Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) famously wore a custom white Brother Vellies gown with “TAX THE RICH” emblazoned in red on the back to the 2021 Met Gala

. Designed by Aurora James, the dress aimed to spark a conversation about economic inequality at the high-profile event. The choice generated significant media attention, criticism from conservatives, and subsequent ethical investigations regarding the gifted dress. 

• Designer & Concept: The dress was created by Aurora James, founder of Brother Vellies, a Black female designer. The design was intended as a political statement to bring working-class concerns to the elite event.
• Controversy: The juxtaposition of the message with the exclusive, high-ticket event led to accusations of hypocrisy from critics.
• Investigation: The House Ethics Committee investigated the gown and other accessories after reports suggested the rental of the items was not paid for until after the event, potentially violating house rules.
• Final Payment: AOC initially paid a portion of the costs, but, according to a 2025 report, she was later required to pay additional funds to cover the full market value of the rental, which was calculated to be over $2,700. 

“Devil’s smiles” refers to 

fleeting sunshine breaking through dark, cloudy skies. More broadly, it implies an evil, menacing, or sarcastic grin—often termed an evil grin—meant to convey dominance, malice, or a “wicked” sense of humor. It is also used in media, such as horror films to signal terror or in, for instance, the One Piece series to describe a type of artificial fruit. 

Key interpretations of this phrase include:

• Weather Phenomenon: A local dialect term for sunbeams appearing unexpectedly between dark clouds.
• Facial Expression: A smirk, sneer, or unsettling, creepy smile that often signifies malicious intent, superiority, or, in some contexts, a playful but sarcastic mood.
• Media and Culture:
  • Film: Iconic, unsettling, or sinister smiles used by villains in horror movies, such as in The Shining or A Nightmare on Elm Street.
  • Music/Literature: A recurring theme in lyrics representing temptation or, for example, the title of a song by Manse, Sammy Boyle, Nikodemus Juhlin.
  • Fiction: “SMILE” artificial devil fruits from the “One Piece” series. 

Flying monkeys are people manipulated by a narcissist or abuser to act on their behalf, often engaging in bullying, gaslighting, or spreading lies to harm the target. Originating from The Wizard of Oz, these minions allow the narcissist to maintain control, isolate the victim, and avoid direct accountability. They often act out of blind loyalty, fear, or ignorance of the full story. 

Motivations of Flying Monkeys

• Deception: They often believe the narcissist’s lies and false, victim-focused narrative.
• Manipulation/Fear: They may be manipulated, intimidated, or coerced into cooperation.
• Codependency: They may have a codependent relationship with the narcissist.
• Shared Pathology: In some cases, they are similar to the narcissist and enjoy the power dynamic. 

Role in Narcissistic Abuse

• Smear Campaigns: They spread rumors and gossip to damage the victim’s reputation.
• Gaslighting: They convince the victim that their perception of abuse is wrong.
• Isolation: They help isolate the victim from support systems.
• Monitoring: They act as spies, gathering information for the narcissist. 

How to Identify Flying Monkeys

• They justify or make excuses for the abuser’s toxic behavior.
• They use the same language and talking points as the narcissist.
• They put pressure on the victim to reconcile or comply with the abuser.
• They ignore the pain of the victim and demonstrate a lack of empathy. 

How to Deal with Flying Monkeys

• Set Firm Boundaries: Explicitly tell them you will not discuss the narcissist.
• Minimize Information: Use the “Grey Rock method” to become boring and unresponsive to their provocation.
• Disengage/No Contact: If they continue to attack, it is necessary to cut ties with them.
• Hold Your Truth: Do not engage in arguments; trust your reality over their narrative.
• Seek Support: Build a support system independent of the narcissist’s circle. 

Often, flying monkeys are not aware of the full, abusive story, but some may knowingly participate in the manipulation. 

Toontown Online was a popular Disney MMORPG where players created cartoon animals (“Toons”) to fight business-themed robots (“Cogs”) using gags like pies and anvils, but it was shut down in 2013 due to financial unsustainability. The game was known for its family-friendly, non-PvP environment with chat filters, and it has since seen numerous fan-run revival servers, most notably Toontown Rewritten, which continues the game’s legacy. 

Gameplay and features 

• Objective: Battle the Cogs to save Toontown from becoming a business venture. 
• Characters: Create and customize Toons (cats, dogs, bears, etc.). 
• Combat: Use “gags” (like Throw, Squirt, Sound) to defeat Cogs in turn-based battles. 
• Currency: Earn “Jellybeans” to buy gags, clothes, and furniture. 
• Activities: Complete “Toontasks,” play mini-games, and decorate your house. 
• Safety: Featured parental controls and a filtered chat system. 

History 

• Launch: Released in the US in 2003. 
• Closure: Disney shut down the official servers in 2013, citing budget cuts and management changes. 
• Revivals: The community created fan-run servers, with Toontown Rewritten becoming the most prominent, launching in 2014. 

Legacy 

• Despite its official closure, the game remains popular through fan projects like Toontown Rewritten, which is run by a non-profit and keeps the game alive for a new generation of players. 

I “drug up my friends for this one!”

Mexican drug cartels are powerful, violent criminal organizations that control illegal drug trade, trafficking routes, and significant territory, with the 

Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and Sinaloa Cartel being the most dominant. They operate throughout Mexico and internationally, causing high homicide rates and fighting for territory against rivals and state forces. 

Most Powerful Cartels in Mexico (2026)

• Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG): Known for its aggressive expansion and heavy weaponry.
• Sinaloa Cartel: A historically powerful, fragmented group that remains a major global player despite the capture of leaders like El Chapo.
• Gulf Cartel (Cártel del Golfo): Active primarily in the border regions.
• Los Zetas / Cartel del Noreste: Known for a military-style approach to crime. 

Key Aspects of Mexican Cartels

• Activity: Cartels control smuggling routes for narcotics, weapons, and people, as well as engaging in extortion, kidnapping, and money laundering.
• Violence: Turf wars between rival cartels (e.g., CJNG vs. Sinaloa) and confrontations with Mexican security forces cause significant instability.
• Power: Cartels have significant financial resources and armed wings, often acting as paramilitary forces, particularly in areas like Guerrero, Michoacán, and the border regions.
• Key Locations: High activity areas include the U.S.-Mexico border, the Pacific coast, and states like Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Tamaulipas. 

Other active organizations include La Familia Michoacana, Juarez Cartel, Tijuana Cartel, and various splinter groups. 

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Texas has an estimated 100,000 gang members, with the highest concentration in Harris County

. Major Tier 1 gangs, often linked to Mexican cartels, include Tango Blast, Texas Syndicate, Barrio Azteca, and Texas Mexican Mafia. These groups, alongside others like the Bandidos Motorcycle Club and MS-13, dominate criminal activity including drug trafficking, violent crime, and racketeering. 

Key details regarding gangs in Texas:

• Top-Tier Gangs: Tango Blast (and its cliques like Puro Tango Blast), Texas Syndicate, Barrio Azteca, and the Mexican Mafia are the most significant threats, noted for their large membership and high levels of violence.
• Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGs): The Bandidos are the most dominant, with the Cossacks also active, particularly in the North Texas area.
• Regional Activity: Harris County (Houston) holds the highest concentration of gang members in the state. North Texas faces threats from cartel-affiliated groups and national gangs like the Crips.
• White Supremacist Gangs: The Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) and the Aryan Circleare major, violent, white supremacist organizations based primarily in Texas.
• Other Active Groups: MS-13 is considered a high-level public safety threat, particularly in the Houston area. Raza Unida is a significant prison-based gang. 

Gang members frequently use social media for recruitment and encrypted messages to communicate, according to the Houston Public Media report. 

The Bandidos Motorcycle Club is widely considered the most dominant, feared, and active “one-percenter” outlaw motorcycle club in Texas. Founded in San Leon, Texas in 1966, they are classified as an organized crime syndicate by law enforcement and have a massive presence in the state. Other significant, often rival, clubs include the Cossacks MC and the Outlaws MC. 

Key Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs in Texas

• Bandidos MC (Bandido Nation): Founded in 1966 in Texas, they are considered one of the “Big Four” worldwide motorcycle clubs and the most dominant in the region. They are heavily involved in territorial disputes, with a significant presence in drug smuggling, particularly in the border region.
• Cossacks MC: Known for a intense, often violent, rivalry with the Bandidos, which included the 2015 shootout at Twin Peaks in Waco.
• Outlaws MC: A major national club with a significant, long-standing presence in Texas, often in conflict with the Bandidos.
• Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT): While more commonly classified as a prison/street gang, members have been known to be involved in high-profile criminal activities within the state and are often listed among the “Most Wanted” by Texas law enforcement. 

Key Associations/Background

• “One Percent” Status: These clubs are considered “one-percenters,” a term used to describe outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs) that do not abide by traditional societal laws.
• Law Enforcement Targets: Due to involvement in violent crime, drugs, and racketeering, these clubs are frequently monitored by the FBI and Texas law enforcement.
• Territory: The Bandidos are heavily concentrated in Texas but have a massive global presence. 

Note: The term “most wanted” in this context refers to clubs that are highest priority for law enforcement investigation due to criminal activity rather than a public list of individuals.