#happy may te 4th day!!!

[lady-arryn]

HEAD • HEART • HAND (insp)

[doctorstethoscope]

Sink or Swim || July

happy saturday my loves!

masterlist

contains: food consumption, lies by omission, minor suggestive content

wordcount: 1.5k

You can count on one hand the number of times you’ve seen the four walls of  your apartment since you and Aaron finally admitted that you had feelings for each other. The tension between the two of you had been strung so tightly for so long that now that the band had snapped, the thought of being apart was practically unbearable. Not that either one of you could bring yourself to mind. 

There were a lot of welcome changes that came from bringing your relationship to the next level, certainly not the least of which was your new wake-up call. There was no need for an alarm anymore– Aaron woke up before you, and was so used to his finely-tuned schedule that his own alarm hardly ever went off before he woke up. He’d shut it off so he didn’t disturb you, then go into the bathroom and take his shower. The sound of running water is usually what roused you, but you always pretended that it didn’t. You were rewarded for your performance with warm, sleepy kisses to the back of your shoulder and your neck, and a groggy “g’morning, sweet girl,” whispered into your ear.

“Morning,” you whispered back, turning towards him with a smile without opening your eyes.

“You got a special tutu for Lexie today?” He asks, his lips against the crook where your neck meets your shoulder. 

“Course I do,” you muttered back. It was the 4th of July– you had a special “My first” outfit for every holiday. “Don’t put it on her yet, though,” you tell him, gently waking up a little bit, shifting forward so you can sit upright. “I want it at least somewhat clean when we bring her for the fireworks tonight.”

“I’ll tell Bridgette,” he assures you.

“Do you want to go in first today, or should I?” You ask. The two of you hadn’t put any sort of official labels on anything– you hadn’t felt the need to– but as such, you hadn’t told the team you were together, and were doing your best to keep the gang of profilers off your back. That included cautionary measures, like taking separate cars into work (which Aaron didn’t like), not sitting next to each other on the jet (which he hated), and being paired with other people in the field (which he absolutely abhorred). 

“I don’t have anything too important waiting for me, so I can handle the kids this morning if you want to go first. Or I can go first and you can stay in bed a little longer,” he offers sweetly.

“I’ll get up now so I can go,” you tell him, pushing the covers back. “I may need to stop at home anyways, I don’t think I have any clean clothes here.”

“We could just stay home,” he suggests lazily. “And you wouldn’t need any clothes at all,” he leers. 

“You dirty old man,” you laugh at him, swatting at  his bare chest with the back of your hand before you get up.

++++

Rather than you and Aaron coming home only for a couple of hours, Bridgette agrees to bring the kids to Quantico at the end of the day, which you’re grateful for. The FBI puts on an annual fireworks show on the 4th for employees and families, so Will has swung by with their boys, too. Jack and Henry are sitting at the conference table with some crayons, and the babies are babbling in a pack-and-play in the corner while the team waits for Garcia and Morgan to return with a couple pizzas that you’ll all share before heading out to the parking garage to watch the show. 

Aaron’s standing across the room, listening to Reid tell him all about the most recent book he’s read, and you do your best not to pout. It had been a long ten hours since you were last in his arms, and while it made sense not to go home and come back for the fireworks, a part of you was wishing you had snuck off just to steal a smooch.

Emily catches you staring. “Are the two of you still mad at each other? Please, kiss and make up, for all of our sake.” 

“We were never mad at each other, Em,” you tell her, and it’s technically true. It had been too convenient to let the team believe there was still a rift between the two of you. 

“Whatever it is, the two of you are far too in love with each other to be holding a grudge,” she scoffs.

If you had been eating anything, you would have choked on it. “You sound crazy,” you try to lie. 

She just laughs. “You can’t deflect a profiler.” 

The pizza arrives, metaphorically saving you by the bell. You take a chance as all of you settle in, and after getting Jack his pizza, you scoop up Lexie and her bottle and sit down next to Aaron.

“Everything okay?” He asks, his voice barely above a whisper as he looks you over concernedly, then training his eyes on his daughter as not to arouse suspicion. 

“Emily says I should stop being mad at you,” you tell him. “I’m just taking her advice.”

“Ah,” he says, reading right through the lines. “I’m glad you are. I missed you.” 

“Miss you, too,” you say, lifting the bottle to Lexie’s lips. 

Discreetly, he places his hand on your thigh under the table and gives you a comforting squeeze.  It’s not the kiss you want, but it’ll do, for now. “What d’you want to eat? I’m going to make you a plate,” he says, not waiting for an answer before he stands up and heads over to the food. He doesn’t need to wait. He just knows. 

Just like Emily knows that you love him. And she might be right. 

“I think this is a little ridiculous,” Aaron says as you slip a noise-canceling headset over Lexie’s ears a few minutes before the fireworks are set to start.

“Well, lucky for me I don’t mind looking ridiculous,” you snark back, although there’s nothing mean behind it. “Your turn,” you tell him, passing him a much more discrete pair of earplugs. He may like to pretend that the old ear injury never bothered him, but you knew better. 

“Come on,” he groans.

“Watch it,” you narrow your eyes at him. 

“Can you two pretend to like each other for a few seconds so you have these pictures to look back on when you finally make up?” JJ complains, pointing her cell phone in your direction. 

“Yes, we can!” You insist, turning towards her and wrapping your arm around Aaron’s. Lexie is on your hip and Jack is in front of both of you– the flash makes Lexie’s face scrunch up and you can’t help but laugh. 

“Thanks, Jayje,” you say as you jog over to her to look at the pictures, leaving Aaron and Jack  behind you.  She shows them to you, and then swipes back a little further. 

“Look at these I got during dinner,” she whispers conspiratorily, revealing a picture of you looking down at Lexie as she takes a bottle, and Aaron staring at you while you feed her. He’s so lovesick that you wouldn’t believe the photo wasn’t staged if you hadn’t been there yourself. You feel the heat rise to your cheeks. You’re caught. You’re so, totally caught. You try to think of a lie, of some excuse or obfuscation, but your brain has completely short circuited. 

“See?” JJ says. “He’ll come around. He just doesn’t know it yet. Make sure when he’s ready, you let him,” she advises. 

“Thanks,” you smile, feeling relief wash over you. “But, in the meantime… would you mind sending me that?” You ask. 

JJ chuckles at you. “You’ve got it so bad.”

“Lexie’s not going to be this small forever!” You defend yourself. 

“Sure thing,” JJ says, and she sends the picture to you just as the first firework goes off. 

You scurry back to Aaron, not wanting him to miss Alexis’s first experience. His face lights up when he sees you, and you settle in at the rail at the edge of the garage next to Jack, with Aaron behind both of you protectively, his arms on either side of the two of you. 

He takes a risk about halfway through the show, noticing that the four of you are camped a few feet away from the rest of the team and everyone is distracted. Leaning forward, he presses a kiss to the crown of your head, letting his lips linger there for a moment. Your eyes flutter shut– its the moment you’ve been waiting for all day. You shift your weight a bit, so that your back connects with his chest. There’s no way it’s possible, but you swear you can sense his smile as you do so. 

It makes you smile, too.

tagging: @spacecowboyhotch @honeybrowne @angelfxllcm @rousethemouse @infinite-tides @gspenc @anlin2058 @zetasaturno99 @darkenwolfie @realdirectionx @witheldclouds @sbeno22 @el-vs94 @hausofwhores

[packernet]

New Post has been published on https://www.packernet.com/blog/2023/08/10/what-really-matter-is/

What really matter is...

There’s an awful lot of chatter this time of year about things that, ultimately, don’t matter. The third QB, the 6th or 7th WR, the 4th tight end. Yes, these are real position and roster battles, but do they matter? Your 6th or 7th wide receiver won’t be active most weeks and if they are, they’ll only see playing time on special teams. Plus, let’s be real, if our third QB gets any game action, that means things have gone off the rails.

Invest in rookies

It’s possible the Packers will opt to carry only 3 tight-ends. At this point, rookies Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave are roster locks based on their draft status. That means veterans Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis may be fighting for one job, depending on if they call Deguara a TE or a FB. What really matters: is getting Musgrave and Kraft as much playing time as possible. Tight end is one of the toughest positions to step into in the NFL. We already know the potential upside of Deguara and Davis is fairly limited.

RB Tyler Goodson continues to make plays in camp. Rookie Lew Nichols is a 7th round draft pick, and Brian Gutekunst is known for keeping his draft picks. What really matters is: a healthy Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon so Goodson and Nichols don’t become primary players this year.

We still don’t know a realistic return date for Eric Stokes due to his foot and knee injury. What really matters is 7th round draft pick Carrington Valentine reminds some of us of a rookie free agent who once started a Super Bowl for the Packers. How happy would the Packers be if Valentine is even close to as good as Sam Shields?

Elgetron & Bak

The Packers have enviable depth on the offensive line. Yosh Nijman, Josh Myers and Zach Tom are battling for two starting jobs. Caleb Jones, Rasheed Walker and Luke Tenuta are solid tackle prospects who could make many NFL rosters. Even Sean Rhyan, who, like me, many had written off, should make the final roster. What really matters is: good health from left guard Elgton Jenkins and maximizing the playing time of David Bakhtiari, clearly the teams’ best lineman.

Brian Gutekunst got some lousy reviews for taking QB Sean Clifford in the 5th round. Alex McGough has done little in the NFL but was named MVP of the USFL. Both have looked competent in camp. What really matters is: Jordan Love, Jordan Love and Jordan Love. Like most NFL teams, the Packers odds of success drop through the floor if they lose their starter for more than a game or two.

Let the man kick

Rookie kicker Anders Carlson has had some rough days. He’s also shown a strong leg, with some reporters saying the ball “explodes off his foot.” What really matters is: do the Packers have the patience and the stomach to deal with rough days from Carlson? As with Jordan Love, Carlson needs a long leash. Don’t repeat the Vikings mistake by panicking and cutting a legit talent like they did with his brother Daniel. Worst case scenario, there are free agent kickers out there.

Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Preston Smith and Rashan Gary fresh off the PUP list can give the Packers a formidable pass rush. What really matters is caution with Rashan Gary. Players rarely perform at their peak ability until 18 months past an ACL surgery. I’ll be just fine if Gary isn’t active for the first few games.

Like 1967-the Summer of Love

Jordan Love has had an up and down camp. Sometimes he’s wowed with great passes. Other times he’s misses a big throw or hits defenders in the numbers with interceptions. What really matters is patience and progress. By the time the Packers visit Detroit on Thanksgiving, we should have a pretty good idea of what’s possible for the first-time starter.

[jennibeultimate]

Personal recap Worlds 2021 - Ladies FS

And of course I am doing one for the ladies. I am just fuming with anger right now. So this might get harsh and salty. Just a warning. I go down from place 1.

I like Anna's skating and musicality and I am actually glad that even if this was neither her best performance nor a performance that touched me it was still the best of those Russians on the podium. If Trusova would have won with her skates I would be even more mad. So congrats little fairy you did it. ❤️ She is a sweet person and she deserves the world. The scoring is not in the skaters hands, but her scoring was...a choice but still a lot more reasonable than Trusova's....

Liza's story is amazing. Just from this point of view it's an amazing achievement. A rolemodel for all figure skaters that they have a chance after their puberty. Her tears when she found out she won over Trusova touched me. So congratulations from the bottom of my heart. 🎉 BUT this was not a silver medal winners performance. Too many mistakes, too little program. One 3A was fantastic but the rest was so and so. I am glad she got ahead of Trusova but it's not a performance I would remember and 69 PCS is questionable at best, compared to Loena, Kaori and Karen it's not right.

Alexandra Trusova...where to start? It would be called a major downmelt if she wouldn't jump quads. Her TES shoot her up high and looking at the protocol technically calls look ok, I would have lowered some GOEs but the TES are hardly my problem. The PCS are atrocious. There was no choreography, no interpretation, nothing left of what seemed to be improvements in the SP in the season. The PCS were way too high. 10 points should go down at least. 56 was what Eva Lotta got and sorry this was worse than her by a lot. And I am sure without quads and without being from Russia, she wouldn't have gotten those PCS. And that's my big fat problem. This was rigged and corrupted PCS scoring at its best. And this program won the free skate??? Wtf. If that's the future I won't watch skating any longer...nothing against Trusova herself but judges are setting the wrong example here. And no I cannot say congrats from my heart because I would have not put her on the podium. It's clear she also benefitted from a lot of the last group skaters not doing well and her high PCS from the SP. I mean everyone trains hard, so not deserved would be wrong to say but just I am not good with this. So still...

Congratulations to the medalists! You fought hard!

Karen Chen is probably the most underestimated of this competition. She came through with two beautiful programs and showed everyone that she was the right choice for this team. I can only applaud👏👏👏 She was imo robbed of the Bronze here. Her PCS are too low compared to Trusova and Liza and others. 4th place is still a very good result for her and saves USA 3 spots for teh Olympics. (wouldn't it be the biggest joke if ladies have 3 spots but the men don't? Not that I wish for it but that's a still a possibility) Her spirals are just A+! 😍 One of the only programs of today worth rewatching.

Loena Hendricks just did that!!! 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥The underdog of this comp just did that! She was the best today. World champion material. Ofc others may have stronger technical content but the cleaness and presentation was the best of everyone today imo. Even if I am not even a big fan of the program but so well suited to her. Really happy for her. 😊

Kaori Sakamoto is the loser of the day. I am still fuming on Kaori's behalf. Yes there was a mistake and yes she has a Flutz but again if everyone gets a pass on edge calls so should Kaori. Edge calls seem only to exist for Kaori. 🙄 She was lowballed in PCS. An almost clean program and 1 point more PCS than the 2 falls skate of Trusova? Sure...🤮 I probably wouldn't fume so much about Trusova's PCS if others like Kaori and Loena would have scored in the 70s but no...admittedly I don't think this was the best version of Matrix...anyway Kaori deserved better. Love you Kaori! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Rika was extremely hard to watch. Heartbroken for her. 💔💔💔She seems to still deal with her ligament injury, still looking at the trainings I thought she would do well. I think not competing and being in such a good position to win this made it mentally tough on her here. I like this lovely program a lot but for today's program 69 PCS was friendly but not when I look at Trusova though...this were just a couple too much mistakes sadly. I hope she can rest well. She will come back stronger! ❤️

I am including Satoko here because she is the other heartbreak for me. 💔 Nothing worked. She was totally out of everything. She is such a magical skater. 63 PCS are just horrid for a skater of her caliber. Puh...I am sad...love you Satoko and happy birthday 🎂 ❤️

I am so heartbroken for Team Japan in general💔😭😭😭😭

Olga Mikutina was my surprise of this competition. When I watched her live at Euros 2020 she fell all over the place, this was such an improvement. Impressive! 👏👏👏Lovely! You got yourself a fan. 😍

Bradie Tennell - I read that her skates broke prior to the SP so that hindered her here. Still I think Bradie did fairly well but too many little errors that lowered TES and PCS are a big joke anyway. Normally I would say those PCS were fair but then we have Trusova and that's where the sense stops for me...

Haein Lee - she is a lovely skater. She is young but a very committed skater to presentation etc. I like her a lot. Not a bad result for a first World Championship. Ofc they were hoping for a 3rd spot but this wasn't a given from the start.

Yelim Kim - my other fairy just dropped a whole lot. 😭 Not much worked like usual. I am so sorry. Such a perfect SP and now this free skate to drop her even behind her teammate. Maybe she wanted too much starting in the last group? The pressure is huge. Haein Lee and Yelim Kim just have the best dresses of this competition! Korean ladies costumes are always A+++❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Lastly I just mention those I liked in the earlier groups:

Josefin Taljegard 🔥 🔥 🔥 She was on fire. Interpretation A+++ her skating and technical content in general are too low to be competitive but I would rather rewatch her a 1000 times than watch Trusova or some of today's other performances ever again. Also I would rather gladly take 24 programs with less technical content and performances like hers than this diaster free in general from today. In other words stan Josefin! ❤️

Eva Lotta Kiibus - her program is well made. Her technical content is good. Her costume is a dream. She can show more of her personality during the program but the basics are great. Love her. 😍

Lindsay Van Zundert - delivered again a wonderful clean program. Very positively surprised with this young lady. 😊

Overall this event was a disappointment. Scoring wise it should not have surprised me. Performance wise it was disappointing as well.

No not a competition worth rewatching. If this is the ladies figure skating of the future then I quit watching ladies. I hate the uneven apply of rules and the playing favorites of the Russians. And also JSF should finally start backing their skaters or Japan will drown in the end.

Sorry for the on going ranting about Trusova's PCS but this is the main problem for me why nothing of everyone else makes sense. And just a clarification, it's not against Trusova, it's the judging and the way this kind of skating gets more reward than ppl with actual programs. It must be disheartening for a lot of skaters.

Bye.

Praying for a better men free skate. 🙏

[betweenthetimeandsound]

Three Minutes to Eternity: My ESC 250 (250-241)

(Author's note: I intended to have the list ready by 1 September, but I was a bit lousy in compiling the final spots on there. As a result, they will seem a bit shoddy, but there will be good summaries, I promise! And there will be honorable mentions soon enough.)

#250: Harel Skaat -- Milim (Israel 2010)

“האור נרדם, דמעות של דם, שורפות לי בגרון, ידית שרוטה, תקרה שמוטה, כשאני שר לך את השיר האחרון” “The light fell asleep, tears of blood scorch my throat Scratched handle, sloping ceiling When I sing to you the last song” Curiously, I already knew of Harel Skaat before hearing of Eurovision: I listened to a few of his earlier tracks when I found him singing with another Israeli pop artist, Dor Daniel. I particularly liked משנו ממני and כמה עוד אפשר. Milim is a requiem for what was once lost—the presence of one whom the narrator really loves. The imagery used in this song adds to the melancholic feel—a classic ballad of sorts, with a lot of emotion. And the performance from Harel was very good, even though he butchered a note at the end. Maybe it was the pretty blue lights that really accompanied the mood of the song. Personal ranking: 7th/39 Actual ranking: 14th/25 GF (grand final) in Oslo

#249: Tina Karol -- Show Me Your Love (Ukraine 2006)

"You see it in my eyes, my heart is on fire Don’t hide your love away, don’t wait another day" As mentioned in the note, I had a hard time determining the last few spots on my list. I went through the results of both sorters and picked what I felt in the time. Show Me Your Love is a bit odd, but with the accordion intro striking right away, it deserves a place here! While an overly simple song with stilted lyrics, Show Me Your Love is still a bunch of fun. From the boppy beat to Tina's infectious presence on stage, one can't help but smile as this comes along. And there was a jump rope right in the middle of the performance--never change, Ukraine. :) Personal ranking: 5th/37 Actual ranking: 7th/24 GF in Athens

#248: Alan Sorrenti -- Non so che darei (Italy 1980)

“Non so che darei per fermare il tempo Per dormire al tuo fianco solo una notte Non so che darei per sentirti mia Per tenerti vicina solo una notte” “I don’t know what I can give to stop the time To sleep beside you only for one night I don’t know what I can give To take you close to me only for one night” Recently, I find myself humming to this a lot, because it's so calming and nice. I particularly like Alan’s vocals in this song! He really conveys the pain of losing (or on the verge of losing) the one he loves, expressed by the melancholic lyrics. Together, they form a song which is just as beautiful, if not more so than the winner of its year. Despite its 6th place, it became a continent-wide hit, which was quite deserved (just like a good number of Italian Eurovision songs over the years, haha)! Alongside that, Non so che darei also had the only black conductor at Eurovision while there was an orchestra, along with a couple of women playing fake guitars. For some reason, I imagined they were holding umbrellas instead, but I clearly remembered wrong... Personal ranking: 3rd/19 Actual ranking: 6th/19 in Den Haag

#247: Sanja Vucic ZAA -- Goodbye (Shelter) (Serbia 2016)

"I lick my wounds So that I can keep on fighting" Another last-minute choice, but this is an important song, both in 2016 and now, unfortunately. Despite the advances in women's rights over the decades, domestic violence still persists across the world. Goodbye (Shelter) tells the story through someone who's struggling to get out of a toxic relationship, and there's a mix of vulnerability and strength in the lyrics. Of course, lyrics don't make up the whole song; the music also conveys the story through a dramatic build and beautiful strings. Considering the 2016 contest, it does get a bit lost amongst the crowd, but it feels like a musical number in all the right ways. Also, the performance told the story well, and Sanja is a wonderful singer (she also sings a cover of one all-time favorite you will see towards the end, hehe). I even would shed a tear at points. Personal ranking: 8th/42 Actual ranking: 18th/26 GF in Stockholm

#246: Remedios Amaya--Quien Maneja Mi Barca? (Spain 1983)

“El verde de tus ojos verdes, mírame, Que mira que yo te mire, mírame, Que mira que yo te mire” “The green of your green eyes, look at me, Look at me, so I can look at you, look at me Look at me, so I can look at you” One of those songs that can be defined as an acquired taste--the people who love it enjoy its subversive status in the Eurovision canon for being unapologetically Spanish, while the people who hate it will dismiss it as just a bunch of noise. This is a song which is part of the “New Flamenco” genre popularized since the 1960s, which mixes up flamenco music with other genres, such as rock or electronic music. Quien Maneja mi Barca ‘s studio cut has nebulous lyrics combined with an electronic beat, which is alright at best. I found it quite hollow and quite forgettable there. I prefer it in its orchestral form, which fuses synths and concert instruments fantastically. It definitely amps up the drama with Remedios’ voice, and made me appreciate this very distinct entry. Personal ranking: 6th/20 Actual ranking: Joint last (with Turkey) in Munich

#245: Marianna Efstratiou - To diko sou asteri (Greece 1989)

"Μα στο βραδινό τον ουρανό το δικό ��ου αστέρι ψάξε βρες Γιατί οι σκιές στο πρώτο φως μοιάζουνε φοβίες παιδικές" "But in the evening sky, search and find your own star Because the shadows in the first light seem to be childish phobias" While To diko sou asteri sounds a bit safe in the grand scheme of things, I think its lack of pretension is what makes this little song shine. The lyrics encourage one to find their star and encourage the listener to pursue what they believe in without any fear. Marianna's vocals also add to this song in that they're quietly hopeful and sweet. Also, for some reason, I got some "True Colors" vibes while listening to it every time, despite there being some differences. Both have this relaxing, calm vibe to help the listener on their journey through life. Then again, True Colors doesn't have some nice flute flourishes throughout the song, haha. Personal ranking: 4th/22 Actual ranking: 9th/22 at Lausanne

#244: Dina -- Amor d'agua fresca (Portugal 1992)

"Peguei, trinquei e meti-te na cesta Ris e dás-me a volta à cabeça" "I picked you, bit into you and put you in the basket You laughed and made my head spin" 1992 is one of the most average years at Eurovision--after the chaos that was 1991, it seems like the songs and production sought something safer, and the whole thing felt really bland. Amor d'agua fresca is anything but dull--it's bubbly and sweet, with quite relaxed atmosphere. The combination of instruments--particular the guitar in the beginning and Dina's vocals-- really help with conveying a mood. But after that, we have the lustful lyrics, describing a romance through enjoying different fruits, which was quite different for me... But hey, different makes things quite a bit better in life! Personal ranking: 4th/23 Actual ranking: 17th/23 in Malmo

#243: Lucia -- Él (Spain 1982)

"Él me perdona porque es un pedazo de buen pan Y me trata con paciencia Sé que no debo ser cruel Que le debo confesar que él a mí, no me interesa" "He forgives me because he’s a scrap of good bread And he treats me with patience I know that I shouldn’t be cruel That I should tell him I’m not interested in him" One interesting thing about me is that I'm a sucker for tango music. There's a sense of drama when one listens to it, and even more so when people get on the dance floor. While I've only danced it a few times, when one does it right, the connection between two people is quite powerful, and you could fall right into a dream. El definitely amps up the drama--Lucia is in a conflicted relationship, but she plays the "player" role quite well. It's very flirty and seductive, and you could immerse yourself in the story. While the dancing was a bit too much for a stage as small as 1982's, it's still quite fun to see. Also, it was sent as a way of supporting Argentina in the Falkland Wars, which is quite interesting... Personal ranking: 4th/18 Actual ranking: 10th/18 in Harrogate

#242: Gabriela Gunčíková -- I Stand (Czech Republic 2016)

"I am thanking you, you made me You are my air, I’ll always care" For those who have an aversion to ballads, why is that? I find it annoying because there can be ones where they can touch you and tell a story. Life can't always be happy bops with heavy beats (or it's because they don't really inhabit my musical atmosphere most of the time...) I Stand sounds like a derivative ballad sonically, but it carries itself with such grace and grandeur. The instruments add to the drama of the song, which thanks a special person for their help in their life (though the lyrics above can come off as a bit co-dependent...or so I've heard) And Gabriela delivers this with the necessary composure and grace the song desires. It feels like a highlight track from a musical--one where two characters meet again and the narrator wants to recognize the latter's good deeds before they're gone forever. Thanks to that, the Czech Republic gets their first grand final appearance (though getting 0 televote points once there was harsh...) Personal ranking: 7th/42 Actual ranking: 25th/26 GF in Stockholm

#241: t.A.T.u -- Ne ver, ne boysia (Russia 2003)

“Кто-то понты а кто-то маньяк, Кто-то как ты, кто-то как я.” “Someone's a psycho and someone's a maniac, Someone like you, someone like me” If I’m right, I may have heard this song without knowing this was from Eurovision. It was because there was a period between middle school and high school where I love t.A.T.u’s music, and this was one of their singles. Ne Ver Ne Bosia is compelling and dark, with an interplay about the people around them using an old Soviet proverb as the title. It’s gripping and intense, and brings the listener into this crazy and mad world they're enveloped in. The performance, on the other hand, almost couldn't have been worse. The vocals were really ropey (especially from Lena, who would usually be trusted to help Yulia), and it didn't come over as a great listening experience. While I love it, t.A.T.u were really lucky they competed in the televote era, as they would've been struck down hard by the juries. (and the worst part: there will be a couple of poorly-performed entries which will be quite high on this list...) Personal ranking: 6th/26 Actual ranking: 3rd/26 in Riga

[woollyslisterblog]

1834 May Sunday 4th

And we're back And hello to the additional 100 peeps who have come to peek at Anne's diary post GJ marriage. I feel out of sorts as I have lots of things about two days from completion but nothing done, but hey ho, will ignore last page of WYAS submission, and a half mown field and Ann Walker's will transcription to post this. AL is still loved up and is an affectionate letter writer after my own heart. (One of about a million side hobbies but I respond to all paper letters because they are just lovely things)

7 1/2

12 1/2

fine b[u]t rath[e]r dullish - 56 1/2° at 9 at w[hi]ch h[ou]r br[ea]kf[a]st alone in the draw[in]g r[oo]m - so[me]ti[me] w[i]th Mar[ia]n - out at 10 in the hut walk - weed[in]g lilies opposite the hut - ca[me] in at 11 3/4 - my a[un]t bet[ter] - r[ea]d pray[e]rs in 1/2 h[ou]r till 12 35/60 when Mr Sund[erlan]d ca[me] - saw my a[un]t’s leg dress[e]d - the w[ou]nd larg[e]r and n[o]t look[in]g well - edges uneven and ris[in]g ‘sphagenated’ -

ca[me] to my study at 1 10/60 and asleep till 3 - Let[ter] aft[er] ch[ur]ch fr[om] Miss W-[Walker] Hewarth Grange, York - ow[in]g ‘ to Mr Washington's stupid[it]y and the conseq[uen]t delay of Sarah's sett[in]g off out ‘she d[i]d n[o]t arr[ive] till 12 yest[erday] - n[o]t to s[e]nd Matt[hew] ho[me] b[u]t s[e]nd h[i]m to Miss W-[Walker] if inconven[ien]t to ha[ve] b[o]th h[i]m and Jos[e]ph at Shibd[e]n - one go[in]g to Rokeby and ev[er]y th[in]g to gi[ve] way to my a[un]t’s health - ev[e]n my being at Hew[ar]th Grange on the 20th if necess[ar]y - nobod[y] can behave mo[re] handso[mel]y - Mr Brown ca[me] can on[l]y leave York on Wed[nesday] morn[in]g in Whitsuntide week and m[u]st ret[ur]n on the Sat[urday] night -so we can[no]t ha[ve] h[i]m long for sketch[in]g – can[no]t ha[ve] h[i]m at all dur[in]g the Midsum[me]r vacat[io]n -

fr[om] 3 20/60 to - n[o]te fr[om] 3 1/2 to 5 wr[ote] 3 pp and ends cross[e]d the 1 p[age] kind let[ter] ans[we]r to all hers , to Miss W-[Walker] my intent[io]n she keep Matt[hew] for a whi[le] and s[e]nd Jos[e]ph to Mr Jarry in an even[in]g to learn Fr[en]ch - th[in]k Miss W-[Walker] h[a]d bet[ter] have so[me] one to run errands, and will s[e]nd h[e]r Matt[hew] as soon as Jos[e]ph arr[ive]s - my a[un]t rath[e]r hope we need n[o]t fear my be[in]g ab[le] to leave ho[me] for a few days or a week - b[u]t I may n[o]t be able may n[o]t be at Hew[ar]th Grange till the 20th ‘b[u]t sure[l]y sure[l]y I shall be at your elbow to wish you your health and many happy and happ[ie]r ret[ur]ns of that day - I am already try[in]g to persuade myself I shall be glad for that day to be the last day of my solitude’ - h[a]d s[ai]d bef[ore] ‘For you you know I w[oul]d do an[y]th[in]g in the world I could - and so I ought - noth[in]g can be mo[re] good and k[i]nd than y[ou]r conduct ab[ou]t my a[un]t - I shall n[o]t wr[ite] or say m[u]ch ab[ou]t it - b[u]t, when two p[ar]ties are each so anx[iou]s to do all they can to oblige the oth[e]r, how can they fail to go on well?’

[ladykateofledfordpark]

All Kinds of Magic (Jaime x MC, Beckett x MC)

This fic is inspired by the Day 4 prompt of the Choices July Challenge, hosted by @kinda-iconic under the profile @choicesjulychallenge!

I really felt like writing a crossover, so here it is! =D

This is my first draft. I planned in rewriting it but then life got in the way and apparently that's not gonna happen anytime soon. So for now you get to enjoy this draft! XD

Dedicated to @mariaoz, @itsbrindleybinch for the Jaime and @jlpplays1 for the Beckett. ;)

Tagging also the amazing @desiree-0816 and @flyawayboo! Thank you for all your support! =D

Day 4: Independence Day

Pairings: Beckett x F!MC (Kate)- TE, Jaime x MC (Charlotte)- WT

Summary: Kate takes Beckett out for the annual 4th of July party, where she meets someone a bit unusual.

-------

It's summer vacation, and here I am. It feels so surreal being back home, but the rush of nostalgia is the best experience I could wish for.

Atlas has already seen it, of course. Last summer, before we left for our "Attunless adventures", as Atlas called them, she got to meet my parents once again. Of course,e they accepted her, offering to let her stay with us for as long as she needed. Atlas still didn't really answer their question, but the fact that she's back here says only good.

A warm hand encases mine, and I smile as I meet familiar gray eyes. Beckett returns my smile, squeezing my hand, as we watch the festivities of our little town.

"So is this how Attuneless celebrate Independence Day?" He asks. His gaze sweeps the scene eagerly, taking in all the colorful decorations. Couples dance under colorful strings of lights, their laughter mingling with the chatter of the other locals. Hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza and anything else one can imagine sit at a table, surrounded by middle-aged people catching up on the newest gossip. Music wafts from the DJ stand, making my heart lighter than air.

This party may not be as much of a big deal as Attuned events, but something about this simplicity is beautiful.

"The music... where is it coming from?" Beckett asks, confusion etched on his face.

I laugh as I point toward the DJ booth, the speakers blasting cheerful music. Beckett opens his mouth in question, but I don't let him finish. Instead, I pull him with me to the dance floor, ignoring his objections. "Come on, let's dance."

Beckett sighs. We're already in the middle of the dance floor, so both of us know there's no other way out. "Fine, Kate. If you insist."

A slow song starts to play, and Beckett hesitantly puts his arms around me. His shoulders relax a bit, a slightly relieved smile on his face. At least this dance isn't as unfamiliar.

"You know, I'm glad you're here. I thought you wouldn't come."

Beckett doesn't answer immediately. He scans his surroundings, his hands still tense. Only once he stops checking every move he makes, Beckett meets my gaze. His hand gently cups my cheek, and his eyes sparkle in the weak light from above. "Of course I would come, Kate. Seeing this world, your world is an experience I could never give up on."

"Really?"

Beckett hesitates. "Of course, the undue pressure of meeting your parents was a disadvantage, but the potential of learning... I could never give up on that."

I bite my lips. "Is that the only reason?"

Beckett blushes. "O-of course not."

We continue dancing silently. The music is soothing, its melody caressing us in a beautiful cocoon. I glance at the night sky and smile at its beauty. I may be a Sun-Att, but something about night always called out to me.

My gaze absentmindedly drifts to another couple. It's a boy and a girl, not much older than us, dancing with all the familiarity of an old married couple. The boy whispers something to the girl, his chocolate colored eyes shining with pure happiness, and the girl lets out a laugh. From the back, I can only see her hair, which gradually changes from brown to blonde. She's dressed in a simple floral dress as if that guy is someone she will always feel comfortable around.

"I can't believe this is our first Fourth of July as a couple." The girl says.

The boy smiles as he cups her cheek. "I still can't believe that you said yes."

She tightens her hold on his neck, her voice raw with emotion. "Of course, Jaime. Always."

He touches his forehead to hers. Something passes between them before she shakes her head. "Say it."

Jaime chuckles. "I love you, Charlotte. More than anything in the world. And I'll always be there for you, no matter what."

Charlotte presses a simple kiss to his lips. "I love you too." She says in a shaking voice.

Once again I meet Beckett's gaze, and I'm shocked when I see him looking at me in the utmost affection. "Kate, you know you're the most beautiful girl in the world, right?"

I smirk. "Is that a fact?"

"Maybe."

Beckett's smile is small and adoring. His thumb gently traces my cheek and I close my eyes. This moment is perfect, and I wouldn't give it up for the world.

The night ends quickly. Beckett excuses himself to go do some research on the DJ station, leaving me alone. I stand as I wait patiently for him to return when a familiar girl walks up to me.

"Hi, Kate."

I jump and immediately meet familiar green eyes. They're identical to mine, almost as if we share the same blood. How have I never met this girl?

She shrugs. "I don't know. Maybe we're cousins?" Before I can comprehend how she knew my question, she carries on. "Keep that guy," she points in the direction Beckett went, a knowing smile on her face. "He's a catch, and he truly cares for you."

I gape at her. "But... how do you know?"

Charlotte winks. "There are all kinds of magic, you know. Not just the one you know of."

Her eyes land on Jaime, who gives her a sly wink. "And let's just say, I know true love when I see it."

And before I can protest, she walks off: a million-dollar smile to her face and her head held high.

I sigh. What was that all about?

[harperonni]

#9 on the soulmate au prompts with Felipe and Valeria. (And let's try to make this as angsty as possible >:) )

Last words

Prompt: 9. The one where your soulmate’s last words to you are written on your body.Pairing: Felipe X Valeria Rating: Teen and up. Mentions of death, and a few swears. Nothing major though. Mostly a bit of angst

Read on AO3 aaaa I’m not best with angst?? But I gave it a got anyway? Hope this is okay

Valeria remembered when the words began forming on her skin. She had somewhat been anticipating the arrival of the faint lettering, though she’d never say so aloud. It wasn’t even so much to do with the idea of having a soulmate, it was just because so many other had them, and there was a morbid curiosity to the whole thing. Even if you never met the person, you’d know their last words. Ones that would be directed toward you.

The letters could appear anytime, on mostly any part of the body. Maybe never even appear at all.“They just appear one day,” Her mother had told her, her hand subconsciously touching the two words printed on her other palm. “Do you know their significance?”Valeria shook her head, because no. She didn’t really.Her mother lift her chin a touch. “These words are your soulmate’s last words to you.”Ah. Straight to the point, of course. Valeria wasn’t sure why she didn’t expect less, but she still remembers the uncomfortable twist in her gut. “Okay.” She said slowly. “You may never meet your soulmate, bear in mind. Obviously, it’s a slim chance-” Valeria nodded, biting her lip to keep back any quips building in her throat. If it were anyone else trying to talk down to her like this she would’ve had some choice words for them. But mamá wasn’t anyone else, and Valeria could only listen as her mother spoke about how she shouldn’t focus on finding her soulmate based on whatever words she gets across her body, if she got any.She felt irritated, because a part of her knew her mamá was probably right.

“I, ah, got my soulmate’s last word on my ankle.” Leonor told her on a Saturday evening. Valeria was seventeen and Leonor had turned nineteen just a week ago. They were on Leonor’s bed, both had been sat in a comfortable quiet, various fabrics and textbooks spread across the sheets. Valeria scribbling down a few study notes when Leonor spoke, voice quiet, as she pulled her needle through her currant sewing project, fixing up her little sisters hand-me down doll.

“Oh, yeah? What does it say?” Valeria asked, propping herself up on her elbows. Leonor sat up a touch more, bouncing the mattress as she propped herself up further against the headboard. After placing her sewing over to her side she reached down and pushed up her dress to show her left ankle. Valeria shuffled closer and squint at the words.

‘Mi querida’

“Huh.” Valeria hummed. Leonor nod. “Sí.” “I don’t think mine’s come through yet.” “Maybe it’s on your butt and you just don’t know it.” Leonor grinned. Valeria rolled her eyes, exaggerating the movement for Leonor to watch.“Uh, I’ve checked, obviously.” She adopted a fake matter-of-fact tone, raising a brow at her friend.“Look, if I get my soulmate’s words on my ass, you’ll be the first to know.” Leonor’s cheeks flushed, but she nodded.“Gracias. I’m overjoyed to know that.” Valeria scoffed, returning to her notes.“I think they usually appear around the same place as, like, where your parents get them.Leonor nodded. “That seems to be the case, sí. My papá got them on his leg.”

When she was twenty-three, she woke up to find the faint print of letters against her skin. The sight of the unfamiliar pattern around her wrist fully woke her, and she pushed herself up in bed and held her right wrist in her other hand, fingers tracing over the words as she read them. She blinked, frowning down at her words:

'I wish I didn’t have to leave you’

…She stared, re-reading the sentence over and over as if something was missing. Her mind reeled over possible scenarios those words would be used. Words that were to be spoken to her by her soulmate. …A soulmate who was going to leave her at some point, by the looks of it. Would it be because of death? Was she going to have to watch her soulmate, her partner, die in front of her? Would he be leaving to go somewhere and never come back?Her papa had eyed the long sleeve top that was a much rarer clothing choice for her, but he said nothing. She showed Alejandro first, later in the day. Her twin raised his brow at the words and pulled up the sleeve on his left arm, exposing his wrist. Both quietly pressed their wrists together. “I suppose it makes sense we got our words on the same day.” “Yeah, it makes sense.” Alejandro agreed, still looking over the words on her wrist.Valeria frowned at her twin brother’s wrist.

'Te amo’

“It would be more helpful we had the first words your soulmate says to you.” Valeria huffed. “Then you know.”Alejandro shrugged. “But then I guess your looking. At least with these words, you’re just, I don’t know, living?”“But you could be with someone who’s not your soulmate.”“It probably doesn’t matter as long as your happy?” He shook his head. “I don’t know. I don’t like thinking about it.”Valeria nodded, and they continued through the rest of the day intending to ignore the conversation and not bring it up again. She was sure Leonor had noticed the words, but she never brought them up unless Valeria mentioned them.Valeria began wearing a wristband to cover the letters. The more she could forget they were there, the more she could just live her life.

In the various relationships she had, she refused to share the words, reclusive even if or when the men she dated shared their own words and sentences. “Look, it’s just not working out.” She remembered Roberto rubbing the back of his neck, as she stood across from him, the sun beating down against her back as she frowned up at him. She nodded, not sure about what to say.“No, that’s fair. This is probably for the best.” She shrugged. He looked her in the eyes, wincing with regret and disappointment. He opened his mouth, and Valeria felt a tight twist in her chest as he spoke.“I wish it hadn’t turned out like this.”Valeria swallowed, trying to push down the choking panic that had begun to build at the first few words. They weren’t the words, it was fine. It was fine. This was fine.Her shoulders loosened, some relief flooding through her as she gave him a melancholic smile.“Me too.”

“Date: May 20th, 2004. Ah, How old are you, senorita?” “Uh, 29. ” Valeria didn’t miss the slight wince on the man’s face opposite her. Well, the skeleton man. On his skull. How the hell did skulls move like that?“My birthday is April 4th, if you need that? 1975.”He nodded. “That’s perfect, thank you.”The sounds of the keys hitting the bulky keyboard filled the room.As Valeria sat, waiting to have the forms for her death written up she thought. Mostly about her death.Her death. She’d really died then, huh? Of course she had to fall from a tree, as well. She couldn’t have gotten something cooler sounding than ‘the branch broke’. Dios, what was she going to do now?She looked over her wrist, her wooden wristband clacking against the bleach white bone, clearly a little too big for her wrist now. She frowned, twisting her arm a touch and pulling the wristband off. Pure white. No words. No letters. Nothing.She blinked.“Final words don’t stay then?” She asked, not sure if she was expecting an answer or not. The clerk in front of her paused. She didn’t look up to see what kind of expression he was fixing her with, but she guessed it was pitying or sympathetic but the tone in his voice.“No, they don’t.”Valeria answered the rest of the questions in a somewhat distracted state. As she sat in a waiting room, her leg bounced. She was about to meet family she had only heard about, and family that had passed when she was just a girl. Alone in the room, her thoughts still occasionally went back to the blank space on her wrist bones. At some point, she slipped the wristband back on, hoping in vain it might banish the thoughts. Lock them away out of sight. She swore the wristband was heavier than it had even been when she were alive.

It took years before the thought of dating really came back to her. Felipe had been an unexpected appearance in her after life, but she was more than happy to welcome it. Maybe they’d been together for a year or two when she asked. When they were sat up on her roof with a few drinks and snacks. She leaned against his shoulder, playfully trying to pinch food out of his hands. “You have your own.” He whined, smiling at her as he held the treat above her arm length. She pout. “Yeah, but this is more fun.” “It’s unnecessary!”“Come oonn.” She drawled, pressing her cheekbones against his. “I’m your girlfriend. Doesn’t that give me some entitlement?” “To my food?”“Yes?”“No!”“Oh, you’re mean.”Felipe shook his head, finally lowering his arm. She eyed his food as he brought it close to his mouth. He paused, glancing at her.“Don’t.” He warned, fighting back a smile.Valeria leaned back, raising her arms defensively. “I’m not doing anything!” She insisted.Felipe stared her down as he ate, watching as Valeria grinned. He coughed, doubling over for a moment. Valeria rubbed his back with a frown.“You okay?”“Ah, sí, sí I’m fine.” As he sat back up with a final cough Valeria grinned. “That wouldn’t of happened if maybe,” She shrugged, “I dunno, you shared some of it with-?”Felipe circled his arms around her waist and pulled her in, pressing his mouth to her cheek and blowing loudly, causing Valeria to squeal and slapped her hand against his chest.“AH NO! Stop that!” She giggled helplessly, wriggling in his grasp. “You- AGH- you know i’m ticklish!” He paused, pulling away to blink at her. She would have believed his innocence if not for the proud smile spread on his skull“I don’t know what your talking about, cariño?”She squint at him, arms folded. She huffed and snuggled herself against him, head pressed to his shoulder again.“You’re lucky your cute.” She muttered. “Too cute. You need to stop. It’s illegal, i’ve decided.”Felipe chuckled, shifting to bury his face in her hair.They stayed there for a moment, the sound of the trolleys and bustling streets around them they only noise really filling the air. Valeria had always found the fake breaths skeletons took odd, but the familiarity of it carrying over from the living worlds was comforting in a way. She figured as she listened to Felipe’s steady breath. She was then thinking about life. Life before death. Felipe had obviously had a life before, well, he died. That much was obvious, but Valeria was only just really thinking about it a bit more at that moment. About a specific aspect.Then she asked.“Felipe?”“Hm?” Both of their voices were quiet.She swallowed (without a throat, but she was well past thinking about the logistics at this point in death.) and asked. “Did you… Ever get your soulmate’s last words?” Felipe shift a little. “I…” He started. “I dated a little but, I never met whoever was meant to say those last words to me.”Valeria nodded. “Ah.” She muttered.He was quiet for a moment. “…Did you ever…? I mean, do you know who…?” He trailed off.“Nah.” Valeria shrugged. “Never heard anyone say them to me.”“Oh.”“Mm-hm.”His fingers mindlessly stroked the back of her spine. She sighed, shifting her head on his shoulder.“It felt like more to worry about.” She admitted. “Being with someone. Dreading that they would say what you’ve got down as someone, maybe their, last words.”Felipe squeezed her gently.“What words did you-?” He began, but Valeria shook her head.“Please, I don’t…” She trailed off. “Oh, no, that’s okay. I didn’t- Lo siento.” She smiled, pulling back and reaching up to touch his cheekbones, watching as he blinked down at her through his large glasses.“It’s alright, don’t worry.” She leaned up and kissed him, a slight flutter of excitement swirling in her empty chest as he pressed back.

She pressed her hand against his, flinching at how white her bones were compared to his.He smiled at her, mouth not curving the whole way as though he didn’t even have the strength to do so. He was leaned up against the sofa, his limbs felt heavier than they ever had, as though he’d scatter if he dared move anymore. The last shudder through his bones had really hit it’s mark, and he could feel his bones trying to come apart.As much of the family was in the Rivera living room without crowding it, a solemn mood hung in the air. Felipe was more than grateful he had the time he had right now, the privilege to be surrounded by family and loved ones.Oscar wasn’t far off, both in space and, well, how forgotten they both were. It made sense to both of them that they’d go around the same time.

Even when they had first been courting, he’s certain part of them both knew this day would come. His bones were always a touch off in colour compared to hers, and even when hers had begun to fade in whiteness, he knew deep down there was a possibility he’d fade before her.His fingers twitched as he tried to close them around her smaller hand. Her other hand rest over his as she curled hers tight against his. “I love you. You know that, right?” He muttered. She smiled, eyes glossy as she nodded.“I know. I love you too, cariño.” His breath hitched a touch and he stared at her.She blinked back tears, wondering if he was hurting. He smiled again, this time wider. He pulled her hand close to mouth, and she leaned her forehead against his as he mumbled, the faintest hint of gold emerging at the edges of his skull patterns.

“I wish I didn’t have to leave you.”

[txhatch]

Good Will Hunting - Fantasy Football Soof

Scene V – By the lake – Sean and Lee sit quietly

Lee: (rambling as Sean sits next to him not speaking) What’s this? A taster’s choice moment between guys?

This is really nice…

You got a thing for ducks? Is this like a fetish? You know, maybe something we need to devote some time to?

Sean: (finally speaking) Thought about what you said to me the other day. About my rankings…

Lee: uh huh…

Sean: Stayed up half the night thinking about it.

Something occurred to me…then I fell into a deep peaceful sleep and I haven’t thought about you since.

You know what occurred to me?

Lee: No.

Sean: You’re just a rook and you don’t have the faintest idea of what you’re talking about.

Lee: (condescendingly) Why thank you

Sean: That’s alright. You’ve never been off of cable. No redzone. No live look in.

Lee: Nope.

Sean: So if I asked you about players, you’d probably give me the skinny on every Howie Long or Curt Menefee player rant.

Aaron Rodgers. Bet you know a lot about him. Career stats. 4th quarter comebacks. Him and McCarthy…Olivia Munn…the whole thing right? But I bet you can’t tell me what it smells like in Lambeau Field. You’ve never actually stood there and looked down at that frozen tundra. Felt that.

If I asked you about defenses…you’d probably give me a syllabus of your personal favorites. You may have even had a punt return a few times…But you can’t tell me what it feels like to wake up, check your scores, and feel truly happy.

You’re a smart guy.

I ask you about TEs, you probably throw Rotoworld at me right? “High upside, boom or bust” – exhale laugh – but you’ve never feared one. You’ve never held your breath as Jordan Reed gets evaluated for another concussion for the third year in a row.

I ask you about WRs, probably quote me fantasy pros. But you’ve never looked at Antonio Brown and been totally vulnerable. Knowing someone that could carry your team alone. Feeling like God put an angel on earth, just for you. Who could rescue you from the depths of the waiver wire. And you wouldn’t know what it’s like to be his keeper. To have that love for him, be there forever. Through anything. Through Landry Jones. And you wouldn’t know about sitting up in a hotel on a West Coast business trip, waiting to plug him into the lineup, because your league members could see in your group chat that the term Pacific Standard Time, wasn’t going to let you lose.

You don’t know about real loss. Because that only occurs when you take a risk greater than a normal ADP. And I doubt you ever dared to take any flyer that deep. 

I look at you, I don’t see an intelligent, confident player. I see a cocky, scared shitless kid. But you’ve got game Lee, no one denies that. No one could possibly understand the depths of you. But you presume to know everything about me because you saw a mock draft of mine and you ripped my fucking life apart.

You’re a homer right? Like to take the guys from your own college.

(Lee nods softly)

You think I know the first thing about how hard you study, how much passion you have, or who you are because I saw the College Football Playoff? Does that encapsulate you?

Personally? I don’t give a shit about all that, because you know what…I can’t learn anything from you, I can’t read on some fucking reddit post. Unless you wanna talk about you…who you are…and I’m fascinated. I’m in. But you don’t wanna do that do you sport? You’re terrified of how many games you might lose.

Your move chief.

< Cut Scene >

[dontalk2melulu]

LOVE LETTER TO CHINA AND TO THOSE EYES THAT DIDN’T NEED TO MAKE ME FEEL SAFE, BECAUSE THEY MADE ME FEEL BRAVE.

Blog: China

When I was about to surrender, those brave squinty almond-shaped eyes were the source of my hope. They were sparkling amidst the dark. Someone had found me in that endless piece of land in that Buddhist Monastery. I was a foreign to that place, I feared that my impulsive decision, again, would become another of my regrets. But this knight with his bright flashlight came to my rescue and I am with him now with his friends in their place, trying to understand everyone’s English.

Xi Chung is his name, a professor in a university in their city in China. They’re on a vacation too here in India and they’re to go back to China tomorrow night. They are convincing me to go with them. And that, I suppose, is not a problem to me. I am still grateful to them, specially to Mr. Xi, for saving my life. I don’t owe them my life though. But I know they are safe people and my wallet says yes.

Fast forward because I’m running out of words –

China has become famous for having one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Modern skyscrapers seem to be popping up everyday. But, China is also a home to some of the oldest written records in history. The history of this country is quite unique and enticing. Learning all there is to know about China would take a lifetime. But here are 5 fascinating facts about China:

5 Fascinating Facts About China

1. China is the 4th largest country in the world. Even though it is only the 4th largest, it has the highest population in the world. According to the CIA World Factbook, in 2014 the population reached a number of 1, 355, 692, 576.

2. Red symbolizes happiness in China. If you have ever celebrated Chinese New Year you may have noticed that the color red can be found everywhere during this time. This is because red symbolizes happiness and good fortune. This is also the reason why red is banned at Chinese funerals.

3. Tea was discovered in China. Tea has been consumed for thousands of years in China and was often used as medicine.

4. China is home to the world’s largest canal. The Grand Canal, starting in Beijing, is the longest in the world at 1, 115 miles. The Unesco World Heritage Site is not the only world’s longest, but also oldest canal.

5. To many Westerners, Chinese literature remains a hidden seam in the rich strata of Chinese culture. As a matter of fact, it is a treasure of a very considerable number of brilliant and profound works as each dynasty, in the long history of China, has passed down its legacy of magnificent events and works.

Location: Tianjin Binhai Library

No one desires to be watched while they’re trying to read a book, but Tianjin Binhai Library makes an exception. The magnificent structure has a giant spherical auditorium in the middle that looks like a giant eye. “The Eye of Binhai” which they call it, covers 34, 000 million books. The library features a reading area on the ground floor, lounges areas in the middle sections and offices, meeting spaces, and computer/audio rooms at the top. And at this very moment, we’re here! I’m crying to my heart’s content because this place is one of the places I’ve been dreaming to go to. And I am now here, blinded by the white lights and astonishing books, millions of it.

Talking about the number 5 fascinating fact about China, that is Chinese Literature, let me discuss it further because I am in the mood.

Chinese Literature, for 3500 years, they have woven a variety of genres and forms encompassing poetry, essays, fiction and drama; each in its own way reflecting the social climate of its day through the high spirit of art. Chinese literature has its own values and tastes, its own reigning cultural tradition and its own critical system of theory. It has very ancient beginnings. It began about 5000 years ago and has recorded the dreams and visions of a people who number about half of all people of the world. The literary works include fiction, philosophical and religious works, poetry, and scientific writings. The dynastic eras frame the history of Chinese literature and are examined one by one. 

There are various dynasties of China and these are Shang Dynasty (earliest ruling dynasty and known for the advancement in Mathematics, astronomy, artwork, and military technology), Chou Dynasty (inked by political chaos as it followed a path from centralized monarchy to decentralized state authority and to imperial rule.), Ch’in Dynasty (introduced a range of reforms like standardized currency, weights, measures and a uniform system of writing, which aimed to unify the state and promote commerce), T’ang Dynasty (was a golden age of reform and cultural advancement), and Sung Dynasty (was known by delicacy and refinement even though inferior in terms of literary arts, however, great in learning).

Here are some notable works in Chinese Literature:

Analects

Analects is for Moral Guidelines. It is a collection of Confucius’s conversations and teachings that strongle emphasizes the importance of morality for the betterment of oneself and society in general.

Book of Songs/ Shih Ching

The earliest Chinese poetry started with the Shih Chong, a collection of poems of varying length, drawn from all ranksof Chinese society. In English, it’s called the Book of Song and sometimes The Odes. Shih means song-words and ching means classic or traditional.

Book of Changes / I Ching

Book of Changes/I Ching is a book that is thousands of years old. It has served as an all-encompassing philosophical treatise of the universe, a guide toward ethical living, a guidebook for ruling, and as an oracle for one’s personal life and psychic future.

Record of a Journey to the West

It is a Chinese novel published in the 16th century during the Ming dynasty. It is one of the Fur Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. It ahs been described as arguably the most popular literary work in East Asia.

Tao Te Ching

Tao Te Ching translates very roughly as “the way of integrity”. In its 81 vereses it delivers a treatise on how to live in the world with goodness and integrity: a vital kiind of wisdom in a world where a lot of poeple believe such a thing to be impossible.

One genre of Chinese literature is the folktale. Folktales are generally passed down from one generation to another and often take on the characteristics of the time and place in which they are told. Usually, folktales impart lessons or moral to readers. Just like the folktale of “The Trial of the Stone”. This folktale teaches us about hardwork, honesty, and justice. Ah Niew is a hardworking boy who lost his parents but lives with his grandma. Instead of grieving and losing all hope in his eyes, he worked hard to help her grandma sell her cakes, to live. This story shows us that honesty is vital to embed in our mind and that with it, we’ll never go wrong no matter what happens. Lastly, it portrays how justice prevails at the end, that it can be achieved by anyone so long as you’re in the right side and there are people who are willing to help.

The Analects, also known as the Analects of Confucius, is an ancient Chinese book composed of a large collection of sayings and ideas attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his contemporaries, traditionally believed to have been compiled and written by Confucius's followers.

“Filial piety”, in Confucian, is a virtue of respect for one’s parents, elders, and ancestors. To be more general, filial piety means to be good and take care of one’s parents, to engage in good conduct not just towards parents but also outside the home, to show respect and support, and to display courtesy. The filial concept that deference and respect ought to be given to older folks inside a family, and that there exists a defined hierarchy inside a familial structure, generally dependent on age and relation to other members. This concept is effortlessly transferred to political structures, and can be used to declare that one must know his place in society and show obedience, reverence, and respect to those higher ranks in the societal hierarchy, with the emperor at the very top.

Moreover, Confucian principles are still relevant today because the sayings relate legitimately to us on how to live a happier and more satisfying lives. It can give us guidance for how to carry on with our lives and how to treat others.

The Book of Odes by Shih Ching is also one of the notable works. The three famous poems included here are “A Friend Forgotten”, “Sorrow”, and “Old and New”.

There are cultural values that are portrayed in these three poems. In the poem, “A Friend Forgotten”, speaks about friendship. Friendship in China is a form of relationship that you need for survival. If you’re not useful anymore, you’re not a valued friend. You become an afterthought and eventually no thought at all. Meanwhile, in the second poem, “Sorrow”, speaks about departure. In China for decades, leaving the land was voluntary, as people moved to the cities for jobs. Lastly, the tone of Old and New is remorseful. The homes of well-off Chinese were built with a short tower which they can view people approaching. A dutiful wife would be expected to wait in the tower watching for her husband’s return.

Chinese poetry is much different than its Western counterpart. It is a three dimensional living thing that leaps off the page and enrobes you in its images and textures, leaving the reader with a memory that will be built upon by future poets. Arguably, the master of this type of writing was Tu Fu. His works are tinged with sadness and loss, longing and outrage, but also a deep understanding and appreciation of life despite its hardships.

The Little Rain by Tu Fu is about a new life, a fresh start full of hopes. The speaker suggests that if we were defaced by hardships and sufferings, we must face it courageously and make these as guidelines that will teach us to combat the approaching challenges and to survive in life.

It has always been fun and interesting to discover literary pieces and various cultures because it’s like ascending into a whole new world and that is a different kind of satisfaction. But, Chinese Literature is one of the most imaginative and interesting literatures in the entire world. The accuracy of the language results in flawless realized images whether in prose, poetry, and with all the remarkable literature from any culture, the themes are timeless.

**

It’s already 3 in the afternoon and we have to go and fill up our stomachs. Bye for now!

**

I fear that I don’t have time to share with you about the places here in China but I'll be posting some photos and here’s a love letter I’ve written:

China,

While it’s true that I’ve just been here for a week and that I came here because I feel indebted to the people who saved my life in India, I couldn’t help but to feel emotional for leaving your country. Your people might be hard to understand whenever they speak and I have to say, “Pardon?” all over again, they are good people, especially Mr. Xi and his friends that I adore so much. Without them, there’s no chance that I’d be here for once in my life because I was too afraid to set foot in here before for the fear that I will just feel small if I enter here. But I did. I was able to enjoy every second of my stay. With our trip to the Great Wall to Hutong food adventures, it’s an experience I’ll take with me forever.

The people I’ve met here I’d no chance to meet if I wasn’t once lost. These people taught me to see things that never occurred to me before. For those eyes, those brave squinty almond-shaped eyes that didn’t need to make me feel safe, because they made me feel brave, I’ll never forget.

I’ll be back for a visit someday before you realize I’m gone.

Now, I have to move on and continue my unknown journey. Don’t forget me, China. I won’t forget you. Farewell, China!

Love,

. Lou

[trecundiff]

5 Takeaways/Surprises From NFL Free Agency

With the draft only a few days away I thought it’d be the perfect time to discuss some of things that stood out to me most from the NFL Free Agency period.What moves stood out to me the most and what’s surprised me so far. This is a long one so let’s get right into it.

5) Stefon Diggs to the Bills

As a Vikings fan this one is somewhat near and dear to me. Diggs has been one of my favorite players on the team since he was drafted in the 5th round of the 2015 draft by the Vikings. I somewhat followed his career at Maryland during my younger years so when he came to the Vikings I was excited. It’s sad to see him go but it’s something I’ve been preparing myself for. I never felt he was completely happy in Minnesota, especially after the incident early last season when he missed a practice and was sending his cryptic tweets. He has a new home in Buffalo with the Bills after they sent a 2020 1st, 5th, 6th and a 2021 4th round pick to the Vikings for Diggs and a 2021 7th rounder. As much as I’ll miss seeing Diggs in the purple and gold, I’m pleased with the value the Vikings got for him and excited to see what they’ll do with the picks in the upcoming draft.

The grass may not be greener for Diggs who is coming off season with a career high in yards with Kirk Cousin. Now to be catching passes from Josh Allen, who is average at best, may show him what he’s leaving behind in Minnesota may have been the perfect situation for him. It’ll be interesting to see what he can do in the 2020 season, if there is a 2020 season.

4) Cam Newton and Jameis Winston are still jobless

The fact that these two guys are still without jobs is astounding to me. We can start with Jameis. The former #1 overall pick has had a pretty up and down career thus far. It would land him in a tier with the average, maybe a little above average, quarterbacks in the league. However, he did show glimpses of greatness last season, posting career highs in: yards ending the season with a league leading 5,109, yards per game averaging 319.3, and touchdowns with 33. But to go along with all that he added 30 interceptions, making him the first QB in NFL history to throw 30+ touchdowns and 30+ interceptions in the same season. Turnovers have been his achilles heel his whole career due to the unnecessary risks he sometimes takes with the football. With that being said, if I were a GM though I’d take a chance on him. Even if you don’t view him as your starter there’s no reason why a guy with his arm talent should be without a job when he’s shown he can make plays and win games while guys like Mitch Trubisky continue to skate by. There are a couple teams I’d say could use him somewhere on the roster.  Whether it’s a team like Miami, who doesn’t have a QB at all. Or I could see him as a backup in a few places, for example Pittsburgh backing up Big Ben Rothlesburger whose career is winding down or on a team like the Jets or Browns to put some pressure on their early round draft choices who haven’t produced much of anything. Or maybe he should go to the Colts (hint hint).

Cam Newton is a different story. There should no questions on if the 2011 #1 overall pick and 2015 MVP can still start in the NFL. The only question is will he be able to stay healthy. His last 2 seasons have ended prematurely due shoulder and foot surgery, which is unfortunate because he’s easily one of the most exciting players to watch in the league when healthy. In 2018, before his shoulder problems began, he was in the MVP conversation, if not the front runner. He’s had so much time off now I believe he’s finally 100% healthy and ready to get back to MVP form but what team will he play for is the question. This would never happen but I’d love for him to be able to go home and play for the Atlanta Falcons, with Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and new signee Todd Gurley. This would give Cam the offensive weapons around him that he’s lacked his whole career and make the Falcons truly dangerous. Way more dangerous than they are now with Matt Ryan, who I’ve been saying is overrated for a while now. But that’s a conversation for another day. But since that won’t happen I look at teams like the Chargers and, you may have guessed it, the Colts, as possible destinations.

I hope we see both of these guys suit up to play in 2020, it’d truly be a shame if we didn’t. Especially with players like the next guy on the list getting picked up. 

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2019/passing.htm

3) Philip Rivers to the Colts

I easily could have thrown this in the last section but I needed to give this one it’s own category. I feel like this one may not have made too many people’s list but this one really angered me when I saw it. I have respect for Philip Rivers, I love the way he plays the game, the attitude and intensity he brings to every game is truly admirable. But why do people think he’s so great? Especially now in 2020. As far back as I can remember Rivers has been in the league and that whole time he’s been praised while never winning anything. Over the course of his 16 year career he’s only led the league in passing once (2010), has never won MVP, never won the super bowl, he’s never even been to the super bowl and he’s only been to the playoffs 6 times with a 5-6 record. When I look at Rivers’ career as a whole he’s been average at best. I view him in the same light as Matt Ryan. Their teams seem to always have the talent to compete, are picked to be there at the end and almost always underperform. So for me to see 38 year old Philip Rivers signed by the Colts while 26 yr old Jameis Winston and 31 yr old Cam Newton are still free agents is sickening. Jameis, with 30 interceptions, still had a better season than Rivers in 2019, who finished 5-11 with 4615 yds, 23 tds and 20 ints. He was on the LA Chargers, who were a hot super bowl pick coming into last season, and finished last in their division. Cam Newton has taken his teams to playoffs nearly the same amount of times as Philip Rivers while being in the league nearly half the amount of time. I can’t seem to find the rationale behind the Colts signing him and I fear there may be an underlying reason that I’d hate to blame. Years ago you possibly could have justified their reasoning but in my eyes Rivers’ career is all but done. If he couldn’t get it done in LA with the weapons he had there I highly doubt he’ll be able to do anything with the few weapons he’ll have in Indianapolis. I guess we’ll have to wait and see what will happen for these 3 players in the upcoming season. Maybe Rivers can justify why he was signed over Jameis and Cam.

2) Brady and Gronk to the Bucs

Of course this had to be on the list and it moved up higher once Gronk decided to join Brady. Although I’m not a huge fan of the man, Tom Brady’s move from New England to play in Tampa Bay for the Buccaneers is one of the most interesting moves of the NFL offseason. On one hand I was completely shocked by the move. One because Tom Brady is synonymous with the Patriots organization, having been quarterback there nearly as long as I’ve been alive (he was drafted 2000, I was born 1999). He won 6 Super Bowls with the Patriots and the team always seemed to be in contention in his time there. I’m also stunned because of the destination he chose, nearly no one predicted he’d land in Tampa Bay until closer to the day his decision was announced. I kept hearing he’d be out in LA with the Chargers but he had other plans.

On the other hand there is also part of me that wasn’t too surprised by his decision to ultimately leave the Patriots. There was almost a feeling of inevitability to it when reports started to come in about him leaving New England. He’d been there, linked with Bill Belichick forever and I feel like they both want the opportunity to prove they can win without the other. In my eyes Belichick is more important to Brady than Brady is to Belichick. I’ve always felt like Belichick’s genius is the cause for Brady’s greatness. But we’ll just have to see how this season plays out because the Bucs have a squad.

Whether they kept Jameis or did bring in Brady, the Bucs offense has firepower with two Pro Bowl receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Now adding Gronk and it’s a pretty scary sight. I know Gronk only came back because of Brady but they have OJ Howard on roster as well, who’s a solid target at TE. It’ll be interesting to see what Gronk looks like after a year away from the game, will he be rusty or will he be rejuvenated? Only time will tell.

1) DeAndre Hopkins Trade/Bill O’Brien is completely clueless

This easily took the top spot for Free Agency 20202. The Houston Texans traded, arguably the best wide receiver in the league, DeAndre Hopkins and a 4th rd pick to the Arizona Cardinals for a 2nd rd pick, David Johnson and a 2021 4th rd pick. After reading what the Vikings were able to get for Stefon Diggs above you should see why this didn’t make much sense. Diggs is good but his production in his career doesn’t come close to what Hopkins has been able to do, there’s no reason the Texans didn’t get a 1st round pick for him. I’ve read many reports as to the reasoning why they decided to part ways and it seems to fall squarely on Bill O’Brien, who is not just the head coach but also the GM for whatever reason. The Texans have given him Belichick level power without him doing anything to earn it. He has a career win percentage of .529 as a head coach in the NFL, which is about average for current head coaches, but he’s never made it out of the 2nd round of the playoffs. Over the course of the past several years I have watched the Texans underperform time and time again. And I have to say that I believe Bill O’Brien is to blame. I have watched this man make so many nonsensical decisions between play calling and clock management. His situational awareness is terrible. Yet they gave this man the power to make allll the franchises decisions for the most part. The Texans do not have a first round pick in the 2020 or 2021 drafts after trading them to Miami for Laremy Tunsil and Kenny Stills last season. Which was way too much to give up if you ask me. Especially since they lost Jadeveon Clowney in the same deal and Laremy Tunsil may not even resign with them. They also traded for two running backs last season who played well so to add David Johnson, who had a horrible season last year, instead of sticking with what they had didn’t make much sense to me. David Johnson was coming off injury last year so I’ll cut him some slack. But Carlos Hyde played well last year and would have most likely been a cheaper alternative in the long run. Bill O’Brien should have jumped at that idea since cap space seems to be something concerning him and a contributing reason to why he says he traded D Hop.

But O’Brien was on a roll this off-season because not too long after trading Hopkins he signed Randall Cobb (predominantly a slot receiver) to a 3 yr, $27 million contract, with $18.75 guaranteed. That is waaaayyy too much money for Randall Cobb and he’s not going to come close to replacing what Hopkins gave them. They would have been better off just giving Hopkins more money, his connection with QB Deshaun Watson is special. Then O’Brien proceeded to send one of the team’s two 2nd rd picks to the Rams for Brandin Cooks. Which wasn’t a terrible move, but remember they don’t have a 1st rd pick this year. The two 2nd rd picks should have been used to help that struggling offensive line and defense in my eyes. But it had to be Bill O’Brien’s way as he continues to leave a sour taste in the mouths of Texan fans. I wouldn’t be surprised if Deshaun Watson didn’t resign when his contract is up.

I’m upset for Deshaun but I’m excited to see what D Hop will do in Arizona teaming up with last year’s offensive rookie of the year, Kyler Murray, breakout star from last season RB Kenyan Drake, Larry Fitzgerald (or Larry Legend as I like to call him) and Christian Kirk, this offense is going to be scary. 

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2870915-report-randall-cobb-texans-agree-to-3-year-27m-contract-after-hopkins-trade

https://www.footballdb.com/coaches/index.html

[theoppositeof-loves-indifference]

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!! So this year was awesome, the best!! I thank you so much guys for all the support with the cover and you have no idea how much your comments mean to me, so thank you, love you guys, and thanks to @elisadixz bc she supports me in everything, so gracias te amo hehe, thank to her The Lumineers followed me and resposted us and it was totally the best experience in my life and i'm glad i got the chance to share it with her. And i've posted some things that Jer, Neyla and Stelth have commented or replied that meant everything to me, and of course i gotta thank my favorite band, so thank you so much @thelumineers you make my life a whole lot better, thank you for every comment and like, you have no idea how much i appreciate it and thank you for being my biggest inspiration💕💕 And thank you to all my instagram friends, you are awesome too, and i hope i get to meet you some day!! And may this 2018 be full of blessings, good things and a lot of success, Happy New Year!!!!🎉🎉🎉 Btw, in the 4th photo under the link says "follows you" hehe #NewYear #2018

[worldjeongguk]

Smeraldo: What we know so far lol

The source code of the blog contains words like 스메랄도 = smeraldo and 석진꽃 = seokjin flower Ok, so the things I’m about to say are NOT PROVEN to have a relationship with BTS’s comeback, but the possibilities are high so stay with me cause I'll go quick in 5,6,7,8 (I’m so sorry)

THE STORY OF SMERALDO

credit to: @ / rosoidae on twitter! https://twitter.com/rosoidae 

There's a story called, 'La Città di smeraldo' that takes place in a small town in Italy in the 1500s-1600s. The story's about an 'ugly' man who hid in an old castle alone. Because of his looks he received lots of hate & cruelty while growing up, he never opened his heart to anyone. Whenever they tried to approach him, he hid in anger. His happiness was to plant flowers in his garden. 

One day a woman appeared near the man's castle. She jumped over the garden fence and stole a flower. this angered the man at first, so he watched his garden all night. But when he fell a sleep, the woman took another flower. This continued for several nights.

   The man pretended to be asleep and watched the woman steal a flower. He started becoming curious about the woman. He began waiting for her without realizing he kept waiting for her to come and the next day seemed a little brighter.

Following after her one day he realized that she was selling the flowers that she stole from him to make a living. The man desperately wanted to help the woman,  but he was afraid she would be terrified by the way he looks. He knew she would not love his 'grotesque' appearance.

   He came to a conclusion that the only way he would be able to help her is to let her continue stealing flowers from his garden.   The man decided to make a flower that doesn't exist on the planet, so that the woman could sell them at an expensive price.  

He began to make the flower in his castle. After many unsuccessful attempts, the man made a flower that didn't exist and filled his garden,but the woman stopped coming. No matter how long he waited, she never came to his garden. He eventually found out that the woman had died.

BigHit representatives revealed that bts' next comeback's theme will be about loving yourself. In the story the man did not love himself.   If he had loved himself he could have showed his face to the woman, and helped her before she had passed away.

THE RELATION TO BTS’S COMEBACK! (This is messy pls stay with me lol. AGAIN: CREDITS TO ALL OWNERS, MESSAGE ME IF YOU WANT ME TO TAKE IT DOWN! :))  For the upcoming paragraph, credits to: @ / rosoidae on Twitter

 Jin tweeted a selca today, holding the Smeraldo flowers. These flowers were, according to a screenshot, discovered on june 12, 2013; the day of BTS’s debut showcase stage.  The screenshot:

It's  석진시 (seokjin o'clock = 12:04 because his birthday is december 4th) at the top of this screenshot (credits to @ /  xuichi on Twitter)

On Instagram, there is an account called flowersmeraldo (https://www.instagram.com/flowersmeraldo/)

It has posted a picture, that says in korean: “The true feelings that could not be expressed” The handwriting looks oddly like Jin’s writing, check for yourself:

This account is believed to be owned by BTS, posting hints.

With the (fake) discovery of this smeraldo flower, the florist "Testesso" is gonna "open" a flower shop mid-september, I smell a comeback. (Check their captions and bio for more info since my Korean is very very poor!) 

The name of the blog is “te stesso”. If you translate the Italian phrase: “Ama te stesso” into English, you get “love yourself.” Haven’t we heard this before, guys? 

In every post, there’s a link to a certain website: www.flowersmeraldo.com This website leads you to a Korean Naver blog, which is also (obviously) believed to be owned by BTS.

The name of the blog is “te stesso”. If you translate the Italian phrase: “Ama te stesso” into English, you get “love yourself.” Haven’t we heard this before, guys?  Also,the meaning of the Smeraldo flower is "non potevo dire la verità,” which means "i couldn't tell the truth" or "the truth i couldn't tell.” They also have that phrase repeated on both the IG page and the blog itself.

Apparently Hobi once posted the source of the blog, and 

( credits to @ / ctrlbeat on twitter!) (upcoming info completely comes from their account!)

the source code of the blog contains words like:

 스메랄도 = smeraldo, and

석진꽃 = seokjin flower

The blog posted an event asking people to submit stories with confessions to family or anyone and 7 people's stories will be relayed. The winner’s will receive a special gift (Apparently a bouquet and a card or something? I’m not sure and also tired)

The stories have to be emailed and submitted before august 15th, 10pm kst. The last Bon Voyage episode also happens to be on this day. Maybe it’s a special date? :)

There are 7 episodes on the blog explaining the history of Smeraldo and the 5th mentions a "William Ashbless" who is a fictional character, and a poet. The fictional William Ashbless from Italy created playing cards and the blog mentions "The flower card", influenced by Smeraldo flowers.  

The Smeraldo flowers were supposedly discovered in "La Città di smeraldo" = "The emerald city", commonly known from Wizard of Oz.

Lastly, this blog was created july 4, 2017, on the same day the BTS logo video was released.

 THE SMERALDO ACADEMY // FACEBOOK

It’s about to get even more confusing, I’m so sorry~

Well, The Smeraldo Acadamey, TSA for short, is a fictional academy. The academy was originally founded on sept. 12th 2013, on Rap Monster’s birthday. The first attendee was ‘Inbloom BTS’ Screenshot:

 As you can see in the screenshot, their fourth anniversary is this year. So is BTS’s. Coincidence? I think not. 

if you email academysmeraldo@gmail (from the TSA FaceBook page) you get a reply from "Ashbless Will"

On the FaceBook page, there is also a post about Hawaii. Bon Voyage, I guess?

(credits to user @ / nvrwlkln on Twitter) 

Here is the conference schedule:

(credits to user @ / beiataehung on Twitter)  

RANDOM CLUES!

We have arrived at the last paragraph of my longest post in the history of Tumblr, I’m proud of you for getting through all that!

The flowers on the edges of HYYH part 1 and 2, may be Smeraldo’s.

(credits to user @ / shinebrightRM on Twitter!)

In the I Need U MV, do you guys remember Jin holding flower petals. Right. You see where I’m taking this. Also, they used EXACTLY the same flowers/flower petals in the I Need U shoot. Here are some pictures:

(credits to user @ / namjoonned on Twitter!)

There’s also a Twitter account to match the blog and the Instagram account, https://twitter.com/FlowerSmeraldo . This account has posted something just 11 hours ago. Sadly enough I can’t really read Korean. Their last post said something about being open in September (I can SMELL a comeback)

(END OF POST. ALL CREDITS GO TO ORIGINAL OWNERS. I CLAIM NOTHING OF THE ABOVE AS MY OWN (despite the shit that I figured out myself thx). IF YOU WANT ME TO REMOVE STH, MESSAGE ME! I WILL REMOVE YOUR CONTENT! THANKS FOR SHARING THIS INFO WITH US!

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE OFFICIALLY MADE IT TO THE END AND AS OF NOW, YOU ARE COMPLETELY UPDATED ON THE ONGOING THEORIES! I hoped you enjoyed reading it because I put A LOT of time and effort into translating, looking up, and overall typing to create this post. Let me know what you think about their upcoming comeback, because I’m super excited :)

And to BTS, if you’re reading this you owe me some aspirins (and some love) because I got a headache of all this typing damnit i love you bye

[jennibeultimate]

Personal recap Worlds 2018 Ladies FS

Omg! I cannot believe what I just saw!!! This was unexpected and I am still in shock! Could not quite belive my eyes! 😱😱😱😱😱

So happy for Kaetlyn, Wakaba and Satoko, but wow this was unexpected! ❤ Congrats to our new World Champion Kaetlyn Osmond! And congrats to the sweet Japanese Ladies! ❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

And 3 spots for Japan next Worlds! Yesss!

Kaetlyn and Wakaba were the shining stars in this FS! 👏👏👏👏 So good, both of them near perfection!

I think Satoko did not expect to get the medal at all, but I am happy for her, coming back so strong after her injury and having this good season. I like the way she skates. (I may never be a fan of her jumps though).

Alina Zagitova was just heartbreaking to watch 😢 She really fought hard, trying to add the 3Lo after another jump, but nothing worked for her. In the warm-up everything was as usual, so no one could expect this bad skate. And suddenly her PCS dropped extremely compared to the Olympics. You can really see what having a clean skate does to your PCS. She fought hard to hold back tears and could not in the end. I am so sorry for her, she will get lots of negative comments for this. Poor Alina and she was even lucky that she did place 5th, one place lower and Russia would not even get the 3rd spot. Maria Sotskova and Stanislava Konstantinova were also performing below their potential. A black day for Russia!

Oh Carolina this FS was maybe not the most horrific of the season, but far from the best either. Her TES would put her into 13th, not even a 3+3 combo. The pressure must have been so high, the whole arena was electric when she skated. Of course many Italian fans in the arena. Her PCS are a story on its own, highest PCS for what? Wakaba and Kaetlyn were much better. What a homecrowd bonus…she is really great when she is on, but today she was off. And people sitting around me were even mad that she did not medal 😑 They have no clue about FS, but anyway Caro was lucky to get into 4th. My respect for her is really high though, staying around in the Top 10 for so long is a big achievement and she is a great skater, so whatever her way is from now on I wish her all the best.

One big shoutout to Loena Hendrickx who brought the house down and had a clean wonderful program! 👏👏👏👏

Congrats on Nicole Schott for ending her season with a 13th place! Beside the fall a very good performance for her! 😊

Actually these were all performances that stayed in my head as memorable.

[woollyslisterblog]

1834 May Tuesday 6th (part two)

- let[ter] this ev[enin]g 3 pp fr[om] M-[Mariana] Leam[in]gton dat[e]d the 4th inst[ant] tho[ugh] she h[a]s n[o]t writ[ten] she const[antly] th[ou]ght of me

‘I have forborne to wr[ite] as I fear[e]d to let my pap[e]r carry you the full[ne]ss w[hi]ch has nev[e]r ceas[e]d to press up[on] on my heart s[in]ce I rec[eive]d the let[ter] of the 15th of Ap[ril] I can't rem[ai]n long[e]r silent b[u]t will endeav[ou]r to foreb[ea]r writ[in]g an[y]th[in]g w[hi]ch can eith[e]r, annoy, or ma[ke] you th[in]k me mo[re] weak than you yet ha[ve] suppos[e]d me - Besides, all this, y[ou]r happiness is ver[y], ver[y] d[ea]r to me, and aft[e]r all the y[ea]rs you ha[ve] sacrifice[e]d to me, I ought ind[eed] to rejoice that your days of solitude are draw[in]g to a close - I don't apprehend that mine will ev[e]r co[me] , as I ha[ve] lit[tle] doubt b[u]t that the quiet ch[ur]ch at Lawton will rec[eive] he last of me, long bef[ore] an[y] oth[e]r change ta[kes] pl[a]ce in the fam[il]y - b[u]t if so, I am, as I ha[ve] alw[a]ys express[e]d mys[elf] to you , ent[irel]y satisf[ie]d that su[c]h sh[oul]d be the case, and now, I ha[ve] an addit[iona]l reas[o]n for the feel[in]g - b[u]t I will n[o]t wr[ite] yours[elf] bec[ause]I really am thankful to bel[ieve] you are as happy as I can desire -

Your having taken another to your bosom has not left vacant your place in Mary's heart. You have it too long and too exclusively to be brushed aside by any other. Fresh interest may squeeze themselves pretty closely by the side but they have not not and cannot encroach that my happiness is dear to you, I well know. Surely we neither of us can forget ‘if the sunshine of love has illumined our youth the moonlight of friendship may at last console our decline’ Let fate do her worst; there are remembrances of the past of which she cannot rob me this often steal to my heart and perhaps scatter away the darkest clouds -b[u]t Freddy , d[ea]r[e]st Freddy so[me]how I feel awkw[ar]d in writ[in]g to you I kno[w] n[o]t that I wr[ite] for you alone, and the th[ou]ght discomf[or]ts me ev[e]n th[ou]gh my let[ter]s m[i]ght be hung on the ch[ur]ch door - gi[ve] a faithful ans[we]r to this part of my let[ter] -

go[in]g to Lawt[o]n as yest[erday] for a week - on acc[oun]t of his schools and “bec[ause] change of air Mr. Pritchard thinks will do me good’- the holidays beg[i]n on the 20th prox[im]o and they are to rec[eive] the boys (Lawton's) at Leam[in]gton - mentions the Cam[ero]ns go[in]g away for the sum[me]r ‘ I shall finish my let[ter] here, for my th[ou]ghts will run in one channel- as I am qui[te] sure your und[e]rtak[in]gs are found[e]d on reas[o]n, it is b[u]t rath[e]r to ha[ve] lit[tle] doubt of their success - may heav[e]n ev[e]r bless you and pres[erve] you and be assur[e]d that I deep[e]r feel their assurances of pres[en]t and fut[ure] reg[ar]d - n[o]t less than ever affect[ionatel]y yours Mariana’ -

She writes as if too bitterly repenting the deed of her own doing as if much attached to me as ever how strangely inconsistent her conduct has been still by her own showing I am right ‘Virtutem incolumeum odimus sublatam in oculus invidi querimus’ – Poor Mary! She traded h[e]r happ[ine]ss for gold; and the pr[ice] was fatally too dear – wr[ote] all the ab[ov]e of today till 11 3/4 - fine day, rath[e]r dullish -fort[unatel]y for my ev[e]rgreens n[o]t m[u]ch sun - F62° now at 11 3/4 p.m. - W[illia]m Green told me today Jos[e]ph Wilkins[o]n s[ai]d he w[oul]d gi[ve] h[i]m as m[u]ch for his cot[tage] as I w[oul]d (£100 offer[e]d 94 before) and w[oul]d like me to let h[i]m and his wife ha[ve] it their joint lives at £5 per ann[um] - refus[e]d to enfranchise it (leasehold) - w[oul]d be oblig[e]d to me to let h[i]m ha[ve] it - or I h[a]d bet[ter] buy the f[iel]d it st[a]nds in - told W[illia]m to inq[uire] wh[a]t pr[ice] he w[oul]d ta[ke] for the f[iel]d - w[oul]d gi[ve] its worth, b[u]t n[o]t mo[re] and th[ou]ght W[illia]m h[a]d bet[ter] sell his cott[age] to me than to J[oseph] W[ilkinson] -

The quote is from Horace and pedestrianly translated means, “we hate virtue uninjured, but when hidden from view, even envy seeks it out.” (go find a better latin translator than me). I rather like repented Mariana, her regret is palpable.

[warlordvonmjolner-blog]

May the 4th be with you!!!! 4 de Mayo.... que la Fuerza te acompañe!!!! Happy Star Wars day!!!! Celebrando el dia de La Guerra de las Galaxias!!!! #maythe4thbewithyou https://www.instagram.com/p/BxChFmuB9ffuhLFosqExVQRVyCm3bRUKG537Kw0/?igshid=1kutnahaiw6he