#cbcchallenge

[srcristianalvarez]

Hot wheels

   Molten hot rubber pounds across the track, ripples of flames igniting the road in a sea of fire. The eye can only catch a glimpse of the blue and yellow bullet, its grace and speed only rivaled by NASA��s attempts to match the grace and skill of his car. “Go! Go!” Cristian’s breath is hitched in his throat, the suffocating pressure of the race both sending his young heart into overdrive, and granting him the thrill of a lifetime. He licks his lips hungrily, unable to stop himself from hungering over victory, though his competition has staked a claim to a second place that is mere seconds away from his leading position. Sweat blossoms beneath the freshly washed curls that dangle across his forehead; he’ll leave My World on repeat, but he’s far too sophisticated to cut his David-esque curls into the signature Bieber swoop. He’s crouched on his knees, as close to the blazing track as safety would allow - his hair blows back whenever the tip of his nose leans in too close. Not even the latest Kids Bop Track can claim its as fire as this.  “Your butt is about to eat my farts, ugly!” The finger he wears his Cartier ring on (specially made to fit the lithe fingers of a child) flicks his cousin in the eye, nearly sending the L.L. Bean clad child flying backwards. Cristian knows he’ll be threatened with a time-out later for the daring act - but he’s too flushed, too brazen, to invigorated by the race to care about the consequences. Besides, it’s not his parents wouldn’t allow him to hit the back to back Spongebob Episodes. The cars turn the final curve of the track, their doors kissing as they fight to emerge from the turn in a victorious position. Cristian’s docile brown eyes are widened in a fit of fear as his cousin’s ugli car dares to edge ahead; if he lost, he’d be forced to forfeit his metwoo card. And that’d make him an ugli caca head! He sends up a prayer to the legendary 3oh!3, musical legends who will never fade - and sucks in a sharp inhale of breath as the blue and yellow car, his baby, Lil’ Cristian, sends blue sparks flying as it flies past the finish line, a daring milliseconds ahead of the competition. 

Swish, swag, holla - he’s won. As the deafening applause and wails of failure from his cousin cloud his senses, he rises, his fists raised to the Heavens - Praise the Lord, for he giveth. Cristian is alive, he is exultant, and he knows nothing could ever touch him in a moment like this. 

  This is Hot Wheels-  Feel the Speed. Feel the Rush. 

[corinnejmorris]

W E D D I N G  A T T I R E — D E C  2 0 1 9

[virzafar]

PLAYLIST || A L M O S T ; A VIR SINGH PLAYLIST

“How do we forgive ourselves for the life we never got to live?”

LISTEN HERE!

1. Are You Satisfied? - MARINA 

My problem is my problem that I never am happy It's my problem, it's my problem on how fast I will succeed Are you satisfied with an average life? Do I need to lie to make my way in life?

2. Waving Through a Window - Dear Evan Hansen 

On the outside, always looking in Will I ever be more than I've always been? 'Cause I'm tap, tap, tapping on the glass I'm waving through a window I try to speak, but nobody can hear So I wait around for an answer to appear

3. Why Am I Like This? - Orla Gartland 

Oh, it's like I'm looking down from the ceiling above Never in the moment, never giving enough Let's go out and shout the words we never said I got my mistakes on loop inside my head

4. By Now - Will Jay 

I've sacrificed more than enough And after everything I've done I'm still not where I wanna be So what more do you want from me I should've been somebody By now

5. Happy - Julia Michaels

And sometimes I think I kill relationships for art I start up all this shit to watch 'em fall apart I pay my bills with it, I watch 'em fall apart Then pay the price for it, I watch 'em fall apart, but Oh, I just wanna be fucking happy, oh, oh, oh

6. Lonely - Noah Cyrus

I'm slowly killing myself I'm trying so hard at the back of the shelf It's just the same every day I'm writing these songs that will never get played I get told what's wrong and what's right

7. Older - Ben Platt

Have I bit my tongue one too many times Have I said it all the way I really meant to? If I wait 'til my tomorrow comes Is the waiting all I've ever done?

8. The Outsider - MARINA

I look myself in the face And whisper "I'm in the wrong place" Is there more to lose than gain If I go on my own again?

9. She Used to Be Mine - The Waitress 

That place and its patrons Have taken more than I gave them It's not easy to know I'm not anything like I used be, although it's true I was never attention's sweet center

10. My Eyes - The Lumineers

What did you do to my eyes What did you sing to that lonely child Promised it all but you lied You better slow down baby soon It's all or nothing to you

11. Supercut - Lorde

Cause in my head, in my head, I do everything right When you call I'll forgive and not fight All the moments I play in the dark Wild and fluorescent, come home to my heart

[jokorbel]

Jo Korbel | Wikipedia

[leonsolis]

LEON SOLIS’S OFFICIAL TWITTER PT. 3 (THE LIFE HACKS EDITION)

@mmcarsn [x] // @nataliefuckingmeyer [x]

[rmoskowitz]

                            𝐖𝐡𝐨'𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞?                    𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐍𝐎𝐒𝐄!!!

Aurora Moskowitz, only child of Anya and Antoni. Like many Jews, their family is incredibly small - though they lack number, Rory was never devoid of unwavering love and affection.

Antoni Moskowitz - born in Poland, in the wake of a war that devastated not only his country, but his people; his parents are one of few in their respective families, that survived the war. Antoni’s person is very much informed by living in country that doesn’t necessarily love him, and sewed seeds of betrayal with the Russians and Germans came, that cannot be undone. He , immigrated from Poland during his early twenties - a Jew, scorned by the country and continent that had condemned his people, sought the forbidden jewel of America. Having a distant relation in Minnesota, he happily traded the bitter atmosphere of Soviet control, for the prophesied American dream. Quickly he settled into his newfound identity, adopting all attributes of the typical midwestern father . His accent however, he would never shed - Rory can never decide - through lack of effort into adopting a laissez-faire midwest accent, or using his accent in order to cling to the vestibules of his former home Antoni is kind, and thrilled to do the smallest things - he treasures his Sunday paper and holding his hands with his wife while listening to the radio. He’s intelligent, hardworking, and adores his daughter to no end. They only had one child, for a myriad of reasons; fear of losing a child, like so many did, and fear of bringing children into a world that would mistrust them based on the curve of their nose. But Rory gave them hope, and gave them a fufilment on this Earth they lacked otherwise. He calls Rory every Sunday, for a quiet chat about anything that comes to mind. She treasures him, with all her heart. 

Anya Moskowitz -  Born to first generation children of Russian immigrants, fought the duality of her identity, ‘til her union with Antoni. She longed for a last name that slipped easily in and out of the mouths of her teachers and classmates - her maiden name no more pedestrian or Christian sounding then Moskowitz. She’s a Jewish mom; she’s worried that you’re getting thin (or fat) she’s a big fan of getting her nails done, baking and having wine time - and like all Jewish mothers, her love for her family is fierce, unwavering, and unconditional. Anya has endured a great deal in her life, but based on her bubbly demeanor, you’d never guess it. Before she retired, she worked as children’s doctor - for a long time, it allowed her the time with children she craved, while having to commit to a child of her own. The desire for a family was something that was instilled in her from her earliest memories, but generational pain crippled her from seeking one of her own. Anya and Antoni find in one another solace from their painful pasts, and in Rory, hope for the future. She drives Rory crazy (as god intended) but the two are close as can be - when Rory came out, it was a learning experience, for sure. Being gay was not something either one of them grew up with. (✿ヘᴥヘ)  from her mother, rory finds herself beautiful because of her jewish features, and not in spite of them. 

cast: 

Barbara Streisand as Anya - because growing up, she meant the world to me as a jew!

Chaim Topol as Antoni - we’re going to pretend he’s the right age !!! 

[admiralbell]

William Bell | Wikipedia

[gvcoleman]

Gabrielle Coleman | Family

Elijah Coleman | Father | Danny Sapani | b. 1952 - d. 1992 

Sheila Bryant | Mother | Angela Bassett | b. 1956 

Joseph Bryant | Step-father | Clarke Peters | b. 1952 

Elijah “Eli” Coleman (Father)

Eli Coleman was a reporter for the Charlotte Observer from the time he was 24 years old - the very year Gabrielle was born. He was always a source of warmth and doted on his small family, working hard to support them. He always seemed to be writing - smoking a cigarette while scratching observations onto any scrap of paper he could find. He imbued a passion for change and a love of community into his only daughter. He died at the age of just 40 years old after an unexpected heart attack one night.

While he was alive, Gabrielle adored her father. He was the picture of what a father should be - guiding and caring, loving her unconditionally. She misses him a great deal to this day, wondering how he would feel about his little girl who grew up to break down barriers. His loss left a hole in her life that was difficult to fill, but she does as much as she can to make him proud.

----

Sheila Bryant (Mother)

Sheila (nee Walker) is a Charlotte native. She is a strong woman - bold and loving, friendly and straightforward. She’s never afraid to tell it like it is. Having worked as a waitress for much of her life, Sheila instilled a sense of hard work in her daughter from a young age. She’s a fixture in one of the neighborhood’s local cafes - a favorite among her patrons. Widowed at only 40, Sheila struggled with deep grief that she tried to drown in alcohol. The problem cost her several years of her life and could have done far worse had she not fought as hard as she did to sober up. It gave her a deeper appreciation for her life. She’s only remarried in the last few years to Joseph “Joe” Bryant, another widower, and they live together in Sheila’s home in Charlotte.

Gabrielle and her mother are extraordinarily close. They speak often and Gabrielle relies on her mother’s advice to get through tough times. It doesn’t mean their relationship hasn’t been strained. After her father’s death, Gabrielle had to care for her mother as the woman sank into alcoholism and depression. Even though her mother has been clean and sober for years, Gabrielle frequently worries about her and also fears falling into the same trap - hence her own aversion to drinking. She loves her mother and would do anything for her in a heartbeat, but it’s not without challenges.

----

Joseph “Joe” Bryant (Stepfather)

Joe is Gabrielle’s stepfather, but she doesn’t know him overly well - despite the shared relation with her mother, they haven’t spent all that much time together. He’s rough around the edges and when they are together, they don’t always see eye to eye. But they do bond over their shared care for her mother, and try to “play nice” as it were, to please her.

---

Bonus:

Spot | b. 2016

Spot is Gabrielle’s pet dog, who she adopted after Theresa’s passing a few months ago. While initially against the idea of having a pet, she’s come to be quite attached to the Australian Shepherd, and he’s done a great deal to help her come to terms with her grief.

[wyattzimmermcn]

NAME: Wyatt Ryker Zimmerman AGE IN AU: 30  OCCUPATION: Member of the House of Representatives  MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried  LIVING ARRANGEMENT: Living in the Georgetown area

THE YEAR IS 2009. WHAT WAS YOUR CHARACTER LIKE BACK THEN? 

The year is 2009 and Wyatt is in his second term --- and third year overall --- as congressman and member of the House, representing New York’s 20th congressional District. It is 2009, and Wyatt’s only sibling, Mila, died in April after suffering from a bone marrow disorder (and later cancer) for the majority of her brief life. Powerless and consumed with grief, he’s spiraling --- fast. He doesn’t have the added advantage of being Speaker of the House here. He’s just another blip in the universe.

This is the beginning of the end for Wyatt and those around him are witnessing it, point blank. This is the year he begins to accept underhanded deals. Rubs elbows with the fossil fuel industry --- despite vowing not to. He fucks over his allies without remorse and fucks call-girls in the bathroom with his colleagues in the restaurant. He’s compulsive, a little manic, for a few months at least. Drugs are used to stay awake. Adderal, coke, valium, vicodin, percocet, more adderall if necessary --- crushed up to defeat the time release. 

Vocationally, Wyatt wants more. Three years in, and he’s growing a little too comfortable. He understands the need to establish a name for himself, a good name, early in his career. Pad himself up with allies and integrity. That way, when it all comes unraveling, he’ll have a leg to stand on. This is not a good year for Wyatt, to say the least. It isn’t until mid-2010 that he realizes the damage he’s inflicting. 

(This doesn’t mean he’s going to change, no --- he just gets better at hiding, at managing.)

Remember how I said it’s the beginning of the end? 

[felixoliveira]

NAME: Felix Oliveira

AGE IN AU: Thirty-Nine

OCCUPATION: Press Secretary for Senator Berkeley

MARITAL STATUS: Single, casually dating

LIVING ARRANGEMENT: Lives alone in downtown DC

THE YEAR IS 2009. WHAT WAS YOUR CHARACTER LIKE BACK THEN? 

Two years into working for Julian Berkeley and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He’s worked for other political offices in the past, but he’s never believed in anyone’s potential as much as he believes in Julian’s. He’s said it since the beginning, and after two years he’s still convinced - that man’s going to be president one day. 

Murdered someone, sure, but not quite as sinister as he is in 2019. Believes heavily in the ends justifying the means, and knows that the good Julian will do as a Senator have to outweigh the harms involved in crashing a plane that would’ve ruined all of that. There’s a heavy sense of moral motivation behind his despicable actions in 2009, whereas in 2019 it’s a far more power-hungry act.

Hasn’t spoken to his family in nearly two decades now, and he’s finally starting to be forgotten as the son born into the Oliveira film dynasty. Still gets questioned about it just a tad more than in 2019, when his political legacy all-but trumps his Hollywood past.

Perpetually single, and not really worried about settling down even though he’s nearly forty. He’s in a deeply committed relationship with his job, though he is casually dating two different people whose lives he’ll probably ruin within the next year or so.

APPEARANCE. 

Not super different, but a bit fewer wrinkles and a bit messier hair. Dresses mostly in a suit-and-tie ensemble even when he could get away without it - that’s a habit he’ll only start to break in about seven or so years’ time.

[charlesasimov]

NAME: Charles Asimov. Hollywood heartthrob.  AGE IN AU: 25. OCCUPATION: Actor. MARITAL STATUS: Casually dating. Recently linked to Elisa Cuthbert.  LIVING ARRANGEMENT: Apartment in L.A., staying at a hotel in D.C.

THE YEAR IS 2009. WHAT WAS YOUR CHARACTER LIKE BACK THEN? 

His career in the film industry is going steady and Charlie is in a fairly okay place, still being managed by talent agent David Goldani. There’s some trying times ahead, but the blinding lights of Hollywood wash everything white. Currently he’s wrapping up press in the United States for his upcoming film, Inglourious Basterds, which documents the first year of Germany’s occupation in WW2 France. Asimov plays a minor role opposite Michael Fassbender and Mélanie Laurent. 

This will be second to last of his ‘major’ film roles before easing into the indie world.

Charlie is enraptured with the culture of Hollywood. Everything is decidedly brisk. Fast cars, easy money, quick hookups. He’s not bothered by too much. Most of his itinerary is taken care of by a slew of scrupulous employees, and he’s almost always surrounded by a team of bodyguards -- and, of course, the occasional gaggle from the press. 

He’s a bit more pompous, a bit full of himself, and definitely reads the daily news articles written about him on his iPhone 3GS.

He’s in D.C. for promotion and will be heading up to Manhattan for the first release of Inglourious Basterds soon after.

[srcristianalvarez]

cristian tweets (about julian) pt. 2

[corinnejmorris]

IN COLOUR!

Marguerite Morris — Catherine Deneuve

        The woman who groomed Corinne into who she is today, desperate for love and validation with an impeccable sense of style. 

Richard Morris — Elliot Gould  

        Not a particularly terrible father, just a passive one. Did often side with Corinne and bought wicked awesome Christmas presents.

Logan Fredrik Morris — Jeremy Allen White

        Financial analyst & New York asshole. They get along much better than they did as kids he doesn’t know she tried to kill him once...or twice. Living the life Corinne wishes she could.  

Cain Morris — It’s a fucking baby???

        Does baby things? Exists and is cute. Main reason Corinne goes to New York so Often.

Alessia Pavia-Morris — Yvonne Wegner

        Part time New York City socialite, full time paralegal for her daddy’s law firm. For a mom who gets on average 3 hours a sleep, manages to look photoshoot ready everyday. 

[virzafar]

NAME: Vir Singh AGE IN AU: Twenty-One OCCUPATION: Senior at Yale University MARITAL STATUS: Definitely not over his ex LIVING ARRANGEMENT: Usually shares a dorm with his three best friends back at Yale, currently at a hotel downtown while visiting 

THE YEAR IS 2009. WHAT WAS YOUR CHARACTER LIKE BACK THEN? 

In his senior year at Yale with a double major in English and Russian Literature. Planning on getting his Master’s in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. Currently in DC to tour Georgetown and American University, which are two of the Master’s programs he’s considering applying to.

At the top of his game. Acing his classes with flying colors, adored by the entire English department at Yale, editor of Yale’s literary magazine and getting short stories published here and there on the side. He’s trying to gravitate away from short stories and has recently started writing his first full-length novel (though he doesn’t realize that he’ll never finish it, along with all of his other failed barely-started projects throughout the next near-decade). Whenever people tell him he’s going places with his writing he laughs it off with a light, “You’re too kind.” What he means to say is, I know. 

Recently got broken up with in quite an abrupt way, and he’s far from over his ex. Currently trying to sleep around to forget the whole she left in his heart — it’s mediocre-looking boy thotaumn! 

Never heard of Oliver Zafar and doesn’t want to. Politics is a corrupt swamp, and Vir will sooner be found dead than getting involved in it (though he doesn’t mind Obama and his progressivism). 

APPEARANCE. 

Pictures above are representative of his two main moods as he starts on both his senior thesis and his grad school applications: dismay and distress. 

Never had a beard and refuses to even consider growing one out. Clean-shaven baby with a bit of swoop in his hair, but minimal effort overall.

[silassanford]

NAME: Silas Sanford AGE IN AU: 45 OCCUPATION: Junior Senator of Alabama, first term MARITAL STATUS: Single, window LIVING ARRANGEMENT: House in DC, living alone

At this time he was halfway into this first term as senator, which was the beginning of his long political career. At the time, he was uncertain of what his future was be and was trying to ensure that his second bid was successful and was fearing that perhaps his first win was a fluke and whether he can make it in DC.

He’s only lived for DC for three years at this point, as prior to that he was living in Alabama because of his company, which had been run by a board of directors as his son, Henry, was in university until 2009, which has given him a lot of anxiety about not having as much direct control over his business. After Henry graduates from university, he will be placed as the head of the company, and though he’s tried to prepare his son, he knew that he’s not ready for all the responsibility and that he will take a large part in guiding him.

Compared to after winning his second term, Silas feels much more uncertain about the future of his political career, though there is nothing more that he wants than to continue on being senator (and eventually, someday, possibly president...). If he fails his reelection for senator, his plan would likely be to return as the head of his company, which he feels would be a step back for him.

[rmoskowitz]

Rory Moskowitz social media pt. 2