Dragon Dads (https://dragondads.org/) is a group of dads and other caregivers who are affirming and supportive of LGTBQIA+ kids. One of their big activities is going to #pride events and giving out free dad hugs. Many of them have been doing this for 10 years or more. This was my first time.

Let me tell you, I saw, and felt, absolutely everything.

There was someone who squealed when they saw the booth and did a ten yard sprint to catch me in a flying hug. There were people who walked by several times before they timidly came up and asked for a hug.

There were people who wanted long hugs, side hugs, pats on the back, fist bumps. (We have a menu.) People who don't like hugs, but were nonetheless thrilled that we were doing it.

People told me that their dads had passed away, refused to have anything to do with them, or that they had had to cut their own dads off. One told me "I miss my dad", and when I said I was so sorry, they said "he's in Arizona".

There was an elderly person in a wheelchair who told us how their alcoholic father used to beat them, then told us all the things they had accomplished in life in spite of him, just to show him.

There were people who trembled. People who sobbed. People who melted.

A giant dude in one of those neoprene dog masks (with my permission) grabbed me in a great big hug and lifted me off the ground.

I leaned down to hug people in wheelchairs, and stretched up to hug a woman who I swear was seven feet tall.

Some people stayed to chat, or to cool off in our misting fan in the blistering heat. Others got a hug and left quickly, tears in their eyes and a "thank you" on their lips.

Absolutely everyone who wanted a hug got one.

I've signed up for more events.

RIP IT AND FLIP IT! A WORLDY FROM JEDI!

#USMNT x @[email protected]

"Age verification" company Yoti caught admitting to blocking GrapheneOS users and "reporting them to authorities".

https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/1txn8di/did_i_just_got_threatened_by_yoti_age/

🚨 BREAKING: Liverpool confirm Andoni Iraola as their new head coach. He has signed a two-year contract.

It follows a rigorous yet urgent process following the departure of Arne Slot, who only found out he was leaving on Saturday morning.

#LFC decided to evolve their playing style to make it more front-foot, aggressive and urgent. Iraola viewed as fitting that bill.

Liverpool able to attract Iraola, who was in talks with Crystal Palace, Leverkusen and Milan.

He is well-known to Richard Hughes and someone whose career #LFC have followed for over a decade. Understand the club actually tried to sign him as a player.

Length of Iraola’s contract is in keeping with how the Spaniard works.

It was clear from the outset Iraola was the standout candidate, even though Sebastian Hoeneß and Pierre Sage were considered.

Once Iraola knew of Liverpool’s interest, he made it clear to the club all other options were off the table and he wanted to join.

Backroom staff to be confirmed shortly. Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper, Tom Webber and Pablo de la Torre all expected to join.

Liverpool were attracted by Iraola’s clear identity, proven Premier League record and his personality and leadership qualities.

His teams play with intensity, aggression and purpose, including with a high press, ability to win the ball back quickly and attack at speed. Liverpool also believe he has a track record of specifically improving attackers.

His approach has drawn some comparisons to the style that brought Liverpool success over the last decade.

#LFC believe Iraola will bring continuity, fresh ideas and help Liverpool evolve and ultimately win silverware.🇪🇸