#edit of the background star chart

[holy-marmalade]

Maedhros and Elros to go with Maglor and Elrond

[auraisereigh]

The empyrean dragon chart (Onyx storm version)

Here is a chart with all known or mentioned dragons and/or riders. This chart holds the name of the dragon, its den, tail and ancestral line, Its rider and their signets. Do note: for some dragons we don't have all informantion. For some we only have a color and tail. or only a rider and signet.

DISCLAIMER: This entire chart was created by me. The background was designed by hand, and each name, den, tailclan, and other detail was manually added. This project took a significant amount of time and effort. Please do not copy, repost, or share this work without proper credit. I kindly ask that you respect the time and creativity put into this piece by acknowledging the original creator if you use or reference it in any way.

Masterlist ☆ Dragon guide ☆ Star's story ☆ Empyrean guide ☆ Support me

I'm so happy with how these turned out. It just gives staright Onyx storm vibes and i love it. This is just the vision i had in mind and its been a while since i had a clear idea or vision so im over the moon. <3 This will be the first of many posts that I’ll be updating as Onyx Storm continues to develop. For smaller updates, I’ll simply add the new information to the archive sheet and edit the original post accordingly. If the update includes a significant amount of new content, I’ll create a separate post for it. In both cases, I’ll always reblog or clearly mention when the archive sheet has been updated!

[royalvixxen]

🌞📚 Summer Library Reading Fun! 🧺🐻

Hiiiii everybunny! 🐰💕

Guess what time it is?? It’s SUMMER LIBRARY READING TIME!!! 🍉📖✨ Whether you're a tiny tot, a sleepy stuffie, or a big-hearted caregiver, summer is the perfect time to curl up with cozy books, earn cute stickers, and let your imagination go on BIG adventures �� even if you're small 💕.

Here’s how to make summer reading extra special in your regression space:

🎀 1. Go on a Library Adventure (with your CG or by yourself!) Most public libraries have a summer reading program for all ages — but they never said it couldn’t be for regressors too! Walk (or skip!) to your local library, pick out books that make you giggle or go “WOW!”, and sign up for the reading tracker if you want a real challenge. 💪💕

🎒 Pro tip for CGs: Make it a special “field trip” — pack snacks, hold hands, and help your little pick from their favorite sections (board books, fairytales, picture books, comics, whatever suits their age-mode that day!).

🧸 2. Set a Storytime Routine Little brains thrive on structure (even if we say we don’t 😝). Set a daily or weekly “story hour.” Snuggle up in blankies or cuddle in your CG’s lap for a bedtime story — or make mornings magical with a breakfast book & juicebox combo 🧃📘

🎶 Bonus idea: Play soft lullaby music in the background, or read with character voices for extra giggles!

📊 3. Make a Littlespace Reading Chart! Grab crayons, stickers, or let your CG print a themed chart. For every book or chapter finished, add a star, color in a shape, or get a stuffie stamp! 🌈

🎁 Reward Ideas:

Choose the next bedtime story

A special bubble bath

A new coloring page or plushie surprise

Baking cookies with your CG 👩‍🍳🍪

🍉 4. Summer Reading Themes (Little Edition!) Pick weekly or monthly themes to keep reading fun and playful! Some ideas: 🌼 Animal Friends Week (bears, bunnies, kitties!) 🏰 Princesses & Dragons Week 🚀 Space Explorers Week 🍦 Ice Cream & Summertime Silly Stories 📚 “Read to Your Stuffie” Week (they love books too!)

🧁 5. Library Date Ideas for CG/little Pairs

📖 Library + Ice Cream date

🌳 Outdoor story picnic in the park

🧺 Blanket fort reading day at home

📷 Take pics of your book stack to share in your blog journal!

✨ 6. Favorite Books for Littles in Summer Mode 🧸 "Goodnight Moon" 🌊 "Mister Seahorse" by Eric Carle 🌟 "How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?" 🍩 "If You Give a Pig a Pancake" 🎀 Any Golden Books! 📖 Board books? Yes. Chapter books in baby voice? Also yes.

Don’t forget: reading while in little space is healing, cozy, and GOOD for you. It’s okay to read baby books. It’s okay to want silly voices and sweet rhymes. It’s okay to enjoy the magic in simple pages. You deserve that joy 💗

💌 Tag me in your reading logs, book stacks, and cute storytime setups!

[circlejourney]

How I plan my writing, and then write it: Part 1 of 2

So, ignore the image for now (but not really). I thought it would be funny to start with this visualisation. This chart is specifically about 2 of my stories: Revolving Door and Of the Dragon of the Stars. Both of these novels are in the scale of 300k words or more, so naturally, the ideation and writing process are a bit of a Mess. But before actually going into detail about this "clusterfuck" genre of novel, let me talk at length about my process for shorter novels first.

A few things make Eagles and Swans (the one about an orphaned rebel and the unrest in her country as a banished goddess awakens) and Offshore (the one about two sailors making their last attempt at the most coveted offshore racing trophy in the world) much tamer than the earlier two. First, they follow the points-of-view of just 1-2 characters. Second, they each take place within the confines of a single country / polity, for the most part. Third, the plot events are conveyed in chronological order.

Each important POV character effectively adds an additional story that's being written in parallel. Juggling multiple characters arcs, ordering nonlinear timelines in a way that conveys info in an effective order, AND developing an expansive world, all balloon the story scope. So, thank goodness for stories that require none of the above.

Overall process

I write in three passes, as signified by the three shades of grey in the chart above:

a brief bullet-point outline of the whole story + character summaries

a detailed outline that fleshes out the first outline into a series of chapter hooks / summaries.

the actual novel, first draft.

editing - improving flow and coherence, fixing "telling not showing" etc.

Each stage takes what was in the previous stage and fleshes it out with more detail and more attention to the eventual audience.

Barebones outline

The first pass, for me, is a "thin" outline of major events and major characters' emotional states. It isn't subdivided into sections yet—what I'm really aiming to do is lay out the shape of the story and the rough order of events. A little sample:

Anqien and Jinai prepare for the race in a month's time, the Niro Helfi Race. We are introduced to it through a conversation between the two and/or maybe training or an event for invitees? This race is the biggest in the business! It's a 2000km route in 3 legs Establish that the two MCs are very (almost scarily) skilled, world-class sailors, and simply seem to be underperforming due to unaddressed issues. Internal conflicts established. General structure: ABAB with sailing/non-sailing content

For E&S I actually did this in calendar format, so that I could track the progress of the plot against their school calendar (as well as ensuring that enough time passed between plot events to make it feel like things were developing in the background).

Chapter outline

In the second pass, the outline above gets fleshed out into a backbone of distinct chapters. Not ALL the chapters, only the chapters that need to happen.

At this point I describe 1-2 important events per chapter (except the really important chapters, which get more detailed outlines). What's more important are the characters' takeaways at the end of each chapter - what they learn, or how their feelings evolve. Example (mild spoilers for Offshore):

A bad training day (idk they fall off the yacht from 5m in the air or damage some gear?), we get to see Jinai's stress and resignation and Anqien trying to be positive but visibly affected. The coach gives them an earful about recovery from mistakes They later discuss this and Jinai admits her biggest flaw is giving up too easily. Slice-of-life kind of scene where they go do something stupid/reckless to unwind, and maybe get in trouble

Idea bank

In parallel, I maintain a bank of loose plot points that I would LIKE to include, except I'm not sure where yet. In Offshore, I called them "filler episodes":

Episode: A bit of background about what they do between training Episode: A joyride in a boat. they hire a motorboat from the local boating club and are a nuisance in the rich people area and then head out maybe way too far into the open sea.

In E&S, I maintained a bank of "Chekhov's Guns" that I might bring back later in the plot to create a sense of setup/payoff.

Ruth’s key: unlocks anything, currently lives with Tante. Hyder’s power: to disguise anyone as anyone else. Tante’s knife skills: he’d win any knife duel. And he’s got lots of knives. Tanio’s inventory of inventions: there’s bound to be some stuff there that she can use. Tanio’s meat grinder: grinds meat. Hollia’s job and possessions: an aviary full of birds of all species, including eagles, swans and chickens.

When I come to a point in the novel where I think "something needs to happen here that ISN'T the next groundbreaking plot development," I can quickly whip out one of these concepts.

And now, the actual writing

So now I've got a backbone and a bank of modular content, I come to the moment I've been waiting for. It's worth noting that sometimes the outlining continues to happen even when I start to write, but I do really like to have a finished outline before I start writing the actual prose.

A lot of things happen during the course of writing that I absolutely did not plan for, simply because it's where the story takes me—what instinct tells me would work in the moment. The writing process always surprises me like that, and it's a constant reflexive loop of checking in with what sort of scene/chapter I think would make a good follow-up to the current one, how far to take a scene before closing it off, etc.

The outline is like a leash that keeps the story from flying off course and also a scaffold for when I don't know what to do next. I can check what plot point I need to build towards and then start steering the plot gently in that direction. Then the editing pass is when I'll revisit with a critical eye and link ideas together in a coherent flow, look for the most impactful stopping point for each chapter and prune it, etc.

And longer novels?

So my process for longer stories like RD and OTDOTS is really...an expanded version of the above. Except that the detailed outline can often have multiple levels of subdivision (by volume/story arc -> by location if there are events happening simultaneously in different places -> by chapter), and the planning tends to be more regimental since there's a greater need for the story to feel tight and economical, to maintain momentum.

But there's another post's worth of rambling in that topic, and that's exactly what I'm gonna do at this juncture: put that in its own post.

[partnersincrimesuau]

PARTNERS IN CRIME - Stevinel SU Fan Comic Chapter 2: Rogues Like Me Page No. 50

Ch.1 Start Ch.2 Start Previous Next

Third section look familiar? ^^ It’s not entirely screen accurate, there were some aquamarines I took out and some red lumps I added in (and I basically redesigned the entirety of the Homeworld background AND moved everyone from the top of the legs to the bottom) so before anyone says “That’s not accurate to the show >:T” TOO BAD because the editable file deleted itself so this is all you’re getting >:)

We know that Pink Diamond led the rebellion as her alter ego, Rose Quartz. As we saw in the previous page, Condor had the suspicion that Pink was somehow involved, or did not detest the rebel efforts. And, a few thousand years later, she found out that Pink was indeed involved – she WAS Rose Quartz. For a rogue like Condor, who was loyal to both her Diamond and the love she found on Earth, this was the best possible outcome. Pink was never her enemy – it was only the other Diamonds.

And even after Era 3, they still are. But more on that later.

(Also the main room of the armoury may look slightly different… that is because I realised how plain it looks earlier in the chapter and realised it should have those star charts so YES those are supposed to be there – the mural, however, is meant to be different… but I’m not sure if I should leave it as those boring hibiscuses. Maybe the gem who paints those changes them regularly? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)

(Also I think this is our first glimpse of Condor and 83's personal/non-work relationship... late Chapter 3 we'll see even more ^^)

Info and FAQ about PIC here. Join the official PIC discord server!

(Made in FireAlpaca) Steven Universe is owned by Rebecca Sugar

Original screenshot from the show under the cut:

[1001albumslist]

Album 43

Album: GRIS-gris by Dr. John

Have I listened before? no

Familiarity with the artist: never heard of them

Background Knowledge:

 the debut album by American musician Dr. John (a.k.a. Mac Rebennack), released Jan 22nd, 1968

the album introduced Rebennack's Dr. John character, inspired by a reputed 19th century voodoo doctor

the style of Gris-Gris is a hybrid of traditional New Orleans R&B elements and psychedelia

the album failed to chart in the United Kingdom and the United States. it was re-issued on compact disc decades later and received much greater praise from modern critics, including being listed at number 143 on the 2003 and 2012 editions and at number 356 on the 2020 edition of Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time

Interesting Info:

before recording the album, Rebennack was an experienced New Orleans R&B and rock musician playing as a session musician, songwriter, and producer in New Orleans. due to drug problems and the law, Rebennack moved to Los Angeles in 1965, joining a group of New Orleans session musicians

Rebennack desired to make an album that combined the various strains of New Orleans music behind a front man called Dr. John, after a black man named Dr. John Montaine, who claimed to be an African potentate. Rebennack chose this name after hearing about Montaine from his sister, and feeling a "spiritual kinship" with him. Rebennack originally wanted New Orleans singer Ronnie Barron to front the band as the Dr. John character, but Don Costa, who managed Barron at the time, advised him against it, claiming it to be a bad career move. Rebennack took on the Dr. John stage name himself

Gris-Gris was recorded at Gold Star Studios in Los Angeles, California. with an album due and no singer prepared, Dr. John managed to book studio time originally reserved for Sonny & Cher.

Listened on: Apple Music

Final Review: kinda sounds like Tom Jones does experimental bossa nova? idk i guess it was fine for what it is and there were some nice grooves but it was a bit repetitive and nothing really stood out to me

[bookmuseum]

[REVIEW] The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri

3/5 stars (★★★)

DISCLAIMER: This review is very unserious and mostly just me giggling over Dante and Virgil's gay tension.

Even with my Catholic upbringing and theological + historical Christian knowledge, The Divine Comedy was very difficult to read for me. All three parts were dense. Not only that, but this deluxe edition went all-out with the notes on the text and annotations, so even if one canto was only like 150ish lines it had 5 pages of heavy context that I had to slog through and try to apply to the canto itself. I ended up learning a lot about Dante and Italian socio-religious politics leading up to the 14th century, which was wild and, though objectively interesting, still extremely boring to me.

I will honestly say though that I was not prepared to read TDC when I first started it. Like I said, you need a lot of context and background information to even understand most of what Dante is even saying. He goes into theory, geometry, and philosophy so deeply (this edition had GRAPHS and CHARTS in the additional notes that's how insane this man was). While I would say you don't necessarily need that much context to read Inferno (which I agree is the best one out of the three), it is suicide to just throw yourself into Purgatorio and Paradiso without doing some research first, which is definitely why the later two parts TDC aren't as popular as Dante's shenanigans in Hell. I honestly would've given the entire trilogy a 1/5 star rating (based on my personal taste, mind you -- I acknowledge it's a 5/5 masterpiece that is truly worthy of being called "divine" so nobody come at me), but Inferno was entertaining enough to bump it up to a 3/5 stars. I never want to (re)read this again though. Phew!

Some necessary words on Inferno: The gay moments between Dante and Virgil sent me into empyrean heights of delight. When Dante realizes Virgil's ghost is in the dark wood at the beginning, he goes, "[M]y brow, in shy respect, bent low" and then Dante, totally unprompted, proceeds to say,

"You are that Virgil ... You are the light and glory of all poets. May this well serve me: my unending care, the love so great, that's made me search your writings through! You are my teacher. You, my lord and law. From you alone I took the fine-tuned style that has already brought me so much honor."

HELLO?????????? Then later on their way to Hell Dante hesitates before entering and asks Virgil, "You, my poet and my guide, look at me hard" and asks for reassurance that going down to eternal damnation is a good idea so Virgil, considerate boyfriend that he is, comforts Dante, which leads him to compare himself to "little flowers" bending "low" and "closed tight" and only open up as the sunlight (AKA Virgil) makes them "grow upright on their stems and fully open." EXCUSE ME!!!!!!?????? There were so many other points that went so heavy on the queer sexual tension:

"'...You, as you speak, have so disposed my heart in keen desire to journey on the way that I return to find my first good purpose. Set off! A single will inspires us both. You are my lord, my leader and true guide.' All this I said to him as he moved on. I entered on that deep and wooded road."

My God Dante you fruity little man.

Anyway, back to practicalities: I don't really recommend this Penguin Classics Deluxe edition of the texts if you want to actually read TDC in earnest. The annotations and supplementary notes were great and I think Robin Kirkpatrick (the editor) did an amazing job composing the entire thing, but I felt like a lot was lost in translation (and over-relied on explanatory notes), which really took away from the overall reading experience, so if you want to grasp the linguistic and poetic depth of Dante then this version is definitely not for you. The cover is very pretty though.

Lastly, even if I didn't really vibe well with TDC, I do now have a soft spot for Dante. I mean, how couldn't I? He spent over a decade composing this epic poem and he made it his personal goal to be as much a hater to the Vatican whilst also being such a pathetic boyfailure to all his literary seniors (crushes) as possible. There were literally so many times he portrayed himself as a little kid crying to his parents in the presence of Virgil or Beatrice. There was even a section in Paradiso when he described drinking holy water as like when a baby faceplants itself on its mother's boobs and I died laughing. I also think it was really funyn that when Dante finally reunites with Beatrice at the end of Purgatorio she's just mean to him. Like she's so mean and Dante eats it up like the FREAK he is.

[the-celluloid-correspondent]

Monkey Man Packs a Brutal Punch: A Review

Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over the man who took everything from him. 

It's nothing short of a miracle that the Monkey Man has finally emerged from the depths of development purgatory. After years of languishing in the turbulent waters of Netflix's production pipeline, Jordan Peele emerged as the savior, resurrecting the project and ushering it onto the grand stage of the silver screen. However, despite the palpable excitement and joy that accompanied its long-awaited release, I find myself grappling with conflicting emotions.

On one hand, the film's stylistic choices, characterized by the relentless use of shaky cam, uncomfortably close-up cinematography, and disjointed editing, left me feeling perpetually unsettled and, at times, downright nauseated. Throughout the entirety of its runtime, I found myself silently pleading for respite from the visual chaos, yearning for clarity amidst the frenetic flurry of motion that dominated the screen. Yet, alas, my desperate entreaties were met with indifference, as the film stubbornly clung to its chosen aesthetic, heedless of its potential impact on its audience. Moreover, while the premise of the film held promise, offering the tantalizing allure of a revenge thriller, the execution ultimately fell prey to the trappings of the genre. The narrative unfolded along a disappointingly predictable trajectory, with each plot twist and turn telegraphed well in advance, robbing the story of any genuine sense of suspense or intrigue. It became increasingly evident that the film was content to tread familiar ground, relying heavily on tired tropes and clichés rather than daring to chart a more innovative and unexpected course.

However, conversely, one cannot overlook the evident passion that director, co-writer, and lead actor, Dev Patel, has poured into this project. His directorial prowess not only breathed life into the script but also elevated it to new heights through the incorporation of cultural metaphors and meticulous artistic direction. Patel's vision packs a powerful punch, particularly evident in the film's action sequences. Despite some reservations about the framing, these moments are executed with a raw and brutal intensity that hits in all the right ways Featuring unique yet visceral kills and a trio of extended action set pieces, Patel draws inspiration from the John Wick franchise while infusing the genre with his own distinctive flair. Furthermore, the film deftly navigates numerous political and social themes with remarkable finesse, seamlessly integrating them into the fabric of the narrative. Particularly commendable is its handling of trans representation, notably through the portrayal of the Hijra people, which surpasses the treatment typically found in mainstream LGBT+ media.

As anticipated, Dev Patel shines brilliantly as an action star in the first trailer. He exudes a raw, ferocious intensity befitting a formidable action hero while also conveying an emotional vulnerability that encapsulates his character's traumatic past. Sikandar Kher and Makarand Deshpande deliver compelling performances as the antagonists, showcasing their formidable acting chops. However, their characters are somewhat underutilized, particularly Deshpande, who remains mostly in the shadows over 95% of the film. There's a yearning for a deeper exploration of his character beyond merely being a background figure. On a contrasting note, Vipin Sharma's unexpected presence brings a comforting warmth and love to the screen.

In summary, "Monkey Man" packs a powerful punch as Dev Patel establishes himself in the action genre. While the film may have its shaky moments, it brims with passion and creativity. It's evident that Patel is still honing his craft, but this marks a commendable debut for the first-time director.  I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next. 

On another note, how is it possible for a man who works at an underground flight club, to still have one of the most beautiful faces in the world despite being beaten to a pulp every night? Someone teach me this sorcery. 

My Rating: B

[solarmagickstar]

(4 photos image description coming up)

My Chaotic planner, I started using it yesterday, but I've been decorating it all last month. Got some planner pages on Etsy (ObsidianSirenShop) and printed them on my own designed background, don't know if I can share pics of those so I'm not gonna, but the shop is credited above. The inner back of the binder has my birth chart hidden in it (censored with giant vaporwave dolphins so you can't see the whole design unfortunately).

If it isn't already obvious I LOVE cinnamoroll and I couldn't not put him on here, he's ma boy and I love him. 🩵🩵🩵

I had a lot of fun making this and have 2 more planners on their way so I can my my Grimoire bigger (I have too many pages lmao)

Oh and I guess the only thing you can read on my birth chart is that I'm not a Gemini (like at all) lmao

(I hope that doesn't come back to astronomically destroy me, like some how you can figure out my birth chart or something but I think I'm just paranoid lmao.)

☀️✨☀️🧡🩵🧡🩵☀️✨☀️

Image description: four pictures of an A4 binder, front, back, back inside, front inside. There are stickers all over it consisting of: photo realistic planets and stars, various cinnamorolls (plushies dvds 3d renders and digital drawings), Stargender flag, windows old screensaver flowers, pixel sun, my pets, "my planer" in 2 different word art fonts, my music handle (day one) in word art font, golden wings, astrological star signs (they are censored on the back inside, it is laid out like my entire birth chart, so my signs are all censored by a vaporwave dolphin head. They are also censored on the front and back) album covers some of which are my own, 1 is ride on time by tatsuo Yamashita and 1 is Geno by Dexy's

Midnight Runners, Macintosh computers from before 2005 but after 1990, Macintosh logos from 2000s, windows 95-98 themed logos and interface elements (application windows for "Paint", "Photoshop", "Notes" and clippy asking if you need help. Various random vaporwave and y2k aesthetic shapes, Memphis cup pattern, a piano, a volts wagon bus, chaos magick symbols and a bunch of random shapes.

The binder itself: a light blue A4 binder made to look like a composition book, it's speckled with grey dots on the blue background, it's spine is black, it says nice day in an oval near the top and underneath it says "/DESIGN BY QUHE" and underneath that it says "Hope every day is as beautiful as today".

Near the bottom it has a drawing of a music player, backwards button, pause button, fast-forward button and underneath it it has the music progress bar 1/8 across front he left (like the song only just started)

And one amogus cinnamoroll

Edit: I'm an idiot, I didn't need to sensor my fucking sun sign cause that bitch is on my bio lmao ♌🤷🏾☀️ but it's on the front next to the sun in the top left corner :p

[lapsed-bookworm]

Country music is at a crossroads. Two of its most viral songs show why

Analysis by AJ Willingham, CNN

Sat, July 29, 2023 at 2:27 PM EDT·7 min read

People — non-country lovers specifically — like to joke that modern country music is a repetitive incantation of beer, trucks, girls and American flags, with the occasional sprinkling of Copenhagen or MultiCam thrown in. (And, for the women, there’s an extra dash of marital homicide.)

That’s all part of it, for certain. But a longer pause on the radio dial, or a deeper dive into the genre’s roots, reveals far more variation — different traditions and cultures calling to each other, answering and reinventing themselves as they go.

The struggle for the soul of country music is on full display now as two very different songs have been making headlines. Jason Aldean, one of country music’s biggest stars, has been embroiled in controversy over his single “Try That in a Small Town.” The song contains what critics say are racially charged lyrics, and scenes from the music video were shot in front of a courthouse that was the site of an infamous lynching in the 1920s. The backlash was so complete, CMT removed Aldean’s video from its rotation and the original YouTube version was edited to remove several seconds of protest footage.

Meanwhile, fellow country star Luke Combs has been going viral on social media with his platinum cover of “Fast Car” by famed singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman. Some of the attention has been positive, praising his rendition of the famous ballad and discussing the impact of his homage to Chapman who, as a Black woman and queer icon, is a triple whammy of underrepresentation in country music.

In an interview with Billboard, Combs called “Fast Car” the “perfect song” and Chapman a “supernatural songwriter.”

“The success of my cover is unreal and I think it’s so cool that Tracy is getting recognized and has reached new milestones. I love that she is out there feeling all the love and that she gave me a shout-out! Thank you, Tracy!”

Chapman herself, who is notoriously private with both her personal life and her music rights, also commented to Billboard about the song’s success.

“I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there. I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.’”

The crossover also made history, cementing Chapman as the first Black woman to have a sole writing credit on a No. 1 country radio song.

Dividing the divisions

Both “Try That in a Small Town” and “Fast Car” have topped country charts in recent weeks. While they represent something of a divide among the genre, they’ve also led to an exploration of finer fissures within. Aldean has millions of supporters who see his ode to small town solidarity as a continuation of what made country music so resonant in the first place: The telling of stories forgotten by the mainstream.

(Small town pride is also a favorite theme of Aldean’s, whose hits include 2010’s “Flyover States” and “Dirt Road Anthem,” and the early hit “Amarillo Sky,” which details the noble struggles of a proud farmer.)

Aside from the controversy of lyrics slamming gun control and threatening people who disrespect police, Aldean’s song set off interesting conversations as people discussed what being from a small town really means, and indeed, what a small town even is. (Aldean himself is from Macon, Georgia, which may seem like the sticks to some people but is, in fact, a mid-sized city that also helped form rock greats like Little Richard and Otis Redding.)

“Try That In A Small Town, for me, refers to the feeling of a community that I had growing up, where we took care of our neighbors, regardless of differences of background or belief. Because they were our neighbors, and that was above any differences,” Aldean wrote in a statement defending the song.

As for Combs, the same reasons that attracted praise for “Fast Car” have also attracted criticism. The song, like Chapman herself, has been a lighthouse for people on the margins since its release in 1988, dealing as it does with poverty and loneliness and the universal appeal of getting the heck out of town with your baby by your side. (And, in the process, became a lesbian anthem.) While it’s a very country message, some fans were uncomfortable that a straight, White male singer would add his voice to Chapman’s genius.

“On one hand, Luke Combs is an amazing artist, and it’s great to see that someone in country music is influenced by a Black queer woman — that’s really exciting,” Holly G, founder of the Black Opry, told The Washington Post. “But at the same time, it’s hard to really lean into that excitement knowing that Tracy Chapman would not be celebrated in the industry without that kind of middleman being a White man.”

Defining the soul of country

These two songs, so differently received yet recorded under the same big country umbrella, are an embodiment of the crossroads where country music currently stands. Like all musical traditions that fuse, evolve and splinter, country music and its legions of fans are engaged in a negotiation for the genre’s main identity.

Do they embrace the class-conscious, anti-capitalist forefathers and foremothers who played in prisons and supported laborers and held staunchly leftist views by today’s standards? (They still live today: Willie Nelson is a proud Texas Democrat and Dolly Parton an LGBTQ ally.) Do they turn up the party-happy “Bro Country” of the early 2000s, or champion the red-white-and-blue anthems that still represent, for so many, a platonic ideal of patriotism?

Do they welcome the fresh influx of non-White country artists, or ignore the inheritance secured by the voices of Black and Latin American artists who helped build the genre? Do they sing with these voices, or sing over them?

Moreover, what can be accepted? Queer country acts are on the rise, but will they ever join country’s highest ranks of outcasts, rebels and beaten-down lovers? Or will songs with even a hint of pro-LGBTQ themes, like Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow” or Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” continue to be met with friction?

What can be forgiven? When the Dixie Chicks spoke out against the Iraq War in the early 2000s, their popularity in country music circles never fully recovered.. When current superstar Morgan Wallen was caught saying racist slurs, his supporters kept his album “Dangerous: The Double Album” at the top of the charts for weeks after the backlash. In the year that followed, he launched a new tour and an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. Combs has sought forgiveness, too: In 2021, he apologized for past performances that featured the Confederate flag.

“I know that I’m a very highly visible member of the country-music community right now,” Combs said. “And I want to use that position for good, and to say that people can change and people do want to change, and I’m one of those people trying.”

These decisions beg a larger question: Can the myriad interpretations of country music exist side by side? If something must change, what of the genre’s essential character would disappear along with it?

As the reactions to Combs and Aldean’s songs prove, it’s not an easy negotiation. Small towns, fast cars and American values are as essential to country music as three chords and the truth. Who gets to define American values, and whose truths get told; that’s where the crossroads lie.

How fortunate, then, that crossroads are as country a symbol as you can get.

[vinylarchavist]

"Tops in Pops: All the Latest Hit Recordings" by Allegro Elite. This is a compilation album featuring popular songs from the late 1950s, designed to capture the hit tunes of the era as heard on radio and TV. The catalog number visible is 4131, indicating a specific pressing or edition.

Here's a concise breakdown:

Details of Tops in Pops (Allegro Elite, 4131)

Title: Tops in Pops: All the Latest Hit Recordings

Label: Allegro Elite

Catalog Number: 4131

Release Era: Late 1950s (based on the songs and design)

Format: Vinyl LP

Cover Art: Features a red background with a man and woman in a dramatic pose, likely symbolizing the excitement of popular music. The design is typical of budget compilation albums from the period.

Track Listing (from the image):

Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu (Volare) – Domenico Modugno

My True Love – Jack Scott

Patricia – Perez Prado

Splish Splash – Bobby Darin

Hard Headed Woman – Elvis Presley

Poor Little Fool – Ricky Nelson

Little Star – The Elegants

Notes: Labeled as "high fidelity," indicating it was marketed for improved sound quality at the time. The text "played and sung just as you hear them on RADIO and TV" suggests these are cover versions or re-recordings of the original hits.

Significance

Compilation Albums: Tops in Pops was part of a series of budget records by Allegro Elite, aimed at capturing the latest pop hits for a broad audience. These albums often featured cover versions by lesser-known artists rather than the original recordings, a common practice to reduce costs.

Cultural Context: The songs listed were major hits in 1958–1959. For example, "Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu (Volare)" won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1958, while "Splish Splash" and "Hard Headed Woman" were chart-toppers by Bobby Darin and Elvis Presley, respectively.

Collectibility: These records are nostalgic items for vinyl collectors and 1950s music fans. Value depends on condition, ranging from $5–$20 on platforms like eBay or Discogs.

[atomicmutantshade]

The Rise of Free AI Voice Generator in the Influencer World: What Fans Don’t Know

Description:

From viral songs to "authentic" influencer messages, free AI voice generator tools are secretly reshaping the entertainment industry. This investigation reveals how celebrities and influencers are using AI voices—and why fans can’t tell the difference.

1. Fake Famous: How Free AI Voice Generator Tools Are Creating Virtual Influencers

Case Study: A TikTok star with 5M followers exposed for using AI-generated vocals

The eerie realism of free AI voice generator clones (compare real vs. AI samples)

Why startups are selling "AI voice personas" to aspiring influencers

"You don’t need talent—just a convincing AI voice and good editing." — Anonymous social media manager

2. Music Industry Secrets: AI-Generated Hits

How an unknown artist topped charts using a free AI voice generator

Record labels quietly replacing backup singers with AI

Viral "lost demo" tracks (spoiler: they’re all AI)

Shocking Fact: Over 30% of trending "indie" songs on Spotify used AI vocals in 2023.

3. Scams & Ethics: The Dark Side of AI Voices

Fake celebrity endorsements (AI Elon Musk selling crypto?)

Scammers cloning voices for phishing calls

Why laws can’t keep up with free AI voice generator abuse

Red Flags to Spot AI Voice Scams:

✔ Unnatural pauses

✔ Too-perfect pronunciation

✔ No background noise

4. The Future: Will AI Replace Human Influencers?

Agencies testing 100% AI-generated influencers

Fans falling in love with chatbots (with AI voices)

How to verify if your favorite creator is real

"In 5 years, the most ‘followed’ people won’t be human." — Tech insider

Conclusion:

The free AI voice generator revolution is here—blurring lines between real and fake. While creators save time and money, audiences deserve transparency. Next week: How to Make Your Own AI Voice Clone

[newfashion01]

Morgan Wallen God Bless American Special T-Shirt

Link Product: https://inspirdg.com/product/morgan-wallen-god-bless-american-special-t-shirt-2/

Country Soul on Cotton: Morgan Wallen "God Bless America" Special Edition T-Shirt Review

A TEE THAT SINGS FREEDOM LOUD AND PROUD

Rooted in Southern pride and chart-topping charisma, the Morgan Wallen "God Bless America" Special T-Shirt is more than apparel—it’s a country anthem turned into fashion. With bold Americana aesthetics and a tribute to the Tennessee native himself, this shirt wraps patriotism, music fandom, and rustic flair into one attention-grabbing statement.

Whether you’re headed to a summer concert, a Fourth of July bonfire, or just repping your playlist favorite around town, this tee makes sure everyone knows who’s on your speakers—and in your heart.

DESIGN THAT SPEAKS TO THE STARS AND STRIPES

The front design strikes instantly with a powerful visual: a rugged bull skull set against a stylized star-spangled background, evoking Western grit and Southern roots. Below it, the name “WALLEN” is boldly stamped in distressed red, white, and blue—like a flag worn with pride after years of soulful storytelling.

The sleeves carry forward this American grit. One arm features a minimalist U.S. flag, while the other shows the outline of Texas—a nod to the heartland where Morgan Wallen’s voice feels right at home.

Turn the shirt around, and the back explodes with country charisma. A stylized portrait of Wallen in sunglasses and cap sits within a circular American flag backdrop, framed by the text “MORGAN WALLEN” above and “GOD BLESS AMERICA” below. It’s bold, it’s brash, and it’s proud—just like the music it celebrates.

The faded textures and retro coloring give it that lived-in, All-American vibe that country fans live for.

COTTON THAT CARRIES COMFORT AND ATTITUDE

Beyond its standout design, the shirt delivers where it matters most: comfort. Made from soft, breathable cotton, it’s built to withstand tailgate parties, open-air festivals, and long drives with the windows down and the radio up.

The fit is relaxed but flattering, suitable for both men and women who love country style with edge. It’s durable enough to handle wear and washing without losing its Americana flair—and comfortable enough that you’ll want to wear it on repeat.

This isn’t just merch. It’s a lifestyle tee for the boots-on-the-ground country crowd.

A SHIRT FOR FANS, PATRIOTS, AND PROUD AMERICANS

This limited edition shirt is more than fanwear—it’s a piece of cultural identity. For Morgan Wallen fans, it’s a badge of musical allegiance. For patriots, it’s a shoutout to God, country, and good ol’ Southern values. For festivalgoers, it’s the perfect way to show you’re there for more than just the beer—you’re there for the soul of country music.

With its vintage finish and bold energy, it’ll turn heads from Nashville to Nacogdoches. And with “God Bless America” printed across the back, it’s got enough spirit to carry you through every anthem, every encore, every sunset singalong.

FINAL VERDICT: RED, WHITE & REVERB

The Morgan Wallen "God Bless America" Special T-Shirt is a must-have for any fan who lives and breathes country music. It’s bold, proud, and packed with attitude—just like Wallen’s biggest hits. Whether you're waving a flag or raising a drink, this shirt lets you do it in authentic country style.

This one’s for the real ones.

[nijjarsinger]

Breaking the Charts: Nijjar’s ‘Off Da Scale’ Is Going Viral

In the ever-evolving world of Punjabi music, a new wave is rising fast—led by none other than Nijjar. Known for his fearless blend of desi roots and global flair, Nijjar is now making serious noise with his latest release, Off Da Scale. In just one day, the song racked up an astounding 3 million views on YouTube, proving that this rising star is not just playing the game—he’s rewriting it.

From Audio to Viral Visuals

Originally released as an audio track in 2024, Off Da Scale had already gathered a cult following. But the newly dropped music video in 2025 has elevated it to a whole new level. Directed with sleek visuals, cinematic lighting, and punchy edits, the video showcases Nijjar’s signature swag and storytelling finesse. Each frame is crafted to mirror the song’s bold message—he’s not just in the game, he’s off the scale.

The fashion-forward looks, luxury settings, and urban aesthetics speak directly to today’s global Punjabi youth. It’s not just a song; it’s a statement of ambition, identity, and self-worth.

Lyrics That Hit Hard

Off Da Scale isn’t just about flashy beats and sharp visuals—it carries depth in its lyrics. Nijjar talks about rising above limits, breaking expectations, and embracing one’s power unapologetically. Lines like:

“Gallan vich fire, main bolda scale ton off” (There’s fire in my words—I speak beyond the scale)

...resonate with every listener who’s ever aimed to outgrow their past and prove their worth.

It’s motivational. It’s gritty. It’s Nijjar’s way of telling the world: watch me now.

The Rise of a Global Desi Star

Nijjar’s rise hasn’t been overnight. He’s been steadily climbing with a string of hits that have crossed borders and hearts. Tracks like:

Accounts (feat. Yo Yo Honey Singh) – 40M views

Kneel (feat. Gurlez Akhtar) – 30M views

Clockin – 25M views

Velly – 33M views

Trend – 20M views

Many – 15M views

Neendar – 10M views

These aren’t just numbers; they’re proof of Nijjar’s ever-growing fanbase and influence in the Punjabi music landscape.

Off Da Scale joins this list with a bang, becoming one of the fastest-rising music videos in Nijjar’s career. In a single day, the video crossed 3 million views—a feat that places him among elite company in the industry.

A Voice of the Diaspora

What sets Nijjar apart is how seamlessly he blends the swag of Toronto and the soul of Punjab. His music speaks to those living abroad but carrying their culture proudly. He’s stylish, fearless, and deeply rooted in his identity—a combination that’s made him a favorite among global audiences.

From clubs in Vancouver to car stereos in Ludhiana, Nijjar’s beats echo everywhere. His fans connect with the realness in his voice and the honesty in his lyrics. He isn’t trying to imitate anyone—he’s carving his own lane.

What Makes Off Da Scale Special?

Visual Storytelling: It’s more than a video—it’s a visual anthem of ambition.

Modern Sound: Trap-inspired beats with Punjabi flair.

Relatable Message: For every dreamer and hustler who refuses to be boxed in.

Perfect Timing: Dropped at a time when fans were craving new fire from Nijjar.

Cultural Impact: It’s quickly becoming the background track of Instagram reels and YouTube shorts.

Nijjar’s Moment Is Now

With Off Da Scale, Nijjar has proven he’s not just another artist—he’s a movement. His authenticity, energy, and vision set him apart in a crowded industry. As he continues to break view records and set trends, it’s clear: Nijjar is off the scale in more ways than one.

So, if you haven’t already, watch the video here and experience the sound of the future. Nijjar isn’t coming—he’s already arrived.

[nflhawaiianshirt]

Score Big on Gameday Gifting with NFL-Themed Hawaiian Shirts

Introduction

Looking for a gift that fuses bold team pride with laid-back island vibes? NFL-themed Hawaiian shirts have become one of the hottest trends in fan fashion—offering the perfect blend of fandom and flair. Whether it's for a die-hard football lover, your tailgate crew, or a casual fan who likes to stand out, these shirts are your go-to option for memorable gifting.

In this article, we’ll walk you through why NFL Hawaiian shirts make winning gifts for any football fan, how to choose the right one, and how to style them for max game day impact. With their rising popularity in 2025, these shirts aren’t just a style statement—they’re a fan favorite.

1. Why NFL Hawaiian Shirts Make Winning Gifts

🏈 Beyond Basic Fan Gear

Skip the standard t-shirts and predictable jerseys. NFL Hawaiian shirts offer a refreshing, fashion-forward twist on fan apparel with bold designs that mix team branding and tropical flair.

🌴 Versatility Champions

Perfect for more than just Sunday kickoffs—these shirts shine at tailgates, summer barbecues, vacation getaways, beach weddings, or even casual Fridays at the office.

🗣️ Conversation Starters

With eye-catching patterns and team themes, they’re guaranteed to grab attention and kick off conversations with fellow fans.

📅 Year-Round Appeal

Unlike scarves or beanies, these shirts work in every season. They're breathable in summer and easy to layer in the fall.

📏 Inclusive Fan Fashion

Available in sizes S to 5XL, these shirts are designed for every body type—making them a thoughtful and accessible gift for all fans.

2. Top Gameday Gifting Occasions

🎁 Birthday Celebrations Give them something no one else will—a shirt that’s personal, functional, and undeniably cool.

🎄 Holiday Season NFL Hawaiian shirts make unforgettable Christmas or Hanukkah gifts, especially when paired with other team swag.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Father’s & Mother’s Day Perfect for football-loving moms and dads who already own every other piece of fan gear.

🏆 Super Bowl Parties Show up with a fresh shirt or gift one to your game day host—instant MVP status.

📊 Fantasy Football Rewards Give the league champ a new uniform—or even a "loser shirt" for last place.

🚗 Tailgate Crew Gifting Coordinate matching shirts for your watch party or game day gang. Unity never looked so fun.

🎉 Retirement or Milestone Gifts Give fans entering a new chapter a relaxed way to represent their team while enjoying more free time.

3. How to Choose the Perfect NFL Hawaiian Shirt

🧠 Team Selection

Start with their favorite NFL team. Need a safe backup? Go with hometown loyalty or top-tier teams they casually support.

📏 Size and Fit Guide

Use our handy size chart. Measure chest, shoulders, and length if you’re unsure. Hawaiian shirts are typically a relaxed fit, so sizing up can add comfort.

☁️ Material Matters

Rayon: Soft, breathable, perfect for summer

Cotton: Crisp feel and natural comfort

Polyester blends: Wrinkle-resistant and durable

🎨 Design Preferences

Choose between:

Bold all-over team patterns

Subtle logo and tropical blends

Floral vs. geometric or graphic prints

🎯 Color Considerations

Decide whether the shirt should be team color dominant or incorporate contrasting tropical backgrounds.

💸 Budget-Friendly Options

From premium limited editions to affordable classics, there’s a shirt for every price point.

4. Top Team Picks That Always Score

🔥 Perennial Favorites

Dallas Cowboys

Green Bay Packers

Pittsburgh Steelers

New England Patriots

📈 Rising Stars

Buffalo Bills

Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns

LA Chargers

🏆 Championship Collection

Super Bowl champs? Look for special edition shirts that commemorate the big win.

🕰️ Retro Revival

Fans love throwbacks! Vintage logos and retro color schemes are nostalgic and stylish.

🚨 Limited Editions

Holiday prints, team anniversaries, or exclusive player editions make perfect collector items.

5. Personalization: The Extra Point in Gift-Giving

🎁 Custom Options Make it extra special—add the recipient’s name, jersey number, or a short message.

🎀 Gift Packaging Wrap it in tropical-themed gift bags or include it with game day snacks or koozies for a full fan experience.

🧢 Pairing Suggestions

Team-themed hats, flip flops, or coolers

Add in a pair of matching board shorts for a summer-ready combo

🎟️ Gift Cards Not sure of their size or team? A gift card lets them pick their favorite design while still keeping things personal.

6. Styling Tips to Share with Your Gift Recipient

👕 Gameday Ready Pair the shirt with jeans or team-colored shorts for an easy win.

🧥 Layering Game Wear it unbuttoned over a t-shirt or under a lightweight jacket for fall games.

🧢 Accessory Playbook Add matching caps, sunglasses, or even game-themed watches.

👬 Group Coordination Tailgating with friends? Coordinated Hawaiian shirts = instant squad goals.

💼 Office-Appropriate Yes, even in the office. Dress it down with slacks or chinos on Casual Friday and still show your team pride.

7. Real Fan Reactions: Gift Success Stories

“I got my husband a Chiefs Hawaiian shirt for his birthday—he wore it to every game day after that. We even ordered a second one!” — Emily P., Kansas City

“Gave one to my fantasy football league winner. The other players were jealous, and now everyone wants one next season.” — Carlos M., Miami

“I was skeptical, but my dad LOVED his Raiders aloha shirt. He said it’s the first team gear he’s actually comfortable wearing to dinner.” — Nina L., Las Vegas

These real stories show how a simple shirt can become a cherished gift and conversation piece.

8. Where to Find the Best Selection

🛍️ Online Specialists NFLHawaiianShirt.com offers the widest selection of high-quality, officially licensed shirts for every team. Styles updated regularly.

🚚 Shipping Info Standard U.S. shipping typically takes 5–7 business days. Express options available during the holiday season—order early to avoid delays!

🔄 Return & Exchange Policies Worried about size or style? Our easy returns give you peace of mind for gifting.

🆕 Limited Editions & New Drops Sign up for alerts to be the first to know when new team designs or special editions drop throughout the year.

Conclusion

NFL-themed Hawaiian shirts are a slam dunk (or should we say touchdown?) gift option—perfect for fans who want to celebrate their team in a bold and stylish way. They're versatile, unique, and full of personality, making them ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any gameday surprise.

With the right shirt, the right fit, and a little fan flair, your gift is guaranteed to score big.

👉 Ready to shop? Browse the full collection now at NFLHawaiianShirt.com and surprise the football fanatic in your life with the ultimate gameday gift!

[yestolerancepro]

Tolerance Project Extra up where we belong Officer and a Gentlemen

Introduction

Hello there and welcome to a new series of Blogs that looks at each of the films featured in the Tolerance video this one looks at the Officer and a Gentleman a romantic drama comedy from 1982.

We will have other that will also look at Jaws Star Wars James Bond debut adventure Dr No and the Good the Bad and the ugly.

Background

An Officer and a Gentleman is a 1982 American romantic drama film directed by Taylor Hackford from a screenplay by Douglas Day Stewart, and starring Richard Gere, Debra Winger and Louis Gossett Jr. It tells the story of Zack Mayo (Gere), a United States Navy Aviation Officer Candidate who is beginning his training at Aviation Officer Candidate School. While Zack meets his first true girlfriend during his training, a young "townie" named Paula (Winger), he also comes into conflict with the hard-driving Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley (Gossett) training his class.

Its title is an old expression from the Royal Navy and later from the US Uniform Code of Military Justice's charge of "conduct unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman" (from 1860).

The film was commercially released in the US on August 13, 1982. It was well received by critics, with a number calling it the best film of 1982. It also was a financial success, grossing $190 million against a budget that was between $6-$7 million. Gossett won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the film, making him the first Black male to do so, as well as a Golden Globe Award. The film also received Oscar nominations for Best Actress (for Debra Winger), Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score and Best Original Song (for "Up Where We Belong").

Casting the two romantic leads

Originally, folk music singer and occasional actor John Denver was signed to play Zack Mayo. But a casting process eventually involved Jeff Bridges, Harry Hamlin, Christopher Reeve, John Travolta, and Richard Gere..

 Gere eventually beat all the other actors for the part. Travolta had turned down the role, as he did with American Gigolo (another Richard Gere hit).

The role of Paula was originally given to Sigourney Weaver, then to Anjelica Huston[11] and later to Jennifer Jason Leigh, who dropped out to do the film Fast Times at Ridgemont High instead.Eventually, Debra Winger replaced Leigh for the role of Paula. Rebecca De Mornay, Meg Ryan, and Geena Davis[ auditioned for the role of Paula.

In spite of the strong on-screen chemistry between Gere and Winger, the actors did not get along during filming. Publicly, she called him a "brick wall" while he admitted there was "tension" between them. Thirty years later, Gere was complimentary towards Winger when he said that she was much more open to the camera than he was, and he appreciated the fact that she presented him with an award at the Rome Film Festival.

Music

When talking about the music for the film there is only really one song we need to talk about and that up where we belong sung by Jennifer Warnes"Up Where We Belong" is a song written by Jack Nitzsche, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Will Jennings that was recorded by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes for the 1982 film An Officer and a Gentleman. Warnes was recommended to sing a song from the film because of her previous soundtrack successes, and she had the idea for the song to be a duet that she would perform with Cocker. Jennings selected various sections of the score by Nitzsche and Sainte-Marie in creating the structure of the song and added lyrics about the struggles of life and love and the obstacles that people attempt to dodge. It was released in July of that year to coincide with the release of the film.

The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and topped the charts in several other countries. It also sold more than one million copies in the US and was recognized by the Recording Industry Association of America as one of the Songs of the Century. Cocker and Warnes were awarded the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, and Nitzsche, Sainte-Marie, and Jennings won both the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song

Awards

 Officer and a Gentleman Oscars

Louis Gossett Jr won best supporting actor for his role as gunnery Sargent Emil Foley you can watch him collect his Oscar by clicking here Thanks to Youtube

Louis sadly passed away while I was writing this blog you can read his obituary by clicking here A Poet of an Actor: Louis Gossett, Jr. (1936-2024) | Tributes | Roger Ebert 

it also won best original song Oscar for up where we belong, you can see footage of the best original song Oscar from 1983 by clicking here once again thanks to You Tube

Further Watching

To watch the Up where we belong being performed on Top of the pops click here

To Watch the original trailer for an Officer and a Gentlemen click here

Officer and a Gentleman The Tolerance connection

Odeon Cinema sequence and the last of film spoofs film to feature in the Tolerance video- this time to An Officer and a Gentleman. David Smith playing Robert in the Tolerance film remembers this scene vividly as he quotes it both in his introduction for Tolerance and in an interview he gave me later for the films publicity material. 

I don’t know if you knew this but there was a bit of controversy on the making of the Tolerance film in hiring non disabled actors to play disabled roles if you remember we made all the cast and Crew for the duration of the shoot use a wheelchair 24/7 how did you find the experience?

I wasn’t aware of the controversy, but expressed my own reservations to Richard Hellawell (the director) when we first talked about me playing the role. There’s a dream sequence in the film that required my character to walk, so ultimately I felt that was sufficient justification And David again mentioned the Officer and a Gentleman sequence for the introduction to The Tolerance film

‘I played Rob - a wheelchair user - even though I’m not a wheelchair user myself. At the heart of the film is a drive to see the person not the disability, so maybe it shouldn’t matter who plays the character - but it’s certainly worth thinking through.’

 In fact, Rob needs to walk in the film (no spoilers!), and that was the principal driver behind using an actor who was not a wheelchair user.

 You can judge for yourselves whether that decision was justified. Perhaps the producers would not make the same choice today. Perhaps the story would be re-shaped to enable the casting of actors with disabilities.

Watching the film again recently Gemma Blagbourgh remembered that her and Helen Rees had to Iron David’s officer suit quite a few times to give the pristine look that you saw in the finished film the flowers that Rob gave his girlfriend Julie proved a abit of a problem too as Ben Brown remembers oh those flowers that came from one of the films sponsors who owned a flower shop called The flower basket and they were great looked really nice but they kept at my house as I recall over night and we had to water them quite a few times to stop the poor things from dying ha ha

Notes

Once again thank you to Google images for the pictures and Wikipedia for the background to Officer and a Gentleman and to youtube for the Academy Award Videos  also a lot of this blog prevously appeared in part 4 of my of Producers commentary Accessability Relationships and Social life  Tolerance film behind the scenes photos thanks to Helen Batty and to Ian Medley for Cleaned up Screengrab

Pictures

 1) Officer and a Gentleman film poster from 1982

2) Up where we belong single cover

3) David Smith and Claire Abbot doing their best Richard Gere and Debra Winger impressions

4)  Helen Batty and Charlotte McCamlie if you look carefully you can see those flowers on the backseat of the minibus

Remember if you have read this blog and like it please consider giving a donation to the Tolerance project by clicking on the above link thank you