#is south africa safe to live

[chaiaurchaandni]

does throwing a stone at a tank

make a child a terrorist?

is terrorism about resisting oppression? is terrorism about demanding your birthright to live safely and peacefully in your homeland? is terrorism about hating the killers of your family, your friends and your people?

accusations of terrorism are often weaponized against those fighting for liberation and sovereignty and dignity. the french settlers called the algerians terrorists. the indian government calls the kashmiris terrorists. the pakistani army calls pashtun activists terrorists. the turkish government calls the kurds terrorists. apartheid south africa called nelson mandela a terrorist. americans called the vietcong and the black panthers terrorists. the israelis call the palestinians terrorists. all oppressive regimes are connected. all oppressed people are connected. injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

[odinsblog]

Game of Thrones stars and other actors read South Africa's case file charging Israel with genocide at the International Court of Justice.

Transcript:

It was already known that repeated exposure to conflict and violence, including witnessing and experiencing housing demolition, combined with Israel'siege of Gaza since 2007, is associated with high levels of psychological distress amongst Palestinians.

Indeed, the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2712 expressed its deep concern that the disruption of access to education has a dramatic impact on children and that conflict has a lifelong effect on their physical and mental health.

This disruption and its dramatic impact on children must be considered in particular and in the context of the number of Palestinian students and educators who have been killed, 4,037 and 209 respectively, and wounded, estimated at 7,259 and the number of Palestinian schools having been damaged or destroyed 352 or 74% of the schools in the whole of Gaza.

Medical professionals assess that the health effects on all Palestinian children, women, men, older people, people with disabilities and people marginalized identities are immense.

An emergency coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières interviewed on her return from five weeks in Gaza, describes: It's even worse in reality than it looks. The amount of suffering is just something incomparable. It's really unbearable. I'm speechless when I try and think of the future of these children. Generations of children who will be handicapped, who will be traumatized.

The very children in our mental health program are telling us that they would rather die than continue living in Gaza now.

The extreme levels of bombardment and lack of any safe areas are also causing severe mental trauma in the Palestinian population in Gaza.

Even before the latest onslaught, Palestinians in Gaza suffered severe trauma from prior attacks. 80% of Palestinian children experienced higher levels of emotional distress, demonstrating bed wetting, 79% and reactive mutism, 59% and engaging in self harm, 59% and suicidal thoughts, 55%.

Eleven weeks of relentless bombardment, displacement and loss will necessarily have led to a further increase in those figures, particularly for the estimated tens of thousands of Palestinian children who have lost at least one parent and those who are the sole surviving members of their families.

For the families who remain intact or partially intact, quote, “It's about doing everything you can so your child doesn't realize that you've lost control.”

There are reports of Israeli forces using white phosphorus in densely populated areas in Gaza.

As the World Health Organization describes, even small amounts of white phosphorus can cause deep and severe burns, penetrating even through bone and capable of reigniting after initial treatment.

There are no functioning hospitals in the north of Gaza in particular, such that injured persons are reduced to waiting to die, unable to seek surgery or medical treatment beyond first aid, dying slow, agonizing deaths from their injuries or from resultant infections.

Large numbers of Palestinian civilians, including children, have reportedly been arrested, blindfolded, forced to undress and remain outside in cold weather before being forced onto trucks and taken to unknown locations.

Medics and first responders in particular have been repeatedly detained by Israeli forces, with many being detained in communicado at unknown locations.

Videos published by Israeli media on Christmas Day appeared to show hundreds of Palestinians rounded up inside al-Yarmouk football stadium in Gaza City, including children, older people and persons with disabilities, being forced to strip to their underwear in degrading conditions. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian affairs, or UN OCHA, reports video footage showing bruises and burns on the bodies of detainees.

Images of mutilated and burned corpses, alongside videos of armed attacks by Israeli soldiers are reportedly circulated in Israel via a Telegram channel called, 72 Virgins Uncensored, billed as exclusive content from the Gaza Strip.

[because--palestine]

The presentation by Adila Hassim SC, counsel and advocate for South Africa against Israel, to the International Court of Justice

Palestinians in Gaza are subjected to bombing wherever they go. They are killed in their homes, in places where they seek shelter, in hospitals, in schools, in mosques, in churches, and as they try to find food and water for their families. They have been killed if they failed to evacuate, in the places to which they fled, and even while they attempted to flee along Israeli declared “safe routes”.

The level of killing is so extensive that those whose bodies are found are buried in mass graves, often unidentified. [...]

Israel has killed an “unparalleled and unprecedented” number of civilians, with the full knowledge of how many civilian lives each bomb will take. [...]

This killing is nothing short of destruction of Palestinian life. It is inflicted deliberately. No one is spared, not even newborn babies. The scale of Palestinian child killings in Gaza is such that UN chiefs have described it as “a graveyard for children”. The devastation is intended to and has laid waste to Gaza beyond any acceptable legal, let alone humane, justification.

Note: Adila Hassim are two Arabic words: Adila is the feminine form of "just" or "fair"; and Hassim means decisive.

[little-miss-dilf-lover]

Date Night

PARING: Tangerine x fem!reader

WORD COUNT: 1.3k

SUMMARY: Tangerine has been away on a mission for the last week, and is back in time for date night. Missing each other like crazy, you decide to have a not-so-quiet night at home

TAGS/WARNINGS: 18+ only. mutual masturbation, lazily handjob, cowgirl, unprotected p in v, creampie, established relationship. MDNI no mentions of y/n

A/N: this is a repost, bc i accidentally deleted the original🥲

rewritten 07/12/23 - deleted big chunks (1.2k words to be exact) as badly written and adds no context, just a load of waffle

Every alternating Friday, you and Tangerine would have a date night - a special night dedicated to prioritise each other. An evening together, no distractions. 

Today was date night, your favourite day. The same day that Tangerine returns home from his ten-day-long mission in South Africa.

As you pace the living room impatiently -waiting for your husband to come home to you- you see car headlights shine through the blinds, your favourite indication that Tangerine made it back safe.

Feeling giddy at his arrival, you run to the front door, ready to greet him with a kiss and a smile. 

Keys jingle in the lock, and you rush over to him. "Ah!" you shriek, wrapping him in a tight, welcoming embrace. "God, I've missed you," you blurt out, planting quick, hurried kisses over his cheek.

He chuckles, gripping your waist, hugging you with one arm as he walks into the house. "Missed you, love," he adds, dropping his bag to the floor to wrap his now-free arm around you. "How you been?" he asks, lingering a kiss on your lips, blue eyes lit up huge.

"Good, bored. Same old, same old," you smile. "How was your business trip?" you jest, pulling away to shut the door behind him. "Get many kills? Win mvp?"

He snickers, kicking off his shoes to follow after you. "Dickhead." 

You make your way into the kitchen, but he hangs back, sifting through his away bag. He meets you at the island a moment later, a bottle of wine and a single red rose in hand, a sweet, sincere smile on his face. "For you," his grin brightens, placing the gifts on the countertop. 

"You're annoyingly sweet," you smile, placing the rose into an old wine bottle - half-filling it with water. "Puts my present to shame," you playfully frown, nodding to the gift bag on the dining table.

He rolls up his sleeves, adjusting the collar of his shirt as he makes his way over, laughing almost obnoxiously when he sees what's inside. He picks up the small bottle, turning to face you. "Lube? Really?"

"I know, I know. It's stupid," you offer an apologetic smile, scratching the side of your neck - almost embarrassed. 

"Should I be insulted?" he jokes, walking back over to you, standing on the other side of the island, resting his hands on the surface with a wide stance.

"No," you dismiss. "It's, you know... my way of telling you I missed you," you respond suggestively, leaning over the counter to kiss him. 

"Oh, yeah?" he grins cockily, eyes half-lidded as he focuses on you. 

You hum, checking the time on your phone. "We got over an hour til dinner arrives," you innocently suggest. "Want to play cards? A board game?" you tease.

"Mh-hm," he nods, playing along. "Monopoly. That will kill the time."

"Okay then, great," you grin. "Let's go play," you add, walking away - heading for the stairs.

You halt when you reach the bottom of the staircase, waiting for Tan, hand extended for him to take. You lead him upstairs, him holding onto your hand from behind, following after you like a dog on a lead. 

Walking you both through the door of your shared bedroom, guiding him to the armchair in the corner of the room, you ask him to sit. He does as asked, adjusting his groin in the chair, manspreading in the way he knew you liked - keeping his eyes fixed on you in front of him. Gaze lidded and focused as he slowly unbuttons his shirt.

You stand a mere foot away, undressing yourself of your baggy sweater to reveal a black lace bra - one you wore specially for tonight. You're close but not close enough, just out of reach, just out of his grasp. You keep your attention locked on Tangerine as you tug your pj bottoms down, revealing a matching pair of slinky underwear. 

"Fuck," he sighs, exasperated, biting on his fisted knuckle. 

You perch upon his thigh and slip your arms around his neck, leaning forward and brushing your lips over his teasingly. "Missed you," you whisper, slowly circling your hips over his spread thigh. 

You lazily drag your palm over his chest, stroking down his stomach, pausing when you reach his belt. He makes haste movements at unbuckling it, bringing his hands up to cup your cheeks the second he's free. "Fuckin' missed you," he replies, voice strained and hoarse against your mouth. 

You slip your hand into the front of his trousers, fingers leisurely trailing over his pubic bone til they reach the edge of his aching hard-on. You make a soft coo, silently instructing him to lift his hips.

A soft smile forms on your lips when you pull his thick cock out of the waistband of his boxers - tip messy and leaking, waiting impatiently to be touched. You place your thumb over his head, applying slight pressure as you swirl his precum around, lightly brushing down the side of his cock.

His grip tightens on the side of your face, cupping your cheeks firmly, groaning and mumbling into your mouth about how good you're making him feel. You make a soft hum noise - an almost moan, rolling his cock in your hand, slowly rubbing him off. Nice and gentle.

His hands fall from your face to stroke down your bare back, halting when he reaches the clasp of your bra. He undoes it with ease, dropping the flimsy piece of lingerie to the floor, letting your tits spring free, just mere inches from him.

Tangerine slides a hand between you, reaching for your underwear the way you did him. Teasing at your clit through the damp fabric, flicking his thumb over the sensitive mound as you continued to make those desperate whines he loved so much.

"Get on my dick," he instructs, voice strangled and urgent as he handles you, spreading your legs over his other thigh - making you straddle him. 

You reach between you, parting your underwear aside and grip his base, pushing his reddened head through your slick, puffy folds - rimming his head around your hole before slowly sinking onto him. Thick cock spitting your insides nicely as you lower down, ass cheeks resting on his upper thighs.

He slinks his arms around you, tightly holding around your waist as you wind your hips over him, mumbling spluttery curses when his tip kisses at the hilt. 

"Yeah, yeah. That's it," Tangerine whispers, praising you for the way your walls work over his dick - like your cunt was stroking him, tightening and releasing with every soft, little bounce.

"Really, really missed you," you whimper into his mouth, holding the sides of his face, using him as stability as he nudges up into you - meeting you halfway with clumsy, sloppy thrusts. 

The soft, sticky clicking of your pussy wrapped around his cock, and muffled moans and whispers fill the air, sounds getting progressively louder when he shimmies down the chair - hands on your waist as he fucks up into you by himself.

"God— fuck," you cry out, limbs seizing up as you cum, your body turning limp above him. Pussy clamping and jolting with your release. 

He reaches his high a moment later, a groaning and grunting mess as he spraypaints your insides with his warm, thick load, your tightening walls milking his cock in the most delicious way.

His forehead rests against yours as you catch your breath, both completely blissed out.

"Shower?" he offers, speaking suggestively, toying with your tits, rolling them with his palms.

You hum, lingering a kiss on his lips as you slowly lift yourself from his dick, cum leaking around the base. You head for the shower, nodding for him to follow, a devious smile on your face.

After your lengthy shower -and some more fooling around- you and Tangerine find yourselves on the sofa, freshly washed, tucking into your dinner as you watch tv - enjoying the rest of your special night together. 

[whateverisbeautiful]

♥️Reveling in Richonne - TOWL

#46: The Never Letting Go (1.05)

gif cred: @nerd4music

I adore that Richonne's love is so strong and everlasting that even despite being kept apart for longer than they were together, Rick and Michonne still never moved on from each other. They stayed madly in love and they never let go of each other.

And it's sweet Rick wants to vocalize exactly that in these woods and all throughout their journey home 😊...

After the great souvenir shop scene, I like how we enter Richonne's conversation in the woods with Michonne sharing her observations on Rick’s 'family member' Pearl. And from her observations, she clearly felt that Thorne lady was doing the most lol.

Michonne says, “Thorne was so uptight. She was trying so hard for this army. Too hard.”

gif cred: @nerd4music

Rick gives Michonne the scoop on Pearl when he explains, “She was trying to get home to South Africa, to someone she loves. Okafor found her and she stopped trying.”

And then I love that Rick stops and takes Michonne’s hand to look her in the eyes and say, “You know I never let go. I denied it and I pushed you away. But I never let go.”

It’s sweet that he really wants her to know this. To know that no matter his previous actions and no matter how many years, he truly never let go of his love for her. He never let go of her.

gif cred: @nat111love

We saw how true that was in all the ways Rick yearned for her while apart. Even all the denying it and pushing her away was rooted in him never letting go of his love and commitment to protect her.

Again, when he was pushing Michonne away, he still had every intent to live the rest of his life like he was hers, just from afar. 

gif cred: @nat111love

And then I appreciate that Michonne gets to be honest in response to this. She looks at him again with so much sincere love evident in her expression and then she warmly touches his face and says, “I didn’t know.” That’s valid because some of Rick’s moments of pushing her away in ep 3 & 4 really did force her to wonder if perhaps her Rick was gone.

But fortunately that character - The Bold As Hell Man - made his final appearance last episode. So now Michonne gets to be with the Rick she knows and loves - the man who we know will happily spend the rest of his life making sure she never again has to be unsure of where he stands and how much he loves her. 

As they keep walking, Michonne stops and notices words about what and who to protect on a National Park sign. Rick asks, “What is it?” and Michonne shares what line from the sign most sticks out to her when she says, “'The people from the people'.” And as TWD has long shown, it’s often the living people that are the bigger danger and most need to be protected from even over the dead.

But also the line is interesting because in a way taking out walkers in this apocalypse is protecting people from 'the people' because that’s what the dead once were. 

gif cred: @nerd4music

After she says this, they hear some screaming from the distance and they immediately run to the rescue. Richonne works together to take out a walker with skin like stone and I like how they just effortlessly tag team and successfully kill it, despite a whole trio having struggled to take the thing down.

Killing the walker is a piece of cake for them to the point that Michonne is more just casually curious about it saying "hmm" lol. 😋

gif cred: @perryabbott

Richonne meets this bumbling trio and as the generous goodhearted people they are they agree to give the group some of their noodles after Michonne kindly cared that they look pretty hungry. I love how when she notes they look hungry, Rick is quickly on board to give them noodles. And Michonne’s smile is so sweet being nice to these folks and handing them the food packages.

Rick tells them to stay safe as he and Michonne prepare to head back on their path. But this trio doesn’t have good judgment, so they aren’t able to tell that they just had an encounter with the baddest to ever do it, and they think they can threaten Richonne by putting guns on them. 

gif cred: @andy-clutterbuck

The best thing about this scene is how Richonne always operates in the same energy. And here they both look more minorly inconvenienced rather than threatened cuz they know that these siblings are gonna regret this.

Rick is unfazed by having a gun on him but he does look particularly peeved seeing that man point a gun at Michonne. Target a Grimes in front of another Grimes and it's gonna have Richonne heated every time.

gif cred: @ricksmarlene

Continuing to operate in the same energy, Michonne and Rick just casually let the group know they’ll graciously let them take this moment back as that would be in the trio’s best interest. The leader Red starts trying to share his motto or whatever but he doesn’t get to finish because Rick and Michonne disarm them with ease. Always in sync those two. 😌

Within seconds, Richonne goes from having guns on them to being the ones aiming the guns, and now all of a sudden the group wants to change their tune and take them up on their rollback offer.

Michonne and Rick feel like such parents as they try to ensure these people won’t pull this thievery attempt on anyone else. Red wonders why they care about anyone else and says, “You look after you. Anything else is a fairytale.” And Rick says, “You think?” Little does Red know he’s talking to the two people living about as close to an apocalyptic fairytale as they can with their epic love story.

The Philly guy admits it’s very hard to think with Rick (hotly) having a gun on him and then we get some signature Rick Grimes when he says, “Well how about you just listen.” And the Philly man announcing that he’s peeing in fear is a humorous moment. 🤭

gif cred: @nerd4music

Rick breaks it down for them as he reminds them that he and his wife saved them and they aren’t the ones in danger rn. They finally get the trio to make a promise and then Michonne starts taking their noodles away. And I'm with her on that choice.

Rick is initially surprised that they're taking the noodles away so he curiously looks at Michonne and asks, “Really?” But seeing Michonne is serious, he’s again quickly on board, and I like how he's just like 'Okay' and stoops down for her to put the packages back in his backpack. 😊

gif cred: @nerd4music

Even tho he's surprised they're taking the noodles, I love that Rick is still like...

Richonne's whole energy at the end of this scene makes me smile as they get rid of the bullets in the guns and toss them. Like Rick and Michonne really were just so casual and unbothered while letting those three know they’re gonna learn today. 😇

Michonne sternly tells the trio to wait until they’re gone and Rick reminds them to keep their promise and y’all, seeing Richonne back in their zone like this was a sight for sore eyes.😌

Then there’s such a pretty purple nature shot before they cut to Rick and Michonne in their cozy cabin. And once again we get a scene that features Richonne + candles, so you know it’s gonna be good. 😊

gif cred: @perryabbott

Inside the cabin, Michonne looks so pretty sitting at the table by the candles as she holds Red’s red gun. And I love that Rick is protecting the place with that trip wire. It’s yet another depiction of why Michonne knows she’s always safe with him.

Michonne asks if Rick thinks it was okay to leave the trio the other gun and he answers saying, “I don’t think they’ll come after us, if that’s what you mean. And maybe he’ll keep that promise.” 

Then, because Rick remembers everything Michonne has ever said in life, he recalls back to that sign she noticed before they were interrupted by the trio and asks, “What were you saying about ‘the people from the people?’”

I love how that stuck with him and it’s stuck with her too when Michonne shares, “I don’t know. It’s just something that’s stuck in my head. ‘Protect the people from the people.’” The line is a clear seed being planted that Richonne will feel obligated to go take down the CRM and protect the people from the people. 

Rick grabs a dusty whiskey bottle and one thing I really like about this scene is how comfortable it all feels. Like it really captured a calm authentic vibe with Rick and Michonne just decompressing over a drink after a day of travel. They just seem so at home with each other which I always enjoy seeing.

In one of Rick’s episode one letters he mentioned sitting with Michonne talking into the late night hours, and I love that they now get to do that again. They deserve this. 🥰

Michonne asks, “You think they would have made it?” and I like how Michonne wants to pick Rick’s brain about these things running through her head. Rick puts glasses and the bottle on the table and says, “What, if we hadn’t come along? I don’t know.”

Michonne mulls over that trio’s situation and Rick says, “Lucky for them someone was nearby.” And Michonne adds, “Lucky for them it was us.” Rick agrees as he pours their drinks and then Michonne reflects on how they didn’t even think twice before running to help them.

gif cred: @richonnegifs

Rick seems so idk like cute and relaxed when he says, “Nope. Might be strange to admit it but that felt good” and smiles at her. Richonne was back in the woods handling business and helping people so it makes sense it felt good to be returning to their roots together. 😌

And then I adore Michonne softly saying, “Us against the world” as they clink their glasses and cheers. 🥂

Again, I love how Michonne loves and believes in Richonne so much. This world has thrown a lot at them, like more than most could bear, but Rick and Michonne come out on top together every time. So if it’s them vs. anything or anyone else, Michonne is choosing them every time. And so am I.🙋🏽‍♀️

gif cred: @richonnegifs

And then I also love Rick adding, “Or saving it” because Richonne also makes the world a better place together too. 

gif cred: @ricksmarlene

Rick admits he was surprised Michonne took back the noodles but she makes a very valid point when she laughs and says, “They pulled a gun on us. You don’t get noodles for that.” She ain’t ever been wrong, y’all.

gif cred: @nerd4music

Rick again looks like he agrees with her as they drink. And then...Michonne starts putting some stuff together about that husband she knows so well.😏

gif cred: @nerd4music

She seductively says, “Toothpaste, booze…what are you up to, Grimes?” Love it. 😊 She knows that man is doing all the things that are gonna have her hot and bothered lol.

gif cred: @coolpartytimefan

And then Rick is so sweet and sincere saying, “I’m just working with what I got” as he takes the M bracelet from his pocket and places it in her hand. Y’all, how is there so much gold in one six-episode series? Like the way we were fed. #SixCourseMeal 💯🍽

I love that they include this moment in the show of Rick gifting her this meaningful jewelry. One thing about that man Rick - he is going to find a way to be romantic with his wife, even in an apocalypse. 👌🏽

gif cred: @andy-clutterbuck

Every detail of Michonne is an important detail to Rick. And one of the many things I appreciate about this bracelet moment is that it’s about her. Not her as a leader or someone who is an asset to a group, but just Michonne the woman who Rick loves and cherishes.

And Michonne’s surprised and touched reaction to the bracelet is so so sweet. She smiles with a little laugh as she gets to see Rick yet again replace the one she lost and be so thoughtful to her. She’s got the best husband and I love that for her. 🥹

And Rick has got the best wife which is why he wants to shower her with gifts every chance he gets. Also, when Rick says he’s working with what he’s got, I really feel like it’s him knowing he’s giving her what he can until he can finally find her a ring.

gif cred: @riickgrimes

Then the scene just continues to live up to the love story that was promised as Rick stands up and gently takes Michonne's hand. I adore the tender way he does that, holding just the tips of her fingers, and the way she’s beaming at him as she stands up. 😍🥹

gif cred: @coolpartytimefan

And there's even more to adore because I love the way he's taking her in with a smile and pulling her closer with the soft music playing, the way she stays looking in his eyes with her pearly smile, the way they wrap their arms around each other and kiss...again, real lovers are back. 💯🙌🏽

gif cred: @coolpartytimefan

Also, I love how while this moment starts off all soft and gentle, the kiss they then share is real hungry and passionate from both of them. Like many, I had a second of wondering if they were about to start dancing but no y’all, they get straight to it because of course they do. 😋

Slick Rick said it's been nearly a decade, so every chance I get with my wife...

Rick and Michonne's hunger for each other really knows no bounds. They kiss each other like its nourishment and that was very much communicated in this passionate kiss as they fall into bed. Every kiss is a ten out of ten in TOWL and I’m here for the drunk-on-love vibes of this one. 😊

gif cred: @msanonships

Also, whenever I see this I'm just like the world should have known that in this miniseries Rick was about to be quite occupied with loving on his favorite person now that he's returned to Michonne. Like no he isn't itching to know if Negan went on to have a 'redemption' arc 🧍🏽‍♀️...Rick's finally got the woman who is his heart back in his life & wrapped in his arms. This was always gonna be where he directed his focus and energy.

And as the scene in this cozy cabin concludes it affirms yet again that Richonne + candle-lit scenes are always gonna be gold. 🕯👌🏽

gif cred: @msanonships

Things are going to get pretty fast and furious with Richonne’s next few scenes and so I appreciate that this scene gave them a moment of calm, quiet, and romance before that. It was all so warm and another great reminder of why I love the way Richonne loves each other. 😌👌🏽

[afeelgoodblog]

The Best News of Last Week - March 13, 2023

🐝 - Did you hear about the honeybee vaccine? It's creating quite the buzz! But seriously, it's a major breakthrough in the fight against American foulbrood and could save billions of bees.

1. Transgender health care is now protected in Minnesota

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order protecting and supporting access to gender-affirming health care for LGBTQ people in the state, amidst Republican-backed efforts across the country to limit transgender health care. The order upholds the essential values of One Minnesota where all people, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, are safe, celebrated, and able to live lives full of dignity and joy.

Numerous medical organizations have said that access to gender-affirming care is essential to the health and wellness of gender diverse people, while states like Tennessee, Arizona, Utah, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, South Dakota, and Florida have passed policies or laws restricting transgender health care.

2. First vaccine for honeybees could save billions

The US government has approved the world's first honeybee vaccine to fight against American foulbrood, a bacterial disease that destroys bee colonies vital for crop pollination.

Developed by biotech company Dalan Animal Health, the vaccine integrates some of the foulbrood bacteria into royal jelly, which is then fed to the queen by the worker bees, resulting in the growing bee larvae developing immunity to foulbrood. The vaccine aims to limit the damage caused by the infectious disease, for which there is currently no cure, and promote the development of vaccines for other diseases affecting bees.

3. Teens rescued after days stranded in California snowstorm: "We were already convinced we were going to die"

The recent snowstorms in California have resulted in dangerous conditions for hikers and residents in mountain communities. Two teenage hikers were rescued by the San Bernardino County sheriff's department after getting lost in the mountains for 10 days.

The boys were well-prepared for the hike but were not prepared for the massive amounts of snow that followed. They were lucky to survive, suffering from hypothermia and having to huddle together for three nights to stay warm.

Yosemite National Park has had to be closed indefinitely due to the excessive snowfall.

4. La Niña, which worsens Atlantic hurricanes and Western droughts, is gone

The La Nina weather phenomenon, which increases Atlantic hurricane activity and worsens western drought, has ended after three years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That's usually good news for the United States and other parts of the world, including drought-stricken northeast Africa, scientists said.

The globe is now in what's considered a "neutral" condition.

5. Where there's gender equality, people tend to live longer

Both women and men are likely to live longer when a country makes strides towards gender equality, according to a new global study that authors believe to be the first of its kind.

The study was published in the journal PLOS Global Public Health this week. It adds to a growing body of research showing that advances in women's rights benefit everyone. "Globally, greater gender equality is associated with longer [life expectancy] for both women and men and a widening of the gender gap in [life expectancy]," they conclude.

6. New data shows 1 in 7 cars sold globally is an EV, and combustion engine car sales have decreased by 25% since 2017

Electric vehicles are the key technology to decarbonise road transport, a sector that accounts for 16% of global emissions. Compared with 2020, sales nearly doubled to 6.6 million (a sales share of nearly 9%), bringing the total number of electric cars on the road to 16.5 million.

Sales were highest in China, where they tripled relative to 2020 to 3.3 million after several years of relative stagnation, and in Europe, where they increased by two-thirds year-on-year to 2.3 million. Together, China and Europe accounted for more than 85% of global electric car sales in 2021

7. Lastly, watch this touching moment as rescued puppy gains trust in her new owners

By the way, this is my newly started YouTube channel. Subscribe for more wholesome videos :D

---

That's it for this week. If you liked this post you can support this newsletter with a small kofi donation:

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Let's carry the positivity into next week and keep spreading the good news!

[magz]

Palestine Summary: March 13 to March 15, 2024. From "Let's Talk Palestine". Quote:

March 13. Day 159

🇬🇧 In an unprecedented move for a Western state, UK granted asylum to Palestinian w/ Israeli citizenship, overturning their 2022 rejection. His request was largely based on risk of persecution under Israel’s “apartheid” regime. This is first official Western recognition Palestinian reality under Israeli apartheid, even if the UK didn’t explicitly label it apartheid. More on abuse of Palestinians w/ Israeli citizenship: https://tinyurl.com/292zvw7p

🇿🇦 South Africa announces that citizens enlisted in Israeli forces will be arrested upon returning + possibility of stripping citizenship from dual South African-Israeli citizens

• 13-year-old Rami Halhouli shot & killed by Israeli forces in Jerusalem (West Bank) while playing w/ fireworks; Israel National Security Minister Ben-Gvir praised this as “exceptional work”

🇺🇳 Israel bombs UNRWA aid distribution center in “safe zone” Rafah, 5+ killed incl. 1 UN staff

• 88 Palestinians killed, 135 injured in Gaza in past 24 hours

March 14.

Day 160

🚨 Another horrifying massacre of aid seekers in Gaza City as Israeli forces opened fire and killed 21+ Palestinians, injured 155+, death toll expected to rise. Israel’s blockade is obstructing entry & distribution of aid, purposefully starving Palestinians while they repeatedly massacre them as they seek the little aid allowed in

🇺🇸 US sanctions 3 more Israeli settlers + 2 outposts (settlements illegal under Israeli law) in West Bank; first US sanction of entire settlement over just individuals

• Israel witholds body of 13-year-old Palestinian killed by IOF to deter mourning gatherings & curtail attention to the killing of Palestinians; witholding remains of 65 Palestinians killed in West Bank since Oct 7

🇦🇺 Australia revoked visitor visas issued to Palestinians fleeing Gaza while enroute — saying they didn’t intend a “temporary” visit. Australia advising they apply for this visa, issuing the same visa’s to fleeing Ukranians without the expectation they were tourists

March 15, message.

🚨 Last night, Israel massacred Palestinians in Gaza City as they gathered waiting for aid trucks, killing over 40 people and injuring at least 160 more. Israeli forces fired live ammunition at the crowd from helicopters and tanks, leaving many to bleed out on the street.

This marks the 7th attack on aid seekers during this genocide, highlighting a pattern amidst the constant bombardment and targeted killings across Gaza.

Since January, Israel’s obstruction of the entry and distribution of aid has created a dire situation for Palestinians as dozens have since been recorded killed by starvation and dehydration. Many more remain in critical condition in barely functioning hospitals under Israel’s total siege and bombardment. Starving Palestinians is a key target of this genocidal campaign to try and force Gaza to submit to occupation.

We need to escalate our pressure.

[matan4il]

Daily update post:

Two Arab men loyal to ISIS were arrested for intending to carry out a terrorist attack in the Old City of Jerusalem. They were going to use explosives, and were considering buying a drone to drop the explosives from. I just wanna remind everyone, that every new terrorism tactic developed against Israelis, eventually makes its way to other countries.

On Israel's northern border, Hezbollah fired a barrage of rockets into the city of Kiryat Shmona, causing widespread blackouts. Among the buildings his is a school. On our southern border, a TV reporter shared that over the first 9 days of 2024, 17 rocket barrages were fired into Israel from Gaza. It's a lot less than it used to be, but it's still not zero. I want people to understand that until we can guarantee no rockets are going to be fired at Israeli civilians living along the country's borders, those communities can't go back to their homes. They'll remain evacuated, homeless, without any possible change on the horizon. It's an abnormal and impossible situation for any country, if its citizens can't live on their own land. No country would take it, and frankly, it is only the strength of spirit of Israel's northern and southern communities, that allowed Israel to overlook the tens of thousands of rockets being fired into this land for 22 years. NO COUNTRY would take this. And after Oct 7, Israeli civilians are done taking it, too. Which means Israel as a country can no longer accept this abnormal reality either.

This is a map of how Hamas' rockets cover Israel (and how this progressed through the years). It doesn't show Hezbollah's rockets. If Hamas has tens of thousands of rockets, Hezbollah is said to have hundreds of thousands. It also doesn't show how far drones from Gaza can reach, or how Israel has had rockets fired at it from Iraq, Syria and Yemen, too. And that Iran's rockets can also reach us.

After undergoing surgery, and still waiting to learn the extent to which his serious injuries will affect him, singer and actor Idan Amedi sent out a message through a friend (an Israeli politician) who was visiting him. Idan said, according to his friend, to forget about him, he's not important and he will deal with what he has to, what matters is that the People of Israel will stay strong together. One journalist IMO nailed it, when he said about Idan, that it's not that Amedi as an individual matters more than the other soldiers in Gaza, it's that he's a symbol of how much Israelis are putting aside and sacrificing in order to protect our country and our people.

The less interesting part of the lawsuit by South Africa (organized behind the scenes by the Palestinian Authority) against Israel was concluded today, the part where we already knew what lies and distortions will be employed. Tomorrow, Israel will get to respond, and that should prove more interesting. For now, many have condemned the biased stance that SA took, especially as in 2015 it enabled the return to Sudan of Omar al-Bashir, who has been guilty of mass rapes and murders in Darfur. SA was asked to arrest him for his crimes against humanity during a visit, but they enabled his safe return to his country and to his crimes. He was only stopped in 2019. That's on top of SA siding with Iran, a country that finances terrorism globally, kills its own civilians, and is implicated in the Oct 7 massacre carried out by Hamas, the antisemitic genocidal terrorist organization. SA omitted the massacre from the lawsuit it filed against Israel.

Before the trial in the Hague started, the head of Israel's criminal forensics institute, Dr. Chen Kugel, has published more evidence from the horrifying crimes of Hamas, committed on Oct 7, and which were motivated by genocidal intent. A part of the current antisemitic farce is, of course, that while Israel is wrongfully being charged with genocide, the actual crimes perpetrated due to genocidal intent can't be prosecuted in the International Court of Justice, because Hamas is not a state, and did not sign the convention for the prevention of genocide, as Israel did. There's an irony here that only antisemitism can turn into a reality, that the first heinous crimes in this war were committed against Israel, yet the first trial over any crimes in this war is also targeting the Jewish state.

They're saying it will take years for the lawsuit to be concluded. But the accusation, the libel against Israel (and possibly an intermediary junction against Israel, for which the bar is very low, and which SA is asking the court to give), that's happening RIGHT NOW. It's why some people are calling this the modern Dreyfus trial. For those who don't know, Dreyfus was a loyal French officer. He was also Jewish. That was enough to convict him in the court of public opinion as a traitor, and it was enough to bias the actual court in which the trial was held. Dreyfus was found guilty of treason, dishonorably discharged, and exiled. The injustice was evident in real time, as Emile Zola's famous op ed "J'accuse!" shows. Decades later, Dreyfus was exonerated of all charges against him, and a non-Jewish French officer was exposed as the real traitor. But it was too late for Dreyfus, and for all Jews at the time, who had witnessed the modern, supposedly liberal west fail them.

The same Iran that finances Hamas, including the Oct 7 massacre, and has invested in SA, has also been confirmed to have attacked a ship in the Oman bay. It's the second time (at least) that Iran has attacked a ship directly rather than use proxies, like the Houthi terrorists in Yemen, to target international shipping.

Today, Egypt refused an American request, to allow a UN delegation entry into the northern part of the Gaza strip, so it coud evaluate the needs of Palestinians. This is a reminder that if anyone tells you Hamas' reports on the number of fatalities has been independently verified... no, they weren't. No one impartial is found in Gaza right now. Also, that if people blame everything that's happening to Gazans right now on Israel, they're intentionally leaving out both Hamas, other Gazan terrorist organzations, and the Egyptians.

The other day, Hamas claimed that two journalists were killed in Gaza. Yesterday, the IDF released records showing they were both memberes of Palestinian terrorist organizations.

Across Israel, people are getting ready to hold many events and strikes as we're getting close to the 100th day since Hamas and other Gazans kidnapped Israeli civilians from their homes. 136 Israelis, alive or dead, are still held hostage in Gaza. The youngest of the hostages is Kfir Bibas, was just 9 months old when he was taken from his home at gunpoint, together with his 4 years old brother Ariel, and his mom Shiri. Next week, Kfir will "celebrate" his first birthday on this earth in captivity. Yarden, the father, was also kidnapped, but he was taken into Gaza separately. A Hamas released vid shows Yarden being told that his wife and sons are dead. We don't know if this is true or not, as in the past, these terrorists have lied about hostages being dead, when they turned out to be alive. Hamas' vid also showed Yarden Bibas in great emotional distress, and one hostage, who was held with him in a terror tunnel, but was later released, said he was in a terrible mental state, and she feared for his life. Here are images of the Bibas family before they were kidnapped:

(for all of my updates and ask replies regarding Israel, click here)

[novlr]

Do any ungulates have any meaning? Like specific types of deer?

Deer and other types of ungulates have often been used as symbols, both cross-culturally and in literature. They’re fascinating creatures with a variety of habitats that exist both in the wild and in domesticated settings, so can be used in several different ways within a narrative depending on the type of meaning you wish to convey.

For this answer, we’ll focus mainly on deer, as covering all ungulates (which includes all animals with hooves ranging from horses to hippopotami) might make this answer far, far too long.

The general symbolism of deer

If we take deer at face value, some of the first imagery that will come to mind are grace, elegance, gentleness, and innocence. They can also be alert and vigilant, with a deep, mysterious connection to the wild. For this reason, many cultures (and writers) ascribe spiritual and mystical associations with them. They can also represent a connection to the supernatural, and the otherworld.

Writers will often use them as messengers or familiars, creating a bridge between the real and the fae. They can also represent growth and rebirth, as they shed their antlers, which grow again.

The cultural significance of deer

The cultural significance of deer and other ungulates have similarities but aren’t always identical. In indigenous native groups across North America, for instance, there are different traditions and stories associated with them. The Lakota believed that deer were guides on life’s journey but could also lead men astray. The Cherokee story of the Little Deer, on the other hand, sees the Deer Spirit enacting vengeance on hunters who don’t show deer the proper respect, and hunt them needlessly.

In Celtic mythology, white stags were often messengers to the underworld, and deer could shapeshift both at will and through enchantment. Arthurian legend also had a white stag as a symbol of the hunt, representing man’s neverending quest for spiritual enlightenment. And in Germanic cultures, the deer represented both the hunt and kingship.

In Hindu mythology, the goddess Saraswati is associated with a red deer and can take its form. As the goddess of learning, red deer and their hides have also taken on this meaning. In Shinto tradition, deer are messengers of the gods, and in Chinese mythology, the Fuzhu is a mythical deer with four horns that appears during periods of flood.

Specific types of deer and their symbolism

If we look at specific types of deer, then there are some general patterns that emerge in their symbolism. 

White-tailed deer are native to North America, Central America, and South America. They are often associated with purity and innocence, a connection to the spirit world, and respect for the natural order.

Red Deer are native to most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Anatolia, Iran, parts of western Asia, and the Atlas Mountains of Northern Africa. They are the only living species of deer to live on any part of the African continent. They have associations with royalty and kingship, as well as the hunt. They are often used on coats of arms as a symbol of nobility.

Reindeer (Caribou) have close connections to winter due to our modern Christmas traditions. But they also have great cultural significance in Arctic and subarctic cultures.  They are native to the Arctic, subarctic, tundra, boreal, and mountainous regions of Northern Europe, Siberia, and North America. They are known for their endurance and adaptability, as well as safe journeying and strength in harsh conditions.

Fallow Deer are known as peaceful and gentle. They are widespread in England, Wales, Ireland and southern Scotland but are an introduced species. Some studies suggest they are only native to Turkey. The fallow deer is probably what you picture when someone says the words “doe-eyed.” They are associated with grace and beauty and often appear in post-Norman mediaeval literature.

Moose (Elk) are considered symbols of strength, resilience, and adaptability. They are large, with imposing antlers which is what makes them such an iconic image. They are native to North America, Canda, and Northern Eurasia, but they are also associated (by name only) with the Irish Elk, an extinct giant deer known for the enormous span of its antlers (a disproven urban legend claims that the Irish Elk went extinct because its antlers grew too wide and heavy for its head and neck to support it).

How deer are used in certain genres

In Fantasy, deer are often magical creatures or shapeshifters. They can be spirit guides or familiars, often appearing to characters in dreams. The white stag and the brown doe are two often-used images in these settings.

In Romance novels, deer are often used as symbols of love and courtship. Deer-like descriptions are often used when describing characters, and hunting metaphors are often used to represent the romantic pursuit.

In Horror and Thriller novels, encounters with deer are often uncanny and frightening. They are used as harbingers of the supernatural, appear in dreams as a sign or portent of something to come, and often subvert traditional deer symbolism for dramatic effect.

In Literary Fiction, deer are often used as metaphors for the human experience. They can be used to represent character growth or epiphanies by exploring the relationship between mankind and nature.

How can you use deer symbolism in your own writing?

Deer can be used as the basis for a theme or motif in your work. They also offer tried-and-tested ways of incorporating visual storytelling into your imagery by using well-known associations.

Cultural considerations are good to consider in advance of incorporating symbolism. If you want to borrow from existing cultural traditions, then it’s essential to make sure you research and respect those cultural beliefs. Avoid appropriation, and be sure you strike the right balance between traditional symbolism and personal interpretation. There is nothing wrong with interpretation, but it is important to be respectful when borrowing from another person’s culture.

There are also new and interesting ways you can use your own experiences to develop your own symbolism. You can use deer as a symbol to explore themes of conservation and environmental protection. In Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel, she uses deer as a symbol of the return of nature in a post-human world. They can also be used to comment on urban expansion and habitat loss, and with enough research, you can use a scientific understanding of their behaviours to build your own mythology.

[girlactionfigure]

As South Africa spews its Orwellian blood libel against Israel at the #ICJ, you should seek answers to several ?'s.

Here’s one: what did South Africa do when the butcher of Darfur, Omar al-Bashir, landed in their country with an outstanding arrest warrant for genocide?

Nothing. 

That’s right. Nothing.

Two South African courts recognized the country's obligation to arrest & surrender al-Bashir to stand trial for his monstrous campaign of genocide against three ethnic groups: the Fur, Masalit, & Zaghawa people.

But al-Bashir - who was responsible for directing the murder of more than 300,000 innocents, along with countless thousands of rapes, mutilations, torture, & deportation - was permitted to land safely on #SouthAfrican soil, remain in that country during three days in June 2015, and then leave without any complication or barrier whatsoever. 

Two years later, in July 2017, #SouthAfrica was admonished by the #ICC for failing to comply with its obligation to prevent & punish #genocide by permitting al-Bashir to visit & then freely leave despite al-Bashir being a man whose name should be known among the worst human rights violators & mass murderers in history.

That same South Africa, less than a decade later, has the audacity to bring a complaint of “genocide” against the world’s only #Jewish State.

Plainly, South Africa’s complaint is not worth the paper on which it is written.

People are suffering in #Gaza as a result of #Hamas - the only genocidal actor in this war.

And yet …

- South Africa’s compliant completely ignores that it is Hamas that clearly states its intent to commit genocide against Israel & #Jews the world over in its charter & in statements repeated over decades;

- South Africa’s complaint completely ignores that it is Hamas that has repeatedly taken actions in various murder campaigns, suicide bombings, & other terrorist actions over the last 30+ years in an effort to carry out its explicit genocidal intentions against Jews & Israel;

- South Africa’s complaint completely ignores that there was a ceasefire on 10/7 before Hamas committed a #genocidal #massacre when 3,000+ #HamasTerrorists raided Israel with the express purpose of murdering, raping, mutilating, torturing, & kidnapping as many Jews as possible; and 

- South Africa’s complaint completely ignores the statement of Hamas spokesman Ghazi Hamad from shortly after 10/7 when he he stated Hamas’ intent to “remove [Israel]” by committing similar massacres “again and again.”

In short, South Africa ignores the one and only genocidal actor in this war - Hamas.

South Africa ignores or is willfully blind to the fact that Hamas’ “dispute” with Israel has nothing to do with land or borders.

Hamas explicitly seeks the total destruction of the Jewish state and the Jewish people.

So the real “dispute” is actually quite simple: Hamas wants Israelis & Jews to be dead, and the Israelis & Jews want to live.

But South Africa ignores reality when it comes to Hamas, and instead vilifies Jews and the one and only Jewish State.

In its complaint, South Africa distorts & misrepresents facts while flat-out lying about others.

Through its complaint, South Africa is attempting to give international legitimacy to #antisemitic Hamas #propaganda that attempts to justify Hamas’ genocidal brutality as “#resistance,” while labeling Israel’s actions in #SelfDefense as “genocide.”

Get yourself educated on the facts.

Do not be another mindless puppet of the propaganda machine that ignores true human rights violators across the world while seeking to demonize & delegitimize only one people, the Jews, and only one state, Israel.

Captain Allen

@CptAllenHistory

[dovesmelodyproject]

Among their demands, the multi-fandom HYBE divestment campaign calls for the removal of Braun and other figures associated with the company who express Zionist ideology, a commitment not to collaborate in the future with artists or companies who have expressed support of Zionist ideology, and a general commitment to take these concerns seriously and to do thorough research before future collaborations. They have communicated these demands through tactics such as email campaigns, sending protest trucks to HYBE office in Seoul, organizing an in-person protest at the HYBE America office and calling for a boycott of HYBE products and services until the divestment demands are met. Boycotts are one of many tools in the collective action toolkit, and they can take many forms. Often, they manifest in an organized commitment to not buy from a company as a way to communicate disapproval and/or to demand structural change. “History has proven to us that divestment and boycotting of entities that support and fund these ideologies plays a major role in dismantling apartheid and colonialism,” says Deeja, using the role boycotting played in the end of South Africa’s apartheid as an example. “This also goes for cultural boycotts.” This cultural boycott is an act of solidarity with those who are living amidst the injustices of a regime or state who is not adhering to international law and human rights. The BDS-affiliated Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) “urges international cultural workers and cultural organizations, including unions and associations, to boycott and/or work towards the cancellation of events, activities, agreements, or projects involving Israel, its lobby groups or its cultural institutions.” While a HYBE group has never performed in Israel, film projects put out by HYBE have been screened in the country. In April, when HYBE and theatrical film distribution company Trafalgar Releasing announced that D-Day: The Movie, a concert film of BTS rapper Suga’s 2023 tour, would include screenings in Israel, more than 12,000 people signed a petition asking them to reconsider. They did not. “We’re asking HYBE to take a stand and be on the right side of history because we are their long term fans and consumers, we have been loyal to their artists for years and have helped build the empire that HYBE has become,” says Deeja. “We want to consume art knowing we’re not giving money to a company that supports genocide and apartheid. We deserve to feel safe in our fandoms. HYBE is a globally influential company and they have the responsibility to respect human rights, to be on the right side of history, and to take proper measures to do so.”

[calvinphil]

HEY FAM🏳️‍⚧️🌈

Today, June 15th, marks six months since I arrived at Gorom camp in South Sudan as a refugee. As I reflect on my journey, I want to share my story with you and highlight the ongoing struggles I face as a queer refugee.

I am originally from Uganda, a country where being LGBTQ is not only stigmatized but also criminalized. In 2019, I made the difficult decision to leave my homeland in search of safety and acceptance. My first stop was Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, where I lived for nearly five years. However, persistent persecution from both the local community and government authorities made life unbearable, forcing me to relocate to South Sudan earlier this year.

Unfortunately, like many places in Africa, South Sudan is incredibly hostile to LGBTQ individuals. Every day, I live in fear for my safety. The hostile environment, discrimination, and threats make it hard to feel secure or at peace. Despite these challenges, I continue to hope and fight for a better future.

My situation is precarious, and I urgently need support from everyone around the world. Raising awareness about the plight of LGBTQ refugees is crucial, as many of us face life-threatening dangers simply because of who we are. I am not safe, and my life remains at risk.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please share it, speak out, and support LGBTQ refugees in any way you can. Our voices need to be heard, and your solidarity can make a difference.

With hope,

Happy pride month 🌈🏳️‍⚧️

[panimoonchild]

"It's out of love for you, my child. You are my child, and I love you, and I want to stay with you. But you are safe, and the children there are not. They need protection."- said Peter Fouche, a British volunteer medic, to his daughter Nikola

Rose Fouche, 87, flew from South Africa to eastern Ukraine, traveling tens of thousands of kilometers to come to the Kharkiv region to see her son Peter.

- I came to see my son, just to show him my love. I missed him, but he is doing wonderful things here. He cares about people here.

This winter, Peter recorded this desperate video for the Western world. Peter is a British volunteer paramedic who, after seeing children die at the beginning of a full-scale war, could not stay at home and went to Ukraine. It was his love for his daughter, Nikola, that motivated him to get involved. I said: "It's out of love for you, my child. You are my child, and I love you, and I want to stay with you. But you are safe, and the children there are not. They need protection."

Once in Ukraine, Peter helped build a field hospital in Brovary and received medical training. Then came Kharkiv, Bakhmut, Sievierodonetsk, and the first lives were saved on the battlefield. Together with a Ukrainian from the UK, Tatiana Millard, Peter created Project Konstantin, an organization that has been supporting civilians and medics during the war. It was named in honor of their friend who died in the battle for Kherson. With the support of international donors, who provided them with the necessary equipment. They repeatedly saved lives and each other until the last day, when Tetiana was killed on a mission. It was a heavy loss for Peter... Now he is fighting in her memory. In a difficult moment, he tries to cheer up the wounded with his British humor. Peter's soul is warmed by thoughts of his daughter, Nikola, who is waiting for him at home alive. He also receives messages from the rescued soldiers who send him their photos from time to time. "Thank you for saving my life, I'm back in the ranks."

This meeting with his mother in the frontline Kharkiv region became a breath of fresh air for Peter to continue fighting for Ukraine.

- This is my mom, my example. You look incredible!

- My Peter! My boy!

She stayed with her son in this modest room for a while and then returned home. And Peter remains with Ukraine and continues to save Ukrainian soldiers in fierce battles.

🎥 Sho_Tam

[little-miss-dilf-lover]

Hii! Let me start by saying I've binged most of your Tangerine and Pietro's works and I absolutely loved it 🤌🏻

If you're still accepting requests, could you write for fwb! Tangerine, after you told him that you should be just friends (bc of what he does for a living) but eventually cave in when he gets back from a mission? (mix of smut and fluff if possible).

Thank you <3

hii angel!! tehe yes ive seen you around, and tysm☹️okay I really love this !! thanks for requesting, hope you like it💌

MEET IN THE MIDDLE

tangerine x female reader

wc. 1107

cw. 18+ only!! spoiler alert but he tears readers clothing bc he's a desperate horny mess and it's hot as shit, unprepped and unprotected sex, pinv. mdni

Since you put a cool on your contractual relationship with Tangerine a month ago, you've delved back into that state of solemn longing. Putting an end to many months' worth of great sex wasn't easy - it really wasn't, and as much as you started to fall for the guy, you just couldn't seem to get over what he did for a living. 

No matter how much you pushed down that feeling of unease, you could not get past it.  

That was until ten days ago, when he texted you on a random tuesday, telling you he was leaving for work to South Africa, seeing if you wanted to meet when he returns. Since that text, he's been your every thought - every notion in your mind. 

The idea of him leaving for a dangerous job abroad struck panic and dread within you - the thought of him getting hurt without him knowing how much you really felt about him was something you could not bear to stomach.

After that text, you've been counting off the days until you could see him again, waiting until you get that confirmation he's okay and safe. 

It was finally the day Tangerine returns home from his trip, and it was singularly the only day of happiness you felt since calling things off. You both occasionally texted while he was away, only conversing when he had time to spare, talking about the plan for when he comes back. You settled on your place; he would go home, clean himself up and pop by yours for a casual, friendly night in - like old times.

Your door knocks in that familiar pattern you've grown to know so well, and you immediately rush to answer it - a bright smile as you peek through the gap, looking at Tangerine on the other side with a grin as sincere as yours.

"Oh my god," you gush, instantly wrapping him in a tight hug. You pull away, awkward eyes diverting from his awe-filled ones. "Sorry, sorry— that was too much. It's just..." you breathe, meeting his gaze. "Really good to see you."

"I missed you," he admits, speaking confidently. "But... didn't think you'd actually wanna see me."

Your smile resurfaces, and you pause. That wasn't true - you couldn't wait to see Tangerine again. 

Since you had time to call down during the time apart, you've grown to realise that his job didn't define him as a person and that, at the core of it, it doesn't really matter. He isn't some abhorrent, abusive mercenary - he is someone who loves and cares deeply, someone who is sweet and thoughtful, no matter how hard they pretend they're not.

"Bull," you joke, sweet eyes staying glued to his - like they were taking him all in, seeing him in the flesh for the first time again. "That's not true."

He steps into your house and kicks off his shoes, making himself at home. "No?"

"No," you shake your head, soft yet stern movements as you move to close the door behind him. "Not at all."

You turn around to meet him, though now, he's closed the gap between you by a foot, standing in front of you with his hands itching up towards you, making tentative movements to the sides of your face. 

His gaze remains lidded as he places his palms over either cheek, cupping you in his hands. "You mean that?"

You nod in his hold, murmuring your agreement - far too concerned about the weak sound you'd make if you spoke. 

"Yeah?" he weakly smiles, slowly leaning in towards you. 

"Yeah," you repeat, meeting him in the middle for a kiss, melting into the soft and sweet contact you've since longed for. 

He parts -barely- whispering against your lips. "Good."

His grip on your face firms as he brings you back in, kissing you more urgently this time, as if that little peck wasn't enough to satiate the need. It grows carnal, more desperate - hungrily kissing as he pushes you up against the front door. 

Your hands roam him ever so familiarly, trailing over his stubbly jaw as you hold him to you - keeping him close. You murmur a faint moan into his mouth as you feel him chub up against you, his hardening cock prodding at your lower stomach through his lounge shorts.

"Fuck," he muffles roughly between your lips, slipping a hand behind your neck - fist tightening at the root. 

"Been so long," you whisper, your voice weak as you catch your breath between breaks.

"Too fuckin' long," he adds.

He peels you from the door and walks you backwards into your living room - guiding you to the sofa within his sure hold. He keeps his lips glued to yours as he lays you down on the cushion, hovering atop as he situates himself between your spread thighs.

"Do you like these?" he asks, tugging on your pyjama bottoms.

"Yeah," you hum, snaking your hand between yourselves - reaching for his waistband.

"Alright, I'll buy'ya a new pair," he replies, voice hoarse as he slips himself from your tight grasp, sitting up on his heels. 

He places both large hands between your thighs, meeting at your crotch as he tears a hole in the fabric - giving him perfect access to your pussy.

The motion catches you by surprise, sending a deep shiver down your spine as you peek down between your thighs - seeing the frayed material right by your cunt, looking at the consequence of his desperation. 

Your chest rises and falls heavily, intense, short breaths as you peer up at him, eyes flickering over him in a way that mirrors his own. 

He slides his hand down the front of his shorts, delving into his boxers as he pulls his dick out the waistband, rolling over his length in his palm. His grip slips down to the head of his cock, thumb resting on the upperside as he guides himself towards you - parting your underwear aside with his spare hand. He slowly eases his tip into you, savouring that first initial fluttering stretch of your unprepped pussy, relishing the feeling of you needily swallowing more of him.

He strips from his hoodie and throws it aside, leaning back over you so his chest is flush up against you, hands instinctively cupping your face as he peppers your jaw in quick kisses. 

 "Fuck— I missed you," he murmurs as he slowly begins to roll his hips into you, grinding into you with easy, gentle strokes.

You guys have a lot to catch up on. 

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

[inside0ut-dotnet]

Ready, Set, Pride! Last Minute Celebration Ideas

With only 24 hours left until Pride Month kicks off, it's time to start planning how you're going to celebrate with your fabulous love bugs! Are you hitting up a major pride celebration in a city near you, hosting a virtual pride event, or just keeping it low key with your partner or friends? Whatever your plans may be, get ready to show your pride and spread the love!

Join the Parade or Party

If you're lucky enough to live near a city hosting a major pride celebration, why not join the parade or party? Put on your brightest rainbow outfit, grab some glitter, and get ready to dance the day away with your LGBTQ+ community. It's a time to be loud, proud, and unapologetically yourself!

Mid South Pride (May 2-June 2) in Memphis, Tennessee: A huge celebration including Memphis Pride Fest Weekend, a Drag N Drive event, a Big Gay Dance Party, and a Pride Parade.

Gay Days at Disney World (May 30-June 3) in Orlando, Florida: Over 150,000 LGBTQ+ Disney fans attend this annual event at the Magic Kingdom, featuring parties, a Gay Days Expo, Bear pool parties, and special guest performers.

Provincetown Pride (May 31-June 2) in Provincetown, Massachusetts: Enjoy a Pride festival, Queer Comedy showcase, Feet Over Front Street Pride 5K, and more. This year, there’s also “Reimagining Queer Africa” with art, technology, and outreach from Lagos, Nigeria.

New York City Pride (June 30) in New York, New York: The largest Pride Parade in North America, drawing thousands of participants and spectators in Greenwich Village.

Washington, D.C. Capital Pride (June 8-9): Events throughout the month, including a Night of Queer Expression and a rooftop pool party.

Twin Cities Pride Festival (June 28) in Minnesota: Minnesota’s second-largest festival, featuring LGBTQIA+ entertainment, vendors, and community resources. These events celebrate our collective queer joy, honor LGBTQ+ activists, and provide safe spaces for everyone to express their queerness and sexuality. 🌈✨

Host a Virtual Pride Event

Can't make it to a physical pride celebration? No problem! Host a virtual pride event with your friends and loved ones. Get creative with rainbow-themed decorations, plan some fun activities or games, and don't forget to blast some empowering LGBTQ+ anthems. It's a great way to show your pride from the comfort of your own home!

Pride Summit 2024 by Lesbians Who Tech and Allies:

Date: June 11th - 13th

Description: A week-long virtual summit with thought-provoking discussions, learning experiences, and professional development opportunities.  Speakers include tech luminaries and cultural leaders like Gabrielle Union and Sam Altman.

WorkPride 2024:

Date: June 17th - 21st

Description: A global virtual Pride conference focused on workplace equality. It’s free for professionals, graduates, and inclusive employers.

Brooklyn Pride Virtual Drag Bingo:

Date: June 4th

Remember to check out these events and celebrate Pride Month! 🌈

Keep it Low Key

Not in the mood for a big celebration? That's totally okay! Pride Month is all about celebrating love and acceptance in whatever way feels right for you. Whether you're spending a quiet evening with your partner, having a small gathering with friends, or simply reflecting on what pride means to you, there's no wrong way to celebrate.

Pride Month is a wonderful time to celebrate the beautiful spectrum of gender and sexuality while advocating for equality and justice in the LGBTQ+ community. Here are thoughtful and meaningful ways to celebrate Pride Month at home:

Decorate with LGBTQ+ Art and Decor:

Refresh your home’s interior design by proudly hanging a rainbow flag in your front yard or windows. You can also support LGBTQ+ interior designers by incorporating their art and decor into your living spaces.

Create an Outdoor Cinema:

Set up an outdoor movie night in your backyard or balcony. Choose LGBTQ+ films or documentaries that resonate with you. Invite friends or family (virtually, if needed) to share the experience.

Design a Reading Nook:

Curate a cozy reading corner with books by LGBTQ+ authors. Dive into their stories and explore diverse perspectives. It’s a great way to celebrate Pride while enjoying some quiet time.

Get Creative in the Kitchen:

Use your culinary skills to make festive creations. Bake rainbow-themed cookies, cupcakes, or a colorful cake. Share your delicious treats with loved ones or enjoy them yourself.

So, tell us, how are you planning to celebrate Pride Month this year? No matter how you choose to show your pride, remember that love is love and you are valid, fabulous, and deserving of all the happiness in the world. Happy Pride Month, love bugs!

[orangetubor]

Urgent news, many lgbtqi residents of kakuma refugee camp are now homeless. Here is a statement from my friend Peter:

As an LGBTQIA+🏳️‍🌈, I bear witness to the horrifying police brutality that unfolded before my very eyes, along with my fellow LGBTQIA+ advocates, freedom fighters, and refugees in Kakuma refugee camp. It was a day we had come together to celebrate our pride, a moment of unity and empowerment during Pride Month. However, what transpired shattered our sense of safety and belonging.In the midst of our joyful pride party, the police forcefully invaded our presence, displaying an alarming disregard for our rights and humanity. Our small tent house, adorned with rainbow flags symbolizing our pride and resilience, was ruthlessly torn down. We, the members of the LGBTQIA+ community, were subjected to brutal beatings by those who are entrusted with the duty to protect us, but who instead exhibited violent, homophobic, and transphobic tendencies.This appalling act served as a stark reminder that within Kakuma refugee camp and Kenya at large, there is no place for us. Even the officials who should be safeguarding our rights have become perpetrators of violence and discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ family. We pose no threat, for we bear no weapons and have not inflicted harm upon anyone. Yet, we are continually targeted by the refugee community, subjected to brutality, torture, persecution, discrimination, and social stigma solely due to our sexual orientation and gender identity.The conditions we endure in the camp are unbearable, pushing us to exist in a state of constant fear, insecurity, and suffering. We are forced to live in a primitive and inhospitable environment, stripped of our dignity and denied basic human rights. This relentless adversity places an immense burden on the LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers and refugees in Kakuma refugee camp, compromising our very survival.Therefore, I implore all those who champion human rights and stand against injustice to join forces and provide us with international support. We call upon activists, organizations dedicated to protecting LGBTQIA+ rights and lives, and the global community at large to unite as one, advocating for our freedom from the confines of Kakuma refugee camp. It is evident that this camp will never be a safe haven for us.We desperately need your unwavering support and solidarity. Ignoring our plight is not an option; it is through your intervention and collective efforts that we can secure our liberation. Together, let us work towards a world where every LGBTQIA+ individual can thrive, free from persecution and discrimination. Our lives and well-being depend on it..wish we find your support and solidarity on the less fortunate, thanks

(he sent this to me over whatsapp, you can also find it on his tumblr, @peterkats )

Please share this, spread international outrage, and get them help

The owner of the compound sold it, and many are now homeless. The nearest refugee camps are in Somalia, Zambia, Sudan and South Africa, which are miles away, they have no food or water, and many are sick or injured.

If you can, send aid through World Remit or Send Wave, to the phone number +254712692466, belonging to Abdul Luyombya, a friend of Peter's.