#olympics are coming up but i'm only interested in like 3 events

[osamusriceballs]

The Accident - Part XI

Atsumu x fem reader

Warnings: None

Words: ~ 3,1 k

About: A date with Atsumu Miya~

Part I II -> Next Part

The silence is almost intimidating, and you find yourself looking around in silent awe.

Atsumu looks exceptionally good. The red uniform suits him well, and he looks even better and more professional than in the videos you've seen. "I can't believe we're actually here. I didn't want to ask Hinata for tickets because he's been busy lately, but I can't believe Atsumu-san managed to get two tickets for this- in the front row even!"

You nod and gaze at the court thinking back at the sudden message that you had received a few days ago.

Atsumu: "Are you free this weekend, Mrs. Miya?"

You stare at the message blankly, trying to figure out what to say. You had just started your nightly routine, not really expecting Atsumu to send you a message tonight. But here it is, white and blue. With a nickname that makes your heart skip a beat.

You: "Yes! :)"

Atsumu: "Great. Wanna come and watch me play? We can hang out at Samu's or my place after that, if you're up for it?"

You: "Sounds good!"

Atsumu: "I'll save ya two spots if you want to. You can bring your friend; Shoyo-kun will be there too. I'm sure she's interested too."

You: "I'll ask her. Thank you for being so considerate <;3"

You close your eyes for a few seconds, fearing his reaction to the heart emoji.

When you open them, you see his instant reply.

Atsumu: "Of course <3 I can't meet ya before probably, but we'll keep in touch, 'kay?"

You: "See you then &lt;3"

Atsumu: "See ya <;3"

It's a special event, a pre-match before the Olympics fully start in a few weeks. The stadium is only half-full, but the people watch excitedly how the members of the Japanese Olympic team participate in a promotional match against each other. Apparently, a very exclusive event that has not been opened to the public, yet, here you are. Sitting in the first row next to Yachi with a drink in your hands—one that she got for you, despite your protests.

"Look, he is going to serve. That's why they are all quiet. It probably won't be like that during the Olympics; there will be a different audience. Today is a very special event. Randomized teams and starting positions, but look how well they all adapt. True professionals." Yachi whispers into your ear, her cheeks flushed already from her drink. You're just glad that Tsukishima has offered to pick her up after the game, you would have been worried about her otherwise.

"It's so quiet; it's almost intimidating." You whisper back and watch Atsumu. He seems really focused on his set, his expression cold and blank, unlike you've ever seen him before. He's truly intimidating on the court.

He seems very focused when he's taking a few steps back and concentrates on a point in the opposite field. It just takes a few seconds, and then you see him jump, the ball flying towards the field in the fraction of a moment. The loud impact makes you shiver, while you watch the field in stunned silence. When you glance back at Atsumu, you could have sworn that he looked at you before he high-fives one of his teammates. The crowd yells and cheers, and you find yourself clapping and calling his name too.

"Did you see that? That's what the boys had to endure back in high school. And it was just as scary back then." Yachi groans and rubs her bare arms; the goosebumps visible in the brightly lit hall. "He's amazing." You know that you're probably watching him with hearts in your eyes, but you can't help yourself when your heart skips a beat at the way he got even more attractive to you now that you've seen him actually play. You definitely get the fangirls now.

As he prepares to set again, you hold your breath nervously, and this time the other team manages to receive it. You watch with wide eyes how the ball is suddenly on the other side of the court again, a quick attack from someone you recognize as Bokuto, and then it's Atsumu who sets the ball flawlessly, a dark-haired spiker scoring a point. The crowd goes wild, chanting a name that you don't know yet, and Yachi is quick to lean over to you again while you watch Atsumu and the dark-haired player exchange a wordless fist bump.

"That's Sakusa Kiyoomi; him and Atsumu-san make a deadly combo on the court." You nod, your eyes not moving from Atsumu, who suddenly turns to you and grins widely. You shyly wave back and give him a thumbs up and a smile; he winks, holding up another finger and pointing to you and then to the ball. You're not sure you completely understand what he's trying to tell you, but you still nod and smile, hoping it was an appropriate reaction.

You finally get that he probably meant to tell you that he'll do another service ace for you when he nails the serve effortlessly, and you stare at him with wide eyes when he turns to you and playfully winks with a thumbs up. You cheer loudly for him, and Yachi also cheers alongside you, not noticing the silent exchange that had just happened right next to her.

---

The teams bow when they finish the game and wave to the crowd, probably well-aware that some of their greatest sponsors sit alongside there. "That was amazing!" You smile at Yachi, and you both clink your glasses and drink the rest of the drinks.

"Kei will pick me up at the back entrance; is it okay if I leave you here?" She looks at you with worry etched in her features, and you nod reassuringly. "He'll pick me up right here. Don't worry; I'm sure he'll be here soon."

You hug her, and after you promise to text her, you sit back in your place. You watch all the people leave until the hall is almost empty, and then finally, after you played with your phone for a while, the athletes start to stroll in the hall, now dressed normally and all of them looking fresh. You look for Atsumu and quickly spot his blonde bright hair. He is now sporting a pair of dark jeans and a black shirt that tightly fits on his torso, his blonde hair still slightly wet from the shower—he looks really good. He strides energetically towards you, a delighted expression on his face, and he doesn't even hesitate before he pulls you into a tight hug.

"Hey."

"Hey, Atsumu. You were great; congratulations." You mumble against his shoulder, and he squeezes you a bit tighter before he lets you go. "Thanks. I hope you had fun."

"I did! I loved every second; it was really cool."

He wraps an arm around your shoulders while you speak and gently directs you towards the exit. "Just wait till ya see the Olympics, that will be even better. Let's go to my place, huh?" You nod and follow him to his car.

xxx

Atsumu has a really nice apartment. It's rather high up, but the elevator is so modern and smooth that you barely realize how high you drive up. Everything is clean and cozy, and you find several pictures of Atsumu and his family on the wall and a lot of trophies. The TV on the wall is ridiculously big, but the couch is far away from it, far enough for it not to strain your eyes. Atsumu gestures for you to take a seat on the couch in the living room, and you sit down comfortably.

"I felt a bit out of place, though. Everyone was wearing fan shirts. I should probably get one too for the next game." You stare down at your plain shirt while Atsumu takes a seat next to you, still making sure to keep enough distance not to make you uncomfortable.

"You wanna wear a shirt with my number?" He grins at you, his eyes sparkling while he musters you, and you embarrassedly laugh. "I still need to decide about my favorite player. I might favor Sakusa Kiyoomi, he seemed quite impressive too. And Kageyama's sets were amazing as well." He pouts at your words, pressing his hand to his chest as if you just wounded him. You quickly raise your hands and laugh.

"I was just kidding. Of course, I'd only wear your number. I want to support your big dream of becoming a famous volleyball player someday."

He nods approvingly and reaches into his bag. "In that case, I think I have the perfect shirt for you." He offers you a crumpled piece of cloth that you quickly recognize as the shirt he's been wearing during the game. You stare at him blankly, your eyes wandering from the shirt in his hand to his face. "That's your shirt."

"Yes." He nods, still holding the shirt up.

"You will need it for the Olympics."

"Yes."

"Won't you get in trouble for this?"

"It's not like they can fire me at this point." He just shrugs his shoulder, and you finally reach out for it. "Thank you."

"Of course, can't have ya walking around with Omi's number. He is the worst, have ya seen his ugly face and his glare? I dunno why he has so many fans." He fakes a gagging sound, and you giggle while you place the shirt on the couch next to you. You're quite sure that his shirt would sell online for a fortune—especially his worn shirt. Not that you would do that.

"You seemed to get along pretty well with him on the court." You say with a teasing smile, and he rolls his eyes playfully. "He's still an ass sometimes. He's just lucky that he's good at playing. Would have ditched him otherwise. But we normally get along well, I just love complainin' about him."

"He seems... quite intense." You both exchange a glance and nod in silent agreement, and then he clears his throat.

"Uhm.. do ya wanna drink something?"

"Water is good, thanks." You smile, and he is quick to go into the kitchen and return with two glasses and a carafe of water.

"Thanks." you smile and take a sip of the glass he offers you. You both sit there for a few seconds in silence, and you mentally debate if you should suggest for him to turn on a movie or something- or to start a new topic, but he always makes your brain go blank. You wonder if he regrets his choice of inviting you over. He might have been curious about you in the beginning, like you were curious about him, but what does he actually think about you? He's so hard to read, especially since you're having a hard time figuring out if he just has a natural flirty personality or if he just does it with you. You try to stay calm while you keep on overthinking next to him, your hand tightening almost uncomfortably hard around the glass, but then he suddenly interrupts your thoughts.

"Ya wanna play a game? I got this truth or dare on mobile thing. I bought the full lifetime version when I was drunk a few years ago, and I plan to use it to the fullest." His brown eyes are warm when you meet them and you find yourself forgetting about your worries.

"Oh? I think that is a story that I'd love to hear."

"Ya might if ya use a dare for that." He winks, and you feel your cheeks heat up. He fishes for his phone and starts typing your names in the bright and cartoonish-styled app. "Is random mode fine with ya?"

"Sure." You smile and wait for him to set things up, and he places the phone between the both of you an you both look curiously at the screen.

dare for Atsumu:

Show your latest pic in your camera roll.

He pales visibly after reading it and stares at his phone blankly while you eye him curiously. "Can I pass?" Your eyes widen at his sudden static state, and you simply nod. "Uhm... you don't have to do it if you're not comfortable."

He sighs and runs his hand through his hair. "I just don't want to make ya uncomfortable."

Now he has really piqued your interest. "I won't be. Promise."

He doesn't seem convinced but opens the gallery in front of your eyes and clicks on the last picture—a shirtless picture of him, probably taken right after the game. He's still wearing the red shorts and very seductively grinning into the camera, his bare abs on full display for the camera. You quickly avert your gaze and clear your throat, feeling like a teenager looking at their crush. You now rub your throat to hide how flustered you feel from just seeing a goddamn picture of him. "I didn't expect that, to be honest. It's - uh- a nice picture, though."

"I didn't plan on posting it; I just like the after-game pump." He is quick to explain, and you just nod with warm cheeks. It's definitely getting hotter in here. The game successfully managed to create tension in the room- something that you didn't expect from a game that looks like a dorky party game. You take another sip and clear your throat. "Uhm... next?"

"Yeah." He is quick to open the app and tap on the screen.

truth for Y/N:

Who is the hottest person in the room?

You laugh and point at Atsumu. "That is quite self-explanatory."

"Ya got an easy one here since it's just the two of us." He complains and looks at you accusingly while you just laugh about his cute pout.

"Make it a bit more demanding then?"

"How about you tell me who's the hottest person in the Olympic team? You've seen all of us play today. Who's your favorite?"

"I haven't seen them all close up," you try to be neutral, but he just groans.

"There was a poll once about hot volleyball players worldwide, and someone from the Argentinean team won. He's close to Tobio-kun, apparently."

"You didn't win?" You look at him surprised. Atsumu is definitely on the hotter side of the team members from what you've seen so far- at least in your eyes. You haven't really paid attention to the other players though, your eyes always coming back to Atsumu.

"Ya seem genuinely surprised; I take that as a compliment. Nah, I didn't win, but I was in the Top Ten." He proudly puffs his chest, and you give him a playful thumbs up. "Congrats. I would have put you on number one, though." You try your best to calm your heartbeat when you see how intensely he looks at you at your words.

He grins and nods before he simply turns on his phone again without saying more about it.

dare for Atsumu:

Take a picture with a person in the room and set it as your profile pic.

"I can't set it as my Instagram pic or somethin' like that, but maybe just my screensaver?" He says as he contemplates his options.

You nod and move closer to him on the couch, until your shoulders are touching and your knees almost bumping together. He lifts the phone for a selfie and tilts his head in your direction while you tilt yours in his direction and you both try to smile brightly.

You look awkward.

That's easy to tell, and he seems to notice too because he's not taking a picture. "Uhm- maybe. We should do it like this."

He wraps an arm around your shoulders and pulls you closer to his chest, and you hear the click of the camera while you look surprisedly at him- shocked at this bold actin. "Now, look at the camera." His hand comes up to pinch your cheek gently, and you find yourself smiling at his actions. He's probably in a good mood since he won the game today, so you just let him proceed, trying not to think that this had a deeper meaning- because it probably doesn't. He grins too and takes another picture, and you remain in that position for a few more seconds, his pleasant smell invading your senses now that you're so close to him, and you subtly try to inhale deeply again. He feels good against you. Warm and solid, your body almost naturally fitting against his. Even though you'd love to stay, you slowly move back to your place and create some distance between the two of you. His muscles seem even more prominent when you look at his still raised arm and he slowly lets it sink down to his side.

He goes into his gallery again, and you both look at the two pictures. You look like a real couple. With the way you look up at him, pressed against his chest, your expression clearly flustered while he looks down at you with a grin- it's almost too intimate for you to bear. The other one in which you both smile brightly while he pinches your cheek is a rather cute picture, and he hums while he taps the picture.

"I'll take the second one then?" You nod and watch him set it as a background. "It looks nice." You nod again, definitely not trusting your voice. He is perfect boyfriend material.

"Next one then?" He sets up his phone, and you hold your breath for a second when the words show up.

dare for Y/N:

Kiss the hottest person in the room.

You awkwardly laugh and look down at your glass of water, waiting for him to laugh with you. But he doesn't. It's just silent between you now. Atsumu has not shown any reaction, just staying still as he is, still looking at the screen. You look at him with furrowed brows and then again at the screen. Should you-

No. What are you thinking?

You notice that Atsumu's knee has started bouncing, something that you think is his reaction when he's feeling nervous, and you experimentally lean just a bit closer after taking a deep breath and his eyes move from the screen to you.

His gaze flickers from your eyes to your lips when you lean forward just a bit more, and then he is slowly leaning into you too, much to your surprise. Your gaze shifts to his lips, parted just the slightest bit, so kissable-

He is waiting for you to make your move, giving up all control of the situation to let you do as you're comfortable with- and then you realize one thing when your breath meets his lips and your eyes fall shut.

You're about to kiss Atsumu Miya.

[phant0m-l0rd]

thank u @minuutti for the tag <3 (finally getting around to it :D)

what book are you currently reading?

I'm still reading Moby Dick even though I started it months ago, simply because I unintentionally took a big break from it at one point (and read a few other books). also reading Agir et Penser Comme Un Chat by Stéphane Garnier and Le Voleur d'ombres by Marc Levy.

what’s your favourite movie you saw in theatres this year?

I went to the cinema a few weeks ago for the first time in over 4 or 5yrs. therefore, the only movie I've seen in theatres in all these years is the new Mario movie so that's my pick by default (it was fun though).

what do you usually wear?

jeans, shirt. + a hoodie if it's cold.

how tall are you?

175cm/5'9

what’s your star sign? do you share a birthday with a celebrity or a historical event?

cancer! my 11th birthday was the day Michael Jackson passed away and I remember how depressing that was.

do you go by your name or a nickname?

just my name, it's too short to nickname. some friends try to give me nicknames but they almost always end up longer or the same length as my name lol

did you grow up to become what you wanted to be when you were a child?

I think so yes, I don't see how it could've gone any other way tbh!

are you in a relationship? if not, who is your crush if you have one?

no, and I do have a crush but will not reveal it publicly like that lol

what’s something you’re good at vs. something you’re bad at?

cooking vs. stress management

dogs or cats?

both are amazing but I love cats sm and desperately need one

if you draw/write, or create in any way, what’s your favourite picture/favourite line/favourite etc. from something you created this year?

so far it has to be the most recent digital art I made of Kyo just cuz I feel like I've finally started getting the hang of digital art even though my comfort zone still lies in traditional art.

what’s something you’d like to create content for?

nothing specific, just anything I'm interested in in the moment.

what’s something you’re currently obsessed with?

this is really fkn random coming from me but. watching baseball. I've never been a sports person, never watched sports except during world cups or the olympics. but ever since a few days ago I've found a new hyperfixation I guess, completely unexpectedly and out of my control 😭

what’s something you were excited about that turned out to be disappointing this year?

idk tbh, can't think of anything rn. I haven't been that excited for anything lately.

what’s a hidden talent of yours?

I can mimick trumpet sounds well? 😭

are you religious?

not really, I don't follow a specific religion

what’s something you wish to have at this moment?

for all my anxieties to be alleviated so I can finally live a normal life again.

tagging @ranuunculus , @cupofteaandstars (no pressure ofc) and anyone else who feels like it :D ~

[anewbeginningagain]

Skate Canada's pushing of Piper and Paul was penny smart and dollar stupid. At least I think they woke up towards the end of the season and we'll see more investment in Marjo and Zak moving forward.

I think C/B will def retire, P2 could go either way (they will if they're smart, their criminal overscoring gave them the wrong impression and Canada needs a young team to be able to move up), FB/S will stay if they're able, and I'm pretty sure the Italians will continue. The only thing that could throw a wrench into things is if Russia is allowed back in - they'll be aggressive and they'll push for a podium finish to secure spots (otherwise why would they be making StepBuk contintue?). So the only medal I can see F/G potentially squeezing out is a bronze this upcoming season. If the situation continues like this, I can easily see P/C try to come back because these teams are truly holding the door open for them.

As for the Finnish team, we have to look at it from the perspective of how Finland has stepped in to host events and these medals have sort of been their repayment for it. The best thing about it is that Pirihara get to go to Europeans and Worlds next year. We also have to look at how the different feds are trying to court Italy because it's hosting the upcoming Olympics. The Finns are with an Italian coach, a lot of teams/skaters are training in Italy, so on and so forth. What's interesting is that it looks like the Russians are trying to adopt the Montreal model and moving all the teams to Zhulin to concentrate power (I'm 98% certain that's where Khuda/Bazin are going). There are too many unknowns atm to say anything for sure, but in terms of who will cement themselves within the next 2 years as the team to beat, my money is on LaLa - they have the talent and the tenure.

Yoooo I was right! Khuda/Bazin to Zhulin! Lmfaoooo if he can't get skaters from multiple other countries to come train there, his dream of being Russia's response to Marie-France is dead. I thought he was considering retirement after he got pummeled in the team event? I wish he'd just go tf away already.

As mentioned, I fully tend to believe all top 3 are sticking around. Though I will stan both Madi and Piper if they opened those 80s spotify playlists just to fuck with fs twitter, that will be hilarious tbh.

Not doubt Finland stepped up in a big way, and I also do think T/V are a good team, but their scores and especially the GOE does not match what is being shown of the ice and that's my main criticism. Like they have great lifts but was their combo lift the best of the season? Hell no, their twizzles are often horrible, some of their moves are basic, and the themes they use are repetitive. That should be reflected in the scores.

Also agree about the Russians, I legit fear their return, men is tolerable but the rest of the disciplines are legit suffering tremendously from their presence as much as it's unfortunate to admit as I don't like generalizing about skaters from the same federation this way. But no way in hell should they return, not while they are still state-funded and institutionally doped.

The russian federation is 100% trying to make Zhulin as a copy of I.AM, it's basically I.AM if they were racist, abusive, and sucked at choreography and packaging. They are now sending most teams to him and I won't be surprised if Krylova's team will be convinced to move to him as well. And once he will have top 5 Russian teams and Russian is allowed back in, they will push for teams from Italy, Georgia, Spain, and so on to go to him as well until he will become a dance hub like I.AM is and increase his political force. And this might be the worst development of them all (maybe tied with having Eteri and her minions ruin women skating again, and having Russian pairs doing shitty programs with sbs 3Lz and quad throws and winning stuff). Sigh this is depressing.

[dojae-huh]

This is for Q3 (July-October) of 2022.

135.1-40.4=94.7

94.7 is the price of producing the goods and the content (music albums, shows, concerts).

40.4-27.6=27.1

27.6 were spent on advertising, distributing and on staff salaries (I guess?)

22.1 - what's left after taxes, the real gained money the company can add to the capital

6 coins spent gave 7 coins back, 1 coin of gain. And it's a very good quarter for SM. This company is really not that big, heh.

Correct me if I'm wrong with what I've written, I'm not an expert in economics.

Anyway, I'm posting the graph because I was surprised how much Appearence brings in? NR and Puma feed the boys? Heh. To be fare, there were still not that many concerts held in 3Q.

I also want to know what is MD/licensing - streaming and other groups performing SM songs on their own shows? How is it so high?

...

Considering how much money albums bring in, do you think it is in SM's interests to sabotage itself when it comes to its current breadwinner if there is not a big obstacle in the way? After the repack has been already done (money spent on its production)? Forget idols as people, cold-blooded business talk here.

I think the root of the problem is MarkHyuk being in two permanent units (and it were the fans who demanded OT7 and Dream to stay, originally there was planned another unit (or two) without MarkHyuk and with new neos). Both units bring in similar amount of money (similar album sales, sold out stadiums), so neither can be forgotten at this point of time. And if there is a problem with one unit (cancelled 127 Dome dates for 127 in January, cancelled Dream Show in July) it is the domino effect and a displacement of all initially planned events. Add to it 3 SMTown shows that must be attended (because as Kangta said, the newer artists help the older artists to perform before giant crowds).

The concerts are important right now as the bond with fans must be reinforced. The concerts and fanmeets in Japan are very important (I'm talking Dream upcoming Dream show in November), as it's the second largest musical market, and NCT is finally on the rise there. SM is still lagging behind Hybe and JYP. Dream has launched a Japanese fanclub, and a membership costs ¥5,400 for one year (~38USD). Dream will perform in 10-15-17k seat capacity venues. If they sell out, it's 72k with 5 concerts.

The Japanese fanclub opening and the Dream show 2 (scheduled for November) were announced in September. 2 Baddies comeback was in September. The timeslot for 127's comeback with the repack was only possible in late October-early November. What did October have? 2 concerts in US and 2 Olympic stadium concerts. US concerts were announced in August. The Seoul dome concerts were announced at the end of September. What did early November have? 2 concerts in Indonesia (a new market SM pays special attention to, Indonesian fans are among those who stream the most), also announced in September.

The repack's fate was sealed already in September, people. Before 2 Baddies comeback happened. SM just didn't tell us.

Ergo, the concerts, especially the Olympic stadium ones, were prioritised over the repack. The fans meeting idols in real life were prioritesed over the music show appearences. And it's not only about the concert dates themselves, but fans' money spent on tickets as well, I guess. And what is more important for 127 neos regarding dreams come true with the help of SM? To perform before 60000 alive fans or wake up 3 a.m. and perform on a music show before a hundred of fans 2 weeks in a row? Not to mention, idols get more money from concerts, especilly abroad.

And fans complain? Because they don't think, but emote.

Don't take me wrong, this year is messy, and I don't want a repeat of it. But I acknowledge that there are circumstances out of SM staff's control, like the coronavirus making new waves with new variants or getting into the artists, and countries' extending covid restrictions last minute. After the covid there is surelly no lack of music acts and sport teams wanting to rent venues. I doubt securing one is that easy of a job this year.

Before covid really hit, NCT system worked. 127zens are loud, but let's be honest, there are more of solo stans than unit-stans.

in 2022 127 neos got solo projects (Mark, Taeyong, Taeil, Jaehyun), radio-shows (Yuta), movies/tv (Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun (a postponed release, but let's count)), brand deals (Jaehyun, Yuta and Mark (I think?)), DJ gig (Johnny), OSTs and side projects (Doyoung, Taeil, Haechan, Mark, Taeyong, also Yuta, Yuta sang in the OST for his movie), MC gig (Jungwoo) and magazine covers (Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Haechan, Yuta). There was new YT content with games (with subs in 6 languages). The Dingo live session. Vlogs from all concerts and all special pop-up stores to those fans who couldn't attend to get the feeling of how it was. The work of "let's make fans happy" is being done. However, it is never possible to make everyone happy. There will always be people who are dissapointed.

MarkHyuk being in two units is a problem in my opinion, the problem that SM didn't plan when the NCT system was created. It were the fans, the circumstances (dremies showing too much chemistry and SM creating too good of a concept for them), and the need for a proper vocalist and a proper rapper. As such, the blame is not on SM or the NCT system (the way it was designed) for this. 127 wouldn't debut without Mark, but it could have been lacking Haechan if the two units were planned as permanent right away. No 2Dongs, no MarkHyuk, no Sun&Moon in this alternative reality...

SM has a problem and it deals with it however it can while trying to earn from both units.

There is an additional problem. The covid prevented the debut of the new two groups (NCT new unit (or two, there is Hollywood) and the new bg) and slowed down aespa's development as a new breadwinner. The circle of one new group every 4 years was broken. Currently it's Dream and 127 that bring in the most money, and yes, SM will milk both because it has to comeback on its feet after the pandemic.

Look at 2020, SM earned nothing that year, it actually got below the minus (-300 grey is net profit). You know why 127 are so loud about being late bloomers? Because they didn't give the money invested in them back quickly enough. Taeyong even thanked for additional budget for Favorite. 2019 also was a weak year. Yes, the revenue and the expenses are from all the activities and businesses, some of them are not profitable.

NCT position in 2018 and 2019

I wholly agree that SM needs a proper reforming of its inner structure to be more efficient (who was forgotten to be mentioned in a promo post again recently? Yuta?), and a better communication between the artists and the planning team is desireable, but from what I gather, the problems the company shows are widespread in all Korean institutions, they even shoot dramas about it. What I do not agree with is that SM staff who works with 127 or the company (at least in the face of LSM, who is in charge for now, or the current CEO who supervised Cherry Bomb and created multiple versions wanting it to be perfect) intentionally neglect or don't care about 127 neos.

If this were so, they wouldn't get solos or money for cover MVs, no song-writing and producing opportunities, no day-offs and surfing trips in the middle of promotional week.

[leroyasane]

after two weeks of (boring) football, i'm sad there's nothing to watch now

[lewanarta]

Hi, I'm new to ski jumping and when i say new I mean I'm south american with zero previous knowledge but i love sports and winter olympics is coming so I'm trying to learn winter sports. I've see on youtube tournaments and stuffs I get some idea of how it works but i wish see the calendar to follow the season and get to now who are the best in the business (I tend to follow women's and men's sports) and Im sorry to disturb but i google it but didn't help me at all

Hi! I'm sorry, that you've waited so long for an answer, but timezones aren't our friends 😅 And I wanted to give you a good one, so I needed some time to think. Don't be sorry, please, I think that every ski jumping fan would love to receive an ask like this, because we love to talk about our favorite sports and athletes and really, I'm so happy that you're interested in it ❤️

The text came out long, so the rest is under the cut:

When it comes to the calendar, the Olympics are the highlight of the season for both men and women. The ski jumping season starts at the end of November, when the World Cup begins. World Cup is basically the most important competition - it works like a league, where ski jumpers compete with each other and at the end of the season one athlete that collected the most points wins the trophy - the Crystal Globe. Competitions usually take place on the weekends. Wikipedia, especially Polish wiki, is quite reliable when it comes to ski jumping, so you can check the World Cup calendar here. You can also download the FIS App on your phone to get notifications about the events and follow the competitions.

During the World Cup some additional tournaments take place. The most important one is the Four Hills Tournament, which is organized annualy around the New Year. It is exciting to follow and ski jumpers treat it very seriously, so if you can see only a handful of ski jumping events before the Olympics, I recommend watching at least the 4HT. As for women, the Silvester Tournament that happens at the same time seems to be the highlight before the Olympics, but it is the first time ever that it is organized, so I can't tell anything more about it 😅

So, the best ski jumpers in the business, huh? It isn't easy to choose, because almost every season somebody new appears among the best or a ski jumping star retires/gets injured/loses their shape. But I think that the list I came up with is quite reasonable, so here we go:

1. Kamil Stoch (34 yo, Poland)

Kamil is 3 times Olympic champion, he won 39 World Cup competitions, 2 Crystal Globes and 3 Four Hills Tournaments. The living legend of the sport. Never ever underestimate him, even if he seems to be out of shape - he's got amazing technique, a lot of experience and amazing mentality.

2. Stefan Kraft (28 yo, Austria)

Stefan won the Crystal Globe two seasons ago. He is the current world champion (World Championships are another important event that happens every two years). Stefan is also the current world record holder - nobody has ever flown further than him! You can watch his record flight here.

3. Halvor Egner Granerud (25 yo, Norway)

The winner of the last World Cup season, Halvor suddenly started to jump excelently last year and it doesn't seem he will stop any time soon. Definitely watch out for him!

4. Ryoyu Kobayashi (24 yo, Japan)

Ryoyu, just like Halvor, suddenly started to jump amazingly in the 18/19 season, and keeps on being one of the best in the world since then. He was the first Japanese to win the Crystal Globe and the Four Hills Tournament (worth to note, that there were many incredible Japanese ski jumpers before him, but for decades nobody achieved things that this guy did in just one season).

5. Peter Prevc (29 yo, Slovenia)

Peter used to be incredibly consistent and won multiple World Cup competitions, medals and trophies. After his best 15/16 season he toned down a bit, but he's still an amazing ski jumper and by any means shouldn't be underestimated. Plus watching him in flight is a pure pleasure.

6&7. Karl Geiger and Andreas Wellinger (28&26 yo, Germany)

I had a problem to choose only one of the Germans, so please have two. Karl is currently the best German ski jumper - he seems to specialize in winning medals at the important events, so I wonder, if he manages to do the same at the Olympics. Andreas on the other hand is current Olympic champion. Unfortunately, some time ago he suffered due to an injury and for a long time he struggled to come back to good jumping. Luckily, his jumps this summer looked promising, so it is possible that Andreas will join the fight for the trophies this season.

And now women!

1. Sara Takanashi (25 yo, Japan)

No one, men or women, won as many World Cup competitions as her. No one, men or women, got as many Top 3 World Cup results as her. Unfortunately for Sara, she seems to suffer due to some kind of curse that prevents her from winning gold medals at the Olympics or World Championships. But she's only 25 years old. She still has time.

2. Nika Križnar (21 yo, Slovenia)

Talented as a child, expectional as a teenager, excellent as an adult. Despite young age, Nika already stood out at the Olympics in 2018 when she was 7th. Now she's entering the new winter season as the Crystal Globe defender and one of the favorites for the Olympics medals.

3&4. Sara Marita Kramer and Daniela Iraschko-Stolz (19&37 yo, Austria)

Born in the Netherlands, jumping for Austria, Sara Marita is one of the most talented ski jumpers of the new generation. She was extremaly unlucky last season though - due to the false positive Covid test, she missed the competitons in Romania, which cost her the Crystal Globe. Not to mention that she was two times ranked 4th at the World Championships. At least she won the Blue Bird Tournament at the end of the season and her final jump is also women's longest official ski jump (you can watch it here).

Daniela has been here since forever. She's always been good, she won many trophies, including an Olympic medal, World Championship and the Crystal Globe. She's also an only women to fly over 200 meters (when women were still alowed to jump on the biggest hills, but it is a topic for another long text).

5&6. Katharina Althaus and Carina Vogt (25&29 yo, Germany)

Katharina is currently the best German ski jumper. She won a silver in Pyeongchang and for a few years she's consistently been among the best in the world. However Carina is the first ever women ski jumping Olympic champion - women's ski jumping event in Sochi in 2014 was the first one in history! Carina also won multiple medals at the World Championships, but two years ago she suffered due to an injury, that made her struggle to come back to sport. The good news is that she recently has done her first jumps, so I believe she will do everything she can to go to Beijing.

I also would like to mention Maren Lundby, who is the current Olympic champion, but she withdrew this season and won't defend her title in Beijing. You will probably hear about her a lot during the events.

That's it I guess, I hope that I didn't bore you to death 😅 If you have any more questions, I'd love to help, especially with finding streams for the competitions, which sometimes can be problematic. Anyway, I hope that you will enjoy ski jumping ❤️

[redxblueihateloveyou]

Hey!! 👋🏽😄 I know you said in your last rant about SK8 and Reki and Renga that you were one of those people that always looks up and learns from others, but after your last Langa edit, I just wanted to remind you how immensely talented you are. I might have not seen your first attempts at editing, but I know how it looks like when you're barely starting something, and I'm sure everyone is proud of the progress you've made and many people looks up to you as the level of skill they want to achieve. You're doing amazing! 💖💖💖

Hi, my love!!!!!! ASDFSDFGHG that’s soooo sweet, thank you so much for saying this, it really means the world to me <3 Oh, haha I’ve deleted most of my old videos so it wouldn’t hurt anyone’s eyes lmao T_T I’m still a bit nervous each time I’m uploading my vids to the day to be honest, even with so many subs rn, but at first I really didn’t have any supporters at all and my god I sucked at this, but I guess the love for my fav ships was stronger apparently haha. So I always get silly happy at each nice comment and feedback, so thank you seriously. 

I really love love love vidding, Idk why but when smth comes out the way I wanted it’s a super addictive feeling for some reason, but many times I just looked at the final result and just threw it in the trash and started over and my god how many times SonyVegas crushed and didn’t autosave the project. I’m like Suga now, I’m pressing the save button each 2 minutes, cause don’t want to lose anything xD Being someone’s inspiration is truly an honor to me, I’ve got some messages that hit me too hard. Still feels weird bc I’m like “but do you know that I can’t even use photoshop tho, how do u like me now then?” lol.

I’m always drawn to talented characters, bc they amaze me, esp the humble ones. Like those who hate Haru or Lanaga just buffle me honestly. I understand that they’re pretty and talented and everything, but they’re also the sweetest and loveliest human beings, so like...??? And I adore those who don’t whine and get what they want. I just can’t help it. I’m a strong believer in the fact that "you can do anything if you put your mind to it”. So far it worked in real life so suck it lol.

People are also saying like Langa doesn’t deserve to win this and Haru doesn’t deserve to be in Olympics, like Langa didn’t snowboard since he was 2 and Haru wasn’t swimming every day since he was born. I’m like.. and you need to check in the mirror if your face is a shade of green. BTW I’ve also been in a professional sports for quite a long time since I was a little kid, ballroom dancing and adored it back then, and I did not get jealous at ppl who were talented than me, I was watching the tapes actually with a popcorn. And oh god those large competition events when you sit there for days and give it all, but then you’re like 296 out of 1000. Why was I proud instead of being sad? Idk xD It was fun.

So thanks for liking the vid, cause I even regretted uploading it a bit yesterday. Sadly everyone already knows that we lost this fandom to the middle schoolers being extra, so they do not care for anything each episode except for this ship, so that’s what I got for posting a just Langa vid:

And etc. and that just made me sad, cause I do not like such fandoms, like it’s not even related to the video, that I’ve been making... with love.  Also thanks for the "sama” title, I’m flattered, but editor only wants to vid matchablossom for now, so like there’s no need for any warnings. I’ve been in such horrendoes fandoms, that I’m immune to this. I also in fact didn’t know some keep ruining Langa’s page and saying that he steals Reki’s screen time... cause he’s aparently the only main character...? ...lmao? I didn’t even know Langa can be hated tbh. I wasn’t really ready for all the drama that followed me making a vid about him.

I’ve already deleted some comments, cause I’m like what this even has to do with the vid about Langa? No, I am not obliged to make a vid about Reki, too. What if I post a matchablossom vid, everyone will only start commenting “do renga”, cause fuck your efforts? I’m like... I hate such fanbases, seriously. I do not even know where this is going, but their fans are already pissing me off. I’m still trying hard for this to not affect my point of view about the ship, cause it’d be kinda unfair to them, but its getting harder each week istg.

And I maybe can’t take requests, but I love when some try to get me addicted on their ship with passion and great arguments. It happened to me with some nice ppl. But def not with agression and stupidity haha.

Cause apparently its one of the fandoms where you can’t NOT care for the main ship, even if you accept it for the only possible Langa ship (cause he doesn’t give a shit for anyone else, so like what’s the point), but it doesn’t do anything for you. I’m like... thanks for threatening. This will make me on board ASAP. Like it’s not the epitomy of love to me... I’m sorry? LMAO 

Some anon even sent me a “you’re dense” (literally thats it) ask after that Reki ask. I was tempted to write smth like “oh I’m sorry, this is the most epic love story of my life and his character is the most complex in the world and he’s the best friend and the most inspiring human being that ever hit my screen. can I become undense now? xD”. But you know I do not know if they’d realise the sarcasm and my pride sadly never allowed me to sell my life values for a bunch of 12 years olds to love me lol

My sister always laughs and jokingly says “but you’d probably get much more subs if you made a vid about this or that, but at what price that would be lmao”. Cause yeah, I never could make myself vid smth I do not like, cause I love vidding and do not want it to be associated with things I do not like, plus it’ll most likely turn out ugly, if I do not care. My mom says that she can feel love I put in my shipping vids that’s why she loves them. I really don’t think she’s wrong. But that also kinda makes me an idiot technically, cause I’m not into many of the popular ships, and some popular animes I just find really basic. 

Also I’m like 100% sure it ain’t happening, but even if they miraculously suck each other’s dicks while sitting on a skate board, I can still have the rights not to care at the end. Like did I sign some form where I’m obliged to love each and everyone canon gay ship even if it’s not what I like? Like gay is not the type of love in relationships. You can only care about his ass like Lan Zhan for example or you can only care about your ass. Like that’s different types of relationships, and whatever you like you like. So get all the way of people’s backs, please.

Also do ppl know that you do not need to be blind to the bad sides of the characters in your ships? Or you just gonna be like “I suddenly can’t see” for forever.

So really thanks for such wonderful message and liking the video and for the boosts when I need them and not being an ass to me if I’m not being obsessed with smth, when you like it. (like I think we have different ship in bnha, right? but we’re still doing great tho, thanks for being an angel <3)

I still didn’t expect this becoming a Voltron 2.0. situation tho. We in our twenties see everything differently, I guess. I do get extra about “their love is everywhere”, but I do not get extra by anonymously attacking ppl, threatening creators and yelling “queeerbating psychotic blind assholes if these two aint fucking by the end of the season I’m shaving my head and jumping out of the window and shoot the director. you do not ship it HARD? YOU DUMB FUCK. THAT’S THE BEST LOVE STORY IN THE WORLD”. Like damn, take your blinders off and see the world, kid. Firstly, it’s definitely not, secondly, ppl see love differently in general and at each age too.

Ah, also you must kill Adam, cause he’s a pedo apparently. Like he ain’t even a threat to your ship, unless you’re blind, but they’re still at it, like they do not know that this kind of age difference is literally nothing for an anime? And that there are canon ships with a huger age difference left and right, too. It’s like its their first time approaching an anime or smth. Like in anime world character can literally kill 1000 ppl with his bare hands and bathe in their blood and we can still stan them, depends on their story, ok? Also Langa couldn’t care less for his advances, so like separate Adam from your ship pls. Like, fuck off, if someone is interested in his character. Yeah, he’s a weirdo for reasons, but anime kind of weird do not apply to real life. Stop acting like you’re some purist, when later you’re gonna ship smth else and it suddenly will not apply. Also rules do not apply to animes, everyone knows they do not apply. These are not western cartoons, my god. And 24 years old flirting with 16 year old is defiinitely not the weirdest shit anyone has ever seen in the anime. Chinese BL has characters who were 14 and 30 when they met and happily married. Also FICTION is not life. Literally no one cares. If you’re scared for your saint eyes, do not watch animes, you’re gonna have a heart-attack from what you can see there. Also we’ve seen gayer bromances in animes, who are just bromances, so pls do not shoot anyone if it’s not canon.

So basically I was kinda pissed yersterday, cause fuck them for ruining the tag, but after chatting with my hommies and your ask, I’m okay again, I just have to avoid this fandom and stick to a tight community xD. I just got used to my nice fandoms and forgot for a bit about the precautions you need to take if you’re in one of those. You know. Who make a circus out of lgbt, instead of supporting it, and make other ppl hate being in fandoms.

P.S. sorry for this partially unrelated rant, your messages really always make my heart bloom, so thanks for supporting me, and I know you’re proud of my progress, too <3 and this makes me happy. LY

[cardamomoespeciado]

`` Tokyo Olympics held a year later '' Invisible from the sweet idea `` Yaba too reality ''

4/11 (Sat.) 6:01

Modern business

Can next year's Olympics be realized?

`` Tokyo Olympics held a year later '' Invisible from the sweet idea `` Yaba too reality ''

Photo: Contemporary business

It has been officially decided that the Tokyo Olympics will be postponed from July 23 to August 8 next year.

Until this decision was taken, Prime Minister Abe emphasized "holding", and many said, "I can't hold it any longer so I should postpone it sooner."

[Photo] What to do before the new corona "mask wear"

However, if Prime Minister Abe mentioned "postponement" or "cancellation", it might have been that fortunately that "all responsibility was imposed on Japan".

し I think it is worthwhile to patience until the players groups in major nations request the IOC to postpone the postponement, and to take the timely decision to postpone the postponement at the right time.

For example, acceptance of the luxury cruise ship Diamond Princess. After accepting the ship, which had nowhere to go and was in trouble, he responded with all his might and said, "Not responding," and not only Japan but also old media abroad.

In addition, the heads of state in the United Kingdom, the flag state, and the US, the cruise ship operator, decided to pretend to be aware (although Prime Minister Johnson thanked him a long time ago ...).

Compared to the other countries' response to other cruise ships since then, it is clear that Japan's response was excellent.

The international community is not a group of respectable people. Rather, it can be said that it is less exciting than Japanese society. So far, Japan's response to the Olympic Games issue has been largely correct, but postponing the event next year may cause new problems. There are three important points:

1. Will the epidemic of Wuhan pneumonia end long enough before July 23, 2021? 2. what is not performed outrage that excuse to Xi Jinping state guest visiting the Olympic Games? 3. Will the Tokyo Olympics be the cause of the Wuhan pneumonia re-emergence?

.

Even if only Japan solves the problem ...

First is 1. The situation of Wuhan pneumonia infection in Japan is unpredictable, including the debate on the blockade of Tokyo. However, I think Japan is doing well with the handicap, which was initially delayed by restricting entry from Communist China.

This is because, since ancient times, death has been regarded as `` dirty '' to prevent infection from the corpse, bathing every day (it is commonplace for Japanese, but not in Europe etc.), or when visiting shrines, It can be said that anti-infective measures from ancient times, which can be said to have been engraved in DNA, such as purifying with hand water, were effective. The height of the concept of hygiene among Japanese people is as described in the “New Year's Corona Tragedy,“ I want to scream because of the new corona tragedy ”and“ Hello, Recycling Society ”.

Of course, we can't be careful yet, but considering Japan alone, it is unlikely that the infection will settle before the Olympics.

However, the problem of the Wuhan virus this time can be summed up in that nobody in the world was immune. No one had the immunity, and the infection spread explosively. To make matters worse, there have been reports of cases in which Wuhan pneumonia has recurred in people who had once recovered and gained immunity.

While the facts need to be examined in more detail, some reports that HIV drugs may be effective in Wuhan pneumonia may need to be considered more.

HIV infects T cells (CD4-positive lymphocyte cells), the control tower of the immune system, causing immunodeficiency.

If the "new" (and even more mutated) virus attacks the immune system, like HIV, the symptoms of older people with weakened immune systems can become severe and lead to death It can be understood that there are many cases.

Further research is needed to confirm the facts, but if most people do not have immunity and attack the immune system, it is a rather troublesome virus.

It is impossible to hold if the world's problems are not over

し て も Even if Japan's problems are solved, the Olympics cannot be held only in Japan. Unless the virus epidemic is over in countries around the world, players will not be able to come to Japan.

Looking at infections in countries such as the United States and Europe, it is extremely unlikely that Wuhan pneumonia will be declared dead in most countries around the world well before July 23, next year. It is said that the decision was postponed, so the Olympics must be declared dead at least at the beginning of next year in each country, but that seems unrealistic.

Furthermore, even if the increase in the number of infected people has significantly decreased, the declaration of termination should not be made easily. As mentioned in the aforementioned `` I want to cry because of the new corona tragedy now, 'Society' and 'Recycling Society', '' the Ebola hemorrhagic fever was first confirmed in 1976, and is also said to be a model of the 1995 U.S. movie `` Outbreak '' Did not end to date until now, and re-emergence occurred last year, with WHO marking July as a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)."

Fortunately (unhappy for Africans ...) unlike the Wuhan virus, which was spread around the world by the concealment of the Chinese Communist Party. At present, there is little interest in Japan due to the limited transmission within the African continent. But the United States considers it important to contain it in Africa and spares no help. Still, WHO declared an emergency.

It is difficult to predict how Wuhan Pneumonia, which has become a global pandemic, will re-emerge. Therefore, politicians in each country will be hesitant to announce such an end-of-life statement. If the epidemic reappears after the declaration of end, political life will be cut off.

Furthermore, even if the virus epidemic subsides in each country, travel restrictions and immigration restrictions should continue for a long time, as the influx of foreigners will be nervous.

If the movement of international people remains severely restricted, hosting the Olympics is impractical.

Xi Jinping state guest problem?

2 is a problem that because of the Olympics is "Xi Jinping's state guest visit to Japan" is Mushikaesa. Xi Jinping said, the first time visited the Wuhan City after the Wuhan pneumonia epidemic on March 10, in the country a lot of citizens are combined in a terrible eyes and put out the (mouth in my mind and "I came what was by now." Shouted)

However, such behavior of the Chinese people does not exist, remarks similar to the declaration of end have been repeated, and it is presumed that preaching to Europe and other countries where damage is expanding is `` sloppy ''. .

On the other hand, it is natural that the United States, which had been angry at the violation of the human rights by the Chinese Communist Party in Uyghur and Tibet, was angry as "Omayu remarks". The fact that Secretary of State Mike Ponzeo emphasized on the official occasion that "this is just 'Wuhan virus'" is also an assertion to clarify "fire liability." "I'm pretending to be a fireman, but now I'm pretending to be a fireman," said young Asian research scholar Michael Sobolik.

Sobolik's words seem radical to Japanese, but despite the unanimity of human rights bills against China that are successively passed by the U.S. Congress, `` Communist China is the enemy of mankind. '' Is a common perception of the American people.

中 で In such a four-sided song, Japan, where the Diet, bureaucrats, government offices and even the old media are dominated by middle-aged people, is Japan's last stronghold.

Xi Jinping's visit to Japan is supposed to be postponed to the autumn, but this is a "gracious refuse" If the Japanese sense. However, it is possible that China, which has been abandoned by developed countries around the world, aside from gold-powered nations, is forcing to say, "It was autumn."

Xi Jinping state guest invitation "Wuhan pneumonia termination, the fire source responsibility exemption" for Mr.'s best chance of appeal. If we welcome the "enemy of humanity" just because the Olympics are scheduled for next year, Japan could be shut out from all over the world.

Will the Olympics trigger a tragedy?

If you are lucky enough to have all the conditions and you can start the event on July 23 next year, be careful. Problem three.

た Although the danger of a re-epidemic has already been mentioned, there is a good chance that Wuhan pneumonia will re-emerge due to the gathering of people from around the world at the Tokyo Olympics.

Even if Japan strives for world peace and organizes the Olympics, if the pandemic occurs again as a result, the world will be blamed forever.

One of the diamond princesses mentioned at the beginning is symbolic. It is safer to think that international public opinion is the shit of selfish people.

Of course, as already mentioned, if you postpone rescheduling or cancellation from Japan, all responsibility will be imposed, so it is necessary to wait for the rise of international public opinion and make difficult things such as making suggestions from players and other related parties.

The first Tokyo Olympics were actually scheduled to take place in 1940 (September 21 to October 6). The next Olympics is the third time since the Tokyo Olympics, which ended in a vision due to World War II, but will it end in a vision again?

Japan and the world experienced the war until 1945 after the 1940 Olympics were canceled. However, whether or not the Olympics were canceled (or rather held) ... I feel like I will be in a harsh environment for about a year.

Although it is a coincidence, it seems scary for the Tokyo Olympics to become a keyword again.

The Wuhan Pneumonia Shock is not just a financial crisis like the Lehman Shock, and I agree with Hiroshi Arichi, the representative of the Institute for Human Economics Sciences, where I am the executing partner (`` The new Corona Shock is the Lehman Shock. However, when talking about the future of Japan and society, "dramatic changes in the economic and social structure itself" should be taken into account.

Personally, even the hosting of the Paris Olympics in 2024 and the Osaka Expo in 2025 is at stake.

[shslshortie]

Okay I'm going to make a post because I can't deal with everything that got asked/shat out my way

I am sorry for this rant, but I am legit ready to leave tumblr again. Like I forgot why I hated it so much, but lord is this an unhealthy environment for so many reasons. Mainly, because of discourse/call out culture. And I'm obviously not talking about being "PC" or anything, but just being an all around mean spirited person if anyone says anything that either 1) doesn't agree with you/your views/your fandom, 2) if anything is even slightly false or not entirely fact-checked, or 3) goes against most popular opinions without writing an entire graduate-level thesis about why you believe your opinion/view/observation is valid. Like if you want to complain or voice an opinion about anything, or even joke about something that you think is funny, you could very likely almost immediately be called out or even be sent WAVES of hate that usually is completely undeserved. Especially since people are hiding behind a screen of anonymity or at least behind an online persona, they don't think about the person on the receiving end of it. They don't think how their mean spirited comments or backlash could effect them mentally, and they don't even stop to think what else could be going on in their lives. Yesterday, (was it yesterday? I think it was yesterday, but GOD was it a long fucking day if it was) I made some posts after recapping through the Rost. Cup after I watched each medalist's short and long, as well as all the US skaters, big names, and for the men and ladies, almost all 11 skaters honestly. I love figure skating, and NO, unlike a lot of people wrongfully assumed, am not a part of the "fandom" and did not get into it because of YOI. Was a passion reignited from like a barbeque level flame to a bonfire with YOI's help? Yes. But would it probably have gone to a similar level with the Olympic season going into full swing? Highly likely. But anyways, I made some posts because I wanted to voice some observations, complaints, and things I thought were funny because tumblr is the only place I ever really rant/voice theories/talk about a lot of my interests, since I don't have any irl friends who are interested in almost half of the things I am. So, tumblr is usually the place that I dump these feelings/thoughts. Sure, one of them was a little off-color, and posted without thinking, but after about an hour (and like 3-4 replies I think), I looked back on it, and realized it didn't need to be posted out there, even if I didn't mean it to be mean. Does this mean I owed every single person who "called me out" for being uninformed, or for being mean, or for being whatever the hell I am a reply? No. Did I know that some things were answered over Twitter, or weibo (sp?) or Reddit, or whatever other gd social media that I don't use? No. Does that man I am uniformed and spreading lies or whatever? I don't think so, and that doesn't make me a fucking villain. I also deleted it, because I realized I was wrong. End of story, part 1. But then, the figure skating fandom found some of my posts/commentary/rants. (god forbid they somehow find this and attack me ALL OVER AGAIN, except for y'all that were part of this whole issue. I hope y'all see this, because it's not like I blocked you. Except for one tumblr user who blocked me because of my post? Like you do you, except don't reblog my post and block me so I can't see what you said, presumably about how I am a terrible person). And apparently 1) if you insult/don't like/say Y***** H**** didn't do his best/were disappointed in him, or if you like the person who won over him more... Then you deserve to die. And 2) if you even make a post about YOI or other anime, you are a fake fan who knows nothing. And 3) even mirroring almost the exact words of sports (specifically figure skating) commentators in your posts means nothing? Like it OBVIOUSLY means that you are making up bullshit to hate on skaters that are popular and are misinformed, right??? Or if you say one thing that was similar to an APPARENTLY problematic broadcast group, that nothing (including any commentary from official other broadcasts, because GUESS WHAT: it's hard to find recordings of all of the programs and exhibitions with English commentary, and there are usually 3-4 networks that have it, and SO MANY people upload different ones to YouTube) else you say matters or has any merit. I haven't even read all of the hate mail and submissions I received from this debacle. My mental health can't take it. I literally woke up for school the next morning, saw my notifications and couldn't get myself to stop crying from the anger/upsetness/trauma/depressed thoughts that bubbled up with all of it, and I couldn't even get myself to go to class because I was so shaken. Like visibly, physically shaken, to the point where I couldn't think straight and I literally had tremors from how upset and unstable it made me feel. Tumblr should be a place where I can voice my opinion on something I am passionate about without all this hate. I literally have no other place. Right now, irl, I got dragged into drama (not mine, I swear, I was just a witness and got pulled into the mess) with my honor society, and the girl who started it all is trying to pit the entire organization against me. I can't post anything on my finsta, and God forbid I even tried to post anything in Facebook. (Not like I would). I am already in a very dark place mentally and emotionally because of the trauma this is putting me through, and how unwanted, useless and disgusting everybody is making me feel. I shouldn't be getting that from strangers who just decided to make my life even more miserable on top of it. Legitimately, out of the 30-40 comments/asks/replies/submissions I recieved, only one person even tried to realize where I was coming from or to educate me on what I had done wrong or missed in my analysis. But some of their wording just mirrored all the hate l had recieved, or even other things I had been told in real life that just made me cry even harder and I still can't bring myself to reply to even the person who was civil. My one big point to anyone who sees this is (besides don't be a dick/cyber bully/create and stir up unnecessary discourse) is don't assume that people don't know what they're talking about? Or don't assume that they are fake fans? And don't make people spell every letter of their opinion out for you in a 12 page thesis if it doesn't comply with the tumblr norm. Cuz here are some fun facts about me that I don't normally publicize / post about on tumblr: Yes, I am an anime fan, but Jesus Christ I love/am a huge fan of WAY more than I am in the fandom for. I am honestly only in like 4-5 anime fandoms. Same thing goes for other things I like, such as Harry Potter or marvel. I can like things, A LOT, and be passionate about them without being in the fandom. That doesn't mean I don't like it or I'm not knowledgable on the subject. That doesn't mean that I am an idiot for not knowing a fact/opinion/theory that has made its way around the fandom, that I'm not a part of. YES, I am a HUGE SPORTS FAN. It was legitimately also my fucking career (as a sports reporter/journalist/broadcaster). Do I post on tumblr about Baseball or Football or Hockey? Almost never. Does that make me any less of a fan, or does that make me any less knowledgeable about teams and rules? No. Does that mean that I didn't play/participate in almost every sport growing up? (baseball for 6 years, I still play Intermural football, tennis for 3 years, volleyball for 4, soccer for 1, swimming for like 5 years, I tried track, even karate and some other random stuff.) YES, I AM FUCKING KNOWLEDGABLE ABOUT PERFORMANCE SPORTS. I have participated/competed/trained/still watch almost every kind of performance sport. Of course color guard and marching band has been the longest, and the thing I was best at (7 years), but I grew up doing all kinds of dance and I still do lots of dance, as well as TONS of my own choreography. I've done baton and cheer for about 1-2 years each too. I did gymnastics for 4 years — was I very good? hell no. But do I know about it and appreciate it? Yes. SAME THING GOES FOR FIGURE SKATING. I only had like half a years worth of lessons, and like 3 routines that I ever finished and performed with figure skating, but that is because it is an expensive af sport, and I had way more activities and sports that I was better at, more passionate about learning, and were more accessible. BUT did I grow up going to figure skating shows like Disney on Ice or Stars on ice? Did that stop me from waiting in line for hours to get Michelle Kwan and other famous figure skaters autographs? No. Did that stop me from watching almost every single minute of the 2014 and 2010 Olympics? No. Do I still remember watching parts of the 2006 Olympics with my parents and absolutely being ENTHRALLED and wanting to do that too? YES. I still remember watching the 2014 Olympics from my aunt's house when I was staying on a cot in her living room because my mother was in the hospital and CRYING when I saw Y* H* perform, break world records, and win the gold. It was a sense of normalcy and awe because everything else going wrong in my life didn't matter while I was watching these amazing athletes perform. And GUESS WHAT, since I'm not really a part of the Figure Skating fandom (just like I'm not in the musical theatre fandom, or in anything regards to hair or makeup) I don't post about my own hype or plans regarding how excited I am for things to come out. So nobody here on tumblr, or almost ANYONE knew how excited I was for this upcoming Grand Prix season for the first actual competition of the Olympic season. I watched almost every challenger series video, as well as the autumn winter classic and competitions of the like. Even the JGPF events in anticipation. But guess what: I literally have a note on my phone that has all of Team USA's competition schedules, and their scores that they have gotten so far (like at the COR), along with a list of my favorite international skaters, and other new skaters to watch. I was so hype, so excited, and I thought that maybe, since figure skating had boomed in popularity, thanks in part to YOI (but also, helped people be more vocal and open about how much they love the sport even if ex already did) I would be able to discuss the excitement with other people. But no. Instead of being able to say "omg I'm so excited for blah blah blah, I hope they make the Olympic team. But I also love this show concept and this other persons costume, and you also can't count out blah blah blah" and being civil with conversation among other fans... They instead will say " wow you like blah blah blah? But you said this about them, and that offends me so you're wrong, and you forgot this tiny detail from 3 years ago, and you like anime so you OBVIOUSLY only care about figure skating because of YOI. Take your bandwagon fan bullshit away from me and go kill yourself". So now, I am staying the fuck away from the figure skating fandom, I've literally left half of my choreography untouched for almost 2-3 months, don't want to read/finish any of my YOI fanfics, and will probably even have a hard time watching Skate Can this weekend (even though like 6 of my favorite skaters are competing, and I was so excited before). Guess I'll just have to annoy my snapchat friends with videos of skating and me screaming because of skating. Fuck you tumblr, and I doubt I'll make any more original posts outside of APO planning and reblogs in the foreseeable future,

[christhebarker]

Twenty bloody years

Today HR informed me it was my 20th anniversary at my company so in a slightly self-indulgent post here's ten random things from twenty random years. I intended to do twenty but I think it's long enough really.

1 Talent spotting

Standing at the light box looking at transparencies through a loop I spotted a star. It was my first week at Classic FM magazine and that girl was the young Katherine Jenkins making one of her first PR appearances backstage at the classical Brit awards. I demanded to do a cover shoot with her. She was incredibly beautiful and totally charming in real life. Over the three years I worked on that mag I photographed her on numerous occasions , upping the ante every time; borrowing a million dollars worth of diamonds, an Aston Martin DB5 and ultimately a palace for each successive shoot. Over that time I saw her evolve from a little girl, green around the gills into a bona fide diva - never heard her sing though. It was never about that for me. She clearly had star quality. 

2 Tunnel vision

I art directed the McLaren in house magazine for a while. It wasn't a comfortable job - the tobacco advertising ban was coming through at the time and the marketing team were all over everything - so it's quite fitting that that my most memorable experience was pretty uncomfortable too. I had an idea for a cover shoot that I'd never seen done before. For the Monaco issue I wanted a front on close up of coulthard in his car heading for the tunnel with it reflected in his visor. Amazingly they allowed me to borrow his MP4-16, overalls and helmet, but not the man himself. So, being fairly small (DC is tiny) it fell to me to be his body double. Those cars are cramped. I sat for an hour in that tiny cockpit, moulded to his girl-like hips and I could barely walk afterwards. And the visibility, Christ they must get claustrophobic in those things. The rear view mirror was about the size of a cigarette lighter. Makes you realise it does take some balls to go at that speed in those things. 

3 Olympic vision

It's very rare in any non-performing profession to see people enjoying your work in its natural environment but London 2012 provided me with that, among many other unbelievable, opportunities. I had the chance to witness Mo Farah's historic 5000m win at the London Olympic stadium and see Bolt win gold too to boot. But the take home for me was witnessing 100s of people - in the grounds, in the stadium, on the train home - consuming and enjoying my work on the Official Olympic Daily Programmes. You never get that opportunity in publishing, and to top it off there was also televised praise from John Inverdale and Claire Balding on the BBC. And Lord Heseltine told me it was the best thing we had ever published when he came in to the office. A real morale booster at that point when spirits were starting to flag in the middle of sixteen solid days of 6am-9pm (then a break, then the Paralympics too).

4 The royal wee

Sometimes it's easy to take it for granted. The intimate moments with incredible people. I remember turning to the PR as we were sitting in on a rehearsal by the Ballet Rambert as they were perfecting some superhuman feat I couldn't possibly imagine doing and saying "We've seen some things haven't we" and laughing about it. I've witnessed personal performances for me and a photographer alone from some of the greatest classical musicians alive Julian Lloyd Weber running through Bach's cello concerto in his kitchen, James Galway toddling away at something he was learning, but my favourite anecdote is probably when me and Sting took it in turns to sneak into the Queen's private toilet in the royal opera house for a piss. "Well if you're doing it I'm gonna go as well" he said. 

5 Sheffield steel

I accidentally touched Jessica Ennis's backside while adjusting a Union Jack draped around her in a Sheffield steel mill. Which is quite appropriate seeing as they are buns of steel. It was like I'd bashed into a wall, not a person. It was a complete accident and I don't think she noticed but it was quite memorable. Even though at the time I didn't really know who she was, same with Mo a week earlier, who I shot in the world's oldest wind tunnel at the National Physical Laboratory just down the road from my house. No idea who he was at the time. We chatted about a mate he may have worked with at McDonald's I believe. 

6 Have I got awards for you

I've been fortunate enough to win a few awards over the years. We won PPA publication of the year for the Olympics work, my most high profile win was BSME art director of the year earlier this year for Work. magazine but my favourite win was the second of my back-to-back cover of the year awards voted for by a room of my peers on the night. Anyone can win something once with a fluke, but to do it twice was pretty special. It means you must know what you're doing. But what made the Brexit cover win extra special for me was that when I went up to receive it I spotted Ian Hislop, a bit of a hero of mine, sitting in the front row giving me a thumbs up. I got to chat to him after in the green room and I told him I thought he was the best thing about Britain today. 

7 Trouble in Tuscany

There's been a bit of travel over the years. In the early days we would fly out to Germany to show proofs to BMW and Mercedes. Unimaginable now what with PDFs, emails, Skype and minuscule budgets. I photographed a sprinter in Florida, a hurdler in Ostrava... but the most memorable trip was to photograph tenor Andrea Bocelli at his home just outside Pisa. Memorable because it was such a disaster. As you may know he is blind, and his English isn't brilliant so communication was a problem. And the fact that to ease his obvious discomfort with the whole situation he insisted on using props. He left the room and came back in with a trumpet for example, which he insisted on holding in shot for every frame. Then just as we were getting underway someone started cooking pasta in his kitchen and the smell made him wander off. We didn't know if it was over or if he was coming back. Eventually he did and we got a few extra frames without the trumpet but it was such a bad day that when we left and the photographer put a light stand through the hire car's rear light I was like "yeah, that's about right". 

8 High anxiety

Borrowed a helicopter for a shoot once. That was bloody terrifying. Never been in one before. If you've never done it, it's like being in a transit van in the air and whenever they want to turn or move in any way it kind of lurches. You feel like the pilot is only slightly in control and gravity is the real driver. I kept my head down and looked at the pictures as they came in on the laptop, pretending I wasn't there in the end. 

9 Roger that

Seeing a genuine sporting legend at the top of his game is incredible. None of the other sporting events I've been present for in a work capacity - Grands Prix, UEFA Cup Finals, England test cricket - quite match up to seeing Roger Federer take on Andy Murray from the front row at the O2. Before the match I'd been looking forward to seeing Murray's trademark smashes but seeing Federer caress the ball and think five strokes ahead from such close quarters converted me to the tennis legend I had previously thought was a bit boring. 

10 Mercury prizing

As far as I can tell I was responsible for Gomez winning the Mercury Music Prize in 1998. Which is weird because they were up against Pulp and I love Pulp. I was sitting on a table with the MD of Technics - I think, it's all a bit of a blur to be honest - at the awards ceremony and he was really interested in my opinion on who I thought should win. This was just after Gomez had done a storming rendition of Whipping Piccadilly and I think it probably swayed me. So when he disappeared for a bit then came back and told me he'd put his vote in for my favourite I didn't have the heart to say I'd changed my mind and thought Pulp should win. It was a very close run thing as well apparently. Sorry Jarvis.

[avghisms]

All of them please!! I'm curious OTL

gee well fine 1. If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? go out with friends or paint maybe lol2. What is your favorite piece of clothing you own / owned? i luv this lil black dress my ex gf gave to me!! 3. What hobby would you pick up if time & money weren't an issue? idk something creative tho like candle making 4. What does your perfect room look like? VERY PINK AND VERY CUTE 5. How often do you play sports? I dont!! im too lazy!! 6. What fictional place would you like to visit? Idk 7. What job would you be terrible at? probably customer service which i was terrible at 8. When was the last time you climbed a tree?probably like last week hahaa 9. If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance of winning a medal for? being cute 10. What is the most annoying habit that you or other people have? i bite my nails when im anxious but i also hate loud breathing :// 11. What job do you think you'd be really good at? nursing or counselling!! 12. What skill would you like to master? writing or something 13. What would be the most amazing adventure to go on? travelling to somewhere really sunny with my friends ❤14. If you had unlimited funds to build a house to live on for the rest of your life, what would the finished house look like? kinda petite bungalow with a big porch and on a beach!! 15. What's your favorite drink? black coffee cold water B))) 16. What state or country do you never want to go back to? belfast.... 17. What songs do you have completely memorized? a lot 18. What game or movie universe would you like to live in? n/a life is good enough 19. What do you consider to be your best find?matthew mcdonnell cus hes a saint 20. Are you usually early or late? early! 21. What pets did you have when you were growing up? an evil cat and a hamster 22. When people come to you for help, what do they usually need help with? just their emotions i guess or for a line of reasoning/second opinion 23. What takes up too much of your time? sleeping ahh24. What do you wish you knew more about? people 25. What would be your first question after waking up from being frozen for 100 years? where them gay girls at 26. What are some small things that make your day better? my friends nd my cat :')) 27. Who's your go-to band or artist when you don't know who or what to listen to? hayley kiyoko/mystery skulls28. What's the best way to start the day? black coffee and a cigarette29. What TV shows do you like? not many at all :0 30. What TV channel doesn't exist but really should? anna channel 31. Who has impressed you most with what they've accomplished? my mama and my best friend 32. What age do you wish you could stay at permanently? 16 tbh33. What TV show or movie do you refuse to watch? noneee ahh 34. What's your ideal way to spend a weekend? going on a trip w my friends to the beach!!! 35. What is something that is considered a luxury, but you don't think you could live without? gourmet coffee 36. What is your claim to fame? when i turned 16 i became a lot more open minded and forgiving. with a lot more empathy and willingness to see beauty in everything. positive vibeeeesss. 37. What is something you enjoy doing the old-fashioned way? essays even tho i get wankers cramp 38. What's your favorite book or movie genre? i like rom coms 39. How often do you people-watch? idk what that means but sometimes i see pretty people and im happy 40. What have you only recently formed an opinion about? my lifeee 41. What's the best day of the year? all day every day in july 42. What subject interests you that not many people have heard of? occultism 43. How do you relax after a long day of work? napping 44. What's the best book series or TV series you've ever read or watched? jane the virgin 45. Where is the farthest you've ever been from home? france!! 46. What's the most heartwarming thing you've ever seen? forgiveness and reconciliation. compromise. 47. What is the most annoying question people ask you? "who do you have a crush on?" "Will you meet this guy?" 48. What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with no preparation? psychology or biology 49. If you were the dictator on a small island nation, what crazy dictator stuff would you do? create a beautiful eutopiaaaa 50. What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives? reflect 51. Would you rather go hand gliding or whitewater rafting? hand gliding 52. What's your dream car? a pink one 53. What's worth spending more on to get the best? makeup 54. What is something a ton of people are obsessed with, but you just don't get? IDK DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS 55. What are you most looking forward to in the next 10 years? travelling a lot more !! meeting new friends 56. Where is the most interesting place you've been? île de adam 57. What's something you've been meaning to try but haven't gotten around to it? art work 58. What is the best thing that happened to you last week? free coffee 59. What piece of entertainment do you wish you could erase from your mind, only to experience it for the first time again? Steven universe omg 60. If all jobs had the same pay rate and hours, what job would you want to have? hair dresser 61. What amazing thing have you done that no one was around to see? idk... 62. How different was your life 1 year ago? it was extremely different, i was extremely different. it was kinda hellish and im glad im so different now. 63. What quirks do you have? always drinking coffee n being weirdly generous 64. What would you rate 10/10? hayley kiyoko 65. What fad or trend do you think should come back? baggy jeans 66. What is the most interesting piece of art you've seen? me 67. What kind of art do you enjoy most? dark abstract 68. What do you hope never changes? me 69. What city would you most like to live in? bordeaux70. What movie title best describes your life? love, actually 71. Why did you decide to do the work you are doing now? i don't work am lazyyy 72. What's the best way a person can spend their time? being kind 73. If you suddenly became a master at woodworking, what would you make? a pipe74. Where is the most relaxing place you've ever been? bed or beach 75. What's the luckiest thing that has ever happened to you? winning the lotto 76. Where would you rather be from? france77. What are some things you've had to unlearn? self-hatred, loathing and accepting abuse. i had to unlearn a lot. 78. What do you look forward to in the next 6 months? swedennn w my love 79. What website do you visit most often? www.google.com 80. What one thing do you really want but can't afford? break stuff 81. Where do you usually go when you have free time? the park or someones house lol 82. Where would you spend all your time if you could? a beach 83. What's special about the place you grew up? absolutely nothing 84. What age do you want to live to? 60 85. What are you most likely to become famous for? cult leader 86. What are you absolutely determined to do? to be the best person i can be and to be positive!! 87. What is the most impressive thing you know how to do? understand most things. 88. What do you wish you knew more about? the world. 89. What question would you most like to know the answer to? why did you lie? why did you treat me so horribly and yet retained a complete victim complex? What happened to make you so fucking monstrous? What put you out of your way to humilate me worse than anyones ever done before, all the while pretending you cared? 90. What question can you ask to find out the most about a person? why are we here? 91. When was the last time you changed your opinion or belief about something major? recently, everything changes! 92. What's the best compliment you've ever received? too many heck "you have taught me so much" "you have a beautiful soul" "you're angelic to me" (all platonic btw romance is bullshit) 93. As the only human left on earth, what would you do? try to survive. Befriend animals! 94. Who inspires you to be better? my mom and JESUS 95. What do you want your epitaph to be? honest 96. What haven't you grown out of? some grudges 97. In what situation or place would you feel most out of place in? at a dinner table 98. What's the dumbest thing you've done that actually turned out pretty well? trying to make friends 99. If someone wrote a book on an event in your life, what would the book be about? probably transformation 100. What's something you will never do again? trust so openly 101. How do you hope you'll change as a person in the future? i don't. I think im good now. 102. What keeps you up at night? the possibilities!! of life! 103. What's the most surprising self-realization you've had? i deserve better 104. What is the most illegal thing you've ever done? driving w/o license 105. How do you get in the way of your own success? laziness 106. What are you afraid people see when they look at you? im dont generally care about what other people think of meee... 107. What is your biggest regret? Making the wrong decision and losing something that could've been great.. 108. What do you look down on people for?being indirect and bitchy 109. What bridges do you not regret burning?there have been a lot of abusive people who im so glad ive been able to get rid of bc they were like poison. 110. What lie do you tell most often? "i only had like 4 beers" 111. What would be your spirit animal? a cat lol112. What is the best & worst thing about getting older? learning aand experiencing is the best but moving on is the worst 113. What are you most likely very wrong about? politics 114. If you had a personal flag, what would be on it? pink 115. What's happened that changed your view on the world? uhh generally being loved and appreciated for who i REALLY am and therefore being able to become a good person with good people surrounding me 116. What is the biggest lesson you've learned? trust no one. 117. What is the most immature thing you do? get rly drunk nd become all rude n dumb 118. What are you famous for among your friends & family? giving advice and support 119. If your childhood had a smell, what would it be? rotting human flesh 120. What one responsibility do you wish you didn't have? always being the bigger person or trying to. 121. What are 3 things you want to accomplish before you die? a real relationship a baby and a good job! 122. What do you want to tell your 10-year-old self? trust no one. no one in ur life is gonna keep ur trust except ur mom n Matthew. 123. What's the best thing you got from your parents? love uwu 124. What's the best thing about you? seeing tje beauty in everything 125. What blows your mind? life in itself 126. Have you ever saved someone's life? yes 127. What are you really good at but embarrassed to be good at? writing ehehe 128. What would a mirror opposite of you look like? like me? long dark brown hair on a short girl wearing a pink hoody n black jeans?? 129. What are 3 interesting facts about you?im left handed, im psychic and im strong owo130. Which of your scars has the best story behind it? the big fucking gash on my right leg 131. What's the title of the current chapter in your life? happiness is....... 132. What were some of the biggest turning points in your life? september 4th 2016 133. What's the hardest lesson you've learned? dont trust him 134. What do people think is weird about you?im always confused 135. What mistake do you keep making? USIMG CUPS AS ASHTRAYS 136. What have you created that you're most proud of? A LOT OF PAINTINGS 137. What do you doubt? that people are truly sorry.138. What are some of your morals? always be honest w those u trust, give everyone a chance, dont judge, forgive with ur heart. 139. What do you want to be remembered for?loving and being loved 140. What do you regret not doing in your childhood years?n/a 141. What is your favorite fragrance? jasmine anr roses and ylang ylang aaa142. What do you think your last words will be?noo letsnnot 143. Who or what do you take for granted?my schoool144. Why would you be annoying as a roommate?eat a LOT 145. What is something you're insecure about? IM NOT yay 146. What's the best & worst piece of advice you've received? best: never be ashamed. worst: drink green tea to cure epilepsy 147. What irrational fears do you have? being alone, 148. What makes a good life? love 149. What's the last adventure you went on? idk man 150. What is the most memorable gift you've received? my granpas snuff tin 💖