#StrongMorals

[storytellerslense]

JJ Maybank Character Analysis

Why a pairing of Kiara and JJ would hardly work under real-life circumstances

Screenwriters love messy romantic storylines because drama sells and keeps us all on the edge of our seats. Complicated relationships filled with "OMG, did that just happen?" moments push characters to grow and show off their deeper sides, making them more relatable. Plus, they mirror our own love life dramas (or lack thereof) and give us an escape from reality. The whole "will they or won’t they" vibe keeps us binge-watching season after season, completely invested in their rollercoaster romance.

But let's get real for a sec—these chaotic love stories shouldn't be your blueprint for a real-life relationship.

That being said, it might not be the popular opinion, but Kiara would be the worst match for JJ. In real life, their relationship would quickly go downhill, and here's why:

JJ's been crushing on Kiara since Season 1. His feelings have been solid, even while she was off exploring things with John B. and Pope even though she often treated him badly, commenting on almost all of his actions with sarcasm and disregard.

There are a lot of examples, especially in the first two seasons, where Kiara is being disrespectful and sarcastic towards JJ. It actually seems like she doesn't care for him at all

That's why Kiara’s sudden interest in JJ, after her flings with the other guys, raises some eyebrows. Is she really into JJ, or is this about rebelling against her parents or wanting a “fixer-upper” project?

JJ and Kiara would make a perfect example for a toxic relationship

Kiara's and JJ's core personalities and backgrounds clash in fundamental ways. JJ, with his ADHD-like tendencies, impulsive nature, and carefree, rebellious attitude, often acts without thinking, seeking thrills and living in the moment. This behavior is in stark contrast to Kiara’s strong morals, rule-following disposition, and the disciplined upbringing she received from her wealthy household and good education. While JJ's spontaneity might seem exciting, it conflicts with Kiara’s structured approach to life.

Kiara is feeding into JJ's insecurities

She tends to be judgmental, especially towards behaviors that deviate from her values, which can make it hard for her to fully understand or accept JJ’s way of coping with his challenges.

JJ grew up in an abusive household with a neglectful and violent father. This messed up his self-esteem, emotional health, and understanding of relationships. He’s conditioned to accept unhealthy dynamics and put others first, often at his own expense.

Kiara, on the other hand, had a cushy, stable upbringing with overprotective parents. This gave her strong convictions and a clear sense of right and wrong but also left her with high expectations and a need to maintain a certain image.

Kiara’s strong will and idealism can sometimes make her judgmental and inflexible, especially toward those who don't see things her way.

Opposites attract: the more differences, the better the story

She might struggle to fully get the depth of JJ's trauma and how it shapes his behavior. His impulsiveness and reckless behavior, driven by a need to survive his trauma, often clash with Kiara's moral convictions. His actions aren't about seeking admiration but about finding safety and acceptance.

JJ's and Kiara's values are constantly clashing

JJ’s low self-esteem, need for validation, and history of emotional neglect make him vulnerable to falling into the same victim role he’s known all his life. Kiara’s strong personality and occasional self-righteous streak could unintentionally exploit JJ’s compulsive selflessness and lack of boundaries.

Is there really more to the chemistry between JJ and Kiara other than just physical attraction?

So, unless JJ takes some serious time for personal growth, gets to know himself and his boundaries, and learns what healthy relationships actually look like, jumping into a romance with Kiara too soon is basically setting himself up to fall right back into the emotional traps he’s trying to escape.

So, what do you think about all this? Would you disagree or do you have another constellation in mind that would suit a character like JJ better (Sarah?). Let me know your thoughts!

[w98pops]

A SHORT REVIEW by Danny P. Parker

"Caesarella and the Red Skirts" is critically acclaimed comedy musical about a simple girl with her simple goal to conquer the entirety of the world.

The story follows the many adventures of a whimsical misandrist Caesarella, "she loves books, unpaid labor, setting her ex-boyfriends on fire and throwing them off of cliffs!"

The musical is filled with humor and joyness, wonderful sounds and choreography. As a good friend of the main songwriter, I can tell that Bruce put a lot of good work into all of the songs, and I can appreciate that, but boy oh boy, the "Oh, Joshua" will forever be my favorite! I always had a soft spot for romance and the chemistry between the actors was on spot.

Can't miss out on the amazing acting and singing by William Erickson, a new shining star at the Tops! Besides not being in the spotlight and seemingly first-timing the role of Caesarella, William left the the audience in awe at his otherworldly performance, a fantastic start for him! We also have a few familiar faces with Alexa Strongmore as Lupus Inculta and Gordon Frens as The Burned Man, with their performances being as good as ever.

If this review didn't convince you to buy a ticket for the closest show, that means you are either not human or cheap to your bones! Which is no problem, because my good friend Bruce shared a secret with me, that they will be making a radioplay version of the "Caesarella" this June! So, go buy these tickets while you still can and see the show LIVE on STAGE!

"Caesarella and the Red Skirts" Tops Casino, Aces Theater, every Friday, 9 PM!

[tomgregs]

u a lil bitchboy

Work it

Make it

Do it

Makes us

Harder

Better

Faster

Stronger

More than

Hour

Hour

Never

Ever

After

Work is

Over

Work it

Make it

Do it

Makes us

Harder

Better

Faster

Stronger

Work it harder, make it better

Do it faster, makes us stronger

More than ever, hour after hour

Work is never over

Work it harder, make it better

Do it faster, makes us stronger

More than ever, hour after hour

Work is never over

Work it harder, make it better

Do it faster, makes us stronger

More than ever, hour after hour

Work is never over

Work it harder, make it better

Do it faster, makes us stronger

More than ever, hour after hour

Work is never over

Work it harder, make it betterDo it faster, makes us strongerMore than ever, hour after hourWork is never overWork it harder, make it betterDo it faster, makes usMore than ever hour after hourWork is never overWork it harder, make it betterDo it faster, makes us strongerMore than ever, hour after hourWork is never overWork it harder, make itDo it faster, makes usMore than ever, hour after hourWork is never overWork it harder, make it betterDo it faster, makes us strongMore than ever, hour after hourWork is never overWork it, make it betterDo it faster makes us strongerMore than ever, hour after hourWork is never overWork it, make it betterDo it faster makes us strongerMore than ever, hour after hourWork is never overWork it, make it betterDo it faster makes us strongerMore than ever, hour after hourWork is never overWork it harderDo it fasterMore than ever, hourWork is never overWork it harder, make it betterDo it faster makes us strongerMore than ever hour after hourWork is never over

[joemerl]

It's no longer Halloween where I live, but anyway: Dictionary.com (of all places) had a contest guest-judged by my childhood hero, R.L. Stine. It was to write the first 50 words of a story involving a haunted house.

Sadly, neither of my entries won, but I thought I'd post them here just for fun.

Entry #1:

"Those who enter Strongmore Manor will haunt its halls forever."

I can vouch for that. I sneaked in for a dare in 1986, becoming the lucky thirteenth victim of Gregor Strongmore's curse.

I watch as another group of kids creep through the door. As if this place wasn't crowded enough.

Entry #2:

Steven could tolerate his roommates at first. The piercing screams, slamming doors and visions of hanged bodies were a small price to pay for buying a Victorian mansion so cheaply.

Then they took his cookies.

The cookies CLEARLY labeled with HIS name.

"That's it!" he screamed. "I'm calling an exorcist!"

[lakegenevaslumberparty]

I’ve been thinking, as I read along , about why  Stoker made the vampire in Dracula Not English

To be clear, I’m not really interested in why Stoker went with “Dracula” specifically, but why he chose to make his vampire come from outside of England in the first place.  What does it change about the story to have Harker locked up in Count Dracula’s castle, and not Count Strongmore’s?  What was the intention of it? “Xenophobia and Orientalism”  are the obvious answers, and also correct, but much too general for what I’m thinking about.  I’m thinking of specific  things this changes about How The Story Works, on a wrench-and-pulleys level. What would be different--in mood, in function, in tropes-- if Harker was locked up in the castle of Baron Strongmore instead of Count Dracula?  

 ..and,worryingly, would Dracula have been the hit it was if it didn’t trade on Scary Outsider tropes?  Those earlier English vampires, after all, didn’t have nearly the permanence with the English-language reading audience. 

I genuinely don’t have a set of answers to any of this; it’s just something I’m always thinking about as the chapters go by. 

[jaidaaphotography]

Today's word of the day is integrity...the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. : : May we strive everyday to be better than the day before, live up to our promises and remember the golden rule. Let us not ask what we are not willing to give. Always looking up and towards better. : : #jaidaaphotography #integrity #goldenrule #liferules #moralprinciples #strongmorals #lookup #positivevibesonly #leadership #friendship #promises #reminders #travelingphotographer #internationalportraitphotographer

[babyawacs]

@dnpeeps #sevenofnine they disfigured her sevenis strongmorals turnedh er into a ruthless murderer itislike disgrace before killoff as acheap ch eap cheap sleazy little deathsickothrill fetish disgusting @startrekpica rd is a deathstartrek idontknow why @SirPatStew letem or gavehis role away

@dnpeeps #sevenofnine they disfigured her sevenis strongmorals turnedh er into a ruthless murderer itislike disgrace before killoff as acheap ch eap cheap sleazy little deathsickothrill fetish disgusting @startrekpica rd is a deathstartrek idontknow why @SirPatStew letem or gavehis role away

@dnpeeps #seveofnine they disfigured her sevenis strongmorals turnedher into a ruthless murderer itislike disgrace before killoff as acheap cheap cheap sleazy little deathsickothrill fetish disgusting @startrekpicard is a deathstartrek idontknow why @SirPatStew letem or gavehis role away I am Christian KISS BabyAWACS – Raw Independent Sophistication #THINKTANK + #INTEL #HELLHOLE…