#not to plagiarize taylor but i did the best i could with the videos i found and my free broke editing skills pardon me

[folklouire]

You said you were gonna grow up, then you were gonna come find me. Said you were gonna grow up-

Taylor Swift performing Peter at The Eras Tour | Stockholm, Sweden | May 17, 2024 (x)

[isthisthingeven0n]

not so secret santa : j.w

with natalie’s help, jeff is your secret santa this year and proves to be the perfect opportunity to tell you how he feels (1.7k) 

all of my links 

requested: yes, by anon - thanks for the idea angel! warnings: none 

(everything on my blog is my own writing. if it is shared on another page or website know it hasn’t been approved me unless specified. all rights reserved. - i have to start doing this as I had some shit on my other blog with plagiarism)

DO NOT STEAL MY WORK - IT IS ALL MY OWN WRITING

“Come on, I’m not asking for much.” Jeff pleads as Natalie remains silent, scrolling through her phone. “Please, Nat.”

Glancing up from her phone, Natalie can’t ignore the puppy dog look Jeff is presenting. A heavy sigh leaves her lips as she lowers her phone. “You better have a good gift in mind, I’m not sacrificing my secret Santa just for you to fuck up.” Natalie states.

Smiling brightly, Jeff launches onto Natalie as he hugs her tightly. “Thanks, Natalie. I’ve got the perfect thing in mind.”

“I’ve got conditions to it though.” Natalie muffles through Jeff’s arms as he leans back, allowing Natalie to breathe. “You have to get her this,” Holding her phone up, Natalie watches as Jeff’s brows furrow together. “and, tell her how you feel. As I know I’m not the only one who can’t stand you tiptoeing around her anymore.”

“She’s got a point.” David chimes in as he wanders into the living room as Ilya files behind him, nodding in agreement.

“Oh come on, guys. It’s not that bad.” Jeff shrugs his shoulder, but the looks exchanged between his friends says otherwise.

“Dude, Scott was filming the other day and recorded you looking at Y/n in awe as she worked out.” Ilya comments and Jeff knows there isn’t any point denying it, he just can’t help himself when you’re around.

“She’s got a good body and strength.” Jeff comments confidently. “Besides, Y/n doesn’t see me that way, she has said plenty of times how much I mean to her as a friend.” Jeff reminds the others as his heart sinks back in his chest, remembering just last week when he went over to yours.

“What was so urgent?” Jeff asks with wide eyes as he pants lightly whilst you stand in your doorway, wearing your pyjamas as you rub your tired eyes.

“Oh, sorry,” You laugh innocently. “I didn’t mean to scare you, Jeff. I just, I needed help making Christmas cookies.”

Resting his hand against your door frame, Jeff exhales deeply. “You texted me, stating you had an emergency at 10pm, just to make Christmas cookies?”

Nodding in response, you hold your door open further. “So is that a yes you’ll help?” Your smile starts to grow as Jeff steps into your apartment, rolling the sleeves of his hoodie up.

“Where do you wanna start?” He asks, admitting defeat as you happily clap behind him, a spring in your step as you follow him into your kitchen.

“Thank you, thank you, Jeff! You’re the best, my Mom will adore these knowing they’re from her favourite of my friends.” You comment, missing the way Jeff’s smile drops for a second before standing beside him in the kitchen as you gather the ingredients, prepping your kitchen knowing the mess that is about to follow.

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Taylor sings as all eyes turn to her. “I’m just saying.” Taylor holds her hands up as Ella nods in agreement.

“It’s not too late to back down from being her secret Santa, Jeff.” Natalie nudges him, but Jeff shakes his head.

“I’m not backing down and like I said, I’ve got the perfect gift.”

*

“So we’re actually organised this time?” You ask, looking around at everyone sat in David’s living room whilst David sits beside one of the many Christmas trees in his house.

Across the room, Jeff tries to remain composed as Natalie sends him a reassuring smile, knowing two of those gifts under the tree have your name on it and a confession to follow.

“For the first time, it seems so.” David chuckles as he rubs his hands together, scanning over the various presents underneath the tree. “So, how do you guys wanna do this?”

Scott rises to his feet, adorning his Santa hat as he remains dressed as Mrs Claus from recording his music video earlier today. “I’ll hand them out.” He suggests and everyone agrees.

Jeff watches as Scott hands out presents to everyone, the joy radiating in the room as Christmas songs play faintly in the background.

“And this one is for Y/n.” Scott walks over to you, handing you the soft present wrapped neatly with a ribbon and perfectly tied bow on top.

“Wow, who paid for gift wrap?” You chuckle, looking around at everyone as they remain silent, no one admitting who their secret Santa was just yet.

Watching in earnest, Jeff is distracted as he’s handed his present, quickly catching your smile as you look away from him.

“Okay, go ahead and unwrap your gifts.” David states as the sound of paper tearing fills the room and excited responses follow suit.

Yet, Jeff puts his gift to one side as he focuses on you unwrapping yours.

Ripping the paper off, you pause as you look at the gift on your lap. “What’d you get, Y/n?” Natalie asks you, a bright smile on her lips as you remain quiet.

Feeling his heart rest in his throat, Jeff takes a deep breath as you lift the hoodie out from the paper. “I, this is just,” Struggling to form words, you look around at everyone before your eyes land on Jeff. You silently mouth a thank you as tears fill your eyes.

No words are exchanged between you both as everyone continues to film for their channels and social media, slowly filing out of the room until it’s just you and Jeff sat in silence.

“I thought you might like it.” Jeff speaks up as he rests his arms on his thighs, trying to suppress his leg from shaking as you hold the hoodie in your hands, your fingers running across the fabric.

Lifting your head up, Jeff’s heart melts as tears fall from your eyes. “You did this, for me?” Your voice remains soft as Jeff nods. “But why?” Curiosity encroaches in your tone as you wipe your eyes, Jeff taking the chance to sit down beside you.

“Well, I remember that time your Mom came to visit you.” Jeff starts, remembering the day clearly despite it being months ago.

“Oh honey, I brought you something!” Your Mom exclaims as she reaches into her bag whilst Jeff busies himself in your kitchen, having come over to help you film as he knew your Mom was visiting.

“Mom, I told you I don’t need anything.” You roll your eyes playfully, just as Jeff walks into the room with three mugs.

“Thank you, dear, you’re a true gentleman.” Your Mom gushes to Jeff as he chuckles, shaking his head before sitting down in your armchair. “It’s in here somewhere,” Your Mom mutters under her breath before grabbing something and lifting it out.

“Mom, why did you bring that?” You ask, trying to conceal the fact you were beginning to get hot from embarrassment whilst Jeff watched curiously.

Holding your old teddy up, your Mom raises an eyebrow to you. “Honey, you loved this teddy, you brought it everywhere! Honestly, Jeff, she could never sleep without it!” A laugh is shared between Jeff and your Mom whilst you internally groan.

“I’m an adult Mom, I don’t need my teddy bear.” You sigh, but the sight of the ratty teddy bear does warm your heart. “But, since you brought it all this way, I guess I’ll keep it.” You reach out, taking the teddy in your hands as you keep it on your lap, the sight something Jeff hopes he’ll never forget.

“But, how?” A laugh escapes your lips as you run your index finger across the embroidery sitting on the left breast of the hoodie, an exact replica of your teddy bear down to the bowtie around its neck.

Jeff shrugs a shoulder in response. “I have connections.” He states. “And since you always steal my hoodies, I thought I’d give you one to keep and make it personal to you.” He adds, watching as you slip it on.

The sleeves hang over your hands, it clearly doesn’t fit but your smile grows. You loved Jeff’s hoodies as they felt like a warm hug from him, enveloped in his aftershave even if he wasn’t there with you.

“I just, this is the most thoughtful present anyone has ever gotten me, Jeff.” You admit as Jeff rests his hand on your cheek, wiping away the stray tears that fall as you sniff quietly.

“There’s erm, something else I got for you too.” Jeff mutters as you focus on his eyes as your hand rests on his thigh, the distance between you both minimising.

“Okay?” You chuckle under your breath.

“You have to close your eyes first if that’s alright with you.” Jeff asks as you nod, complying as you close your eyes.

Taking a steady breath, Jeff closes his eyes and leans in until his lips are on yours. It takes a moment for you to respond, and once you do, the kiss deepens as you lift your arms up, wrapping them around his neck as you lean back on the sofa, Jeff leaning over you.

Pulling away, you rest your forehead against Jeffs. “Was that the present or something you just felt like doing?” You question, rubbing your lips together as Jeff smirks.

“A bit of both.” He admits. “But I like you, Y/n, a lot. And if you’ll let me, I’d love to take you out sometime.”

“I thought you’d never ask, Jeff.” You breathe out, kissing Jeff softly as the sound of applause interrupts your moment.

Breaking apart, you look up to see all your friends stood with their phones and cameras.

"It's a Christmas miracle!” Natalie yells as Todd stands behind her, his arms around her waist. “There’s still one more present, and now I think you might actually have a use for it.” She motions to the small gift on the sofa, and Jeff reaches over for it.

Passing it to you, you unwrap it and bury your face in the sleeves of Jeff’s hoodie.

“Stay safe you guys.” David laughs whilst Natalie winks to you.

“I’m sure we’ll put them to good use.” Jeff mutters into your ear as you look up to him, quirking a brow before kissing him once more.

“Just you wait, Wittek.” You giggle. “Just you wait.”

[inthisroomofsilence]

I am incredibly saddened by all the evidence against Pauley. I've been a fan of NCIS, including Pauley, for many years and I made the terrible mistake of believing her words and believing in her. All the rumors and stories about her ex-husband, numerous assault accusations against several people, mysterious notes falling out of things during an interview, even more mysterious team-ups with people who press charges and later drop them.

I am one of the many people who refused to even look at things from a different perspective. I admit that and I was wrong. In the past couple of days I have spent a lot hours searching the internet for everything I could find, downloaded several things and read them. From Pauley's own accusations, hand written scripts to statements from witnesses and questioned friends of all people involved. I am deeply shocked by what I found out and my own refusal of many years.

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

Pauley married Fancis Shivers, also known as Coyote Shivers (he's a musician), in 2000, they seperated in 2004 and obtained their divorce in 2006. Shivers actually worked in the music department of NCIS for a few years.

Pauley and Francis retained a restraining order against his first ex-wife Bebe Buell (Liv Taylor's mom). Pauley herself stated stalking, harassment and threats as her reasons to do so. You can find her court document here:

- Declaration of Pauley Perrett 08-19-2001 (you have to download, it's PDF)

After Pauley and Shivers separated in 2004, Pauley threatened Shivers with ruining his life by doing to him what SHE wrote in a script from a couple of years ago (I think 2 or so years before they split). The script she wrote is called "Star Crazy". I posted the 3 screencaps of her handwritten script idea. Some parts were highlighted but you can also download it here:

- Star Crazy -highlighted (PDF)

Here are statements from Blaire Barnette, who was acquainted with both Perrette and Shivers, and who by coincidence is also the individual who served Perrette with Shivers’ divorce petition.

"In November 2004 I visited Francis Shivers at his house on Whitley Terrace. There he told me about the extramarital affair his wife “Pauley” had with a boy she would only describe as the “pizza boy.” He said she was terrified of her sex scandal being exposed and made very frightening threats about what she would do if he ever told anybody. He then showed me a script Pauley wrote and explained that Pauley threatened she would do this to him."

The script was entitled “Star Crazy” and a basic outline of the plot almost reads like a plagiarized version of precisely what has happened to Francis Shivers in the aftermath of his divorce from Perrette, with the sole caveat that it was written by Perrette two years before any of this started manifesting in real life.

There's more from Blaire Barnette, who recalls what happened in relation to the day that she served Pauley Perrette with the divorce papers, and Perrette’s ensuing allegations:

"I later recall reading court papers where Pauley lied to the court and said I stalked her and assaulted her, and that I punched her in the chest and she suffered a sore chest from the attack. Nothing could be further from the truth. Pauley was served and that is all. It was photographed and witnessed. It was at this point I really saw the “Star Crazy” at work, completely lying to a court, falsely accusing me of assault, just to further her vindictive goals."

Then there are statements from Lisa Lynch. She was Pauley's best friend for years, they even got matching tattoos on some point:

"I have been present when Ms. Perrette broke up with lovers in her past, and I can say she has a history of vindictive actions toward them, when none was warranted. In particular, I recall her stealing the cat of her ex-boyfriend Daniel Rivas, and then when he wanted to take her to court about this, Ms. Perrette filled out the paperwork for a restraining order in Retaliation."

Here's Lisa Lynch's court declaration from 2006: - Declaration Of Lisa Lynch 09-17-2006 (PDF)

At this point, it is to mention that Pauley claimed to have caught Daniel Rivas in bed having sex with his own sister. Years later, she helped him getting job on NCIS. Coincidence? His career suffered a lot after her accusations.

I could write so much more but I think you can do the rest on your own now. I'm so disappointed in Pauley. But even more so, I'm so disappointed in myself for never having done this research before, for blindly believing her.

Anywas: Here's a list of court documentations you can download:

[1]Court Transcript 01-31-2005

[2]Declaration of Pauley Perrett 08-19-2001

[3]Declaration Of Lisa Lynch 09-17-2006

[4]Declaration Of Jason Fishbein 02-05-2007

[5]Declaration Of Blair Barnette 02-04-2007

[6]Star Crazy -highlighted

And my sources:

- https://nypost.com/2013/03/24/ncis-star-accused-of-waging-vindictive-campaign-against-ex-husband/

- https://www.avoiceformen.com/restraining-order-terrorism/a-catalog-of-avfm-articles-on-the-shiversperrette-case/ (you can find a detailed list of the articles they did on Pauley/Shivers, it's a lot to read but it is eye opening)

- http://gotnews.com/topic/pauley-perrette/ (check out each link and read them)

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBZXs8YxJ6w&feature=youtu.be&t=1m34s (this is a video. About 4:50 you can see the original video of Pauley admitting to "Star Crazy". Her reaction is interesting.

I'm sorry to all who feel offended by me posting this but: it appears that Pauley not only accuses random people of abuse/attack/assaults (the homeless men) but that she seems to plan certain actions like accusing people. This fits with her recent tweets which shocked me deeply because I seriously believed her. My first reaction was shock, anger at whoever did this to her but after learning about her past accusations, I cannot just simply believe anything she tells us.

She wrote that script "Star Crazy" and years later she began to live it. All the charities she supports, she does it for the wrong reasons and not because she believes in them.

15 years for me of supporting her, believing and respecting her now leave me feeling foolish, used and upset. We will probably never know who the poor man from NCIS was/is, she is accusing this time but I can't believe a single word she says. Not anymore.

[mrswearword]

In “honor” of this video’s premiere at the VMAs, let me go open season on this petty bitchfest.

The lead single from sssssssssinger/ssssssssssssssongwriter/SSSSSSSSNEK joke Taylor Swift’s upcoming album Reputation. Let’s get this out of the way right now. All of this “beef” with Katy Perry over backup dancers is some misguided PR stunt to combat the media attention in pitting female artists against one another. Or at least it better be because if “Swish Swish” was indeed a diss track against Swift and “Look What You Made Me Do” is indeed the response song, they’re both petty, childish, inept excuses for women in the music industry.

Especially ol’ SNEK Wrangler herself, Swift if the best she can do in this petty pissing contest is an immature chorus of “Look what you made me do”. Yeah, apparently at some point she was considered a sharp lyricist. Time flies when you’re so full of shit, the toilet is suing you for copyright infringement.

“Petulant utterance no one above the age of 13 should use” at least in production terms is legitimate pop ground Swift is experimenting with; having her music sound as juvenile and as near psychotic for no reason as apparently, she is over a bunch of fucking backup dancers that you can replace is weirdly fitting or “on brand”. The first few lines read as “I don’t like your little games/Don’t like your tilted stage/The role you made me play; as the fool/no I don’t like you”. She actually sings “No, I don’t like you.” Being blunt is one thing but what the hell made her think this was acceptable as a lyric? Again, she has apparently been considered as a great lyricist among her peers cough, BULLSHIT, cough cough. One line in particular which had two major fandoms in Kanye stans and Little Monsters think this song [or this line] was about Kanye or Gaga was “I don’t like your tilted stage”. Leave it to human Twitter stan, Zachary Campbell to point out that Katy [who this song is about, release date of Reputation be damned] had tilted stagework for her Superbowl Halftime performance. Reexamine the lyric video for “I don’t like your little games” and “don’t” is a knight or a black horse or in context…a “Dark Horse”. What could potentially give away the fact that this was a PR stunt gone awry or at least should give it away is the lyric “The role you had me play; of the fool” with emphasis on “The role you had me play”. It’s more than likely that Taylor is trying and failing miserably at making a larger point as a woman in the music industry, specifically with women being pitted against each other in the music industry. Perhaps, she and Katy are in on the whole thing and this manufactured beef was supposed to teach us all that pitting artist against artist over backup dancers is pointless and that blah blah look at the lyrics for these two and see if they actually had the ability to make this a larger picture about women in the industry.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, Swift continues to petulantly write out “I don’t like your perfect crime/How you laugh when you lie/you said the gun was mine; isn’t cool”. To Swift, all I ask is what perfect crime did Katy commit, if all this feuding boils down to is you looking petty over expendable tour personnel? If the worst she ever did was refer to you as “the Regina George in sheep’s clothing” on Twitter, why the hell have you actively come out taking verbal swipes at her years later in a song for your upcoming release which will more than likely be a mediocre at best album? The remaining lyrics here are probably vanilla, trite and vague jabs at the court of public opinion or something of the sort.

Then, the lyrical pyrite from Swift’s amygdala controlled pen gets worse. The pre-chorus reads “But I got smarter/I got harder/in the nick of time/Honey, I rose up from the dead/I do it all the time/I got a list of names/and yours is in red, underlined/I check it once/then I check it twice…ooh” cracks knuckles oh boy, is there a lot wrong with how these lyrics present themselves from someone more pissed at some other singer for using backup dancers instead of say; Kim Kartrashian or Kanye West for the Snapchat incident no matter how much of a two-faced bitch she ended up coming across. First, let’s take a look at “I got smarter/I got harder/in the nick of time” which only makes sense when you consider her putting her catalog of 6-9 actual good songs and dozens of other middling shit back on Spotify the day Katy Perry’s album Witness was released. Yeah, Swift was smarter in releasing “Look What You Made Me Do” the same day Katy’s video for Swish Swish was released. All these moves made “in the nick of time” were apparently to spite Katy again, for using backup dancers. Hey Taylor, want to spite Katy Perry of all people with minimal effort? Show her pictures of your Grammy awards and MOVE ON.

Second, there’s the line of “Honey, I rose up from the dead/I do it all the time”. The only death she went through was well after 1989 had wrapped up and Kim Kartrashian’s Snapchat videos of Kanye calling her about the “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex” line in “Famous” and her trying to weasel her way out of saying it’s OK to use but then be all pretentious Grammy speech that means nothing given the circumstances. Coming back from that, months later after relatively keeping her mouth shut about a lot of things isn’t that frequent for her. Alas, here she is acting like a fucking phoenix from the ashes of losing out on acclaim for her album and era all because of Snapchat videos. Keep in mind, she still won the Album of the Year Grammy for 1989 in spite of SNEKgate. Third, “I got a list of names/and yours is in red, underlined”; bitch, who the fuck are you fooling acting like you’re The Bride from Kill Bill about to kill Vernita Green or O’Ren Ishii? Have several seats. The other line not dissected still sucks but what’s next is the petulant as fuck chorus.

“Look What You Made Me Do/Look What You Made Me Do/Look What You Just Made Me Do, Look What You Just Made Me…ooh” is already a poorly written chorus but probably just sanitized enough for Swift because she couldn’t sell “you got me so fucked up” or anything that could be considered well written in this mood of hers. Then, there’s the second set of lyrics which are less directed at Perry and more sounding like vague-posting on Facebook [or “vague-booking”] about someone who did her wrong. Well, at least after the contradictory lyric “I don’t like your kingdom keys/they once belonged to me”. So, if they were your keys to your kingdom, how did she get them but you still hate them…oh wait, it’s a shit lyric so who cares. Then, the vague-booking lyrics kick in; “You asked me for a place to sleep/locked me out/and threw a feast”. Two words to solve this problem; SPARE KEYS. What proceeds to be sung next is all this “My karma’s gonna run over your dogma” bumper sticker bullshit which begs the question…you’re really choosing to be this petty to someone and it’s apparently not a publicity stunt? Over backup dancers? REALLY?!

The bridge for this song further drives this manufactured tiff over the edge when she histrionically sings “I don’t trust nobody and nobody trusts me/I’ll be the actress starring in your bad dreams” four times in a row [someone please tell me where the hell the alleged lyrical genius of Taylor Swift is if she can’t deliver lyrics better than a double negative and a high fallutin’ way of saying nightmare] before delivering a spoken word declaration so wannabe teenage angst ridden, Lorde should sue her for plagiarism. “I’m sorry, the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Oh, ‘cause she’s dead.”

What else is that spoken word portion supposed to prove other than that aggression delivered by Taylor Swift reads as girl drama over nothing. Hell, the “oh, ‘cause she’s dead” bit sounds like her pulling that from her ass in the middle of recording it. “I need to explain why old Taylor isn’t coming to the phone…” “Taylor, we’re recording this” “…OH ‘CAUSE SHE’S DEAD.” “Fuck it, we’ll keep that in anyway.”

Overall, Taylor Swift’s latest stunt is a disgraceful, vindictive, bitchy effort which smears the reputation of every female songwriter past and present and upcoming if they’re dumb enough to listen to this and get songwriting inspiration. Then again, this is the same manic lunatic dumb enough to pull her catalog from Spotify when streaming was starting to count in music sales all in the name of “artist representation”. This is the same publicity craving stunt queen who once used her fans to improve upon her “can do no wrong” image in the name of Christmas present reaction videos on YouTube. This is the same person who takes after Lena Dunham’s interpretation of feminism which apparently means “anyone who doesn’t like what I do must clearly not be a feminist.”

The video itself? Empty gloss, self-deprecating humor that only worked on “Shake it Off” and Taylor acting like her videos have that many memorable looks. A 1/10 just like the song itself.

[djrelentless]

“The 57th Grammy Awards...Hit Or Miss?”

February 10, 2015 at 7:33pm

The music industry is all a buzz because of last Sunday's Grammys ceremony. From performances that reminded us why we love Annie Lennox to history repeating itself withKanye West storming the stage to disagree with an outcome at the awards…..people are definitely talking. There were a few surprises. Katy Perry really impressed me with her song "By The Grace Of God" and Rihanna was in great voice for her performance of her new single "FourFiveSeconds" with Kanye and Paul McCarthy. And of course everyone was waiting with baited breath to see Madonna's performance of "Living For Love".

I was not surprised by all the trophies handed to Sam Smith. "Stay With Me" was probably the most unescapable song of 2014. It was disappointing to hear that the song has elements of Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down". But as I have said many times….there are only so many notes and keys. Without even thinking about it there are plenty of songs that are simple rewrites of other songs. A perfect example was when another Blue-Eyed Soul singer, Michael Bolton claimed he had never heard the 1966 version of "Love Is A Wonderful Thing". The court immediately awarded the Isley Brothers 5.4 million dollars (the largest plagiarism case settlement in music history). Sam Smith a been crowned the new face of Soul Music. I'm not sure about that in my opinion. I actually believe Boy George did it better in the 80s, but didn't get the same proclamation because of the dress. With all this talk of appropriation that might upset some folks, I still applaud Sam for being so young and his last acceptance speech where he thanked the guy who broke his heart. He got four Grammys for that break up.

There has been a controversy over Beyonce at the Grammys (and no I am not talking about Kanye's wish that she had gotten "Album Of The Year"). R&B singer. Ledisi had requested to sing Mahalia Jackson's "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" but was denied and Beyonce was asked to do it. Many are saying that Ledisi was robbed of her Grammy moment and are upset that Beyonce accepted the invitation.  Ledisi later was quoted as saying she understood why they chose Beyonce, but was very disappointed. The classy thing for Beyonce to do would be to invite Ledisi to perform with her on stage at a big event. I watched her performance and was not impressed. It was a Beyonce performance instead of a down home girl praising the Lord (and I know Ledisi would have brought it). Between Beyonce's see-through choir robe and stiff movements to capture her back lighting, I didn't feel the song like I should have. But Beyonce has bored me in the past with other performances like when she did "Ave Maria".

And speaking of Kanye West's words after the Grammys about Beck winning over Beyonce for "Album Of The Year"……I am afraid that he like Azealia Banks keep sabotaging their image and careers by opening their mouths. Has he not learned from the Taylor Swiftincident at the MTV Awards? Does he not realize that with all the racial tensions in the US right now, that his outbursts are not helping the situation. And Miss Banks needs to be banned from twitter with all her bullshit over being angry that her career has not gone as planned. Stop blaming Iggy Azalea for your shortcomings. Think before you react and you might appear more sane and level headed. As a Club DJ who watched the charts and singles, Beyonce had that award hands down out of the other nominees. But the Grammys are their own community and judge on musical merit. Beck is one of those artists who plays multiple instruments and writes his own songs. Beyonce is an entertainer who travels the world and excites audiences with her stage show but apparently needs four people to write one song. Yes….she is an amazing performer and I would prefer watching her anyway over Beck in concert. He lost me shortly after "Loser" back in the 90s. But a good example was back in 1981 when Christopher Cross' "Sailing" won "Song Of The Year" and "Record Of The Year" for a song that came out in 1979 I couldn't understand. And being a teenager I really couldn't comprehend why this song won anything. I was loving all the Pop dance songs on the radio back then. "Sailing" seemed boring. But after becoming a recording artist myself and working as a DJ in radio, bars and clubs I have learned to listen and appreciate music differently. I actually appreciate the simplicity of "Sailing" now. In a time period when New Wave Pop was coming in and Disco was dying, Christopher Cross sounded like a breath of fresh air.

And as I watch the twittersphere rumble over with the young ones calling acts likeMadonna, ELO, AC/DC and Annie Lennox old and tired, it amazes me to think that there was a time when Madonna and AC/DC would not have even been invited to the Grammys. These are the artists who have paid their dues and paved the way for all the ones who you adore and worship for a month and then move on to the next new thing. Many of her "Little Monsters" probably fell over when Lady GaGa announced that she was recording an an album with Tony Bennett. I understood it perfectly. In the old days, the new artists had to work with the legends in order to be taken seriously. It showed that you learned from the best. That the torch was being past. And even though GaGa has been accused of stealing from the greats like Bette Midler and Grace Jones, I believe she is a really talented artist and without all the gimmicks she can sing. Her voice is unique and distinctive. That's what you need to be a legend. Interesting enough…..Madonna doesn't have that range, but her talent is being an entertainer. I don't think anyone has macked the game like she has. I don't even think that anyone could ever do what she did again. Mainly because that time period has passed. Great voices like Annie Lennox will always rattle our souls. I was looking at her on the red carpet and I thought to myself…."she's cool because she's is her age". And when she hit the stage and went into "I Put A Spell On You" the fire and passion was still there because that's who she is. She has never been any of the gimmicks or costumes she wore in the 80s. I loved it! All of these acts were amazing on the Grammys because they have earned their place there.

I think all the young ones out there would be surprised to learn that the woman who is behind "Chandelier" and the hook for Flo-Rida's "Wild One" is not in her 20s. Besides Beyonce's non-church performance Sia's performance at the Grammys really made me upset. In my opinion….probably the worst performance of the evening. When you are on the Grammys it is the opportunity to show you can sing. Sia, darling….turning your back to the audience and facing a wall of a set while two dancers pranced around like in your music video did not prove you were a great vocalist. Her range is amazing but this hiding your face behind big wigs and production just does not do it for me.  At least Katy Perry's performance had a cool effect with the shadow dancers.

Question: When did Country Music start using Hip Hop lingo? Miranda Lambert's performance of "Little Red Wagon" was more of a Rock song and the lyrics included the word "swagger" several times. I actually thought I had slipped back in time and was watching some late 70s special with Tanya Tucker. Back when Tammy Wynette recorded with The KLF I said that one day we would here some Country Rap Music. But I guess we had already heard that when The Charlie Daniels Band did "The Devil Went Down To Georgia".

Pharrell's Goth-like version of "Happy" was interesting. I saw some article discussing the deeper meaning of this performance. It was cool to hear the lyrics spoken in other languages but other than that it was just okay for me. Considering the song is almost two years old and was overplayed and even parodied by Weird "Al" Yankovich, I was kinda over it and the bell-hop outfit was cute but went no where.

Stevie Wonder's quick harmonica solo at the end of Usher's performance shows the genius and artistry of his musical legend. Can't wait to see his upcoming TV special for his album "Songs In The Key Of Life". And I was happy that John Legend and Common closed the ceremony. I looked at it as a nod to the "Black Lives Matters" movement. It seems funny to me that the industry will take stands on some issues and show support for some and then quietly back out on others. I noticed that Iggy Azalea didn't win any awards. I figured she would have been the new female Elvis at the end of the show. But the Grammys backed away from the new "Great White Hope".  Why? I think to send a message that the drama surrounding appropriation is something that the Grammys doesn't want any part of. And after the nastiness of the Macklemore win last year in the rap category  I think the Grammys decided to not get involved. And even though Eminem won "Best Rap Album", I am sure he got it because he is considered industry. He has earned his place with more than a decade of work. Iggy…..you are a clever girl and have a distinctive voice. That's what legends are made of, but I hope you can stay out of the online crap and just concentrate on your craft. Be The Teena Marie of rap and earn your place. And as Macklemore advised….."remember your place."

[oltnews]

Taylor Swift Kendrick LamarTaylor Swift emerged as a pop sensation when she was only 15 years old, and her rise has not stopped yet. After her 2006 release of her self-titled album Taylor Swift, she was hugely successful in the music business. To celebrate his excellence, here are 15 of his best clips, ranked accordingly. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mFFBFYQYSs[/embed]Look, this might be a travesty, but it's my list, so it deserves a special cry. The first and only (to my knowledge) Swift foray into rap was a huge success. "I'm like blonde hair eight feet four inches on the ground, you shorties, you never thought I dreamed of rapping hardcore" is the hardest line ever pronounced by a pop star, hands down. I always mentally refer to it as T-Swizzle. Absolute banger, and deserving of a bonus seat. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCXGJQYZ9JA[/embed]You like or hate this one, and this conflict alone gives it a place here. Her dance is very well choreographed, but the general idea becomes repetitive. The bathroom scene stands out the most; even if it's a little weird, it helps to deliver the internal conflict she is going through and honestly, who hasn't looked in a bathroom mirror wondering why a land told you what you said ? However, it takes a hit because it looks a lot like a certain Kenzo perfume advertisement, and although it has not been declared outright plagiarism, there are enough parallels to raise the eyebrows. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1Xr-JFLxik[/embed]It is not a video to watch when you are looking for an uplifting message. It starts sad and gets worse. The pain she demonstrates is certainly relatable, even if it is a little extreme in points, but there is not much variation in the shots and frankly, it is a bit of a snoozer if you have already seen it . Solid watch for a post-breakup spiral, but not good for many others. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLf9q36UsBk[/embed]It's hard to follow the plot of this video without the music, and even if the music and the video go together, the best ones work like their own separate works of art. The video just complements the music, which is nice but not great. She takes a crankier approach than before and has since communicated mainly through facial expressions, which is a good change of pace. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKCek6_dB0M[/embed]It may be the least creative of Swift's clips, but "Teardrops On My Guitar" was one of Swift's first breakout singles and therefore deserves to be recognized with a spot on this list. She sings and looks at the camera all the time, which allows you to get lost in the song, but the video does nothing to deepen what she is trying to say. Still, this is one of the Swift songs that everyone knows and has probably seen the video. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ34LlaIk88[/embed]"Bear" is the 'Ol Reliable of Taylor Swift music videos. The plot is basic - a contentious relationship with the boyfriend she loves very much. The video shows just that. Pleasant video with quality production, as you would expect.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1oM3kQpXRo[/embed]The functionality of Ed Sheeran is a big plus here. Swift gets creative and breaks her mold of music videos by starring her and Sheeran as parents watching their kids. It strikes differently if you have kids and points for creativity and variety. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCMqcFAigRg[/embed]This video is a little too literal to be ranked higher, but as an old Swift song on an ex cheater, it still rings true. Simplicity can be appreciated in this column, hence its ranking among the top 10.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWlot6h_JM[/embed]"Shake It Off" is not really revolutionary in its scenography, but the message gets through despite everything. The constantly evolving outfits of its dancers keep the audience engaged and the song itself is catchy. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdneKLhsWOQ[/embed]"Wildest Dreams" had the most exotic location to date, taking place in Africa. Although the real plot of Swift falling in love with a co-actor on the set does not differ much from past love songs, it remains faithful to the theme of 1989 that she piloted at the time to a T. She does not stand out individually, but it is a very comprehensive work that deserves to be recognized. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcIy9NiNbmo[/embed]"Bad Blood" has an automatic head start because it has Kendrick Lamar, and the video matches the quality of the song. It gave us an intense Swift for the first time in her career, and even if it doesn't reach extreme badass levels, it comes out of its shell in a way we hadn't seen. Explosions, fights, all work. She also brought up her friends from List A. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-ORhEE9VVg[/embed]It was a different video for Swift as it marked her first visual transition from comfortable country country which was her rise to stardom in the stardom life in which she found herself mired and the downsides that come with it. It is also one of the first videos that revolves around his own shortcomings in his personal relationships. It is a refreshing introspection which attracts the public and clearly shows that it is no longer the young Taylor Swift. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dkk9gvTmCXY[/embed]This video may not be crucial for the musical development of Swift, but the message she sent was crucial for her development as a public figure and what values ​​she will promote in her music . The song fights for LGBTQ rights and the video ends with Swift advocating for equality laws in our country. She had never done anything like this before, and including cameos of prominent celebrities in gay and transgender communities was a historic moment for audiences to see Swift. In addition, it is an excellent video in general. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xg3vE8Ie_E[/embed]This video did not put Swift on the map, per se, but it definitely increased its audience to levels unprecedented for the young singer and is the iconic video of her first career. Swift takes the classic concept of Romeo and Juliet and does not change much, but just enough to give it its own twist. Sometimes you don't have to go out of the box madly to make a memorable and enjoyable video, and Swift proves it with that. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tmd-ClpJxA[/embed]This is perhaps the most creative clip of Swift and a huge and gigantic @ for Kim and Kanye, and who does not like it? The video portrays Swift from her past identities that personify the criticisms that Kanye addressed to her and her evolution not only as a singer, but as a person. A great display of personal growth and a bit of celebrity shade, she reached all the marks she was targeting. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuNIsY6JdUw[/embed]You absolutely can't go wrong with the classics, and this is THE classic Taylor Swift song and clip. He won a VMA and was behind the notorious Kanye West incident at this year's awards ceremony. It's simple - a loser story that we can all understand. She is not too fancy and performs perfectly. Even with all of her prestigious releases after that, she hasn't done better yet, and it's hard to imagine she could. https://oltnews.com/15-best-taylor-swift-clips-of-all-time-the-big-lead?_unique_id=5e9e07e766eb8

[isthisthingeven0n]

further down the line : d.d

brief summary: breakups are never easy, especially when your ex is half way across the world. 

word count: 1.6k requested: nope, it’s something i wanted to try out (thanks hormones) warnings: none that i’m aware of, just angsty and kinda sad 

* masterlistin’ / masterlistin’ 2.0

m y  e t s y  s h o p

(everything on my blog is my own writing. if it is shared on another page or website know it hasn’t been approved me unless specified. all rights reserved. - i have to start doing this as I had some shit on my other blog with plagiarism)

DO NOT STEAL MY WORK - IT IS ALL MY OWN WRITING

“Are you ready?” David sits down beside you, a cushion resting between you both as you glance up to the lens as a shaky breath escapes your lips.

“I guess.” You mutter as you tear your eyes from the viewfinder, seeing the pair of you together on camera for the last time. “Just feels,” You start, unsure where your sentence was supposed to end.

David nods along, resisting the urge to reach out and take your hand in his. “We’ll be okay, Y/n.” David tells you with a small smile. “Right, let’s do this.” David exhales deeply whilst you swallow back the lump in your throat, trying to present yourself in the best light as David looks to you.

“Is this how we start it then?” You ask him quietly. “I mean, I’ve never filmed one of these before.” A short laugh escapes your lips, a harmonious sound of David joining in.

“Never thought I’d film another,” David comments, his voice cracking ever so slightly as his eyes remain locked with yours. “come on, we can do this.” His eyes begin to gloss over as you reach out, unable to stop yourself squeezing his hand lightly before averting your focus back to the camera.

“Well, we broke up.” You state bluntly. “Thanks for watching, bye guys.” You wave to the camera as you rise to your feet, David’s laughter echoing in the room as you quickly return to your seat.

“But for real, we erm, we’re not together anymore,” David explains as you rest your hands in your lap, listening intently to his voice as he repeats the story you’ve shared countless times now with all your friends and close family members. “it was completely mutual, no one cheated, I don’t hate her, she doesn’t hate me.”

“That’s what you think.” You interject with a joke, easing the heaviness in the room as David flashes a smile to you. “We’re still on good terms, we’re just not together.”

“And well, we haven’t been for three months?” David questions, looking over to you as you nod. “Shit, I mean go us for keeping it together this long.” He raises his hand for a high five which you reciprocate.

“I mean, I’ve been a mess behind the scenes.” You hold your hands up in defence. “But it’s expected, especially when you go online and there’s thousands of cute edits and all.” You wipe your eyes as tears are now threatening to spill over.

“It’s a good thing though, I promise.” David adds. “We’re both in better places, and it doesn’t mean that I don’t still care about you,” David turns to face you, tears now falling from his eyes setting you off.

“Why did you have to go and cry you know it makes me cry.” You whisper, wiping your eyes as a watery laugh leaves your lips.

“Let’s take five.” David mutters as he reaches up and turns the camera off, allowing you to have a quiet cry as you bring your legs to your chest whilst David leaves the room.

As David turns the corner from the podcast room, Ilya greets him with a sincere smile whilst Natalie bypasses him and walks into the podcast room to comfort you.

“How’s it going, Dave?” Ilya asks as he rests his arm around David who sniffs loudly, nodding to himself.

“It was always going to be hard, you know?” David mumbles to himself as Ilya guides him over to the couch, trying not to fixate on the distant conversation between you and Natalie.

“It’s fine, just weird being back.” You explain to Natalie as your eyes wander over the studio, remembering all the times you sat in the corner whilst David recorded the podcast with Jason or the late nights you found yourself falling asleep whilst David edited a vlog beside you. “But it’s good to see you, Nat.”

Natalie smiles as she wraps her arms around you. “You don’t have to be a stranger, Y/N/N,” Natalie coos as you sigh against her shoulder. “we all still miss you.”

“I miss you too, but I should get used to it.” You half laugh as you wipe your face, just as David reenters the room.

“Love you.” Natalie blows you a kiss which you catch and wave as she exits the room, leaving you and David to film what is going to be the most difficult segment of this video.

With red eyes, David takes his seat after pressing record on his camera.

“A while ago, well, four months ago I was offered a job which I’ve been dreaming of for years.” You start, rubbing your sweaty palms over your thighs. “If anyone follows me, you’ll know that this was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down, but,” You glance up at David who watches you with such pride. “it’s in London.”

“And could be a permanent placement, leading to more.” David adds and you silently thank him for carrying on. “This isn’t the sole reason why we broke up, but I want what’s best for you, and this is what’s best.” David sniffs, and you choke on a sob as you cover your mouth, reliving the break up all over again.

“I guess by the time you’re watching this, I’ll have gone?” You question, and David nods in agreement. “But we’re doing okay, we still care about one another, but we’re just not together.” You finish, and David leans over and kisses your temple.

“If you could please be respectful and yeah, thanks guys.” David gives the camera a thumbs up before walking over and ending the recording. “Thanks, Y/n.” David speaks up as he turns back to face you, watching as you wipe your face.

“Of course,” You smile sadly to him as you grab your bag. “take care of yourself, Dobrik.” You chuckle as you rise to your feet and wrap your arms around his neck tightly, making the most of your last hug.

David rests his chin on the top of your head, wishing he didn’t have to let go. But all good things come to an end, and this was your ending.

“Bye, Y/n.” David mutters as you pull away and walk out from the podcast room, knowing there is no turning back now, you can only go forward.

*

Eight months later.

It wasn’t something he intentionally did, but whenever it happened David found himself in a rabbit hole, unable to find his way back to the surface.

You’d posted a photo of you and some friends, out for dinner in some fancy looking resturant and you just looked happy.

Sure, David had posted photos of himself and others with bright smiles, but behind the scenes part of him still longed to hold you close.

“Hey, Dave?” Natalie peers through into his room as Taylor stands behind her.

Pausing, Natalie watches as David lowers his phone before wandering over and sitting on his bed. “What’s up?” David asks, locking his phone before the girls can see what he’s up to.

“We’re going to get some food, want anything?” Taylor speaks up as Ella yells for her. “Just text me if you do!” She calls out as she exits his room, leaving him and Natalie alone.

Yet, Natalie is wearing that look, the one she mastered when she was a teenager with David. “What is it, Nat?” David huffs, and before he can stop her, Natalie reaches out for David’s phone, unlocking it revealing what she already anticipated.

“You know you can just call her, or text her, right?” Natalie suggests, but David shakes his head as he reaches back for his phone, glancing down at your bright smile before discarding his phone.

“She’s happy, Nat. She’s moved on.” David states. “And, and I’m trying to.” He mutters before running his hands through his hair, resting them amongst his curls as he sighs deeply into his chest.

“It’s okay, Dave.” Natalie shuffles across David’s best until she’s sat beside him, resting her back against his headboard as Ilya wanders in. “You’ve still got all of us, Y/n isn’t gone forever you know, you can reach out.”

“I can’t, Natalie.” David reiterates his point as he looks up to her with tired eyes. “If I do it’ll just remind me of what I can’t have, of everything I let go and won’t ever get back.”

“You don’t know that for sure, Dave.” Ilya adds, but David forcefully shakes his head.

“I’m not doing that to her, she, she’s happy in London, living the life she wanted and has dreamed of.” David moves past his two best friends as he climbs off his bed, grabbing his phone and keys. “I’ll never do anything to ruin that, I just, I’ll be fine.” He mutters under his breath before leaving his bedroom and the faint sound of the front door slamming causes Ilya to jump.

Silence looms over the pair until Ilya speaks up. “Do you think she’s really moved on?” Ilya asks, glancing over to Natalie who hums to herself.

“Looks that way.” Natalie sighs as she pulls out her phone, showing Ilya the photos you recently sent Natalie of you with a guy by the London Eye, bright smiles as his arm rests around your waist. “His names Fred.”

“Stupid name.” Ilya mutters. “Does David know?”

“He hasn’t said anything to me, but Y/n hasn’t posted anything of him online yet, it’s a recent thing, early days, you know?” Natalie explains.

“Damn.” Ilya whistles as he leans back. “I miss her, you know?”

Natalie smiles sadly to herself, nodding in agreement. “Me too, Ilya.” She shuffles to lie down beside her best friend. “Me too.”