#it was this HUGE theater room with sections of seating and a large open floor and several screens

[timey-fandom-stuff]

you ever have a dream so unbelievably cool that when you wake up you just about screech in rage that it ended too early...

[dallasgallant]

Time period post: Drive-ins and Drive-ins

I’ve mentioned both types of drive-in’s a ton of times through my time period posts, but that was largely the social aspects more than technical. I think it’s interesting and may be helpful if you like that sort of detail in your fics/art or are just interested.

Not yet fast food- Drive in diners-

While it is a lot of burgers, fries and fried foods drive-in’s aren’t necessarily “fast food” as we understand it. All of this started as diner fare and would take a while to get as everything was made to order and fresh. While “fast food” was on the rise with companies like McDonald’s and Dairy Queen becoming more popular, it was still much slower than we expect today. Though part of the appeal of drive ins and later on drive thrus was that it was much quicker than sitting inside.

Most of the time you’d have a speaker to come up to and order, other times and at older places you might flash lights or honk for service depending on availability. Car hops -> waiters. Would sometimes come out on roller skates if the place was going for the gimmick but it wasn’t everywhere and could lead to more spills than the speed was worth.

And I’ve spoken on the social aspect before, it was a great place to grab a bite before heading out on the town or starting a cruising circuit. Hanging out was not yet criminalized (I’m slightly exaggerating) in the country and you were allowed and expected to take your time or be social.

Speakers and drive in theaters-

Are you guys sick of me saying “post war” or “car culture” yet? Because you’re going to be by the end of this one. So, during and post war building material was costly and outdoor theaters offer a great alternative, added to the greater affordability of cars and gas. Another benifit is the new hook on speakers, which now they don’t have to be build a certain way as cars can just pull up and attach to their windows - you had control over volume and the public around wouldn’t complain about movies blasting into the night.

A another benifit to drive-in theaters v. In door theaters I hadn’t truly considered is privacy! You can dress down a little, take off your shoes- eat messy or complicated food (like shelled peanuts) without causing a scene! You can also talk without being a nuance, smoke. Comfortability! Cara had nice, soft-ish bench seats and leg room. Not to mention the amount of teens who took the privacy to do far more than they could get away with in an indoor theater…

As time goes on some theaters instead of having speakers attach to your car would have a frequency to tune your radio to instead. Now in the modern drive in— which are few and far between, it is back to huge outdoor speakers with improved sound quality… bringing back the problem of annoying the surrounding homes and businesses… can’t even picture a double-feature night… ow.

Added to this, because they were far more of a public screen the screenings tended to be more suited for ‘general audience.’ And children/families since it was out in the open, because of this a lot of studios would send their B-movies or comedies than their big name pictures(In the outsiders they’re watching the beach party movies- which are B-movie/popcorn flick fare)… though you would get a few horror movies the most common were westerns, action films, comedies, and musicals.

It’s mentioned in the Outsiders but drive-ins were cheap! Usually the better option compared to a indoor movie when strapped for cash, it was only a few cents per person and even less if you were in the small seated section by the screen and not a car. That being said it didn’t stop people from finding another way in… walking through the woods, fence hopping, hiding on the floor/in the trunk (all things we see in the outsiders too)

Intermission-

Concessions are a big deal, in fact they made theaters like this a majority of their money. They’d come well stocked with the standard snacks and sometimes a little extra depending on the owner.

‘Let’s all go to the lobby🎵’

I’ll start off the bat by linking this video here, filled with the bumpers, intermission titles, tips for behavior and speakers and snack adds that would be common at the drive in of the 50s and 60s. Indoor movie theaters would have similar intermission bumpers and encouragement to replenish snacks, while a drive- in urges you to visit the snack bar, the theater would urge you to the lobby.

Little vignettes showing theater etiquette and location of exits etc have actually been around since as long as moving pictures, it’s interesting to see what they were saying in the 1910s-1920s as compared to the 1950s and on. Now days you only get a ‘silence your phone’ message right after previews… and commercials before that!

[hometoursandotherstuff]

There’s something commendable about owners that keep their homes in perfect original condition. This is a mansion in Ohio that was built in the 80s. The current owner put in feature lighting throughout and a very expensive sound system (very cool).  He also installed smart cameras throughout the house. He did the perfect amount of modernization. Check this time capsule out.

This is the entrance, and I thought he removed whatever was here, but apparently, it’s the back of a fountain. What would you put here? Maybe plants?

The fountain faces the living room. This is nice- pink balconies. 

I like the architectural features- that rounded sitting area and the ceiling lighting above it are very unique.

This must be part of the sound system the owner put in.

Large dining room that opens to a deck. Great space for a summer buffet.

Sleek bar with comfy upholstered seating on the main level. This is a party house.

The huge rec room on the lower level is open to a home theater, and look at the mirrored dance floor- there’s a disco ball above it, too. Plus, another bar.

There’s a full kitchen down here.

There are lots of different sections of the house where you can entertain- One party can be going on in one room, another party in another room.

A full gym. 

Choose the pool or the hot tub.

The main kitchen upstairs has a mirrored “cloud” ceiling. It looks like he replaced the appliances with modern stainless steel and redid the cabinetry.

The master bedroom is HUGE. All the bedrooms are on the 2nd level.

And, check out the master bath in red and black. 

Two extra bedrooms are very roomy. 

This looks like it was a child’s room- how cool is that balcony? 

Lots of deck space in the back- look at them all.

Wow. This is nice. I would definitely live here. Love what he did with the lights.

https://www.realtor.com/

[ericsonclan]

A Shocking Difference

Summary: Louis and Violet have a sleepover when Louis learns a shocking truth about Violet.

Word Count: 2004

Read on AO3:

Violet sat on the kitchen counter, her tail lazily wagging back and forth as she waited for Louis to come back to the kitchen. The pitter patter of the rain was the only sound in the room as she kicked her legs lazily. She didn’t really know what to do while she waited. Her eyes scanned the room, looking around at all the fancy kitchen gizmos and the bowl of aesthetic fake fruit. The werewolf shook her head. Who the hell buys fake fruit for display? Especially with a young frankenstein in the house? Violet stared at the fake fruit for a moment, noticing that one of the apples had a chunk bitten out of it. The werewolf chuckled to herself, her tail wagging a bit faster due to the amusement she found in the mental image of Louis eating a fake apple.

“Vi! I ordered the pizza! Should be here in no time!” The young frankenstein slid over across the floor with his socks, skidding past her and nearly colliding with the fridge.

“Did you get triple pepperoni?” Violet’s tail wagged back and forth with hopefulness.

“Yep, and I even got my address right this time,” Louis smiled proudly and put his hands on his hips. His purple shirt had a small lighting bolt and the words So Franken Tired though the text was crinkled slightly due to the position of his hands. Violet couldn’t believe that he had made that shirt for himself. Then again he had made the shirt she was wearing right now. The werewolf glanced down at her white t-shirt with little cartoon chicken nuggets and the words Wolfin’ Down Nuggets .

“Congrats, because last time was a disaster.” Violet hopped off the counter and walked over towards her best friend. Her bare feet were quickly growing cold due to the tiled floor.

Louis gave a bright laugh. “Yep, our pizza ended up on the other end of town and then I ordered another and got it mixed up again.” The frankenstein looked over at his friend then noticed her bare feet. “Want some slippers or socks?”

“Nah, I'm fine,” Violet waved a hand dismissively and looked around.

“So what are we going to do for this sleepover?”

“Let’s watch a horror movie”

The werewolf’s suggestion made the frankenstein’s eyes grow large.

Violet smirked. “Or are you too chicken to do it?”

“I’m not a chicken, I'm a monster!” Louis puffed out his chest to try to look cool and tough.

Violet looked at her friend and began to laugh. “You're such a dumbass,”

“Yeah, but a brave one. If you will follow me, I’ll guide us to the movie theater room.” Louis ran forward, sliding across the floor while making excited little noises. Grabbing onto the corner of the wall he made a sharp turn, but the force of the motion was too strong and with a popping sound his hand disconnected from his body. “Gah!” the frankenstein yelped before falling on his butt.

Violet jogged over and glanced down at her friend. “Your ass okay?” The werewolf tilted her head to the side and looked at Louis who gave a big grin.

“Yep, just peachy,” Louis hopped up, his dreads bouncing with the sudden movement. He quickly redirected his attention to guiding Violet towards the movie room.

By the time they had reached the room, argued about which horror movie that Louis could handle and gotten it all set up, the pizza had shown up. The frankenstein ran forward and Violet casually walked behind him as they made their way to the door. Louis opened the door with a big grin. “Hi there!” His warm welcome was lost to the pizza man though who seemed more focused on the fact that he was a monster above anything else.

“Here’s your pizza,” the man mumbled then looked over, his eyes widening when he noticed Violet. His attention turned to the cloudy, rainy sky for a second and he gave a visual sigh of relief before accepting Louis’ cash along with the tip and headed out.

“Here it is, Vi. The deluxe size, triple pepperoni pizza! Now this sleepover can really start!” Louis’ smile was mirrored by the werewolf whose ears had perked at those words and whose tail wagged energetically.

“Time to watch some humans get killed while we eat,” Violet turned and led the way while Louis whispered some sort of mantra to psych himself up to face the scares. He hoped that maybe just maybe this time the movie wouldn’t spook him.

It didn’t work. As soon as Scream started up Louis was already freaked out, begging for the main character to not do anything dumb and desperately hoping that she’d be able to escape. Violet remained calm, casually eating pizza as more and more victims were added to the pile. Occasionally she would laugh at a joke here or there and Louis would laugh along with her. How much of it was him following her lead or him genuinely laughing Violet couldn’t tell. The werewolf had polished off another slice of pizza, her tail wagging joyfully, when Louis let out a scream and frantically tried to cover his face during a kill scene only for his hand to pop off and fling across the room.

“Oh no! My hand!” Louis desperately tried to cover his full face with just one hand but failed spectacularly.

Violet tossed the last bite of pizza in her mouth then strolled over and picked up the frankenstein's hand. “Here you go, Lou.” She tossed over the hand which Louis caught and reattached with a sigh.

“Thanks,” He gave a quick smile. “This movie sure is scary though. How are you not scared?”

The werewolf gave a shrug and leaned back in her reclining seat. “Don’t know. It just doesn’t scare me. Maybe because in most horror movies the characters are such dumbasses. Or annoying. Or both.”

“Does anything scare you?” Louis glanced over towards his best friend who tilted her head in thought.

“Hmmm, nah, not really,” The werewolf looked at the pizza box and saw there was only one slice left. The frankenstein took notice of that too and the fact that Violet seemed torn about whether to give up the last slice of pizza or not.

“You can have the last slice, Vi.”

Louis’ words made Violet’s tail wag faster before it slowed down. Her eyebrows knit together for a moment then she proceeded to split the slice in half. Silently the werewolf held out the pizza box with the half slice of pizza for Louis. Louis gratefully took it and the two monsters enjoyed the last bit of their dinner before returning their attention to the movie. After a few more screams and some cheers from both Violet and Louis when the bad guys were taken down, the movie concluded. The two monsters looked around at the room which had become quite messy. Bits of pizza were around their feet while popcorn that had been thrown in fear during the movie lay by the projector screen.

“Don’t worry, it’ll get cleaned tomorrow. So let’s focus on more important things like building a blanket fort!” Louis jumped up, shooting his hands in the air. Violet shrugged and got up from her spot, her tail wagging the fastest it had during the whole night as Louis guided them towards the room he had set up with “infinite” blankets and pillows for them to use to sleep on or to build forts with.

The two monsters went to work right away as soon as they entered the room. Using their collective brain cells they were able to make a standing base of pillows then threw blankets over top to make little tunnels leading to the center where they had set up sleeping bags. The frankenstein tossed a blanket with a small “hyah” and practically beamed with pride when he had successfully draped a difficult section of the fort. “I am the greatest fort builder of all time!”

“Yeah, yeah, can you help me with these pillows?” The werewolf called from behind a huge stack that was swaying left and right with every step she took.

“Right, I got you, Vi!” Louis jogged over and took part of the stack.

“Thanks,” Violet started to build the last section of the fort. Louis quickly joined in to help and within minutes the fort was done.

“Look at this! It looks like the coolest blanket-pillow fort in all of Richmond!” Louis smiled proudly at their creation.  

Violet nodded, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips while her tail wagged cheerily. Suddenly her ears twitched and turned outwards slightly. She could hear the rain growing stronger outside. There was nothing wrong with that until the clap of thunder rang throughout the sky. The sound made the werewolf’s heart stop for a second, sending a wave of fear throughout her body right as another lighting strike followed. The werewolf’s tail immediately puffed up, all the hair on her arms standing on end. She began to tremble.

“Wooo! That was exciting!” Louis beamed as he closed his eyes and let out a content sigh. “There’s nothing like some lightning to make you appreciate being alive.”

Violet remained silent, her eyes searching desperately for a good hiding spot. Another crack of thunder appeared this time, lighting the room with how near it was. Violet’s ears were tucked down, her puffy tail now limp as she scurried into the fort.

“It gives me chills. Look at the goosebumps on my arms.” Louis held out his arm and looked over with a happy expression that faded immediately when he noticed Violet wasn’t there. “Violet? Vi?” The frankenstein looked around the room in confusion. He had no idea where his friend had disappeared to. It wasn’t until another clap of lighting appeared that he noticed the blanket-pillow fort shift. Getting on his hands and knees, Louis navigated his way to the center of the fort where his werewolf friend lay covering her ears. Her tail was curled around herself and she was trembling.

“Vi, are scared of lightning?” The frankenstein didn’t need an answer from Violet. Her reaction to the next thunder crashing through the sky was confirmation enough. Louis looked at his trembling friend, wondering what to do when he was struck with inspiration. “Be right back!” Louis sped through the fort and dashed back towards the movie room.

He quickly dodged the popcorn and pizza on the ground and made his way over to a pile of noise canceling headphones by the 3D glasses. Snatching up a pair, he made his way back to the room and reentered the fort. Violet was in the same position, her tail wrapped tighter around her body and her knees tucked in close to her chest. Louis shuffled over. “Violet, I need you to move your hands.” The werewolf opened her eyes and looked over to her friend, studying his expression for a moment before slowly taking her hands off her ears.

“Sorry, I didn’t know thunder spooked you. It's always been comforting to me since, y’know, I was born using it and all. But don’t worry - I have the perfect solution!”  Louis smiled and placed the headphones on, making sure they weren’t pinching Violet’s ears at all. Once he was sure that was okay,  he connected them to his phone and began to play calm piano music. Sitting down next to Violet, he took her hand in his and gave a reassuring smile.

Violet looked over and gave a small smile back. It hadn’t completely blocked out the sound, but with her best friend by her side and some calming music her fear had dwindled down somewhat. The two friends sat comfortably in their fort together. Soon Louis propped up his phone with the flashlight on and the two began to make shadow puppets and let all their fears and worries fade away as they enjoyed some simple fun together.

[obsidiancreates]

Old Writing Part Two: Electric Boogaloo

Yeah so uh here’s the “Fandom School” one.

This one has not been seen by even myself since like... October of 2016.

Oh jeez. That’s so long ago. Fuck time.

So this is... the whole story. Each Chapter was super short, the first three are under 400 words, so I just stuck ‘em all in here.

This one... is from 12 year old Sid. Yup. Little baby Sid. 

It is bad. I’m warning you now. But perhaps, entertaining. At the very least, a good example of being able to grow and improve with enough practice.

Chapter One: Fangirlish

Abby shouted as she hit the floor. Her brother came running in, a look of worry on his face.

"What was that thud?" he asked.

"I laughed to hard while watching Venturiantale and fell off the bed."

Her brother face-palmed.

"Come on, Jeremy. Don't face-palm. They're funny!" Abby said with a grin.

"They're all you think about! You really need to stop obsessing. "

Abby gasped and looked at him like he just asked her to eat a smelly boot. "How could you say such a thing! Plus, they're not all that I think about. I also think about Doctor Who, and Star Wars, and Tolkien stuff, and Percy Jackson, and My Little Pony, and Monster High, and Warriors. "

Jeremy sighed. "Those are all....what do you call them? Fandoms?"

"Indeed. However, I am obsessed with them because they are beautiful. They are fabulous in ways you do not understand, mortal. Be gone!" Abby cried. She grabbed the ballpoint pen she took with her everywhere and uncapped it. "Be gone, or else you shall face the wrath if Riptide! Wait, Riptide can't harm mortals."

Jeremy sighed again and left the room, muttering about Abby being weird.

Abby went back to her video, laughing her butt off. After she finished it she went and read some Percy Jackson fanfiction. She was deeply absorbed in a very interesting fanfic when her alarm went off. It was time. She got up off her bed and went over to her desk.

She sat down and took out her notebook. She put on some music, written by Venturian of course, and began writing. She was writing a fanfic about Doctor Who.

"Abby, there's someone here to see you!" her mom shouted. Abby sighed, but went downstairs anyway.

She entered the living room to find a girl around her age sitting on the couch. She had blond hair with blue streaks and green eyes. She was wearing a t-shirt that said 'Fandom U' on it.

"Hello Abby, "she said with a grin, "I hear you're quite the fangirl."

Chapter Two: A Fellow Fan

Abby was a little creeped out. Who wouldn't be if a girl you had never met before was sitting in your living room saying she had heard about you?

The girl seemed to notice that Abby was weirded out, and spoke again. "My name is Bell, by the way."

"Bell? Who names their kid Bell?"

Bell laughed. "My mom's favorite movie is Beauty and the Beast. Anyway, you're a fangirl, are you not?"

"Yeah, kinda. And by kinda, I mean totally." Abby said. She was still a bit creeped out, but Bell seemed friendly enough. "Why do you ask? More importantly, how the heck did you hear about me? That's kinda creepy, considering this is the first time I've ever seen you."

Bell smirked. "So you're asking to know my secret?" She said the last part in a creepy voice.

"Wait, you watch Venturiantale? Awesome! But, could you at least answer my first question?"

Instead of responding, Bell handed Abby a piece of paper. It looked like a letter you would get from school. "Here, read this. If you decide you want to attend, just call the number at the bottom of the page." With that Bell left, humming a tune Abby recognized as the theme of Rohan.

She went back up to her room with the paper and began reading it. At the top it said, in big, bolded letters, Fandom U.

That's what Bell's shirt said.

As she read the paper her eyes  widened.

Dear Whom It May Concern It has come to our attention that you are a massive fangirl. We are pleased to announce that you have been accepted into Fandom U. All supplies we be provided upon arrival, should you choose to attend. Please note that some fangirls can be dangerous if you speak negatively about their fandom, and the school is not responsible for any injuries should you be insensitive enough to do so.

Sincerely, The faculty of Fandom U

Excitement came over Abby. "I'm going to Fandom U!" she screamed happily.

Chapter 3: Belonging

A few weeks later, Abby was all packed and ready to go. She had called the school and arranged everything. She was sitting at the bus stop, waiting for her transportation. She bounced her leg up and down, a nervous habit of hers. Finally a bus labeled 'Fandom U' arrived. The doors to the bus opened, and Abby couldn't help but stare at the driver.

"Well, get in!" the driver said through his mask. He was dressed in a full on Stormtrooper cosplay. As Abby stepped onto the bus, she wondered how he wasn't being baked alive in the heat.

She discovered that each row represented a different fandom. She took a seat in the Doctor Who section because it, somehow, had more room then the other sections. The bus started up, making the same sounds the T.A.R.D.I.S makes. Abby stared out at her hometown, feeling excitement  at what lay before her. She leaned back in her seat, humming fandom songs. Normally people would look at her like she was crazy, but instead everyone joined in, humming with her.

She had found where she belonged, and she loved it. The whole bus ride was filled with fan theories, discussions about characters, and tons of references. It was the most fun Abby ever had!

After what seemed like only minutes, they had arrived. Abby looked up at the building in front of her in awe.

It was enormous, like a castle. Above the door there was a huge sign reading 'Welcome to Fandom U!'. The building was shaped in an unusual way. So unusual that Abby wasn't even sure what shape it was. The outer walls were painted with so many fandom symbols that Abby had a hard time seeing anything else.

"Abby!" a voice called. Abby turned around to see Bell running towards her. "Abby, great news! They made me your escort!"

"Escort?"

"Well, yeah. It's a huge school. Plus it's your first day. I'm here to show you around!" Bell said.

She looked at Abby's face, which was still a face of awe. Bell grinned and said "Abby, welcome to Fandom U!"

Chapter 4: Orientation

"This place is amazing!" Abby said. She looked over at Bell, who seemed just as excited as Abby felt.

"Wait until you see the inside," Bell said. She started walking and motioned for Abby to follow. Abby grinned and walked with her into the school.

The inside was more amazing than the outside. The entrance was decorated with hundreds of pieces of fandom merch from hundreds of different fandoms. Abby noticed a T.A.R.D.I.S replica, a statue of a cave troll from The Lord of the Rings, a replica of Luke Castilian's sword Backbiter, and what appeared to be a statue of Papa Achachalla.

As she and Bell continued to wherever they were headed, Abby took in everything she could. The halls were each themed around a different fandom. There was a Doctor Who hall styled like the inside of a Dalek spacecraft, a Narnia hall styled like the Pevensy's castle, a Lord of the Rings hall styled like the halls of Rivendell, and a Venturiantale hall decorated with the channel's colors and each of the siblings emblems, among many others.

The classroom doors were all shut, so Abby didn't get the chance to see inside. She followed Bell to a large room resembling a theater.

"Welcome to the auditorium! This is where all the assemblies are held, as well as the school plays!" Bell said. She led Abby over to the very middle row and took a seat. She motioned for Abby to sit next to her, which is just what Abby did.

"This room is huge! How many students are there?" Abby asked.

"I'm not sure. A few hundred, maybe. Possibly more," Bell answered. "Oh, orientation's starting! We better stop talking. "

All the other students had sat down while they were talking. They all went quiet as a lady walked up on stage. "Greetings, students! I am Miss Silnet, your headmistress," she announced. Abby was shocked. The lady definitely wasn't dressed like a headmistress. She wore a camp Half-blood t-shirt underneath a black sweatshirt, a pair of jeans with fandom references doodled all over them, and a pair of plain red sneakers. Her ginger hair was pulled into a loose braid with bits of silver weaved in. She couldn't have been older than thirty, yet was still clearly a fangirl.

"Welcome to Fandom U! I'm sure some of you new students are curious as to what the U stands for. Most people think it means university. However, a university is a collage, and here all ages of fans are welcome. The U in fact stands for United. We are all united under our love of our fandoms! Join me as I say the school's pledge," she said. She put her hand on her heart and began the pledge, with many returning students saying it with her.

To be obsessed For all our lives, To value the next part Over the next school test. To love those who do not love back, To stalk them on the Internet. To unite as one Under the fandom sun.

Abby looked around her, thinking about how all these people had similar interests, habits, preferences, possibly even crushes as her. She realized that they truly were united in their love of fandoms. She could tell this was going to be her best school year ever.

Chapter 5: Classes

After orientation Bell lead Abby to her dorm. The room had two beds, two dressers, two closets, two trashcans, two desks, two bookshelves, and, to Abby's surprise, two TVs. There was a dark blue couch in front of each TV, the bedding was purple on both beds, and at each desk there was a chair made of oak with dark green built-in cushions. There was a large window in the middle of the wall leading outside, with a view of the huge field behind the school. In front of the window was a kitchen, complete with all the cooking utensils you could ever need. On both sides of the room there was a private bathroom with a shower, sink, medicine cabinet, mirror, and, of course, toilet.

"This room is amazing!" Abby marveled.

"It gets better. Guess who your dorm mate is. Me!" Bell said. Abby  was very happy to hear that. Despite having only known Bell for a short time, the two seemed to be best friends. Plus, Bell was the only person Abby actually knew!

Abby then noticed the large boxes sitting by the desks. They were labeled School Supplies.

"So, which side do you want?" Abby asked Bell.

"Hm. The right side, I think."

"Okay!" Abby said. She set down her luggage, which she had been hauling around all day, on her bed. She walked over to her desk and opened the box.

Inside was everything a fangirl could need. There was a laptop, about a dozen brand new books, some notebooks, some pencils, some pens, a spare phone charger for both Apple and Android brands, a charger for the laptop, an extra pillow in case of a feels attack, a sketchbook for fanart, colored pencils, and many course books for class.

She closed the box, not feeling like unpacking it. Her eyes fell on some paper on her desk. She picked it up and asked Bell, "What's this?"

"It's a list of all the different classes you can take. In this school you get to choose all your own classes! What you do is pick your five main fandoms, then pick two classes per fandom. Later one of the teachers will come to collect it. They enter it into a computer, which then devises a schedule," Bell explained.

"Oh. Thanks!" Abby said. She turned her attention back to the paper. On the first page were five spots to write her fandoms. She thought for awhile, then chose Doctor Who, Percy Jackson, Venturiantale, Star Wars, and Warriors.

She turned to the next page, which had a list of the different classes for each fandom. She read over all the options, then chose the ones that interested her most.

Abby's choices:

Venturiantale: Tale Fighting, the class where you learn to fight like the Tale characters, and Lore 101, the study and attempt to make sense of VT lore.

Percy Jackson: Demigod Combat, the class where you learn how to fight like a Demigod, and Camp Cooking, the class of learning to cook the meals they eat at camp.

Doctor Who: A Study of Time, the class on understanding how time works, and Regeneration History, the study of the Doctor's personal history.

Warriors: Knowing Your Herbs, the class on healing methods the clans use, and Warriors Speak 101, the study of Warriors phrases and words.

Star Wars: Understanding the Force, the study of what the Force is as well as how it is used, and Dark vs Light, a debate class studying the pros and cons of each side in an attempt to find out which one is truly better.

Abby finished filling out the paper and looked over at Bell, who appeared to be doing the same.

Abby and Bell spent the rest of the night unpacking. Abby discovered that the closest was filled with fandom clothes, as well as the dresser. "How did they know my size?" she asked, a tad creeped out.

"Your mom had to put it on your admission papers."

"Oh."

Just before Abby went to bed there was a knock at the door. The teacher had come by to collect the class papers. After the girls had handed them over they got into bed. Bell seemed to fall asleep pretty quick, but Abby stayed up for hours,unable to sleep at the anticipation of the next day.

And then I never wrote Chapter Six. I guess she overslept, huh? Heh.

[blogaldonley]

First 2 Days

I made it to Budapest! I arrived here in the morning so I spent the first day here taking a nap, getting my public transportation card, eating at a yummy pastry place, exchanging money, visiting a mall, and visiting the YWAM coffee house/ offices here.  The coffee house is really beautiful and has many different types of drinks and food.  It has lots of different types of seating and a library part with many different books that people can read.  There is a stage for live music which they do on Fridays.  Downstairs there is another stage where we have community worship on Thursday mornings.  The second floor has some more seating, board games, a prayer room, and staff offices.  It is also on a street where many people are walking so brings a lot of traction. I’ll post pictures at some point of the coffee house.  The public transpiration system here is amazing! They have trams, busses, and the metro.  There malls here are also very different.  The top floor is always a food court and a movie theater, the middle floors are mall shopping stores, and the bottom floor is always a grocery store!  They have stores like Best Byte which is their version of Best Buy.  

 My second day I spent it exploring more of the city.  I ate at a yummy Turkish “fast food” which was delicious!  Saw a beautiful Catholic Church and ate ice cream that they make into a flower!  I also took the tram on a beautiful ride by the river and got out to see the Parliament building.  Met the pastor and his wife of the international church here in Budapest and visited their coffee house on another part of the town.  It is really amazing to see that CREW, Reach Global, and YWAM are all in this city doing work and friends with each other.  The Lord is doing big things here in Hungary.  I’ve met a few local Hungarians and many people from all over the world.  The base staff are from these countries: Germany, Serbia, Bulgaria, Germany, Poland, India, Maldives, Hungarian, and it keeps on going.  Another thing that made my heart so happy is their is a large Chinese population here.  I’ve heard Mandarin being spoken on the streets!  They even have a Chinese church here!  There are also a lot of Jews and a huge Jewish section of the city.  They have the largest Synagogue in all of Europe.  I saw it from a distance, but I have not visited it yet. 

I’m in awe of just how amazing God is.  He brought so many of my hearts desires all into one city.  I still can’t believe I’m here walking on cobble stone streets and eating at hole in the wall restaurants that have amazing food.  I’ve always wanted to visit Europe, but I never imagined I would live here.  I will say it has been hard with jet lag.  I’ve been up each night for 3-4 hours just wide awake.  I cannot wait till I’m pass that and can have more energy during the day from having great sleep.  Also, still waiting for my account to be opened so be praying for that to be finalized!  Love you all and miss you all already!

[startingnow-phff]

Chapter Thirty Two

“Ready?” Harry asks, stepping back into the bedroom. He had slipped away earlier to his home office while I got ready. 

“Noooo,”I draw out the word, looking up at him. I’ve laid my two tops on the bed, debating between them. I only packed dark jeans. Is that fancy enough to meet Will and Kate? But, I should probably look at it as if I’m just meeting his brother. Obviously, it’s stressful. This is the kind of thing Gabby is great at but she’d freak, I’m not telling her about this before hand.

“Annie. You are an over-thinker.” He grins, pointing at me. 

“Love me, anywaysss!” I sing, pointing back at him. Twisting then, I stare back down at the clothes. “Which is better - polka dots or plaid? Fair warning, this choice effects my shoe choice.” 

“Oh my,” Harry sighs, walking towards me.  

---------------------

“Coffee?” Roman, one of Harry’s security officers, holds up the cup. 

“Yes, please!” I say, taking the cup before getting in the car, “Thank you!”

And we head off. Harry holds my hand across the seats, his thumb moving up and down. 

___________

“Uncle Harry!” George comes bounding towards us once Harry shouts out that we’ve arrived. 

“Hey kid!” Harry shouts back, tossing him into the air. Will comes stepping around the corner.

“Hey, brother,” Will says, stepping towards us. Harry slides George onto his hip and pulls Will into a hug. 

“How are you?”

“Good, really good.” They both have large smiles.

“This is Annie,” Harry says, his hand finding the curve of my back.

“Hi, nice to meet you.” Will continues the introduction, holding out his hand. We shake as I nod, “You as well.” 

“Oh! Did you see that last rugby match?” Harry announces, stealing back the focus. The brothers talk fast as they review the game. 

After a moment, I turn to George and whisper, “I heard you have a huge train set!”

His eyes widen with excitement and he nods. Then almost as if an after thought, “Want to see it?!”

 This time I nod. In response, he squirms against Harry’s hold. “Uncle Harry. I have to go play.���

Harry looses his grip and George slides down to the ground. The two brothers are still chatting about the game, now planning predictions for the next. George takes a few steps away before turning and waving me to follow. 

I follow after him. And the train set is awesome. It has it’s own table - one that has an allows you to walk through on section to stand in the middle - but all each track piece can be moved and a new track built. 

“I have a a mail track, that is a circus, oh and look this goes over a lake.” George starting, point at the various pieces. 

“Can I play?” 

“Be the green one,” He says, handing me the train. We spend the next twenty minutes moving our trains around the track. 

--------

“Ay, kids!” Harry leans into the room, holding the door frame, “Lunch time.”

I smile over at him while George gets up and runs out of the room. 

Harry grins back, “Getting on the kid’s good side?” 

I shrug, “Using him to play with the train set...have you seen this thing?”

Harry laughs, pulling me into a sideways hug. And leads us towards the dinning room.

“Hi!” Kate runs over, pulling me into a hug. “I’m Kate”

“Hi, it’s nice to meet you!” 

“Please have a seat,” Each plate is already laid out with food - chicken salad sandwich, veggies, and fruit salad with a bowl of pretzels in the middle of the table. 

We settle in - Harry sharing a story from his last trip - while the rest of us start eating. Kate is sitting beside Charlotte's highchair, cutting up bites. 

“So, Annie you grew up in America?” Will asks.

“Yeah in Maine. I have four older siblings that stuck close to that area.”

“Wow, so big family. Do you have any nieces or nephews running around yet?”

“Not yet. We keep thinking Adam will get engaged. But not yet.” 

“Harry was telling me about the work you do. Sounds incredible. Maybe we’ll have to schedule a play date?”

“Yeah, that’d be great!” I smile back. “The kids would absolute love that.”

“How many are under your care?”

“Five live in the house,” I answer and Harry continues to tell about the time Rosie drew marker “tattoos” on Felix’s arm. 

“Oh, she was so mad! Not about getting in trouble but because the marker  washed away.” I add in.

“It was a tearful mess” Harry recalls, shifting the conversation by asking Will a question about an old friend. Easily conversation continues throughout the rest of the meal as we jump around subjects. 

Afterwards, we move to the living room to spend sometime relaxing and playing with the kids. But once nap time hits, Harry takes my hand and pulls me from my seat on the floor. 

“Best of luck, parents!” He grins, saying goodbye to each of them. 

-----

“I’d say that went well,” Harry whispers, our linked arms swinging as we walk back to the car. 

“You think?” I ask, glancing over at him.

He nods before looking over at me with a raised eyebrow, “It’s only a plus if it did - I’m keeping you.”

-----

“Where are we headed?” I lean over and ask. We’ve been in the car for twenty minutes and the whole scenery seems unfamiliar. 

“We are going to the movies,” Harry replies, placing his free hand on my knee. 

After ten more minutes, we pull into an empty parking lot. “I kind of pulled a favor,”

“And?” I ask as we walk towards the building.

“Got the place empty,” He whispers, turning to me with a grin.

“Impressive,” I say back, pulling open the door. One single worker stands behind the counter. The place is empty and eerily silent. Harry moves forward to shake his hand and he leads us to the theater. 

The room is empty, of course. But somehow it still catches me by surprise. All the seats open. Harry thanks the worker and the door swing shuts. He places his hands on my hips, whispering into my ear. “Where shall we sit?”

I laugh, turning around to look at him. “What are we watching?”

“Well,” He grins, “From my research, I’d say it stars a leading man who got a career jump as a romance leading man. And there will be singing.”

“No way!” Both my hands move to cover my mouth. La La Land. “I so want to see that! How did you know?” 

“Annie.” He grins, “You sing show tunes. And I already know of three occasions where you’ve watched The Music Man.”

“You. Are. The. Best!” I exclaim, spinning around. He laughs, pulling me back towards him and stealing a kiss. 

“This day has been great!” I say, all giddy.

“Dare I say, it has been lovely.” He adds, lifting his eyebrows. 

“Oh Ha Ha, so lovely.” I wrinkle my nose at him causing his smile to grow.

“Lets go, lady! You have seats to pick. And a movie to watch.”

I kiss him, wrapping my arms around him. “Thank you. This is perfect.” And then I pull way, taking his hand as I spit out all the buzz I’ve been hearing about this movie. And the past musicals it relates to. And the one time we’ve seen Ryan Gosling sing. 

Harry settles in beside me. Looking over at me, only nodding as he takes it all in.

[jeremystrele]

Incredible LA Mansion With Views Of The Ocean And Downtown

As well as boasting incredible 180 degree views from the Ocean to Downtown LA, this 18,850 square foot house exhibits magnificent AIA award-winning modern design. The Orum House, created by famed architect Zoltan Pali, stands on a 1.6 acre lot with a large swimming pool, plus 6,000 square feet of covered terraces and outdoor decks to add to the living space. Inside, there are 9 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, an entertaining kitchen and a catering kitchen, a home gym, massage room, steam and sauna, a Dolby Atmos theater, a 1,000 bottle wine room, and an elevator. If that weren’t already enough, you’ll also find a guest house with its own private entrance, garage and elevator!

This huge LA property beds into the Bel Air landscape, at the end of a private street. A double gated entrance protects its approach, where 30 parking spaces await family and guests.

The modern home exterior stands three stories high, with an expansive pool patio reaching wide across its centre section.

Floor to ceiling Sky-Frame windows make up the walls of the house, and a curved automated Sky-Frame door system welcomes you inside.

Mature trees bring a serene sense of nature to the modern development, including a 160 year old Chinese elm.

The house rests on its own promontory, where a large swimming pool design and spa wrap the edge.

Towering motorized glass doors open the entire house to the magnificent panorama.

Sweeping lawns stretch out around the property.

The home is kitted out with Lutron Lighting and Crestron Home automation.

The covered terraces feel like indoor rooms, with comfortable outdoor furniture and the toasty glow of a blazing modern firepit.

Sophisticated warm interior design and curated works of art fill the luxury living room. Huge windows on either side maintain the blur between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

An eye-catching sputnik chandelier acts as a visual anchor for a formal dining spot in the airy open layout.

Come evening, the dinner party can bask in the sunset over the Pacific ocean, before watching the lights of Downtown LA rival the stars.

A double ended chaise lounge offers opportunity to gaze out of windows on both sides of the room–or to rest in relaxed conversation with a family member.

The entertaining kitchen is attached to a luxury lounge area to make up an impressive family room. Motorized doors open on each side to create a seamless entertainment area with the glorious pool terrace, outdoor dining areas, and grassy yard.

The extensive marble kitchen wraps around the opposite side of the wall too.

The entire top floor is reserved for the home’s private quarters. Another living room, an office and study area act as a transition zone on the way to 9 bedrooms, which include 2 master bedrooms and 5 bedrooms with ensuites. In the main master bedroom, one continuous wall of motorized glass panels can open the suite up in its entirety to a covered terrace; even the ensuite bathroom and a private sitting area become one with the Pacific ocean views and breeze.

Each part of the home is a unique experience, flowing seamlessly between indoors to out.

The patio design runs around lawned areas and a one of a kind mirror image ozone pool and spa. Comfortable rattan dining chairs are seated around an outdoor dining table. Sun loungers group together along the length of the poolside, looking out to the horizon.

Lanterns twinkle at the water’s edge.

An oversized rectangular fire pit warms a long open air terrace, perfect for stargazing.

Many of the internal walls are also made of glass, ensuring every drop of sunlight, and every inch of the view can be appreciated.

This tranquil home could easily be the best entertaining spot in the city.

A unique round bathtub forms the heart of a luxury bathroom design. See more beautiful bathrooms with bathtubs.

Behind the headboard in the master bedroom, there stands a lengthy walk in wardrobe. The shorter cabinet height at one side allows daylight to come through.

Beautiful wood grain covers the walls and custom-made furniture of an ensuite bathroom.

The open staircase builds a dramatic approach to each level of the home.

This is not just wine storage, this is a 1,000 bottle wine room with a unique transparent design that frames it as a design feature toward the adjacent room.

A Dolby Atmos theater provides yet another superb opportunity to entertain guests.

As well as the show kitchen in the family room, there is a huge commercial kitchen in which caterers can prepare culinary delights for parties of any size.

The state of the art wellness center includes and indoor/outdoor home gym, plus a sauna and steam room.

There is also a peaceful massage room in which to relax those tired muscles after a hard workout.

Smooth decor builds an exclusive and elite atmosphere.

Right from the get go the entrance spells out true luxury and unrivaled sophistication.

Luxurious materials fill the interior, including European stone and tile.

A ‘mini’ master bedroom is surrounded by panels of floor to ceiling glass, giving it a weightlessness above the skyline.

Light flooring both inside and out, combined with Sky-Frame windows, melds the interior with the exterior spaces.

The terrace looks out over spectacular city and ocean views.

The Getty museum can be seen across the canyon.

An attached guest house, aka ‘The Cube’, is designed for family and staff. It houses 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and an elevator, plus its own dedicated access and garage.

Video on Youtube

Subscribe to Home Designing on Youtube for a regular dose of architecture and interior design videos.

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Trap Door Wine Cellar Design

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Modern Feature-Rich House In Moscow

[drewebowden66]

Incredible LA Mansion With Views Of The Ocean And Downtown

As well as boasting incredible 180 degree views from the Ocean to Downtown LA, this 18,850 square foot house exhibits magnificent AIA award-winning modern design. The Orum House, created by famed architect Zoltan Pali, stands on a 1.6 acre lot with a large swimming pool, plus 6,000 square feet of covered terraces and outdoor decks to add to the living space. Inside, there are 9 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, an entertaining kitchen and a catering kitchen, a home gym, massage room, steam and sauna, a Dolby Atmos theater, a 1,000 bottle wine room, and an elevator. If that weren’t already enough, you’ll also find a guest house with its own private entrance, garage and elevator!

This huge LA property beds into the Bel Air landscape, at the end of a private street. A double gated entrance protects its approach, where 30 parking spaces await family and guests.

The modern home exterior stands three stories high, with an expansive pool patio reaching wide across its centre section.

Floor to ceiling Sky-Frame windows make up the walls of the house, and a curved automated Sky-Frame door system welcomes you inside.

Mature trees bring a serene sense of nature to the modern development, including a 160 year old Chinese elm.

The house rests on its own promontory, where a large swimming pool design and spa wrap the edge.

Towering motorized glass doors open the entire house to the magnificent panorama.

Sweeping lawns stretch out around the property.

The home is kitted out with Lutron Lighting and Crestron Home automation.

The covered terraces feel like indoor rooms, with comfortable outdoor furniture and the toasty glow of a blazing modern firepit.

Sophisticated warm interior design and curated works of art fill the luxury living room. Huge windows on either side maintain the blur between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

An eye-catching sputnik chandelier acts as a visual anchor for a formal dining spot in the airy open layout.

Come evening, the dinner party can bask in the sunset over the Pacific ocean, before watching the lights of Downtown LA rival the stars.

A double ended chaise lounge offers opportunity to gaze out of windows on both sides of the room–or to rest in relaxed conversation with a family member.

The entertaining kitchen is attached to a luxury lounge area to make up an impressive family room. Motorized doors open on each side to create a seamless entertainment area with the glorious pool terrace, outdoor dining areas, and grassy yard.

The extensive marble kitchen wraps around the opposite side of the wall too.

The entire top floor is reserved for the home’s private quarters. Another living room, an office and study area act as a transition zone on the way to 9 bedrooms, which include 2 master bedrooms and 5 bedrooms with ensuites. In the main master bedroom, one continuous wall of motorized glass panels can open the suite up in its entirety to a covered terrace; even the ensuite bathroom and a private sitting area become one with the Pacific ocean views and breeze.

Each part of the home is a unique experience, flowing seamlessly between indoors to out.

The patio design runs around lawned areas and a one of a kind mirror image ozone pool and spa. Comfortable rattan dining chairs are seated around an outdoor dining table. Sun loungers group together along the length of the poolside, looking out to the horizon.

Lanterns twinkle at the water’s edge.

An oversized rectangular fire pit warms a long open air terrace, perfect for stargazing.

Many of the internal walls are also made of glass, ensuring every drop of sunlight, and every inch of the view can be appreciated.

This tranquil home could easily be the best entertaining spot in the city.

A unique round bathtub forms the heart of a luxury bathroom design. See more beautiful bathrooms with bathtubs.

Behind the headboard in the master bedroom, there stands a lengthy walk in wardrobe. The shorter cabinet height at one side allows daylight to come through.

Beautiful wood grain covers the walls and custom-made furniture of an ensuite bathroom.

The open staircase builds a dramatic approach to each level of the home.

This is not just wine storage, this is a 1,000 bottle wine room with a unique transparent design that frames it as a design feature toward the adjacent room.

A Dolby Atmos theater provides yet another superb opportunity to entertain guests.

As well as the show kitchen in the family room, there is a huge commercial kitchen in which caterers can prepare culinary delights for parties of any size.

The state of the art wellness center includes and indoor/outdoor home gym, plus a sauna and steam room.

There is also a peaceful massage room in which to relax those tired muscles after a hard workout.

Smooth decor builds an exclusive and elite atmosphere.

Right from the get go the entrance spells out true luxury and unrivaled sophistication.

Luxurious materials fill the interior, including European stone and tile.

A ‘mini’ master bedroom is surrounded by panels of floor to ceiling glass, giving it a weightlessness above the skyline.

Light flooring both inside and out, combined with Sky-Frame windows, melds the interior with the exterior spaces.

The terrace looks out over spectacular city and ocean views.

The Getty museum can be seen across the canyon.

An attached guest house, aka ‘The Cube’, is designed for family and staff. It houses 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and an elevator, plus its own dedicated access and garage.

Video on Youtube

Subscribe to Home Designing on Youtube for a regular dose of architecture and interior design videos.

Related Posts:

Bel-Air Mega Mansion, 25,000 Sq Ft

Ultra Luxury Design: A Billionaire's Penthouse In New York

Magnificent Modern Miami Mansion With Ocean Panorama

Trap Door Wine Cellar Design

Luxury Villa in the Antibes

Modern Feature-Rich House In Moscow

[hawaiiirl]

Pixar Animation Studios’ tour and its minor Hawaii connection

The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Inside Out, Coco, and many more hit films are all generated by the masterminds at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville. I was lucky to meet director of animation James Ford Murphy and executive producer Andrea Warren, and be invited for a look at where the magic is made.

We pull in on a sunny October day, pass through the security gate, and walk towards the main building, named after founder Steve Jobs. The campus is incredibly creative, with airy buildings, green lawns, and recreational spaces to recharge.

Squirrels scamper up manicured trees, and a flock of plump Canadian geese graze at the outdoor amphitheater. A large plastic seagull – Nigel, from Finding Nemo – keeps watch over the small soccer field (rumor: the grass is FIFA-approved). It gives off the feel of a college.

An immense lamp and ball sit outside the main building- well-known logo Luxo the lamp, which actually illuminates after dark. We would later learn on the tour that Australia’s Museum of Modern Art constructed the piece for a Pixar exhibit, and shipped it to California when the show was over.

We checked in and waited for our tour guide, Xanadu, at the Steve Jobs Building, a huge, bright, glass-enclosed warehouse with concept art from the latest movie to greet folks; the Parr family stands poised to fend off questionable visitors, because Pixar’s next movie is Incredibles 2.

Characters from Cars and Inside Out lounge near the ping-pong tables and the glass case full of Oscar awards. As you look further into the Atrium, you’ll see a gift shop with items only available there (not in Disney stores), a USPS post office, an employee lunch room, and a bustling cafeteria.

Xanadu explained that Steve Jobs oversaw the design, and he wanted a building made by hand, like the films Pixar produces. He was so meticulous; he searched for the perfect shade of brick color, ultimately settling on a dark brown mix inspired by the Hills Bros. Coffee House in San Francisco.

Jobs also laid out the floor plan for the departments in accordance with the brain’s hemispheres: the creative sides are on the right side of the building. The technical sides are on the left. The level of thought Jobs put into each detail is mind-blowing.

This is a two-story building, but the second story is like a loft, with offices only along two sides. From the ground, you can still look up – and slightly into the rooms where people are meeting.

In the Steve Jobs Building, the patio floor extends into the building, separating the inside and outside only by a wall of glass. That’s to create a seamless transition, and an “Alice in Wonderland” effect, as Xanadu told us.

Xanadu said Jobs believed strongly that face-to-face contact resulted in the best ideas, so his initial plans called for only one restroom in the entire building. This mother cringes.

After pushback from the rest of the team, Jobs capitulated and made it two, but they’re at the front of the building, still forcing people to leave their desks and interact with others.

She says he also advocated healthy practices, so there are two large staircases to encourage walking in the Atrium, subsidized health classes in the “Breathing Room” (fitness studio), a salt-water lap pool heated to 74 degrees, basketball and sand volleyball courts, a BBQ area (“Palm Grove”), large herb gardens the chefs use in their cooking, the aforementioned soccer field, and monthly visits from a team of therapy dogs for stress relief.

It’s near lunch now, and droves of staffers are coming out to Café Luxo for their subsidized lunch. There’s a table of today’s specials to choose from, in addition to other cafeteria staples. Beverages are free, and lunch is cheap.

If employees want to bring their own food, there’s a beautiful, wood paneled break room. Jobs, we’re told, didn’t want workers to go hungry, so there’s always free cereal and milk, PB&J materials, and fruits.

As we near the end of the Atrium, we see a door in the wall leading to the Steve Jobs Theater. The 235-seat arena is used for the final review of movies.

Sometimes, Pixar uses the space for educational talks for staff development, organized by the so-called Pixar University committee. Monday nights, it’s dedicated for recreation when theater manager John Hazelton shows old movies on 35 mm film.

Then we duck past a Closed Set sign, into the hallway where the voice actors lay down their tracks. We are not allowed to take photos for the next couple sections.

The hall leading into the recording studio is painted brick red, and autographed with many names like Owen Wilson, Jeff Pidgeon, Amber Kroner, Patton Oswald, Dame Edna, Alexander Gold, and Elle Docter.

“Who are some famous people you’ve seen?” we ask Xanadu excitedly.

“We have a no gawking policy,” she says, “so we aren’t allowed to take photos or go up to famous people.” Also, there aren’t celebrities walking around all the time. Xanadu says if an actor is working with Pixar for the first time, they’re invited to come to the headquarters to get a feel for the company’s culture. After that, Pixar travels to the voice actors.

She adds that sometimes, celebrities visit just for a tour, and the biggest star she’s seen in her five years there is actor Keanu Reeves. Xanadu permits me to blog about that.

From the audio booth area, we walk upstairs past rows of colorful offices on the second floor. The wide hallway is lined with art from 2017’s Coco. Xanadu says every piece of art connected to a movie is saved – even concept sketches on napkins – and archived in the art gallery for future exhibits in places around the world.

It took seven years to research Coco, which won an Oscar. Pixar has two full time sculptors, Jerome Ranft and Greg Dextra, whose job is it to create a 3-D sculpture of the main characters. This gives the 2-D artists a better feel for who the character is and how they should animate it.

We see clay molds, sketches, and digital paintings of the Coco characters, and a short informative movie about the challenges for this film: how to create the world of the dead, and how to light, color, and animate such a fantasy world?

We were fascinated to learn there are animation artists dedicated to extremely specific jobs. For every movie, there is an art team dedicated to just creating crowds of people.

There is an exquisite guitar inlaid with pearl and gold on one of the walls. Xanadu shares that it’s one of only 11 created in conjunction with Coco, and that the director and producer of that movie each have one. She’s not sure where the other nine are, but informs us the Consumer Products team commissioned a limited run of the instruments.

At the end of this art gallery, we come to a sitting area with what looks like a storyboard on the wall. It’s a color script, Xanadu clarifies, whose purpose is to show the mood, color, lighting, and tone of each movie.

There are quaint, brown leather chairs here that belonged to Walt Disney. The Walt Disney!

We’ve concluded the viewing of the first art gallery, and it’s time to walk across a bridge to the other side of the Atrium. The bridge is slightly arched, and Xanadu says it’s because Jobs didn’t want a straight line to cut the view when looking up from the ground floor.

This art gallery is Incredibles-themed, and the color script is more retro. Incredibles 2 is due in summer 2019.

The film after that is an untitled piece by Dan Scanlon, the creator of Monsters University. When that movie comes out, Xanadu tells us, the Coco art will make way for the new movie’s pieces. That includes repainting the walls to match the feel of the new movie.

We stop to watch a deleted scene from Incredibles. It’s a runway show in which Edna features her retro designs, which are actually the creations of staffer Deanna Marsigliere.

Scratch actors voiced over the rough cut; those are Pixar employees who want to do it just for fun. Every other year, they can audition for an unpaid role.

Voice actors’ unions make it hard to hire non-union talent, though they weren’t as prevalent when director/writer Brad Bird worked on the original Incredibles 14 years ago. As Xanadu tells it, Bird was seeking a specific voice for Edna, and nobody could match what he envisioned, so he ended up playing the part himself.

Lastly, Xanadu directs our attention to a raised 2-D cityscape hanging on a wall. Some of the lights in the buildings are on. It’s a timeline, she says- as each part of Incredibles 2 is completed, another light comes on.

When the entire city is lit, the movie is done. “It’s a way to track the movie’s progress and to build excitement,” she pronounces.

Tracking timelines are themed for each movie. Cars, for instance, measured progress with a racetrack that had moveable cars.

We leave the Steve Jobs Building and head towards a building called Brooklyn. The other buildings are named West Village, Uptown, SoHo, and Ellis Island (the archives building). The big, grassy area out front is called Central Park.

What’s the Manhattan connection? Xanadu says it’s a riff on their address, Park Avenue- the famous New York City street.

Brooklyn is a quieter, more secretive building where new concepts are developed. Like the Steve Jobs Building, it’s open, with a second and third story added only along the sides of the building, giving this a very high ceiling. A five-foot-tall Day of the Dead skull sits in the reception area, across an employee café.

The Presto Theater takes up a corner of Brooklyn. At 135 seats, it’s the second biggest of the five film venues on campus.

There are “Easter eggs” in the metal artwork above the theater doors; look closely, and you’ll see the triangular design is Luxo lamps stacked on each other. Embedded in the floor, little movie characters are scattered about, waiting to be found.

We cruise down the middle of Brooklyn, pausing to look at dozens of artwork on the wall, or 3-D art in cases. They’re all for sale at a silent auction fundraiser for one of the charities Pixar supports.

The artists are staffers, and they were allowed to use any medium. No close-up photos were allowed of the art.

In the center of Brooklyn’s massive foyer is where we find a slight Hawaii tie-in. It’s a three-story tall brick chimney. Dole Food Company used to own this property, and this building was previously a cannery. In a nod to this history, Pixar turned the chimney into a fireplace and seating area.

Before Dole, the Oakland Oaks minor league baseball team owned the land, which explains why there’s a glass case with old-fashioned baseball equipment and memorabilia on display. Nearby, staffers are using the billiards tables.

We don’t ascend the stairways here, but Xanadu says the third floor has a terrace with a sweeping view of the East Bay.

Two-and-a-half hours later, we finish the day with lunch back at Steve Jobs Building, and shortly thereafter, we drive away from Pixar- amazed at what we learned, and with a deeper appreciation for how much thought goes into each movie. One might say it’s incredible.

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[artsyrosebud]

My aunt is in the Lion King.

Okay, not technically my aunt. She’s my mom’s cousin. But with Filipino families, how could you even tell?

I got to see Yael Pineda-Hall do her thing one Tuesday night with my family, and she showed us backstage afterwards. We met many of the lead actors, as well as a dancer that had recently been in a movie you might have heard of called Black Panther.

^^ these are the only photos we were allowed to take during the tour. My favorite is the first picture, of the moment my grandma met Mufasa. It was the cutest thing ever.

The next week, my aunt got me to come back to the show to shadow the Stage Manager. I spent the whole show behind-the-scenes (sometimes even stepping onstage behind props), dodging flying props and being pecked teasingly by a friendly Zazu, and hanging out with cast members backstage.

Key funny moments were:

Talking to Mufasa backstage after he died, heating food in the microwave

Listening to the cast casually singing Hannah Montana in the back

Teasing a gazelle because he was almost late for a part

Almost having to stall the show because a woman’s wheelchair was in the way of the performers

Little Simba doing the wip and nae-nae next to me offstage

Being told exactly when to duck so I wouldn’t be hit by little Nala on a huge ostrich puppet

I wrote an article about my experience for the Observer, but sadly it didn’t get published. So here it is!

  Disney’s The Lion King came to the Dallas Summer Musicals at Fair Park this year. From June 13 to July 7, an incredible cast brought the 6-time Tony-Award-winning musical to life Downtown,and I got the in.

Being a “shadow” to the Stage Manager included some strict rules. Wear all black, don’t touch anything, and don’t take any photos.

Right inside the stage door of a theater sits a friendly security guard to ask people why they’ve come. Once they meet a shadow, they direct him or her to the Stage Manager’s office where the shadow receives a headset. Every backstage has a bunch of different offices. The Stage Manager’s room was equipped with a couple computers, papers, and a screen that gave a live feed of the stage. There was also a little contraption in which one of the Stage Managers spoke into to give the audience their final warnings to be seated.

The Lion King- (spoiler alert!) opens with a jaw-dropping number in which the cast comes from the aisles of the theater running, dancing and singing up to the stage in full animal costume and carrying beautifully crafted puppets. They had two stage managers and shadows stand right outside the theater doors to oversee this.

A couple minutes before the opening number, the ushers of Musical Hall section off the entrance to the theater, and the crew brings out the puppets from behind a curtain. Two people get into a big paper elephant, a group of singers get adorned with paper birds, and the actor playing Zazu gets in position with his bird (which turned out to be valued at about $25,000).

Before everyone begins, the stage managers do a quick check from the back of the theater to make sure all aisles are clear. No wheelchairs in the way, no feet or purses sticking out. Then the show begins with Rafiki’s beautiful voice and that iconic first note in the “Circle of Life.”

Being backstage during a production of the Lion King is like being a fly on the wall at a really cool party. It is incredible to see the machine that is a Broadway production. Not only is every second of the musical onstage choreographed, but every movement backstage was planned to a T. Props were being brought out and then taken back and stored above the wings like clockwork. The crew knew exactly at what moment to open a curtain, to roll grass onstage, to set out blow-up cacti, and more. It seemed like everyone backstage knew every beat and every word of the musical.

The cast themselves were nothing short of wonderful. Their energy continued onstage and off, singing during intermission and dancing between every scene. There were 13 cast members “out” the day, which meant they had to substitute people for 13 roles. But to the musical’s credit, every cast member was so proficient in their craft that even with all the switches they had to do, no one missed a beat. Everyone was a professional through and through.

One had to be careful being backstage. Sometimes the shadow was asked to stand very close to the edge of the wings and one misstep could have you tumbling onstage. Sometimes one of the curtains would be let down and the Stage Managers and shadows would run onstage to help light up a shadow puppet or help little Nala and little Simba climb an ostrich puppet. Sometimes one would have to duck because Nala was sliding over with her ostrich puppet and its feathers were flying everywhere. But of course, even that was choreographed.

The singers and dancers have to go through many costume changes throughout the show. There is a place called a “bunker” right behind the stage that was basically a long line of closets. It was sectioned into different stations with all the different costumes a singer or dancer needs during the show. In a span of a few seconds, a cast member had to change from anything from a lioness to a hyena to a plant to a gazelle. There were also makeup stations backstage, a little workshop for puppet repairs, a physical therapist office, and separate changing stations for Scar and Pumba due to the amount of work assembling their costumes was.

Everywhere the Lion King goes on tour, the company creates jobs. They hire locals to be on-hand carpenters, and dressers. At this stop, dressers and carpenters were hired from Dallas and taught the ropes of the show.

One of the stage managers said she really loved being in Dallas because of the theater. Musical Hall at Fair Park was a “luxury” because of how much space the cast and crew were given backstage. The area behind the stage had so much width and depth that the company did not have to do anything on a different floor. The stage manager explained the struggle of going up and down stairs to dress the actor of Pumba, and how difficult it can be to move him around when he has to carry such a large puppet. Some theaters have been so small that the stage they bring around can’t fit, or there would be no room for the actors to move from place to place. But in Dallas, they had plenty of space to move around. So one could say, the cast and crew received nothing short of Texas hospitality.

Being backstage of the Lion King is just as much of a wonder as seeing the show is. The craftsmanship of every detail provides such a wonderful spectacle to enhance the classic story of Disney’s the Lion King.

Backstage with my Broadway Aunt My aunt is in the Lion King. Okay, not technically my aunt. She’s my mom’s cousin. But with Filipino families, how could you even tell?

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Residence Away From Residence: Decked Out Movie star Trailers, Campers, and Tour Busses

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Residence Away From Residence: Decked Out Movie star Trailers, Campers, and Tour Busses

  Whether or not they’re on location filming, on tour performing, or on the street selling, celebrities spend numerous time away from dwelling. When your travels are incomes you tens of millions, why not spend a few of it, or numerous it, to be sure to are touring in type and luxury? These stars had no drawback shelling out the large bucks to create the right dwelling away from dwelling…on wheels. From huge shoe closets to a 24-hour cell physician’s workplace, these celebs have spared no expense to make sure their cell houses are excellent.

Simply wait till you see which over-the-top musician brings alongside her assortment of wigs.

The late Hugh Hefner clearly had a mushy spot for Pamela Anderson; in 2001 he gave his former Playboy bunny a one-of-a-kind Airstream trailer, higher often known as the “Lovestream.” The decor has a 1970s theme to it, full with white shag carpeting, mirrors on the ceiling, a round vibrating mattress, stripper pole, disco ball, and naturally, Playboy bunny seat cushions. It was pimped out even additional in 2006 on Season Three of Distinctive Whips, with satellite tv for pc hook-up, Web, and all the very best gaming equipment, which was nonetheless innovative again then.

Actor Matthew McConaughey likes to be on the open street. After spending years driving throughout the nation in a big tricked-out GMC van, he determined to improve to an Airstream, which he donned “The Canoe.” This inspiration behind the identify got here after visiting a Squamish Nation reservation in Vancouver, Canada, the place he was gifted a handcrafted oar by the natives. The Canoe has a banquette that was designed particularly to make sure the six-foot-tall McConaughey would be capable of eat in consolation. It has a satellite tv for pc dish on the roof; a barbecue within the again, and guide racks and ceiling netting to carry journey literature, journals, and scripts.

A-lister Brad Pitt’s wonderful trailer is a whopping 48 ft lengthy and greater than most individuals’s flats. The mansion on wheels has a state-of-the-art kitchen with the whole lot constructed, together with a full-size fridge, dishwasher, and range to be able to optimize area. Pitt’s cell palace additionally features a 10-foot leather-based sofa within the “front room,” in addition to a s a personal main bedroom, full with a queen-sized mattress, high-end media heart and grasp toilet with a walk-in bathe giant sufficient for 2 folks (there may be one other toilet for everybody else to make use of). There may be additionally an opulent and completely lit space for Mr. Pitt to do his hair and make-up.

Vin Diesel had no drawback dropping $1.1million on his custom-made 1100 square-foot trailer. The spacious trailer was created by Anderson Cell Estates and encompasses a pop-up second stage for that true “at-home” really feel. The kitchen has granite counter tops, and the “media lounge” has $70,000 price of expertise, together with a 3D flat display TV, a personal workplace area, and a play space for his kids. Diesel has develop into so hooked up to his trailer that when he was filming the newest Quick and the Livid movie in Puerto Rico, he made positive his valuable automobile was shipped over for him to take pleasure in.

Ashton Kutcher’s trailer is so large, that the right time period for it isn’t cell dwelling, however reasonably cell property. It measures 53 ft lengthy and weighs a whopping 30 tons. The good factor about Kutcher’s digs although is that with the push of a button (and the assistance of hydraulics) facet sections and a second flooring emerge from the principle dwelling area. Altogether, this journey encompasses a spacious front room, kitchen with granite counter tops, a convention area, two loos and multiple 60-inch 3D plasma televisions. Cleary involved about safety, Kutcher has a 360-degree video surveillance digicam mounted, and if somebody rings the doorbell, the TV and stereo system decrease in quantity and a picture of the particular person seems on all of the screens.

When Dolly Parton is touring, she prefers the comforts of her personalised tour bus over any resort room. The kitchen, which has a full built-in fridge, is open and spacious, which is ideal for Parton as a result of she likes to cook dinner. Her main bedroom is decked out in all pink, has its personal toilet, a bit for her to learn and pray, an space for her to do her make-up and hair, in addition to a closet only for her beloved wigs. In case anybody is touring together with her, she has few bunk beds (in fact embellished in pink) and a second bathe.

Should you suppose Dolly’s digs are spectacular, you gained’t wish to miss Kelly Pickler’s cell shoe heaven.

Simon Cowell’s 1,200-square ft cell property has a pop-up second stage, hardwood flooring, and granite counter tops all through. The sofa in the lounge space can match about 20 folks, as they benefit from the 60-inch dwelling theater. The $2 million trailer additionally has some one-of-a-kind options. The door to his bed room is made from a fabric referred to as Giga Glass, and with the press of a button, he could make the glass on the door go from clear to opaque. His make-up space can remodel right into a 24-hour cell physician’s workplace with $25,000 price of kit. The one different automobile to have such options is an Air-Pressure 1!

Will Smith’s $2 million, 55 foot-long trailer prompted an uproar in NYC when it fully overtook a metropolis block through the filming of Males in Black III—he was compelled to maneuver it to a personal lot. The trailer, nicknamed “The Warmth” has $30,000 price of leather-based, and over $100,000 price of expertise, together with 14 TVs and a film room with a 100-inch display. There’s a lighted make-up mirror with a TV behind it, and a personal lounge and wardrobe space full with sliding “Star Trek” doorways. The $25,000 toilet expands the total width of the trailer and has a steam bathe with Giga Glass.

Comic Ron White designed his tour bus to seem like a smoking lounge. There may be tons of leather-based all through; even the ceiling is roofed in suede and the bed room’s enormous mattress has a leather-based headboard that opens up into cupboard space. There are quite a few lights in each room. All of the furnishings is bolted to the ground to keep away from any accidents, and the ground itself is roofed in travertine. There is no such thing as a kitchen; as an alternative, there may be only a state-of-the-art espresso maker and a specifically designed area that could be a scotch “closet” on one facet, in addition to a built-in cigar humidor on the opposite.

You gained’t wish to miss the sentimental merchandise Kelly Pickler brings alongside together with her on tour.

Gwen Stefani’s trailer matches the star’s distinctive and classy style, and is supposed to resemble a high-end resort room. It’s gentle and plush, full with a snug lounge space, and kitchen with an additional giant counter area, chrome steel backsplash, and a wine chiller. There may be marble flooring by that ties in completely with the light-colored furnishing. The entrance space is supposed for family and friends to hold. The principle bed room is at the back of the RV, full with a Sleep Quantity mattress, make-up space, and a particularly spacious bathe.

Nation singer and songwriter Justin Moore needed his tour bus to be rustic with a cultured contact. The spacious front room has a custom-made cowhide sofa and recliner chairs, and a cowhide rug. The kitchen cabinetry is lined with crocodile pores and skin and a beer faucet. The grasp toilet is as large as any mansion’s toilet, with an opulent, curved, tiled bathe and a TV. The main bedroom has not one, however two 60-inch TVs and a sitting space to take pleasure in them (and naturally the chair is costume made with cowhide).

When nation star Kelly Pickler is touring the nation in her huge RV, she brings her whole shoe assortment on the street together with her. Kelly had a shoe closet put in in her cell dwelling, with rolling cabinets that retailer her huge quantity of excessive heels. She additionally constructed a kennel for her canines to make sure her they’re simply as comfy as she is. Her bed room comes full with an space for hair and make-up, and in her top-of-the-line kitchen, she put in the ice machine from the restaurant she labored at earlier than turning into a star.

In true Mariah Carey trend, the diva has a very over-the-top tour bus.

Nation singer Jake Owen buyer designed each inch of his 52-foot coach. He didn’t need the sofa in the lounge space to really feel like a typical sofa, however extra like one you’d discover in a house, and the very best half is it transforms into a snug mattress. His canine Merl has a particular spot close to the sofa, in a snug doggie mattress. His kitchen has a contemporary but quaint crimson fridge paying homage to the 1950s. So as to stop bottles from sliding round as they drive, he had light-up bottle holders in-built. To not point out there’s a beer faucet.

Match for a rock star, nation singer Lee Brice’s tour bus is stuffed with some luxurious facilities. The granite, metal and stud decor adverts an industrial contact to a rustic theme. The dwelling space has lay-out recliner chairs, and doubles as a writing area; he has a guitar amp that hooks as much as the sound system so the band might jam out proper in there. There are two spacious “apartment” bunks, together with just a few smaller sleeping areas. As an alternative of taking on numerous area with an enormous fridge, he put in pull out drawers that perform as a fridge. And the bed room has sufficient drawers so Brice does’t should dwell out of his suitcase.

Since he excursions 10 months out of the 12 months, nation star Rodney Atkins needed to create the right dwelling away from dwelling. The entrance lounge of the 52-foot bus has French nation theme, with a visitor toilet. The fully-functioning kitchen has a particularly giant granite counter high that may impress any five-star chef. There’s a particular area for his parrots, who come on the street with him. The main bedroom has a TV and encompass sound. His bus at all times pulls alongside one other small trailer – and no, it isn’t carrying merchandise or gear. As an alternative it homes his motorbike.

Craig Morgan has dubbed his cell dwelling because the “Final Man Cave.” With 13 males sharing the bus, that’s in all probability the very best type they may have chosen. There’s a beer cooler subsequent to the couches within the “front room,” in order that they don’t should journey far for a drink. The kitchen has tiled flooring, and there’s a wine glass rack hanging over the sink. All the kitchen cupboards are particularly labeled to assist hold issues organized, which could possibly be tough with so many guys digging by them all through the day. What would usually be the second state room is definitely Craig’s personal personal room, whereas the remainder of the fellows have spacious bunks.

Producer/artist Timberland’s tour bus is a cell recording studio with all of the bells and whistles. The outside has a paint job, and there are two huge turbines. The co-pilot can take pleasure in all of the facilities, with a tv, headphone management and a guitar and mic enter. There may be color-changing LED lighting all through the bus, that resembles the within of a nightclub. 4 cameras are mounted on the outside for safety functions. The studio is so well-equipped that you would report an eight member band, and the recording space is surprisingly soundproofed.

Mariah Carey is understood for being a diva, so it’s no shock that her trailer is outrageously luxurious. Her two-story mega cell dwelling has a 15-foot sofa going through a 65-inch tv with encompass sound. Previous the roomy lounge there’s a make-up station with an outsized mirror with a TV behind it. The kitchen is bigger than most flats, with a hideaway fridge and a $four,000 water machine. The granite stairs resulting in the second flooring, which has a nightclub really feel, boasts a 35-foot wraparound sofa, two 60-inch televisions, and color-changing lights.

Huge Kenny from the Grammy-nominated musical duo Huge and Wealthy needed to make his oasis on wheels really feel like a wild pirate ship, so his whole tour bus has pirate decor all through, with lovely wooden furnishings. There are even cardboard cutouts of pirate characters hanging out within the lounge space, together with made art work. He has a full on DJ rig arrange within the lounge to maintain the occasion going. His bed room has a queen-sized mattress, loads of closet and cupboard space, and a full bathtub. Saved beneath the bus is Kenny’s segues, which he likes to journey by the varied cities he visits.

NASCAR star Casey Mears takes his household on the street with him, so he needed his bus to have a homey really feel. The fully-functioning kitchen has a hideaway stovetop and full-sized fridge. There’s a big retractable eating space that may match the entire household, and there’s a child bassinet in the lounge. The main bedroom has a king-sized mattress, a monitor system, and over the mattress is a his-and-her closet for storage. The grasp bathtub has an enormous tiled bathe, and a washer and dryer. Alongside together with his bus, he takes one other 53-foot trailer on the street which carries two race vehicles and a whole restore store.