succession is simultaneously a:

shakespearean tragedy

postmodern tragicomedy

drama about dysfunctional families and cycles of abuse/trauma

comedy about the absurdity of the ultra wealthy

surreal circus of repressed queerness

political critique of the toxicity of late-stage capitalism

trying to pinpoint exactly what kind of show it is feels impossible, and that's what makes it good – you can rewatch it and experience it from a different lens each and every time and i love it for that

Voulez-Vous? - part ii

Mencken's ego takes a hit when Harriet's eye wanders to the newly elected French president. In response, he engineers a grand state dinner, turning diplomatic affairs into a battlefield of jealousy.

part i

part of the "before there's hell to pay" universe: part i - part ii - part iii

pairing: jeryd mencken x original female character. 4k

warnings: affairs, unhealthy relationships, dubious morality, explicit language, age difference, smut, religious imagery & symbolism, unprotected sex, pov first person, the french

Read on AO3

ATN Breaking News: President Mencken to Host French President Reynaud in Historic State Visit

WASHINGTON — The White House announced on Monday that it would host President Marcel Reynaud of France and his mother and acting First Lady, Brigitte Sadier, in December in the first state visit of President Mencken’s administration. This marks a significant diplomatic move, bringing together leaders with differing political ideologies. The event is poised to shape the narrative around international relations, with both leaders expected to discuss a range of global matters.

Vera Schultz, the White House press secretary, highlighted the unprecedented nature of the visit. "This state visit reflects President Mencken's commitment to engaging with leaders across the political spectrum, fostering open dialogue despite ideological differences.”

While specific information about the agenda remains undisclosed, the visit is expected to cover various topics of global importance. Observers anticipate discussions on diplomatic cooperation, international crises, and potential areas of collaboration between the United States and France.

As the world eagerly awaits further details, this historic state visit has already sparked intrigue and speculation. It represents a departure from conventional diplomatic norms and underscores President Mencken's approach to engaging with leaders whose political perspectives diverge from his own.

_____________________________________________________________

When news of President Reynaud's impending visit made headlines, the gears of the Mencken administration started turning to prepare for this diplomatic spectacle. The announcement, strategically made in late August, granted us a three-month window to navigate the intricacies of hosting the French president.

Fresh off my Italian adventure, I wasted no time informing Tom that I would resume my role as the chief liaison between ATN and the White House, effectively taking on the responsibilities of a press secretary in all but name. The coordination of the media team became my domain, ensuring that the narrative surrounding Mencken was meticulously crafted. 

"Glad to have you back, Harriet," Tom greeted me.

"Cut the shit, Tom. You knew exactly what I was getting myself into."

"Yeah, well, you too. Or better said, what you let Mencken get into when you let him stick it in you. I mean, my God, it's so high school—the popular guy finally seeing the weirdo girl for who she is, and, well, you know the rest. Well, not really, because trust me this does not end with him taking you to prom.”

“But it does end with the rich girl happy with the nerd?” I replied, knowing exactly where to salt the wound.

“Ouch, harsh!” Tom chuckled, acknowledging the sting of my retort. "Alright, you've made your point. But you can't deny you're relishing every moment of this."

“You got me there, Tom Tom. And for the record, I don't need a running commentary on my personal life.”

Tom leaned back in his chair, his gaze locked onto mine. "True, true. Apologies for the friendly banter. But seriously, Harriet, you're handling this like a pro. It's almost... admirable. I’m glad you put your big girlboss shoes on. Keep it up, and keep Herr Fuhrer happy. Maybe soon enough, you’ll be making the calls in the White House."

I arched an eyebrow, intrigued by his cryptic remark. "Are you offering relationship advice now, Tom?"

His lips curled into a knowing smile. "Perhaps, in my own peculiar way."

I couldn't help but glance at the framed photograph on his desk. It showed him, Shiv, and a baby girl with a head of dark hair. I hadn't asked about Logan before, knowing it was a topic best avoided. But now, with the picture in front of me, curiosity got the better of me.

I nodded towards the photograph. "Logan, huh? That's an interesting choice. Must have some deep meaning, right? Daddy issues, perhaps?"

Tom chuckled, his voice tinged with amusement. "You could say that. It's a family name. Shiv picked it." Of course, she did.

I couldn't resist a playful jab. "Well, let's just hope little Logan doesn't need too much therapy when she's older.”

Tom laughed and added, "Ah, therapy. It's practically a family tradition at this point."

Tom leaned back in his chair, his gaze locked onto mine. "Circling back to the main point of this meeting… Do we have you back one-hundred percent? No more pussyfooting? You're brilliant at what you do, and having you closer to the action, well, it could benefit us all."

A subtle, knowing smile played at the corners of my lips as I added, "In more ways than one, perhaps." Finally, I nodded, a determined glint in my eyes. “Yes, Tom. I'm in."

_____________________________________________________________

In the following weeks, as the anticipation for the historic state visit grew, my days were a whirlwind of meetings, strategy sessions, and keeping the ATN team aligned with the White House agenda. The city buzzed with excitement, speculation, and an air of preparation for an event that promised to be a departure from the usual diplomatic routine. We needed this to be perfect, not just to avoid any potential diplomatic hiccups, but to not tick off Mencken’s fickle temper. It was during one of those hectic afternoons that a text message popped up on my phone, disrupting the chaotic rhythm.

M: “So Frenchie’s First Lady is his mom… mommy issues much?🤱🏼”

H: “Be glad for those types of issues, they are the reason why I’m fucking you in the first place 👨🏻🦳”

This tidbit of information made me curious enough to kill the little free I had and go into a Google fuelled rabbit hole. In my deep dive into Marcel Reynaud's life, I uncovered the juicy details that make him more than just a politician. A divorced bachelor who embraced fatherhood at 26 with a fellow activist, he quickly realized that the institution of marriage wasn't his cup of tea. Unlike some people I know, he managed to navigate a divorce amicably and is currently co-parenting a fifteen-year-old boy, Pascal.

But what intrigued me more was the unconventional First Lady setup. Marcel's mother, Brigitte Sadier, a feminist activist and a signer of the Manifesto of the 343, plays the role of his First Lady (Mencken would have a field day with that fact “ Hey, she’s part of your club Mrs. Abortion” ). It seems like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and the Reynaud family has a penchant for shaking up norms.  

The more I read about him, I could feel a warmth spreading in my chest, a little bit of affection if you will. Everything that Marcel Reynaud represented was the complete and total opposite of Mencken. The stark contrast fascinated me, and I couldn't help but acknowledge a growing sense of affection for the French president. It was a sentiment that danced on the edges of my consciousness, like an unexpected guest at a well-planned party.

As I delved further into Marcel's life, the nuances of his character painted a different picture—one that stood in stark juxtaposition to Mencken's brashness and often self-centered demeanor. The warmth spreading in my chest wasn't just from the interesting tidbits of his personal life; it was a response to the realization that, in Marcel, there existed a leader who embodied a different kind of strength.

If there's one thing I'm consistent about, it's my ability to be inconsistent. The unpredictable currents of my emotions seemed to be steering me in uncharted waters, like an unmoored ship. I reached for my phone and found myself dialing my White House contact.

“Hey, June? How are you? That’s good. Look, can you do me a favor? Set up a dinner in the agenda for me and Marcel, I want to explain to him all the key details and prepare him for the President. I don’t want him to be caught off guard. Yeah, yeah, make it discreet. Maybe a small gathering at one of those quaint French restaurants. No, nothing official—just a casual dinner. I'm sure Mencken won't mind; he's got his own affairs to attend to. Great, thanks, June."

As I hung up, I couldn't help but wonder about the path I was treading. It wasn't just the professional interest anymore; there was a personal curiosity, a desire to understand the man behind the political persona. My thoughts swirled like leaves caught in a gentle breeze, and I found myself questioning the nature of this newfound fascination.

My mind wandered briefly to Mencken's potential reaction. I could almost hear his gruff voice in my head, questioning the motives behind this seemingly casual dinner. It wasn't that Mencken disapproved of diplomacy; it was the clandestine nature of the gathering that might not sit well with his penchant for control.

A few hours later, as I navigated the White House halls, I found myself face-to-face with Mencken, who was deep in conversation with his assistant. The stern furrow on his brow momentarily softened as he glanced in my direction before returning to his usual mean stare.

"Harriet," Mencken called out, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and authority. "A word."

I followed Mencken in a more secluded part of the corridor. His sharp eyes fixed on mine, and I could sense the gears turning in his mind.

"I heard about your dinner plans with Marcel," Mencken stated bluntly, wasting no time with pleasantries. "Care to explain what game you're playing?"

His tone was measured, but there was an underlying intensity that hinted at a mixture of curiosity and caution. I met his gaze directly, my response poised and calculated.

"It's a simple dinner," I replied, injecting a note of nonchalance. "Just a way to ensure a smooth interaction between Marcel and the President. No hidden agendas."

Mencken's gaze lingered, a silent exchange of understanding and unspoken challenges. "Keep it professional, vögelchen. This isn't a social club; it's politics."

A sardonic smile played on my lips as I met Mencken's gaze head-on. "When have we ever played by the rules, Mencken?" I retorted, injecting a touch of mockery into my tone. "Politics is just another game, and I'm simply playing my hand."

Mencken's expression remained unreadable, a subtle acknowledgment of the unspoken truth. With a nod, he continued down the corridor, leaving me with a sense of defiance that simmered beneath the surface. 

_____________________________________________________________

The days leading up to the anticipated dinner were filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. It was as if I was preparing for an unexpected rendezvous, unsure of what the encounter might reveal. The rational part of me scoffed at the idea of a simple dinner having any profound impact, yet the subtle flutter in my chest suggested otherwise.

When Marcel Reynaud's arrival day came I found myself at the airfield, playing the role of the welcoming committee. My task was to explain the media aspects, subtly weaving ATN's interests into the narrative of the state visit. 

Mencken stood beside the First Lady, extending a welcoming hand to Marcel and his mother, Brigitte. "Welcome to the capital, President Reynaud, Ms. Sadier. We're honored to have you."

Marcel shook Mencken's hand firmly, and Brigitte exchanged a few words with the First Lady, which was a miracle. She lately has been speaking of such irrelevant and unexpected subjects that it was impossible to get to the bottom of what was worrying her.

At moments she was cheerful, but for the most part, she was thoughtful, though she did not know herself what she was thinking about. She would suddenly begin to talk of something and then she would suddenly break off and cease speaking, responding to further questions with a vacant smile, without being conscious herself that she was being questioned or that she was smiling. It took an entire task force of uppers and therapists to get her ready for this. By the looks of Brigitte, she was not all impressed.

As the group engaged in polite conversation while nearing me and the team, Mencken's eyes occasionally flickered in my direction, a subtle acknowledgment of my presence.

"Bonjour, President Reynaud. Welcome to Washington," I greeted him with a smile, adding a subtle flirtatious tone to my words. “I’m Harriet from ATN, and I’m glad to be finally meeting you in person.”

"Ah, Harriet, the pleasure is mine. Please, call me Marcel. I’ve heard a lot about you,” he responded, reciprocating with a charming smile that didn't escape Mencken's watchful eyes.

"Now, let me walk you through our media strategy during your stay. We want to ensure this visit is not only impactful but also strategically covered."

Marcel nodded, his attention unwavering despite the diplomatic pleasantries. "I appreciate the effort, Harriet. Your insights will undoubtedly make a difference."

As we concluded our briefing, I noticed a shift in Mencken's demeanor. His eyes narrowed slightly, a silent plea for subtlety. Ignoring the unspoken request, I gestured toward the waiting motorcade.

"Shall we? The convoy is ready to take us to the heart of the capital."

Brigitte gracefully entered the car with the First Lady, leaving Marcel and me to follow suit. As we stepped into the vehicle, Mencken's voice, low and tinged with jealousy, reached my ears.

“Can you at least try to be subtle? It’s childish and pathetic.”

I smirked, catching his gaze. "Subtlety is overrated, Mencken."

Ignoring his disapproving stare, I settled into the car. The air crackled like a brewing storm with unspoken thoughts and veiled intentions.

_____________________________________________________________

In the intricate tapestry of diplomatic engagements, Marcel Reynaud's visit to the United States unfolded like a grand theater production, each scene brimming with political intrigue and subtle flirtations. As I waded through the sea of formalities, the air crackled with anticipation, ripe with the promise of Franco-American collaboration and the undercurrent of personal connections.

Amidst the polished halls of power, Marcel, a master of charm and wit, engaged in discussions with our Vice President, Samuel Bennett, at NASA's headquarters.  Accompanied by the enigmatic Brigitte, his unconventional yet captivating First Lady, Marcel ventured into the vibrant heart of Washington's cultural scene. At the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Brigitte's presence infused the air with an aura of elegance and intrigue, her effortless grace drawing admirers like moths to a flame.

Meanwhile, our conversations during a working lunch on climate and biodiversity with US Climate Envoy Richard Thompson took on a playful tone, punctuated by quips and innuendos that danced on the edge of propriety.

"So, Mr. Reynaud, while we save the planet, do you have any guilty pleasures to confess?" I teased, a mischievous glint in my eye.

Marcel chuckled, his response dripping with subtle flirtation, "Ah, Mademoiselle Harriet, the most tempting indulgence would be to explore the hidden delights of Washington with you once our work is done."

As the day unfolded, Marcel's visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery was a poignant reminder of the shared sacrifices that bound our nations together. Amidst the solemnity, a shared glance between us spoke volumes, our unspoken connection weaving through the somber silence.

At the French Embassy, Marcel's impassioned speech about the US role in World War II stirred the depths of our shared history. After he awarded the Legion d'Honneur to deserving veterans, our banter continued, a playful reprieve from the weight of the moment. 

As the veterans, now adorned with the prestigious medal, mingled with the dignitaries, Marcel and I found a quiet corner away from the ceremonial spotlight. The room seemed to fade away while our whispered French words hid beneath the symphony of polite conversation.

In a more relaxed manner, I leaned closer, the scent of his cologne mingling with the fragrant aroma of the room. "Your words tonight were truly moving, Marcel," I whispered, my voice barely audible above the soft murmur of conversation.

His eyes, alight with passion, held mine captive. "Thank you, Harriet. It means a great deal coming from you," he replied, his tone sincere yet tinged with a hint of something more.

A soft chuckle escaped him, and he cast a playful glance towards Mencken, who observed the proceedings from a distance. "Unlike some, I prefer speeches that speak to the heart, not just the ego," he said, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Our laughter, a shared symphony, resonated through the embassy. Mencken, relegated to the sidelines, watched our interaction with a growing sense of frustration. His eyes, usually sharp and assertive, now betrayed a hint of jealousy as he observed us.

Meanwhile, my phone buzzed with a message. Glancing discreetly, I saw Mencken's name on the screen. The message read, "A bit too cozy with the French, aren't we?”

I couldn't help but smirk. Ignoring the message, I continued my conversation with Marcel, our laughter carrying through the embassy like a secret shared between conspirators.

As the guests began to disperse, Mencken approached, a forced smile on his face. "Quite the performance tonight," he remarked low enough for me to hear, his tone attempting nonchalance but failing to mask the underlying tension.

Marcel, ever the diplomat, extended a hand to Mencken. "President Mencken, a pleasure to be in your country."

Mencken's handshake was firm, but his eyes bore into mine. "The pleasure is ours, President Reynaud."

Marcel's departure was marked by a subtle yet lingering glance, promising more encounters. Once he and his entourage left, Mencken turned to me with a raised eyebrow. "A bit too friendly, don't you think?"

I responded with a shrug, "It's called diplomacy, Mencken. Something you might want to learn."

The Wrong Skills at the Wrong Time

Kathleen Parker is getting pilloried on social media for this column on John Fetterman's relaxed Senate dress codes, and particularly for this passage: As little as I have loved Republicans the past few years, coinciding with the rise of our own little autocrat, at least Donald Trump knows how to dress. I can’t imagine that even he would demean his office or his country by dressing down, as is now the “code” for senators. "Democracy dies in darkness" indeed.  I do have a twinge -- just a twinge -- of sympathy for Parker, however.  Sometime recently (I can't find it), I wrote a post about the misfortune when a given person's particular skills or virtues are not suited to the historical era they live through. At some times we might need the bold charge-ahead fearlessness of a marital warrior; at others, the crafty prudence of a backroom negotiator. It's unfortunate for the person who has all the virtues necessary for the former situation is living in an epoch where the latter is called upon, and vice versa. It's a cosmic unfairness, but not an actual one: history does not owe it to us to bend itself to our talents. But that doesn't mean we can't sympathize with the people caught on the wrong side of history's weave. With respect to Parker, the heat she's taking -- and rightfully so -- is about the profound silliness and tone-deafness to focus on this now. The juxtaposition of a failure to maintain a certain sartorial standard against "our own little autocrat" underscores its own ridiculousness. The thing is, perhaps there was a time when this sort of commentary would be appropriate and make sense. I don't agree with Parker on the merits anyway, but maybe if it were the 1990s there would be valid space for this sort of fashion-commentary to be a part of our political discourse. Or perhaps not. I was pretty contemptuous of the journalists salivating over taking a piece out of "earth-tone" Al Gore, and Jonathan Chait ten years ago delivered the fatal knockout punch to Sally Quinn's dewy reminiscence about the days of Georgetown Dinner Parties solving our all political crises. Maybe politics is always too serious for this sort of commentary to be anything but a juvenile distraction. But if things aren't always too serious, well, they're too serious now. And that means that, sadly for Parker, the skills she brings to the table are just not suited for the moment we're living in. It's unfortunate for her, and again, I do feel for her a little bit. But history is not going to bend to accommodate her on this. via The Debate Link https://ift.tt/X0FQEJf

Making Peace / Kirikagi

🔞 hazjosh / hazuki mikagi & joshua kiryu [AO3] Continued from the events of Grovel but you don't need to read it to understand and enjoy this.

It had been a while since the conclusion of the Shinjuku-run Shibuya game. The dust had since settled, and Shinjuku was well on its way to complete restoration, but there was still plenty of opportunity to increase morale between the districts. And what better way to foster friendly relations than to organize get-togethers. A day in Shinjuku would allow the Reapers to showcase their progress while also hosting Shibuya’s group. They all deserved some downtime, and a stress-free environment to organically interact.

The Composers were equally interested to see what kinds of bonds might form from this excursion.

The outing starts with a tour of the refreshed city, and the entire ragtag group of Reapers gradually mingling as conversations catch and weave. At the back of the troop Joshua and Hazuki walk side-by-side, bantering but otherwise maintaining distance in every respect of the word. It would seem that tension still underscores their dynamic, despite efforts to defuse it. Nonetheless, they’re congenial, finding common ground in their observations of their teams.

By the time evening descends, and Shinjuku turns its illumination dial up to greet the night, the conglomerate of Reapers have found themselves in the famed red-light district Kabukichō. Not a single one of them isn’t visibly enjoying themselves — even characteristically soft-spoken Tsugumi’s giggling under Coco’s arm.

Then the inevitable bar crawl commences—at Uzuki’s behest of all people—introducing the social lubrication of alcohol. After the third bar, everyone’s loosened up and thoroughly entertained by the wide array of notably adult attractions.

As they pass one of the hostess clubs, Joshua smothers a giggle into his hand as Hazuki swiftly sidesteps a gaggle of girls attempting to lure the group in.

“Have you ever even been to any of these places?” Joshua jabs Hazuki’s side with an elbow. Before Shinjuku’s Composer could respond, Joshua continues, “You can’t really know your city unless you’ve immersed yourself in it.”

“I don’t need firsthand experience to understand this part of my city.” That only makes Joshua giggle again, much to Hazuki’s chagrin, who shields it behind a tight smile.

They ultimately decide to conclude the evening at Shinjuku’s version of the Dead God’s Pad. It’s Joshua’s turn for a little chagrin at the obvious way it emulates his own, but with more modern upgrades. The layout’s relatively the same, except for an aquarium that spans the entire wall adjacent the bar, featuring extravagant koi. The other walls are furnished with a combination of lounges and beds, all illuminated underneath by low lighting in various colors.

It’s all very swanky, not unlike one of the more elite clubs in the district. Joshua scoffs but refrains from commentary, reminding himself this is a work retreat. He opts to hang back with Hazuki while everyone filters in and distributes themselves across the pad.

“May I show you around, Joshua?”

Shibuya’s Composer performs one last sweep of the surroundings and sighs in resignation. He’d rather not intermix with the others; this was a trip for them, after all. That leaves him with his oddball compeer.

He falls into step with him, as Hazuki maps out the premises: the bathrooms at opposite ends, the bar (to which Joshua casts a longing look), and the hidden room in the corner sealed off with a ward which he identifies as the throneroom. Joshua politely declines stepping in there this visit; they both distinctly recalled what Joshua did to Hazuki in his own. Best reserved for matters of business.

But it would appear that Hazuki’s led Joshua astray with ulterior motives. On their way back, they pass a door Joshua hadn’t noticed, and before he knows it, Hazuki’s upon him. Clapping a hand over his mouth, snatching him by the waist and backpedaling into the room — a closet, or a safe room; Joshua has plenty of secret rooms deep into the Underpass all the way to his throneroom, so it would make sense that another Composer would think along the same lines of security.

How ironic to be stuck in one.

Hazuki draws the door closed with a locking click, which auto-activates a soft overhead light. The compact situation forces them to be squashed together to fit, Joshua’s back to Hazuki’s chest.

Joshua can distinctly feel what might be the reason he’s been corralled into this room,  pressing insistently against the curve of his ass.

“I’d say this outing has been a success so far.”

Unable to speak with the palm muffling his mouth, he simply hums, and Hazuki takes it as a sign he can remove his hand. Joshua wouldn’t scream anyway. It’s not his style, nor would he want to draw unwanted attention to him. Hazuki planned this attack smartly.

At least Joshua’s confident that whatever Hazuki decides to do, he will do it quickly, given the circumstances.

“Have you been working up to this the whole day?”

“I just wanted a few moments alone with you to…” Haz’s hands begin to move, slipping a hand underneath his shirt while the other boldly palms over Joshua’s denim-clad groin, slow enough to savor fondling Joshua but purposeful enough to imply he has an end-goal. “...check in.” Joshua’s breath hitches and he reflexively plants his own hands against the door to stabilize himself as Mikagi all but molds his body to his to be close enough to brush his lips across his ear.

Joshua recognizes this for what it is — a petty act of vengeance for what Joshua had subjected him to at the foot of his throne.

“They’re eventually going to wonder where we went.” 

“Not to worry, friend. I won’t keep you long.”

Mikagi’s fingers are featherlight upon his skin as they skim his belly, and ghost over his ribs. Once they reach his chest, however, the touches firm up as his fingers close in on a nipple, gently pinching then rolling, startling a gasp out of Joshua. 

Hazuki, emboldened by that sound, slides his fingers parallel to tease the other, and flicks his tongue over Joshua’s earlobe before taking it between his lips to nibble and suck. His other hand traces the contours of Joshua’s cock, laying flaccid down his right thigh which he takes hold and begins to stroke through the jeans.

Despite the forceful nature of this situation, Hazuki’s groping is all curiosity, at least for the time being. He’s exploring Joshua, who’s trying his damnedest not to react. His fingers curl inward as he counts his breaths while Hazuki’s mouth wanders down the side of his neck, covering it with openmouthed kisses that leave his skin cool and tingling. 

With growing confidence, Hazuki massages Joshua’s clothed cock with increasing pressure until he can feel it begin to fill out and harden. With one last pluck to a perky nipple, he withdraws his hand and transfers it to the button of Joshua’s jeans, making quick work of it and the zipper and scrunching it, underwear included, down his hips all the way to his calves. Joshua notes the calculated movement with twisted amusement; it would be much more difficult to flee the room, with his pants slumped around his ankles.

He can feel Hazuki’s eyes raking over his exposed cock, hanging half-mast, now watching with equals parts disbelief and annoyance when he scoops it into a fist and resumes stroking.

He’s surprisingly adept for someone who claims confusion over human practices — a bit clumsy but his curiosity makes him thorough, pumping from base to tip, circling the flare with a thumb then gliding back down. Both Composers watch as it swells and thickens, taking on a solid curve.

But just as Joshua was about to rock his hips, the bastard stops, relinquishing his now fully erect shaft. It’s only a matter of seconds before he realizes why, specifically when he feels the shifting of fabric behind him, peeling away to be replaced by the sensation of warm bare skin-on-skin contact.

Instinctively, Joshua tenses up in anticipation of what Hazuki would dare to do next. He could turn around, but he’d rather not let anything on his face slip and betray an emotion Hazuki could see.

Shinjuku’s Composer has picked up the pace, hurriedly working his cock out of his pants, which springs loose and lands with a heavy plop in the cleft of Joshua’s ass.

“I can tell you two things right now.” Joshua cranes his head to pitch his voice. “You’re not jerking off on my ass, and you’re not going in my ass.”

“Then it’s a good thing I didn’t plan to do either,” Hazuki responds plainly, as he splays his spindly fingers out over Joshua’s belly, holding him still while gripping his shaft and guiding the head into the crevice of Joshua’s closed legs. Joshua’s eyes shoot open wide at the unexpected move. A few nuzzles give way to a few sharp nudges, and with one determined push he thrusts the whole length into the tight space.

Joshua drops his chin to see the crown of Hazuki’s cock split a gap in his thighs and pop through, and in the shocked stillness he can register the stiff member he’s involuntarily cuddling already throbbing palpably.

“You’ve picked up a thing or two in Kabukichō.” His tone’s biting, but his voice is trembling, giving away the shock and mounting, confounding arousal. Was this how Hazuki felt when Joshua was humiliating him?

“Observation is powerful if you’re actually paying attention.” His voice, too, is trembling, struggling to stay impassive when his dick’s surrounded in heat. Joshua can’t do much to spread his thighs without contorting himself so the pressure remains snug. With a shuddering breath, Hazuki slowly withdraws halfway, relishing the soft slide of skin, before plunging back in. Clutching Joshua’s bony hip in a bruising grip, Hazuki leans them forward until Joshua’s forehead collides with the door. He continues to pull out and push in at a gradually increasing frequency, each plunge wetter and smoother from Hazuki’s oozing precum smearing along Joshua’s inner thighs.

Hazuki makes it a point not to touch Joshua again, denying him that pleasure and instead prioritizing his own: pawing over his stomach, grazing nails across his sternum, and tweaking those rosy nipples, with occasional detours to toy with other areas of interest.

Just outside, oblivious to the absence of their Composers, they’re all laughing and animatedly chatting. Music has been put on, ensuring all sound behind this door is drowned out as he’s being casually molested by his colleague. Hands fasten to Joshua’s hips to carry his movements, and use him freely, backed by the confidence of someone who knows they’ve got the advantage. Joshua’s pride and professionalism won’t let him make a scene in front of their subordinates.

In and out, in and out, he fucks his thighs sticky to the rhythm of the music, and Joshua could swear that even Hazuki’s dick is pulsing in sync.

The worst part for Joshua is the mortifying fact his own cock is leaking precum. He could blame it on the stimulation but he’d be blatantly lying to himself. Still, he refuses to give Hazuki the satisfaction of jerking off so he grits his teeth through his lustful frustration to wait it out. Wait him out. It doesn’t help that Hazuki’s cockhead keeps grazing the underside of Joshua’s swollen sac, the friction deliciously arousing, vulgar and enticing. 

He can tell Hazuki’s getting close by his raspy grunts and staggering breaths. All sense of rhythm’s abandoned in the race to the finish. He smashes his face into Joshua’s shoulder, hips bucking violently enough to slam against Joshua’s cheeks, accompanied by the telltale lewd sound of skin smacking filling the room. Shibuya’s Composer decides he can spare one thing without letting Shinjuku win, and with a smirk to himself he clenches his thighs, intensifying the pressure so tight it squeezes a loud groan out of the Composer. He relaxes for a second to let Haz burrow in before flexing again, and again, and by the time Joshua swings his hips back and grinds them suggestively into Haz’s pelvis—his way of saying hurry the fuck up —Shinjuku’s Composer pulls him possessively close, clamps his teeth down on his shoulder and convulses. Joshua watches as the flushed crown reappears, and he rubs his thighs firmly together until the wedged shaft twitches one last time and sprays cum in obscene splatters across the door.

Hazuki has the gall to pump a few more times to make sure his balls are good and empty before leisurely withdrawing, clearly enjoying it to the last drop. 

“Thank you for this check-in, friend,” Hazuki’s voice is still husky with lust, and Joshua suspected if they weren’t on borrowed time, he’d have attempted to seduce him — or take his retaliation farther.

Shibuya’s Composer swooped down to grab and hike his pants back up, reluctantly ignoring his boner. A very visibily satiated Mikagi tucks himself back into his pants and unlocks the door, smiling cheerily at Kiryu, who mirrors it back.

“One to one,” is all Joshua says and briskly exits the room, leaving Shinjuku there dumbstruck to wonder what Shibuya’s plotting next, because if Hazuki knows anything about his senpai, it's that he won't draw the line at an even score.

(Or so he hopes.)

Twitter now requires you login just to do anything.

Now, visit my Twitter. Or any Twitter page. In incognito tab whatever logout.

Can't? Press X or just visit Twitter homepage itself.

Still in incognito or logout. Can you do anything but logging in? Tell me.

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Yeah, 🤡.

https://youtu.be/44z5oLKM5uE Mental Outlaw / AlphaNerd video about this

I'm sorry gamers. I hope you forgive me for the next days in the sections.

Man

Archive broke. Archive bot then must login. Archiver must have 72 alt accounts. Blocked, no problem, there's more. And it's expensive now that is paid too.

Files

In Android, you have Internal/Pictures/Twitter folder. Each image has ISO date no space, underscore, random numbers.

20230717_99999.png like that.

But in Website, files are the image CDN ID, so if tje CDN URL is like Fjwnfirnfhiso, then that's the filename. Idk. Right?!?!?!

“Springs of Western Civilization is a comparative exploration of the Hebraic and classical traditions that form our heritage. In examining these traditions before they united, James Arieti locates the catalyst for their bonding in two related circumstances: adoption by the biblical world of an eclectic mélange of Platonism, Aristotelianism, and Stoicism that, in the centuries on each side of the Common Era, produced consensus models both of God and of a warmhearted individual; and belief that the writings of Plato were literally true-a belief that arose from failing to understand his playful, metaphorical techniques of composition. Among the many effects of the mingling of biblical and philosophical values was a re-focusing of literature from the heroes of epic to the compassionate characters we recognize as Menschen.’

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lexington Books (15 July 2017)

Review

A prolific and versatile scholar, Arieti (classics, Hampden-Sydney College) here focuses his analytical lens on the parallel phenomena of the classical and biblical traditions that inform the basis of Western civilization. Using a binary comparative approach, Arieti anatomizes common themes in both biblical and classical literature, adducing a panoply of value-laden paradigms of experience--among them fratricide, talking animals, rainbows--characteristic of both the classical and Hebraic cultures to illustrate some fundamental differences between the two, for example rational calculation versus precipitate intuition. Addressing the literary and cultural evidence in the period from roughly 300 BCE to 300 CE, the author underscores the consistency of each tradition in asserting its basic value system and methodology and simultaneously generating and absorbing elements from the larger context of the Hellenistic philosophical and religious environment. Thus, rabbinical exegesis and commentary clearly reflect the influence of Hellenistic philosophical modalities. Citing differences as well as similarities, Arieti posits that a confluence of these traditions resulted in the emergence of a specific worldview incorporating the emergence of what is termed Mentshlekhkeyt--reflecting a humane kindness and a "heart aglow with love (to quote from chapter 6). Superbly documented and researched, this volume makes a significant contribution to interdisciplinary scholarship. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates; graduate students.-- "Choice" Arieti's well-documented text is dense and challenging. . . By dwelling on the author's examples and passionately pondering his conclusions, those of us engaged in the pursuit and transmission of the humanities can help fulfill an ancient prophet's prayer that someday justice will well up as waters/ And righteousness as a mighty stream (Amos 5:24).-- "The Classical Journal" The author is well aware that his ideas will not find acceptance everywhere, but presents them in a manner that succeeds in being both stimulating and irenic, and should give rise to further debate.-- "Journal for the Study of the Old Testament" In this masterful work, which is the product of a lifetime of extensive learning, James Alexander Arieti attempts to illuminate for his readers the differences between the ancient Greek world and the world of the Hebrew Bible (and later Jewish commentary on the biblical texts). The profoundly pluralistic society in which the West now lives has at its source the great river of culture produced when the streams of Greek and Hebrew thought and art flowed together. Arieti examines Greek and Hebrew attitudes towards all those things in which human life is enmeshed, from nature to politics, from family life to religion. And he shows not only the great differences between the Greek and Hebrew worldviews but also their diverse advantages as sources for a good human life and a just human community. The result is a deep and moving reflection on the nature of our civilization and the strengths and weaknesses of the cultures out of which it arose.--Eleonore Stump, Saint Louis University James Arieti in his Springs of Western Civilization has given us all a precious gift in this interdisciplinary study comparing the Hebrew Bible and classical Greek literature, the two foundations of Western civilization. With great erudition and insight and an inviting balance of breadth and depth, Arieti brilliantly analyzes parallel stories and teachings on dozens of topics in order to derive their respective philosophical and humanist worldviews. Students of the Bible and those versed in Greek culture will both experience meeting a long lost twin brother who is struggling through so many of the same existential issues and reaching conclusions often similar, sometimes at odds, but always mutually illuminating.--Rabbi Dr. Richard Hidary, Yeshiva University

Source: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Springs-Western-Culture-Comparative-Classical/dp/1498534791

James A. Arieti is Graves H. Thompson Professor of Classics at Hampden-Sydney College

Well, the project of this book seems fascinating and Pr. Arieti is for sure an excellent scholar. But of course I cannot say more specific things on this work before reading it.

Civil War Review: Alex Garland's Heartwrenching War Masterpiece

When you go to the theatre to see a brand new Alex Garland movie, you know that it's not going to be a conventional movie by any means. Even his most accessible movie in my opinion - Ex Machina - is still an absolutely enthralling and bizarre dive into science fiction. The same can also be said about his follow-up film Annihilation. And although I know that a lot of people out there loathe Men with a passion, I personally think it's an excellent horror film that never fails to get under my skin, even if it's maybe not as good as it was the first time I saw it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDyQxtg0V2w Although I was familiarized with Garland's filmography before seeing his latest film Civil War, nothing could've truly prepared me for the emotionally taxing and genuinely depressing journey the movie was going to take me on. It's the kind of movie that, as soon as the credits are finished rolling, you feel absolutely disgusted to your core but you also recognize that the film that you just watched is a total work-of-art. Truth be told, Civil War will be a difficult movie to rewatch because of its imagery and subject matter. But it's also one of the best movies of the year, and one of the best war movies ever made. It stands out as a profound commentary on the fabric of American society. Additionally, it delves into politics through the lens of a dystopian war drama. Set in a future America where divisions have escalated into a full-blown Second Civil War, the film intricately explores themes of loyalty, ideology, and the price of freedom through the journey of a team of journalists navigating the ravaged landscape. With a cast led by Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sonoya Mizuno, and Nick Offerman, the film delivers a powerfully resonant narrative that captivates from start to finish. Garland's screenplay weaves a harrowing tale that, while dystopian, feels uncomfortably possible. It paints a grim picture of a nation torn asunder by its own contradictions. Kirsten Dunst's portrayal of Lee Smith, a photojournalist caught between her duty to report the truth, is particularly compelling. Her character's resilience and determination, juxtaposed with her vulnerabilities, make for a nuanced performance that anchors the film. Wagner Moura's Joel serves as a fitting counterpart, blending cynicism with an unexpected depth of emotion. The young Cailee Spaeny, as the aspirational Jessie, represents the heart of the film. Through her eyes, we witness the transformation from naivety to the stark realization of war's brutalities. One can only hope that Spaeny continues to receive incredible roles. Honestly, I'd go as far as to say that she deserves an Oscar for this performance. Stephen McKinley Henderson’s portrayal of the wise yet fatalistic Sammy offers a masterclass in supporting roles. He leaves an indelible mark despite limited screen time. Meanwhile, Nick Offerman's casting as the President—serving an unprecedented third term—was an inspired choice. Offerman channels an unsettling blend of charisma and menace, making the dictator all the more believable and chilling. Garland’s direction is meticulous, crafting scenes of urban warfare and quieter moments of introspection with equal care. His choice to showcase the stark contrast between the chaos of the battlefield and the eerie normalcy found in pockets of the war-torn nation underscores the absurdity and tragedy of civil conflict. The pacing of the film, coupled with its haunting score and visually arresting cinematography, builds a crescendo. It will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Particularly noteworthy are the action sequences in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the heart-pounding ending. Both of which showcase Garland’s ability to handle large-scale set pieces without losing focus on the human element. The film's commentary on journalism is another layer that adds depth to the narrative. Lee and her team's ethical dilemmas challenge the audience to consider media's role in shaping perceptions of war. The bold narrative choice forces the audience to confront the moral ambiguity of vengeance and justice in times of war. It shows Garland's exploration of human darkness and revolutionary complexities. The final image of the film is a chilling reminder of the cycle of violence. Overall: Civil War is a masterful addition to the genre of dystopian war films. It offers a riveting, albeit bleak, vision of America's future that resonates with the current global political climate. With standout performances, particularly from Dunst and Moura, and Garland's expert direction, the film achieves a rare balance of thrilling entertainment and thoughtful commentary. Read the full article

The Intersection of Cinema and Reality: A Mirror and a Map

Often seen as a sanctuary of escapism, cinematranscends its role as mere entertainment. It serves as both a mirror reflecting societal values, norms, and issues, and a map that guides us through the complexities of human experiences and societal structures. This intricate relationship between cinema and the real world influences how audiences perceive their surroundings and impact societal attitudes and real-world outcomes. Be it Hollywood or Bollywood movies or any other all the movies have a magic that draws a gap between reality and imagination.

Reflecting Society: Cinema as a Mirror

Cinema has the unique ability to reflect society's ever-changing landscape, capturing the essence of an era’s cultural, social, and political climates. Historical films, for instance, such as Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List or Ava DuVernay’s Selma, do more than just recount past events. They ignite discussions about the moral lessons of history and their relevance in our contemporary world, encouraging a dialogue between the past and the present.

Similarly, films dealing with social issues can highlight problems that might otherwise be ignored or misunderstood. Movies like Philadelphia (1993) played a crucial role in bringing the AIDS crisis to mainstream consciousness, shifting public perception and encouraging empathy and understanding towards the LGBTQ+ community.

Challenging Norms: Cinema as a Critic

Cinema doesn't just mirror society; it also challenges its deepest prejudices and entrenched norms. Films have the power to question and critique the status quo, offering new perspectives and fostering social change. For instance, Get Out (2017) by Jordan Peele uses the horror genre to explore racial tensions in America, providing a stark commentary on the subtle continuations of segregation and racism in American society.

Women filmmakers are particularly instrumental in challenging cinematic norms, both in front of and behind the camera. Greta Gerwig’s Little Women (2019) offers a fresh take on a classic, emphasizing themes of female independence and ambition that resonate with contemporary feminist movements. Through such films, cinema not only reflects but also participates in the shaping of societal values and aspirations.

Influencing Reality: Cinema as a Catalyst

The impact of cinema extends beyond the screen; it influences real-world behaviors and can catalyze change. Documentaries are especially potent in this regard. An Inconvenient Truth (2006) had a profound effect on public awareness of climate change, contributing to environmental activism and policy changes.

Furthermore, the phenomenon of film-induced tourism shows how on-screen landscapes can affect economies and perceptions of geography. The stunning visuals of New Zealand in The Lord of the Rings trilogy dramatically increased tourism, altering the global image of the country.

Representation Matters: The Real Effects of On-Screen Diversity

The importance of representation in cinema cannot be overstated. When films portray diverse narratives and cast actors from different backgrounds, they promote inclusivity and provide role models for underrepresented groups. Black Panther (2018), celebrated for its predominantly Black cast and celebration of African culture, not only broke box office records but also sparked a global conversation about the representation of Black characters in Hollywood.

The struggle for gender equality in cinema also reflects broader societal challenges. Despite progress, women directors and storytellers often face significant barriers, impacting the types of stories that reach the screen. The success of directors like Kathryn Bigelow, the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director, underscores the ongoing need for gender parity in the industry.

Technology and Realism: Blurring the Lines

Advancements in film technology have blurred the lines between cinema and reality. High-definition visuals, 3D technology, and immersive formats like IMAX draw viewers closer into the cinematic world, making the on-screen experience more vivid and realistic. Technologies such as virtual reality (VR) are pushing these boundaries further, offering audiences not just a view but an experience of the cinematic world.The evolution of cinematic technology has dramatically altered the way stories are told and experienced. High-definition visuals and immersive technologies like 3D and virtual reality have transformed the viewer's experience, making it more vivid and engaging. Films like Avatar (2009) are pioneers in using technology not just to enhance aesthetic appeal but to deepen the narrative immersion, allowing viewers to feel more connected to the fictional environments and characters

Artificial intelligence in filmmaking, used in everything from scriptwriting to post-production, is revolutionizing how stories are told and produced. These technological advancements not only enhance storytelling techniques but also democratize film production, making it more accessible to independent filmmakers and thereby diversifying the stories that are told.

Ethical Considerations: The Responsibilities of Filmmakers

With great power comes great responsibility. Filmmakers must navigate the ethical implications of their work, particularly in how they portray sensitive subjects and historical events. The responsibility to handle topics with accuracy and sensitivity is crucial, as films have the power to shape perceptions and beliefs profoundly.

The controversy around Quentin Tarantino’s depiction of historical events in Inglourious Basterds (2009) and Django Unchained (2012) illustrates the fine line filmmakers tread between artistic freedom and historical responsibility. While some applaud the subversive rewriting of history, others criticize it for trivializing serious subjects.

Conclusion: Cinema’s Enduring Impact

Cinema’s relationship with the real world is dynamic and multifaceted. As both a reflector and a shaper of society, films play a critical role in how we understand and engage with the world around us. Whether through reflecting societal issues, challenging norms, influencing real-world outcomes, or pushing technological boundaries, cinema remains a powerful force in shaping both individual and collective realities.

In conclusion, as we continue to watch and make films, we must be mindful of the power of cinema to influence society and the responsibility it entails. Engaging critically with films and supporting diverse and ethical storytelling can help ensure that cinema continues to serve as both a mirror and a map, guiding us toward a more inclusive and understanding world.

Navigating the Labyrinth: Gonzalo Lira's (Coach Red Pill) Legacy and the Concerns of an Independent Thinker

As a fellow American, I want to give my respects to Lira's family and friends. RIP to him as well. We are approaching some strange times in the US and across the world, and while this blog is mainly for self-development I want to bring a moments attention to this. These are my thoughts and reflections after watching this man on Youtube and my own concerns for all Americans. The US Constitution allows for us each day to be able to have the privilege of self development, and I think it is important to recognize what this all means...

In the vast expanse of online discourse, few figures have sparked as much controversy and intrigue as Gonzalo Lira, widely known as Youtube sensation, Coach Red Pill. As an independent thinker who stands outside the bounds of traditional party affiliations, I found myself resonating with some of Lira's insights on heterosexual relationship dynamics and life lessons. However, the complexities surrounding his politics and the alleged failure of the U.S. government to rescue him from Ukraine have given rise to concerns that transcend political lines. This blog post aims to unravel the enigma of Gonzalo Lira, exploring facets beyond my personal agreement or disagreement with his views.

Gonzalo Lira: A Tapestry of Ideas and Controversies

As someone who values diverse perspectives, I appreciate the multifaceted nature of Coach Red Pill's content. Beyond discussions on relationships and life advice, Lira's online presence was marked by politically charged commentary that traversed unconventional terrain. My independent stance allows me to navigate the controversies surrounding him without being tethered to the polarized dynamics of mainstream politics.

Beyond the Online Persona: Gonzalo Lira's Personal and Political Journey

Delving into Lira's background reveals a life shaped by experiences in various countries, contributing to the mosaic of his worldview. While my agreement with some of his insights is tempered by disagreements with certain political perspectives, it is crucial to recognize the complex interplay between the personal and the political in his narrative. The journey of Coach Red Pill extends beyond the confines of online debates, offering a glimpse into the broader canvas of his life.

The Concerns: A Citizen's Perspective

Regardless of party affiliation, the reported failure of the U.S. government to intervene in Lira's situation in Ukraine raises red flags that transcend political divides. As an independent thinker, I am deeply concerned about the potential vulnerability of American citizens abroad and the role our government plays in ensuring their safety. This incident prompts us to question the accountability of those in power, fostering a sense of responsibility that goes beyond party lines.

Navigating the Controversies: A Nuanced Approach

Coach Red Pill's legacy is characterized by both admiration and critique, highlighting the intricacies of his influence. As an independent thinker, I recognize the importance of engaging with nuanced perspectives and acknowledging the gray areas that exist within the realm of online discourse. The controversies surrounding Lira underscore the delicate balance between individual freedom of expression and the societal responsibilities that come with it.

Reflections of an Independent Thinker

In reflecting on Gonzalo Lira's legacy and the concerns raised by his life's narrative, my independent stance allows me to navigate the labyrinth of ideas and controversies without succumbing to the polarizing forces of party politics. The reported failures in ensuring the safety of an American citizen abroad transcend party lines, urging us to collectively demand accountability and transparency from those entrusted with the welfare of citizens. As we contemplate the legacy of Coach Red Pill, let us do so with an independent and critical perspective, recognizing the broader implications for the principles that should bind us together as a society.

Unraveling the Art of Street Journalism

Street journalism, also known as citizen journalism or public journalism, has been a prominent form of media for decades. It empowers individuals to report news and share stories from their own perspectives, often bypassing traditional news outlets. With the advent of social media and digital platforms, street journalism has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in recent years.

Platforms like YouTube have played a significant role in this resurgence, providing a space for independent journalists and content creators to voice their opinions and engage with a global audience. As the landscape of media continues to evolve, street journalism remains a powerful force in shaping public discourse and challenging established narratives.

One notable example of this is the highly acclaimed and widely popular YouTube series “All Gas No Brakes,” a channel in operation from September 2019 until November 2020, hosted by the talented journalist Andrew Callaghan. With its inimitable style of street journalism, “All Gas No Brakes” captivated the attention of millions of viewers on YouTube, establishing itself as a leading source of unconventional news coverage and opinion.

The innovative streak of “All Gas No Brakes” was perhaps most evident in its unique approach to “vox pop” interviews: the channel’s host, Andrew Callaghan, conducted on-the-spot interviews at unconventional events such as conspiracy theory conferences, illegal rave parties, or even during the infamous 2020 Las Vegas coronavirus lockdown protests. This original and unfiltered style of journalism provided an uncensored look into various subcultures and societal issues, often highlighting perspectives that were either underreported or overlooked by mainstream media outlets.

The raw and unscripted nature of these interviews resonated with YouTube’s audience, many of whom are seeking alternative forms of news and entertainment that deviate from the traditional media narrative. Moreover, the channel’s use of humor, eccentric characters, and poignant social commentary was perfectly primed for virality, allowing “All Gas No Brakes” to capture the zeitgeist of the YouTube generation. The success of this format underscores the growing relevance and influence of street journalism in the digital age.

The channel’s name itself is a clever and fitting representation of its relentless pace and fearless approach to reporting, leaving no stone unturned in its quest for the most compelling stories from the streets.

Callaghan, along with his team including Evan Gilbert-Katz, conducted interviews at some of the most unconventional and extraordinary events across the country. Their interview subjects ranged from conspiracy theorists to festival-goers, and the resulting content was as thought-provoking as it was entertaining. The channel pushed the boundaries of traditional journalism, introducing viewers to a world of stories and perspectives often overlooked by mainstream media. It was a fresh take on the grassroots approach of street journalism, blending humor, sincerity, and a steady commitment to amplifying voices from every corner of society.

But behind the success of “All Gas No Brakes” was a team of talented individuals, including cameraman and production assistant Evan Gilbert-Katz, whose contributions to the series were crucial in capturing the raw and unfiltered essence of ‘street journalism’. Street journalism had its roots in alternative media movements of the 1960s and 1970s, where activists and independent journalists used unconventional methods to report on social and political issues. It evolved further in the 1980s with the rise of zines, independent publications that focused on counterculture and marginalized communities.

With the emergence of digital media in the late 1990s, citizen journalism became more accessible, allowing anyone with a camera to capture and share raw footage of events. With the availability of smartphones in much of the Western world, the deepening democratization of journalism in general led to a rise in street journalism, with individuals like Evan Gilbert-Katz taking to the streets to document and report on current events.

Through his camera lens, Evan Gilbert-Katz captured the raw emotions, thoughts, and perspectives of people attending these events, as channel host Callaghan picked their brains and asked the participants relevant questions. This approach not only made for compelling content but also allowed for a diverse range of voices to be heard.

In today’s media-saturated world, it can be challenging to find authentic and unbiased sources of information. Street journalism provides a unique perspective, as it is not bound by corporate interests or traditional journalistic norms.

The impact of street journalism, as powerfully demonstrated by “All Gas No Brakes,” extended far beyond its entertainment value. Through its immersive and thought-provoking content, the show effectively illuminated diverse communities and shed light on pressing social issues. By challenging mainstream narratives and capturing the authentic voices of individuals, it not only brought attention to important topics but also fostered a deeper understanding and empathy among its viewers. The compelling storytelling and in-depth exploration of various subjects made it a significant platform for raising awareness, sparking conversations, and effecting change in society.

Evan Gilbert-Katz’s work with “All Gas No Brakes” exemplified the power of street journalism in today’s society. It not only provided a platform for diverse voices to be heard but also served as a reminder of the importance of independent and alternative media in shaping our understanding of the world around us.

The recent NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, was watched closely for the outcome of Sweden’s bid for membership—Turkey agreed on the eve of the summit to ask its parliament to approve Sweden’s membership—and the alliance’s response to Ukraine’s formal application to join—NATO maintained that Ukraine would become a member “when allies agree and conditions are met” without setting out a time frame for the country’s entry after the war. In Asia, another aspect of the meeting was scrutinized: how NATO positioned itself on China.

There were three developments ahead of and in Vilnius on this front. First, as with the NATO summit held in Madrid in 2022, NATO extended invitations to four Indo-Pacific countries: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. These are countries with which the alliance now has agreements to deepen cooperation. Their invitations were aimed at underscoring the strategic linkages between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific. Second, the leaders’ communiqué included strong language expressing concern about China. And third, NATO laid down plans to open a liaison office in Tokyo. This proposal was blocked by objections from the French and, reportedly, at the last minute, the Germans, though NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg insists that plans to open a liaison office in Tokyo are “still on the table.”

Beyond the four partner countries, there are others in the Indo-Pacific, including in Southeast Asia, who are at best agnostic and at worst hostile toward NATO. More must be done to reassure these countries that NATO will not be a destabilizing force in their backyards. The alliance is not well understood in the region, with most commentary focusing on its military dimensions.

Because of this, China has been allowed to shape NATO’s image in the Indo-Pacific. Reports of the planned liaison office in Tokyo, for instance, made news without NATO first stressing its political goals or setting out how the liaison office fits in with these. The failure allowed China to step into the informational void and craft the narrative. While the communiqué that emerged from the summit accused China of being “opaque about its strategy, intentions and military build-up,” NATO itself could also be faulted for, if not opacity, then a lack of strategic clarity—as demonstrated by the French objections to the Tokyo liaison office on the basis that it would create misunderstanding about NATO’s commitment in the Indo-Pacific, which is not its geographical area of competence.

It would be wrong to suggest that NATO has no business beyond the Euro-Atlantic. NATO’s stated purpose is to “safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means,” and ensuring this sometimes involves “engaging outside of NATO,” as “the outbreak of crises and conflicts beyond Allied borders can jeopardise this core objective.” In addition, NATO can play an important role in defending and promoting the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific. But NATO’s presence being defensible in terms of the alliance’s stated mission is not the same as it being wise. Whether engagement in the region is prudent will depend on how effective such engagement is. Beyond its posturing on China, NATO can and should do more to address disquiet around its aims and intentions in the Indo-Pacific.

Chinese objections to the summit emerged in the lead-up to it. About a week prior, China’s state media criticized “NATO’s hidden agenda.” Beijing argued this had been exposed in advance by Lithuania, the host nation, announcing its own Indo-Pacific strategy—the wording of which had been “directly taken” from U.S. rhetoric toward China. The Global Times poured scorn on “a Baltic country with a population of less than 3 million, located in the direct radiation zone of the Russia-Ukraine conflict” releasing an Indo-Pacific strategy. The commentary also decried the attendance of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea at the summit for a second consecutive year, which gave, it argued, a “strong signal of NATO’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific.”

Meanwhile, the leaders’ communiqué, which came out of the summit and reflected almost word-for-word the language in the NATO strategic concept issued in March 2022, accused “the People’s Republic of China’s stated ambitions and coercive policies [of] challeng[ing] our interests, security and values.”

The leaders’ communiqué went further than the 2022 strategic concept to expand on the “deepening strategic partnership” between China and Russia. A NATO wish list in relation to China was added: namely, for it “to play a constructive role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, to condemn Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, to abstain from supporting Russia’s war effort in any way, to cease amplifying Russia’s false narrative blaming Ukraine and NATO for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and to adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.” NATO called, in particular, for China “to act responsibly and refrain from providing any lethal aid to Russia.”

NATO clearly wanted to send a signal of concern over China’s behavior. This was important, though parts of the communiqué lacked specificity—which of China’s “stated ambitions,” for example, were objectionable? China, unsurprisingly, took umbrage at the communiqué, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded that NATO “stop making groundless accusations and provocative rhetoric targeting China, quit the outdated Cold War mentality, ditch the wrongdoing of seeking absolute security.” It is fair to ask what NATO has achieved thus far in the broader Indo-Pacific beyond signaling. Neither the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) nor its member states have an official position on NATO, but suspicion of the alliance in Southeast Asia is exemplified in commentaries highlighting a sense of distrust.

Kishore Mahbubani, a prominent Singaporean former diplomat and academic, wrote in 2021 in the Straits Times, a national broadsheet newspaper, that “the Pacific has no need of the destructive militaristic culture of the Atlantic alliance,” and that “NATO is not a geopolitically wise organization.” The Jakarta Post, an Indonesian newspaper, carried an op-ed in May this year labeling NATO’s outreach to Asia as “a very perilous step” and “very disturbing news for regional peace and stability.” A commentary in the National Defence Journal of Vietnam, linked to the Vietnamese Central Military Commission and Ministry of National Defence, alleges that the “expansion of NATO’s influence into the Indo-Pacific has been arousing concern for countries in this region, as it increases the risk of instability when the competition between China and the West becomes increasingly fierce.”

Worries around NATO in the Indo-Pacific can be teased out into two main concerns. First, that NATO is expanding militarily in the region—a claim for which there is no basis. Many in the region regard NATO as solely a military alliance, forgetting its political dimensions, and its expansion into the Indo-Pacific conjures up images of NATO troops and equipment. NATO member states are clear that there are no plans to expand militarily in the region; the alliance should seek to reinforce this message.

The second concern is more nuanced, namely, that even short of military operations, an expansion of the U.S.-led NATO in the Indo-Pacific will complicate an already fraught geostrategic landscape. Compounding this worry is a perception, even in countries in the Indo-Pacific that have taken a strong stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, that NATO is geopolitically clumsy and bears at least some responsibility for the invasion. Among Southeast Asian countries, Singapore took the strongest stance against what it described as Russia’s “clear and gross violation” of international law and the U.N. Charter. Nonetheless, Singapore’s minister of home affairs gave a speech in March 2023 that posited that “the West and NATO … were not uninvolved bystanders who had no role to play in the current situation.”

And while China’s actions in the South China Sea—where its expansive maritime claims are a clear breach of the international law—are egregious, not all countries in the region regard China as a threat. Even Southeast Asian claimants to land also claimed by China (and Taiwan) in the South China Sea are wary of alienating the neighborhood superpower. They see their dispute with China as only part of a broader bilateral relationship, which reaps actual and potential benefits. According to a 2023 Yusof Ishak Institute poll of Southeast Asians, China continues to be seen as the most influential economic power in the region, with almost 60 percent of respondents selecting China over the United States (10.5 percent). (China is also regarded as the most influential political and strategic power, with 41.5 percent of respondents choosing China and 31.9 percent choosing the United States.)

In most, if not all, of Southeast Asia, an acceptance of the importance of the rule of law is not matched by an appetite to risk conflict or economic development in its defense. Concerns are most pronounced around deteriorating U.S.-China ties and its destabilizing impact, and, for many, a United States that is perceived as unduly confrontational. Given this, NATO needs to adopt a different tack if it is to effectively mobilize the Indo-Pacific to support a rules-based international order.

To be effective, outreach in the Indo-Pacific must go beyond Japan and the other NATO Indo-Pacific partners. The four countries in attendance in Vilnius are important but by no means the entirety of the region—a fact that received scant acknowledgement at the summit. Southeast Asia, for one, is at the geographic heart of the Indo-Pacific, and China is cultivating ASEAN and its member states. China has been ASEAN’s largest trading partner for 14 years, its foreign direct investments in Southeast Asia are on an upward trajectory, and its Belt and Road Initiative is generally welcomed.

More fundamentally, NATO should avoid vague complaints against “China’s stated ambitions,” a China threat, or the danger that authoritarian regimes pose to democracies. It should confine itself to clearly identifying behavior that flouts international law in the region, such as China’s attempts to claim economic rights within the nine-dash line encapsulating much of the South China Sea, so that common cause may be found.

NATO should also have a positive agenda and work with the EU and the United States to support peace and prosperity in the region through political means, namely, through consultation and cooperation on “defence and security-related issues to solve problems, build trust and prevent conflict.” Focus should be placed on low-intensity and collaborative activities, which could include capacity-building (such as helping to boost maritime domain awareness) and dialogue on nuclear security and nonproliferation, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism.

If the NATO liaison office in Tokyo goes through—and private conversations at the Vilnius summit and the forum that took place alongside it, in which this author participated, suggest it might—it may be used to increase understanding in the region about the alliance and its political dimensions. Thus far, news about the liaison office has allowed China to reinforce its claims of NATO expansionism and militarization. When asked about the proposed office in Tokyo, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that “NATO’s attempt to make eastward inroads into the Asia-Pacific will inevitably undermine regional peace and stability.”

What is known about NATO in the region is very much a reflection of the mirror China holds up to it. China’s complaints about NATO hold sway in Asia. Understanding, addressing, and ideally, preempting these concerns will allow the alliance to more effectively engage an important region to achieve its core objective of safeguarding the freedom and security of its members.

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Intelligence Squared U.S. Podcast Debates Wins Gold, Silver & Bronze

Who doesn’t love a good debate? Not the ones on Fox News, where they all agree that Biden sucks, and then they beat up on some liberal professor they’ve invited as a sacrificial lamb. No, a real debate. Where people present facts and have carefully considered positions, not adulterated by political bias and ideological straitjackets.

Intelligence Squared U.S., the veteran debate podcast series and media organization, has just been honored with six Telly Awards for excellence in digital video programming. Winners were selected from more than 11,000 entries submitted from around the globe.

Intelligence Squared U.S. (IQ2US) was founded to address a fundamental problem in America: the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. Through its award-winning live debates and associated programming, the nonprofit company serves as a model for responsible media in a new age — fair, intelligent, nonpartisan — while restoring critical thinking, facts, reason, and civility to public discourse.

Author and ABC News correspondent John Donvan has moderated since 2008.

One award recognized the overall caliber of the company’s virtual events in the “Online Series / Virtual Events & Experiences” category, shining a light on their innovative live virtual debate model. The remaining five recognized individual debates in the “Political/Commentary” category. Here are the five specific Intelligence Squared U.S. debates that were honored:

AMAZON IS GOOD FOR SMALL BUSINESS — Silver Mark Jamison Kunal Chopra Rana Foroohar Stacy Mitchell

THE GOP HAS LOST ITS WAY — Silver Jeff Flake Carlos Curbelo Ben Domenech Kimberely A. Strassel

WE SHOULD EXPAND THE SUPREME COURT — Bronze Presented in partnership with Northwestern Pritzer School of Law Dahlia Lithwick Tamara Brummer Akhil Reed Amar Carter Phillips

TAIWAN IS INDEFENSIBLE — Bronze Lyle J. Goldstein Charlie Glaser Elbridge Colby Elizabeth Larus

CANCEL CULTURE IS TOXIC — Bronze Kmele Foster Garry Kasparov Ehrich Hatala Matthes Karen Attiah

“In our increasingly divided world, Americans deserve a contempt-free zone for hearing both sides of the issues. This suite of Telly awards underscores the demand and need for balanced, respectful, and civilized debate in our society,” said Clea Conner, CEO of Intelligence Squared U.S. “Our team is honored and humbled to have our work recognized alongside some of the world’s most brilliant content creators. We owe a special thanks to the debaters who took to our virtual stage this year: they demonstrated extraordinary courage of conviction and depth of knowledge on these important, complex topics.”

Catch up on their latest debates, asking the questions “Does Your Electric Vehicle Help The Planet?” and “Can Small Investors Beat The Street?”

Recently, the podcast taped its next program, a conversation with debate champion Bo Seo about what debate strategies people can employ in their own contentious conversations.

That episode will release soon across podcast platforms.

So if you want to listen to a real debate full of facts, insightful commentary, intellectually vibrancy, and civil in tone, listen to Intelligence Squared U.S.

Who knows? It may even help you win an argument with your family.

dsmp characters if they were youtubers (we're going full circle baby): part one—c!bench trio

tommy (BIG INNIT VLOGS): world's softest motherfucker disguised as world's most obnoxious vlogger. also the people who only know him from his vlogs are always worried at the vague concerning things he occasionally says but the people who recognise him through l'manburg or even know him are just like "yeah ...."

he had a two week radio-silence in exile before returning with "VLOGGING IN TECHNOBLADE'S BASEMENT" and an apology for the lack of uploads. if you somehow recover his broken camera from logstedshire, you would see him try to vlog for the first few days before losing motivation every time. after some point he just stops but the camera keeps rolling and it films everything until december 16, at which point a shard of shrapnel pierces the lens and everything goes dark

he also has several videos of himself reviewing tubburger and wilburger and starting beef between them. wilbur and quackity always have those fucking comments with 500 replies on every video and it's just the two of them arguing in it. tubbo and ranboo on the other hand comment stuff like "good job ranboo ^_^! i really liked how you incorporated the cheddar with the swiss" and ranboo's like "thanks! i love how crunchy the lettuce is"

ranboo (xxxeverlastingmemoriesxxx): he reads creepypastas, mostly, but he also has these weird commentary videos like every two weeks where he talks about server conflicts in the most unbiased way physically possible but always ends up accidentally going on tangents about his inner turmoils. he also always has royalty free creepy music playing in the background and a gif of like. a snowy forest in the background

he also makes cooking videos and family home videos that tubbo/michael make cameos in but the catch is that all his food had a horrible twist, such as casserole but all the cheese is replaced by taffy. people have joked about him becoming the new ryan's toy review and he's like "what are toys ?.. i asked tubbo if he could review my food instead and he says he doesn't want michael to become a mukbang youtuber ..........." he also likes and replies to every single comment and he types in unreadable fonts with fifteen ellipses instead of full-stops

enderwalkboo also occasionally makes appearances but they're just exposè drama videos over footage of him mining a very long, very dark tunnel. everyone thinks it's an arg but no he's just like that. this is also the only point in which he does q&a's and he always has like a Hot Take in every video. they always end up getting deleted after like 2 days when normal ranboo finds them on his channel

tubbo (Mad_Bees03): mad science channel just like that one guy who extracted the dna out of strawberries and ate it except he always has like a 2 minute bee intermission in the middle and it's a video staple.

he also uploaded a lot less frequently in new l'manburg/manberg era, and those have either the most of least views on his channel because he always ends up rambling about political stuff. post–butcher army is like his 3rd most popular and it's him dissecting the flaws of his anvil contraption and the external variables that made it fail for like 3 hours with low res security camera footage projected on a whiteboard

when he joined las nevadas, every video got like a 3 minute ad segment on tubburger complete with "SAY 'TUBBO UNDERSCORE BELOVED FROM MAD_BEES03 SENT ME HERE' IN TUBBURGER IF YOU WANT A DISCOUNT DON'T TELL QUACKITY THOUGH OR HE'LL GET MAD" and everything

{part 2}

from @terms_of_engagement on Instagram

Transcribed Image Descriptions below the cut

[Image ID: The first panel shows a round icon of the Romani flag which has a red wagon type wheel in the centre, blue in the top half to represent sky and green on the bottom for the land. This icon is on a black banner with the words 'terms of engagement' in white and three little dots beside it for the menu button. 'Terms of engagement' is written as terms (underscore) of (underscore) engagement. The main panel is a cream background with dark blue writing. The title is in a circle and this is surrounded by sketches of sunflowers as well as various wildflowers, some in bloom and some in bud. The name of the blog 'Terms of Engagement' is repeated again as regular text. The title of the panel reads 'Correlations between Witchcraft and Romani Traditions', then in smaller text 'How the spiritual practices of Romani peoples are intertwined with shamanism, stereotypes, mysticism and magic.' End ID]

[Image ID: The second panel is more so in colour. It has a dark blue background and is square. The part with wrting on is styled to look like square graph paper with lots of tiny boxes in blue and made to look as though it were torn out of a notebook with a piece of tape attaching it to the blue backing.  Underneath, so to speak, the tape, is a cutting of a wildflower with a green stem and buds and lilac petals. The text, again in dark blue black, reads 'Disclaimer (this is in capitals to emphasis it is a title and important). The following is a brief overview of what is a very long history of not only shamanism and witchcraft but also of the influences it has had on Romani peoples and vice versa. We would like to emphasize that witchcraft and the beliefs of the Romani peoples are not mutually exclusive. Romani communities are diverse in their spiritual beliefs and traditional practices. Historically and today, organized religion exists alongside and in cooperation with the shamanistic spiritual and healing practices of Romani communities. This is neither a commentary on any religion or spirituality, nor is it an expose on what have been and should remain closed practices within the Romani community. This is intended to breakdown the misconceptions that have led to the persecution of Romani peoples for their spiritual beliefs and to encourage those non-Romani who are interested in learning more, how to proceed with caution and respect. The information from this piece has been compiled from both non-Romani and Romani resources, with the emphasis on the insights of practitioners in the Romani community. End ID]

[Image ID: All the following panels are cream with blue black writing and illustration. The third panel is titled 'Historical foundations of witchcraft in Europe'. The illustration is an image of the High Priestess card from the Rider Waite tarot deck. The text reads 'Folk magic has been practiced around the world by many different groups for the majority of human history. From continent to continent, ancient civilizations have employed herbal remedies, divination, cartomancy, astrology and other spiritualistic services as paths to healing. The conquering and expansion of territories and trade routes, triggered a migration of healing peoples from Asia into Europe. Among them were the Romani drabarni/chov'hani. Healers were revered within communities as those who practiced "the people's religion ", providing townsfolk with crucial services to meet their physical, mental and spiritual needs. It wasn't until the 15th Century when the concept of "witchcraft" emerged and transformed the very fabric of society. During this period, there was a socio-political shift from the Christian state viewing folk magic as mere superstition to redefining it as witchcraft. At this time, witchcraft was seen as a "mode" of religion rather than a worldview, placing it in direct opposition to the Christian Reformation and Counter-Reformation. The movement sought to suppress spiritualities and folk magic which threatened power of the state who sought to weaponize spirituality as a means to control, exploit and supervise citizens. The state indoctrinated manifestos like the Malleus Maleficarum, which specifically identified women as "witches" and practitioners of devil worshipping, causing the inquisitions to commence. Efforts to suppress folk magic grew violently quick and quickly violent.' End ID] 

[Image ID: The fourth panel shows an image of a Romani woman with dark hair. She is cradling a crystal ball, has bangles on each wrist and  is wearing hoop earrings and a headscarf tied in the stereotyped way of a fortune teller, but from its pattern it appears to be a traditional Romani headscarf. Her eyes are closed and she shows an expression of calm focus. Her nails are long and well manicured and her fingers appear to be adorned with many rings. The title reads 'Modern implications of myths and stereotypes'. The text reads, 'The history, practices and influence of Romani healers on European society have long been neglected within the historiography of witchcraft. This has allowed mysticism to guide the public's harmful perception of Romani peoples and their beliefs, placing them in the same category of mythical creatures as fairies, unicorns and mermaids. Those accounts that do exist have been made by outsiders like Charles Godfrey Leland who, like many others in the 19th Century, created a disparaging depiction of the once celebrated Romani healer as synonymous with the archetypal g slur witch. As was done in the past, Romani women were specifically targeted by these efforts, cast as either the poor, haggard and disgruntled witch who curses innocent bystanders or the mysteriously exotic and promiscuous fortune-teller who swindles innocent patrons. Each of these depictions of Romani witches draw on centuries-old stereotypes of criminality, dishonesty, hyper-sexuality and mysticism. In truth, many Romani either assimilated to or adopted the beliefs and practices of dominant religions to avoid persecution. Today, the physical and cultural violation of Romani peoples continues by both the state and its citizens as a result of the perceived and real practices of Romani peoples. Many healers and their communities remain ostracized, struggling to teach the next generation a millenia's worth of traditional practices that are quickly being forgotten to an unwritten history.' End ID]

[Image ID: The fifth panel shows an illustration of flowers on the left hand side, seemingly poppies. The title reads 'Traditional beliefs in the Romani community.' The main text reads 'While biological and linguistic evidence places the Romani people in India near the 11th Century, traditional Romani beliefs mirror ancient Hindu and Buddhist shamanism. At the center of these beliefs is dualism, two opposite and complementary forces that-through ceremony, offerings, practice and prayer, must be maintained. This is reflected in Romani values of purity and impurity (marime), the presence of good and evil spirits, as well as the separation of the inner and outer worlds. Romani traditions emphasize keeping a close connection with creation and paying tribute to the Earth and all its creatures. Other traditions which mirror shamanistic practices in India include the belief in reincarnation and most importantly, the worshipping of a female deity, Sara-la-Kali. In opposition to hierarchy, misogyny, environmental derogation and the centralization of power, Romani beliefs were viewed as an obstruction to the Western colonial project. As there was no one book, place, ceremony, prayer or ritual that is commonly used by Romani peoples to article these traditional beliefs, it was easier for the Christian state to systemically fracture and then violate Romani traditions by correlating it to witchcraft.' End ID]

[Image ID: The sixth panel shows an illustration of a cup and saucer of seemingly porcelain, containing tea or coffee steaming genty. Beside it is a bottle with a vintage illustration of a beehive with the label 'honey'. The title reads 'Modern practices in the Romani community'. The main text reads 'For centuries, Romani matriarchs had passed down traditional practices such as tasseograpy (reading tea leaves), cartomancy (tarot), and chiromancy (palm reading) whose origins are in Asian shamanist traditions. With their migration to Europe in the 14th Century, these practices followed and were shared with royalty and townsfolk alike. Romani peoples began employing these practices as their occupations. Travelling from one countryside to the next, Romani healers not only financially prospered but also were able to build trust and influence local views. Not only did this threaten the Christian state's attempts to financially exploit and impose on community politics but it also allocated too much power to women who were viewed as intellectually and spiritually inferior.To regain power, the state targetted female practitioners, discrediting them by claiming that their witchcraft conjured evil spirits to make townsfolk depedent on hiring them. Since, the practices of Romani peoples have been steeped in wide-spread suspicion, invalidating its practitioners, and undermining women's rights to practice and be paid for their traditional occupations. To this day, tarot, palm reading and other forms of divination are used to both inform personal and community decision-making as well as a form of employment. The state continues to highly regulate witchcraft and the practicing of Romani traditions by forcing healers to register with the government as a business, which many Romani are unable to do and by heavily taxing them on their income.' End ID]

[Image ID: The seventh panel shows illustrations of bunches of herbs in the top section of the frame, tied with string as though hanging from a wooden roof beam to dry. The main title reads 'Healing in the past and present'. The main text reads 'Practitioners used their natural and learned talents for healing to cure sicknesses, assist in births, and promote wellness. Using locally grown plants and animal by-products, healers were able to help prolong the lives of primarily poor townsfolk and other travellers who otherwise did not have the time or resources to see a medical practitioner. The onset of the Great Plague or Black Death was used as an opportunity for the Christian state to further justify the persecution of Romani healers. Having been accused of using spirits to both cure and cause illness, they were gradually ostracized from the communities they once lived and held influence in. What were once considered spells, incantations and elixirs used by Romani healers are now regarded as ointments, herbal teas and medicinal recipes, grounded in a basic understanding of herbology. Through close observation of and respect for the human body, plants and animals, the Romani healers were able to create powerful medicines that are still used to this day, curing everything from a sore throat, to energy imbalances, menstrual cramps and the presence of evil spirits.' End ID] 

[Image ID: The eighth panel shows a bunch of thin stemmed wild flowers on the right hand side. The main title reads 'Spiritual appropriation outside of the Romani community'. The main text reads 'Though various shamanistic practices have been intertwined for centuries, there has been an ever increasing rise in the adoption of neo-shamanistic beliefs and practices. While practicing a spirituality that resonates with you is not in itself oppressive, the ways in which they are adopted can be. As seen within other communities that have been exotified for their spiritual beliefs, the Romani peoples have also experienced the harmful appropriation of their tradtional practices. As previously mentioned, Tasseography (reading tea leaves), cartomancy (tarot), and chiromancy (palm reading) are intrinsically linked to the Romani culture and yet, they have been haphazardly adopted without recognition of their importance to the community. Most often, those who have appropriated the practice employ the same deprecating imagery and derogatory narratives that were used and continue to be used to persecute Romani peoples. Perpetuating these false perceptions of what it means to be a practitioner delegitimizes those within the community who have deep spiritual connections and divine gifts. What is most harmful however, is the commodification of these practices. The commodification of these practices by those outside the community not only draws economic opportunity away from a community which disproportionately experiences intergenerational poverty, but it also leads to the exploitation of resources and the unethical acquisition of traditional tools used by Romani communities to practice.' End ID]

[Image ID: The ninth panel shows an illustrated palmistry hand with all the lines and divisions marked. There are also astrological symbols and writing appears to be in Latin, while the wrist of the hand bears a frilly cuff. The main title reads 'Things to consider when practicing'. The main text reads 'Questions to self reflect on: How has your faith contributed to the persecution of Romani peoples? How are you perpetuating stereotypes of Romani peoples through your practice? How do your spiritual practices promote the liberation of Romani peoples? Ethical practice includes: 1. Learn more about Romani history, culture and tradtions. 2. Not seeking out practitioners to educate you on closed practices. 3. Not entering into Romani communities with the intention of learning without their permission. 4. Asking when and where it is appropriate to practice these traditions with Romani people. 5. Not commodifying these practices for your own financial gain. 6. Redistributing the wealth if you have profited off these practices.  7. Standing in solidarity with Romani women who are fighting to practice their traditional occupations. 8. Paying for their labour if you request the services of Romani healers. 9. Using ethically sourced materials from Romani owned businesses. 10. Not exacerbating or endangering natural resources for your personal or commercial practice. 11. Taking caution when using traditional medicines and seeking medical attention when necessary. End ID] 

[Image ID: The tenth and final panel shows a sketchy illustration of a table. On it is an open book with its pages fanned out in a semicircle. Beside that is a candle, in an old fashioned holder, dripping wax from the top and casting a circle of light onto the wall. Behind that is a stack of closed books. The main title reads 'Further exploration'. The main text reads 'Romani Practitioners Offering Services and Goods.' This is followed by a number of handles for Instagram. These are as follows: @mihaelamincaoffical @jezmina.vonthiele @schooloftraditionalmagic @thelivingaltar @opulentwitch @shuvanicandleco @snakeandwildroots @primordialsoups (underscore) @baby (underscore) reckless @katelanfoisy @fairybogma @spell aroma. The next piece of text reads 'Media resources' Followed by a list of books, as follows: A Practical Guide for Witches by Ylua Mara Radziszewski, Sara Kali: The Dark Madonna by Mihaela Dragan and Mihai Lukacs, The Appartition of Choxani by Luminita Mihai Cioaba's (this surname uses punctuation to express sounds not found in English I believe. The word with an x is pronounced 'Cho ha nee'). The Romani Goddess Sara Kali by Ronald Lee, Infoxicated Corner: Essay on Romani Poetics, History and Culture by Jessica Suzanne Reidy, We Borrow The Earth by Patrick Jasper Lee, Romani Remedies and Recipes by Gypsy Petulengro, Gypsy Folk Medicine by Wanja von Hausen. The final text reads 'If you are or know of other Romani practitioners or resources that can assist others in learning, please link them in the comment section below.' End ID]

Civil War Review: Alex Garland's Heartwrenching War Masterpiece

When you go to the theatre to see a brand new Alex Garland movie, you know that it's not going to be a conventional movie by any means. Even his most accessible movie in my opinion - Ex Machina - is still an absolutely enthralling and bizarre dive into science fiction. The same can also be said about his follow-up film Annihilation. And although I know that a lot of people out there loathe Men with a passion, I personally think it's an excellent horror film that never fails to get under my skin, even if it's maybe not as good as it was the first time I saw it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDyQxtg0V2w Although I was familiarized with Garland's filmography before seeing his latest film Civil War, nothing could've truly prepared me for the emotionally taxing and genuinely depressing journey the movie was going to take me on. It's the kind of movie that, as soon as the credits are finished rolling, you feel absolutely disgusted to your core but you also recognize that the film that you just watched is a total work-of-art. Truth be told, Civil War will be a difficult movie to rewatch because of its imagery and subject matter. But it's also one of the best movies of the year, and one of the best war movies ever made. It stands out as a profound commentary on the fabric of American society. Additionally, it delves into politics through the lens of a dystopian war drama. Set in a future America where divisions have escalated into a full-blown Second Civil War, the film intricately explores themes of loyalty, ideology, and the price of freedom through the journey of a team of journalists navigating the ravaged landscape. With a cast led by Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sonoya Mizuno, and Nick Offerman, the film delivers a powerfully resonant narrative that captivates from start to finish. Garland's screenplay weaves a harrowing tale that, while dystopian, feels uncomfortably possible. It paints a grim picture of a nation torn asunder by its own contradictions. Kirsten Dunst's portrayal of Lee Smith, a photojournalist caught between her duty to report the truth, is particularly compelling. Her character's resilience and determination, juxtaposed with her vulnerabilities, make for a nuanced performance that anchors the film. Wagner Moura's Joel serves as a fitting counterpart, blending cynicism with an unexpected depth of emotion. The young Cailee Spaeny, as the aspirational Jessie, represents the heart of the film. Through her eyes, we witness the transformation from naivety to the stark realization of war's brutalities. One can only hope that Spaeny continues to receive incredible roles. Honestly, I'd go as far as to say that she deserves an Oscar for this performance. Stephen McKinley Henderson’s portrayal of the wise yet fatalistic Sammy offers a masterclass in supporting roles. He leaves an indelible mark despite limited screen time. Meanwhile, Nick Offerman's casting as the President—serving an unprecedented third term—was an inspired choice. Offerman channels an unsettling blend of charisma and menace, making the dictator all the more believable and chilling. Garland’s direction is meticulous, crafting scenes of urban warfare and quieter moments of introspection with equal care. His choice to showcase the stark contrast between the chaos of the battlefield and the eerie normalcy found in pockets of the war-torn nation underscores the absurdity and tragedy of civil conflict. The pacing of the film, coupled with its haunting score and visually arresting cinematography, builds a crescendo. It will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Particularly noteworthy are the action sequences in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the heart-pounding ending. Both of which showcase Garland’s ability to handle large-scale set pieces without losing focus on the human element. The film's commentary on journalism is another layer that adds depth to the narrative. Lee and her team's ethical dilemmas challenge the audience to consider media's role in shaping perceptions of war. The bold narrative choice forces the audience to confront the moral ambiguity of vengeance and justice in times of war. It shows Garland's exploration of human darkness and revolutionary complexities. The final image of the film is a chilling reminder of the cycle of violence. Overall: Civil War is a masterful addition to the genre of dystopian war films. It offers a riveting, albeit bleak, vision of America's future that resonates with the current global political climate. With standout performances, particularly from Dunst and Moura, and Garland's expert direction, the film achieves a rare balance of thrilling entertainment and thoughtful commentary. Read the full article