#gems of dupont

[floraracoon]

Gems of Dupont - Rewrite

Since it's been bothering me these past few days, this is a list of how I would rewrite a fic I wrote last year, called The Gems of Dupont on Ao3 if I were to do so.

Spoiler Warning if you want to read the fic then read this

Premise: There is a group of students who while anonymous, are known to have a lot of power. Namely, they have a history of getting rid of unsavory figures in the school or associated with it. Their current targets are Marinette (stalking, minor abuse of power, and her actions towards her 'rivals'), Adrien (bystander, actions as Chat Noir towards Ladybug, etc.), Lila (obvious), Alya (misinformation, slander, and something else), Mme. Bustier (bystander, emotional manipulation, poor teaching methods), Mr. Damocles (fraud, neglect, etc.), and Fu (facing the consequences of his own actions)

Problems: A scene that I did not flesh out enough to show the reasoning behind it, too many characters involved in the takedown, illogical plot points, involving characters that make no sense, and moving too fast due to me losing interest but not wanting to go on hiatus or abandoning the work.

The Rewrite:

Establishing the Gems -

The sign of the Gems (a wreath of gems on Mme. Mendelieve's door) is shown, causing rumors to spread through the school

Adrien, Alya, and Lila ask what they are, giving them the full explanation

The Gems are a group of six that every year go through and gather evidence of people's wrongdoings, before giving them to those that would cause the most change. This most of the time results in someone leaving the school. When they are done, gems are left where the person sits. Each gem represents something, and while there are six Gems, there are more gems.

Chloe scoffs out loud while Lila internally scoffs. Chloe thinks she is immune, as she has never been hit before. Lila scoffs because she thinks she hasn't been caught, to begin with.

Cut to a group chat, where two people are arguing over the nicknames they have in the chat. "Eye candy" seems particularly frustrated and claims they bring something more to the team than their good looks.

Safety Measures -

We see a week pass, with people becoming more and more anxious waiting for something to happen. Some sign that this wasn't a fluke. The first week is always when it is that they send out the warnings, where are the warnings?

But one day, as Nino walks in, having not arrived with Alya due to her running off to record an akuma fight, he finds a note sitting on his desk. The note contains a list of numbers and timestamps. A small doodle of a gem sitting in the corner.

On another day, Rose finds a small slip of paper that has Prince Ali's phone number on it, also with a small doodle of a gem in the corner

Luka opens a note left on his bed. He finds the chords for a song, with no lyrics. Each page has small annotations of cherry blossoms in places where lyrics would be, and a doodle of a gem in the bottom corner.

Kagami is surprised when a note falls out of her locker, with a message in brail saying "He hesitates, where is his backbone?". A gem is engraved on the page

The first -

Alya is the first to go down. After a fight between her and Nino that results in their break up, she learns that her parents got a similar note to the one that started the fight.

The numbers and timestamps were coded for different videos on the Ladyblog. The one for Nino was instances where Alya endangered him and those around him. The fight was about her recklessness, and her want to get up close to akuma fights with little regard for her safety.

The one her parents got, however, was every single time she had endangered herself.

The two of them were busy with work often, so they only really watched the videos Alya sent them. Often those were the ones where she stayed safe for the most part or had a lot of views.

So they opened her blog, to investigate what these timestamps were, only to find their daughter once again throwing herself into situations she shouldn't have. Along with countless posts trying to figure out the identities of people who were trying to protect the city and a single post that had them questioning her integrity.

The next day, Alya was pulled into distanced learning. She was also grounded until further notice, with no blog posting for one day per timestamp listed.

Will continue this post tomorrow, as this is getting really long

[meliskindachildishlol]

Fictioned Machines! Pickle's ref. sheet

Personal info.

Full name: Dion "Pickle" Loit Dupont

Place of birth: Gear Ville, Magic Realm

Species: Magical machine

Occupation: "Yes. :)"

Age: 21 years old

Birthdate: April/14/20**

Abilities: Spell casting, white magic manipulation, great strength (believe it or not)

Extra info.

The necklace with the purple gem serves as storage for his magic, and it can come out in smaller quantities when using his wand.

He can cut his hair on his own, but prefers to have one of his sisters to do it.

He was 8 years old when he met Crusher, who was 12 at the time, and they first interacted when Pickle found and returned his lost trucky toy. :D

Yes, he also eats inedible stuff in this AU. He's not normal. 😭

Despite having picked up a few part-time jobs, his main job is at the Axle City Circus as the magician.

SASSY AS FUCK. And also terrifying when actually angry.

The amount of times he's scared the living shit out of everyone because of how good he's at sneaking up on people is insane-

The first people he came out as trans was his family and later on to Crusher. Everyone, except Pickle's mother, is supportive.

Has an INSANE pain tolerance, just like Crusher and Stripes.

(Pickle, ilysm [/p], please don't break my kneecaps /j)

[liliesmultiverse]

alright redoing a post i did awhile ago about changes i’ve made to the harry potter series in my home reality :

— the author. j.k. rowling doesn’t exist in my home reality so ofc the author is different. she’s actually a french woman named amélie dupont and she’s an absolute gem. she loves seeing all the headcanons people come up with.

— lily is canonically lesbian. nothing against jily but i just can’t see lily as anything but a lesbian. it’s stuck in my mind so..

— harry is still james & lily’s child but he’s an ivf baby. nothing romantic or sexual happened between james & lily, they were simply good friends who both wanted a child even though it was in the middle of war.

— dumbledore is confirmed a hidden villain 🙂

— regulus & evan were confirmed to not be blood supremacists. they both took the mark to protect their siblings (sirius & pandora).

— harry’s scar is described to look like actual lightning. it starts at his forehead and goes down to just below his right eye. he’s also canonically blind in his right eye because of it.

— mary is dean’s mother. idk, randomly saw this hc one day and absolutely loved the idea of it. so i’ve scripted it’s canon 🤷‍♀️

— tempted to script that my marauders reality self is canon in the books because why not?? if i did this, harry would have 3 parents so isn’t that cool??

— james was canonically a professional quidditch player after hogwarts because i fucking hate the auror headcanon 🥰

and fandom changes :

— there’s no “most popular” ship & no ship wars. all ships are treated equally and everyone abides by “don’t like, don’t interact” instead of actively hating on things.

— wolfstar is less popular bc i’m sorry but the toxic fans have fucking ruined it for me 😕

— the fic “all the young dudes” doesn’t exist bc i’m tired of people acting like it’s fucking canon. also apparently it’s just problematic?? 🤨

— snape is far less liked. i’m never getting over how he treated neville or how he called lily a literal slur?? absolutely fucking not. not my gorgeous queen.

— remadora gets the love it fucking deserves.

— no fanfic is ever treated like it’s more canon than the books. they’re treated like what they fucking are, fanfics.

— all headcanons are respected.

— everyone in both the marauders & potterheads fandom is kind, respectful and welcoming. bc i want to be able to enjoy a fandom for once without it being ruined by toxic as fuck people. i’m not even active in the fandom in this reality :/

there’s more but that’s the main stuff for now 😙

[booksrbetterthanpeople]

So, with the new special coming up with Shadybug and Claw Noir, I’ve gotta ask, what are Scarlet Beetle, Ikati Black, Monarch, and Prince Paon’s alternate selves like?

Blood Beetle

Cold, calculated, greedy, and just a little bit flirty with his “Kitten.”

He works out so he’s stronger than his opponents and can easily snap them like twigs

This guy does NOT care about the lives of innocents, as long as he’s got the cash and jewels he stole, then he’s fine

Will not hesitate to put people in danger if it means getting his way, and makes people BEG him on their knees to use his Miracle Cure…

… Only to not use it

And quick thing to remember: Unless you have a death wish, never try to flirt with Ikati Bleak

When he’s not Blood Beetle, Kim is tormenting people at DuPont Dormitory For Wayward Teens for cash and breaking every PDA rule with Max

He was sent to DuPont for attacking just about anyone who looked at him funny

“Kitten~ Steal that gem for me, would you, baby?”

“Ugh! It’s not my fault this light weight can’t take a punch!”

“Come on… Beg me, and maybe I’ll fix your shit city.”

Ikati Bleak

Ikati Bleak is extremely smart and knows how to get in your head. Never trust him

He’s the brains behind every robbery committed by himself and his “Blood Bug.”

He can easily hack into the government and cause all sorts of mass destruction with the push of a button if civilians step out of line

Like Blood Beetle, he doesn’t care about the lives of other people, seeing them as only stepping stones in their path towards total domination

Whatever Blood Beetle desires, he is more than happy to do whatever it takes to make him happy

Enjoys using his cataclysm on famous landmarks and important artifacts

As Max, he’s deceitful, gets a thrill out of using his intellect against others, and uses his tech skills to torment the student body

Max was sent to DuPont for hacking into the grade books and ruining everyone’s GPAs just for the hell of it

“Whatever my Blood Bug wants, he gets.”

“Ruining lives is just no fun when they don’t cry.”

“One little button. That’s all it takes to see your city turn to dust.”

Emperor

One word… Insane

Emperor has no goal other than to cause mass chaos and make all who stand before him kneel at his feet

He turns people into Akumas against their will and uses psychological and/or emotional torture to make them comply

He forces them to steal, cause property damage, and attack a few people he doesn’t like

He only has a soft spot for Prince Pain and will drop everything to just kiss his hand

As Nathaniel, he’s just as unhinged as Emperor. People would say he has a Napoleon Complex, but the last person to say that mysteriously fell down the stairs

Note: Nathaniel hates it when people even imply that he’s inferior

Those at his last school were relieved when the School Tyrant finally left

“Princey, allow me torment this undesirable for you, darling.”

“Aw~ Why so serious? And here I thought we were having so much fun.”

“Oh, I have ways of making you comply, dear.”

Prince Pain

He’s every bit of crazy as Emperor, but braver. He’s jumped off the top of the Eiffel Tower and landed on the back of a winged Senticreature

This guy only has a soft spot for Emperor and his babies

He can’t bear to part with them, so he lets them run around Paris, destroying everything in sight on a weekly basis

He’d never send an Amok after a civilian, becuase then they can turn his Senticreature against him!

He’s got the personality of Evil!Spinel with a bit of Harley Quinn mixed in there, always clapping and laughing when someone gets hurt

He will follow Emperor to the ends of the earth for no reason other than to cause chaos with him

Marc was sent to DuPont because there was no mental facility that would take him

“Hear that, babies? Other daddy is proud of you, my little weapons of mass destruction!”

“Voices in my head say I’m perfectly normal like any other person.”

“I don’t like the words your saying… Do you need your tongue removed?”

[peterlorrefanpage]

The DuPont Show of the Week: "Diamond Fever"

March 24, 1963. Special guest star: Peter Lorre.

So far, I can't find this TV episode out there! We have the plot at least...

Story text: A newly-unearthed, 4l5-carat uncut diamond has a tantalizing effect on five human lives. To a fashionable jeweler, Arthur Harwick (Sidney Blackmer), in whose possession it falls, the gem is a dangerous challenge.

Will the embittered diamond cutter, Herbert Vanderling (Theodore Bikel), turn the stone into an article of priceless beauty or shatter it into 1,000 worthless fragments?

To Vanderling's deep-in-debt brother, Joe (Martin Brooks), the diamond represents a once-in-a lifetime chance to wipe the slate clean.

A Texas billionaire’s wife, Mrs. Newton Weber (Jeri Archer), will stop at nothing in her obsession to possess the gem.

To Archie Lefferts (Peter Lorre), perhaps the world's most accomplished jewel thief, the diamond is the supreme challenge of an infamous career.

--If that's not Polo, I'll eat Peter Lorre's squashable hat.

[supercantaloupe]

going to dc last minute for rest of week idk why any recommendations on what to do

I’ll have access to a car for reference

you could check out the museums before the current admin gets around to ruining them. i guess you could go monumenting if you're into that. leave your car somewhere else though if you can driving in this city and especially driving/parking around downtown is utter hell. i like national gallery of art, portrait gallery, and natural history personally. and the underrated gem the postal museum right next to union station. folger shakespeare library has some neat stuff on exhibit rn and also a pretty little cafe on the upper level. also it's near the botanic garden (sort of) which i bet is lovely this time of year. the zoo is fun but be prepared to walk a lot it's hilly. you can drive there but parking is like $25 so honestly just take the bus or train and walk. might be something happening at library of congress but if not you could always just do a guided tour. same with kennedy center. if nothing else at least they're cool buildings to walk around in and free to see. we're pretty much done with peak cherry blossom season but the tidal basin is still pretty to walk around and maybe you won't get trampled by crowds of tourists since it's no longer peak bloom. Don't waste your money on mall food trucks they will scam you. if you're here on the weekend you could check out some of the farmers markets and flea markets around town like at dupont circle and eastern market, they're pretty big and fun to look around and shop at as long as you don't mind the crowd. union market is mostly overpriced food and retail but some of it is good. georgetown is quaint but kind of a pain in the ass to get to and from the rest of the city. uhh with a car you might just straight up leave dc and check out some of the other towns in the dmv area like annapolis or alexandria? or go to tysons corner if you want to go to a bigass shopping mall. maybe a light hike at one of the nearby civil war battlefields like manassas or harpers ferry. or you can drive/take the train into baltimore and visit the national aquarium. admission is annoyingly expensive imo but i love it there i love looking at fish et al. or baltimore symphony, idk what they're playing rn but they have concerts most weekends in baltimore and bethesda and they are really excellent. tbh most of what i do in the city is 1. go to school/work 2. run errands and 3. occasionally go to performances and as far as i'm aware (which in fairness is not necessarily that aware) nothing much is happening performance wise right now, but maybe you could find something i didn't with a little poking around online

[missallanea-a]

more muses to potentially give MLB AUs / crossovers ( because group chat promotes brainrot ) :

CYBERSIX : she's already a vigilante of sorts. another character who is very easy to just pick up and drop in the universe with no adaptation, honestly. Adrien Siedelman tranfers to Collège Françoise Dupont as either a substitute or a literature teacher. A very odd 'human being' who quickly gets herself involved in things that don't actually involve her, because she mistakes an akumatized villain for another of her kind. Simple mistake!

PRAXINA : I've talked a little about this in the past, but considering LoliRock also takes place vaguely in France, a reasonable crossover. She's already tracking down powerful jewels for an evil dictator, I can see her and Mephisto getting it in their heads that the Miraculous are some sort of Oracle Gem.

JENNIFER WALTERS / ROGUE / TABITHA SMITH : they're all superheroes already. Marvel and Miraculous crossover so easily. Rogue in particular I think would be a good vibe, but Tabby would absolutely fucking adore Chloe.

[msweebyness]

DuPont School for Monstrous Youths- Rochelle Weems

There’s no place like gnome! Here’s our last Recess kid! @artzychic27 @imsparky2002

Species: Gnome

Appearance/Attire: Very short, stocky build, short and curly red hair, narrow green eyes, pointed ears, pale skin, rosy cheeks, slightly hunched back. Red fedora with very tall center and gold band, glittery green t-shirt, blue denim jacket studded with multicolored gems, fingerless red leather gloves, black skinny jeans with torn knees, red work boots with green vines.

Bio: If you need to know something that’s going on around the school, there’s one monster you go to, and that’s Rochelle. This little gnome somehow has every piece of information that floats around the halls, though ze are very tight-lipped unless the situation calls for otherwise. Ze serve as Alya’s chief source and collaborator on the Paranormal Buzz, the school news blog, and serves as an endless blackmail vault on some of the less upstanding staff and students. Ze can be a bit insecure about their kyphosis and short stature, but zir friends are always quick to reassure ze. Ze also have a bit of a prankster streak, mostly hiding other people’s belongings.

Quotes:

“There isn’t much that happens in this school that I don’t know.”

“HEY! No touching the hat!”

“I may be short, but I’m still tall enough to bust your kneecaps!”

“I have dirt on everyone. Including you, Lila.”

“I’m not much for gardening, to be honest.”

“Now this I have to hear!”

You won’t find zir lounging around a garden! Leave your thoughts in the comments and reblogs!

[aidendh]

Original! OC! Aiden Harris

His info in the style of a BSD Wiki and his 18 year old outfit

{Bungou Stray Dogs}

Aiden Dawn Harris

--

Kanji: ハリス・エイデ��

Rōmanji: Harisu Eiden

Also Known As: Cherise (vigilante alias), AidenDH (username), Sculpteur (corruption), Tikki (ladybug miraculous, former), Sculptor (akuma), Kaalki (horse miraculous, former), Mulalki (unified mouse/horse miraculouses, former), Kalikki (unified horse/ladybug miraculouses, former), Abigail (dead name), Abi (dead nickname)

-

Akutagawa Kinnie (by Abel)

Lil' Psycho (by Abel)

Namesake: Aiden D.H. (British supernatural and shoujo novelist)

--

-:Personal Information:-

Status: Alive

Gender: Male (He/They)

Sexuality: Gay, Asexual

Birthday: 31st March

Age: 18 (BSD/Mi Arc), 17 (England/Mi Arc), 16 (Miraculous Arc)

Height: 159 cm (5'2.5"), 154 cm (5'0.6") [16]

Weight: 92 lb (41.73 kg)

Blood Type: N/A

Likes: Anime, reading, otters, mice

Dislikes: Spiders, the dark, NSFW

--

-:Professional Information:-

Ability: Précure de Héros

Reference: Magic Mi! Hero Precure (Novel by Aiden D.H)

(My original magical girl story)

Occupation: Barista/Waiter, Vigilante, Student (former), Superhero (former)

Affiliation: Costa Coffee (England), East Surrey College (former), Héros Parisiens (former), Collège Françoise Dupont (former)

--

-:Metaverse Information:-

Name: Aiden Harris

Location: Mementos

--

-:Relationships:-

Family:

Max Harris (younger brother),

Unnamed Mother,

Unnamed Father,

Unnamed Step-Mom,

Suke Harris (older cousin),

Adrik Harris (older cousin)

--

-:Appearances:-

Manga Debut: Paris Precure, Origins Part 1

Anime Debut: Bungou Stray Dogs: Lost Souls, Precure arc

Light Novel Debut: Lost Souls, Paris Precure

--

-:Portrayal:-

Japanese Voice: Aiden Harris

English Voice: Aiden Harris

--

"

""

Aiden Harris (ハリス・エイデン,, Harisu Eiden) is the younger cousin of Suke Harris and Adrik Harris. He is the former leader of the Héros Parisiens in Paris. He is currently a vigilante under the power of his Ability, Précure de Héros.

Personality: Honest, Mutterer, Clever, Adaptable, Intuitive, group bby

Confidant/Arcana: Moon

-:Ability:-

Aiden's ability, Précure de Héros (Hero Precure), transforms him into a magical boy. If he inspires another to align with their heroic virtues, they will also gain this power when allied with him. However if they were to lose sight of their virtues, their form would become corrupted. These requirements also apply to him.

Précure de héros (Hero Precure)

Color: Pink

Manga Debut: N/A

Anime Debut: N/A

Light Novel Debut: N/A

Ability: Magical Girl Transformation, Power Awakening

(Basically his Magic Mi Ver)

--

-:Etymology:-

• The name 'Aiden' is of Gaelic origin, meaning 'little fire'.

• The surname 'Harris' is of English and Irish origin, meaning 'son of Harry/Henry'.

• The vigilante name 'Cherise' [Che•Reese] is a mix of the English word 'cherry' and the French word 'cerise' (cherry)

• The corrupted alias 'Sculpteur' is the French masculine word for 'sculptor'

--

-:Namesake:-

Aiden D.H. (31st March 2004 - Present)

A British novelist known for his works on Tumblr and Archive of our own. Though he specializes in Fan-Fiction crossovers, he has written his own original Magical Girl novel called 'Magic Mi! Hero Precure'.

(This is a fictional author based on me)

--

Aiden's design is based off of the Author's main oc of their Fanfictions

He is a year younger than his cousins

His Shadow is an upside-down Clawian who uses Physical/Wind and is weak to Psy, Exclusive Skill: Roulette* Uses a random skill

Aiden Harris (Magic Mi/BSD)

-

--

A British guy with a love for Supernatural Anime

Ability: Précure de Héros* Power Awakening

Mi: Bulb Choker Gem

Mi Mi: Pip (red mouse)

--

(Costa Coffee)

Aiden Harris (Work)

-

--

A Cafe Butler who easily strikes conversation with the customers

Ability: Précure de Héros* Power Awakening

Mi: Bulb Choker Gem

Mi Mi: Pip (red mouse)

--

For him to awaken to his Ability, he must decide that he can and should still help protect others even without the help of superpowers

[authoralexharvey]

OC Name Meaning Tag

Was tagged for this one by @mariahwritesstuff and @queenslayerbee, so thank you!

Also tagging: @linaket, @k--havok, @alistonjdrake, @magic-is-something-we-create, and @ashen-crest. Have fun!

Rules: Put down an OC or more and tell what their name means.

I'm doing this game for ASMLP, where the names chosen had little to do with their meaning and moreso with the vibes of it all. That said, I did make a couple of intentional choices. The country this is set in also has a lot of French inspo (among others) and so that's the base I chose when going through names to try and fit my cast. I tend to go off of the vibes and "mouth feel" of it all. That said, let's look at all the major players and what their names mean!

Warning, this post is kinda long.

Simone Allard

French feminine form of Simon, which according to BehindtheName, is

From Σίμων (Simon), the New Testament Greek form of the Hebrew name שִׁמְעוֹן (Shim'on) meaning "hearing, listening", derived from שָׁמַע (shama') meaning "to hear, to listen".

Going back to Simone, "A famous bearer was Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986), a French feminist and philosopher." and I think that's cool.

Their last name, Allard, is derived from the given name Adalhard and is

Derived from the Old German elements adal "noble" and hart "hard, firm, brave, hardy".

The last name was chosen intentionally, as Simone attempts to embody these traits (and ultimately fails).

Nadia Dupont

Nadia is a variant of Nadya, which itself is a Russian/Bulgarian diminutive of Nadezhda, which means "Hope". I didn't know this when I chose her name--I chose it off of Vibes TBH--but now that I do know this, it makes her name all the more ironic, I think.

Her last name, DuPont, means "from the bridge". That wasn't a choice intentionally done, either, I just thought the first and last name sounded nice together.

Etienne LaChance

Etienne, which is sans the little accent on the first E, is the French form of Stephen, which itself is

From the Greek name Στέφανος (Stephanos) meaning "crown, wreath", more precisely "that which surrounds".

Which,,, somewhat fits, given his kinda prissy nature and thinking he's better than everyone (he's right. somewhat).

As for his last name, LaChance, that just means "chance, luck" which was partly chosen off of Vibes and partly chosen off of irony, as he's got the best outcome by the end of all three of the MCs.

Chantal Bellarose

According to BehindtheName, Chantal means

From a French surname that was derived from a place name meaning "stony". It was originally given in honour of Saint Jeanne-Françoise de Chantal, the founder of the Visitation Order in the 17th century. It has become associated with French chant "song".

Which is cool! But I mostly chose it off of Vibes and because I like the name. As for her last name, I know for a fact I saw it on the surname section of BTN but now it's trying to gaslight me. Anyway, I just think it's pretty.

Professor Darzi

Darzi as a surname is a Persian word which means "tailor" (allegedly). I chose it partly because it looks nice and partly because Professor Darzi is such a tailored and well put together man.

Doctor Aiza

Aiza as a last name comes from "Aizt", Basque for "rock or stone" (allegedly). According to BTN, as a first name it's possibly Urdu in origin, but gives me no meaning beyond that. However, when I look it up, I'm told it can mean "replacement or substitute"... Either way, I mostly chose it for Vibes but it,,, oddly fits, in a way.

Professor Favreau

Favreau is a diminutive of Favre, which is itself a variant of Fèvre, which is

Occupational name meaning "blacksmith" in Old French, derived from Latin faber.

This was somewhat intentional, given the Professor's personality and appearance. As Nadia says,

She’s a monochrome woman: grey coat, black scarf, white hair. The brightest things about her are the chunky rings she wears, a rainbow of gems gleaming in the watery sunlight coming through the window behind her.

Alienor

Found this one on a French list somewhere. This is a variant of Aliénor, which is the French form of Eleanor, which gets this entry on BTN:

From the Old French form of the Occitan name Alienòr. Among the name's earliest bearers was the influential Eleanor of Aquitaine (12th century), who was the queen of Louis VII, the king of France, and later Henry II, the king of England. She was named Aenor after her mother, and was called by the Occitan phrase alia Aenor "the other Aenor" in order to distinguish her from her mother. However, there appear to be examples of bearers prior to Eleanor of Aquitaine. It is not clear whether they were in fact Aenors who were retroactively recorded as having the name Eleanor, or whether there is an alternative explanation for the name's origin.

I just chose it cause it sounded cool, to be honest.

[dupontitaliankitchen]

10 Best Spots for Bottomless Brunch in Dupont Circle You Can’t Miss

Located right in the heart of the neighborhood, Dupont Italian Kitchen is a gem you don’t want to miss. Known for its welcoming vibe and authentic Italian dishes, it offers one of the best bottomless brunch Dupont Circle options in town.

Read More : https://www.zupyak.com/p/4579209/t/10-best-spots-for-bottomless-brunch-in-dupont-circle-you-cant-miss

[livelovedelaware]

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites: Things to Do in Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington, Delaware, may not be the first city that pops into your head when planning a weekend getaway or exploring a new home base, but it should be. As the largest city in the First State, Wilmington offers a mix of rich history, thriving art scenes, beautiful outdoor spaces, and culinary treasures. Whether you're a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor hoping to soak in the city's charm, there's always something waiting to be discovered.

Wilmington proves that significant experiences can come from smaller cities, from art galleries to scenic riverfront strolls. If you're compiling a list of things to do in Wilmington, prepare for culture, cuisine, and plenty of character.

Explore Wilmington's Rich History

Wilmington's history is deeply tied to the United States' industrial growth and the founding of some of its oldest families and industries. The Hagley Museum and Library is a standout attraction for history buffs. It sits on the site of the original DuPont gunpowder works and offers a unique glimpse into early American innovation and entrepreneurship.

Another must-see is the Delaware History Museum and Mitchell Center for African American Heritage. This engaging and thoughtfully curated space showcases stories from Delaware's diverse communities and contributions to American history.

Wander Through Wilmington's Art and Culture Scene

The city's appreciation for the arts runs deep. The Delaware Art Museum is a staple in the community, featuring an impressive collection of American art, especially from the Brandywine School. The museum grounds are also peaceful, with a sculpture garden perfect for a slow afternoon stroll.

For live performances, The Grand Opera House and The Queen Theatre offer a rotating calendar of concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical performances that highlight both local talent and national acts.

Stroll the Riverfront

No visit to Wilmington is complete without experiencing the revitalized Christina Riverfront. Once a hub of shipping and industry, it's a vibrant area filled with restaurants, parks, public art, and walking paths. It's ideal for family outings and date nights under string-lit patios.

Here, you can catch a Blue Rocks minor league baseball game, paddle along the river in a kayak, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many waterfront restaurants. It's an evolving area that combines relaxation with excitement—an essential part of discovering Delaware.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Wilmington is surrounded by scenic beauty that's perfect for nature lovers. Brandywine Park and Rockford Park offer miles of trails, open fields, and peaceful views. These parks are especially popular in the spring and fall when the colors change, making every walk feel like a photo-worthy experience.

For a more immersive outdoor escape, check out the nearby Mt. Cuba Center or Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Both places showcase native plant life, exquisite gardens, and seasonal blooms that feel far from the city.

Taste Wilmington's Food Scene

If you're into food, you'll love Wilmington's classic comfort dishes and elevated dining mix. The city boasts everything from iconic cheesesteak joints to James Beard-nominated chefs bringing new life to Delaware's food culture. Market Street downtown offers a range of options for brunch, lunch, or a night out.

Farm-to-table dining, ethnic cuisines, and creative cocktails have made Wilmington a surprising contender in the Mid-Atlantic culinary scene.

More Than Just a Stop on the Map

Wilmington exudes quiet confidence. It doesn't try to compete with larger East Coast cities—it simply offers its brand of charm, creativity, and connection. Wilmington is a great place to start if you're searching for new adventures or want to experience something fresh.

There are countless things to do in Wilmington, from learning about its historical legacy to exploring its ever-growing arts and food scenes. The more time you spend here, the more you begin to see why so many people who discover Wilmington fall in love with it.

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The 5 Best Hotels in Woodley Park Washington DC

Settled between the vibrant neighborhoods of Adams Morgan and Cleveland Park, Woodley Park is a scenic and charming area in Washington, DC. Known for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and proximity to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Woodley Park offers visitors a perfect mix of city convenience and natural beauty. Whether you’re here for a relaxing getaway or an exciting urban adventure, Woodley Park Washington provides an ideal base with its array of accommodations, dining options, and easy access to public transportation.

Where to Stay in and Around Woodley Park If you're planning a visit to Woodley Park Washington, DC, and looking for a comfortable place to stay, consider these renowned hotels in or near Woodley Park:

The LINE DC Address: 1770 Euclid St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Phone: (202) 588-0525

Housed in a beautifully restored 110-year-old church, The LINE DC is a boutique hotel in nearby Adams Morgan, offering a unique blend of modern luxury and historic charm. With stylish rooms, a vibrant arts scene, and world-class dining, this hotel is a top choice for travelers seeking a memorable stay.

Omni Shoreham Hotel Address: 2500 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC 20008 Phone: (202) 234-0700

A grand and historic hotel, the Omni Shoreham has been a Washington, DC landmark since 1930. Located in the heart of Woodley Park, this elegant resort-style hotel features lush gardens, spacious rooms, and luxurious amenities. It’s a perfect retreat after a day of sightseeing or business meetings.

The Glover Park Hotel Georgetown Address: 2505 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007 Phone: (202) 337-9700

Situated in the charming Glover Park neighborhood near Georgetown, this stylish hotel provides modern accommodations with a boutique feel. Featuring wellness-focused amenities, an on-site restaurant, and easy access to DC’s historic sites, The Glover Park Hotel is a favorite among travelers seeking tranquility and sophistication.

Washington Hilton Address: 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009 Phone: (202) 483-3000

A classic and well-known hotel, the Washington Hilton is conveniently located near Dupont Circle and Woodley Park. With spacious accommodations, an outdoor pool, and excellent dining options, this hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Its rich history and central location make it a top choice for visitors to the nation’s capital.

The Normandy Hotel Address: 2118 Wyoming Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 Phone: (202) 483-1350

The Normandy Hotel is a hidden gem in Washington, DC, offering a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Located near Dupont Circle and just a short walk from Woodley Park, this European-style boutique hotel features elegant decor, personalized service, and a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Woodley Park is a fantastic destination for travelers looking to experience Washington, DC’s vibrant culture while enjoying a peaceful residential setting. With its historic hotels, close proximity to the National Zoo, and easy access to the Metro, visitors can explore everything the city has to offer while enjoying the neighborhood’s relaxed atmosphere.

Whether you’re here for business, leisure, or a bit of both, Woodley Park and its surrounding areas provide excellent accommodations and an unforgettable DC experience!

Click here to read more about the best places to visit in Woodley Park Washington DC.

driving directions to The 5 Best Hotels in Woodley Park Washington DC

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Cheap hotels near me.Best cheap hotels.Best price Guarantee.The Best learn more

Cheap hotels near me.Best cheap hotels.best price Guarantee.check it here Budget Bliss: Unveiling the Top-Rated Cheap Hotels Across the 50 States Traveling on a budget doesn't have to mean sacrificing comfort and quality. In fact, with a little research, you can find charming, highly-rated hotels that offer exceptional value without breaking the bank. We've scoured reviews and ratings across the country to bring you a curated list of the top-rated cheap hotels in each of the 50 states. These hidden gems provide comfortable accommodations, prime locations, and often, a touch of local charm, all at prices that will leave you with more to spend on experiences.

Forget cramped hostels and questionable motels. These hotels prove you can have a memorable and affordable adventure across America!   Here's a glimpse of some standout budget-friendly accommodations:   Alabama: The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa (Mobile): While technically not "cheap" in the strictest sense, frequent deals and off-season rates make this historic hotel a worthwhile splurge in Alabama. The location is unbeatable, and the grandeur is unmatched for the price you might find.check it here   Alaska: Anchorage Grand Hotel (Anchorage): Embrace the Alaskan spirit without emptying your wallet at this centrally located hotel offering comfortable rooms and easy access to attractions.check it here   Arizona: The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch (Scottsdale): Known for its gorgeous pools, excellent restaurants, and beautiful Scottsdale setting, this is a high value choice for those seeking a luxury experience at a reasonable price.check it here   Arkansas: Capital Hotel (Little Rock): Steeped in history and offering a touch of Southern elegance, the Capital Hotel offers a surprising amount of luxury at a manageable cost, especially with advance booking.check it here   California: Hotel Erwin (Venice Beach): A hip and modern option right on the iconic Venice Beach boardwalk. While prices fluctuate, securing a deal here offers incredible value for the location and views.check it here   Colorado: The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block (Denver): Offers an authentic experience and is a great base to explore Denver's vibrant downtown area.check it here   Connecticut: Delamar West Hartford (West Hartford): Although high-end, deals and packages can turn this into a surprisingly affordable treat.check it here   Delaware: The Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa (Greenville): A charmingly renovated DuPont mill village, offering a unique historical stay that sometimes surprises with reasonable rates.check it here   Florida: Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection (St. Augustine): Offers a taste of old-world charm and historic ambiance, with occasional deals that make it a great budget find.check it here   Georgia: The Hotel at Avalon, Alpharetta (Alpharetta): Centrally located, it's one of Alpharetta's best hotels.check it here   Hawaii: Aqua Oasis (Waikiki, Oahu): Located in the heart of Waikiki, this hotel offers a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the island, often at a fraction of the cost of beachfront properties.check it here   Idaho: The Modern Hotel (Boise): A boutique hotel with a focus on art and design, The Modern offers a stylish and budget-friendly option in Boise's vibrant downtown.check it here   Illinois: Hotel Lincoln, a Joie de Vivre Hotel (Chicago): Overlooking Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan, this hotel offers stunning views and a convenient location for exploring the city.check it here   Indiana: Ironworks Hotel Indy (Indianapolis): A unique industrial-chic hotel with comfortable rooms and a lively atmosphere.check it here   Iowa: Hotel Julien Dubuque (Dubuque): A historic hotel with elegant rooms and a central location in Dubuque's downtown.check it here   Kansas: The Ambassador Hotel Wichita, Autograph Collection (Wichita): A stylish hotel with a rooftop restaurant and bar, offering stunning city views.check it here   Kentucky: 21c Museum Hotel Lexington (Lexington): Another trendy chain with very good offerings.check it here   Louisiana: Hotel Provincial (New Orleans): Housed in a collection of historic Creole cottages, Hotel Provincial offers a charming and affordable stay in the French Quarter.check it here   Maine: The Press Hotel (Portland): A boutique hotel housed in the former Portland Press Herald building, offering stylish rooms and a creative atmosphere.check it here   Maryland: The Sagamore Pendry Baltimore (Baltimore): Is located in the historic Recreation Pier building in Baltimore's Fells Point, and offers a glimpse into the pier's rich history and stunning waterfront views.check it here   Massachusetts: The Lenox Hotel (Boston): Located in Back Bay, is a high-end hotel offering quality service.check it here   Michigan: The Detroit Foundation Hotel (Detroit): A renovated fire station with stylish rooms and a lively restaurant and bar.check it here   Minnesota: The Hewing Hotel (Minneapolis): A trendy hotel with a rustic-chic design, located in Minneapolis' Warehouse District.check it here   Mississippi: The Alluvian (Greenwood): A stylish and modern hotel in the heart of the Delta, offering a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the region.check it here   Missouri: Hotel Saint Louis, Autograph Collection (St. Louis): A historic hotel with a grand lobby and comfortable rooms, located in downtown St. Louis.check it here   Montana: The Lark (Bozeman): A stylish and modern motel with comfortable rooms and a convenient location for exploring Bozeman and the surrounding area.check it here   Nebraska: The Farnam, Autograph Collection (Omaha): This accommodation offers travelers with a unique stay and experience.check it here   Nevada: The Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas): Offers a classic Las Vegas experience without the Strip prices. Look for deals and discounts for the best value.check it here   New Hampshire: The Centennial Hotel (Concord): Boasts an amazing location.check it here   New Jersey: The Asbury Hotel (Asbury Park): A hip and modern hotel with a rooftop deck and bar, offering stunning ocean views.check it here   New Mexico: La Fonda on the Plaza (Santa Fe): A historic hotel with charming rooms and a central location on the Santa Fe Plaza.check it here   New York: The Jane Hotel (New York City): This charming boutique hotel offers cozy, ship-cabin-style rooms with a unique, affordable experience in a prime West Village location.check it here   North Carolina: 21c Museum Hotel Durham (Durham): A contemporary art museum and hotel in one, 21c Durham offers a unique and budget-friendly experience in a vibrant city.check it here   North Dakota: Hotel Donaldson (Fargo): A historic hotel with stylish rooms and a lively atmosphere, located in downtown Fargo.check it here   Ohio: The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection (Cincinnati): In the heart of downtown.check it here   Oklahoma: The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City (Oklahoma City): A historic hotel with a grand lobby and comfortable rooms, located in downtown Oklahoma City.check it here   Oregon: Hotel Eastlund (Portland): Stylish and modern, with great access to downtown.check it here   Pennsylvania: The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton (Philadelphia): Located in the Museum District.check it here   Rhode Island: The Beatrice (Providence): Offers luxury rooms and service.check it here   South Carolina: Hotel Emeline (Charleston): Close proximity to amazing attractions.check it here   South Dakota: Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City, Curio Collection by Hilton (Rapid City): A historic property with a great location.check it here   Tennessee: The Edwin Hotel (Chattanooga): Located in Downtown, with great views from restaurant.check it here   Texas: Hotel Emma (San Antonio): A beautifully restored Pearl Brewery offers a unique and luxurious experience, and you might find reasonable rates with advance booking.check it here   Utah: The Grand America Hotel (Salt Lake City): Offers a luxurious experience to travelers.check it here   Vermont: Hotel Vermont (Burlington): Local feel with comfortable rooms and amenities.check it here   Virginia: The Cavalier Virginia Beach, Autograph Collection (Virginia Beach): Known for its rich history, this hotel is one of the most luxurious of its kind.check it here   Washington: The Maxwell Hotel (Seattle): Quirky and colorful, The Maxwell offers a fun and affordable stay in the heart of Seattle's downtown.check it here   West Virginia: The Blennerhassett Hotel (Parkersburg): Offers a taste of luxury in unique rooms.check it here   Wisconsin: The Pfister Hotel (Milwaukee): A landmark known for its Victorian architecture and art collection, this hotel offers historic charm and comfortable rooms with great potential for value.check it here   Wyoming: The Wort Hotel (Jackson): Offers a luxurious and historic experience.check it here   Tips for Snagging the Best Deals:   Travel During the Off-Season: Prices often drop significantly during shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or in destinations with harsh weather conditions.   Book in Advance (or Last Minute): Sometimes, booking well ahead of time can secure early bird discounts. Conversely, last-minute deals can pop up when hotels try to fill empty rooms.   Consider Weekday Stays: Weekend rates are typically higher. If your schedule is flexible, consider traveling mid-week.   Look for Package Deals: Websites often offer discounts on hotel and flight combinations.   Sign Up for Loyalty Programs: Hotel loyalty programs can unlock exclusive discounts and perks.   Read Reviews: Don't just look at the price. Read reviews to ensure the hotel meets your standards for cleanliness, comfort, and safety.   By doing your research and being flexible with your travel dates, you can discover incredible budget-friendly hotels across the 50 states and experience the best of America without breaking the bank. Happy travels.Check more here Read the full article

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How I started learning streetdrumming, yet another detour from my thread on transcendental thought. Or maybe not. I was on the toilet one ponderous morning when I heard the water rumbling in the drainpipes under my shower drain—I was mesmerized by its patterns, I even recorded it. I can still remember how it sounded, fitting into natural grooves and variations. I have no doubt this observation in nature—babbling brooks, waterfalls etc—have inspired or are the same forces themselves that impelled the first ideas of drumming. I’ve always believed all art—especially science, the most exacting of art—are not about creating (indeed, when we create, we often enmesh ourselves in confusion, distortion, imbalances… as the symbols of science often shroud real scientific thought) but about uncovering (the proverbial uncovering sculpture in stone). I really wanted to learn to drum, so I went about all the usual ways of passion—it is so easy, in our age, with youtube videos and playback recordings, etc—but maybe one aspect that helped me most is believing in natural geometry… i think the best sounding grooves that we already intuitively hear in our minds or know exist like some dream we once heard must fit, at least after some practice, into easy or manageable stick-order or left/righthand striking patterns.

One of my favorite—and indeed, a titan of influence all transcendental thought, Pythagoras, whose life and works were studied for countless ages, even today, by the most serious minds, described (in Platonic terms, by Plato) the relation between all arts, especially arts into numbers—geometry being ‘numbers in space,’ music being ‘numbers in time,’ and astronomy being ‘numbers in space + time.’ I don’t know about others but I’ve felt, for a great number of life experiences, to be reliving or recollecting from past-lives… living in New England, homestay in Japan (especially being sent to Nara, of all places), staying in Florence, etc… i have this theory (though not particularly serious) that, actually, techno-style streetdrumming comes closest in approximation to some Pythagorean musical organization ideas—more than any other groove, it is incredibly geometric (you can’t get more binary than its basic untz ka-tz untz ka-tz, which is halves, and which makes for its versatility); oddly enough, I’ve found the most distinct techno streetdrummers (Damat and Dario Rossi) who I think established this sound are Italian… like Pythagoras. Could they be his students reborn? Lol.

Actually what I most appreciate about streetdrumming is its variety, and it’s interesting to see how different sorts of sounds predominate from different geographies. Though there are obvious similarities streetdrumming is in some ways very distinct from standard kit drumming. Perhaps somewhat like freestyle rap vs traditional poetry. Traditional poetry (I don’t mean avant garde postmodern freeverse crap, the equivalent of duponts toilet—not denying there may be occasional gems, but one must draw a line somewhere because art in idea-only is not only lazy but arrogant and demeaning) is probably 70% spontaneity and 30% refinement—for example, great lyric poets like tennyson or wordsworth or dickinson all had a natural internal rhythm/melody on which they set all their verses… and the secret I think to writing good poetry, if one has not the melody in themselves, is to read good poetry until they naturally instill or awaken the melody in themselves. Iambic pentimeters (10 syllables) are naturally heroic, and so are 8/6 rhyming “schemes.” (Western poetry besides, many if not most of ‘300 Tang poems’ also follow the 8/6 pattern.) One could theoretically fit words into a scheme, but that sort of defeats the purpose of poetry.

Freestyle rap on the other hand (i mean real rap, not prewritten hacks) is 100% spontaneity. And the difference from poetry is that it emphasizes more the technical skill of verbally stringing words together, over the heroic sentiment. Literally it is a skill anyone can learn—one of the best modern freestyle rappers, Chris Turner, describes in a video how—1) listen to a lot of rap, get in the rhythm 2) just practice speaking over a beat… over time, the rhyming comes out naturally. Because, as all true philosopher believed, poetry and therefore rhymes are intrinsic to our beings. I also think this is how actors get good—just by hiding themselves in a dungeon or basement and learning to feel comfortable speaking out loud to themselves. Of course this is all just theory from a bumbling idiot. I still have much to learn, i guess i’m just eager to get better and move out from my ‘demosthenes in the cave’ phase, complete with ugly shaved head and pebbles in mouth, except instead of pebbles mine are filled with chocolate chips.