#it’s queenpin in black!

[sietegotas]

ALICE BRAGA • Civil War LA Premiere 04.02.2024

IG Diane Buzetta

[blackgirlslivingwell]

Michelle Mack "California Girls" Retail Theft Crime Ring Mastermind Arrested - Allegedly Used Black Women

Michelle Mack, a 53-year-old wealthy California mom, has been accused of orchestrating a crime ring named 'California Girls' involving 12 women who stole $8 million worth of cosmetics and designer clothes.

The group operated by stealing from stores across the country and mailing the stolen goods back to Mack's $3 million home, where she would sell them on Amazon at discounted prices.

Mack allegedly paid for the operatives' expenses and directed them on what to steal, leading to a significant impact on retailers like Ulta and Sephora.

[dwellordream]

Books Recs of 2024

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett. Mystery/fantasy centered around Din, a young assistant investigator assigned to help an eccentric and infamous detective, Ana Dolabra, solve a series of murders. Din is an engraver, his brain altered so he has a photographic memory. However, no one is quite sure how he got his current position, since he failed every single one of his final exams except the combat portion. Ana is an exceedingly odd woman who refuses to go to any crime scene in person and often performs mad science experiments in her spare time. As Din struggles to keep up with the case, which revolves around a bioweapon being unleashed on a series of the empire's best engineers, he also worries what will happen when Ana finally uncovers his secrets.

Highfire by Eoin Colfer. Urban fantasy (very comedic fantasy) about a dragon called Vern (short for Wyvern), who teams up with a juvenile delinquent named Squib (real name Everett Moreau) to take down a corrupt sheriff who is plaguing the Lousiana bayou. Vern is a very small (seven feet long) dragon who is the last of his kind (as far as he knows). When he is spotted by a local troubled teen, his first instinct is to hunt Squib down and kill him, but he quickly realizes the two of them have a common enemy- the murderous sheriff who is running drugs through their territory.

The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi. Magical realism about a romantic-minded art historian who is swept off his feet by a mysterious and charming heiress. After a whirlwind courtship, the happy couple return to her childhood home; a Gothic manor on a lonely island. The more time our narrator spends around his wife's past, the more questions are raised- increasingly sinister ones about who she is and what exactly she is capable of. Once upon a time, she was best friends with an equally odd and dreamy little girl named Indigo. But no one has seen Indigo for many years now- and the Flower Bride may be behind her disappearance.

Chlorine by Jade Song. Horror/magical realism. Since childhood, Ren's entire identity has been wrapped up in swimming. If she can be strong enough, fast enough, special enough, success is sure to come her way. As the end of high school approaches, Ren's passion for swimming becomes less about her future, and more about past legends of mermaids and sirens dragging sailors into the deep. School, friends, and her parents' expectations all fall away- Ren will make her home in the water, no matter what she has to do.

We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride & Jo Piazza. Realistic fiction. Jen and Riley have been best friends for as long as they can remember, despite their vastly different childhoods. Riley is from a middle class Black family; Jen was raised by an impoverished white single mother. After twenty years of doing almost everything together, their lives are at a crossroads- Riley is a news anchor about to take Philadelphia by storm, while Jen is expecting her first child with her police officer husband. When Jen's husband is involved in the murder of a Black teenage boy by a fellow officer, Riley finds herself expected to cover the story- and Jen finds herself expected to answer for her husband's actions- and her own beliefs about what racism looks like.

Queenpin by Megan Abbott. Crime thriller/noir. Our nameless heroine lives a mousy existence working as a bookkeeper for a rundown local night club, but her life is turned upside down when the infamous Gloria Denton, a gun moll and smuggler, takes her under her wing. Gloria transforms her young protege from a timid girl to a sophisticated, cunning woman capable of handling gangsters, conmen, thieves, and bookies, but when she falls for the wrong man, her relationship with Gloria is strained, and they must decide just how far they can trust one another.

Everyone Knows Your Mother is a Witch by Rivka Galchen. Historical fiction. Based on the real life trial of Katharina Kepler, mother of the famed Johannes Kepler, Imperial Mathematician to the Holy Roman Empire. Katharina is a busybody, a domineering and devilishly clever woman with a particular talent for healing. She is also a fiercely loyal mother to her adult children, but when an old neighborhood grudge flares into accusations of poison and witchcraft, Katharina is determined not to meekly confess and beg pardon. The more she lashes out at her neighbors and the authorities, the more charges begin to pile up against her- despite her son's desperate attempts to save her from torture and execution.

Bury Me Deep by Megan Abbott. Crime thriller/noir. Based on a real life murder case in 1931 Phoenix Arizona. Naive and sheltered Marion Seeley is deposited in Phoenix by her disgraced doctor husband, who is forced to take a job with a mining company in South America after his medical license is revoked. Marion befriends the vivacious Louise and Ginny, two fellow nurses, who introduce her to the underground party scene in Phoenix. Politicians and businessmen flock to the secret parties held by them, and it's a quick way to make money on the side. Drawn in by the luxury and thrills, Marion falls in love with Joe Lanigan, a powerful local politician, but as their affair intensifies, her friendship with the other women fractures, culminating in a gruesome crime.

[star-xxx1]

Money is the Anthem of success Pt. 1

Mob! Natasha x fem! reader

Summary: You changed, not wanting to be a slave to the women who said she loved you and that didn't sit right with Natasha.

Warnings: kindnapping, cheating, angst, fluff, Slapping, Aguring, illegal activities, Mentions of sub/ Dom dynamics, toxic relationships, cursing.

A/n: This was a request but I sadly lost, but thank you to whoever requested! <3 Kinda proof read, so sorry if there's any mistakes - enjoy :)

A name known by the world- Natalia Alianovna Romanova shorten name Natasha Romanoff, professionally know as Black widow...

A woman who was feared by many, but was hard to be seen. She was known for her intelligence, a master at escaping sticky situations easily. She's a quick thinker and is always one step ahead of her enemies, a master of disguise and can blend into any environment with ease. An expert at lockpicking, hacking, and surveillance and many more illegal activities. Her resourcefulness and creativity have gotten her out of many tight spots. Natasha is not afraid to take risks, but is also very calculated in her actions, which allows her to avoid getting into situations that she cannot handle. Overall, Natasha is a highly skilled and cunning women who can escape even the stickiest of situations, every single time.

She knew what she wanted and was not afraid to go after it. Her strength and determination made her a force to be reckoned with, and many people respected her for it. Despite the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated world, she refused to let anyone stand in her way. She was a true inspiration to many criminals and has secured her place as one of the most powerful women of her time. She has built a vast criminal empire through her intelligence, resourcefulness, and sheer determination. Natasha is a charismatic leader who commands respect and loyalty from her followers. A skilled negotiator, able to make deals that benefit her organization while minimizing risk. Despite her success, Natasha is not afraid to get her hands dirty, and is known for her ruthlessness when dealing with those who cross her.

She is a master of manipulation and is able to use her charm to get what she wants. Her criminal empire is a testament to her power and influence. She is a true queenpin in the world of organized crime. Her empire climbing it's way to the top, untouched, thousands of people in the palm of her hand, many in the law itself.

Now you, a stunning 25-year-old women who was born into a wealthy family. You grew up in a mansion in the countryside of England and was surrounded by luxury your entire life. Your parents were successful mob people who provided you with everything you could ever want, from designer clothes to exotic vacations. You were always interested in the family business and spent most of your childhood learning about the criminal organization and how it operates. You were natural at business and quickly rose through the ranks after joining the network full-time. You were soon promoted to be the leader, making you one of the youngest in the industry.

Despite your success in business, you struggled to find true happiness. You felt like you were living in your parents' shadow and that there accomplishments were not truly your own. You also found it difficult to form genuine relationships with people, as you felt like they were only interested in you because of your wealth, status or body. When you resigned your parents weren't so happy however they supported your decision and decided to take back control of the company again. You were they top priority and you being that got you into a muddle, the muddle that led you to the love of your life.

The black widow herself.

The women who stalked you, held you hostage, manipulated you, played awful mind games with you until you gave in. Your parents were ambitious people, rising in the ranks of the crime world, threatening Natasha's organization in a attempt to gain more power. This didn't please the women in anyway what so ever. She devised a plan, to scare them off. That's were you came in, she did heavy research on your parents, witnessesing how much they cherish you. How they called you constantly, sent you money and presents daily, had family dinner dates every sunday, and how they celebrated all your achievements by throwing humongous parties, attended by hundrends of people. Taking in the information she sought out to capture you, use you as a trade off. Your parents get you and back off, or you die. The time she spent monitoring you she developed a deep admiration for you, she found you very attractive, smart and kind, she loved the way you helped out whenever you could. How can a girl so sweet be born into such a dangerous world?

Natasha would make a deal with your parent's but play them. She wanted you and you is what she'll get.

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One of the celebrations is how she got you, sending teammates out to retrieve you, while she watched over the operation for her office. Clint barton, one of her most trusted members, slipped passed security, while Natasha bypassed cameras, and followed you into bathroom, drugging you with chloroform. Texting Wanda, he told her cut the lights so he could sneak out your limp form out.

The night you went missing, there was extreme uproar, everyone was worried sick, you were loved by everyone in that community.

That same night you woke up in an unfamiliar room, feeling disoriented and confused. quickly realizing that you had been held captive. Your head aches, and you feel weak and sore , realizing that you are tied to a chair. As you take in your surroundings, you realized that your is in a tiny room with no windows and a single door. You tried to scream for help, but you your avail no one. The grey, steel door opens with a loud creek, a silhouette walking in.

"So you're awake now" the person says, their voice low and menacing. You struggle against your restraints, trying to sit up, but the metal bars and the tight bindings keep you in place.

"Who are you? What do you want from me?" You asked, trying to keep your voice steady, sweat dripping from your forehead. The figure leans in, their face hidden in the shadows.

"Your love" they hissed out.

You were taken aback, completely unprepared for that statement. It felt like your brain was short-circuiting, trying to figure out what to say or do. You started to stutter, trying to find the words to respond.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, you managed to blurt out, "Excuse me, my love!? I don't even know you!"

You sat there, still trying to process what had happened. It felt like such a sudden and unexpected turn of events, and you couldn't wrap your head around it. You were expecting for an amount off money to be said, not something about love?

"No, I wont take no as an answer, your life is on the line, if yes then you live, live a happy life with me, no and I'll kill you in the most blood curdling, violent, sick way possible"

As you sat in that room, your body tensed up as you heard the words coming out of your kindnappers mouth. You could feel your heart drop into your stomach, fear coursing through your veins, feeling like you were going to pass out. You tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come out. Your mouth was dry, you could feel the tears starting to well up in your eyes. You had to find a way to survive, and that meant sacrificing yourself, your body, your soul.

"O-okay" you quaked. Before you knew it a bright flash blinded you.

"At least your parents know you'll live" their voice sounded feminine but you weren't sure.

"Did you just take a picture!?!" You shouted.

"Mhm, my love" they hummed out.

" 'My love' is a bit soon don't you think" you said, tone filled with vemon, raising a eyebrow.

This mystery person hidden in the shadows, stepped forward, their footsteps echoing in the dimly lit room. The figure stops, and a silence falls over the room as the figure reveals their true form, a beautiful woman. Her hair shines in the dim light, like a river of silk, and her skin glows with an otherworldly luster. You could feel the blood rushing to my face as you took in her beauty. She stepped closer, her eyes locked on yours, and for a moment, you felt like you were in a trance.

"No, I don't think so, my love, Natasha Romanoff is the name, you might of heard of me? " she said with a condescending tone, raising a eyebrow back at you.

"Fucking hell" you mutter under your breath, blush growing. "I know you" you gulped hard.

"Good, you'll know me better soon" Natasha chulcked out, turning around a walking out the room, slamming the door behind you causing you to flinch.

She returned to her office, where she sent the picture you your parents and stuck up a deal, only to play your worried parents, receiving a hefty amount of money from them- 260 million to be exact in the first 20 minutes. Once she had most their money, she sent out a crew to destroy the rest of your parents organization leaving the with nothing, wanting to take all there valuables even though she had you.

She smiled at the request she sent out to her crew, looking at the macbook with intensity. She could now relax remaining number one, kicking up her legs on her large wooden desk she pondered in ways to make you like her back.

-------------------------------------------------------

As you sat in the room, your thoughts racing through your head. She was attractive? Would she hurt you? Are your parents coming to get you, are they hurt? Suddenly, you heard the sound of light footsteps approaching, tensing up, heart pounding in your chest. The door to the room creaked open, and she walked over to you, a smirk spreading across her face, emerald eyes piercing into your soul.

"Hello, my darling," she said, her voice low and seductive.

You felt like you were going to be sick as she leaned in close to you, her breath hot on your face. "I know you're scared, but I promise, I won't hurt you, unless you give me a reason to" she said, her voice suddenly soft and gentle. "I just want to get to know you."

"Let me go," you muttered, your voice barely above a whisper.

She laughed, a deep, feminine laugh that sent a shiver down you spine. "I can't do that" her voice low and menacing once more. "Not until you love me"

....

As the days turned into weeks, and then months, you started to notice that her behavior towards you was changing. She would bring you food and water, instead of different staff, talk to you about shared interests, even sing lullabies as you slept. And slowly, against your will, you started to like Natasha – to enjoy her company, even to crave it. One day, you realized that you had fallen in love with Her. And so, when she offered to set you free and be hers to, you didn't hesitate. You went with the intoxicating woman, grateful.

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That's how you got here, all dolled up, walking through the halls of one of the many luxurious mansion, she owned and used for work. Natasha had forgot her lunch today, and as the good little house girlfriend? (if you can call it that) you were, you decide to deliver it to her by hand, and surprise her with the new set of lingerie you had brought recently. She had been cold and standoffish lately. Natasha had blips like these, stress from work devouring her, and she got very upset over it, her fathers acts and words still linger with her to this day, despite the man being dead. He still had a hold on her, controlling Natasha and the way she displays her emotions. Her fathers ways intercepted your relationship, the man taught her that her future partner should serve her, worship her, be her slave. That's the persona she forced onto you, rules like no talking back, no contacting people that she hasn't approved off, no going out with out permission and more strict rules and discipline.

During these times, she wouldn't respond calls or messages, come home late, ignore you, not eat. All because she dove into work, untill She catches up with the load. At first you thought she was cheating on you, accusing her. Leading to a agurement, she proved her self with the security camera footage. After everything died down it took weeks for her to forgive you fully, to get back onto her good side. You thought that maybe sex might cheer her up, help get her mind off things, be her stress relief something you absolutely love.

The sound of your red high heels clicking against the marbel floor, filled the airy halls, your tight bodycon dress hugging all your curves prefectly, push up bra accentuating your boobs, make up flawless. You looked drop dead nervous. Finding the meeting room that Clint told you to go to, having pervious meeting with her, you poped your head into the large area to make sure the coast was clear. The sight before you broken your heart into a million pieces.

Natasha had a girl sat on the large oak conference table, grabbing onto her thighs whilst in between her legs, giving her love bites. She looked like shs was enjoying herself, the way she closed her eyes and moaned along with the woman. You could feel the anger and pain simmering inside you as you watched, eyes narrowed in disgust. How could she do this to you? How could she betray you in this way?Something inside you snapped. The pain turned to rage, walking away with tears brimming your eyes. You walked pasted many people, everyone stared at you, wondering what got you so riled up. You walked in a fast annoyed pace and threw her lunch into the one of the metal trashcans once you reached outside. As you got ready to drive away the engine of your supercar revving loudly, you checked yourself out in the front mirror. Your massacre was smudged all down your cheeks, but you still looked so dam hot. Putting on your versace sunglasses, you sped out of there. The drive was one of the most painful things you had ever experienced, the silence was loud.

-------------------------------------------------------

Natasha got home around 3 hours after you. You were just packing the last suitcase of yours, when hearing her voice ring through out the mansion.

"My love I'm home!" She seemed to be in a better mood, huh wonder why, maybe that Girl made her feel better. You rolled your eyes not responding, stuffing more of you items into the the case. Zipping up the luggage you grabbed your keys, looking over you shoulder to see Natasha leaning against the door frame.

"Whatcha doing hunny?" she asked confused.

"Enjoy Natasha, Enjoy her" you said in harsh tone.

Natasha didn't need anymore information to know what you were talking about.

"I will" she answered in a soft tone, slightly smirking to herself.

"Bitch" you snapped back.

"What did you just call me?" She questioned, stepping forward, her eye brow raising. You stared at her, watching her get closer and closer, her face inches away from yours. You repeated the pharse again.

'Bitch' your voice seething.

She was silent for a few moments, before the face srunched up as she let a out a growl. In the Conner of your eye you saw a hand coming for you.

And then, without any warning, you felt a burning sensation on your check, stumbling backwards, your hand flying up to your cheek as you tried to process what had just happened. A smirk spreading across her face. You had been slapped by her. It was a humiliating experience, one that would stay with you for a long time.

"You've change y/n! " she yelled out at you.

"How Natasha, how !?! You the one whoring yourself out to somebody else! Your the one cheating!" Your were on the verge of a break down, your body was hot and flustered from the anger coursing through you body, nothing felt real.

"You talk back! You don't listen to my order's! And I saw you with your little dumb friends!" She was vexed, her baby hairs sticking to her tense face.

"Oh for goodness sake, I'm tried of being you little slave! I'm a person not something that you can treat as object! It's done!" you screamed before grabbing your suitcase and Storming out the house. Natasha didn't go after you, in her mind you would come crawling back soon, you needed her she was the only thing that kept you alive. Shoving the suitcase into the boot, along with all the other picese of language, you slammed it shut, getting into the drivers seat and driving off.

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You thought to yourself on the drive, you would go to a friends house, but who? Scanning your brain, Wanda came to your mind. She lived far enough from Natasha and was another leader in the mob business, being able to provide protection. Pressing the buttons on the cars screen, you called up Wanda explaining the situation and asking if you could stay. Reaching the house you let out a big sigh, relief washing over you.

After breaking up with Natasha, It felt like you had no one. But thankfully, you had wanda. As you settled into her spare room, you knew that my life had changed forever. But you also knew that you were lucky – because Wanda was there and she cared about me, and was willing to help when you needed it the most.

And then, slowly but surely, you started to see her in a different light. You noticed the way the would make you coffee in the morning, the way she would always listen to your problems and make you feel heard. She even helped you find you parents again after such along time without seeing or speaking to them. They were doing okay, living comfortably, being able to pick themselves up after the attack that Natasha order, but retired not wanting anymore trouble.

As the days turned into weeks, and then months, you started to fall in love with wanda. You were scared – more scared than you'd ever been before, because you didn't want to ruin the precious friendship. But at the same time, you couldn't deny the feelings that had been growing stronger and stronger inside of you. One night, as you cuddled on the couch, watching a movie, Wanda seemed tense, taking a deep breath she spoke the words that you had been wanting to say for so long. "I know this might sound crazy," she said, voice barely above a whisper. "But I think I love you."

You thought you would pass out, getting very light headed, her eyes locked on yours. "I love you too," you smiled back, "And I've loved you for a long time." Your voice was so tender. She took your hand and you guys finished off the moive, but where to tried to wall to the bedroom, falling asleep in each other's arms.

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As Natasha layed there, staring at the ceiling, she couldn't shake the feeling of guilt and regret that had been weighing on her since she cheated weeks ago. It was a mistake, a moment that she couldn't take back, and now, she missed you more than anything in the world. She tried to shove the feeling aside, to focus on the present, on the person who was sleeping beside her. They were kind and caring, but she couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness that had settled into her chest. It was like a gaping hole, a void that nothing could fill. And no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop thinking about you, about the life that you had built together and the love that had once existed between you. Maybe it was just nostalgia, a craving for a time that was gone and wouldn't ever come back. And yet, she missed you – your laugh, smile, and presence in her life.

Your words danced around her head, and thats when she realized that she was truly going crazy with out you.

She was going to get you back.

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Pt.2 here ... I hope you enjoyed! :)

[hadesoftheladies]

FEMALE MOVIE/TV RECS (PART 8 / COMEDY & ROMCOMS)

got inspired from a recommendation post so decided to make a list of movies and shows with female-centric stories/female protagonists. since i can't post all of the genres in one post, i'll split it into multiple posts and y'all can save or add to the list as you wish. (disclaimer: i have watched most of these, but i only know about the existence of others. not every movie/show on these lists will be my recommendation. my recommendations will be beneath the list with reasons. also some of these are way better than others in terms of storytelling/performance--which is why i'll list my faves separately):

Common Themes/Tropes:

-Quirky girlfailures and losergirls being disastrous (and learning they're still loveable)

-Women causing carnage (sometimes) unintentionally

-Women getting into shenanigans with their friends/sisters

-Features many equally if not more dumbass male antagonists (or sidekicks)

-Financial struggle subplot

-BFFs and sisters > everything else (even the d)

-Lots of sex and money talk usually

-The Struggle of Dating TM

-I Still Feel 12 & Stupid TM

WHAT I'D RECOMMEND:

Abbott Elementary (9/10) (too many amazing female characters!)

Such Brave Girls (8/10) (Derry Girls as adults)

Kajillionaire (7/10) (the protagonist is so weird and loveable, top tier ending)

Isn't It Romantic (6.5/10) (fun and knows exactly what it needs to be)

Fleabag (?/10) (haven't watched but I know it's good)

Kevin Can F**k Himself (9.5/10) (genuinely so so so so good some of the most clever and sincere storytelling I've seen in a while)

Hacks (7.5/10) (the two female leads are hilarious in their own ways and so human!)

NOT LISTED BUT WORTH CHECKING OUT:

What Men Want

Little

Nobody's Fool

Girl's Trip

The Other Woman

Queenie

Legally Blonde

Miss Congeniality

The Devil Wears Prada

Pitch Perfect

PERSONAL NOTES

Playing House is about two friends raising a child together, which is a premise I love. High Desert is a detective comedy (way more comedy than detective, though) with a likeable protagonist who is also addicted to drugs (that isn't the punchline, don't worry).

The Hustle and Queenpins were produced by the same company (and you can tell).

Twenties is one of the few shows that feature a stud lesbian as a central character (and she's beautiful!). Insecure is probably the most famous of black female comedy shows, though.

[deafblindshorty]

So... I seem to have developed a bad habit of comparing two completely different things with only a few similarities.

But, some aspects of Echo kind of remind me of Agent Carter.

No, I am not fucking kidding you.

A little background: the villain in season 2 is an actress called Whitney Frost. Frost is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was accidentally contaminated with zero matter (basically black space goop) which she felt gave her power and confidence to "reshape the world".

In the season finale, our heroes manage to zap the zero matter out of her and she has a villainous breakdown ("No, wait, I need it!")

Kind of reminds me of Fisk having a breakdown when Maya healed him of his trauma. Fisk feels like his anger and hatred is what makes him so powerful. And Fisk also has a villainous breakdown. That is one similarity.

Another is that one of the main characters, Jack has an evil mentor in his father figure, Vernon, who is also a villain in season 2. Jack (I can't remember if he really wants this or he's lying to Whitney to get her to trust him, but) wants on the Council of Nine which Vernon is part of. Vernon took advantage of Jack's boundless ambition. Jack eventually betrayed Vernon and tried to kill him.

Sort of like how Fisk is Maya's evil mentor and uncle figure. He took advantage of her anger and grief over her father's death. Maya eventually betrayed him and tried to kill him. She also want(ed)s to be Queenpin- taking Fisk's empire.

Fisk tries to get Maya to go back to New York with him and fails. Jack tries to get Peggy to go back to New York with him, but fails.

Daniel and Maya are both amputees.

I also think it's funny how the characters kind of switched around: Heroes from New York (Well, Peggy is from London, but still) defeat a villain from Oklahoma in Agent Carter. Heroes from Oklahoma defeat a villain from New York in Echo.

[xtruss]

Griselda Blanco is suspected of being involved in 40 murders across the U.S., including all three of her husbands. At its height, her network was pushing $80 million a month in cocaine. Photograph By GDA/El Tiempo/Columbia/AP

The Real-Life Rise and Fall of Griselda Blanco—Cocaine ‘Godmother’ of the ‘70s

How did a Girl Who Grew-up in Poverty in Colombia Become an International Narcotics Queenpin Pushing $80 a Million a Month in Cocaine?

— By ParissaDjangi | February 2, 2024

The Godmother. The Black Widow. Queenpin. Griselda Blanco’s many aliases and nicknames speak to the notoriety she gained by heading a billion-dollar, blood-soaked drug empire that stretched from Colombia to the United States.

Now the subject of the Netflix series Griselda, Blanco’s life blurred the line between fact and fiction as she clawed her way to a position of power in a violent world. So, who was the real woman behind the myth?

Griselda Blanco’s Rise

Blanco was born in Colombia on February 15, 1943. Her homeland would soon be torn apart by La Violencia, a period of mass violence and unrest which began on April 9, 1948, when popular politician Jorge Eliécer Gaitán was assassinated on the streets of Bogotá. By the time La Violencia ended a decade later, 200,000 people had been killed.

A black and white image shows a car overturned and the the whats left of the build photographers closely photograph the car.

This is a view of some of the destruction that rocked Bogota, Colombia, shown April 15, 1948, in the aftermath of the assassination of populist leader Jorge Eliecer Gaitan on April 9. This is the corner of Carrera Septner with the burned out Renina Hotel in the background.

Left: A diplomatic car was overturned and burned in the rioting and looting of April 9, 1948, in Bogotá, Colombia. Right: Some of the destruction that rocked Bogotá is shown April 15, 1948, in the aftermath of the assassination of populist leader Jorge Eliécer Gaitán on April 9. Photographs By William J. Smith/AP Photo

Blanco came of age against this backdrop of violence. As historian Elaine Carey pointed out in Women Drug Traffickers, Blanco and her contemporaries learned that “power frequently came through violent acts.”

Growing up in poverty in Medellín, Blanco initially didn’t have much power. She cut her teeth in the criminal world at the age of 11, when she allegedly kidnapped a local boy and murdered him after her ransom attempt didn’t pan out. In the coming years, she added pickpocketing and counterfeiting money to her resume.

Michael Corleone Remembers His Mom, Griselda Blanco. Blanco's son was interviewed for National Geographic's show "Narco Wars."

Blanco met and eventually married Carlos Trujillo, who made a living falsifying papers and trafficking humans. The marriage produced three children but ended in divorce. And by the mid-1970s, Trujillo was dead. Some say Trujillo died from health issues; others claim Blanco was really behind his death.

Making White Gold a Family Business

The disco boom of the 1970s sparked a growing market for illicit drugs like cocaine. By the middle of the decade, Colombia had emerged as the center of the cocaine trade, which brought opportunities for staggering wealth––and danger.

Together with Alberto Bravo, a drug smuggler and Blanco’s second husband, they built a cocaine empire based in New York. They relied on smugglers who wore specially designed undergarments to conceal drugs across international borders.

As the empire grew, Blanco’s relationship with Bravo deteriorated. Though the specifics of what exactly happened remain disputed, Bravo was killed in 1975. Blanco later claimed that she personally shot him in the mouth.

A womon in a dress patterend with overlaping stripes in red black and white lays on a cushion brown cushion cntered around a flowers that fill the background behind her.

Griselda Blanco is pictured in a scene from the 2006 documentary Cocaine Cowboys. Photograph By Magnolia Pictures/Zuma Press

Bravo’s death cemented the image of Griselda Blanco as the “Black Widow,” a woman who got rid of her husbands by killing them.

At its peak, Blanco’s network pushed $80 million worth of cocaine every month. Her biggest markets included New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.

Blanco’s cocaine empire earned her the nickname “The Godmother,” Colombia’s answer to The Godfather’s Vito Corleone. Blanco seemed to lean into the mythology. After she gave birth to her fourth and final child in 1978, she named him Michael Corleone in honor of the film’s central character.

Blanco’s Reign of Terror in Miami

Violence was the foundation upon which Blanco built and maintained her empire. It was the oil that kept the engine of her network running––and it transformed Miami into a battlefield in the drug wars.

One of the most public attacks happened on July 11, 1979. Two men, likely at Blanco’s bidding, gunned down a cocaine dealer and his bodyguard in a liquor store at Miami’s Dadeland Mall.

Police say two men in a panel van painted with ''Happy Time Complete Party Supply'' were enforcers for Griselda Blanco. They shot and killed a rival dealer and his bodyguard inside Crown Liquors July 11, 1979. Photograph By David Poller/Zuma Wire

In another Miami incident, Blanco ordered the murder of her associate Jesus Castro, who had reportedly kicked one of her children. But when her hitmen attempted to do the job in 1982, they mistakenly killed Castro’s two-year-old son Johnny instead.

According to Jorge Ayala, one of her assassins, Blanco welcomed the error. “At first she was real mad ‘cause we missed the father. But when she heard we had gotten the son by accident, she said she was glad, that they were even.”

The shootout in broad daylight at Dadeland Mall is widely seen as the beginning of the ''Cocaine Wars'' in South Florida. Photograph By David Poller/Zuma Wire

Blanco’s children witnessed violence firsthand. In 1983, she probably ordered the death of her third husband, Dario Sepúlveda. He was killed in front of Michael Corleone, their five-year-old son, in Colombia.

In total, officials suspected Blanco’s involvement in no less than 40 murders across the U.S.

Blanco’s Fall

Blanco managed to stay one step ahead of the law—for a while, at least. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration worked with informants to track her down and build a case against her.

Officials arrested her in Irvine, California, on February 17, 1985, and the resulting trial sentenced her to 15 years in prison. Nine years later, more charges came, this time for the murders of Johnny Castro and drug dealers Alfredo and Grizel Lorenzo.

Blanco was deported to Colombia in 2004, and lived quietly in El Poblado, Medellín’s wealthiest neighborhood for eight years.

On September 3, 2012, 69-year-old Griselda Blanco stepped outside a butcher’s shop in Medellín. Suddenly, two shots rang out––they had come from the gun of assassins on a motorcycle, which quickly fled the scene. Blanco collapsed. The woman who had forged a bloody path away from the poverty of Medellín’s streets ultimately died on them.

[stellevatum]

Full Name: Kar Parja Alor’ade (Birthname Nari'aan)

Aliases: Too many cover identities to list

Code Names: Shriekhawk, Kalros, Shaman, The Void/Void Envoy, Cetanu-di, Night Herald

Gender:  Female-presenting, insofar as the physical embodiment of the cosmos can be. Celestials are cosmic beings and may not even have a “real” form, let alone any sort of adherence to a gender binary.

Race: Celestial/Old God/Force Being(take your pick)

Birthdate: At some point in time, estimates 42 BBY/2160 CE. Celebrates on January 26th

Eye Color: Green (with black sclera)

Hair Color: Red

Height: 167.64 cm/5’6”

Weight: 57kg/125 lbs

Build: Lean, fit. Built more for speed than strength visually.

Orientation: Graysexual/grey-aromantic. Polyfidelitous– but may remain monogamous if agreed upon it. Has experimented with women during her life but still prefers men.

Marital Status:  Verse Dependent

Noticeable Features: Scarring mainly on her back and legs, tattoo on her left shoulder blade, three piercings in each ear, and nose. Lichtenberg scarring up her entire left arm.

Enhancements:  Subdermal implant (left arm), Cochlear aural comlink device (left ear), greybox neural implant (in the skull).

Personality/Quirks: Chaotic and unpredictable, and prone to plans ‘outside of the box’. Follows her own personal code of morals/ethics. Her means of thinking could be misconstrued as insanity. Highly intelligent, quick to learn, with a daredevil streak bordering suicidal. Hyperactivity could be a double-edged sword. Loyal to a point to her team, even if she cannot stand them. Strong work ethic. Drinking habit should be monitored. Productive and damaging to the enemy at the best, uncontrollable and chaotic at the worst.

To be handled with great caution.

Overview:

Kar is a Celestial– a being supposedly an embodiment of the cosmos with its own personality and set to experience itself in a whole new way, a nigh immortal race with a high level of technological skill that many of the sapient races has led to consider them as gods when they were uplifted in the ancient past. Her biological parents were once worshipped by the Mandalorians as Kad Ha'rangir (god of war and change) and Dal Akaani (goddess of war and tactics). She is Nari'aan, The Traveler. Had she not been stolen away and raised among family she would have been the intercessor between the shorter lived races and their kind.  Her youth and adolescence were colored, a foundling adopted and raised by mercenaries, being a government spy, enslaved, and even trained as a secret apprentice, co-founder of several rebellions. Though it should be known as tales often go, they are prone to embellishment, no one is entirely sure what is true and false.  What is true and known Kar finds her intelligence network that eventually evolves into her “Void Network”. Part intelligence network and part empire without nation or borders. Due to her deep embedded influence in universal affairs, her authority has more or less been recognized. As such, she rules part diplomatic leader, part queenpin, to any and all who come hiring her agents. She is a rather colorful character with an equally colorful personality, exploring the cosmos as part scholar, part adventurer, always looking for an opportunity to further her own reach and goals.  Her (current) story spans almost a thousand years in her main timeline and across at least four galaxies, with many friends, enemies, and lovers to boot. 

[taleswrittena]

@multusmusae sent ' say it . go ahead , say it’s my fault . ' ( @ harley quinn from john constantine. )

orphan black starters||accepting

Irritation fills the Harlequinn with ease, red-painted lips sticking out in a pout at Constantine when he speaks up. It takes everything in Harley not to roll her eyes at him.

This is, after all, his fault. Never mind the fact that without him she might have gotten into a world of trouble but she would have been able to make it out, she always does.

She's not the Queen of Gotham for no reason, after all. She didn't kill Joker out of pure luck and take over his empire. She is a force to be reconked with, she doesn't need a man to save her.

Even if that man is incredibly attractive and probably saved her life.

Only to end up in this backfiring even more and now they've got unknown assailants after them like some kind of assassin group. Oh, wouldn't they love to kill the Queenpin? They won't be so lucky, she'll kill them long before they get the chance.

After all, she's shaken up the city of Gotham quite well over the past month of taking over. Most fear her already for merely taking Joker down, some want to get in her good graces, and some - the foolish ones - want to kill her.

"This is your fault, sugar. If you hadn't interfered with your weird but really cool magic mojo, these bastards would be dead and we wouldn't have assassins after us! I can take care of myself just fine, y'know." Surely he's heard about her? And her reputation?

[newoncenicetwice]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Cape Robbin Queenpin Black Neon Snake Print Boots dz 7.

[beautifulfaaces]

Eduardo Franco

Facts

August 29, 1994

American actor

Filmography

Argyle [Stranger Things: 2022]

Greg [Queenpins: 2021]

Todd [Superintelligence: 2020]

Theo [Booksmart: 2019]

Spencer [American Vandal: 2017]

Stu [Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything: 2015-2017]

Appearance

black hair

brown eyes

Roleplay

playable: young adult

Icons: Booksmart

[shokuto]

Maybe it's a good thing Miles hasn't shown up in asm yet...Felicia's becoming a more prominent character and how awkward would it be for him to be in a room with her after she kidnapped and unmasked him during her midlife crisis

[la-ermitana]

From Alice’s Instagram Story

02.19.2021 📸

[riottladyy]

been back & forth to prison since 2018 , yesterday I was finally released again ... I don't regret anything except loosing time .

[animusrox]

LETTERBOXD

1.   The Green Knight 2.   The Suicide Squad 3.   Boiling Point 4.   Red Rocket 5.   Pig 6.   CODA 7.   Nightmare Alley 8.   The Card Counter 9.   Psycho Goreman 10. Zola

Grade A

11.   Flee 12.   The Mitchells vs. The Machines 13.   The Novice 14.   The Humans 15.   Mass 16.   Drive My Car 17.   King Richard 18.   Blue Bayou 19.   Summertime 20.   Dune 21.   The Worst Person in the World 22.   Summer of Soul 23.   A Hero 24.   Parallel Mothers 25.   Spencer 26.   Lamb 27.   A Quiet Place Part II 28.   Werewolves Within 29.   The French Dispatch 30.   The Nowhere Inn 31.   V/H/S 94 32.   Candyman 33.   Shiva Baby 34.   New York Ninja 35.   Copshop 36.   The Lost Daughter 37.   Malignant 38.   Last Night in Soho 39.   No Sudden Move 40.   The Harder They Fall 41.   In the Earth 42.   The Tragedy of Macbeth 43.   No Time to Die 44.   Coming Home in the Dark 45.   Belfast 46.   Censor 47.   Pleasure 48.   The Power of the Dog 49.   A Classic Horror Story 50.   Licorice Pizza 51.   Riders of Justice 52.   West Side Story 53.   Spider-Man: No Way Home 54.   Nobody 55.   Finch 56.   Together Together

Click "Keep Reading” For My Full List

Grade B

57.   Bo Burnham: Inside 58.   The Courier 59.   Don’t Look Up 60.   National Champions 61.   The Night House 62.   Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings 63.   Black Widow 64.   Eternals 65.   The Tender Bar 66.   Titane 67.   Benedetta 68.   Fear Street: 1666 69.   Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain 70.   Best Sellers 71.   Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin 72.   The Many Saints of Newark 73.   In The Heights 74.   Val 75.   Luca 76.   Annette 77.   F9 78.   House of Gucci 79.   The Last Duel 80.   Swan Song 81.   Cruella 82.   Queenpins 83.   Stowaway 84.   Boss Level 85.   Old Henry 86.   The Eyes of Tammy Faye 87.   Antlers 88.   Oxygen 89.   Fear Street: 1978 90.   Passing 91.   Encanto 92.   tick, tick…BOOM! 93.   C’mon C’mon 94.   Willy’s Wonderland 95.   Halloween Kills 96.   False Positive 97.   Stillwater 98.   The Forever Purge 99.   The Water Man 100.   Bingo Hell 101.   Wrath of Man 102.   Jockey 103.   Ghostbusters: Afterlife 104.   Four Good Days 105.   Mother/Android 106.   Free Guy 107.   Cyrano 108.   Chaos Walking 109.   The Boy Behind the Door

Grade C

110.   Superhost 111.   The King’s Man 112.   Black as Night 113.   Batman: Soul of the Dragon 114.   Sing 2 115.   Kate 116.   The Matrix Resurrections 117.   Wolf 118.   Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway 119.   Justice Society: World War II 120.   Being the Ricardos 121.   Escape Room: Tournament of Champions 122.   Ron’s Gone Wrong 123.   Godzilla vs. Kong 124.   The Unforgivable 125.   Silent Night 126.   Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One 127.   Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two 128.   Moxie 129.   Raya and the Last Dragon 130.   Madres 131.   Italian Studies 132.   Nine Days 133.   The Marksman 134.   Vacation Friends 135.   Till Death 136.   The Guilty 137.   Worth 138.   Encounter 139.   Fear Street: 1994 140.   Concrete Cowboy 141.   India Sweets and Spices 142.   Don’t Breathe 2 143.   Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City 144.   Army of the Dead 145.   South of Heaven 146.   Army of Thieves 147.   The Protégé

Grade D

148.   Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar 149.   American Underdog 150.   Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard 151.   Mortal Kombat 152.   Bruised 153.   Those Who Wish Me Dead 154.   Separation 155.   Mainstream 156.   Prisoners of the Ghostland 157.   Jungle Cruise 158.   Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins 159.   Demonic 160.   Joe Bell 161.   Respect 162.   Old 163.   Gunpowder Milkshake 164.   Coming 2 America 165.   Jakob’s Wife 166.   The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It 167.   Voyagers 168.   Zone 414 169.   Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse 170.   Clifford the Big Red Dog 171.   Injustice 172.   Awake 173.   The Tomorrow War

Grade F

174.   Reno 911! The Hunt for Q 175.   Home Sweet Home Alone 176.   Straight Outta Nowhere: Scooby-Doo! Meets Courage 177.   The Unholy 178.   Reminiscence 179.   Spiral: From the Book of Saw 180.   Cry Macho 181.   Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms 182.   Jolt 183.   Infinite 184.   Rumble 185.   Midnight in the Switchgrass 186.   A Journal for Jordan 187.   Venom: Let There Be Carnage 188.   The Manor 189.   The Ice Road 190.   Boogie

Bottom 10

191.   The Woman in the Window 192.   Thunder Force 193.   Tom & Jerry 194.   Space Jam: A New Legacy 195.   Zack Snyder’s Justice League 196.   Dear Evan Hansen 197.   Red Notice 198.   The Addams Family 2 199.   Habit 200.   The Boss Baby: Family Business

[le-noire-beaute]

Chapter 37

Alonzo had long since retired to his bedroom, annoyed, leaving Brooklyn and Noire to chat amongst themselves.

Noire felt alive again. Having her best friend back, alive and well, made her so happy she couldn’t contain it. They laughed and cried together, catching up with everything the two missed out on in the last year.

She hated that B had gone through hell with that crazy ass Decarlos. Just the thought of that deranged loony made her skin crawl, and she couldn’t help but to also direct some of that anger towards her husband to be.

How could he let this happen to Brooklyn?

“Did you and Grant ever tie the knot?” Brooklyn asked snapping Noire out of her thoughts.

“Huh?”

“Did ya’ll get married?”

“Girl no. I couldn’t. Not without you. I was holding on to the hope that you weren’t dead….and I’m glad I did.” Noire could feel herself getting choked up. Brooklyn smiled.

“You didn’t have to postpone your special day because of me,”

Noire gave her a crazy look. “Bitch…..you are my MAID OF HONOR! Ain’t no special day without you! So fuck no. And Grant understands that. Plus, with everything that happened when you disappeared, a wedding wasn’t in my immediate plans.”

Brooklyn raised a brow, causing Noire to avoid her glance. “Noire? What happened?”

Noire sighed, taking a moment to collect herself before speaking. “The night you disappeared….I found out I was pregnant.” She started, making Brooklyn gasp.

Letting out a shaky breath, she continued. “After I learned of your disappearance, I was frantic. We all were…me and your family I mean. I kept in contact with Alonzo on a regular basis, who I called as soon as I suspected something happened to you. As the days went on with no word; my depression worsened. The stress caused me to miscarry. I was fifteen weeks….and it was a girl.”

Tears immediately streamed down Brooklyn’s face and she grabbed Noire into a tight hug. The two sat there crying, with Brooklyn apologizing over and over again.

When they finally separated, they dried their tears and let out some nervous laughter. Brooklyn’s laughter was abruptly interrupted by her retching.

Her eyes widened, and she shot up to run to the bathroom before she threw up all over herself.

Noire, who followed, stared at her with wide eyes, as Brooklyn sat there frozen.