#how am i allegedly getting double coverage yet no coverage
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really awesome that my health insurance denied a claim because I have “other coverage” that does not exist and they need me to cancel my “other policy” through a company I don’t even have an ID# for
#work benefits gave me a letter of proof that I don’t have coverage. school just sent me a letter of proof that I don’t have coverage. like#what is happening here ladykins#how am i allegedly getting double coverage yet no coverage#anyway. free my mans
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So, in Brazilian contribution to abortion-related news feeding your current urge to carve your eyes out with a spoon, actress Klara Castanho was forced to reveal she was raped after suffering vicious attacks online for giving the resulting baby up for adoption.

The 21 year old actress became a trending topic on Brazilian Twitter after gossip columnist Leo Dias, gossip YouTuber Dri Paz, and Youtuber-cum-right-wing politician Antonia Fontanelle outed her, allegedly receiving the scoop from a nurse from the hospital where Castanho gave birth, who breached secrecy and broke work ethic conduct. Fontanelle and Paz claimed she had an affair with a married man, hid her pregnancy from fans, didn't even want to look at the baby's face, and abandoned a vulnerable, speaking about it with explicit contempt and claiming "disgust" about it. Their coverage of the case fueled online speculation on the actress's personal life, as well as slut-shaming and accusations against her person, of "irresponsibility", "inhumanity", "abandonment", etc.
Klara posted an open letter on Instagram revealing she had been raped, took a morning after pill, had a regular menstrual cycle and didn't gain weight or have her belly grow, and yet found out she was pregnant in a very advanced stage. As if she hadn't been violated enough, her doctor treated her like trash, forcing her to hear the baby's heartbeat, saying they had half of her DNA and that she would be forced to love them, and refusing to back down even after she explained she had been raped.
She got in touch with a lawyer and started all legal processes to have the baby be directly adopted by a family in the hospital right after birth, which is backed up by law and endorsed by adoption activists. "I was still trying to pick up the pieces when I had to deal with the information of having a baby.", she wrote on her open letter. "A baby born from a violence that destroyed me as a woman. I was not (and am not) emotionally able to give this child the love, care, and everything they deserve. Between the moment I found out about the pregnancy and the delivery, few days passed. It was too much to process, to accept, and I took the attitude that I consider more dignified and humane."
She continues: "On the day the child was born, I, still anesthetized from postpartum, was approached by a nurse who was in the operating room. She asked questions and threatened: 'imagine if this columnist discovers this story'. I was inside a hospital, a place that was supposed to welcome and protect me. When I got to the room, there were already messages from the columnist, with all the information. He just didn't know about the rape. I was still under the anesthesia."
Both this gossip columnist [she didn't name him, but Leo Dias was mentioned by Antonia Fontenelle, who first published about the pregnancy and adoption] and another who approached her days later, upon being told about the rape, promised not to publish the scoop. Well, look how that turned out.
Oh, and Antonia Fontanelle and Dri Paz? They've both doubled down on their actions. Fontanelle (who's a bolsonarist candidate for federal deputy for the Republicans party, same that hosts the pastor-cum-Rio mayor Marcelo Crivella – who sent cops to confiscate LGBT+ books from a book fair due to a Marvel comic gay kiss – and is linked to the ultra-Evangelical Universal Church of the Kingdom of God) said "what does that have got to do with me?", and that she doesn't understand "why people are all so uptight" with her for "having had the courage to mention a monstrous story". "Giving birth to a child and not wanting to see them and having them thrown to chance is a crime, yes. Only those who have never been to a shelter find this adoption little tale cute." The child is not going to be in a shelter, they've already been adopted. Nonetheless, Antonia called it "abandonment of a vulnerable person". Dri Paz, furthermore, accused Castalho of lying about the rape. After getting roasted online for it, she deleted the video and apologized for buying into 'fake news'. Leo Dias, in an interview with conservative comedian Danilo Gentilli, didn't mention the actress by name, but said "big karma" was coming for her, that the story in which he was "in dilemma" about reporting involved "cruelty". After the published letter, he said he had known about the case for a while and had decided not to report about it, and called the situation "an opportunity to rethink". The freaking baby themself got doxxed, with someone publishing their sex, weight, time and date of birth, and name of hospital.
After Klara Castanho published her open letter, she's been thankfully getting massive support from fellow celebrities, politicians, and average internet users alike, and Fontanelle, Paz, and Dias have been getting their fair share of criticism. However, none of that undoes all the violence Klara suffered, from the rape to the asshole doctor to the asshole nurse to the asshole professional gossipers to the asshole internet users.
This, mind ya, is from the same week Roe V Wade was overturned and it's been revealed that a 11 year old raped girl in Brazil was pressured and kept in a shelter by a judge for weeks to be stopped from having her lawful and rightful abortion. Anti-abortion activists love touting adoption as alternative and solution, but the vicious attacks suffered by Klara for doing exactly what they claim should be done show that it's never been about being pro-life, it's always been about control and forced motherhood.
(x)
#feminism#politics#brazil#klara castanho#abortion#brazilian politics#adoption#antonia fontenelle#originals#mod nise da silveira#image description in alt#sorry for the text being angrier than usual but i won't even attempt to make the text neutral this time it's just impossible#it's just been A Week and even I need to vent#reproductive rights
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SSSSStakeout
Stakeout. Baltimore. Not an X file. Skinner had assigned them.
He called them in the day before. Immediately, he had Scully’s complete undivided attention. Mulder was predictably peevish. Pouting. God, why was he always like this?
“You have been carefully selected to be part of this team. The human trafficking task force here in DC has been working to get these guys for two years.”
“It’s just that, Sir, we’re the only two agents assigned to the X files. What if a case comes up while we’re on this other thing?”
“Mulder. Last week I found you a mutant in California. Don’t be a pain in the ass. We’re closing in on arrests here. And we need experienced agents. It’s only a couple days. One mistake could make it all go boom.”
Scully was raking him over, pinning him with some serious side eye. Skinner shut up and ducked down to pretend to get something from a bottom desk drawer. Allowing her the space to persuade him with those peepers. God knows they had worked him over once or twice. Maybe three times. Jeepers creepers.
These two. He was something. But she, she, she? She was something else.
Skinner’d gone to high school with a kid named Brett Miller who was a freakishly good athlete. And he played basketball with this guy. Class of 1970 and to this day, he still held a handful of school records. He’d gotten a full ride at Villanova then played a couple of years in the NBA, plus ten more overseas. Their coach was old school, never one for gratuitous praise. He ran their asses off in practice, had them drill on defense ninety percent of the time.
One day they were working on mastering a full court trap press. Nobody was supposed to shoot the ball. An inviolable rule. But Brett, once he quit holding back, he singlehandedly broke the press with ease. Then he skittered out of double coverage with a behind the back dribble and launched a shot from forty feet. When the ball was in the air, everybody gasped. Then it fell through the hoop, nothing but net. Brett fell to his knees and grabbed his head.
“Sorry, Coach. Sorry guys,” he said, and fell down prostrate on the court. “Glad he’s on our team,” their coach quipped. Gruff old guy.
Then had them all run five suicides before sending Brett to the showers and resetting the press. Supposedly it was a punishment, but Skinner knew even then that coach wanted them to practice against normal human boys. They won a state championship six weeks later.
That’s how Skinner felt about Mulder and Scully. They tended to muck things up. But all in all, he was glad they were on his team.
“OK, Sir.” Mulder said, when Skinner was back in his seat and facing them thirty seconds later. He was gripping the arms of his chair.
Scully nodded. She’d won this round. And she’d seemed relieved and pleased, Skinner thought, her pigheaded partner had knuckled under.
Thirty-six hours later, they sat on a squalid block in outside a row of strip clubs. One way street, narrow and dim. Parked in a ‘68 Mustang (special issue motor pool) equidistant from three pertinent businesses demarked by tawdry awnings inked in flagrant fonts: Norma Jean’s, Pussycat, and Club Hustler.
Fifty yards from the front entrance of the Charm City Suites, with a view also of an emergency exit up a narrow alley. Eyes trained on doors, tracking comings and goings. Nothing yet.
Inside, a trio of Albanian bad guys were allegedly holding between ten and twelve women from all corners of the globe against their will. Seduced with promises of opportunity and liberty, then stowed, stashed, and shifted to this small seamy corner of the supposedly free world. They were displaced and disempowered, lacking a common language or a lay of the land. Forced into rough trade.
It was a delicate operation. These guys had reach, and assets, a dozen identities between them and links with organized crime, plenty of cash in offshore accounts. If they were tipped, they’d simply disappear. Never be brought to justice.
Not a X file. But a handful of real assholes who needed to be off the streets. He knew this. Lately, he’d been trying to, you know, grow up. With the new year coming up, hell, a new Millenium in fact, he was considering a resolution. Change is hard.
They had drawn the midnight to 8 am shift. Their cover was, she was a dancer at Norma Jeans, and he was her boyfriend. If the subjects —they had extensive dossiers on all three— took interest or noticed them, she was on a break, visiting with him outside in his car.
She was Scarlett, he was Mulcahey. That was it. They were to improvise from there, as necessary. There were lone agents posted in all three titty bars, plus a pair staying in the hotel, all original members of the task force.
Scully was next to him, an arm’s length away across the bench seat of this seriously sweet ride. Not that he was a car guy, but Gawd.
Two hours in, a silence had settled between them. Not uncomfortable. Scantily clad as per their cover, she hummed as a shiver ran through her. Mulder eyeballed her and turned over the key. The engine roared to life. Soon a weak plume of heat seeped out from the floorboards and pooled around their ankles.
“If we could take her for a spin, I could warm you up properly, Scully.”
She quirked an eyebrow at him.
“What? V eight and all. Kind of irksome, just to have to sit here idling. Makes me feel... impotent.”
Beside him, huddled around her cup of lukewarm coffee procured on the way over, she began to shiver.
“Aw, Scully. Crap.”
He stripped off his black leather jacket and she sat up, allowing him to drape it over her shoulders. He still wore several layers. A long sleeved slub cotton white v neck tee, a chambray dress shirt, slippery and moss green. Stiff jeans dyed dark indigo. Black boots.
She eyed his outfit. Shook her head. Unfair. She wore only a leopard print mini dress. Straight from central casting. Really.
“Thanks,” she said, glad for the warmth. And the masculine creak, the almost alive redolence of hide. She snuffed her nose against the collar, breathed him in. Thought of his sofa.
“Skinner warned us,” he said, imitating him. “This is not a warm body stakeout, Agents.” She smothered a laugh.
This pleased him. He smiled.
Read the rest at Ao3
#msr#x files#msr fanfic#today in fic#xf rewatch#the x files#xfiles#mulder x scully#season of secret sex#mulder and scully#x files fanfiction#the x files fanfic
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CHAPTER WARNINGS: Grinding, foot play, exploring, cock worship.
=Chapter 9
Once they had regained the familiar surroundings of the bus and were making their way through local streets toward the highway - Interstate 55 South, as he had confirmed for them - Weiss felt more like she could relax. Of course, Yang was still on cloud nine from the restaurant, and reconnecting with Blake. But she couldn't keep herself from remarking on that situation.
"So," she said as she deposited her boots in her room. "You and Blake seemed to pick up right where you left off."
Sitting herself down to unzip her own, Yang could only sigh contentedly. It was true; she was far happier with her former friend now a current friend, and for having been able to unload all her inner thoughts to someone other than her client or her sister.
"Yeah." She grinned, kicking the boots off under the table. "I'm just so glad to have her back in my life, y’know?"
"I'm sure you are." Sitting primly in a seat somewhat close to her bodyguard, she crossed her legs and bobbed her calf up and down anxiously. Hopefully, the anxiety was baseless, but she had to make sure – and could tease her along the way. "You seemed a lot more comfortable hugging her than you did with whatever we were doing under the table."
At last, Yang was beginning to click on to what she was saying. With a quick glance toward the driver's cabin, solely to make sure the door for it was closed, she looked back over with a slight blush emerging. "Well, uh… yeah. Hugging a friend isn’t exactly grabbing her and running off to the bathroom for a quickie."
"You sure that's all it was? Hugging an old friend?" Weiss's glance looked casual, but clearly she was sizing Yang up – trying to tell how she was reacting. Seeing the blush in her cheeks at mentioning her teasing in the restaurant discouraged her from being more mean than was necessary.
"Why, someone getting jealous?" Even though she began to smirk when she looked back to the diva again, she saw that her expression was unchanged. She wasn't impressed. At all. Yang felt her confidence draining away once again as she hunched her shoulders. "C’mon, Weiss, we haven't seen each other for four whole years. Of course I was happy to see her again!"
"Well, you didn't have to hug her for so long." Even Weiss heard the petulance in her own voice that time; tossing her head, she sighed and said, "I'm glad you got back in contact. But it did make me wonder why you started the 'teasing war' right in front of her if you didn't want to keep it going."
"Y'really wanna know why I gave up so easy?" she asked, yet again double-checking the driver's door. Of course it wouldn't open within the space of a few seconds while they were barrelling down the interstate, but even so, this was now more than press coverage that was on the line. If the driver caught them discussing such things, there was nothing stopping him relaying it to Weiss's father – Yang's boss’s boss.
Once assured of their safety, she looked over again, an obvious redness to her cheeks. "Because I knew if I didn’t cut you off somehow, I wasn’t gonna be able to stand up to leave…"
That was the second time she had glanced toward the door to the driver's area. Lowering her voice, Weiss leaned in and said in a perfectly even tone, "You know, he can't walk right back here while he's driving the damn bus. But… we can lock the door if it'll make you more comfortable. I totally understand."
Yang laughed lightly at that comment. "It's not so much me mentioning it that's the problem, it's if he suspects we're fucking. Which, I know we're not, but locking the door isn't exactly gonna deflect a rumour, y'know?"
"That is true…" Her smile was lopsided, shy. Uncertain. "Do I really wake… him up that easily? I was just reacting to you grabbing my rear end, not trying to… to create a problem for you or anything."
Gradually, that confidence was beginning to come back. Even if she was obviously blushing. Pushing her chair up closer toward Weiss, she casually leaned in, resting her elbow on the table, head on her hand.
"I think you know how easy you wake him up, considering it only took what, two minutes of you on my lap?"
Pursing her lips, she turned a bit more toward Yang as she crossed her arms over her chest. An idea was coming to mind; a stupid one, but it was worth a shot. It would hurt so little if she turned out to be mistaken. "Really? It takes that little, does it?"
Then she raised the leg that was already crossed over the other until her toes were lightly brushing Yang's outer thigh. First steps; testing the waters.
Beginning to blush once more, Yang stared downward in mild shock at this developement. Said area of her leg was exposed, thanks to the shorts, so she felt the smoothness of her skin easily. Why was this feeling so good already? With a foot, of all things! Yang’s hands clasped the sides of the chair, as if bracing herself for what was to happen.
"Well… it depends who I'm with, too."
Seeing that it was actually working, Weiss smirked even more. "It being me makes that much difference?"
Slowly, her ankle raised over that thigh so her toes could tease the opposite one – on its inside. That easily, the first signs were showing; Yang's breath was starting to become shaky as she looked on, trying not to overreact. Unconsciously, she found her legs were also beginning to part, giving her more of an advantage, should she want to seize it.
As she felt the heat beginning to gather below, she swallowed, muttering under her breath, "It definitely does."
"This isn't as bad, though, is it?" Weiss asked as she continued to pet along the firm muscle, feeling soft, creamy flesh give so easily under her touch. "I mean, it's just my foot; nothing important."
But sure enough, as time progressed, it was starting to become more and more visible. And as one particular stroke upward went that bit further than the rest, Yang found herself beginning to shuffle her hips side to side. Although she was trying to make it less noticeable, it was having the opposite effect.
At long last, given that Weiss kept glancing at where she was petting to make sure she didn't accidentally scratch Yang or anything, she noticed the growing condition and raised an eyebrow at her. "Or… do you have a thing?"
“N-no, come on,” she laughed nervously, trying to play it cool. “Not me.”
“Somebody says otherwise,” Weiss purred, poking it very gently with her big toe. “Look how huge it’s getting.”
Tensing her grip in the chair, and curling her own toes against the rug, Yang was clearly trying to hold out for longer. But her temptress was simply too naturally adept! So much for taking this steady and playing safe. All she wanted to do was return the favour, take Weiss to the bedroom and show her what it was like to be teased… but that had to come on her own terms. Yang was playing it safe, allowing Weiss to call the shots on how far to go. After all, she was the virgin.
But that didn't mean she couldn't try and tempt her back. Perhaps one confession could start it. "This is only… semi…"
"Semi what?" Then she caught on, and her eyes went back to the shorts. "That's y-you at only, um… 'half-mast'?! Wow. I am impressed." Her cheeks pinkened slightly, even if they were nowhere near as red as Yang's. Then she licked her lips and pushed her foot over until it was just barely half an inch from the "semi" itself. "So… can I?"
This was the stage they were at last time: Weiss exploring. Sure, it was with her foot this time, but it was still the time when Yang managed to screw everything up by making assumptions. Not this time.
Parting her legs that bit further, she gave a small nod, half-closing her eyes and awaiting her fate.
So Weiss did something she had never expected to do in her life, whether it be for a man or for a special type of woman: pressed her sole gently against a budding erection. Even though it wasn't with her hand, which would have been a much better judge of sensation but also a lot more forward of her, she could still feel how rigid it was, appreciate the cylindrical shape of the shaft. Her toes curled gently against the tip, and though she couldn't feel any fine details she could at least figure out where it ended. Her heel pushed into the buoyant sack very slightly, but she made sure not to grind any harder; allegedly, it was highly sensitive and should not be injured.
The sound that followed was one Weiss had heard most clearly when she was last sat on Yang's lap, grinding against the erection without her knowledge: a low, ill-restrained moan. And this was just Weiss's foot grinding against her! By instinct, she found her hips beginning to move forward, grinding the foot against her ever-growing sex as it became even firmer. Already, she was able to feel herself getting close to full strength. It really wouldn't be long at all.
Weiss found herself gulping when she could literally feel the cock hardening, and could feel Yang thrusting against her. It was turning her on. Having her damn foot dry-humped was actually pushing her buttons, crazy as that was!
"You like that?" she breathed nervously. "Well… there's more where that came from." Then, hoping she wasn't making a mistake, she lifted her other leg and trapped Yang's near-hard anatomy between both feet, pressing in just enough to give her something to thrust against.
"Holy shit…" Yang managed to mutter. Once more came the moaning as more pressure was added, and Yang had to firmly plant her feet on the ground to begin to thrust back against the soft-yet-firm resistence. She didn't just like it. Against all odds, even though it was such an unexpected part of Weiss’s body, she loved it.
But such a love was only going to test their limits further. Even if it would be unintentional. She felt Weiss's toes curl on occasion with each thrust, and one such time, they managed to hook the top of her waistband. And alongside that, the pressure was moving the garment of her underwear against her. Finally, on one thrust when Weiss's toes pushed the band down that little bit, Yang's eyes suddenly snapped open wide when she felt something slip.
The very tip of 'him' had gotten loose.
Weiss noticed right around the time Yang did; she had been concentrating on the area so intently that she instantly noticed a small, reddish head peeking over the edge of the black waistband. They had both stopped their movements as it dawned on them what this meant: not everything was theoretical, or concealed, anymore.
"O-oh," Weiss finally breathed. "Well… there 'he' is."
Yang's hands left the sides of the chair, and went straight to cover her face instead. Along with the obvious arousal, she could only feel embarrassment. "I'm so sorry," she muttered, shuffling her hips again in some attempt to try and move her shorts back up.
"No, no," she breathed, touching the very tip with the same big toe she had poked her with before. "You're fine – it's… it's f-fine." Though she heard the nerves in her own voice, so she cleared her throat as she caressed down its entire length, most of it through the fabric. "Well… that is, I have been curious about seeing more…"
Although she didn't show her face, there was a quiet squeak when she felt her touching the head. Her own toes simply curled into the ground, somehow trying to blot out all the sensations that were all coming at once.
"N-no fair…"
Paying attention to every last involuntary reaction, Weiss finally lowered her feet and scooted forward until she was sitting right between Yang's knees, close but not too close. Her hands fell to laying gently on the tops of her bodyguard's thighs.
"Yang… are you sure you're okay with this? Because you're obviously turned on, but you also seem like you wanna throw up."
Finally, Yang was able to slow her breathing down, calming herself to a point when she could think. After all, that was extremely difficult when she had two teasing tootsies in her lap! When she was finally calm, she was able to uncover her face again, slowly looking up to the blue eyes that were gauging her reaction.
"I know… God, I'm sorry," she began, allowing one of her hands to fall on top of Weiss's, where she held it gently. "It's… been awhile for me. A-and it might seem weird, but you're the first woman I've done anything like this with while being… while being Yang."
"Oh… oh, that's right, you… didn't you say you've had a boyfriend before? Not before Blake, just before now." She was starting to ramble; into that, it was getting harder and harder for her to keep her eyes from drifting down to that tantalising little head. Even though she had never come into contact with one before, somehow it still called out to her. Made her want to test things.
"Yeah… a couple of flings here and there. Nothing major league." Just as it was becoming difficult for Yang to think, as well. Weiss was so close to her, and had been teasing so much. All she could think about was returning the favour. At least showing her something.
"Hey, Weiss?" she asked, finally gathering the bravery to ask. "What about you? You're making me feel this good… don't you want me to, I dunno… clear your pipes, too?"
"NO!"
That single word fell like a lead weight in the middle of the room. After she heard how firm it sounded, how loud and unyielding, Weiss cleared her throat and scooted forward, sliding the hand that wasn't under Yang's a little bit further up.
"Wh-what I mean is… I wasn't through with you yet. Wasn't through getting to know you."
"O-Oh." Although the idea of letting Weiss have her way was appealing, Yang couldn't help but feel sorry for Weiss. She really was nervous about all this, or still questioning. But either way, she was to keep to her unspoken rule, allowing Weiss to take charge. And with that in mind, she sat back fully in the chair. "You’re the boss, I guess. Just be gentle."
Almost as if she were in a dream, the pop star felt herself falling to her knees in front of Yang where she sat in the chair; it wasn't something she had ever expected. Even in her wildest, half-afraid daydreams that she had allowed herself to imagine - most of them involving Neptune, though she would never admit that - she had only pictured kissing, or lying next to someone on a bed. Not kneeling in front of someone with their most intimate anatomy inches from her face…
The thick, hot erection was just on the other side of Yang's black shorts, and the head of it was visible. She desired to touch, to tease, but she had gone for the goal too fast before; Yang had done the same a moment later. Both of them went too fast, and they regretted it. Now, she was determined to take things slow. Therefore, she simply gazed up at Yang from her new position below her, panting anxiously.
‘No way…’ It was all Yang could think to herself as Weiss positioned herself so closely. She knew exactly what was probably going to happen, considering the fact that Weiss's lips and the small escaping head were right on the same level.
Everything was moving so fast, and yet… it felt right. Crazy, but right. To gesture her approval, she nodded, half-closing her eyes as she watched each movement.
By the time Weiss leaned in, she was trembling, but she forced herself to keep going. There was no turning back now. Her lips pushed into the thickness through the shorts first; it was safer, easier. Yet even that made her feel like she was committing the highest form of sin. Her heart beat faster, everything between her hips was tingling- but she couldn't think about that. All she could think about was the warmth pressing up against her mouth, then up against the side of her face when she turned her head just slightly enough that her nose was to one side. Why did she like this? Why did she love the feeling of Yang's cock up against her face?
Right away, the bruiser’s violet eyes shot wide open again. Her petite client had her ways of surprising her, endlessly doing more to push herself beyond what Yang thought possible. Even if it was just a kiss, just resting her cheeks against fabric, it spoke volumes. A couple of days ago, she would have done no such thing.
"Mmm," Weiss heard herself moan against the presence, pushing her face from side to side slightly. Feeling it move. Even though she was still privately reeling at the fact that Yang actually had this in her pants, she was definitely less hesitant to come into contact with it now.
Which she showed a second later, when she slowly leaned up, kissing up its length until she was at the waistband. Then, steeling herself to weather the storm no matter how good or bad it turned out to be, she pressed her lips directly against the exposed pink head of the cock.
And Yang could only find her eyes completely falling shut. Unable to help herself, she quivered again the instant Weiss's lips touched the head. Even if it was for the briefest time, it was more than enough to coax another moan from her. One hand came to pet the top of Weiss's hair instead, softly stroking it as she made her movements on her.
The diva's body seized when she felt the hand on her head, but once it began to pet her she relaxed into it, closing her eyes for a moment. Why did that feel so good? No one really did that for her so it wasn't a sensation she was used to or anything.
Then she leaned in and kissed the head again. So salty and soft - and there was a strong aroma rising from the pliant surface that pleased her, even if she didn't quite understand why. A lot was confusing her today.
"Weiss…" she breathed ever so quietly, continuing to softly pet her hair as she kept kissing the most sensitive part of her sex. Was Weiss aware that was what it was as she kissed? It seemed like it from the attention she was giving.
Her spare hand went to her waistband. Although she made no effort to tug her shorts down just yet, she did toy with the idea. But would it make Weiss run a mile if she did?
When she pulled back from the kiss and saw Yang's hand on her waistband, she knew what she was thinking – and was thinking the same thing herself. Maybe she had run long enough. Hooking her own fingers on the other side, they began to slide them down together.
And then there it was. The majority of the shaft had freed itself from her underwear, which was now only covering the sensitive sack and the base. The thrusting against the feet had certainly brought it to its full length, along with all the kissing and teasing. Just as Weiss saw in their brief encounter, it was of a good size – average, she expected, since it didn’t seem particularly large or small. And it was aesthetically pleasing enough, as those things went. There was little wonder she didn't want to change her body if it was this beautiful.
All the while, the blush never moved from Yang’s face, nor did she open her eyes. There was a slight shame on her features, on herself for letting Weiss see her in this way. Would she decide she hated it? That she was a monstrosity, after all?
Weiss's fingers landed on its surface, testing the sensation and delighting in being able to do something like this with little-to-no judgement for her actions. It was so huge, so firm and strange! It wasn't as if she'd never seen one before, but the instances had usually been in a textbook, or her one annoying cousin who flashed her when they were small, just to see what she would do. This was her first in-person contact with an erect, adult phallus, and she was fascinated.
But when she looked up to ask Yang if she could do more, she saw the expression. The embarrassment, the self-awareness that she wasn't quite "normal" - and that she was exposed in front of someone she liked. A tiny pinprick of panic exploded in her chest, but she forced that down. She might not know how to handle a lot of things, but this was something for which she instinctively had a plan.
"It's so pretty," she breathed directly onto the skin of the cock, kissing the underside of the shaft this time.
This time, Yang tried to bite her lip in order to suppress the moan that came forth from her. Weiss had now kissed the shaft itself and the head. She somehow could guess where this was going, that Weiss was going to push her limits, kiss more of it. Maybe even take it into her mouth…
That was a sensation she couldn't even remember feeling. The only person in her dating history who had ever let their mouth be in contact with that part of her anatomy was Blake, and that was far before their break up. She barely knew what to even do in the situation, other than try and calm herself down. Which she did, slowly letting her legs ease apart further to give more access, forcing air into her lungs and letting it out gradually enough so that her extremities tingled.
The encouragement - bodily, if not with words - did surprise the anxious pop star quite a bit. Yang really seemed to like it when she touched it, and the kisses even more. She'd heard of a couple of things that a girl could do for a guy in this position… and even though Yang wasn't a guy, those were her best frame of reference. But what if they weren't true?
Only one way to find out. Very slowly, her fingers began to drift up and down the sides of the entire length, not pressing in terribly hard but testing the sensation for both of them.
Finally allowing her eyes to flutter open again was a mistake. Now she could see everything that was happening firsthand: Weiss's hand steadily moving up and down her length, the ripples of pleasure flowing through her body as she did so, and her gorgeous face a mere inch away. How did she figure this out so quickly?
"Hmmhh…" she moaned out through her nostrils, watching each and every movement Weiss made. She really was enjoying this more than she wanted to admit.
"That's… good?" she whispered softly as she began to make surer movements, feeling how hot the flesh was, how it seemed to grow yet more heated and rigid with her stroking. "Are… you sure? I've never done this before - well, obviously I haven't, I've never had a boyfriend. N-not that you're a boy! I didn't mean it like that!"
Yang grimaced. It was hard to think rationally with a hand around her cock, even if it wasn't pumping hard. But yet again came the comments to do with boys – exactly what she was scared to hear. Bringing a hand on top of hers to stop her pumping any further for a second, she fixed her with a level gaze.
"J-just, uh, please… don't compare me to boys. Okay?"
Before, Weiss had only winced when she heard her own words. Now she looked frightened, chagrined. Horrified. "I… I didn't mean… I was only talking about where I might have seen one before, or touched, and the only place I could have was…" Gulping, she kissed the back of Yang's hand, and hard. "I'm sorry. Yang, I- I really am."
Now she had regained her breath, she allowed herself to smile again, letting her thumb gently brush the top of Weiss's hand. "It's okay… not that big a deal. You’re doing fine." And then she leaned back again, pushing herself up against Weiss's hand. "But if you want more advice… it’s not gonna break. You can get a little… rougher. Add some pressure."
"More…" After thinking about that for an instant, letting her fear of having made a mistake fade a little at a time, she wrapped all of her fingers around it more tightly - as if she were grasping a microphone. "Like this?" Her hand dragged up and down it once, experimenting.
And instantly Yang was unwinding again, head lolling back. "Muuuuuch better…" She couldn't help it. By instinct, she found her hips pushing forwards into the hand, trying to push more of herself into Weiss's hand, seeking more friction. Biting her lip once again, she let out yet another satisfied moan upon feeling Weiss's hand pumping the shaft.
Both of Weiss's blue eyes went round as dinner plates at the sight before her; Yang was literally thrusting into her hand as if it were a bodily orifice to be entered! Was this what it would be like if they…
No, that thought couldn't be contemplated. Too far, too soon. Instead, she simply concentrated on stroking her new lover, finding a rhythm in which her hand could move so that it didn't feel awkward to either of them. It was two parts letting Yang do as she wished, and one part moving her hand very slightly in the opposite direction the cock was moving at that moment. Not exactly rocket science, but there was an art to their cooperation.
Once they got their rhythm, the rest fell into place easily. They found their harmony that was making Yang's pleasure build more and more, forcing out more moans from her mouth. When one particular thrust had her moan out a little too loudly, she had to quickly bring her hand back up to cover her mouth, taking a quick gaze over at the door to check once again. It didn't budge.
And after a few minutes of this movement, she had to fight the urge to close her legs back in, feeling the knotting in her stomach. "I-I…" She was trying to mutter, but it was too much. All of it was too much – and way too soon. Was she really about to burst?
The hand trailing up and down the inside of Yang's thigh halted, even if the other kept up its continual stroking. "Yeah, baby?" Weiss breathed, testing the sound of that term on her tongue. It seemed to fit the situation, even if it didn't sound entirely natural coming out of her mouth. "You okay? You like me doing this for you?"
"I'm… shit, I'm gonna….!"
But her words arrived too late. Only a few seconds later, Yang found herself bringing her legs back in, her body shuddering as she gasped rather loudly, arcing her back in pure pleasure. She’d never felt that good in her life.
Then came the more shameful aspect of her anatomy. In Weiss's hand, her length began to throb harshly, and the end expelled a hefty amount of sticky white seed – some of which landed back into Yang's stomach, some landing on Weiss's hand. A small amount fired upward so hard it landed on Weiss's cheek. An unfortunate consequence of Yang being unable to tell her in time.
"A-AH!" Weiss's head snapped back in complete and total surprise, but she managed to maintain her grip as Yang finished. Even though yes, she technically knew that this was the eventual result for pleasuring someone with such an organ, it wasn't a result she had personal experience with. And to have it shoot up at her face that way! Part of her was turned on by having seen it happen, but mostly, she was quite weirded out by this whole ordeal.
"Oh my GOD…" Coming down from her orgasm at last, Yang finally noticed where some of the seed hit, and knew it had hit Weiss in the face by her reaction.
“Oh no!” First thing was first, she grabbed a tissue from the nearby box, wiping off the top of her head before she could tuck it back into her underwear and her shorts, and then grabbed a couple more. One for her, one for Weiss. "I am so sorry!” she told her shyly, leaning forward to try and see where exactly it landed.
"No, it's… no. You're fine. That was… just what happens when you…" She wasn't moving, and was trembling like a leaf. "When you do what we just did. Um… out of curiosity, what exactly did we just do?"
"We… um…" Moving Weiss's hair out of the way so she could get to her cheek properly, she gently wiped away the white fluid with great care. She then moved on to the small amount that had landed on her hand. "You… got me off."
"I did?" Then a nervous smile started spreading across her face. "I did. Hey, that's a good thing, right? I got you off on the first try!"
"Shhh!" With the unused hand, she covered Weiss's mouth, yet again gazing toward the door. Even though the obvious red in her cheeks would give anything away easily, and her giddy smile that went along with it. "Yeah… you definitely choked my chicken, alright. That was… wow."
"And you… you got on my face," she added softly, brushing a hand over the spot where the blonde's essence had graced her moments ago. The hand trembled, as did her bottom lip. "Is it really horrible of me to say that… I didn't mind? Because I feel like that means I'm some kind of kinky freak, but seriously, it wasn't bad or gross at all, and… and I…"
"It's not that weird." Grasping one more tissue, she wiped away the last bit of seed from her stomach, soon tossing all three into the small bin by the door. Then as she tucked herself away again, she whispered, "But you… what?"
"It was kinda hot!" After blurting out the truth, she buried her face in her hands and fell onto her side, blushing furiously. "Don't look at me!"
It wasn't at all the response she expected. Since her transition, she was used to people cringing at the thought, or even looking away while it happened. This was the first time anyone actually described what happened as appealing. "Really? Hot?!"
"Yes," Weiss sighed, still hiding her face. "And I'm still kind of offended that it happened, because it seems so… degrading, in a way. But thinking about the proof of you getting off being right there on my face… I don't know! It's weird, right? Really weird - I'm certifiably bonkers!"
"It's actually… flattering." Now Yang was looking away, trying to hide the obvious shame in her face. Someone like her, a girl with a penis, surely shouldn't find this such a good thing to hear. "You wanna hear something weird?" she asked, managing to just look back. "You're actually the first person to do that since Blake…"
That prompted Weiss to look up from her position on the floor – and she saw Yang averting her eyes. "Really? Oh… I guess when you were dating guys, they wouldn't want to do that, huh?" Then she sat up slightly, legs still out to one side. "Did, um… okay, again I'm really sorry about terminology and such. But did they, like, actually get your dick off? Or did they just get off themselves and leave you high and dry?"
Yang tucked the few stray strands of hair behind her ear, then began scratching the back of her head nervously. "Sometimes I would go to town on myself. Y'know, while we were screwing… but on the times I didn't, they'd leave me to finish myself. Which is kinda rude, I know. Some guys are just jerks."
"Probably made them feel gay," Weiss sighed in disgust at the thought of them. "Which isn't really fair, since it's just… you know, a thing. Which is not who you are. And how dare they finish and not help you finish, that's just too unfair!"
Yang could only roll her eyes, smiling at how cute Weiss’s indignation was. "Life's unfair sometimes. That's why I try not to be the unfair one. Speaking of which…"
Getting out of her chair, Yang sat herself down by Weiss's side. Making sure to look into the orbs of blue, she rested one of her hands on top of Weiss's thigh, slowly running it up and down. Maybe she wasn't ready for anything direct, but she could at least try little things to test her feeling.
"Oh," Weiss breathed nervously as Yang began petting her. "It's… you said 'unfair', and now - OH." Her face was as red as it had been when she admitted she didn't hate the feeling of Yang's juices on her face. "W-well, if- well."
"You can tell me to stop, at any time," she reassured, continuing the gradual movements up and down her thigh, letting her other hand rest on the opposite one to mirror the motions. She never once shifted her gaze. "And I won't go any further until you give me the green light. All you, boss."
However, though this reassurance didn't scare her off, it did seem to make her blush worse. The tingling that had started during her servicing of Yang's flesh redoubled, and she slowly clenched her thighs together, even though she didn't stop Yang from caressing her skin.
Gradually, Yang's hands were drifting to her inner thighs instead, brushing back and forth over the soft flesh. She hoped it would get her used to what was to come, that she would be curious to what more would feel like. To test it even more, one particular stroke was starting to push her skirt upward a little.
"Is this okay?" she whispered.
Licking her lips, Weiss glanced down at Yang's hands briefly, then shut her eyes again. She was shaking so badly, but she knew she didn't hate the feeling of Yang teasing her. In fact, it was fantastic! But it also frightened her, even if she wasn't frightened of Yang specifically.
"I… I think…"
With that slight encouragement, Yang brushed her hand even further up, gently pushing her skirt upward even more to stroke the top of her inner thighs. She didn't turn her eyes that way yet, assuming it would only scare Weiss if she did. But she never stopped. If anything, she wanted to add more.
"Do you want to kiss me?" she asked, thinking it would help ease her nerves.
"I think I… I really need…" Swallowing, she took a few quick, shallow breaths before squeezing her eyes shut and squeaking, "I th-think I need to use the restroom!"
Then poor, inexperienced Weiss Schnee was up and tearing through the bus, slamming the door to the lavatory closed behind her.
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Unsettling Questions Regarding The Mumbai Terror Attacks Of 2008
— By Elias Davidsson | 12 April, 2015 | Countercurrents.org

The traumatic attacks in Mumbai in 26 November 2008 were described as India’s 9/11. The operation was unprecedented: ten young men battled hundreds of highly trained commandos for three days in a conflict that resembled David and Goliath. The huge media coverage created the impression that all the relevant facts about this event had been reported, but this impression is false.
Was anti-terror official Hemant Karkare deliberately killed on 26/11? Most probably. But what are we to make of the attacks on the Leopold café, the Taj, the Oberoi/Trident and the Jewish center at Nariman House, all unrelated to his demise?
Even those who suspect that Indian nationalists facilitated the assassination of Hemant Karkare continue to believe that the attacks on the other Mumbai targets were executed by Pakistani terrorists. According to this line of reasoning, Hindu nationalists joined with Pakistani terrorists to coordinate a double attack. Or one of these groups somehow obtained the exact details of the other group’s plans, including their date, time and location, and piggy-backed on them, praying that there would be no last-minute changes, delays or problems. Miracles do happen, they say.
As someone who does not believe in miracles, I have some pieces of information. This was all reported at the time, but has since been condemned to the memory hole. Each piece of information cracks the official legend of 26/11. Cumulatively, they shatter it.
1. The Number of Attackers
As the smoke of 26/11 dissipated, Indian authorities insisted that exactly ten young men had fought more than one thousand Marcos commandos, NSG commandos, police and security personnel for three days.
Yet, initially, the media reported that more than 20 attackers were involved. Vilasrao Deshmukh, for example, who was at the time the Maharashtra state chief, told Indian media on 27 November 2008 that 20 to 25 terrorists had entered Mumbai, and that many of them had escaped. He was not the only source for such figures. The New York Times reported on the 28 November 2008 that ‘the number of attackers have ranged from 20 to 40, with the number depending to a considerable extent on the number of boats involved.’ On the same day, USA Today reported, citing the Associated Press, that ‘more than 30 terrorists entered [Mumbai] by ship.’ Ha’aretz reported on 27 November 2008, that ‘nine members who were arrested...60 to 70 terrorists, some of whom came to Mumbai by boat, carried out the current attacks.’ Alex Neill, head of the Royal United Services Institute's Asia security programme, estimated that ‘up to 100 terrorists would have been involved in the planning and execution of the attack' and said 'it was surprising they had managed to keep it a secret.’
Who provided the media with these figures, on what basis, and for what purpose? Why has no journalist attempted to reconcile these initial figures with the ultimate tally of ten? Rakesh Maria, at the time the Mumbai Joint Commissioner of Police, had a ready answer: ‘This confusion is more or less a creation of the media.’
As the Mumbai authorities persisted in asserting that there had been only ten attackers, the New York Times wondered: ‘[P]erhaps the most troubling question to emerge for the Indian authorities was how, if official estimates are accurate, just 10 gunmen could have caused so much carnage and repelled Indian security forces for more than three days in three different buildings.’ But the paper of record did not follow up on this ‘troubling question.’ Was it a no-go zone?
2. Were Nine Attackers Arrested?
According to the official account, only one of ten attackers, later known as Kasab, remained alive. The other nine were reportedly killed in combat. But this was not what officials had initially said.
At first, the media reported that several ‘terrorists’ had been captured alive. P.D. Ghadge, a police officer at Mumbai's central control room, told the media on the first day of the attacks that ‘We have shot dead four terrorists and managed to arrest nine suspected terrorists.’ On 27 November, both Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil declared that at least nine terrorists were captured alive. Early on 27 November, the BBC quoted the Mumbai police: ‘four suspected terrorists have been killed and nine arrested.’ On 28 November, the third day of the attacks, the BBC cited R R Patil, again to the effect that ‘nine gunmen have been arrested.’ Meanwhile, The Hindu cited Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh: ‘nine persons had been detained.’
As late as on 29 November, the Indian Express cited the Director General of Maharashtra Police, A N Roy, who said: ‘All I can tell you at this stage is that nine suspects are with us and that some of them were picked up from around the operational areas. Once we finish questioning them, many facts will emerge. The whole story will shortly unfold.’
Then nothing more was heard of these arrests. The same media that previously reported that up to nine attackers had been arrested insisted that only one ‘terrorist’ had been captured alive. This change of narrative was not accompanied by any explanation. Did public officials lie about the multiple arrests? Were they lied to? Were arrested terrorists executed in custody? These are disturbing questions that remain unanswered.
Whatever the ultimate truth, it is clear that the authorities lied to the public, either initially, or subsequently, or both. Knowing why they lied may help reveal the hidden truth behind 26/11.
3. Who Were the Alleged Attackers?
The public has been led to believe that the Mumbai attackers were properly identified. But were they?
To find out, it was necessary to determine, firstly, whether the bodies of the persons under police custody belonged to those who were observed by witnesses at the sites of killings; and secondly, the identities of the dead – from where they came, their real names, their birth dates, etc.
According to pathologists, the nine bodies presented to witnesses were burned beyond recognition. Whatever the state of the bodies, a visual identification of mutilated bodies, weeks after the events, under the prying eyes of police officials, cannot be considered a reliable exercise.
Nor were the real identities of the persons, whose bodies were held by police, determined. Their real names, birth dates, nationality and their residence addresses remain unknown. No family member came forward to identify either the bodies or the ‘sole living terrorist’, Kasab. His identity was based on what he allegedly told police officials behind closed doors.
Even the circumstances under which the nine ‘attackers’ died were not established by investigators or the Special Court. Did these alleged militants die in a military clash in Kashmir? Were they executed after being captured? Why are the precise circumstances in which they died kept a state secret?
4. Did the ‘Attackers’ Come By Sea?
A sub-story of the 26/11 legend is that the attackers arrived in Mumbai by sea. Did anyone witness their landing at the seashore?
Only one person, Bharat Tamore, testified at Kasab’s trial that he observed young men landing on the Mumbai seashore on the evening of 26 November 2008. Was his testimony credible?
Tamore said in court that at the time he was employed by the Taj Mahal Hotel. He said that on 26 November at about 9:15 pm, while he was walking to work at the Taj, located 15 minutes from his residence, he saw ‘a dinghy coming towards Badhwar Park.’ He said he saw 10 persons on the boat, wearing saffron-coloured life-saving jackets. He could see them because of the street light. According to him, they all were between 20-25 years old. Eight of the said ten persons removed their jackets and put them in the boat before getting out. Each had one haversack and one hand bag. Tamore said he saw two of the said ten persons quite closely while they were proceeding towards the main road. Since both of them were unknown in the locality, Tamore intercepted them. Both of them told him that they were students. He also saw the remaining six persons proceeding towards the main road. The two persons who were left out in the boat proceeded in the same boat towards Nariman Point. (Judgment, p. 264)
Tamore told the court that he returned home from the Taj at about 7.00 am next morning. At that time, he had seen about 3-4 policemen standing near Badhwar Park Railway Officers' colony: ‘The policemen were talking something about [an] inflatable boat. [Tamore] therefore narrated the incident witnessed by him to the said policemen’. (Judgment, p. 265) He also said he identified Kasab in an identification parade as the person who told him they were students. (Judgment, p. 266) Tamore admitted under cross-examination that he might have seen Kasab’s photograph on television before the identification parade was held. (Judgment, p. 267). The Supreme Court revealed that this identification parade was held on 28 December 2008, after Kasab’s photograph had been widely and repeatedly published (SC, p. 53). The High Court ‘[did] not attach much importance to this.’ (HC, p. 432)
The defence counsel challenged Tamore's account: it was high tide at the time, and therefore the dinghy Tamore claimed to have seen could not have reached the seashore. Tamore admitted that it was high tide at the time but did not explain how the dinghy reached the seashore (Judgment, p. 266).
When making his first report to the police, Tamore surprisingly did not mention anything regarding the incident at the Taj, where he allegedly spent the entire night (Judgment, p. 267). The court did not invite anyone to corroborate Tamore's narrative. No one, for example, confirmed that he was an employee of the Taj; that he spent the night confined in the basement of the hotel; that he did not see or hear any of the incident occurring in the hotel; that he exited the hotel shortly before 7:00 am; and that on his way home he met policemen at the shore discussing a boat. No one confirmed what he actually told the police and when he did so. These failures are particularly significant – and disturbing – because Tamore was the sole witness produced in court who claimed to have observed people landing on the Mumbai shore on the evening of 26 November 2008. These failures are compounded by the facts that he told media after the trial regarding his alleged ordeal at the Taj, facts that he apparently withheld from the court, unless he lied to the media. The court's failure to thoroughly examine Tamore's credibility can hardly be attributed to negligence or to difficulty in finding staff members of the Taj who could corroborate or invalidate his narrative. The court also did not ask the police officers with whom Tamore interacted to confirm his story. The court, obviously, did not wish anyone to challenge Tamore’s narrative.
Tamore’s name was widely publicised in the media shortly after the attacks as the key witness to the landing of the alleged terrorists at the seashore. India Today wrote on 29 November 2008, for example: ‘The six terrorists who got off at Machimar Nagar were first spotted by Bharat Tamore, a Koli (from the fishing community) who works as an assistant supervisor at the Taj.’ This report did not quote Tamore directly, and it was not revealed how India Today discovered Tamore.
After Kasab's trial, Tamore and his wife were interviewed by Rediff. In this interview, new information came to light about his alleged experience at the Taj during the first night of the attack. Here is an excerpt from that article:
When Tamore reached his locker [at the Taj] and changed at about 9.30 pm on November 26, he heard some strange thumping overhead in the hotel's coffee shop, the Shamiana. Surprisingly, it continued. And got louder and stranger in sound. Then hordes of terrified employees, on the run, came pouring back into the staff area, where Tamore still was, and shared breathless descriptions of the ongoing attack and the terrorists. ‘They recounted that they were wearing jeans, and 'sack bags' (rucksacks) on their backs and carrying bags in their hands‘ Suddenly with cold foreboding Tamore knew exactly who they were.
He then said that his experience at the Taj was not limited to what others told him:
‘They herded about 100, 150 of us into an area near the bakery and told us to stay here. At the time we thought it was a temporary attack and we would get out after it was over. Who knew they would be there for three days?! We had no water, no food. And no way of telling people at home that we were still safe. We had all turned our phones off.’
Going by this account, Tamore not only saw terrorists at the Taj and heard them giving orders, but was kept with 100 or 150 other people without water and food. Yet, surprisingly, he did not report anything about this traumatic experience to the police or the court. Indeed, the court actually affirmed that he ‘had not seen anything of the incident’ at the Taj (Judgment, p. 265-6). Did Tamore lie to the journalists, did the media invent his account or did he withhold information from the court?
Rediff finally disclosed that ‘much of early 2009 was marked by recording [Tamore’s] testimony, working with the Mumbai police's crime branch to have his deposition ready.’ Tamore added: ‘There is a little Hanuman temple near my home. Every day when I passed it I would pray that god would give me the strength to see this through properly. That I would give the right information in court. And do the whole thing correctly. It was an attack on my home, my livelihood, my country. I had to testify.’ It certainly required substantial mental and emotional strength to ‘do the whole thing correctly’ and avoid contradicting himself. Let’s hope the police were happy with his performance after having coached him for ‘much of early 2009.’
According to media reports, three further persons had seen the ‘terrorists’ landing on the Mumbai seashore: Anita Uraiyar (aka Uddaiya), who claims to have been taken secretly to the United States for debriefing after 26/11; Prashant Dhanu(r), a fisherman who testified in court but did not claim to have seen any of the attackers; and Sumit Supadia, who claimed in media interviews to have seen the attackers land on the seashore, but was not asked to testify in court.
In sum, the story of the ‘ten’ attackers landing on the Mumbai seashore rests on the testimony of a single witness who was coached by police for his court performance and whose credibility is questionable.
To enhance the credibility of the sea-landing legend, CNN-IBN reported on 27 November 2008 that seven fishermen has been arrested on the first night of the attack as suspects, reporting that ‘police found a boat loaded with explosives near the Taj Mahal.’ Nothing further was heard of that boat, the explosives or of the detained fishermen.
(5) Were the Individual Killings Investigated?
In a case of murder, criminal investigators must determine, as best they can, the circumstances under which the crime was perpetrated: who caused the victims’ injuries, when and where they were attacked, when they died and what type of injuries led to their death. The crime scene must also be documented in accordance with standardised rules.
While investigating the individual circumstances of more than 160 killings (the number of fatalities in the Mumbai events) was certainly a huge task, a great deal of significant information could easily have been assembled. There was no reason why the precise location of the bodies, when they were found, and who found them, could not be established. There was no reason why the exact circumstances in which the nine alleged attackers were killed could not be determined. There was no reason why investigators could not establish precise timelines of the unfolding of the individual episodes. There was no reason why it was impossible to determine the precise time at which the individual attacks started. These omissions had the effect of thwarting the reconstruction of the events. To compound these omissions, the authorities banned commandos, who participated in the operations, from testifying in court. Cumulatively, all these omissions indicated an intent to cover up the truth.
Surprisingly, the court found no witnesses for most of the killings – or perhaps it did not wish to find any.
Conclusion
The above account represents the tip of a deceptive iceberg regarding the mass-murder of 26/11. Some may find reopening this dossier uncomfortable. Yet both the victims and society as a whole are legally entitled to know the truth of this calamity. The Indian authorities have demonstrated a surprising reluctance to establish the truth by an independent commission of inquiry. Meanwhile, Indian governments have capitalised on 26/11 to increase military expenditure, establish a national infrastructure of mass surveillance and enhance their cooperation with the United States and Israel. India has become a national security state. Was 26/11 perpetrated to justify this development? This sinister question deserves to be examined.
(The present information was adapted from the author’s book The Betrayal of India, which is planned for publication at the end of 2015.)
Elias Davidsson is an Icelandic citizen, although he was born in Palestine in 1941 and his parents were German Jews who had to leave Nazi Germany due to the persecution of Jews. Davidsson has been a political activist for decades, beginning by opposing Iceland’s membership in NATO. He is a co-founder of the solidarity association Iceland-Palestine, and a veteran opponent of Zionism and imperialism. After publishing a ground-break book in 2013, “Hijacking America’s Mind on 9/11”, where he demonstrates the official account on 9/11 is a lie, now is finishing a comprehensive and critical study of 26/11 that may shatter many illusions. He can be reached at :
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THREAD from Adam Klasfeld @KlasfeldReports reporting from the Jeffrey Epstein bail hearing this morning in New York. It was unusally long. Judge Berman will make a decision on Thursday regarding his release from prison and hopefully more information on his finances. There was some new information in hearing as well as two victims were identified and spoke in court. ENJOY:
Good morning from New York.
At today’s Jeffrey Epstein bail hearing, will we learn:
* How many new accusers called the FBI tip line since his indictment?
* How much money he has and how he got it?
* Will he stay in jail before trial?
Live-coverage at 10am, @CourthouseNews
Catching folks up to speed:
On Friday, prosecutors spotted curious timing between the Miami Herald's exposé and payments to possibly co-conspirators in Florida. Two days after the series, a $100,000 wire; three days after that, $250,000 to someone else. https://t.co/EmvrfuIRvv
Prosecutors estimated Epstein had more than $500 million tied to one unnamed financial institution from which the government traced $10 million income per year, which Epstein made from "whatever it is he does."
Memo: https://t.co/NhiuyZNGzI https://t.co/0gnj2y7gi5
Epstein asked to await trial inside his $77 million mansion—an Upper East Side building that allegedly doubled as his sex-trafficking hub. Judge rejected similar package years ago in the case of money launderer Reza Zarrab.
Expect to hear more on that.
https://t.co/K20jxphrAz
Zarrab, who perpetrated the biggest money laundering scheme to Iran ever charged in U.S. history, wanted to live in a Manhattan high rise. Judge Berman shot it down, calling it not only unjust but counter to the purpose of bail.
Essentially, bail isn't short for bespoke jail. https://t.co/TwQVIvBERP
Meanwhile, feel free to shoot me any questions in the comments here before the hearing. I may not have the time to answer before the bail hearing starts, but it will help clarify what might needs clarification as the case unfolds.
More soon.
Lots of folks are asking why the Miami properties haven't been searched.
It's not in the Southern District of New York, and the Southern District of Florida entered into this non-prosecution agreement more than a decade ago, which you can expect to hear wrangling about today. https://t.co/3V76TxUO6c
That word "globally" is going to get a lot of mileage from Epstein's defense attorneys.
Note: The non-prosecution agreement has not yet been voided, even though a federal judge in Florida ruled it broke the law (the CVRA). That Florida judge will later decide the penalty.
Read the full non-prosecution agreement starting at page 18. https://t.co/7IRJSUXDAo
Prosecutors and defense attorneys have taken their seats at the tables. Empty seat waiting for Epstein.
Epstein has taken his seat.
"All rise."
We're about to begin.
Judge Berman: For your information and for the people sitting in the overflow courtroom, we have tried to accommodate everyone.
Berman notes that pretrial services reports have been filed with him, an initial report and another filed today.
It says: "There is no condition or combination of conditions that will reasonably assure the appearance of defendant as required and the safety of the community."
The report, which like other pretrial services reports, is not public, recommends that Epstein remains detained.
Berman says he won't rule today, but he will decide on Thursday, July 18.
(Context: That delay between bail hearing and ruling is typical.)
Berman adds that several victims are in court and can be heard "if they wish to be heard."
Prosecutors will be up first today, as they have the burden in these proceedings.
Berman notes he will question each side, and he begins to preview some of those queries.
Berman summarizes the arguments of both of the parties before arguments begin and the burden each party has.
His question for the defense: "How was the burden rebutted in this case?"
For the govt: "Whether that presumption has been rebutted, and if so, how has govt proved that remand appropriate, in this case?"
More specifically, Berman notes Epstein's his sex-offender registration reqs. in New York, Florida and Virgin Islands. What about New Mexico, he asks
Essentially, Berman's seeking more information about proceedings in the various states and jurisdictions related to Epstein's sex-offender status.
Next, Berman moves onto Epstein's finances.
Berman said he allowed Epstein to file financial information under seal so as not to slow down proceedings, but he describes that information as "cursory" and suffers from an "absence of detail."
Berman: "I am inclined to place the summary on the docket." He'll hear args on it.
Berman moves onto alleged witness tampering and obstruction of justice on the recent payments.
See here: https://t.co/EmvrfuIRvv
He wants to know what add'l insights into this episode they can share.
"I reserve the right to have more questions," Berman says.
Prosecutors up.
AUSA Alex Rossmiller for the govt, talking about the "extraordinary risk of flight" and the danger to the community.
He joins with pre-trial services recommendation and request of the victims.
Rossmiller has many questions about Epstein's finances before beginning to consider bail application.
"How much money does he have? Where is it?... How much of it is in diamonds or art?"
Also, what accounts and more.
Rossmiller: "Many individuals identifying themselves as victims and witnesses" have come forward and prosecutors have been able to "dramatically expand" the scope of their investigation.
No estimate of the number of new accusers.
Assets in "diamonds and art" found in Epstein's UES mansion.
"We're just relying on the defendant's word for all of this," Rossmiller says, referring to Epstein's finances.
What is known about his finances should "alarm" the court, he adds.
🚨 "We became aware today" of a passport issued by a foreign country, in the 1980s, expired currently, with Epstein's picture but not his name, Rossmiller says.
Rossmiller alludes to the police reports the government has submitted and reviews the known evidence of witness tampering.
Judge Berman wants more information about that.
Rossmiller: The government took no position on the defendant's sealing application because they had no idea what he was going to submit and deferred to the court.
Rossmiller slams Epstein's defense for pursuing "longshot, dubious legal arguments" at some future time.
This case "will go forward," and he's confident Epstein "will be convicted," he adds.
Epstein's team now up.
Epstein's defense attorney doesn't introduce himself and goes into presumption of innocence.
"The stakes are grave, and one of the most important reasons for Epstein's release" are to give him the right to prepare a defense.
"You don't punish first and have a trial second."
Berman: You said high-level DOJ officials approved the non-prosecution agreement. Who are they?
Epstein's counsel: First the criminal division and it's head. (Will get name in transcript.) They had a meeting in Washington with that division of the DOJ.
Epstein's attorney arguing now appears to be Martin Weinberg, who just said that they plan to file a motion to dismiss.
Berman presses him about series of cases involving minor victims where the presumption of remand maintains.
Berman: "[W]e totaled up 12 cases all of which involve minor victims, kidnapping, sex-trafficking of children, aggravated sexual abuse" plus a further litany of offenses, all of which all carried "presumption of remand instead of bail."
Essentially, Berman's pressing Epstein's counsel on this astute observation by @JenTaub. https://t.co/jN4fiFCbjk
Epstein's counsel notes that the government has not alleged allegations of further abuse since 2005.
The indictment charges conduct between 2002 and 2005.
Berman: "I have a question about that too."
Berman notes that defense claimed any danger Epstein posed to the community has "abated" or "evaporated."
"You don't cite any case that says 14 years and it's over and it evaporates," he says.
The idea that he will abandon "his 14 years of self-discipline," he doesn't think the govt can carry that burden and that weight, the defense attorney says.
Berman invokes studies about recidivism that measure recidivism beyond 10, or 14, or 15 years.
Recidivism actually goes up after 15 years, and it's higher than after five years, according to this study Berman's citing.
Plus, Berman notes, victims don't always come forward and so a lot of these cases not reported.
Note: Judge Berman is a licensed clinical social worker.
Interesting fact: The National Association of Social Workers bestowed Judge Berman with a leadership service award in late March.
Another profile of mine goes into that. https://t.co/f1wlk0MDF1
Berman: "The question is, how do you know that?" referring to claim that Epstein has not reoffended since 2005.
Epstein's counsel cites visibility of the case and says he didn't flee before the Florida non-prosecution agreement.
Berman discloses that he read the New York Post report that Epstein was not in compliance with his obligations in New York. (He emphasizes that this is a news report, but questions the attorney about it.)
That NYP story: https://t.co/m7cpscr6L1
Epstein's counsel replied there has been no notice of violation, outside of media reports.
Berman also presses him on sex-offender registration in New Mexico, where Epstein's counsel said he's not required to register.
More on those New Mexico requirements.
https://t.co/L0XL9QmLRq
Epstein's attorney denies that a private investigator tried to run a father off the road, an allegation prosecutors cited among witness tampering claims.
Epstein's counsel on the suspicious payments after the publication of "Perversion of Justice": "The payment of an employee and the payment of a friend is not 'witness tampering' because the @MiamiHerald wrote an article."
Berman: "Respectfully, I don't think the financial summary" is sufficient. "For one it's an unverified... un-audited, and not very detailed either."
"It seems to me there has to be a fuller financial picture to know what would be appropriate."
Epstein's counsel called the bail submissions "admittedly rough," but his client would agree to any bond to "virtually guarantee" his appearance.
"He would sign any bond and give your honor and U.S. District Court clerk with any collateral" the court orders.
Arguing against publishing a summary of Epstein's finances, Weinberg says: "We are facing a trial someday."
"Every fact that is generated by this proceeding becomes the basis of a... series of articles," he adds.
Epstein's counsel praises his adversary at the prosecution table: "Mr. Rossmiller writes eloquently and speaks eloquently."
But the counsel adds the SDNY kept a leash on other defendants out on bail: "Madoff was released on bail. He surrendered."
Epstein's counsel turns to the private security question, referring obliquely to the case of Reza Zarrab, whom he notes--accurately--was arrested en route to Disney after landing in Miami.
He notes that Berman rejected that bail package and he read the opinion.
"We need him released, judge," the attorney says. "This is an enormously challenging case for defense counsel."
Epstein's counsel says his client's in the SHU, aka isolation unit.
Berman notes that many people in Rikers Island can't afford bail.
"Everybody has the right to consult with counsel," Berman notes. "If that's the standard, what are we going to tell all those people can't make a $500 or $1,000 bail..."
Epstein's counsel replies that most of them aren't facing such high-profile, well-resourced prosecutions.
Note: Epstein is also prodigiously well-resourced, and gave only a glimpse of those resources in his bail memo.
Rossmiller back up for the prosecution again, "briefly."
Rossmiller's "lightning round":
Responding to the question of Epstein's ability to prepare a case having access to counsel behind bars, the AUSA says: "This court has significant experience with that kind of case with a detained defendant with Zarrab."
Rossmiller says that Epstein's asking for "special treatment" to be locked up in his "gilded cage," using the turn of phrase memorably coined in a headline by @BenWeiserNYT's story in the @NYTimes in the case of Reza Zarrab.
Rossmiller on defense statute 1591 is "enslavement" & "pimping people out":
"Your honor, it's underage girls that are involved in this case, and it's underage girls that are the victims," Rossmiller notes, emphasizing consent can't be an issue and saying elements of crime met.
Rossmiller: "The idea that if there was misconduct it would have been charged" if it existed is "particularly rich in this case."
There's plumes of smoke, and it's reasonable to assume there's fire, he adds.
On Epstein counsel claiming their client had been "disciplining himself" since 2005, Rossmiller says: "The defendant keeps telling on himself here."
It concedes predisposition.
"Your honor this is the Southern District of New York," Rossmiller said, in what may be fairly read as a veiled dig at the Southern District of Florida.
Epstein's counsel back up: There's an inherent contradiction between the government tying these two payments to witness as if this is akin to attempt to influence a witness, and his landing near NYC.
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Bailey Texas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 75413
"Bailey Texas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 75413
Bailey Texas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 75413
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What is a good health insurance?
I want to get insurance for me and my husband. I need an insurance that offer health dental and vision benefits. I have seen alot of insurances, but i want an insurance that gives me good benefits, not just discounts. Can someone please give me opinions about your insurance and what benefits they provide you?""
Car Insurance - 17 Year old!?
part time motor trade insurance - That's the insurance policy that my dad's on, would it be possible for me to be added onto this policy then drive the cars that are insured on it. If not what's the best way about getting cheaper insurance policies? The way I thought I got cheaper insurance was that my dad would start a policy then add me as a named driver, is it still the same? Thanks in advance!""
Do I need to add my name under car insurance?
Hi I just got California driving license.My dad has liability insurance.We have old car so we are paying 300-400$ per year for it.I will not regularly driving that car then what should I need to do? Do I have to add my name under current insurance policy and is it illegal to drive without adding my name? People with 2 or more cars have which type of insurance? seriously we are new here and don't know much about this rules and what people do? I'll be highly thankful to you guys.
Does compare the meerkat do cheap car insurance?
Does compare the meerkat do cheap car insurance?
Bailey Texas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 75413
Bailey Texas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 75413
How is Car Insurance privatized ?
I live in Canada where is it Illegal to drive an auto without car insurance yet there is no crown corporation or non-profit organization that runs auto insurance. You are expected to go to private insurance companies who charge $300+ a month for car insurance. If the government has passed a law saying i must have it to drive then why are these companies allowed to make ridiculous profits off me?
When is the right time to buy life insurance?
My son is due on Valentine's Day. Should I already have life insurance, or should I wait until after I get married, which is happening on the 17th?""
Will my car insurance monthly payments increase AFTER i rent a vehicle (READ BELOW)?
I already own a 4-door sedan, which I cover with monthly insurance for a reasonable value. Although recently, I had to rent a pick-up truck from Enterprise Rent-A-Car to move some furniture from a friend's house to my place. Upon sigining of the necessary rental documents, the rental car agent and I came across the section about insuring the rented vehicle; as Enterprise Rent-a-Car will always offer their own insurance services, I mentioned to them that I already have car insurance of my own, of which I can look forward to saving the additional $39 which Enterprise Rent-a-Car originally offers. I encouraged Enterprise Rent-a-Car to contact my insurance provider so that both of us can be sure that my car insurance provider will cover the pick-up truck I am about to borrow from them. (Full coverage that is) Everything went smoothly and Enterprise Rent-a-Car agreed to insure their truck under my own car insurance. My car insurance provider also approved of my intention to borrow the truck and cover the said truck using my insurance. Two weeks later came the insurance bill, and to my wondering, I saw that my following monthly insurance payments all jacked-up their prices to one dollar addtional per month! Huh?!?!?! What could have caused this? Could it be the fact that I have had the rented pick-up truck and the request to insure the said truck under my own car insurance resulting to a somewhat considerable claim of some sort? Any opinions or personal experience you may have had? Thanks Alot YaHoO Readers/Responders! A vote comes to the most sensible and brainstormed answer!""
Cheap car insurance in Texas?
Hii i don't have a job right now, the car insurance bills are very high, can somebody suggest me cheaper insurance , currently i am with geico and am in Texas. Thanks in advance""
I can't get insurance because I'm not a full time college student what can I do to get insurance?
Ok I'll try to explain this as best I can...so I'm a part time college student and I can't get insurance because I'm only a part time student and I have to be a full time student taking 12 credits to get insurance. I think my doctor is talking about health insurance. I don't know anything about insurance because my dad takes care of that. I can't afford to go to school full time and I don't know what to do.
I'm 17 and can't find car insurance for under 2000. Does anyone have cheaper?
what car, insurance company ect? thanks :)""
What is the best insurance plan for Abilify?
I'm an 18 year old smoker, female. I need to get on an insurance plan that's not too expensive. Which is the best?""
Backed my car into a car parked in the fire lane of a parking lot. what is likely to happen to my insurance?
He wasn't moving, but I didn't see him because he was parked where there weren't supposed any cars behind me, in the fire lane. Its probably my fault cause I was moving... Just wondering what to expect with my insurance rate, etc.""
Can car insurance companies discover speed camera tickets?
Long story short: Do I need to tell the car insurance companies about speed camera tickets I received? I read that lying to car insurance companies is a good way to get your insurance canceled, or claim denied. I know that they check what you say on the application. If these were regular speeding tickets, I would have no question that they need to be reported, because it's on my record. But these are from a speed camera. The citation says it cannot be used to increase my car insurance rates, and that it will not add points to my record. All my friends say they don't report it. Despite that, Travelers said these do count, and denied providing a quote because I have had three speed camera tickets in the past three years. Is this information even present on my driver's record? Is this something they can verify? More importantly, could they deny a claim I make for failing to tell them about these tickets?""
Health ins. companies can't deny people for pre-existing conditions. Should the same be true of car insurance?
I ask because my car has some pre-existing problems: 1. The brake pedal only works about 1/3 of the time 2. The engine is currently on fire How can these greedy car insurance companies declare that my car is unsafe to drive?
Caught without car insurance.?
I was caught failing to stop completely at a red light right turn. The cop stopped me and asked for everything. I gave my driver's license, and my dad's insurance. the cop wrote me a ticket afterward and that's that. however, the thing is that i don't have insurance myself. is anything going to happen? note: this just happened 3 days ago and it apparently takes the count 2 months to enter the citation into the database""
Investments and Life insurances with Zurich International?
I am thinking of taking some investments and insurance policies with Zurich International. Has anybody had any dealings with them? And, if so, has your experience and dealings with them been positive or negative? Are they as good as they say they are?""
Short term car insurance?
want a scooby on the side for a bit of fun, can i get some sort of insurance for say..... weekends or the odd day here and there.""
Insurance for drivers with convictions?
I have several driving convictions including drink driving in the last 5 years although ive never held a licence until now but my insurance is too high would you recommend not declaring convictions to insurance companies or changing my age to a low risk age group? please no do gooders
How would my insurance company know this if I don't tell them?
I am getting ready to buy a home (Already selected, move in will be next week) and I own a German Shepard. I am currently shopping for homeowners insurance, and I know that many companies will not insure you if you have an aggressive breed of dog, and the ones that do will give you higher rates because of it. So I was wondering, what reason do I have to tell them that I have an aggressive breed? When they come to inspect the home, my friend down the street can watch my dog for a few hours. If I were to just leave out the fact that I have an aggressive breed so my rates will stay low, how would the insurance company ever be the wiser? PS: This IS a repost. Last time I asked everyone said Well it's misrepresentation and if you have ever have to make a claim, then they can deny you because you lied about the dog. Yes I understand what the consequences would be, that wasn't the question. My question is HOW could they ever find out in the first place? If I have to make a claim for say, a fire, then I could have someone take my dog for a few hours again and make the claim without having any reason to mention the dog? So how would they ever know?""
Multi-home homeowners insurance?
My wife and I are buying a home, she currently has a home that she is going to keep and let her parents live in. We have a dilemma when it comes to homeowners insurance because you can only have one primary residence. The insurance agent is telling us we need to have a landlord policy on her home even though her parents don't pay her. The landlord policy is much more expensive. We can't do a vacation policy because it isn't technically a vacation home. Any ideas on how to resolve this issue? This is in CT if it makes a difference. Thanks!""
Car Insurance help please?
Hello, I am a 22 year old female who lives in California, I was wonderinf what would be the best/cheap car insurance please... Thank you""
I'm Pregnant With No Insurance?
When Should i go to the doctor?! And Also.. I don't have insurance.. and was wondering what am i supposed to do about that?!! i currently live in california but me and my boyfriend are soon moving to washington. any suggestions or sites you know of for gov't aid?? by the way.. i hate having to go through gov't assistance right now... but it seems to be my only option. any help?!!
Ticket for no insurance?Car insured but Name not on it?
i got stopped for speeding no licence and no insurance in Texas. can i show proof of insurance without my name and get it dismissed?
What car insurance would you recommend for Massachussetians like me?
I'm 21, have been driving since 16, never been pulled over, good grades. I just need the cheapest insurance out there so that I can register my car. Also, what is liability insurance? It sounds expensive...""
Young Car Insurance?!?
Hi! I currently have a Peugeot 306 1.4 Meridian I'm 18 years of age, and my test is in a few days! I've been filling out forms on the internet, and phoning various different companies for quotes! The cheapest i have recieved so far is 4,800 for a thirdparty fire and theft cover! How, as a student am i supposed to get my hands on that type of money?! Its pathetic how we're expected to pay so much! Is there anybody out there, who can help me get a cheaper quote! I wouldn't mind if it was 2000 even, which is still a pathetic price for me to drive to college and back! Thanks in advance. Jamie""
Is it illegal in alabama to refuse to give insurance info?
a company van hit my parked car in a parking lot the driver left note with manager of business saying where he worked,what time he hit my car and location in parking lot,now business owner is refusing to tell me who his insurance carrier is ,the driver also wrote down his name""
How would would car insurance be for a new driver in Rhode Island?
The car i'm getting is a pontiac grand prix, its older like 94 I think. I got my licence a few months ago, but i'm 20 years old. I haven't taken any driving classes or anything like that though. I'm just wondering if anyone knows about how much it would be so I know beforehand.""
Insurance when you die?
If I kill myself will I get insurance ? I dont care about money I am already well off but just curious about insurance , too early to call my insurer or go look at the doc, to depressed""
Why is car insurance so much money for seventeen year old males?
my daughters boyfreind has just passed his driving test, he has been quoted 5000 for his insurance by car insurers. is this true, or is it a joke.""
Bailey Texas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 75413
Bailey Texas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 75413
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/homeowners-insurance-quote-military-gregory-roberts/"
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Hollywood Barely Snubbed Ryan Seacrest, Because Of Course
https://fashion-trendin.com/hollywood-barely-snubbed-ryan-seacrest-because-of-course/
Hollywood Barely Snubbed Ryan Seacrest, Because Of Course
Ryan Seacrest, nary a Time’s Up pin to be found on his navy tuxedo, opened his 2018 Oscars red carpet coverage with a telling line: “It promises to be a very special evening.”
Despite the sexual misconduct allegations leveled against him earlier this week by former personal stylist Suzie Hardy, everything was business as usual for Seacrest on Sunday. While his female co-host Giuliana Rancic set up at the nearby Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Seacrest parked on the red carpet ― no stage or special booth to prop him up, though. It was just him, a mic and enough celebrity traffic to sustain him for a few hours.
In fact, despite the Me Too mood of other awards shows this season, more than a few celebrities made their way over to Seacrest for a quick chat on Sunday. There was something eerie about watching women like Diane Warren, Allison Janney, Taraji P. Henson and Tiffany Haddish talk to Seacrest as if the recent reports just didn’t exist. No one talked about the Me Too or Time’s Up movements; no one questioned the ubiquitous TV personality.
Casey Affleck faced backlash for the sexual harassment allegations against him. As did Aziz Ansari and James Franco and Jeremy Piven. (The list goes on and on.) So why, or more so how, did Seacrest earn a pass?
On Monday, Hardy told Variety that Seacrest sexually harassed and assaulted her over the course of seven years. According to Hardy, Seacrest subjected her to many unwanted sexual advances, which allegedly included groping her vagina, grinding his erect penis on her and slapping her buttocks. She said she reported his behavior to E! News’ human resources executives in 2013 and was terminated shortly after.
“As proud as I am and as strong as a woman as I am, as smart as I am and as much work as I’ve done with therapists, it really affected me,” Hardy told Variety.
Seacrest vehemently denied the claims, which first surfaced last fall. In a statement on Tuesday, the “Live with Kelly & Ryan” and “American Idol” host said, “Yesterday, Variety published a salacious story that revealed the specific claims against me for the first time ― even though an independent third-party investigator found insufficient evidence to support the claims. Much to my dismay, Variety didn’t speak with me or bother to speak with other credible witnesses or even ask for any of the evidence that was obtained during the investigation when offered, all of which clearly challenged the veracity of the claims made against me.”
Seacrest added that Hardy repeatedly offered to step back her claims if he paid her “millions of dollars,” which he refused to do.
“I have worked extremely hard to achieve my success and I don’t take my opportunities for granted,” he concluded. “I don’t want to accuse anyone of not telling the truth but in this case, I have no choice but to again deny the claims against me, remind people that I was recused of any wrongdoing, and put the matter to rest.”
When asked if she felt Seacrest should still attend the Oscars, Me Too movement founder Tarana Burke told Variety, “We shouldn’t have to make those choices of, ‘Do we or don’t we?’ This is not about his guilt or innocence. It’s about there being an accusation that’s alive, and until they sort [it] out, it’s really on E! News and shouldn’t be on us. … It will let us know where they stand in terms of how respectful E! News is of this issue ― and of women.”
But both E! and ABC backed their prized possession, keeping Seacrest on the air even though murmurs were swirling from New York to Los Angeles. Should he still host the red carpet? Will celebrities stop to talk to him? Will he address the allegations on live TV?
He did show up; a few major celebrities did stop for him; and he didn’t address the scandal on “Live,” nor did he use his time on the E! red carpet to say a word about it. He swears he’s innocent, and it seems some people in Hollywood believe him. There were many ― both women and men ― who let him ask about their gowns, jewels and tuxedos, and smiled when he complimented their respective Oscar-nominated projects.
Interestingly enough, though, once the bigger stars started arriving to the event, Rancic and her E! red carpet cohorts, like Kristin Dos Santos, Brad Goreski and Josh Horowitz, started enjoying a bit more live screen time. Producers seamlessly jumped between Rancic and Seacrest ― perhaps to avoid airing any awkward moments as E! struggled to get bigger names and supporters of Time’s Up. The network reportedly instated a live 30-second delay to, most likely, rescue Seacrest from any unwanted, public controversy.
Awkwardness made its way into the broadcast anyway. Some comments from pre-show passersby were positive, while others were confusing, and it all made for less-than-stellar red carpet content from the typically newsworthy E!.
“Baby Driver” star Eiza Gonzalez delivered some intriguing parting words when she ended her interview with Seacrest by telling him, “Be good.” (Sure, it could’ve been a choice goodbye phrase, but either way, it was heard.) Taraji P. Henson also threw in her two cents when talking about the amazing success of her friend Mary J. Blige, telling Seacrest, “The universe has a way of taking care of the good people, you know what I mean?” She gave him a smile and some side-eye. Was it a show of support or a slight? It’s anyone’s guess.
Others continued to praise Seacrest, including double-nominee Blige, who told him she “loves” him and acknowledged his chemistry with Kelly Ripa on “Live With Kelly & Ryan.” (Ripa also popped by to tell her pal how “great” he was doing.) Seacrest also thanked Whoopi Goldberg for stopping as she smiled and said, “You know!”
Holy shit Taraji just put a curse on Ryan Seacrest 😂 pic.twitter.com/GSknn3NozF
— Sara Jean Hughes (@sarajeanhughes) March 5, 2018
ABC, who aired the live award show and their own red carpet pre-show, spoke with many A-listers and Time’s Up supporters ― those who Seacrest and co. couldn’t wrangle.
Saoirse Ronan, Viola Davis, Mira Sorvino, Ashley Judd, Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Greta Gerwig, Gary Oldman, Mahershala Ali and Sandra Bullock, to name a few, chatted with the varied hosts, who asked not only about their films but Time’s Up and the current state of Hollywood.
After failing to get any more stars to stop and talk, Seacrest headed to the Roosevelt and joined Rancic for some sad fashion discussion, which included a comment about the lack of green dresses and the prevalence of the shade of “nude.”
Yet even though the Jennifer Lawrence and Laura Dern types didn’t stop for an interview with Seacrest, he still managed to do pretty well, all things considering. His first hour and change of coverage was solid enough, showing that both Hollywood and the world are torn on whether or not to believe him or his alleged victim.
One reason Seacrest, a fixture in live TV and an established producer worth over $380 million, might have earned his spot on the carpet is because he is a part of the machine that runs Hollywood. He’s a boss himself, a power player in the ranks, a bigger success than most at the Oscars and a friend of many a celebrity. Seacrest gets a pass because he’s used to handing out the tickets.
Me Too momentum seemed to building in awards season. Remember the Golden Globes? Black gowns and suits covered the carpet, and Time’s Up pins were prominently displayed as stars spoke at length about the powerful movement while standing beside impassioned activists. The tenor of discussion on the Oscars red carpet, or lack thereof, is telling. Was the movement another passing phase for Hollywood? Why did hosts and celebrities alike neglect to think discussions about sexism, pay disparity and harassment in the industry were appropriate for the night?
Unlike the pre-show, the live Oscars show addressed the impact and importance of Time’s Up with a powerful segment highlighting the trailblazers, which Harvey Weinstein accusers Ashley Judd, Annabella Sciorra and Salma Hayek introduced. Those sound bites are what we needed to hear from start to finish.
If only Laura Dern had made her way down the carpet to Seacrest and confronted him with a tough question. Maybe this would have been a different story. Unfortunately, male power prevails.
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Jan. 3, 2018: Columns
My New Year's Resolution is to try to actually finish someth
By KEN WELBORN
Record Publisher
Every year many folks make resolutions, most of which involve their health or getting along with others, and, if the truth be known, they know there is no way they will keep them up before they ever make them.
Sad, but true. And, yes, I have been guilty of the same thing year after year. So this year, let's lay out a few resolutions that can be kept, even by someone as weak-willed as me.
*Do more of what you like to do, to balance the things you have to do.
*Listen more.
*Walk more.
*Stop eating processed and prepackaged foods.
*If you snack, make it fruits and nuts.
*Don't snack at night. See above.
*Play with your dog (or other pet) every day--without fail.
*Take the stairs, not the elevator.
*Buy local whenever possible.
*Be complimentary of others.
*Recycle.
*Don't gossip.
*Eat a good breakfast.
*Always carry some cash.
*Be loyal.
*Make a stranger feel at home.
*Be on time.
*Do not litter.
*Preserve history.
*Fall asleep reading, not watching television.
*Speaking of sleep, most of us need seven hours.
*Handwrite a note to someone.
*Use a pretty stamp. See above.
*Even better, collect stamps as a hobby. See above.
*Keep things simple whenever possible.
*Don't take your cell phone into meetings.
*Be thankful for every day.
*Make eye contact when speaking to someone.
*Volunteer.
*Stay in touch with those you love.
*And, with those you like.
*Recycle. I know I said that already, but once more for my daughter, Jordan.
*Become better organized.
*Be thankful for the things that go your way.
*Take nothing and no one for granted.
*Make visitors welcome, they will remember.
And finally, a few health tips:
*Wash your hands often.
*Keep your fingers out of your mouth.
*Do not, repeat, DO NOT, blow your nose.
These are just a few, very doable resolutions for you to ponder. And, I also want to take this opportunity to proudly promise everyone I love, or care about, or just know; that I resolve to remain sober for another year.
All the best to everyone for 2018!
I hope you fail…
By LAURA WELBORN
The Sunday after Christmas (or many of the the big holidays) are typically low attended in church services.
After all the excitement of a holiday it has always seemed a low time in the week that follows. If we think of Christmas as the birth of the son of God then how does this relate to what we do after the celebration? What does God dream for us to do? The same thing he sent his son to do? What are we willing to do to make the world less harsh, less unkind?
Sometimes our job is to just show up after the excitement of a holiday with a spirit of generosity and willingness towards kindness to all. It is easier for me to do this when things are going well, harder when I am struggling. But when I think back on the last year, I reflect on the words of Chief Justice John Roberts at his son's ninth-grade commencement address:
He told his audience that most commencement addresses typically wish you good luck and extend good wishes. Instead he said: "I hope you will suffer betrayal, because that will teach you the importance of loyalty.
"Sorry to say, but I hope you will be lonely from time to time so that you don't take friends for granted.
"I wish you bad luck, again from time to time so that you will be conscious of the role of chance in life, and understand that your success is not completely deserved and that the failure of others is not completely deserved either.
"And when you lose, as you will from time to time, I hope every now and then your opponent will gloat over your failure. It is a way for you to understand the importance of sportsmanship.
"I hope you will be ignored so that you know the importance of listening to others, and I hope you will have just enough pain to learn compassion.
"Whether I wish these things or not, they're going to happen. And whether you benefit from them or not will depend upon your ability to see the message in your misfortunes."
These are the realities that we all will face in the course of a full life and how to anticipate them and learn from them becomes the real challenge. But along the way it becomes important to acknowledge the kindness we receive from others. Acknowledging the role others play in our lives helps us feel grateful and helps others feel special which are all keys to the road of kindness and compassion. Write it down and then send it- so others reap the benefit of the effect their kind act had.
When I review 2017 I am now looking at my trials and tribulations in a whole new light. Where did I grow and who was there to pick me up? Did I keep showing up with grace and kindness? So bring it on 2018 and while I hope for a year filled with successes I will look at the messages and opportunity for growth in the things that do not go my way. Anticipation of things not going as I would like just gives me the ability to intentionally find the message.
Happy New Year, may you have just enough trials to keep you humble and kind.
“ The Road Not Taken” ; check your bags at the door
By HEATHER DEAN
Reporter/Photojournalist
You say it's time to write about my new years resolutions??? So, yeah, about that...
I have an addiction to coffee mugs (and the coffee that goes in them) and books. Real books. Books made of paper and glue.
Everywhere I go in my travels I take a book, and plan to come back with at least one new one. Among my favorite writers are those in the transcendentalist movement- Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Margaret Fuller, "Uncle Walt" Whitman, Robert Frost, William Wordsworth- as well as Lord Alfred Byron, and Oscar Wilde to name a few.
One major tenet of transcendentalism is that man shall go against the main-stream choice, if the other is more pleasing to him. The writers reflect ideals, intuition, and our ability to connect with untainted nature.
One of my favorite coffee mugs is one that not only is extra large sized and holds three regular cups of coffee, but that has an excerpt from "The Road Not Taken", by Robert Frost. "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."
His sporadic venture into the wilderness, and the societal realization that he undergoes while there, the whole "choose your own path" , was something that spoke to me, even as a youngling.
I've always wondered what I would be when I grew up (still working on that), what kind of person I would become in later life, what life experiences would be the fleeting images I would see on my death bed (As an aside, I do not plan on having any regrets while lying there, even though this past year has been the most trying and heartbreaking yet.) and how people would remember me.
So, yeah, about that... It's that time of year again: Everyone that follows the Roman calendar has made New Years resolutions, promises to themselves to do better, be better, yadda yadda yadda. Here's the thing- "To thine own self be true" doesn't mean anything if you don't have the salt to take an honest look, and stand your ground against yourself.
The only resolution I have ever cared to make, and keep, is "always take the road less traveled." It gives me pause to reflect and therefore, perspective in the human condition. "And that, has made all the difference."
So go ahead. Take a step in the direction of the transcendentalists. When people want to walk along side you- and many will- let them, regardless of whether they stay on your path or not. Just make them carry their own baggage, no matter how fond you are of them. Because you , my darling human, are not responsible for anyone else's resolutions, regrets, or life lessons.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
By EARL COX
Special to The Record
Have you ever stopped to consider that tiny Israel is one of the most contested pieces of real estate in the world and that more news happens in Israel than just about any place else in the world? The news in Israel changes almost minute by minute. The morning news report is obsolete by lunchtime. For this reason, recapping what has taken place in Israel over the course of this past year would be too difficult for a short article but here are a few of the highlights.
This past year for Israel has been a raucous one. Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu has had to skillfully wend his way politically through innuendoes and accusations against his wife, Sara, for the misuse of public funds and personally for corruption in two cases; allegedly for accepting significant gifts from two businessmen and the second involving a deal with a newspaper in exchange for favorable coverage. Even so, Israelis are not quite ready to count Mr. Netanyahu out. He is currently serving the longest consecutive term of any Israeli prime minister and he is generally trusted by the Israeli public to keep them safe in a region surrounded by hostile neighbors. Will he be able to weather the storm of accusations? Only time will tell but he is clearly a survivor.
Internal politics aside, Israel is making do with the best a democratic government can offer. It upholds basic fairness for all citizens alike regardless of religion, race or creed. Like any democratic country the government makes hard decisions and at other times, concessions, to various groups and agencies to improve evenhandedness in policy. It may come as a surprise to many that Arab Muslims who are Israeli citizens have the same rights and privileges as Jewish Israeli citizens yet the world points its finger at Israel and calls it an apartheid state. This is clearly fake news.
There are other countries which have the same issues of national sovereignty as Israel but fortunately for them they do not have double standards imposed on them as does Israel by the European Union, the United Nations, radical Muslims and academics all who seem ignorant to the facts. Israel's connection to the land dates back more than 3000 years and new supportive archeological evidence is uncovered almost daily. Any Palestinian claim to Jerusalem which pre-dates the Jews is simply more fake news.
A towering problem for Israel this year was the supposed disruption of the status quo on the Temple Mount. The lies and fabrications of Muslim radicals are not worthy of comment because of the clear facts seen on videos and in photographs. United States Congressmen, pastors and others have personally observed the intimidation and false accusations of radical Muslims. After all, if what the Muslims contend is true then why do they not want security cameras in place to film any alleged disruption of the status quo?
Palestinian radicalism has led to stabbings and the utilization of vehicles to plow down many innocent people in Israel causing widespread killings and injuries; that these criminals are as young as eleven years old speaks to the brainwashing of once innocent Palestinian children by government led officials and even their own parents who, themselves, are encouraged to be anything but peacemakers. How is Israel to handle such scandalous, vicious attacks which can occur anywhere and at any time? Prevention involves profiling and the Israelis have honed this skill making it almost a science. With the same horrors now happening in other countries, the world could learn much from Israel in how to keep people safe.
At a time in history not seen since Israel's rebirth in 1948, Jews from around the world are moving to Israel in record numbers. This should come as no surprise as anti-Semitism is again on the rise. Even as close to home as Charlotte, North Carolina a Jewish family was terrorized when they awoke to find a swastika painted on their garage door the morning after they put up Hanukkah decorations. In the first six months of 2017 there were 15 reported anti-Semitic incidences in North Carolina alone.
It is estimated that by 2026 more than 160,000 French Jews will have made Aliyah to Israel. I single out France because they recently created a department of government whose sole responsibility is to investigate French Jews. The function of this department is to track French Jewish money in order to know where it is invested and who owns land in Israel. Hard to believe that in this day and age a government could actually set up an entire department tasked with targeting a specific group based on religious beliefs.
Israel, along with countries which previously had nothing to do with the Jewish state, are broaching alliances for their common benefit against radical Islamists. These are noteworthy as Israel moves into the unpredictable future.
On another note, the Jewish-Christian relationship is better than it has ever been and is continuing to grow stronger. Both Jews and Christians are recognizing that our commonalities are greater than our differences.
While there is still more to be done, Israel is always on the cutting edge which is why it has earned the nickname as "the startup nation." This tiny country has been blessed with very smart people who have developed advanced systems of detection and deterrence of terrorists attempting to cross the border and rockets launched into Israel are successfully destroyed while still in the air. Israel has made significant advancements in the fields of science, medicine, cyber technology and agriculture to name only a few. And while we all benefit from Israel's advancements, developments and achievements, the world fails to give Israel the credit she rightly deserves.
Finally, the President of the United States has proclaimed that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Even though he stopped short of saying ALL of Jerusalem is the capital of the Jewish people, he at least made a step in the right direction and eight other countries are now following suit. After all, Jerusalem was claimed as Israel's capital by King David more than 3000 years ago.
As the world moves in to a new year, it would do us well to remember that if G-d's Word is true (which it is for certain) then it would be best for all foreign governments to beware not to hurt, touch or attempt to divide the "apple of God's eye" or the land deeded to Israel by God Himself.
A New Year and a Best Friend
By CARL WHITE
Life in the Carolinas
Frederick the Great, King of Prussia from 1740-1786 reportedly said "The more I see of men, the better I like my dog" he also referred to one of his Italian greyhounds as his best friend. I do not propose to understand all the responsibility and feelings of a monarch; however, I do care greatly for my canine companions, and I have it on competent authority that I am a member of a rather large group.
In my numerous travels in the Carolinas, I have met many people with four-legged family members. I have gotten to know many of them and when I revisit or call it is common for me to ask of about their wellbeing.
Larry and Ginny in Murrells Inlet share their home with two Jack Russell Terrier's Winston Churchill and Margaret "Maggie" Thatcher. Sometimes more are in residence. During my visits, I have witnessed the value and love shared with their four-legged housemates that can best be described as a family.
Ken and Laura share their home with Powder, a great white long-legged Boxer-Pit mix who is as much family as any human member. Ken says Powder wouldn't bite a biscuit if it were not buttered just right. Ken has a way with words and Powder has a way of touching the hearts of those who meet him.
Wayne and Pam have an extended family of canines, Bernice a Chihuahua and her brother Bilbo; then there is Colt a Chihuahua/Jack Russel mix, who prefers being the alpha in all situations. They often travel with Wayne and Pam on their many adventures. Pam says they are family and when you travel it's nice to have your family with you.
I've written about our four-legged pals before, and I'm likely to do it again. Spot, a terrier blend is the one which provides great comfort to me; I believe he helps bring a bit of calm when most needed. Harvard suggests there are many benefits to canine companionship including the idea that "Just petting a dog can reduce blood pressure and heart rate (while having a positive effect on the dog as well)" I believe this idea to be true as I have benefited from this therapy many times.
The Chinese calendar has a place for the Dog; and for those born in 2018 they will be an Earth Dog. I'll need to get folk artist Charlie Frye to paint an Earth Dog in honor of our New Year and for the new lives that will surely grow to productive members of our Carolinas. Charlie painted a Rooster for 2017 as it was the year of the Rooster. I find the Chinese calendars interesting because China is one of our worlds ancient societies. The use of animals seems to honor them in some way, and I think that's a nice thing.
My travels have provided me with opportunities to see and experience many things. I get along with just about everyone, and most animals seem to like me. I think that ability came from my father who loved animals; he was the happiest when a good variety of animals were around.
As it turns out the Chinese say, I was born a Wood Dragon and as the years pass a Carolina dog seems to lessen the pain of life’s splinters.
Here's to the New Year
Carl White is the executive producer and host of the award-winning syndicated TV show Carl White's Life In the Carolinas. The weekly show is now in its eighth year of syndication and can be seen in the Charlotte viewing market on WJZY Fox 46 Saturday's at 12:00 noon. For more on the show, visit www.lifeinthecarolinas.com, You can email Carl White at Carl@lifeinthecaro e
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