#maryland state song

[miraclerizuin]

help maryland find a new state song

with the horse race this weekend it has come to my attention that maryland uninstalled (/disowned? /deplatformed??) its state song 2 years ago and has yet to select a replacement. for some reason they haven't asked for my input yet, but naturally my dad & I compiled a list of popular songs by musical artists from maryland and now I need your help determining which one should be maryland's new state song.

here's the playlist:

disclaimer: I am not from Maryland but I have been there several times. love those pink highways

if you have any suggestions not listed here, please comment/reply/say in the tags <3

[thankyouforthememoriesworld]

Updated Version 2.

They were both overlapped in Minnesota for the North Tartan Summer Jam-June 2016. They had a lot of basketball overlap in June/July 2016 but again, separate age groups, with Azzi playing in a higher age group than Paige.

USA U16 Trials in May 2017 when they met.

Won Gold together with U16 on June 11, 2017.

Flew to Minnesota together where Azzi probably spent the summer doing her camping and State Fair in August 2017. Before this though: they participated in the North Tartan Summer Jam-June 2017 but different groups. I think that first birthday post from Azzi is probably from this tournament. Also, they may have also had an EYBL tournament in Indianapolis in July 2017. This is also when those crush snapchats were most likely sent because the song itself was released July 7, 2017.

Generally, they always have a lot of overlap in the summer because of AAU

Their visit to Maryland, Notre Dame and UConn in Fall 2017. Offered scholarships by UConn at that time.

Azzi and Paige were together at the beginning of Feb, training. Azzi's high school is WCAC Champs at the end of Feb 2018 and Azzi was also player of the year as a Freshman.

Late March 2018, both participated in the 2018 USA Basketball 3x3 U18 National Championship. Paige’s team got first, and Azzi’s got second. Paige’s team went on to rep in the youth Olympics.

April 2, 2018 Paige and her Hopkins teammates watched the UConn Notre Dame 2018 Championship game. Paige apparently watched this match up twice by April 2019 and Azzi watched the 12/3/17 game against ND in Hartford. Maybe overlap?

Paige and Azzi played in the Nike Boo Williams Invitational for their separate AAU teams in Virginia on April 20-22, 2018. Azzi's team (Fairfax Stars 17s EYBL) won platinum undefeated in their division where she stood out as one of the best players at 15 years old. Paige's team (North Tartan 15s EYBL) won platinum undefeated in her division. Geno was apparently at this tournament from what I read.

Paige was in DC to play in the Capitol Classic on April 28, 2018. You can watch the entire game if you want.

Reunited in Colorado May 2018 for USA trials.

The 11th annual North Tartan Summer Jam in Hopkins Minnesota was held June 15-17, 2018, where both Paige and Azzi's AAU teams played against each other. Paige’s team beat Azzi’s team 79-63 but both ended with a 3-1 record with Paige's team getting second place. Azzi watched Paige's final game.

Basically, together all of July because training was July 4-20, with a pre-tournament invitational in Latvia. Afterwards, won Gold with U17 on July 29, 2018.

Azzi attends her first Curry Camp in August 6-7 2018. She blows up after the three point contest. At this point I also assume Minnesota cabin trip and state fair was spent together. Azzi was recognized while on a cruise with Bueckers family after the contest (Date unknown but assuming summer). Azzi also helped with Paige's charity clinic at the end of August in Montana.

Azzi and her family were also in Minnesota for a family wedding in September 2018.

11/2/18 Visit to UConn together. Azzi’s sweet 16 on 11/11/18. We know Paige was there.

March 2019 Azzi is presented Gatorade National Player of the Year for Basketball. Azzi's team is 2nd in the nation.

Paige wins state championship on March 16, 2019. Azzi is there supporting (she's in that day after vlog episode of Paige's teammate wearing her St. Patty's day necklace and referred to as National POY which she just got beforehand).

Both of them flew to Montana and I'm guessing that's when the Yellowstone trip happened. Probably Spring Break.

Buckets with Bueckers camp in Montana - March 25, 2019. Azzi was there.

April 1, 2019, Paige commits to UConn (signs letter of intent in November 2019). I think this is also the day Azzi got her puppy Stewie.

April 4-6, 2019 Azzi’s high school team makes the Geico Nationals final but loses. Not sure if Paige was there.

April 13, 2019 Azzi tears hear ACL/MCL at USA 3x3 championship. Surgery on May 29, 2019 in Indianapolis. Paige was with her before surgery (video proof from Azzi herself).  

April 26-28, 2019 AAU together (Azzi not playing).

June 2019 – Paige participates in Summer Jam 2019 with Metro Stars.

July/August 2019 – After Azzi attends the ESPYS and SC30 Select Camp for both of them, Minnesota tradition (they have tiktoks from that time at the cabin and started their joint account that summer). I also think this is when that one Overtime video was filmed with the competition.

10/10-16/19 – Paige is in Doha Qatar for USA Basketball 3x3 tournament. Then she went to First Night at UConn and I think visited Azzi before she went to LA for ESPNW. Azzi visited UConn the week before First Night supposedly.

Dec 16, 2019: First HUDL recruiting video. End of December 2019, Azzi was presumably training with Mamba family in NYC.

Reunited in January 2020 in DMV. Azzi’s first games back from ACL were around this time and Paige was there (they filmed tiktoks together and there are videos of her in the stands). During her visit, Paige's second HUDL recruiting video for Azzi was published.

Azzi’s high school team wins state championships in early March 2020. Azzi travels to Minnesota in mid-March 2020 for Paige’s final but Covid shutdown occurs.

Paige stays with the Fudds from the end of April until June 2020 where she goes back for her graduation in early June and I think possibly packing up her stuff because I know her family was relocating to DMV at this time. She rejoins the Fudds in late June and stays with them and travels with them for Azzi’s GTS team up until end of July. Paige also gets her Gatorade award presented to her at the Fudd’s house on July 24, 2020.

Azzi is in Minnesota with her GTS in August of 2020 and Paige starts UConn.

Azzi visits Paige on her birthday and I believe tells her she’s committing to UConn in October 2020.

Azzi's Togethxr video of her day in the life with the facetime call was filmed November 5, 2020 (pop quiz had a date).

Azzi commits to UConn in November 11, 2020 and turns 18.

Paige's UConn season starts with her first games being cancelled because everyone is in a 14 day quarantine when one person tests positive. This was the reality of that time - they had to contact tracing and couldn't risk getting Covid during the season. They didn't have anymore cancelled games after the end of January but it certainly was an issue early on. UConn had nearly 75% of their courses online or hybrid for entire Fall 2020. Out of state students enrolled in online courses didn't live on campus. This was the reality of Paige's first year. Most likely not as social as people think and really just FTing Azzi at 1 AM apparently.

Azzi attends UConn-Tennessee game on January 21, 2021 to cheer on Paige.

Azzi attends UConn Final Four on April 2, 2021 and also attends the final (while being on FT with Paige).  

Paige has ankle surgery afterwards and hanging out a lot with the Fudds as she rehabs during April and May 2021.

Azzi has USA U19 Trials in May 2021. Then graduation and prom for high school at the end of May (Paige was present during this time). Then summer session at UConn. Paige has her ESPY award speech in July 2021.

Azzi wins gold with team USA before landing back in Mn in mid August 2021 and reunited with Paige and heading to UConn.

My God, you did it 👑. Here's Pazzi's updated timeline for the people.

[buffalony-official]

i think we should all listen to this song :3

@official-denmark @denmark-forreal @denmark-official @denmarklandia-official

@actually-danish-denmark @official-hongkong @official-ireland @definitelytherepublicofireland @actually-literally-ireland

@forever-scotland @totally-france @france-unofficial @russia-totallyofficial

@germany-official @totally-germany @genuinely-germany @definitely-britain @definitely-canada

@official-new-zealand @nihonkokuu @india-official @yugoslavia-official @wales-official

@the-offical-roman-empire @the-official-italy @guatemala-official @totally-italy @the-principality-of-sealand

@definitely-brasil @holy-roman-empire-revived @spain-unofficial @very-real-australia

@antiquitian-empire @literally-luxembourg @100-percent-real-official-malta @definitely-totally-croatia @republic-of-philippines

@totally-japan @therealrepublicofkorea @pakistan-official @i-am-poland @kingdom-of-asgardia-real

@very-much-mexico @republic-of-molossia @the-kingdom-of-norway @sweden-official @non-tyrannical-usa

@the-entire-country-of-sweden @greenland-offical @michigan-is-cool-trust-me @the-state-of-michigan

@state-0f-0hio-official @cape-breton-island-itself @state-of-florida-official @state-of-connecticut-official @the-us-navy-offical

@the-us-navy @the-real-illinois @the-state-of-georgia-official @the-official-goose-god @utah-offical

@mhm-wisconsin @rejasthanofficial @stateofuttarpradeshindiaofficial @the-only-ontario

@actually-alberta @newjersey-official @new-york-for-real @definitely-indiana @the-province-of-nova-scotia-real

@femboy-state-of-florida-official @the-republic-of-texas @new-hampshire-real @unofficial-illinois

@newhampshireofficial @saskatchewan-real @quebec-official @texas-real @rhode-island-real

@we-are-not-the-feds @totally-texas @telangana-official @sovereign-state-of-alaska @tamil-nadu-official

@west-bengal-official @this-is-goa @totally-oregon @buffalony-official @maharashtra-official

@gujarat-official @axom-miss @karnatakaofficial @canadian-tire-real

@tamilnadu-official @bihar-official @mumbai-official @communist-usa-real @officially-gay-va

@definitely-north-america @antarcitica-official @official-the-pacific-ocean @the-real-atlantic-ocean @nigerianaspecforces

@bangladesh-official @hyderabad-unofficial @delhi-the-capital @thestateoflouisiana @amul-unofficial

@ohio-thestate @maryland-officially @definitely-the-real-belgium @the-united-state @literally-the-first-state

[stawpny-2]

OK HC TIME WHILE THESE ARE STILL IN MY HEAD

-Florida has a doorless jeep wrangler, neon orange or pink, I can’t decide

-not a hc but I love how massyork is finally getting more recognition. You can’t just say “nobody can kill you but me” and brush it off as normal saying

-Mass yells at children in airports and train stations and makes them cry. It isn’t his fault they aren’t moving 🙄.

-Maryland curses. A lot. Virginia has to put him in the corner but he always escapes.

-I think New York’s hair grows really fast so like one week he has a buzz cut and then like two weeks later he has a mullet.

-I like the idea of the states being famous and having social media platforms. I feel they would post the stupidest things ever of each other. (They all have gov blocked too)

-wyoming’s only weakness is swimming.

-the national guard has been called on each northeast state on more than one occasion.

-all you hear in Times Square is “Welcome To New York”, “Empire State of Mind” or, “New York, New York” (TS, Jay-Z +Alicia Keys, and Frank Sinatra) If NY can hear car honks and yelling and stuff, I fear he would hear these songs ON REPEAT. (poor guy)

^imagine like crying and just constantly hearing: “In new yooorkk, concrete jungle where dreams are made of!! There’s nothing you can’t dooo!”

it probably makes him feel worse 😔

[blog-against-ai]

List of American Presidents and what years they served! I figured this might be a helpful resource for some of yall :) I’ll also include what each is best known for!

~ please read my pinned post ~

1. George Washington 1776-1800 most known for: being the first president

2. John Adams 1797-1801 most known for: having three wives and two husbands

3. Thomas Jefferson 1801-1802 most known for: being so cunty it was off the charts

4. Alexander Hamilton 1802-1825 most known for: nothing, nobody really knows anything about him lol

5. Andrew Jackson 1829-1831 most known for: being the first gay president

6. George W Bush 1831-1845 most known for: signing a deal with china to double the size of the country

7. James Polk 1845-1849 most known for: that one they might be giants song

8. Zachary Taylor 1857-1861 most known for: crashing two planes into the World Trade Center

9. Abraham Lincoln 1861-1900 most known for: being good at poker

10. Dwight Eisenhower 1912-1913 most known for: attacking the state of maryland (he lost)

11. Calvin Coolidge 1913-1929 most known for: hanging out with a large tiger

11. Franklin D Roosevelt 1929-1981 most known for: being the first openly trans president

12. Bruce Wayne 1963-1962 most known for:

13. Richard Nixon 1981-1988 most known for: serving as president during world war 1 and helping bring peace to america

14. Bill Clinton 1988-1990 most known for: I can’t remember but it has something to do with avocados

15. Ronald Reagan- was actually never the president because he died before he could assume office. his grave became the nation’s first gender neutral bathroom

12. Donald Trump 1990-1996 most known for: being a champion for the rights of straight people and italians

13. Joe Biden 1996-2004 most known for: posting daily tiktok dances

18. Rutherford B Hayes 2018-present most known for: having seventeen children

[doueverwonder]

keep making myself laugh at the idea of the regions making bullshit PowerPoints to show Gov at meetings instead of discussing actual problems. Ideas Include;

~~~~

Every Dolly Parton Song Ranked (We Had Multiple Fist Fights While Making This List) (9-5 Should Have Been #1) (No it earned #2, Jolene is Clearly #1)

Ways We’ve Tried To Keep Indiana Calm During Basketball Season (Spoiler; None of Them Work! Hoosier Hysteria is Inescapable! All You Can Do is Bolt the Chairs to the Floor and Pray!)

^ which was followed in the next meeting with

Ways We’ve Tried To Keep Indiana Calm During the Indy 500 Weekend (Spoiler; The Only One That Worked was Minnesota Holding Him Like A Disgruntled Cat Most of the Weekend!)

Pictures of Utah and Idaho's Kids: You Have to Look at Them Because Its Polite and We Don't Want To Have An Actual Meeting (<- not even trying to hide it and it still worked)

The Twenty-Five Glorious Days of the Bear Flag Republic: A Semi-Educational Satire (Approved by California Himself)

Border States: What The Fuck Guys, Stop Being Greedy & Pick a Region Already.

Every Law Florida Has Broken in the Past Six Months Listed; Video Format (Abridged Version) (<- it is still 2 hours long)

Why We Should Have Let Vermont Stay His Own Country (This is not Flattery, We're All Pissed At Him and Petitioning to Kick Him Out of the Union)

We Should Just Let Maryland Be His Own Single State Region Because This Is Getting Out Of Hand.

All Presidents Ranked Solely By How Nice their VP was to the Personifications

[walmarttrashbag]

Hurt - Mike Wheeler Pt.2 TW: bitchy, annoyed Mike. hurt-part-one Suggested by: Https-Lola It was finally over! You finally had gotten over the stupid fucking dumbass Mike Wheeler crush of a lifetime, and you have never felt any better! You've turned your life around for the better. You feel so much healthier and happier after the loss of feelings for Mike. Mike, however, couldn't help but stare from afar with a frown. Why did you become so beautiful? Why was your smile so sparkling and outrageously perfect? Who let you go outside and look like a miracle from beyond the stars? Mike had a little over too many questions just about your pretty face. That night while the party was playing DnD, Mike just couldn't shake the thought of you out of his head, and it was like a bad song.

"Mike, are you okay? You're not raging at the fire-breathing dragon coming your way," Dustin pointed out, but Mike was still in a trance. Lucas rolled his eyes and walked over, giving Mike a forceful shake, "Wake up, Lover boy, the dragon awaits!" Lucas said in a jokingly wizard-like voice. Mike flinched, "Lucas, don't do that!" He said, getting defensive over nothing.

Lucas scoffed, "Sorry, sleeping beauty, I didn't know you were dreaming of your princess charming. Just get over Y/n already, I heard she was dating someone anyway!" Lucas said, not realizing all hell broke loose for Mike.

"SHE WHAT?!" Mike screamed out, standing up as he banged his fists on the table, making the characters and dice jump slightly.

"Michael!" Karen yelled from upstairs, "Quiet down!"

But this was no time for being quiet, and Mike quickly jumped to questions, "Who is he? What does he do to her? Why is he with her? What did he do to earn her?! TELL ME!" Mike yelled at his friends. Will spoke out, "I don't know much about him but I heard he's from Maine or Maryland or Missouri or one of the M states," He shrugged. "Yeah, and someone told me he's got a thing for Hawaiian shirts, and being the class clown," Dustin continued from Will's statement, "He honestly sounds really cool," Mike scoffed, "Yeah, who's this bozo's name anyways?" Mike asked, looking at the 3 expectantly for a clear answer. "It was like Rory Turner or something," Will replied. "No, it was something like Remi Taylor," Dustin told Will. Lucas rolled his eyes, "No, dumbasses! It was Richie Tozier! His name is Richie! And Mike, he looks exactly like you!" Lucas pointed the finger at Mike. Mike gasped, "Me? So you're saying I still had a shot with Y/n if she's bagging this Richie guy?!" "Guess so," Will replied, making Mike's blood boil. "That's it. Tomorrow I'm gonna find Richie and give him a piece of my mind," Mike promised himself. "Great, now can we please get back to defeating the dragon?" Dustin asked the party since so much time had been wasted on this dumb conversation.

The next day, Mike got up to school and saw a new bike on the racks. Mike had heard that Richie always biked to school as well. It was like Richie was a big stupid copycat! Mike had a note of description. Hawaiian shirt, shorts, converse, and giant stupid thick-framed glasses.

Mike skittered through the hallway like a cockroach and found a guy who matched the description perfectly, just without a Hawaiian shirt. Mike tapped the guys shoulder, "Hey, are you Richie?" Mike asked the guy.

The kid turned over and it was scary how much he looked like Mike, "Yeah, why?" Richie asked Mike, nudging up his glasses. Mike now knew this was the guy he should be shitting on. "Just know, your girlfriend, Y/n, liked me way before you did. You're just my rehash. The only reason why she's with you is because you're just me in a reskin," Mike told Richie, spitting out venom at the guy.

Richie's face scrunched up before he made a big obnoxious laugh in Mike's face, "Oh that's rich! That's really rich! I know who you are, Mike! And Y/n has told me all the things she's done to try to get you to like her back, and from what I've heard, you're a selfish prick who didn't take the chance when you got it! I've got the prettiest girl on earth, and you're kicking rocks! Go blow your dad before you spit out shit that's not real," Richie gave a condescending smirk to Mike, whose face went beat red in not only embarrassment but anger too.

Mike threw the first punch, and the hallway went from school to hell. Michael Wheeler and Richard Tozier fought things out. Some people get on Mike, and others get on Richie making the school out to 50/50, but before things could be settled out for the last time, you ran to the both of them. "Stop it! Stop fighting! Mike what the hell is wrong with you!" You lashed out at Mike, making him shocked. "Y/n! Come on you still have the chance for me! Why not ride the Wheeler train?" Mike said heartbreakingly as held his left eye.

You were grossed out by Mike as you helped Richie up, "Oh, Richie... Your nose..." You said, wiping the blood from under Richie's nose, before turning to Mike, "Mike, you're just a prick! You avoided me like the plague and you beat up my boyfriend because you're a petty jerk!" You went off at Mike, making his heart hurt on the inside. You walked Richie to the nurse's office, and Richie looked back at Mike, giving him an evil smile signaling that he had won your side once again, which was deserved.

Mike slowly but surely got up, "I'll win her back one day, you're stupid rehash!" Mike yelled out to Richie as the hallway crowd fanned out with no conclusion to the win. Mike was determined to get you back, one way or another, no matter what. He was gonna see Richie fail, and he was gonna King up to the Jester of all jokes.

[theidcl]

⁺˚⋆｡°✩₊ STARZIE is a seven-member fictional coed group that debuted on january 7th, 2024, under stellar entertainment. the coed supergroup was formed through the idol survival show "SHOOTING STARS" which premiered in 2023. the show's purpose was to gather currently active idols and put them up against each other in order to form the ultimate coed group featuring the highest-ranked idols.

the supergroup made their debut shortly into the new year with the mini album "mission one: take off" and promoted their title track "crush", as well as other b-sides from the album. their debut was garnered as both a domestic and international success, boosting STARZIE into the super rookie category very quickly despite only just debuting.

with the group being made up of some of the most popular idols from multiple generations, the public has opened their arms to the group while also throwing harsh criticism their way. many fans are excited to see their favorite idols pursue new activities and release different music alongside other highly popular idols, but due to being a coed group, the public has expressed concern over how scandals and rumors are bound to happen.

˖ ࣪ ˚ . group name ⇁ starzie

˖ ࣪ ˚ . fandom name ⇁ starnautz

˖ ࣪ ˚ . fandom color ⇁ #1ad700 #00a0d7

˖ ࣪ ˚ . company ⇁ stellar entertainment

˖ ࣪ ˚ . debut date ⇁ january 7th, 2024

˖ ࣪ ˚ . debut album ⇁ mission one: take off

˖ ࣪ ˚ . debut song ⇁ crush

˖ ࣪ ˚ . greeting ⇁ "one of a kind! hello, we are starzie!”

⁺˚⋆｡°✩₊ MEET THE STARZ!

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ ELLIOT SON, professionally known as ELLIOT, was born in 1998 in baltimore, maryland, usa. elliot began his training journey at jyp entertainment, where he participated in the reality show 'stray kids', originally making the final lineup before leaving the group before debut and jyp as a whole, stating creative differences. he trained for 4 years before debuting in the boy group embers in 2019, which would disband just a year later. he would soon re-debut in pushing daises.

ELLIOT was a popular idol while on SHOOTING STARS, being a member of the totally spies group during the cover challenge, in which the team placed 2nd in the challenge. during the rewind challenge, elliot was a member of 3rd place team elec6ix. at the end of the show, elliot managed to finish the show in 5th place, making him the second announced member.

˖ ࣪ ˚ . full name ⇁ elliot dowon son

˖ ࣪ ˚ . birthday ⇁ february 14th, 1998

˖ ࣪ ˚ . birthplace ⇁ baltimore, maryland, usa

˖ ࣪ ˚ . position ⇁ rapper, vocalist

˖ ࣪ ˚ . ranking ⇁ 5th place

˖ ࣪ ˚ . height ⇁ 185cm

˖ ࣪ ˚ . ethnicity ⇁ korean-caucasian

˖ ࣪ ˚ . nationality ⇁ american

˖ ࣪ ˚ . faceclaim ⇁ vernon chwe

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ BAE MINJU, professionally known as MINJU, was born in 1998 in liverpool, england, but she moved to london when she was three years old. every summer, she traveled to korea over the summer to spend time with her grandparents and cousins in busan. growing up, minju was always fond of music and dancing, which led to her dream of being a k-pop idol. minju applied to many agencies such as jyp and cube entertainment, but ultimately made her choice to join source music with a friend of hers in 2010. after training for five years, minju officially debuted as a member of gfriend under source music. after the disbandment of gfriend, she signed a contract with big hit music and made her solo debut on november 11th, 2021. although many had anticipated it, the whole thing became a total failure, and minju was put on hiatus.

MINJU held a fluctuating rank while on SHOOTING STARS, but was always dancing within and around the top seven. during the rewind challenge, minju was a member of 3rd place team elec6ix. in the cover challenge, minju was a part of wonderland, and they placed 1st overall. at the end of the show, minju managed to finish the show in 4th place, making her the third announced member.

˖ ࣪ ˚ . full name ⇁ bae minju

˖ ࣪ ˚ . birthday ⇁ march 14th, 1998

˖ ࣪ ˚ . birthplace ⇁ liverpool, englad

˖ ࣪ ˚ . position ⇁ vocalist, rapper

˖ ࣪ ˚ . ranking ⇁ 4th place

˖ ࣪ ˚ . height ⇁ 162.5cm

˖ ࣪ ˚ . ethnicity ⇁ korean

˖ ࣪ ˚ . nationality ⇁ british

˖ ࣪ ˚ . faceclaim ⇁ park jiwon

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ CHLOE LEE, professionally known as CHLOE, was born in 1998 in new york, united states. chloe's career began in 2016 after ranking second on the mnet surivival show 'produce 101', securing herself a spot in the temporary girl group, ioi. once ioi disbanded in 2017, chloe debuted in venus as their main vocalist and lead dancer. alongside her success in venus, chloe would also have a flourishing solo career that began in 2019 with the song "rollercoaster" and has been on the rise ever since. chloe is a renowned vocalist and lyricist in the industry, being one the most credited female songwriters in the kpop industry.

CHLOE started the SHOOTING STARS with a bang, quickly securing a spot as a leader in the first group challenge. she was able to pick her teammates during the rewind challenge and ended up picking wisely as her team, the dream, placed first overall. once again placing high enough to be chosen as a leader, during the cover challenge, chloe was in charge of the last place team the zoo. chloe was up the coveted position of first place in the finale but ultimately placed 2nd, making her the sixth announced member of the group.

˖ ࣪ ˚ . full name ⇁ chloe lee

˖ ࣪ ˚ . korean name ⇁ lee chohee

˖ ࣪ ˚ . birthday ⇁ june 17th, 1998

˖ ࣪ ˚ . birthplace ⇁ new york, united states

˖ ࣪ ˚ . position ⇁ vocalist, dancer

˖ ࣪ ˚ . ranking ⇁ 2nd place

˖ ࣪ ˚ . height ⇁ 152.4cm

˖ ࣪ ˚ . ethnicity ⇁ korean

˖ ࣪ ˚ . nationality ⇁ american

˖ ࣪ ˚ . faceclaim ⇁ han sohee

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ PARK MIKYUNG, professionally known as MIKA, was born in 2001 in gwangju, south korea. after being scouted at her middle school’s talent show, mika auditioned for dsp media and trained for two years before making her debut in april on august 24th, 2015 as the group’s main rapper and main dancer at the young age of 14. she promoted with the group for multiple months before she was announced to be a participant on mnet’s trainee survival show ‘produce 101′. mika made her debut in ioi after finishing the show ranked 5th, and later made her debut in the only subunit of ioi. after the group's disbandment, mika returned to april but quickly announced her departure from both the group and dsp media. signing with angelico entertainment, mika went on to have a successful acting and solo career before debuting in sugar n' spice. mika is considered one of the best producers and lyricists in the industry, going under the pseudonym m.ka.

despite being one of the most popular idols to partake in SHOOTING STARS, MIKA suffered from fluctuating rankings that made her position on debuting unknown. she started off the show strong by being a member of the winning team, the dream, during the rewind challenge. during the next challenge, the cover challenge, mika was instead part of the last place team the zoo. being the first announced member, mika finished the show in 6th place.

˖ ࣪ ˚ . full name ⇁ park mikyung

˖ ࣪ ˚ . english name ⇁ isabella jade park

˖ ࣪ ˚ . birthday ⇁ march 26th, 2001

˖ ࣪ ˚ . birthplace ⇁ gwangju, south korea

˖ ࣪ ˚ . position ⇁ rapper, dancer, vocalist

˖ ࣪ ˚ . ranking ⇁ 6th place

˖ ࣪ ˚ . height ⇁ 162cm

˖ ࣪ ˚ . ethnicity ⇁ korean

˖ ࣪ ˚ . nationality ⇁ korean

˖ ࣪ ˚ . faceclaim ⇁ yu jimin

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ WANG LILING, professionally known as LILING, was born in 2001 in beijing, china. growing up, she appeared in numerous product commercials in china and was considered a well-known face despite the lack of attention she received from these commercials. liling debuted in august of 2019 with the girl group, hashtag, under the company melody media. when their first mini-album was released, fans suddenly began to favor liling over the other members, gaining her the title of ‘face of the group’. this meant that liling was constantly taking part in solo activities and brand deals. she is currently melody media’s sole representative, despite the rumors of favoritism.

LILING was one of the most popular idols while on SHOOTING STARS, earning her the spot of being the leader of the heart attack group during the rewind challenge, in which the team placed 4th. liling was once again selected as team leader during the cover challenge, where she was in charge of 4th place team timeless. at the end of the show, liling managed to finish the show in 3rd place, making her the fourth announced member. liling was chosen to be starzie's leader after winning multiple challenges and a voting round during their reality show "living with starzie".

˖ ࣪ ˚ . full name ⇁ wang liling

˖ ࣪ ˚ . birthday ⇁ july 11th, 2001

˖ ࣪ ˚ . birthplace ⇁ beijing, china

˖ ࣪ ˚ . position ⇁ leader, vocalist, dancer

˖ ࣪ ˚ . ranking ⇁ 3rd place

˖ ࣪ ˚ . height ⇁ 160cm

˖ ࣪ ˚ . ethnicity ⇁ chinese

˖ ࣪ ˚ . nationality ⇁ chinese

˖ ࣪ ˚ . faceclaim ⇁ ning yizhuo

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ FINN LEE, professionally known as FINN, was born in 2001 in florida, united states. beginning his career at 15, finn appeared on the angelico survival show "the new wave". finn would quickly become a fan favorite for his dedication, humor, and overall talent. he would end his run on the show, ranking 1st overall despite being one of the youngest there, securing him a spot in the revitalized group, deepdive. deepdive would make their re-debut in 2015 with seven members but would only seem to gain traction in 2020. finn is one of the most sought-after producers in the industry, with over 190 song credits to his name.

FINN started off SHOOTING STARS strong by placing fourth in the pre-voting and securing himself a team leader spot. during the rewind challenge, finn was the leader of the 3rd place team elec6ix. during the next challenge, the cover challenge, finn was a member of the wonderland team, who placed 1st. being considered the most dramatic ranking due to how many people could have taken the spot, finn finished the show ranked 7th, making him the last announced member of starzie.

˖ ࣪ ˚ . full name ⇁ finn lee

˖ ࣪ ˚ . korean name ⇁ lee jungwoo

˖ ࣪ ˚ . birthday ⇁ october 10th, 2001

˖ ࣪ ˚ . birthplace ⇁ florida, united states

˖ ࣪ ˚ . position ⇁ rapper, vocalist

˖ ࣪ ˚ . ranking ⇁ 7th place

˖ ࣪ ˚ . height ⇁ 183cm

˖ ࣪ ˚ . ethnicity ⇁ korean

˖ ࣪ ˚ . nationality ⇁ american

˖ ࣪ ˚ . faceclaim ⇁ park wonbin

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ OLIVER SONG, professionally known as OLIVER, was born in 2001 in massachusetts, united states. oliver made his debut as the lead guitarist of the idol band plastic flowers under superbloom media in 2018. after their second album, he was promoted to lead singer and has become the most well-known member of the group since his appearance on jtbc’s 'superband' and other variety shows. he would slowly become the most famous artist under superbloom media as well and has produced almost every piece of music released by the label since 2020. oliver made his official solo debut in march 2023 with the lead single "starting line", launching him into further fame as plastic flowers continues to top the charts with each of their releases.

being a previously well-known idol before participating in SHOOTING STARS, OLIVER managed to stay at the top the ranks throughout the show. he started off the show strong by being the leader of the mystery inc team during the rewind challenge, where they placed 2nd. placing first in voting, oliver was once again chosen as a team leader during the cover challenge; his team, wonderland, was able to place 1st. oliver was able to secure his spot as starzie's center after finishing the show ranked 1st place, making him the fifth announced member.

˖ ࣪ ˚ . full name ⇁ oliver song

˖ ࣪ ˚ . birthday ⇁ december 12th, 2001

˖ ࣪ ˚ . birthplace ⇁ massachusetts, united states

˖ ࣪ ˚ . position ⇁ vocalist, center, maknae

˖ ࣪ ˚ . ranking ⇁ 1st place

˖ ࣪ ˚ . height ⇁ 178cm

˖ ࣪ ˚ . ethnicity ⇁ korean

˖ ࣪ ˚ . nationality ⇁ american

˖ ࣪ ˚ . faceclaim ⇁ seok matthew

[purelyfiction]

the name of someone i no longer know

Jake Seresin x F!Reader

Word Count: 1,406 words

Summary: it's stick season what can i say? also maybe this is whump-tober coded who knows

Content Warning:  alcohol use/abuse, maybe alcoholism, dui mention, police interaction, drunk jake, a little aggression, heartbreak and all around sad

Author Note: what the summary said

Jake had loved California for the reasons that it never seemed to rain. It was flooded with lots of sunshine, beaches and bars. Good music, good friends, good girls and bad decisions to be made.

Until he was sent back to the thick of it - sent to Annapolis to be shipped off for some form of deployment, only to be delayed due to concerns for the ship. Instead of sending him back to California, they'd kept him in Maryland.

Maryland was his personal Hell on Earth.

Flooded with memories of the cooler months, pumpkin patches filled with your laugh, dive bars he'd lost himself in like corn mazes he'd held onto you in. This place haunted him. Especially when it rained and God, did it rain in this damned state.

Another Friday of work slips away from him, until he's at the old bar whose name had been a weapon in the fallout. Jake sits peeling labels of a local beer - they were out of Bud. The jukebox plays a song he doesn't recognize and a couple laughs in the corner of the bar top.

That corner had housed the two of you all those years ago. Conversations about drunken college nights, holidays spent with friends instead of family while deployed, promises made that he'd broken only months later.

His collection of beer bottle caps is turning into a small mountain in front of him. Until the bartender is tapping the wood in front of him. "Last one, pal."

Green eyes groggily flip up to meet his, brows furrowing. "Huh?"

"You've had enough for the night, man." The bartender slides his receipt toward him, the pen alongside it rolling off and onto the floor. The blonde sits up with annoyance.

"I'm fine, first off," Jake slides from the barstool to retrieve the pen off the floor - only to crack his head on the underside of the bar when he stands up, "fuck!"

The man from the corner comes to his side, "Are you alright? That looked like it hurt." When the stranger grabs his arm, Jake rights himself and shoves him back into a barstool.

"Don't touch me." He spits. The stranger holds up his hands to show he's backing off.

"You need a ride." The bartender is pulling his phone from his pocket, Jake shakes his head.

"No, no I'm-" a hiccup breaks his train of thought. The sum of the bill catches his eye and he groans, dropping his initials onto the paper.

"I'll just order you an Uber, where you going?"

"I said no, I can drive." The barkeep nearly gives Jake the stink eye now. As the blonde fumbles his way to the front door, he nearly eats it at the front stoop. He manages to find his way to his truck - a rental no less - he pauses at the sight of an old Jeep Liberty.

The last time he was in Annapolis, he'd bought a cheap one exactly like it off of Facebook Marketplace. He'd needed a way to get around, and considering how often he bounced around, there was no need to buy anything worthwhile.

That same Jeep that you'd refused to get into the passenger seat of one night. You were leaving a friend's Thanksgiving. He'd had too much to drink. You begged him to let you drive, seeing that you were sober - he wouldn't have any of it.

He'd left you in the driveway of your friend's place along the water, snow and all. Annapolis police had him in their custody not even twenty minutes later. Jake had friends in the navy ranks in Maryland, that had helped him avoid a dishonorable discharge at the time - he no longer had those friends.

He also no longer had you.

Jake makes sure his rental is locked before he starts down the road in the direction of the naval base.

His steps are uneasy, a bit sporadic as he walks aimlessly in one direction. A film reel serves as his entertainment for his walk back. Scenes from two years of love, a whole six months of downward spiral toward heartbreak. Total, gut-wrenching and life wrecking heartache. Self-inflicted he now realizes.

The breakup was sharp. His things were packed up. Put into the Liberty. You'd taken your key back, deleted your number from his phone and told him to forget you even lived on the same continent. He'd promised you'd never hear from him.

Jake looks up after a cold round drop plops onto his head. Followed by another. His feet stop walking as he stares up at the rain beginning to fall, the street lamps serving as a backdrop as the downpour begins. He stands there. Watching the rain. His head drops to meet the river running under him, the bridge he stands on giving a viewing point as the speed picks up.

A car slows to a stop just behind him. The headlights make him squint, slowly moving a hand up to block the LEDs that blind him.

"It's a bit wet out here, don't you think?" A voice calls from the side of the vehicle, the door shutting in tandem to another on the symmetrical side of the car.

"Rain'll do that." He snidely retorts, leaning into the jersey barrier along the bridge.

"You think you might wanna find a dry place to settle in? It's getting late, afterall." A second voice consoles him, and Jake realizes why the lights are so damn bright. He'd recognize the striping of the Anapolis police anywhere.

"Ah, I'm-" Another hiccup, "I'm trying to." An older male comes in the rain, graying facial hair, a well trimmed beard as he approaches.

"You look a little lost there, boy."

If only this damn officer knew the half of it.

Neither of them mention his slow reaction times. Or reveal that they'd received a tip from a rather concerned bartender. Instead, they carefully guide him to the backseat of the cruiser. No handcuffs are involved, no harsh words spoken, not a single arrest made.

That doesn't stop Jake from reciting your name, your address and phone number.

Anapolis' police station is dated. The linoleum is scuffed and worn - a creamier brown than he remembers.

"You.. wanna call somebody to come get you, son?"

"I've got- I'll just call her. She'll come." When he pulls his phone from his pocket it's either too cold, too wet, or too dead - or some combination of the three.

The officer with the mustache that matched that of an old friend's hands him two dollars in change, pointing him in the direction of the payphones.

Nine digits. He's got them memorized, though he swore he would forget them.

One ring. Two rings. Four.

Finally- "Hello?"

Your name leaves his lips like a prayer.

The end tone sounds like a gunshot.

Another pair of quarters.

Dial tone. Ring three. Ring four. Voicemail.

Two dollars gone.

"Alright, kid, lets get you sat down for a minute." Jake firms up like an oak tree when the officer grabs his shoulder.

"Hold on, just- I need a charger. Something- she'll call. You've got more change? Just a quarter-" He turns to a nearby woman, desperately leaning toward her, his balance wavering enough that the cop comes to his shoulder again to keep him upright.

"Have you had much to drink tonight, son?"

"I- Didn't- she's gonna call." He mumbles as the officer slowly guides him to a seat. Green eyes look up at the older man and then to the tinted window at the end of the corridor.

"Hate to tell you this... but I don't think she will."

Jake shoots up again, almost falling on his ass.

"She will- I- let me call her again- just one more time-"

The officer resists Jake and his sluggish effort to move back to the phones, finally gripping onto the pilot.

"Sit. I'm gonna get you some water and we-"

"Fuck that. Sir. I just need to get her on the phone- she's not far she-" His words begin on a carousel. Coming back again and again, repeating in the same pattern.

The plastic cup of water in his hands grows warm as he sits in the station. Two officers talk among themselves as they keep an eye on him, mentioning your name. Your address.

The phone number you refuse to use if he is on the other end of the line.

And he waits.

[mariacallous]

Celebrity endorsements typically don’t move election needles very much. Vote choices often are dictated by people’s party connections, their ideological predilections, the state of the economy, and foreign affairs, among other things. People who are famous in the worlds of music, sports, the arts, and entertainment often express political views, but there isn’t much evidence they are decisive for many voters.

In looking at the academic research, the reasons are clear. Celebrities don’t have much political expertise, they tend to be more liberal than the rest of the country, and they have followings among the general public that are restricted to particular sports teams, styles of music, or geographic areas. Someone who is prominent in the country music field, for example, might help with some voters but not other individuals who never listen to that kind of music.

In recent years, the most prominent exception to this trend was Oprah Winfrey in December 2007 when she endorsed Barack Obama for president. She made campaign appearances with him and provided credibility for the young and inexperienced candidate due to her media reputation as a “person of substance.” Two economists from the University of Maryland estimated that her endorsement brought over one million votes to Obama during the nominating process.

But the question is whether possible Taylor Swift and Beyoncé endorsements for Kamala Harris would produce a “Winfrey moment” for the sitting vice president. Swift is near the top among entertainment celebrities, having 283 million followers on Instagram and 95 million fans on Twitter/X. Her music ranges from pop to country and she has a youth following that pays close attention to her public comments. 

Beyoncé is one of the few celebrities whose star power is equal to Swift’s. She has 317 million fans on Instagram and 15.2 million followers on Twitter/X. With the apparent permission of the artist, Harris has been starting her rallies with Beyoncé’s hit song “Freedom.” The pop star is beloved among young people, African Americans, and many other individuals and could help Harris reassemble the Barack Obama coalition from 2008 and 2012.

In October 2020, Swift endorsed Biden for president by saying she wanted to encourage America’s “healing process.” She told V Magazine that “the change we need most is to elect a president who recognizes that people of color deserve to feel safe and represented, that women deserve the right to choose what happens to their bodies, and that the LGBTQIA+ community deserves to be acknowledged and included.”

Will she and Beyoncé endorse Harris in 2024? We don’t know for sure, but Swift replied in 2020 with a definite “YES” when Harris joined the Biden ticket and Beyoncé seems okay with Harris using her music at this year’s Democratic rallies. The musicians’ strong followings among young people, African Americans, and women, combined with their demonstrated ability to amplify another individual’s messages, would suggest they could be very helpful to Harris.

In a close race, little things matter so it is possible that Swift/Beyoncé endorsements could be decisive in areas where the vice president needs a boost. That would be with young people, African American voters, and people who love the passion with which the musicians perform their music. These superstar endorsements could matter in exactly the same way as when Winfrey helped Obama more than a decade ago.  

[bestfrozentreats2]

"Born 11 September 1935, New York State Died 8 December 1996, Maryland

Ben Hewitt made four fine records for Mercury Records in the late fifties, then disappeared from view until he was tracked down, in 1983, by Colin Escott and Hank Davis, who were in the process of compiling a Bear Family LP of Ben's recordings. He is sometimes described as a Canadian artist, but though he did live close to the Canadian border for much of his life, he was in fact a US citizen.

Hewitt was born in 1935 in a one-room, dirt-floor log cabin on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation in New York State. He wanted a guitar from the time he was nine or ten and kept bugging his father who finally broke down when Ben was about 12 and bought him a ukelele. About a year later, he got his first guitar, a $12.50 Stella. Influenced by Elvis and Sun Records, Ben started performing in bars. For over 13 years he played at DeFazio's in Niagara Falls, NY. It was there that Hewitt was approached by one Julian Langford. Hewitt told Escott and Davis: "He looked exactly like Colonel Tom Parker. He was up from Florida working in construction. He asked us what we'd charge to do some demos for him. He thought of himself as a songwriter, but he had the same tune to everything. The lyrics were nothing to write home about either. He'd come to us week after week and sing us the latest song he'd written. For the hell of it, we said, ' We'll do it on one condition. You supply the booze. Plus you gotta pay 20 bucks apiece and rent the hall'. "

It was this Julian Langford who secured Hewitt a recording contract with Mercury in 1958. The sessions were held in New York City and produced by Clyde Otis. Four singles were released, 1959-60. Clyde Otis didn't want Langford's material (except for "Whirlwind Blues"), most of the Mercury sides are Ben's own compositions. Otis himself also contributed a song, co-written with Brook Benton, "I Ain't Givin' Up Nothin' (If I Can't Have Something From You)". Hewitt's version of this song is the original one ; there were later versions by Clyde McPhatter and Jimmy "Frenchy" Dee, with Mickey Gilley on piano.

Ben's records did not sell particularly well, but enough to secure him plenty of bookings through the Shaw Agency, where he was the only white artist. Ben soon got tired of touring and after a nasty incident with Julian Langford, which hurt his (Ben's) reputation at Mercury, he lost interest in making records. He did not record again until 1975, when he cut a country single ("Border City Call Girl") for Broadland Records in Toronto, which was leased to Shelby Singleton's Plantation label."

Ben Hewitt - My Search https://youtu.be/dJp9WLfGDMc

[insertfandomrefhere]

hello tumblr! i have a long-term project that you all can help me with, if you're willing.

see, I have a collection of playlists, one for each US state, and they're populated by songs about that state or a specific place in that state.

(map of how many songs I have on each state's playlist)

however, as you might be able to tell from this map, i don't have very many songs for most states. I did notice that i have several more songs for my state than for most others. which got me thinking.

if you're from the US, you probably have some songs about your state that you know and those of us not in your state might not. so, my request to y'all is: hit me with those songs!

if you know any songs about your state or any other state, put them in the notes! i especially love the smaller, more indie stuff--a lot of people will give you 'Don't Stop Believing' if you ask them for Michigan songs, but very few people will give you 'Cottonwood' if you ask for New Mexico songs.

as bribery, i'll make an updated map after i get some song recs to add (i don't know if this will entice anyone, but it entices me, so i'll offer it anyway.)

this is a long-term project, as i said, so if you stumble onto this post years later, don't be shy! drop some songs in the notes!

info about which states are which colors are under the readmore because I wasn't sure if it was too much and/or not relevant enough for the image description

Idaho, Maryland, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming are a red that corresponds to 0 on the legend.

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and South Dakota are a red that corresponds to 1 on the legend.

Indiana, Kentucky, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, West Virginia, and Wisconsin are a red that corresponds to 2 on the legend.

Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Montana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Washington are a red that corresponds to 3 on the legend.

Alabama, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, and Vermont are a red that corresponds to 4 on the legend.

New Jersey is a red that corresponds to 5 on the legend.

Georgia and Missouri are a red that corresponds to 6 on the legend.

Illinois, Massachusetts, and Texas are a red that corresponds to 8 on the legend. (By the way, I didn't skip 7; at the moment there are no states with 7 songs on their playlist.)

Tennessee is a red that corresponds to 13 on the legend.

Louisiana is a red that corresponds to 14 on the legend.

New York is a red that corresponds to 18 on the legend.

California is a black that corresponds to 20+ on the legend.

[perpetualproductions]

Never Be The Same- Chapter 5:

One Foot (in front of the other)

- The gang takes some big steps towards their new future. Maybe everything will be alright.

(Title Song: One Foot by WALK THE MOON)

[a/n: The happiest chapter I've ever written. Enjoy it while you can. Lol.]

CW: we more than chill here.

3k words

<-Previous | Next->

May 1st…

Marie sits at the kitchen table, tapping her foot impatiently as she stares at the clock on the wall. The ticks echo throughout the space as she nervously chews on her bottom lip. A stack of envelopes sat in front of her, with two laying separately from the pile. 

There were eight envelopes in all, all letters from colleges that her and Jordan had applied to. They planned to open them all up at the same time, hoping that they got into at least one together, or perhaps ones in the same state. They talked about it and we're obviously hesitant about long distances, but eventually convinced each other that they would make it work if it came to that. 

“I'm almost convinced you both have a magnet inside you that only connects to the other. No matter what happens, you'll end up clicking back together at some point.” Emma had said during one of those conversations on the topic, which basically solidified their decision that no matter what happened, they'd get through it together.

Still, Marie really hoped that they'd both get accepted into one of their matching choices. They both had applied to Columbia, University of Pennsylvania, and Harvard. On top of that, Jordan also applied to M.I.T., which is also in Massachusetts if Marie got into Harvard. Marie also decided to take her chances and applied to Johns Hopkins as well, which is an amazing med school, but it was all the way in Maryland. 

There's no way they didn't get accepted into at least one of those schools together. The chances were very unlikely. Sure, they were some of the top schools in the country, but so was Godolkin so it was pretty much in both their wheelhouses.

Just as Marie was beginning to worry that Jordan would be home later than expected, she heard the front door unlock, quickly opening and closing as Jordan b-lined to Marie. They swiftly chucked their shoulder bag onto the kitchen counter and shrugged their jacket off before taking a seat next to Marie, all in swift succession, especially with them being in their female form. Without missing a beat, they give Marie a peck on the lips as they begin to separate the letters between the two of them. “Hey, sorry I'm late. Came here as fast as I could but there was a fucking traffic jam. Almost hopped off the bus to sprint over here.” 

Marie laughs, helping Jordan organize the letters, opting to put them in the same order of colleges each. “You're fine. You were only ten minutes. Also gave me more time to mentally prepare, so that's helpful.”

The letters are organized, each person with their respective pile in front of them, as they take a second to look into the other's eyes. Both were equally nervous, but still excited for this very important moment for the both of them. This was going to dictate how the rest of their lives were gonna be like. What was in store for both of them, together and separately. Nerve-racking to say the least. They both take a deep breath, picking up the first letter on the pile, and tearing it open…

The first one they both decided to open was Columbia. Tearing open the envelope and unfolding the letter, an air of silence befell the two as they quickly read over the letter, waiting to reach that one sentence. 

Jordan began to read aloud as they approached the verdict, “we are pleased to inform you that-”

“-you have been offered admission to Columbia University! Oh my god, Jordan we did it!” Marie ecstatically finished their sentence, reading the same sentence off their own letter.

The two explode in excitement, getting up from their chairs and hugging each other as they jump up and down. 

“First fucking try, baby!” Jordan exclaims. “Do we even need to open the rest?” They jokingly add. 

“As much as I want to leave it there, we have to. What if we both get into Harvard?” Marie comments as she goes to sit back down and grab the next envelope.

“Yeah, true.” Jordan follows suit.

The next one they grab is UPenn, opening the envelope and unfolding the letter. Jordan looks up to see Marie still reading her letter, her eyes meeting theirs shortly after. 

“You first.” She says nervously.

“I was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania.” Jordan said with a smile that didn't quite meet their eyes, the nervous energy from Marie sort of hinting at her response. “You?”

“Yeah, I wasn't accepted.” Marie said a bit somberly compared to their previous excitement.

“It's alright. Pennsylvania’s stupid anyway.” Jordan added humorously, throwing the letter behind them, earning a laugh from Marie, which made them smile. 

“I don't know, their Philly cheesesteaks are pretty good.” Marie joked back.

“Since when do you like Philly cheesesteaks?” Jordan asked curiously.

“I love Philly cheesesteaks!” She responds as if everyone knew that about her.

“I have never ever heard you mention Philly cheesesteaks before.”

“Well, I do. I love cheesesteaks.” 

“Noted.” Jordan says as they grab the next letter on their piles, handing Marie hers. 

Marie smiles at them as they both repeat the process of opening their acceptance letters. She looks down as she unfolds the letter and realizes this is the one from Harvard. She nervously reads through, biting down on her lower lip as she does. 

This time Marie ops to read her letter aloud, “We regret to inform you that your application for admission has been rejected by our admissions committee.” she reads, feeling a bit defeated.

She looks up at Jordan to see them suddenly in male form, shaking their head, “Yeah, same. I mean, it is fucking Harvard, but still.”

“Yeah.” Marie responds understandingly. “Well, last up,” Marie slides over the last letters on the table to Jordan, who looks up at her confused as to why she slid over both letters. “This one's too big for me to read alone.”

Jordan nods as they pick up both letters, holding them up. “Which one first?”

“Yours.” Marie responds.

“Okay… here we go.” Jordan takes a deep breath, as they open up the letter and begin to read through it. “Dear Jordan, On behalf of the admissions committee, it is my pleasure to offer you admission to the MIT class of- Holy shit, no way!” 

“Oh my god, Jordan!” Marie goes and tackles Jordan into a big hug. Jordan smiles widely, hugging Marie back with one arm and holding up the letter with the other behind her, as they continue to read the letter, making sure it's real. 

“I can't fucking believe it. I really didn't think I'd get in this one.” Jordan says, in shock. 

“Of course you'd get in, you're fucking smart.” Marie says, lightly hitting their shoulder playfully.

“I guess.” Jordan responds with a bit of exaggerated arrogance. A cheeky smile stretching across their features.

Marie smiles back, sitting down as Jordan grabs the final envelope. “You ready?” Jordan asks while tearing the letter open.

Marie nods, watching as Jordan pulls out the letter. She waits intently as Jordan apparently decides to read it in their head, eyes scanning back and forth, facial expression giving nothing to go off of. Jordan's eyes stop, looking up at Marie as she looks at them expectantly, waiting for Jordan to say something. Without saying anything, Jordan looks back down and continues to read. 

“Holy shit…” Jordan suddenly breathes out, eyes widening as a look of disbelief washes over them.

“What. What is it? Did I get in? Is it bad? Jesus, Jordan, tell me!” Marie sputters out quickly, desperate to know the answer. 

Suddenly, a smile stretches across Jordan's face, those cheeky dimples on display as they look up at her with a look of admiration. “You won't fucking believe this…”

“Quit teasing and tell me already, asshole.” She lightly slaps their arms as she reaches to try and get the letter from them, but Jordan keeps it out of her reach. They stand up and use their current height advantage to do so as they continue to read through the letter, Marie also standing up to try and grab it. 

“Hold on, I wanna read it all the way through first.” Jordan laughs as Marie is basically trying to climb them to grab the letter at this point. They were having fun, but only because they knew the results were more than good news and they wanted to have fun with it. 

“You're such an ass, give it- Aha!” Marie successfully takes the letter from Jordan, quickly jumping down from them and reading it as fast as they could. 

“Dear Marie, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine… Holy shit! Jordan!” She looks up at Jordan, excited but still a bit peeved at their previous behavior.

“Keep reading.” Jordan encourages, a huge smile still present on their face as they just stand there and look at Marie, excited for what comes next.

Marie gives them a confused look as they continue to read the letter. A few seconds pass before Marie's jaw drops in disbelief. “Holy shit…”

“Yup.” 

“Holy shit!” Marie rereads the letter just to make sure she read that right. “How the fuck-”

“A full fucking ride, Marie! To Johns fucking Hopkins!” Jordan cuts them off as they step forward and go to pick her up in a big hug.

Marie yelps in excitement, laughing as Jordan spins them around. She gladly hugs them back. “How the fuck did I get that?”

Jordan puts Marie back down and switches to their female form. “Um, you're fucking amazing, that's how. And you fucking deserve it too. But holy fuck Marie, this is huge!”

“Wow… I got a full ride to Johns Hopkins… I'm actually gonna become a doctor.” Marie takes a moment to settle and process this incredible opportunity, but then she remembers. “Wait…” She looks back at Jordan a bit defeated as she remembers what she was worrying about before they started opening the letters. She goes to sit back down, dropping the letter on the kitchen table. 

“What is it?” Jordan asks nervously as they also go to sit back down. “What's wrong?”

“The school's all the way in Maryland. And you're gonna be in Massachusetts-”

“-Wait, who says I have to be in Massachusetts?” Jordan interjects. 

“But-” Marie tries but is immediately interrupted again.

“No, Marie. This is huge. Johns Hopkins is one of the best med schools in the country and you have a full ride there. I'm not gonna let you pass that up for me.” Jordan stated matter of factly.

“But you can't not go to MIT, Jordan. That's also a big deal.” Marie added.

“Yeah, but Columbia is just as good a school and it's closer. And my parents are paying for tuition regardless. Whether I go to MIT or Columbia, I'm still learning cybersecurity. There's nothing special about that...” Jordan pauses for a second as a thought occurs to them, but they quickly move on to their point. “But you? You're gonna go on and learn to save lives, Marie. And it's better if you learn from the best of the best.” Jordan explained. They seemed genuinely okay, excited even, at the prospect of this future. Sure, they'd be apart, but it would only be a three hour drive from New York to Baltimore. It would be more of an eight hour drive if they went to Massachusetts, and that might be a bit too much. “Come on, I'm not letting you say no to this incredible opportunity that you 100% deserve.” Jordan takes Marie's hands, looking into their eyes to convey that they really mean this. 

Marie looks back at them and thinks over what they said. And yeah, “You're right. I can't say no to this. It's a big opportunity and I have to take advantage of that. I just can't believe it. And this will be out first time apart since we've been together.”

“Yeah…” Jordan gives a sympathetic look, squeezing her hands gently. “It's gonna be tough at first, but I trust us. If anyone can do this, it's us. We have to… I love you, Marie. I love you enough to let you chase your own dreams so you can become the hero you've always been. I can't let myself get in the way of that.”

“And I'd never do that to you either. So, if you really want to go to MIT, then go. Don't let me hold you back.” Marie assured, her words soft but assertive.

“I could honestly care less. Cybersecurity was more my parent's choice than mine. Getting to stay in New York sounds better to me. Maybe I'll find out what I actually want to do and I can just pivot at Columbia. Also, a three hour drive is a lot more bearable than an eight hour one.” Jordan argued.

Marie looked into Jordan's eyes. They can make this work. Her and Jordan were an unbelievable team and three hours wasn't gonna change that. Marie pulled them in for a hug, holding them tightly, so grateful to have them as a partner. “I love you.”

“Love you too.” Jordan echoed as they hugged her back. 

The two were pulled out of the moment after hearing the front door slam shut. They both turned to look at Emma who seems to have just gotten off the phone, a huge smile on her face. “Omg, you guys will NOT believe what just happened!” 

“Hey, welcome home!” Marie goes over and hugs Emma tightly.

“Good news?” Jordan comments from behind Marie.

Emma hugs Marie back, pleasantly surprised by her sudden over affection. “Was gonna ask you that first. I’m getting a vibe between the two of you right now.” She says pointing between the couple as she pulls away from Marie.

“Apparently there’s a lot going on right now. I'll get the champagne.” Jordan said, making their way over to the liquor cabinet.

“Champagne, huh? Must be really good news.” Emma wiggled her eyebrows at Maire. 

Maire smiles as she shakes her head. “It’s nothing too crazy. Just college acceptance letters.” She made her way back to the kitchen table, Emma following in tow.

“Ok Marie, I know you have a tendency to downplay all your achievements but, and I mean this in the nicest way possible, I need you to get the fuck out of your head and tell me just how amazing you are.” Emma says, holding Maire’s arms and pushing her to sit down.

“Yeah, okay, fine.” Maire sits down with Emma, clearing up the mess of opened envelopes on the table.

Before Marie can continue, Jordan comes back over to the table, placing down three glasses and an unopened bottle of champagne. “Okay, i’ll go first cause it’s not nearly as impressive as Marie’s, then Marie, and then Emma?” Jordan proposes as they take a seat next to Maire.

“Omg, yes! Okay, Jordan go!” Emma agrees, excited to hear all the good news.

“Okay, well I was accepted into Columbia, UPenn, and MIT-” Jordan starts before Emma interrupts.

“Dude! MIT is huge! Congrats!” Emma comments ecstatically, sliding one of the glasses towards Jordan.      

Jordan shrugs. “Yeah, but I’m not going.”

“What? Why not?” Emma questions, confused.

Jordan just looks over to Marie. “Your turn!”

“Oh, sure” Marie prepares herself, before retelling the exciting news to Emma. “Well, I also got accepted into Columbia, didn’t get into UPenn or Harvard, but… I did get into Johns Hopkins.”

“Oh shit! That's like, that really good med school, right?” Emma looks to Maire to confirm.

Marie nods. “Yup. I still can't believe it.” Marie says, wearing an excited smile.

“But wait, there's more!” Jordan interjected. 

“There's more?!” Emma exclaimed. “Omg, spill!”

“Okay! Okay!” Marie puts her hands up, urging Emma to calm down a bit before sharing the rest of the news. “Not only did I get into Johns Hopkins… I also got a full ride scholarship to go there.”

“Holy fuck, Marie! You're amazing! Jordan, pop that champagne already!” Emma is ecstatic for her friend as she excitedly slides one of the other empty glasses to Marie.

Jordan begins to unwrap the champagne top but is stopped by Marie. “Hold on, we still have to hear your good news.”

“How am I supposed to top that! You guys should have made me go first.” Emma states.

“Oh come on Em, you were straight up fucking beaming when you walk in.” Jordan rebuttals.

“I'm sure whatever it is is worth the champagne pop.” Marie adds.

“Okay fine.” Emma takes a breath as an excited smile appears on her face. “So you know how I've been auditioning for a bunch of shows lately?”

Both Marie and Jordan nod in anticipation. Jordan getting ready to pop the champagne bottle.

“Well…” Emma continues. “One of those was for a production of Little Shop Of Horrors, off Broadway, for the female lead… And I got a call back saying I got the part!” Emma announces full of excitement.

The whole room erupts in excitement as Jordan pops the cork of the champagne bottle with perfect timing. The loud, satisfying pop rings throughout the room as Jordan quickly moves to start pouring into their respective glasses. “Let's go, cricket!!!” Jordan exclaims as they do so.

“Holy shit Emma, that's incredible! You totally deserve it!” Marie shouts as she rounds the table and goes to give Emma a big hug.

Jordan hands everyone a glass as they propose a toast. “To us, and how incredibly badass we all are at life right now!” 

“Amen!” Emma responds as they all click their glasses and throw back the champagne. 

They all laugh and enjoy the rest of the evening celebrating each other and their respective achievements. Seems like things were finally starting to look up for them. Who knows what else the future has in store.

--

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed this nice little, happy chapter. Limoreau's going long distance! How'd you think that's gonna play out? I'm curious. But yeah, thanks for reading this far and tune in next Saturday for chapter 6! (Obligatory Venus appreciation ping (@paperdoll201 💜)).

Much Love, 😎👍❤️

-PB

[londonfoginacup]

An Essay about Carolina, the classic song by Harry Styles, that becomes slightly unhinged as it goes along

Harry Styles has long been known for his incredibly nonsensical lyrics. By now he features a three-album catalogue of songs that the average listener thinks, “I might know what this is about”. The more advanced listener, who has then looked up the lyrics, follows that thought up with, “Actually I have no clue what he’s talking about.” This has long been a problem for Styles’ fans, who love to extract knowledge from his lyrical essays. I, personally, have spent hours pouring over lyrics in order to bring you, dear reader, the truth. 

In this essay, I will show how the classic Harry Styles song Carolina is, in fact, a song about the Queen of England.

Now the first thing to remember while deep diving on this topic is that Harry is British. This may be a difficult thing to remember, because his accent has only become more and more transatlantic nonsense over the years, but is very important to the context of this song. 

Now, to take a look at the first set of lyrics;

She's got a family in Carolina

So far away, but she says I remind her of home

The Queen could, of course, have any number of family members in Carolina, as North and South Carolina, as the combined populations of the two states amount to over 15 million. However, I believe he’s referring to Sir Walter Raleigh, the founder of North Carolina, who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I. Sir Walter married one of her ladies-in-waiting, which the Queen at the time did not appreciate, but that does make him an in-law of sorts. 

Now, it is pertinent to point out that the first American football that the Queen ever watched was a Maryland v UNC (University of North Carolina) match, so she could be referring here to her family-on-the-field, as it were. Regardless, while attending a football game, the Queen would think that Harry, with his British sensibilities of preferring to watch men in shorts running around, would remind her of home. 

Feelin' oh-so far from home

She never saw herself as a west-coaster

Moved all the way 'cause her grandma told her

"Townes, better swim before you drown"

The Queen’s grandmother was Mary of Teck, a woman who didn’t look particularly like a queen when I looked her up just now on Wikipedia. Mary of Teck died when Queen Elizabeth was reigning, although she had not yet been crowned. We can see how the phrase “better swim before you drown” would be used here, as the Queen was in her mid-twenties at the time and, as they say in the hit musical 1776, there was “a war on.”

(Okay there wasn’t actually, but I had read the year as 1925 instead of 1952, and had already written that stellar line, so we’re keeping it).

Regardless, the Queen obviously never saw herself as a west-coaster because she lives in England, not North or South Carolina. 

She's got a book for every situation

Gets into parties without invitations

How could you ever turn her down?

There's not a drink that I think could sink her

Now this may seem obvious, but one would never turn down the Queen if she were requesting to get into one’s party. Can you imagine turning her away from a rager? From a kegerater? Obviously you cannot. She is the Queen, and probably had very large bodyguards who would be more than willing to force their way in so that she could daintily sip her lukewarm post-beerpong-beer. 

Now, on the subject of books, a quick google search will come up with article after article. “4 Fascinating Books About Queen Elizabeth II”, “8 Best Queen Elizabeth II Biographies to Get”, “The 20 Best Books About Queen Elizabeth II”. I think we do not need to name every book about her to be sure that there is a biography for every situation. My personal favourite is an odd comic book I found where a younger version of herself seems to be crowning an older version of herself. Very mysterious. 

How would I tell her that she's all I think about?Well, I guess she just found out

Obviously, we can know this song is about the Queen because Harry has put so many references to the Queen in it, and she is a wise woman who listens to all of his albums on release day, because he is a British icon.

I met her once and wrote a song about her

I wanna scream, yeah, I wanna shout it out

And I hope she hears me now

I do not know whether the Queen ever heard him, although I assume she did, as I stated above.

Now, dear reader, this concludes my deep dive into Carolina, but this does not conclude Harry’s tributes to the Queen. Just two albums later, he followed this clear Queen-love-letter up with a second, just-as-obvious love letter.

Love of My Life.

Harry has stated in interviews that this song is about England. And it clearly is, but it is moreso about the ruler of England, the woman who made England what it is (or something. She sold some plates with her face on them at least, that wouldn’t be there otherwise).

I take you with me every time I go away

In a hotel, usin' someone else's name

I remember back at Jonny's place, it's not the same anymore

This song is a crooning sigh of longing for Harry’s good old friend the Queen. Clearly he uses the name Elizabeth in hotels. Someone should check on that.

Baby, you were the love of my life, woah

Maybe you don't know what's lost 'til you find it

It's not what I wanted, to leave you behind

He lost the Queen, likely while they were playing hide and seek. But then he had to leave on a plane for a show, and it seems as though he never found her again.

Don't know where you'll land when you fly

You usually do, actually.

It's unfortunate, ooh

Just coordinates, ooh

Maybe Harry doesn’t know how to read a map.

I don't know you half as well as all my friends

I won't pretend that I've been doin' everything I can

To get to know your creases and your ends

Are they the same?

This is a complaint that, after Styles started his many world tours, the Queen began going to parties without him. Which is fair, because she can’t just be sitting reading books about herself waiting for him to come around.

But, baby, you were the love of my lifeNote the use of the past tense here. This album came out in spring, and the Queen passed in the fall (I think. I’m not looking anything up anymore). Could this be… premonition? Planning? Another vehicular manslaughter crime under Harry’s belt? Who’s to say? Certainly not the Queen…

[unbornwhiskeyy]

my friend died today. his name is dan. a lot of my friends here knew him and loved him. love him. i hate using the past tense about these things because even before this i lived in a more-or-less constant state of denial but also i don't feel like he's gone, it's like we've just picked this particular day in history to talk about how much we love him, which makes him feel more present than ever. he was such a generous and supportive friend, and generosity and support are good qualities on their own but it meant even more from him because he didn't bullshit and he didn't suffer fools. the first time i met him was at my friend andrew's monthly media party; he came along with my best friend maura, and he seemed a little exasperated about being there, and at first i was like, "why is this guy not having a good time," but i was only a few years away from walking into media parties and immediately getting exasperated myself. eventually we would go to maryland deathfest together and spend three days on a houseboat with our friends swifty and nick laughing our asses off at country music videos (because zuus country was the only tv channel the boat could access) in between increasingly brutal metal sets. i also remember, a few years later, dan asking me to join him for a beat shazam audition (he was insanely good at trivia, including music trivia, and had appeared on game shows before; i think he recognized my ability to identify any given song playing in a room, whether loudly at karaoke or faintly through bar speakers), so i jumped on it; i have to assume they only didn't pick us because we both blanked on ed sheeran's "thinking out loud" when they played a part of it that wasn't the chorus. i'll have these memories of him forever, and he'll always be there, in them, being dan, being that effortlessly smart guy i knew, the guy who could invite me out for a night with his pool team that i'd never met before and i'd instantly feel at home with them. i wish i had been able to see him more these past few years. there were a lot of extenuating circumstances that did not permit us to see each other very often before he died. but the conditions of material reality do not seem to matter when you are yearning for something beyond its reach. i wasn't even going to write anything about this, i already wrote a whole thing in the wrestling discord we're both on and i felt like i'd centered myself enough, but then tonight i was thinking it's fucked up i will never get to talk to dan about the kraftwerkian splendor of the 12-inch mix of madonna's "burning up" ever again, and i miss my friend and i wish he were here.

[doueverwonder]

I love Arthur pulling out both full nation and full country name together like that star spangled ass of his is not to be found after that. And the amount of swear words he puts in-between the words indicates whether he should flee the country, the continent, or the planet.

pfft, okay so if he's mad but not like, going to murder him mad it's

"Alfred Fly-From-Fornication Jones, the United States of America"

if Alfred is about to be murdered in cold blood it's more (sorry but Virginia can't be brought up without the comment)

"Alfred Fly-From-Fucking-Fornication Kirkland, Crown Colonies of Virginia (May Elizabeth I rest in peace), New York, Massa-fucking-chusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Delaware, North & South Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and god forsaken Georgia."

Arthur has been saying Massa-fucking-chusetts every time he has to say the state name since the Boston Tea Party. God Forsaken Georgia is quite new though and may or may not have its roots in the song The Devil Went Down to Georgia. Besides those two the cursing and/or random comments switch, Alfred could get a head start but it's more fun to listen to the new rotation.