, and business valuation experts to assist in this process.

2. Understand Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Australia has specific legal and regulatory frameworks governing business acquisitions. Familiarize yourself with relevant laws related to business structures, taxation, employment, intellectual property, and industry-specific regulations. Seek legal advice to ensure compliance and mitigate risks associated with the purchase.

3. Financing Options: Consider your financing options when buying a business. Depending on the size and nature of the acquisition, you may opt for self-funding, bank loans, venture capital, or seller financing. Evaluate the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best suits your financial situation and risk tolerance.

4. Negotiation and Valuation: Negotiation plays a crucial role in the buying process. Assess the value of the business based on its assets, cash flow, growth prospects, and market comparables. Factor in intangible assets like brand reputation and customer base. Work with sellers to negotiate a fair price and deal structure that aligns with your goals and expectations.

5. Consider Market Trends and Opportunities: Australia offers diverse opportunities across various industries, including technology, healthcare, hospitality, and retail. Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes to identify lucrative sectors and growth prospects. Look for businesses with sustainable revenue streams and potential for expansion or diversification.

6. Seek Professional Guidance: Navigating the complexities of buying a business requires expertise in various disciplines. Engage professionals such as lawyers, accountants, business brokers, and financial advisors to guide you through the process. Their insights and experience can help streamline transactions, mitigate risks, and ensure a successful acquisition.

7. Plan for Integration and Growth: Post-acquisition integration is critical for maximizing the value of your investment. Develop a comprehensive integration plan to align operations, systems, and cultures seamlessly. Identify synergies and opportunities for growth, whether through cost efficiencies, market expansion, product diversification, or strategic partnerships.

8. Exit Strategy: While buying a business is a long-term commitment, it's essential to have an exit strategy in place. Anticipate future scenarios and plan accordingly, whether it involves selling the business, passing it on to successors, or pursuing other ventures. Maintain flexibility and adaptability to navigate changing market conditions and personal objectives.

Conclusion: Buying a business in Australia can be a rewarding endeavor for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned investors alike. By conducting thorough research, understanding legal frameworks, securing financing, negotiating effectively, and seeking professional guidance, you can increase your chances of success in the competitive business landscape. With strategic planning, diligence, and perseverance, you can embark on a journey towards business ownership and prosperity in the land down under.

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[amethystspaceprince]

People talk about the cost of small business products but that’s not the issue.

The issue is living in Australia and therefore being so far away that delivery costs so much extra

[batshit-auspol]

With the sudden collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, many of the former empire's resources were sold off to the highest bidder, and their $14 billion space shuttle program was no exception.

Seeking to recoup some of that eyewatering spend, in 1998, the "Buran" (Russia's answer to the American Space Shuttle) was offered up for sale on eBay for $10 million.

No serious offers were received - with most people assuming the listing to be a joke, until the New York Post confirmed the sale, with Russian authorities stating they "actually have two" if anyone is interested.

(Pictured: A later auction of a smaller scale Buran in 2005)

Sensing an opportunity, a group of Aussie entrepreneurs including Australia's first astronaut and the lawyer for Prime Minister Paul Keating offer to lease the shuttle from Russia, to put it on display in Australia during the Sydney Olympics.

After gaining permission from the Kremlin for the lease, in 1999 the Russian military briefly stops bombing Chechnya in order to dismantle the Buran, and it is placed on a barge to be shipped to Sydney on the (soon to be infamous for other reasons) Tampa shipping vessel at a cost of $5 million.

Once in Sydney, after a disastrous few months on display where crowds failed to flock to the shuttle exhibition featuring such compelling educational offerings as "activities is to assist in the development of issues of nutrition and hygiene at home" (an actual quote from their website) - the leasing company declared bankruptcy and washed their hands of the space shuttle completely.

The Buran Gift shop where you could buy soviet space ship themed football jerseys, in case you needed one of those

One of four people listed on the lease, described as a business partner of the Prime Minister, also claims he never knew he was a director of the company, which went on to cause a lot more problems.

This whole debacle presented a slight issue for the cash strapped Russian authorities, who had now only been paid $100,000 for the 9 year lease of the shuttle instead of the $600,000 they were owed. Eventually the decision was made to abandon the once $1 billion Soviet pride and joy in a Sydney carpark, where it resided for a year under a small tarpaulin.

Failed attempts to be rid of the shuttle included a 12 day auction hosted by an LA radio station, where listeners were offered the chance to buy the shuttle for $6 million, however all bids turned out to be pranks and the shuttle remained.

Multiple attempts were also made to sell the shuttle to Tom Cruise, with the exacerbated movie star's representatives repeatedly telling the insistent traders that he was not interested in owning a Russian spaceship.

Eventually a Singaporean group dismantled the shuttle and shipped it overseas, however Russian authorities soon reported they once again had been failed to be paid for the lease. Singaporean representatives responded that they definitely had paid for the shuttle, and that they simply couldn't remember when or how much was paid.

Representing the Russian government, Lawyer Suhaila Turani told the Wall Street Journal “I feel sorry for the Russians. They’re good in space, but they’re very naive in business.”

For a time the shuttle was abandoned in the storage yard of event company Pico, with the company owner telling the Wall Street Journal "I just want this thing out of my life" after three years of being stuck with it.

A few years later the shuttle was found by German journalists dismantled in a junkyard, and it was then bought and shipped to Germany to be put on display a museum, so all's well that ends well (except they dropped it from a crane while trying to set it up, but it polished up okay).

[insomniac4000]

Heyyy could you please write something with Chris where he teaches y/n how to play football and it turns out she’s actually pretty good at it… thanks :)

Hope you like it!!

Chris MD- Full of surprises

You and Chris had only been dating for four months and things had been going really well. You had met his friends but had yet to appear on camera, it was by choice from both of you. You had a normal job as a veterinary nurse so were weary of the limelight and Chris cautious after his last relationship. The jokes about his dating life on camera had stopped however so some people assumed Chris was off the market but they would have a hard time finding you. The two of you had met at an Arsenal game, your brother was meant to go with his friend but he got food poisoning so you were asked instead. It wasn’t the most romantic story meeting your boyfriend while queuing for the toilets at an Arsenal match but stranger things had happened in the world. He was sweet, cracked a few jokes and you were like putty in his hand. He, well he couldn’t believe he had found someone as beautiful as you at an Arsenal match, the fact you supported the same team well, it was love at first sight.

Your first proper date you went for drinks and you saw his face fall slightly when you explained you had been dragged to the game by your older brother and would much rather spend the time going out with your friends or hanging out with your dog but his face switched to a look of determination before saying

“I will get you taking penalties by the end of the year.” You just laughed a response, he had no idea.

One of the things that surprised you about Chris was although he loved football and it was a huge part of his life and mainly his career, he wasn’t as obsessed with it as you initially thought he would be, he had a bunch of other interests many of which aligned up with yours. He was an outdoorsy person and loved nothing more than going for a walk with you and your dog, a four year old keeshond called Sven. You both loved food and rotated between going out to eat and cooking at home. Being a vet often your dates at Chris’s were interrupted by a certain Mr Arthur TV who loved to chat animal facts with you. Being a busy person with a relatively stressful job one of the ways you liked to escape from the world was watching trash TV, one of your interests Chris just could not get on board with but he loved a cuddle so he relented and sat on his phone grumbling while you watched Married at First Sight Australia.

“I think it’s only fair that if I have to sit through this shit you have to try and do some free kicks,” Chris groaned, it wasn’t even British why were you so invested in this?

“I guess it’s only fair,” you sighed but tried to hide the small smirk which started to creep up on your face.

“We’re doing a very small shoot next Wednesday, we can have a play around then?” Chris suggested knowing you had the Wednesday off as you instead worked one Saturday a month in your vet’s office.

“Okay. What should I wear?” You asked all innocently knowing that in the bottom of your wardrobe tucked away were a pair of old football boots, although you could buy new ones for the occasion.

Due to the private nature of your relationship you had only attended two of his video shoots, when Chris filmed videos the set up tended to be about five different cameras at different angles so it was hard for you to stay out of shot, also ChrisMD shoots tended to be long, very long. Today was different however, he was only shooting some adverts which gave him and you plenty of time to mess around once he was done.

“So we’re going to start off just with some penalties and then with some free kicks, there is a difference then we’re going to get the ball launcher out and see what we do there, maybe add in some bicycle kicks you know see how we go,” Chris explained and you giggled, partly because he had no idea what he had let himself in for and partly because of the way he just spoke.

“You went straight into video mode there with your little speech,” you teased noticing how he was explaining to you how he would explain to any of the boys in his quite rushed tone.

“I can’t help it. Do you know the difference between a penalty and a free kick?” He asked as he picked up one of the balls and started to slowly roll it around in his hands.

“There’s a difference?” You asked putting on as much of an innocent act as you could muster, running your hair through your ponytail. Chris sighed and started to explain things as you say and nodded, shuffling your new football boots on the grass trying to act all coy.

“Okay, let’s try a few shots on target first and then I’ll go in goal,” Chris offered as he handed you the ball.

“Okay, I can do this,” you said to yourself as you placed the ball on the spot where Chris was pointing. You drew a deep breath before exhaling sharply taking four long strides back. You glanced at the ball, the goal then the ball again before striding forward quickly, hitting the ball with your right foot and watching as it flew straight into the top right hand corner of the net. You looked at Chris who stood there with agape.

“Isn’t that what you call top bins?” You giggled as Chris just nodded, he couldn’t find any words to express how proud or surprised he was.

“Let’s check it wasn’t a fluke,” he finally responded as he retrieved the ball and handed to you once again. You went through the same routine, placing it on the spot and taking a few steps back before running and this time flicking it with your weak foot and watching it smash into the back of the net once again.

“Ah… how???” Chris asked in shock as you picked up another ball and started to do keepy uppies.

“I used to play,” you shrugged now holding the ball, Chris furrowed his eyebrow in confused.

“But when we met you said you didn’t want to go to the football.”

“I didn’t. I’d much rather do other things but that doesn’t change the fact I used to play from the age of six up until the age of fifteen,” you finally explained coming clean. Chris smirked, picked up the football gloves from the ground as he started to stamp towards the goal.

“Oh now it’s war your l/n,” Chris teased as he started to stretch from the goal line.

“Bring it on Dixon.”

[scrollonso]

First Kiss (Break 1)

A strollonso AU where 18 year old rookie Lance Stroll falls helplessly in love with the notoriously mean world champion. (1.2k words, no warnings) [@v3lnys] {filler chapter? I just felt like Lance and Nando getting closer would make more sense if they spent break together + Mark}

last part - masterlist - next part

They had two weeks off and Lance had absolutely no plans, Nico was on vacation with his family to god knows where, Fernando had probably already arrived in Australia, and Lance didn't have any other friends on the paddock to worry about.

He had thought about going back to Canada but he just ended up back at his house in Switzerland. Spring had started by the time he got home so it wasn't like he could distract himself with snowboarding so he just ended up at home on his couch for the past five days.

Being alone was nice, but a part of him missed Fernando, oddly enough. They'd only ever hung out on the paddock but Lance had grown to look forward to the time they spent together, whether it was actually sitting and talking or just exchanging glances while in the middle of interviews.

As if it was fate, his phone began to rang. It was an unknown number but he figured it might be important, his dad had a history of calling him from random places just to check up on him, as if the 18 year old hadn't been left alone before.

"Hello?" He said, holding his (very small) phone to his ear

"Lancito, I am so glad you answered!" a voice on the other end spoke, a very familiar voice

"Nando?" Lance questioned "How did you get my number?"

"Is not important!" The Spaniard said, brushing off the question "Lancito, are you busy? If you are, cancel, come to Australia."

"No, I'm not busy." Lance responded, wondering if Fernando was really inviting him to Australia, wasn't he with Mark? Wouldn't that be awkward? "Is something important happening in Australia?"

"Si, You are coming, is important."

"Nando, I-" The younger boy laughed, not being able to wipe the smile off his face just from hearing the other mans voice "Sure, I'll come."

"Perfect, I'll send you the information, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, okay Nando"

"Bye, Lancito! Have a safe flight"

And with that the call ended and Lance wasted no time in buying the tickets to Australia (idk how people bought plane tickets in 2006...)

Lance got off the plane, trying to pat down the hair he could feel sticking up, he always slept on long flights and this one was no acception. It was weird being in Australia a week before he had to but he wasn't going to turn down Fernando is he wanted Lance there so bad, for whatever reason.

It was a Sunday morning and the airport was surprisingly busy, he eventually found his way out and got a taxi headed towards the address Fernando had texted him

"Just landed, headed your way now!!"

Lance stared at the screen before sending the message, just now wondering why exactly he was there, he wasn't blind to the media, especially when he was constantly being interviewed and asked questions fans were dying to know, he had heard the rumours, people saying Fernando was only talking to him to scare him, he was going to embarrass him, he had some ulterior motive, Lance hoped it wasn't true but now that he was blindly following Fernandos orders in another country while he was visiting his friend (who's seat he took) a part of him started to wonder if Fernando was planning something. He hit send.

They'd hadn't texted much, just Fernando sending him the information he needed and Lance thanking him before he got on the plane and turned off his phone, he wasn't too fond of it anyways.

"I am glad you made it"

"Is exciting"

"Tell the driver to go faster"

Lance smiled at his phone, excited to see the Spaniard again, even though he saw him not even a week ago.

"I shouldn't break the law yet"

"I just got here and my dad isn't here to bail me out!"

"I will do it, no worries Lancito"

He shook his head at the text, turning off his phone and waiting to arrive, not too far away from the location

He stepped out of the car, paying the taxi fare then walking up to the house, hesitating to knock. Maybe texting would be better? Or calling? Or anything besides knocking? Before he even had the chance to decide the door opened, revealing a slightly-taller-than-him Mark Webber and Fernando standing by his side, the two closer than he thought they would be

"Lance, welcome, so sorry about making you come so randomly." Mark spoke first, stepping back to invite Lance in

"It's no problem, I wasn't doing anything anyway" Lance smiled as he walked into the house, scanning what he could see

"I told you Lancito didn't mind" Fernando said to Mark, hitting his arm slightly "Is good to make sure you two get along before people start to speculate, ay?" Fernando smiled at Mark then at Lance, reaching up to flatten the hair still sticking up on his head

Lance wasn't sure why he was surprised Fernando was still calling him his nickname, he didn't know why he expected anything to change with Mark around, Fernando seemed the same, if anything he seemed happier around Mark. It made him feel bad, he was the reason Mark lost his seat, the reason Fernando's friend was no longer on the paddock, the reason Fernando had to settle for him instead.

"Well, Lance, I don't mind that you took my seat" Mark laughed, closing the door before putting an arm around Lance's shoulder "I was done with travelling all the time anyway, so don't beat yourself up over what people say"

Lance nodded, Mark was right, and he was pretty old so it made sense for him to be smarter.

"Now, how about we have fun now that we've dragged you to the land down under?" That made Lance smile, he was looking forward to spending the rest of his break actually doing stuff besides binging TV shows.

The next week went by so quick Lance was surprised when he actually had to go to the paddock, almost as surprised as fans when he showed up with both Fernando and Mark.

He hesitated when Fernando suggested all of them going together, worried about what people would say, but the older men made it obvious they couldn't care less so thats how they ended up going together, Mark having plans of doing interviews around the paddock and spending his free time in sither the pink or blue and yellow garage.

Being in Australia a week early was great, they were busy the whole time but Lance enioyed it, loving the time away from his phone and especially away from the media. It made him notice how close Mark and Fernando really were, he felt jealous at times but it was probably just because he was used to having Fernandos attention on him after quali and races, he felt selfish for feeling that way so of course he never addressed it.

"Where are you going first?" Lance asked, looking at Mark, both of them on either side of Fernando

"I was thinking of interviewing people first, it's gonna be weird being the one asking the questions"

"As long as you stay far away from me, we're good"

Fernando shook his head, pulling the taller man closer "We really need to get you used to the media, eh? All you do is complain" He sucked his teeth after he finished teasing Lance, earning nothing but an eyeroll from the teen

"Yeah, yeah." Lance smiled, not able to stop himself when it came to Fernando "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

And with that the race week started.

[kamwilliamsonn]

jealousy - Jessie Fleming

request : here

"Jess, hurry! we're going to be late!" you shouted up the stairs to your roommate.

the two of you met at UCLA when you were both 18, you from Australia, her from Canada, you became very close very quickly.

you'd both always felt a little more for each other than you'd let on, but when you both signed for Chelsea, it only made sense to move in together.

ignoring that your very protective captain lived just down the street and would take you in without so much of a mutter.

but you.. well you wanted to live with Jessie. is that a crime?!

"i'm sorry! i'm sorry! i didn't mean to take so long, i swear. i couldn't pick an outfit." she apologized as she ran down the stairs, stumbling straight into you as you held her waist to keep her stationary.

"it's alright, Jess, no need to worry, didn't think i'd see the day that you, of all people, struggled to find an outfit."

you're glad she took her time though.

wow.

"you look beautiful, n/n." she smiled at you, that smile that makes your heart leap out of your chest.

"let's get going, Freckles, you know Sammy won't be happy if we're late."

the wide eyed look she gave you before running out the door made you burst out laughing as you followed, hopping into the driver's seat and passing her the aux cord.

"there, my passenger princess, play something good, it's gonna set the mood for the whole night."

she blushes at the name but nods, finding your favourite night out playlist, and waiting for the noise to fill the silence.

throughout the night, Jessie couldn't help but notice all the drinks sent your way, you didn't flirt back with any of them, just sent them a smile and a thank you.

but seeing everybody swoon over you, seeing you entertain it with even a smile, made a small pout grow on her face.

her arms crossed over as she slouched into her seat, Niamh looking confused until she saw where her friend was looking, only laughing and patting her shoulder in response.

"just go talk to her, mate, everybody else can see that you're head over heels for each other, even Sam!" she said, louder than she'd thought, and right in Jessie's ear, making her cringe.

"wait- what- no- what do you mean-" Niamh got up and began to walk away, laughing at her best friend. "Niamh! what are you talking about!"

but as she stared at you once more, she couldn't stop thinking how much she wanted to be the one to buy you drinks and have you smile, to kiss you and just be happy.

with you.

the little amount of alcohol had given her a major confidence boost, even more so as she chugged the rest of it, as she went to the bar and bought you another drink - your favourite drink.

she brought it over to you and placed it in front of you, trying to smile charmingly, but it came out more nervous than anything else.

"Jess!" you cheered, happy that your favourite brunette was by your side. "i've missed you."

"you missed me so much you've been flirting with all these other people?" she knew you hadn't been, and even if you had been, it was none of her business.

she just wanted you to be hers.

you raised an eyebrow at her, and leaned in closer. "so what if I was, Freckles, you jealous?"

"of anybody who ever gets to see your smile." she muttered, her eyes flickering to your lips as she spoke.

they flickered back up, quick enough to watch your own eyes flicker down to her lips.

"Jess?"

"yeah, n/n?"

"please kiss me."

"i never thought you'd ask."

hi!! it's been AGES, but I got this request.. idek when, but I've just seen it and I love JFlem so much I couldn't even help it, it's not the longest or the best, but it's Jessie and I hope you all like it :)

[blamemma]

30 maxiel!!!

things I wish you’d said - this literally does not fit this prompt at all really, it does if you squint really hard at the end, but anyway :)) - 2,072 words - yes we're out of the depressed daniel era, but sometimes u just need to sit down and re-visit it for a lil cry

In the end, Daniel has to take a break from everything. Racing. Social Media. Public Events. Every One. Michael. His parents. Max.

He buys a converted van, featuring a sofa that pulls out into a single bed, a tiny kitchen, and a shower he can just about squeeze into, and heads out along the coast of Australia. He turns his phone off for the most part, only using it for Maps and to message the group chat his family forced him to set up every two days, a small update and a selfie, so they know he's okay, alive.

He avoids tourist trap areas; he received enough sympathetic looks and kind words in Abu Dhabi, can't face strangers who barely know who he is or what he feels, coming up to him and passing on their condolences.

He drives and drives and drives and drives.

Open road. Sandy banks. Rock faces and dried out trees. Open barren land with a singular road cutting through it.

He avoids busy restaurants and sticks to quiet bars. Drinks too much whiskey and then passes out on his too small, cold, bed. Stops off at vineyards he's been meaning to visit for years, stock-piles bottles of wine to gift his mum and dad when he eventually arrives back home.

Max had hated the idea. Had come stumbling out of the door of Daniel's home, sleepy-eyed from jet lag, when Daniel had driven up in the van after heading out early to collect it.

He'd looked perplexed, cocked his head as Daniel had clambered out of the driver's seat.

"What is this Daniel?" Max had asked. He'd walked forward to Daniel, still in his sleep clothes, an over-sized Enchanté shirt and tight boxers, arms lifted a little higher than his waist, looking to curl into the side of Daniel's body in the early morning sun that was already blisteringly hot.

"It's my van," Daniel replied. "I'm going to go away for a bit."

Max stopped in his tracks, his hands instantly forming fists at his sides, before stretching out his fingers again.

"What?" He asked again.

"I'm gunna go away for a bit Maxy. Just me. And the Australian Road. Get my head straight."

"No," Max had responded. Daniel knew this would be Max's reaction. It's why Daniel hadn't told him beforehand, had kept the secret since Brazil, an impulse purchase after he'd crashed out in his second-to-last race. "We have just got here Daniel. You are not going to go away on your own. You can stay here or I will come with you!"

Despite Max's defiant attitude, Daniel had won. He'd left Max at his home in Perth, the first time he'd visited as Daniel's boyfriend, a promise of barbeques with family and chasing each other on dirt bikes forgotten. They'd argued, they'd cried, they'd pleaded with each other to understand, but ultimately, Daniel's mind was set.

He hasn't spoken to Max in two-and-a-half weeks now. Doesn't know what he'd say. I miss you. Your love isn't good enough to fix me. I love you. I can't stand the way you pity me.

He doesn't even know if Max is still in Perth. He wouldn't blame him if he'd gone back to Monaco.

His decision had been finalised when his Mum and Dad had arrived in Abu Dhabi. The tears prickling at the corner of his mum's eyes as she'd pulled him in sent guilt washing over him. He'd failed. They'd sacrificed everything for him to drive. And he couldn't give them the one thing they deserved. A Championship.

He'd marked Exmouth as his stopping point, where he'd turn around and head back home, but he arrives, camps under the stars for two days, rents a boat and sits for hours with a fishing rod that's never successful and still doesn't feel complete. Whole. He'd imagined, in the days between Brazil and Abu Dhabi, that this would fix him. That a solo trip would give him all the answers. Show him whether he's happy with this being the end, or driven to find a way back.

Instead, he just feels lost and alone.

He clambers back into his van, pulls out the beaten-up map that came with the vehicle and tries to pick a new place to go. No where strikes inspiration in him though. The big bold lettering of PERTH near the bottom of the map taunts him over and over again and he scrunches the map up, throwing it at the windshield.

Across from where he's parked, just across his van on a grassed area sits a family, at a picnic bench, fitted with a barbeque. Two dads sat side by side, a young son and daughter sat opposite them. Daniel can't tear his eyes away from them, as the kids sit eagerly awaiting their dinner, laughing, conversing. They're happy.

He'd promised Isaac and Isabella in Abu Dhabi that when they got back to Perth, they could come round to his house, and they'd spend hours in the pool and have a large barbeque, and end the night around the fire with smores.

Instead, he'd been too chicken to say goodbye to them.

He'd promised Max that he'd take him hiking at his favourite spot. Take him out on a date to his favourite Italian restaurant. Promised trips to the farmers market, and out for brunch, and endless beach days. Promised him a winter break of relaxation. A Christmas at Daniel's parents, one filled with sunshine and shorts and a mountain of presents.

Instead, he'd made Max fly all the way out here, and then abandoned him. The guilt hadn't left him, not since he'd pulled out of his dusted driveway and away from Max.

He props his feet upon the dash and watches the family as they move about their evening. Burgers eaten far too quickly by the children. A plea from their fathers to at least try the salad they'd purchased. A rugby ball emerging from their bag that they kick around and throw to each other. Small gentle kisses shared between partners, an arm around the waist, one thrown around the shoulder. Kids piling on top of their dads as they fall to the ground in a tackle. Laughter. So much laughter. And joy. And happiness.

Daniel calls Max.

It rings and rings and rings. Then Max's voicemail sets in. Daniel tries again. It rings and rings and rings. He puts his phone down on the seat and starts his engine. He'll follow a road somewhere.

His phone rings. A photo of Max curled up asleep in the sheets of their Monaco bedroom fills the screen.

He answers immediately, clutching the phone to his ear. It's silent on the other end of the line.

"Max?" Daniel asks gently.

"Daniel," Max repeats back to him.

"Max." Daniel says again. "I miss you, I'm so sorry. I don't know what I was thinking, and I'm just so lonely and I hope you're okay, please tell me you're still okay. Are you still in Perth? I'm so sorry Max. I'm gunna drive home. Yeah? I'm gunna drive back okay. You'll be there right? When I get home? I'll make this up to you. Okay--I'll drive home tonight and then tomorrow we can do whatever you want. Whatever you want. " He's crying, and his words are coming out so fast, but the simple sound of Max's voice, the Dutch intonation speaking his own name, collapses him.

"Where are you?" Max asks. Daniel can hear his voice quiver on the other end of the line and a fresh wave of guilt washes over him. He should be there right now, Max shouldn't be feeling this way.

"I'm in Exmouth, it's almost at the tip of Western Australia. So it's about 13 hours to Perth but I can drive through the night Maxy, and then I'll be back home tomorrow. Yeah? Does that sound good?" Daniel selfishly, wants Max to beg him to come home, tell him how much he's missed him, and needs him. Daniel can't even tell if Max is still in Perth, too scared to outright ask.

"You should get some sleep Daniel. And then come home. You should not drive through the night you might crash. And then I will not be able to shout at you for all the horrible things you have done and I will have to attend your funeral with all these unresolved issues of course, so probably my speech would not be that good." The glimmer of teasing that comes through in Max's voice makes Daniel clutch at his chest in want.

"Yeah, okay baby, I'll see you tomorrow yeah?" Daniel asks.

"Yes Daniel. Come home. I will cook dinner for you when you get back. We can have a lovely evening."

"Sounds good. I love you." Daniel responds.

"I love you also." Max says, and Daniel has to hang up quickly before Max catches on to his desperate sobs.

---

He does what Max asks, and sleeps. Not very well, and not for very long, but the next morning, he starts the van up at 5am and drives, joins the open road and heads home. He turns the stereo up, his Max playlist on loud and proud, singing along to the lines that resonate most to him. Whenever he stops off for fuel, and snacks, he texts Max, updating him on his journey and when he'll be home. Max responds to Daniel's first message, when he'd left Max know that he was leaving Exmouth, with Drive safe ❤️, the second message with See you soon! 😁 and the third message with I hope your bum is not feeling too numb!

He pulls up onto his track road and into his driveway just after 8pm and is greeted with a house decorated and ready for Christmas. Lights strung across the porch, pretend Snowman's just beside the front door, mistletoe hanging from above the entranceway. Max had put out all his Christmas decorations from years past.

He's already crying as he fumbles to undo his seatbelt, and stumbles out the drivers door.

The tears start falling when he sees Max running out of the front door towards him, jumping over the steps of the porch and bounding towards Daniel. Max stumbles into his chest, his strong arms wrapping around Daniel and pulling him into him. Daniel collapses into him, exhaustion and want and love all seeping out of him.

"Your mum showed me where all the Christmas decorations were kept last week. I asked her if she could show me. I thought that maybe if you would come home, it would be nice for you to come home to." Max finally says, his voice shaking, speaking into Daniel's neck. "Isaac and Isabella helped. They kept on asking where you were. And I didn't have an answer for them Daniel. I had to tell them that you'd gone on a trip. And then they would ask when you were coming back and I would say I do not know. And then they would ask if we could go and join you and I said I do not think we can. You were cruel, Daniel. You were so cruel."

Daniel finally wraps his arms around Max, kisses the crown of his head and cries with him.

"I'm better now Max, I promise you, I am better." He whispers into his hair. Max's grip around his waist gets tighter, pulling him impossibly closer.

"You never said you were bad, Daniel. I could tell and I tried to help, but you would always shut me down. You never said--"

"I know baby, I know. I'm so sorry."

Max's hand comes to the back of Daniel's neck, holding him tight, his fingers moving through his hair. It's all Daniel needs, he's realised. Is Max. Is Family. Is simple moments.

They both stand there, crying, in each other's arms, birds singing above them, the last remnants of the evening sun warming their backs, until Max, pulls away, intertwining his hand into Daniel's.

"You have to come inside now and eat," Max insists, stepping forward and tugging Daniel's arm. "Your mum has been giving me food every few days and I think that Brad is going to have to work overtime."

Daniel laughs then, his first proper, from-the-gut, endearing, happy laugh, in a long time. Max watches him, the way his eyes light up and his broad smile make up his whole face.

Daniel's back.

Daniel's home.

[copperbadge]

Radio Free Monday

Good morning everyone, and welcome to Radio Free Monday!

Ways to Give:

Grumpywitch is a Black, queer disabled woman whose partner has been unemployed and jobsearching since last August; they have a small handmade jewelry business but don't sell enough to live on, and they're fundraising to cover expenses. You can support the fundraiser here or buy from her shop here.

cztacks has been accepted into the selective and prestigious Clarion West Writer's Workshop, but will need to travel from Australia to attend, and the AUD/USD exchange rate will not be in their favor once they arrive; they are fundraising to be able to cover costs of travel and attendance. You can read more, find giving options, and reblog here, check out their work here, or support the fundraiser here.

Something I thought was cool was that Clarion West also allows donors to buy goods and meals for the students as a group, or donate travel points -- you can check that out here with options ranging from $20-$250.

Anon linked to a fundraiser for pangur-and-grim/Greer, who is facing a $9K veterinarian bill when their cats Pangur and Grim both got pancreatitis after Grim got into kitten food for the new kitten and the resulting problems stressed Pangur out. Greer is bringing back old pin designs on their website; you can read more and reblog here (scroll down, the top part of the post is about the tattoos that inspired the design) or preorder/purchase here (including a tip jar at the shop here.

I recently found out about the Zinn Education Project and their Teach Truth Day of Action, which is coming up on June 8th; it supports teachers who are speaking out about anti-history education bills and history education censorship. You can read more about it here including ways to get involved, support teachers, and sign up to host a table or booth yourself. The page also has a donation link in the upper-right corner if you'd like to support their efforts financially.

Recurring Needs:

loversdoom is a college student from the Philippines, studying away from her family, and her parents are unexpectedly unable to support her education; she is dealing with a number of expenses and is now looking at costly medical procedures as well. You can read more and reblog here or give to the fundraiser here.

onedollopofsourcream is raising funds to help with food, transportation, medication for their family, and other expenses after a string of financial issues; they are also currently dealing with an abusive home situation including food control. You can read more, reblog, and find giving information here.

rilee16 is raising funds to get out of an abusive home situation; with irregular work hours and a tax debt due on top of chronic illness issues, they also need funds to repair their phone, which is dying, and cover utility bills. You can read more, reblog, and find giving information here.

And this has been Radio Free Monday! Thank you for your time. You can post items for my attention at the Radio Free Monday submissions form. If you're new to fundraising, you may want to check out my guide to fundraising here.

[lunerenzo]

more prison gf! Ymir hcs ♡

♱ Content. drugs, swearing, fluff , NSFW , not proofread, pls let me know if i missed anything :)

♱ Notes. I see yall love her just as much as me 😋. These are just hcs of her when shes out of jail.

♱ Word count. 848

Pt. 1

REBLOGS ARE APPRECIATED! MINORS DO NOT INTERACT!

lower case intentional, Enjoy!

prison gf! ymir…who knows how to do your everyday make up and for some reason it always looks better even though she does the exact same steps as you. as well as the more extravagant ones, like the type of make up naezrah does, it always looks amazing cause she has such a steady hand. there is only one rule when she does your make it’s that you HAVE to be straddling her waist when she does it.

prison gf! ymir…who knows all your orders by heart (even your long ass starbucks order) and will order for you so that you don’t have to.

prison gf! ymir…who will side eye you and will order for you anyways if you say “oh im not hungry” while ordering take-out.

prison gf! ymir…who will smack tf out of your hand if you try taking her food with out asking first. somehow you still end up with half of it and she has a small scowl on her face but she still loves you.

prison gf! ymir… who REFUSES to let you smoke her product or get involved in her business no matter how many times you beg and plead.

prison gf! ymir…whos had a polaroid of you in her phone case.

prison gf! ymir…who makes fun of you for eating mint chocolate or cookie n’ cream (whichever you prefer) as if she dosen’t eat pistachio.

prison gf! ymir…who will knock your ice cream on the floor if you make fun of her for it. (don't worry she’ll buy you another.)

prison gf! ymir…who owns two cats with you and if your petting her cat ( you have a “child” and the other is hers) she will grab him and say “leave my son alone”.

prison gf! ymir… who knew you in hs and you were one of her dalma’s when she had her quince. You picked the dresses and if any one complains she would give them the nastiest stank eye.

prison gf! ymir…who was all giddy when she found out her contact name was “pretty girl🩷” with the contact photo of her in her quince dress.

prison gf! ymir…who has a pintrest board for you guys future wedding and has it privited so you don’t know.

prison gf! ymir…who follows you on pintrest and buys you stuff based off what you pin.

prison gf! ymir…who wears this cologne that makes you weak in the knees. before you guys moved in she would spray extra on so that your apartment still smelt like her after she left.

prison gf! ymir…who if she feels like it or is around when you get your nails done will get a matching set with you.

prison gf! ymir…who loves going to the beach with you.

prison gf! ymir…who will carry everything from the car with the maddest look on her face but you better not help cause she will tell you to “push off”. like damn my bad.

prison gf! ymir…who will be sitting there looking like a fucking guard dog if your tanning. let a volleyball accidentally lands near you. she ready to catch another felony.

prison gf! ymir…who will give the ball back, buck at ‘em, and will call them a “pussy” if they flinch.

prison gf! ymir…who is big australia hater

prison gf! ymir...who instigate fights at the waffle house.

prison gf! ymir…who is a big cory and berlezzy fan. like she ALWAYS quoting berlin.

prison gf! ymir…who, if your an artist, keeps every drawing that youve made of her. 

prison gf! ymir…who will be all over you if you wear a skin revealing/ clinging outfit. no matter if you rarely wear stuff like that or most of the time. this is the main reason why you guys are late to parties sometimes. homegirl is struggling with her self control. most of the time she does a good job others? *evil laughter*.  

prison gf! ymir…who loves spoiling you and got you a custom necklace that says your name and a pandora bracelet for your birthday. then got you a chrome hearts necklace for valentines day.

prison gf! ymir…who picks up everything you put down in the store and doesn't care about the price. if you worried about spending her money she’ll tell you it’s fine cause “your worth going broke for ma” with a kiss to seal the deal

prison gf! ymir…who will buy you anything the moment your eyes start tearing up and that little pout comes out. Then she will kiss that little pout away no matter how many it takes.

prison gf! ymir…who buys a strap in your favourtie color.

prison gf! ymir…who would apologize if you tell her its to much and then immediately slams her hips afterwards. 

prison gf! ymir…who would kiss your tears away and say “aww don’t cry”.

prison gf! ymir…who whines and bucks her hips like a bitch in heat when you give her head.

prison gf! ymir…who grips your hair so hard she damn near rips it out. If you have a wig on don’t worry she’ll pay to get it reinstalled but damnit you just put it in. now you hairstylist is cussing you out.

prison gf! ymir...who is absolutely inlove with you.

♱ A/N. My favorite jailbird ❤️. Also THANK YOU @hotxcheeto FOR HELPING ME WITH SOME OF THESE. MWAH.

© 2023 lunerenzo, please don’t plagiarize work or translate work.

[redheadspark]

February prompt 7 for Barry please! Your writings are a dream !!

A/N - Awww I love this! Thanks for requesting this!

Safe

Summary - Barry's favorite place for you is right next to him.

Warnings - Just some fluff :)

“Here you are, Mr. Keoghan.  Please let us know if you need anything else for this trip,”

“Thank you.” 

You were looking in shock as the head flight attendant left you and Barry, going to tend the other guests as Barry was shrugging off his jacket nonchalantly and then ruffling his hair.  He paused, seeing that you were frozen like a statue as he raised a brow.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, though you finally found your voice and gestured a bit wildly with your arms.

“You….got us a suite?  On a plane?” You asked, trying to keep your voice down though you were in shock from the sight.  Barry merely smiled, walking over to you to kiss your cheek to give you some ease.  

“I did, It’s part of my anniversary gift to ya,” he reminded you as you were giving him a sweet smile now.

Barry wanted to take you on a getaway for your 2nd anniversary, thinking that you two needed some time together and to take a break from your job and his acting career.  He had the stardom now to be more than comfortable in his finances for him not to need to go from project to project, thinking it was the right time for a minor break of sorts since Award Season was here and he wasn’t nominated in anything major.  Although it stung, Barry never showed it, nor did he mind it too much.  In fact, he thought it would be a good idea to go on a vacation with you to somewhat take his mind off of work.  You both wanted to go explore someplace warmer, Barry's excuse for you to get a tan on your skin and simply watch you glow.  And with Barry pressuring you that he would make all the accommodations without your help, all you had to do was pack your bags.

But you had no clue Barry was going to also plan on a first-class suite for your flight.

“Barry, this is too much for a flight,” you tried to reason as he took your carry-on bag from your hand and then gently tugged you along to the posh and luxurious plane seat.  He chuckled while he tucked your bag away and sat next to you in his own chair, giving you his signature smile.  The suite alone was almost the size of your bedroom in your flat: two airplane seats, a small TV opposite, a control console against the massive window, and a small mini-bar with both soda and water at the ready.  

“I don’t think so,” he replied, “I’ve never used one of these suites before anyways, so it’s a treat for me as it’s for you too.  Plus, you’ve been workin’ way too hard and ya need to kick your feet up officially to start your vacation,” 

You were about to say something else to him when another flight attendant tapped the small door into your suite with her knuckles.  Both you and Barry look to see her come in with two tall glasses of champagne on her tray.

“Complimentary Champagne?” She asked, Barry nodding his head as he took the two glasses with ease.  He thanked her as she ducked out of your suite, Barry handing you the glass as he clinked it playfully with you.

“This is….great, Barry.  Thank you,” You finally said, knowing that Barry would always talk his way around you trying to be reasonable with something like this.  You didn’t want to come off as too frugal, but you were expecting just a business class seat with Barry for the several-hour flight to Sydney, Australia.  This side of Barry was always surprising to you, how he wished to take care of you and buy you things.  Of course, he was affectionate and loved spending time with you, but his other love language was gift-giving.  From roses on your first date to a gorgeous necklace on your first anniversary, Barry never minded treating you and made you feel like a queen.

“You never have to thank me for lovin’ ya,” Barry reasoned as you took a sip from your drink, the crisp bubbles hitting the back of your throat and you could taste the expensiveness of it too, “Plus, I owe you more for puttin’ up with me and what I do for a livin’.”

“Not at all!” You were about to argue as he laughed and shook his head to kiss your cheek.

“You know what I mean, and I don’t mind one bit,” He explained as you laced your fingers together, “I don’t wanna think of work or anythin’ with it.  When we get there, we’re gonna hit the beach and enjoy ourselves.  Plus, I get to see you get a gorgeous tan,”

“And you need to stay under the umbrella to protect your skin,” you teased, Barry pocking your side as you giggled and tried to hide the laughter from behind your hand. 

“You can be loud, we’re in first class!” Barry boasted as he took another sip from his glass.   You were leaning your head on his shoulder for a long moment, looking at your small little suit as Barry wrapped an arm around you and kissed your hair.  This was a great way to start your vacation, and you are merely starting out on the plane.  Who knows what Barry had in store with you when it came to where you were staying and what you were going to do.  It was all in his hands, which made you both excited and nervous at the same time.

Yet now, drinking champagne and enjoying the suite, you were less worried.

Barry woke up from his mini-nap, blinking a few times and rubbing his eyes with his fingers as the plan was still up in the air.  The time on the small TV display in the suite indicated it was hour 3 of the flight, Barry yawned and was about to move when he felt your hum in your sleep.  

He looked to see you asleep on his shoulder, your arm linked with his in the middle of your seats, and your feet tucked under you on the couch.  You looked peaceful on your face as you slept, far too calm and relaxed as Barry grinned at the sight of you finally unwinding.  The humming of the plane, both in sound and movement, was putting you and Barry in napping mode. However, right after takeoff, you both were treated to fruits and other snacks thanks to the suite perks on the plane.  Then you two were chatting and catching up on your work gossip and some of the shenanigans Barry would get into on set.  In the end, with you having a full belly and getting too far too comfortable in your chair with a complimentary blanket over your lap, you were falling asleep snuggled next to Barry, Barry being asleep not too long after.

He would never admit it, but he loved having you asleep on his shoulder and leaning on you. Ever since you two got together as a couple, he loved having you against him when you were sleeping.  Whether it was you two holding each other in bed or tucked under his arm while reading a book, he loved it when you were asleep and comfortable in his arms.  Although you could sleep anywhere, which was a rare gift according to Barry, he loved it the most when you were sleeping on him.  To him, it was a sense of safety and familiarity, peaceful too since he would always wish to come home to you when he was set all day long.  

He kissed the top of your head, you grumbling a bit in your sleep as he tucked the blanket against you a bit tighter before going back to sleep himself. 

The End.

February Prompt Session

[onboardsorasora]

girl i keep thinking about your enchanted au and I find myself craving more 🥹 I can’t wait for the kiss 😭💗 how is daniel doing with christmas approaching? are they going to spend it together? will he do the mandatory christmas cleaning with all of his animal friends? so many questions 🤓

Oh my dear! I know we've already gushed about the actual factual fireman's hose of ideas this ask inspired, but I am SOOOO excited to write it all🫨🫨!!! Here is the first bit, that includes our hive mind 😍

Part 1 | Part 13

Part 14

Max opened his front door, wearily depositing his suitcase in the entryway and letting the door click close behind him. Jimmy came to greet him with a small chirp and Sassy wasn't behind him so that meant Daniel was either holding her or doing something silly so she was watching over him.

Now that he focused on the absence of Sassy or Daniel, he heard Daniel's voice coming from the open patio door.

“But Chellie I don't have Jessie or Rii to help. I can't clean by myself! There's so much” Max could hear Daniel's pout a mile away. He had no clue who Jesse or Rii were or what he was cleaning however.

“Well if you want to prepare for Christmas properly you have to clean, Bub.” Michelle's voice was at least suitably sympathetic. “Why don't you ask Max to help you?”

“Well I dunno if he even celebrates Christmas. That's a whole thing first.” Daniel sounded hesitant, his lips forming his words over the thumb that was in his mouth. No doubt he was biting the nail in worry.

Christmas was coming up, Max had forgotten with all of the recent changes. He normally went home for the holiday so he wouldn't have to think about decorating his place here. He doubted that would be happy news for Daniel to hear. Max didn't want him to think that once again he was changing his plans because Daniel’s presence was ruining them.

Max took out his phone to send out a text to his mother and sister suggesting they have Christmas celebrations here in Monaco instead of back in Maaseik. They both responded quickly in the affirmative and Max felt a small relief in his chest. That was one problem down, now to try to figure out what Michelle and Daniel were talking about in regards to preparations. 

Max never really paid much attention to the whirlwind that usually happened around Christmas time. He was always too busy with work. He only knew it was coming closer when businesses and cities would start wrapping their trees with lights and ornaments. Then he would get a text containing a wishlist from his family and then he’d have his manager buy all the gifts. Then, he would fly home to spend the holidays with his family, his mother’s house would already be fully decorated by the time he got here and his contribution to dinner was more often than not a salad that he made off to the side of the kitchen so as to not get in the way of his mother and sister and their big cooking.

Were there special traditions that they had in Australia? Did Daniel’s family do anything specific that he would be missing? He walked into the kitchen while typing ‘christmas traditions in australia’ into his phone. Quite a few things popped up, some blogs and a few news sites. A lot of them made absolutely no sense to Max, including Christmas meals of prawns and seafood barbeque. He hoped that wasn’t something Daniel was particularly married to. He wasn’t sure he could provide any surfing– there was no telling with the waves in Monaco, but there could absolutely be a beach day and a Christmas lunch. Max had no clue what a pavlova was, but it was on every blog as one of the top three things about Aussie Christmas so he needed to see if there was a bakery nearby that would be able to bake it for him.

He was so deep in his research that he didn’t hear when Daniel walked into the living room and shut the patio door behind him.

“Maxy! You’re home!” Daniel’s grin was bright and he skipped through the common areas to throw himself into Max in a big hug. Max made a small ‘oof’ sound but his arms wrapped around Daniel’s smaller form quite easily.

“I am back.” He confirmed unnecessarily. He’d only been gone for a few days (with strict instructions to Lando that Daniel wasn’t to get drunk again), but it felt way longer in ways he wasn’t sure he was ready to confront. An american holiday was coming up and the team had wanted him to film some content. Christian and Adrian had also used that time to lock him in the sim to go over data for the new car.

He had been fine when at the factory, being distracted by work. But when he got back to his flat in Milton Keynes, he had felt the absence of everyone acutely. He’d gotten used to having a full house. Jimmy and Sassy used to prowl around silently and give him their attention, nowadays they were chirping and meowing when not with Daniel. Max always knew where they were as if they were keeping him updated on their whereabouts. He hadn’t realized how much he’d come to appreciate or listen out for it.

And Daniel, of course Daniel was louder than the cats. And his presence filled the flat. When he wasn’t singing or humming, or shimmying, or frolicking, or anything that was the complete opposite of staying still and quiet, he was in the proclaimed cat nest whispering sweet nothings to the cats. Or chatting on the phone to his family (or Max’s, he’d overheard many short conversations between Daniel and Vic or Luka). Daniel was a very bright spot in his home life. And his flat in Keynes felt very dull and grey while he had been by himself.

Daniel disentangled his octopus limbs from Max and filled a glass with water from the tap and handed it to the slightly confused man. A blush bloomed on Daniel’s cheeks.

“Jimmy said you normally drink water when you come back and you haven’t yet.” Daniel whispered, a tad embarrassed. Jimmy chirped from the countertop as if cosigning.

“Thank you Daniel, and Jimmy.” Max accepted the glass and drank it down in a few gulps. He watched as Daniel started picking at his cuticles, biting the small bit of skin by his thumb. He was nervous. “Is everything alright, Daniel?”

“I… uhm. Do you have plans for Christmas?” Daniel rushed out almost in a whisper, as if he was afraid of the answer. Max knew he was.

“Mom, Vic and the boys are coming here. Is that ok?”

Daniel sagged with relief and Max felt his own shoulders lose their tension. 

“Oh good! Thats– thats good.” Daniel muttered to himself. He looked at his phone as if checking the time before looking back up at Max again with hesitant brown eyes. “Uhm, do you guys have any traditions that you do?”

Max made a show of thinking to himself, looking to the ceiling as if he was pulling from distant memory and not that he had spent the last maybe twenty minutes freaking out about the same subject.

“It would be better to ask Mom or Vic, I think. But, of course, we are having a tree and Christmas lunch and dinner. The boys normally wake up really early to open their presents and they help Mom make breakfast. I think there is a Christmas market as well.” He looked over at Daniel who was paying close attention with his active listening face. He looked like he didn’t want to miss a detail.

“Oh! Ok, I can call Vic. where do you keep– no that's ok I can ask Sassy–”

“Where do I keep what?” Max asked quickly, a bit of dread creeping down his spine. He looked over at the cat in question quickly, she tilted her head questioningly before he looked away. He needed to have a quick talk with Sassy so she wouldn't give him up. Never before now would he have ever considered his cat a secret keeper….but look at him now.

“Oh, well I just wondered where you kept your decorations, is all. When do you normally put them up by? Mama likes to get everything started on the first.”

Max felt a cold sweat on his neck and he swallowed the lump in his throat at the thought of lying to Daniel. He didn’t lie– didn’t see the point of saying something that wasn’t true, not even to spare someone’s feelings. But he couldn’t make himself come clean about this, he didn’t want to see the sadness on Daniel’s face.

“I need to buy new ones.” he blurted, not a lie. Not the whole truth either, but Max was considering it a PR win, a media spin. Like when a journalist asks him a question Vicky already told him he wasn’t allowed to answer.

“You do?” Daniel’s eyes lit up at the thought of christmas shopping and Max knew he said the right thing. He nodded, so he wouldn’t have to think of more incorrect statements. “Oh that's perfect! I’ll make a list!”

And then Daniel was off, and Max felt his shoulder’s sag in his own relief. Jimmy jumped off the countertop to follow after the Aussie whirlwind and Sassy stayed on her perch atop the fridge. She gave Max that look again, the one he was starting to recognize as being way too smart for any cat to be.

“He doesn’t need to know, ok. We keep this secret to ourselves.” Max muttered to his cat, complete with putting his finger on his lips in the shushing gesture. Sassy tilted her head again in the opposite direction before chirping again and jumping to the countertop. He offered up scritches and she purred in response, it seems they came to an agreement.

“Good girl, you’re the best Sass.” Max murmured lovingly.

Part 15

[scotianostra]

On July 17th 2009 the singer/songwriter Gordon Waller and one half of the duo Peter & Gordon passed away.

Waller, the son of a surgeon, was born in Braemar, and went to Westminster school, in London, where he met Peter Asher in 1959. Asher was already something of a jazz and blues fan, but Waller persuaded him to broaden his horizons to include pop and rock'n'roll. Both were keen guitarists and soon they were entertaining their fellow students. By 1963, they were playing (initially as Gordon and Peter) in pubs and small clubs at lunchtimes and evenings for small fees or for a meal, often singing their own compositions in the close harmony style of the Everly Brothers. Early in 1964, they were booked for a two-week engagement at the Pickwick nightclub. One of the diners was Norman Newell, an EMI record producer. Newell was charmed enough by Peter and Gordon's rendition of their song If I Were You to offer them a recording contract.

At this time, McCartney was dating Jane, and Peter and Gordon badgered McCartney to provide them with a song. He obliged with A World Without Love, which he had written six years earlier in Liverpool. McCartney told his biographer Barry Miles: "Gordon was a lot of fun – he was slightly less academic than Peter. It was he who persuaded Peter to jump school to do lunchtime sessions."

By the end of March 1964, A World Without Love had displaced the Beatles' own Can't Buy Me Love at the top of the charts. In May, just before Waller's 19th birthday and Asher's 20th, it was the biggest selling record in the US. The instant stardom created by A World Without Love was the beginning of two years of frantic activity for Peter and Gordon.

For the American media, they combined the cachet of a Beatles connection (McCartney wrote several more of their hits and fans discerned in Waller a slight resemblance to John Lennon) There were numerous television appearances, occasional tours of Japan and Australia as well as North America and dozens of recordings. In the next 12 months, Nobody I Know and I Don't Want to See You Again (both by McCartney) were transatlantic hits, as were I Go To Pieces, written by Del Shannon, and True Love Ways, a Buddy Holly song the duo had performed in their early days in London.

By now, Peter and Gordon were competing in North America with numerous other British imports, including another middle-class duo, Chad and Jeremy. Their star began to wane in 1966, when their only hits were Woman, another McCartney composition credited pseudonymously to "Bernard Webb", and Lady Godiva, a novelty number that was denounced as obscene by the mayor of Coventry, which helped it reach the Top 20 in Britain and the American Top 10. By 1967, Peter and Gordon's British career was over and in America they were reduced to peddling olde English material such as the minor hit The Knight in Rusty Armour and the album Sunday for Tea. They split up the next year, with Asher joining the Beatles' Apple project as an A&R man and Waller launching a career as a solo singer.

Despite the fact that he had been the stronger vocalist of the pair, this career was stillborn. A handful of singles were issued, plus a 1970 album of his own compositions called Gordon. He left showbusiness to run a landscape gardening business in Northamptonshire until, in 1971, he took the part of Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

In the 1980s and 90s Waller ran a music publishing business in America. In the last few years of his life, he reunited with Asher to play a few shows in Los Angeles, the Philippines and New York

[purringfayestudio]

Faux Fur Sources

I sometimes get asked where I get my faux fur fabrics, so here's a list of sources, and a little about each. They are US based unless otherwise stated, and I have purchased from all of them.

BigZFabric

A great affordable place to get both realistic and solid faux fur. I use a lot of their animal and wolf furs, as well as their half-shag/beaver (1/2") and short shag (1"), but they have lots of cool things. As a company they're great about listening to the needs of their customers and several fur and minky lines are a direct result of community requests.

Howl Fabrics

My favorite place to get solids, which come in matching beaver (1/2"), teddy (1"), shag, and luxury fox. There are sometimes realistic furs in their fox section as well. They also recently started carrying minky. They're a great small company to support!

Mohair Bear Making Supplies

Where I go for realistic faux furs in small quantities, as you can buy anything from 1/16th all the way up to by the yard. You need an account to purchase, but it's super easy to sign up. Based in the UK.

FakeFurShop

A huge selection of faux fur, both solid and realistic, high quality or economical. Based in the Netherlands, so shipping to the US is painful, but worth getting what isn't available in the US. This is my most expensive source, aside from specialty things on Etsy.

Honorable Mentions:

FursuitSupplies: They have some good quality solids. I don't use them too often because they're so popular that the things I want are rarely in stock.

Fur Addiction: Based in Australia, they have some neat high quality stuff sometimes.

Etsy: There's a ton of faux fur and other fabrics available on Etsy, sometimes some really unique stuff. You just have to search for it.

Less Used

Mendel's: sometimes carries different things, but sadly with Shannon Fabrics discontinuing faux fur, their selection has fallen drastically.

Fabric Depot: Some weird niche stuff, but sometimes I get something interesting from there. Some of my old furs are from them before they shut down and then popped back up.

SY Fabrics: Some old stuff on there which is neat, but they keep messing up my orders and their return window is too small to matter. But may still be worth the gamble now and then.

Fabric Empire: lower quality furs, but much of what they have can be found on BigZFabric.

Joann: I have one locally that I've gotten a few things from. It's really hit or miss though.

Fabric.com: this site no longer exists, sadly. I list it only because it's where I got a great number of my furs over the years. It sounds like they may eventually be absorbed into the main Amazon site, but I'm not holding my breath. I'm not a fan of supporting Amazon anyway.

Don't forget to check your local small business fabric shops! As well as second hand stores for faux fur pillows and coats in good condition. Sometimes cheap blankets from discount stores work great as well.

I hope you find this useful! I'm also always happy to help someone hunt for a specific fur if you can't find what you're looking for, too.

Happy sewing!

[going-to-superhell]

Since we are boycotting certain fast food chains like McDonald’s, KFC and also certain soft drinks here is my alternative:

Go to small businesses. That’s it. Go to your local fish and chip shop, pizza shop, Chinese place, whatever just get take out from your local small restaurant, it’s not that hard. Is it going to be more pricey? Yea but is it better quality. Most of the time yes.

I personally just go to my local fish and chip shop, a small chips there which is massive is $5 AUD and around the same price in other local shops. The burgers are more expensive but they aren’t a chain restaurant and at these the one I go to has incredible burgers. The only thing with fish and chip shops is don’t buy flake or if your in Australia don’t just ask for fish since here just asking for fish and not specifying is generally just flake which is shark.

Also, one of my local pizza shops, a million times better than domino’s. 10/10 highly recommend getting take out from your local shops, it will take some trial and error also in my experience with fish and chip shops they do have bad days so you will need to give them a-few goes but shopping small is not only supporting your local community, giving you better food but you’re also not supporting a large corporation that is supporting genocide.

Now with soft drinks/soda/whatever you call them, I don’t really have much of alternative apart from just getting no name brand but as much as I love pepsi we don’t need it, boycot pepsi and stop buying it, same with coke, Fanta, sprite and all that

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

It’s not every day you see a CEO arguing for a worse economy. But that’s what Tim Gurner, founder and CEO of Australian luxury real estate company the Gurner Group, tried to do at an Australian Financial Review conference on Tuesday.

“Employees feel the employer is extremely lucky to have them, as opposed to the other way around,” Gurner told the audience. “We’ve got to kill that attitude, and that has to come through hurting the economy,” he continued.

“We need to see pain in the economy. We need to remind people that they work for the employer, not the other way around,” he said. The real estate CEO also suggested that Australian unemployment needed to jump by as much as 50%.

Gurner also complained about “tradies”—workers who practice a trade, like electricians, plumbers and carpenters—and claimed they had “pulled back on productivity.”

Gurner’s remarks have since rocketed out of the Australian context to catch the attention of commentators around the world, including U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).

“Major CEOs have skyrocketed their own pay so much that the ratio of CEO-to-worker pay is now at some of the highest levels *ever* recorded,” the congresswoman wrote on X, responding to a video of Gurner’s comments.

WHO IS TIM GURNER?

Gurner is the head of the Gurner Group, a real estate company founded in 2013. According to the company’s website, the firm has a development and management portfolio worth about 9.5 billion Australian dollars (or just over $6 billion). The firm primarily focuses on luxury homes and property management, but also dabbles in private social clubs, with one offering anti-aging services.

The Australian Financial Review estimates Gurner’s net worth to be $584 million.

It’s not the first time Gurner has courted controversy with his opinions.

Back in 2017, Gurner took to Australia’s “60 Minutes” news program to talk about housing affordability.

The real estate millionaire complained that poor spending habits—particularly on avocado toast and other small luxuries—were the reason why younger Australians were struggling to afford homes.

“When I was trying to buy my first home, I wasn’t buying smashed avocado for [19 Australian dollars] and four coffees at [4 Australian dollars] each,” he said.

“The people that own homes today worked very, very hard for it, saved every dollar,” while younger Australians “want to eat out every day, they want to travel to Europe every year,” he said.

In spite of his rhetoric, Gurner reportedly got help when he started out. According to the Australian Financial Review, after Gurner’s comments went viral, the real estate founder got help from his former boss and his grandfather as he was starting his business.

COMPLAINING BOSSES

Gurmen’s blunt complaints about arrogant workers may win sympathy from other business leaders.

In April, the CEO of office equipment company MillerKnoll, Andi Owen, told employees to stop worrying about bonuses in an internal meeting.

“Spend your time and your effort thinking about the $26 million we need, and not thinking about what you’re going to do if you don’t get a bonus, alright?,” she said, while also suggesting that employees “leave Pity City.”

Owen apologized for her comments after they went viral on social media. She later told Fortune CEO Alan Murray that social media allowed “a few negative people to amplify and take things out of context,” and that the experience reinforced her view of bringing people back together in person.

Then in May, Tesla CEO Elon Musk complained that workers who wanted remote work needed to “get off their goddamn moral high horse.” In an interview with CNBC, Musk argued that remote employees enjoyed unfair privileges that other workers didn’t yet. “You’re going to make people who make your food that gets delivered—they can’t work from home?” Musk asked.

Despite the loud rhetoric from some CEOs, the remote work debate between bosses and workers may be settling into a truce. Over 80% of Fortune 500 companies tracked by remote work platform Scoop are settling into a hybrid work system.

“A lot of the coverage and discussion is on the CEOs who are pushing really hard on full time in office, and there are a lot of readers interested in that,” Scoop CEO Rob Sadow tells Fortune. “But in reality, employees and employers are less far apart than it may seem.”