#After School Program Vaughan

[mitchell-nihil]

Pandora Program Introductory Post

The Pandora Program is a program run by the Canadian government to help superpowered teenage criminals with exceedingly long prison sentences work off their time quickly by doing dirty work for the government. It’s known about by the general population, but is believed to be a private school.

Their world takes in one similar to ours, but in which about 4% of the population has a special power. Different countries have different approaches to handling these powers, and views on them are varied. The Pandora Program, or just Pandora as I call it, focuses on Varen, a member of the program, and the missions and assignments he handles alongside other members, and about the different groups in the world that have formed from these powers.

This will be updated as more about the story is made concrete. Any questions, prompts or thoughts about my writing or characters is greatly appreciated and I will always love them!

Characters

Varen Voclain

As said, Varen is the main character. His power is complicated, and the higher-ups in the program have taken a special interest in his abilities, meaning he and his group get the harder missions and routine training, something they mildly despise him for causing. He’s roommates with Nat, and tentatively considers him a friend. He’s quite a recluse, and a very guilty person, so he fully believes he belongs in the program and sees it as a fitting punishment. He likes certain video games, sleeping, and is very protective of his long hair, which he had initially grown out to annoy his parents. Bad at picking up jokes and social cues, he often comes off as a bit off-putting to others.

Constant eye bags, a nasty scar across his face, and baggy clothes are his signature accessories. He also has a pair of simple earrings and slitted pupils similar to a cat’s, a semi-common feature in his world. They do get bigger when he’s in the dark and can make him look a little silly. He’s 18, and I haven’t been able to decide on his birthday yet.

Nathair Vaughan

He exclusively goes by Nat. He’s 19, and has been in the program since 16 after killing someone just moments after his power developed. His “power” is that anyone who makes skin-to-skin contact with him will turn into a stone statue. It’s not something that he can turn off, making it a very isolating power for someone as extroverted and physically affectionate as himself. It’s an unusual power, because almost no power’s sole purpose is to kill. To destroy or maim, maybe, but something only to kill is unheard of besides himself.

He wears a lot of clothing to protect others, and is put into an “active” group, one that does the physical work on missions, as an easy way to take someone out if needed. After the events of his sixteenth birthday, he is much more cautious when others get close to him and is very proactive about keeping them away from himself. This leads him to isolate himself despite being extroverted, and so Varen’s his first friend in a while. He takes great fun in annoying Varen, and isn’t someone who experiences embarrassment, being unapologetically loud and crude sometimes. He was involved in the “incident” that took place a couple months before the story starts.

White hair is similar to orange hair in their world, as unlike other unique hair colours it is passed down through generations. It’s a bit less uncommon than orange hair, but by far not the rarest hair colour.

Stelle Fraser

Stelle is a member of Varen and Nat’s group, with the ability to create and control the movement of light. She originally was placed in the Mayflower campus in Nova Scotia, but was considered a “problem case” and so was sent to the Trillium campus in Ontario so she could be better monitored. She’s a bit of a grump, but since being transferred seems to be in a better mood. The most honest of the group, she and Varen get along surprisingly well. She’s 19, and has been in the program for a while.

Atlas

Atlas currently doesn’t have any official art of him, for some reason. He’s able to create portals that can be travelled through and have very little limits in terms of how far they can be from each other, but I haven’t decided on other details like where he can make them. Hates the program and copes by making jokes about it, lied to Varen that the reason he was missing his leg is because the crimes he committed were so terrible that prison wasn’t enough. He was given the choice between having his power artificially suppressed or having a tracking chip put into his body, as his power was too dangerous to leave unchecked and he could easily leave. He has black hair, glasses, is 20, and is missing the lower half of his left leg.

He makes up stories about what terrible things he did with his power and how he lost his leg, but really he had it amputated as a child for medical reasons and it isn’t a cool story at all.

Charlotte

Charlotte is in the same group as Varen, Nat, Stelle, and Atlas, and in my opinion has the best power. While it’s not entirely decided on everything she can do, her main feature is obviously her six arms. She’s quite chatty and a very genuine and positive person, getting along well with everyone in the group. She and Nat can goof off together, she and Varen have a lot of nice conversations with each other, she and Stelle have a bit of a tendency to gossip, and Atlas is like an older brother to her, as she’s the youngest in the group at 17 years old. One of the people in the program where you really can’t imagine what got her put in a place like this.

Holds the world record for most limbs, spent a lot of her childhood in doctors offices and hospitals, and has signed about a million different contracts that no, she does not want to donate her body to science when she dies.

Kase

I’ve talked a lot about Kase, but I’ll do it as many times as I can. Kase has the ability to see into the future by using cartomancy, something similar to tarot readings but that he uses a deck of playing cards to do it. He can summon decks out of thin air and ask them any question, but the answers will vary and as card readings tend to go, the answers are always vague.

From the outside he looks pretty laid-back and relaxed, but really he harbours quite a bit of anxiety that his future-reading power definitely didn’t help. He’s developed a tendency to ask his cards just about any question that comes to mind, and those eye-bags aren’t just insomnia. You could almost describe it as an “addiction” to knowing; being able to know the answers to all these questions he has only makes him even more stressed out when he doesn’t know something.

A nice person who’s quite popular, nobody knows why he chooses to spend so much of his time with someone like Blaine.

Blaine

Blaine is the red haired one, and he is very rarely seen without Kase by his side, and despite his best efforts to make others think he finds Kase annoying, it’s obvious the two of them are close. I haven’t made any detailed/solo art of him, so besides this page of him and Kase no drawings of him exist yet. These drawings of Kase are older, he looks more similar to the drawing of Kase I have under his actual section.

Blaine has the ability to control animals by whistling. I was originally inspired by stories in Canada from Indigenous people, about whistling at night and creatures I won’t say the names of. I did more research on legends about whistling at night, as basically any culture refers to it as something bad and dangerous. Currently, Blaine can make animals do whatever he wants by whistling within range of them hearing. He grew up in Canada, as most of them have, and heard the stories about deer walking on their hind legs. This made him decide whenever he did his animal-controlling stuff that he would make all the animals walk around on their hind legs, to freak people out. That fact alone I feel sums up Blaine’s personality pretty well; he likes scaring people and pissing them off. It’s a hobby of his.

Blaine even being able to make a single friend is a surprise to anybody who has met him, as anybody could tell you five different times he was needlessly cruel to them or their friend. Nobody knows why he acts like this, including me. He’s a dick.

Angie

Angie is a member of the program, and enjoys being a nuisance to the staff there. She has control over her own radio station where she’ll plays songs and do little morning talks and announcements. It’s become a fun little thing that most members of the program enjoy, so staff aren’t too hard on her about it. She has the ability to create bursts of electricity and can travel through electrical currents. The program made the entire electrical system of the campus self-contained so that she couldn’t get out.

Vitri

Vitri is the leader of a group that I haven’t named yet, but is basically a collection of ex-members of the program who work together to have it taken down. He was in the first group of kids that the program was run with, a test batch to see how it would work. From 15-21 he was a member of the program, and quite a passionate one. For reasons unknown, he suddenly left the program and was nowhere to be seen for nearly 10 years, before suddenly reppearing and starting to look for people to join his cause. They believe the program is exploitative, manipulative, and abusive, and should be eradicated. When he first started this resistance, he and his members genuinely wanted to help the kids still in it, but as time passed Vitri became more destructive than helpful with his intentions.

Vitri has the ability to manipulate glass. There’s very little limits to what he can do, besides not being able to fuse glass together by himself. He lost a couple fingers when he was first learning to use his power.

Vitri takes a special interest in Varen, who he calls “one of the special ones”, a group of people with powers that go far and far beyond what a normal power can do.

Mirai

Ipvne oef poi nxppvpf xb pyeias xunvytd amza, hrq yseviz wua bwrz as oa htnna ss poi cnvkewt hrowmga alrnl freuk ak yipkyhf km lrn, kinz vv nhpzr.

Although I love all my characters, I think if I was someone reading Pandora instead of the one making it, Mirai would definitely be my favourite. She works alongside Vitri as one of the leaders of the resistance group, and is “one of the special ones” as Vitri says. She’s erratic, mysterious, and a little bit crusty. Seems to know a lot of things and a lot of people.

“J”

He currently doesn’t have a name, but is one of my newer characters and has the ability to duplicate other peoples powers. He does this by obtaining some of their DNA and dropping it into his third eye, which will change to look like that persons eye. It’s very temporary, and anything other than hair will only work for a few seconds, so he favours using hair over other items.

A jock is the best way I can describe him. He works for Vitri and was involved in the “incident” that happened a couple months before the story starts. He seems like a pretty normal guy, if gym bros can be considered normal, and is over-enthusiastic and I’m imagining horribly dyslexic. Carries around a fanny-pack kinda thing around his waist that he carries/hangs hair he’s gathered off of.

Some Basics

Powers are developed on someone’s birthday, within minutes of their exact time of birth. The vast majority of powers develop from 12-18, but there are some younger and older exceptions.

The other two prevalent groups in the story that I haven’t fleshed out much yet are a doomsday sort of cult, who believes the development of powers is going to lead to an apocalypse. The other group believes basically the opposite, that powers were given to special people who have a birth-given right to be leaders and think that they and other power-havers should be the one’s managing the world.

There’s about 360 members of the program at the Trillium campus, ranging from 15-21.

While it’s true that only teenagers are put into the program, some will be put in as a teenager and age into 20 or 21 and remain there. If someone commits whatever crimes and are 20-21 but haven’t been put into the program already, they’ll be advanced into the Agency.

The Agency is similar to the Program, but holds older and usually more experienced members. They are not put into teams like the Program kids are, and do a lot more solo missions and are allowed to live amongst society. The Agency, what they do, and what their agents have done, is well known to the public, and anybody who makes it known they are apart of it are usually avoided, because as stated someone getting put into the Program and Agency is done so because they committed some sort of crime bad enough to warrant going to prison, and all of them have powers.

People with powers garner mixed opinions from people. Some think it’s unfair to treat them differently, while others think that they hold a lot more potential power than the average person does and should be monitored regularly. People whose powers affect their physical form are often subject to scrutiny.

4% of the population has powers, but that’s only an estimate and is actually higher than the recorded amount of people with powers, because it’s estimated only 3/4 people with powers have one that is either significant or discoverable enough. About 1/4 of that estimated 4% have such mundane or specific powers that they are indistinguishable from other people.

Until only recently, in Canada, if you murdered multiple people you could get multiple life sentences. In recent year, that policy was abolished because it was categorised under “cruel or unusual punishment”. In the world of Pandora, this policy is still active.

Crimes committed using powers are taken incredibly seriously, and often a fine or prison sentence can be doubled simply because the person committing it might have used their power to do it. While it’s meant to be extra incentive to stop people from abusing powers, it’s often abused in the legal world.

Thank you for reading this far, if you have! I know this is a lot, but I talk a lot about this story and I want people to be able to learn some of the basic stuff about what I’m talking about. One thing I’ve always been open to but have never really mentioned is that if you ever want to send me a drawing prompt about my own characters, no matter how mundane or extreme, I’ll always try my best to do it! People showing that sort of interest in my stuff is super cool :)

[lboogie1906]

Quiana Lynell (April 16, 1981) is a blues and jazz singer, arranger, and songwriter.

She was born in Tyler, Texas. During high school, she was in the all-state choir. She earned a BA in Vocal Performance from Louisiana State University.

She began her singing career as a classical singer and was a member of the St. James Episcopal Church choir in Baton Rouge. After meeting Janelle Brown, lead singer of the zydeco group 2 Da T, she began exploring additional musical genres, including zydeco and R&B. She has been mentored by notable artists such as Aaron Neville, Germaine Bazzle, and Wendell Brunious.

She won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, she received a recording contract with Concord Records.

She has performed with Nona Hendryx, Terence Blanchard, Jon Cowherd, Marvin Sewell, Eric Harland, Herbie Hancock, Patti Austin, Bilal, and Ledisi, and with local artists and bands in Louisiana. She performs at venues in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, including at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. She has performed with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra as a principal Soprano. She performed a tribute concert to Ella Fitzgerald, celebrating her 100th birthday. She was a featured artist with Bernard Purdie’s All-Star Shuffle, and Bobbi Humphrey, at Brooklyn Academy of Music’s R&B Festival in Brooklyn.

She released the EP Loving Me (Q Sound) and the single Baton Rouge (Q Sound). She has been a featured soloist on studio albums.

She has developed the educational program, “Made in America: Lyrically Speaking: Breaking Down Jazz, Blues, and Soul in American Music, from the Vocalist Perspective”, which has been used in clinics across the US to educate students on jazz, blues and traditional American music from the vocalist perspective. She is the founder of the running club, Musicians Run, aimed at promoting running to local musicians in Baton Rouge.

She has held several teaching positions, including as band director in elementary and middle schools. She has been a private vocal instructor and an adjunct professor at Loyola University New Orleans.

She has two children. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[posttexasstressdisorder]

Wednesday, 12-11-24, 7pm Pacific

'Evenin', all...Mr. Baggins back with a set to soothe our achin' nerves and help ease us all into a good night. I thought we'd start this evening off with the music of Frederick Delius. We'll hear his "The Walk To The Paradise Garden" from A Village Romeo and Juliet. Sir John Barbirolli conducts the London Symphony.

Next we hear Vaughan WIlliams' Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. Iona Brown is soloist with Neville and the rest of The Gang doing backup duty.

Here is a little piano piece by Edvard Grieg, one of his Lyric Pieces, we hear the Notturno, Op. 54, No. 4. Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes does the honors.

Next we hear Fritz and The Band from 1956 in Richard Strauss' "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, Op. 60 (Der Bürger als Edelmann)" Settle back for the next half hour or so for some incredible musicianship!

Every time I hear Reiner and The Chicago, I'm just in awe. And the same goes for Lenny with The Vienna. The Vienna's famous string sound has stayed consistent for decades through conductor after conductor...they have a certain sonority that just isn't made anywhere else! Let's hear them in the symphony that Beethoven called his "slender greek maiden wedged between two Titans", the "Titans" being his 7th and 9th Symphonies. Let's hear this "slender Greek maiden" of a Symphony, the Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93. Recorded Live in November '78.

Now let's hear them play Brahms' Variations on a Theme By Haydn, Op. 56a.

Staying with Brahms, here is the truly excellent Camerata Pacifica from Santa Barbara, playing Brahms Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115. Recorded February 16, 2023 at Zipper Hall, The Colburn School, Los Angeles.

As a Brahmsian encore, here is Guiomar Novaes with Brahms' Intermezzo in B-flat minor, Op. 117, No. 2. Gorgeous piece, gorgeously played!

Here is an interesting piece for oboe, Arizona composer Robert McBride plays his "Quintet for Oboe and Strings, written in 1937. We hear Robert McBride, oboe, and the Coolidge Quartet: William Kroll, violin I Nicolai Berezowsky, violin II Nicolas Moldavan, viola Victor Gottlieb, cello; recorded October 27, 1939. A quirky and lighthearted bit of fluff to round out the evening!

And that wraps up our program for this Wednesday evening. I do hope you've enjoyed the selections I picked, and possibly heard something new to your ear. This is Mr. Baggins, signing off for now, I wlll return at 8am Pacific with our Morning Coffee Music.

Until then, dream sweet dreams, babies, dream sweet dreams.

Baggins out.

[inmateofthemind]

Have Some TWST Fan Lore Part 2: Corlux Key Seminary

Quite literally the largest of the arcane academies, acting as an "all are welcome" paramilitary institution for mages of all sorts. It is revered for its music program, particularly its marching band. - the description that would be on Corlux's in-game info card if it were canon

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

A Very Brief Background

According to legend, Corlux Key Seminary was originally opened by a collective of special forces mages led by a wizard of power so fantastic that he could supposedly create living worlds out of paint and paper. These mages guarded their kingdom of light with such ferocity that they were referred to as 'living locks', which was fairly ironic considering their weapons were shaped to resemble keys.

With that said, however, the lead mage truly believed that people of all talents and backgrounds were welcome to their land if their hearts were 'pure'; after all, unconventional talents had been proved to win the day over and over in the long lens of history. As such, Corlux Key Seminary was created in honor of that wizard and his friends by offering a variety of programs for students to harness their skills.

-------------------- Current Staff {pronouns} (Twisted From)

Headmistress: Evangeline Lighthaven {she/her} (twisted from the Blue Fairy of Pinocchio)

Deputy Headmaster: Sir Shy {he/they} (twisted from Mad Madam Mim of The Sword & the Stone)

Literature and Drama: Godehard Norris {he/him} (twisted from Mother Gothel of Tangled)

Science: Maureen Desrosiers {she/her} (twisted from Maurice of Beauty and the Beast)

Social Studies: Saylor Anker {she/her} (twisted from Captain Hook of Peter Pan)

Mathematics: Jóna Quasar {they/them} (twisted from Dr. Delbert Doppler of Treasure Planet)

Foreign Languages: Augustus Scholaris {he/him} (twisted from Dr. Milo Thatch of Atlantis: the Lost Empire)

Physical Education: Babur Shah {he/him} (twisted from Shere Khan of Jungle Book)

Music/Band: Inti & Wayna {genderfluid & he/him respectively} (twisted from Yzma & Kronk of The Emperor's New Groove)

Teacher's Assistant: Solfilius Bellflower {he/him} (twisted from Rapunzel of Tangled)

'Jacks of All Trades' Grunts: Carnelian & Saul {both he/him} (twisted from Jasper & Horace of 101 Dalmatians)

all staff members created by @inmateofthemind

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

Students of Note, sorted by school year at time of 1st Arcane Exchange

FRESHMAN

Orpheus Fairbairn {he/him}* (twisted from King Stephen of Sleeping Beauty) created by @inmateofthemind

Helena Jupiter {she/her} (twisted from Hercules of Hercules) created by @ramshacklerumble

Caelum 'Cal' Sokół {he/him}* (twisted from Jim Hawkins of Treasure Planet) created by @inmateofthemind

SOPHOMORE

Klaus Hasencamp {he/him} (twisted from The White Rabbit of Alice in Wonderland) created by @simons-twsted-children

Puck Pratt {he/him, trans}* (twisted from Peter Pan of Peter Pan) created by @inmateofthemind

Fiamma Trein {she/her} (twisted from Cinderella of Cinderella) created by @inmateofthemind

JUNIOR

Penny Chase {she/her} (twisted from Copper of The Fox and the Hound) created by @inmateofthemind

Ruby Del Zorro {she/her} (twisted from Tod of The Fox and the Hound) created by @inmateofthemind

Kentigern Vaughan {he/him} (twisted from Wart of The Sword in the Stone) created by @inmateofthemind

*= does not participate in the 1st Arcane Exchange

---------BONUS---------------

GRADUATES/ALUMNUS

Kallisto Shroud {she/her} (twisted from the Muses of Hercules) created by @cyanide-latte

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

Tidbits & Trivia

Night Raven College and Royal Sword Academy can bicker about having the power; Corlux Key Seminary is content to boast about having the numbers. There are a grand total of twenty dormitories across the entire campus, though the joke among students is that there are actually twenty-three. This is due to some of the dorms having gotten a rebranding of name some years back, but people will use the new and old names interchangeably. It isn't uncommon for freshmen to be deliberately told to retrieve something from one of the dorms using the old name for it so that they will wander around for hours trying to find it.

Corlux Key Seminary is located in the far north of the Shaftlands; not exactly neighbors with Harveston, but close enough that the more troublesome youth of the town are threatened with being sent there if they don't shape up.

Corlux's inclusivity even goes as far as the dress code; as long as the students are wearing academy-issued attire and it's properly clean, they're golden as far as the rules go. This is actually a selling point for students who are exploring their gender identity, or even just for people who want to wear quote-unquote 'gender-specific attire' just for the sake of comfort. Rather recently, one student even turned down their invite to Royal Sword Academy specifically because 'they don't allow guys to wear skorts/skirts there; hard pass'.

As Corlux is currently under the reign of a fae, all students are granted protection from minor cantrips and spells by what is referred to as a 'pulchra osculum' ('beautiful kiss'). This is a TWST-fan!verse term created by myself which I will explain at a later date, but the basic idea is that it's a minor protection spell.

Corlux is officially listed as paramilitary due to their structure not being fully comparable to a traditional military school, though there is a kind of 'honors program' sponsored by official military institutes from across the nations to help those with serious aspirations for the armed forces. The way to distinguish those students from the general populace is an armband emblazed with a specific crown modeled after a symbol worn by a legendary 'Keywielder', as the military-aspiring students are called.

Even if students do not choose to enlist into any kind of military service upon graduation, they will receive top-of-the-line training for a variety of careers. As mentioned previously, one of the school's most famed aspects is their marching band that has seen several of its former members go on to be professional musicians of some kind.

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

Author's Notes

As previously mentioned, Corlux Key Seminary is an arcane academy created by yours truly to serve...well, a lot of purposes, actually;

Play around with the idea of what a TWST military school would look like while also having a bit of flexibility for fun

Give the girlies/girlie-identifying folks of TWST a place to be educated since there don't seem to be a whole lot of those in canon (at least from what I've seen)

Place a few extra Kingdom Hearts references into TWST (you mean to tell me that four of the Great Seven are the villains of the Princesses of Hearts, with one of those Seven even being Maleficent herself, because of sheer coincidence? I think NOT, friend!)

Because this is a fanverse for a piece of media, which means we live by the credence 'I did it because I could' xD

This is all in good fun between a small group of friends who are doing something fun with a game we all enjoy. Just let us have our thing and feel free to engage if you like it :)

Taglist: @cyanide-latte @simons-twsted-children @tixdixl @ramshacklerumble (let me know if you also want to be tagged)

[kwebtv]

TV Guide -  November 30 - December 6, 1963

George Campbell Scott (October 18, 1927 – September 22, 1999) was an American actor, director, and producer who had a celebrated career on both stage and screen. With a gruff demeanor and commanding presence, Scott became known for his portrayal of stern, but complex, authority figures.

Scott was in much demand for guest shots on TV shows, appearing in episodes of Ben Casey and Naked City. In 1962, Scott appeared as school teacher Arthur Lilly on NBC's The Virginian, in the episode "The Brazen Bell", in which he recites Oscar Wilde's poem "The Ballad of Reading Gaol". That same year, he appeared in NBC's medical drama The Eleventh Hour, in the episode "I Don't Belong in a White-Painted House". He appeared opposite Laurence Olivier and Julie Harris in Graham Greene's The Power and the Glory in a 1961 television production.

In 1963 Scott starred in the hour-long television drama series East Side/West Side. He portrayed a New York City social worker, along with co-stars Cicely Tyson and Elizabeth Wilson. Scott was a major creative influence on the show, resulting in conflicts with James T. Aubrey, the head of CBS. The Emmy Award-winning program had a series of guest stars, including James Earl Jones. The portrayal of challenging urban issues made attracting advertisers difficult, not helped by the limited distribution. Not all CBS network affiliates broadcast the show, and it was canceled after one season.

During the early 1970s, Scott appeared in the made-for-television films Jane Eyre (1970) as Mr. Rochester and The Price (1971), a version of the Arthur Miller play. For the latter role, he won an Emmy Award, which he accepted. He also directed a TV version of The Andersonville Trial (1970).

Scott appeared in a television production of Beauty and the Beast (1976), with Trish Van Devere.   In 1981 was cast as Fagin in the CBS made-for-TV adaptation of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist (1982).  He starred in China Rose (1983) on television, and in 1984 portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge in a television adaptation of A Christmas Carol. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for the role. Scott played the title role in the made-for-television-movie Mussolini: The Untold Story (1985).

Scott reprised his role as Patton in a made-for-television sequel, The Last Days of Patton (1986). Based on the final weeks of Patton's life after being mortally injured in a car accident, it contains flashbacks of Patton's life. 

On television, Scott did The Murders in the Rue Morgue (1986) and Pals (1987; with Don Ameche). He also played the lead role in the TV series Mr. President (1987–88), which ran for 24 turbulent episodes. He was also on the Johnny Carson Show in March 1987. Scott starred in the television film The Ryan White Story (1989) as Charles Vaughan, the lawyer defending Ryan White.  (Wikipedia)

[ghostflowerdreams]

Books Similar to Stranger Things

A great starting point for Stranger Things fans is to check out the officially authorized novels that expand the show’s world. For example, Suspicious Minds by Gwenda Bond is a prequel that follows Eleven's mother during her time as a test subject in the MKUltra program. Then there’s Darkness on the Edge of Town by Adam Christopher, which delves into Chief Jim Hopper's past life as a police detective in New York City. Another novel, Runaway Max by Brenna Yovanoff, delves into Max’s life before Hawkins—the struggles and highlights that shaped her.

If you’re still craving more, the next best thing is to look for books that capture a similar vibe to Stranger Things—whether through plot, friendship dynamics, themes, or that nostalgic ’80s feel. I know I’m not the only one on this search, so after spending some time scouring the web, I’ve compiled a list of the most commonly recommended books by other fans.

I love making lists like these, as it’s also how I build my own TBR list. And just a note—these books aren’t in any particular order.

Paper Girls Vol. #1 by Brian K. Vaughan (Writer), Cliff Chiang (Artist) & Matt Wilson (Colorist) — is a graphic novel that follows a group of 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls in the early hours after Halloween of 1988, who uncover the most important story of all time. [1]

My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix — The year is 1988. High school sophomores Abby and Gretchen have been best friends since fourth grade. After an evening of skinny-dipping Gretchen disappears in the woods but returns a few hours later, naked and…different. She’s moody. She’s irritable. And bizarre incidents keep happening whenever she’s nearby.

Abby’s investigation leads her to some startling discoveries—and by the time their story reaches its terrifying conclusion, the fate of Abby and Gretchen will be determined by a single question: Is their friendship powerful enough to beat the devil?

Ghoul by Brian Keene — There is something in the local cemetery that comes out at night. Something that is unearthing corpses and killing people. It’s the summer of 1984 and Timmy and his friends are looking forward to no school, comic books, and adventure. But instead they will be fighting for their lives. 

The ghoul has smelled their blood and it is after them. But that’s not the only monster they will face this summer...

The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson — Growing up in 1980s Niagara Falls--a seedy but magical, slightly haunted place--Jake Baker spends most of his time with his uncle Calvin, a kind but eccentric enthusiast of occult artifacts and conspiracy theories.

The summer Jake turns twelve, he befriends a pair of siblings new to town, and so Calvin decides to initiate them all into the "Saturday Night Ghost Club." But as the summer goes on, what begins as a seemingly lighthearted project may ultimately uncover more than any of its members had imagined.

Summer of Night (Seasons of Horror #1) by Dan Simmons — It's the summer of 1960 in Elm Haven, Illinois, and five 12-year old boys are forming the bonds that a lifetime of changes will never erase. But then a dark cloud threatens the bright promise of summer vacation: on the last day of school, their classmate Tubby Cooke vanishes.

Soon, the group discovers stories of other children who once disappeared from Elm Haven. And there are other strange things happening in town: unexplained holes in the ground, a stranger dressed as a World War I soldier, and a rendering-plant truck that seems to be following the five boys. The friends realize that there is a terrible evil lurking in Elm Haven...and they must be the ones to stop it.

Haven by Tom Deady — In 1961, the small town of Haven thought they'd gotten rid of their monster.

After a series of child killings, Paul Greymore was caught carrying a wounded girl. His face, disfigured from a childhood accident, seemed to confirm he was the monster the community hoped to banish. With Paul in prison, the killings stopped.

For seventeen years, Haven was peaceful again. But Paul served his time and has now returned to Haven--the town where he grew up, and the scene of his alleged crimes. Paul insists he didn't commit those crimes, and several townspeople believe him including the local priest, a young boy named Denny, and his best friend Billy.

Trouble is, now that Paul is back home, the bizarre killings have started again--and the patterns match the deaths from Haven's past. If Paul isn't the killer, who is?

Or WHAT is? An unlikely band of adventurers attempts to uncover the truth, delving into long-hidden tunnels that might actually be inhabited by a strange, predatory creature.

One Word Kill (Impossible Times #1) by Mark Lawrence — In January 1986, fifteen-year-old boy-genius Nick Hayes discovers he’s dying. And it isn’t even the strangest thing to happen to him that week.

Nick and his Dungeons & Dragons-playing friends are used to living in their imaginations. But when a new girl, Mia, joins the group and reality becomes weirder than the fantasy world they visit in their weekly games, none of them are prepared for what comes next. A strange—yet curiously familiar—man is following Nick, with abilities that just shouldn’t exist. And this man bears a cryptic message: Mia’s in grave danger, though she doesn’t know it yet. She needs Nick’s help—now.

He finds himself in a race against time to unravel an impossible mystery and save the girl. And all that stands in his way is a probably terminal disease, a knife-wielding maniac and the laws of physics.

Starr Creek by Nathan Carson — Set in 1986 rural Oregon, Starr Creek features Heavy Metal teens, Christian biker gangs, and hopped up kids on 3-wheeled ATVs. They all collide when strange occurrences unveil an alien world inhabiting the Oregon woods.

Inside by D. M. Siciliano — Set in 1987. Reid is a bully, but he’s still Alex’s best friend. When Reid pushes Alex and their friends into invading a historically haunted Massachusetts house, Alex knows it’s a terrible idea, but indulges his friend. What could go wrong?

Inside, a mysterious Shadow looms in the darkness. The door to the house vanishes, leaving them trapped. The group flees through the tiny, one-roomed house that defies logic, constantly shifting, presenting them with new doors, hallways, and rooms that seem to be plucked from their memories and fears. One by one, the Shadow hunts them, intent on burning them all from within.

Is there any way to escape? Or will they be burned from the inside out?

The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek by Link Neal & Rhett James McLaughlin — It’s 1992 in Bleak Creek, North Carolina—a sleepy little place with all the trappings of an ordinary Southern town: two Baptist churches, friendly smiles coupled with silent judgments, and an unquenchable appetite for pork products. Beneath the town’s cheerful façade, however, Bleak Creek teens live in constant fear of being sent to the Whitewood School, a local reformatory with a history of putting unruly youths back on the straight and narrow—a record so impeccable that almost everyone is willing to ignore the suspicious deaths that have occurred there over the past decade.

At first, high school freshmen Rex McClendon and Leif Nelson believe what they’ve been told: that the students’ strange demises were all just tragic accidents, the unfortunate consequence of succumbing to vices like Marlboro Lights and Nirvana. But when the shoot for their low-budget horror masterpiece, PolterDog, goes horribly awry—and their best friend, Alicia Boykins, is sent to Whitewood as punishment—Rex and Leif are forced to question everything they know about their unassuming hometown and its cherished school for delinquents.

Eager to rescue their friend, Rex and Leif pair up with recent NYU film school graduate Janine Blitstein to begin piecing together the unsettling truth of the school and its mysterious founder, Wayne Whitewood. What they find will leave them battling an evil beyond their wildest imaginations—one that will shake Bleak Creek to its core.

Dead Flip by Sara Farizan — Growing up, Cori, Maz, and Sam were inseparable best friends, sharing their love for Halloween, arcade games, and one another. Now it’s 1992, Sam has been missing for five years, and Cori and Maz aren’t speaking anymore. How could they be, when Cori is sure Sam is dead and Maz thinks he may have been kidnapped by a supernatural pinball machine?   These days, all Maz wants to do is party, buy CDs at Sam Goody, and run away from his past. Meanwhile, Cori is a homecoming queen, hiding her abiding love of horror movies and her queer self under the bubblegum veneer of a high school queen bee. But when Sam returns—still twelve years old while his best friends are now seventeen—Maz and Cori are thrown back together to solve the mystery of what really happened to Sam the night he went missing. Beneath the surface of that mystery lurk secrets the friends never told one another, then and now. And Sam’s is the darkest of all...

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman — Sussex, England. A middle-aged man returns to his childhood home to attend a funeral. Although the house he lived in is long gone, he is drawn to the farm at the end of the road, where, when he was seven, he encountered a most remarkable girl, Lettie Hempstock, and her mother and grandmother. He hasn't thought of Lettie in decades, and yet as he sits by the pond (a pond that she'd claimed was an ocean) behind the ramshackle old farmhouse, the unremembered past comes flooding back. And it is a past too strange, too frightening, too dangerous to have happened to anyone, let alone a small boy.

Forty years earlier, a man committed suicide in a stolen car at this farm at the end of the road. Like a fuse on a firework, his death lit a touchpaper and resonated in unimaginable ways. The darkness was unleashed, something scary and thoroughly incomprehensible to a little boy. And Lettie—magical, comforting, wise beyond her years—promised to protect him, no matter what.

Whispering Pines (Whispering Pines #1) by Heidi Lang & Kati Bartkowski — Rae’s father vanished without a trace—and Rae knows what happened to him. But no one believes her when she says that her father didn’t run off, that he was actually taken. Now, a year of therapy later, Rae’s mother decides they need a fresh start, and so they move to a new town in the hope that life can return to normal.

The problem is, there is nothing normal about the town of Whispering Pines.

No one knows this better than Caden. He’s lived in Whispering Pines his entire life, and he’s seen more than his fair share of weird—starting with his own family, as the town is the perfect home base for his mother’s ghost hunting business.

When several kids go missing and then show up like zombies with their eyes removed, many locals brush it off. Just another day in Whispering Pines. But Caden has a dark secret, one that may explain why someone is stealing eyes. And Rae, who knows how it feels to not be believed, may be just the person Caden needs to help him put things right.

Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand — On the island of Sawkill Rock, where gleaming horses graze in rolling pastures and cold waves crash against black cliffs. Where kids whisper the legend of an insidious monster at parties and around campfires.

Where girls have been disappearing for decades, stolen away by a ravenous evil no one has dared to fight… until now.

Three teenage girls who come together to face an ancient evil.

Marion: the new girl. Awkward and plain, steady and dependable. Weighed down by tragedy and hungry for love she’s sure she’ll never find.

Zoey: the pariah. Luckless and lonely, hurting but hiding it. Aching with grief and dreaming of vanished girls. Maybe she’s broken—or maybe everyone else is.

Val: the queen bee. Gorgeous and privileged, ruthless and regal. Words like silk and eyes like knives, a heart made of secrets and a mouth full of lies.

The Devouring Gray (The Devouring Gray #1) by C.L. Herman — On the edge of town a beast haunts the woods, trapped in the Gray, its bonds loosening…

Uprooted from the city, Violet Saunders doesn’t have much hope of fitting in at her new school in Four Paths, a town almost buried in the woodlands of rural New York. The fact that she’s descended from one of the town’s founders doesn’t help much, either—her new neighbours treat her with distant respect, and something very like fear. When she meets Justin, May, Isaac, and Harper, all children of founder families, and sees the otherworldly destruction they can wreak, she starts to wonder if the townsfolk are right to be afraid.

When bodies start to appear in the woods, the locals become downright hostile. Can the teenagers solve the mystery of Four Paths, and their own part in it, before another calamity strikes?

House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland — Seventeen-year-old Iris Hollow has always been strange. Something happened to her and her two older sisters when they were children, something they can’t quite remember but that left each of them with an identical half-moon scar at the base of their throats.

Iris has spent most of her teenage years trying to avoid the weirdness that sticks to her like tar. But when her eldest sister, Grey, goes missing under suspicious circumstances, Iris learns just how weird her life can get: horned men start shadowing her, a corpse falls out of her sister’s ceiling, and ugly, impossible memories start to twist their way to the forefront of her mind.

As Iris retraces Grey’s last known footsteps and follows the increasingly bizarre trail of breadcrumbs she left behind, it becomes apparent that the only way to save her sister is to decipher the mystery of what happened to them as children.

The closer Iris gets to the truth, the closer she comes to understanding that the answer is dark and dangerous – and that Grey has been keeping a terrible secret from her for years.

It by Stephen King — is about seven adults who return to their hometown to confront a nightmare they had first stumbled on as teenagers…an evil without a name: It.

Welcome to Derry, Main. It’s a small city, a place as hauntingly familiar as your own hometown. Only in Derry the haunting is real...

They were seven teenagers when they first stumbled upon the horror. Now they are grown-up men and women who have gone out into the big world to gain success and happiness. But the promise they made twenty-eight years ago calls them reunite in the same place where, as teenagers, they battled an evil creature that preyed on the city’s children.

Now, children are being murdered again and their repressed memories of that terrifying summer return as they prepare to once again battle the monster lurking in Derry’s sewers. [2]

Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero — It takes place in a small mining town in Oregon, first in 1977 where a group of kids who call themselves the Blyton Summer Detective Club have uncovered the truth behind a creature called the Sleepy Lake monster and a supposedly haunted mansion.

Years later, in 1990, the meddling kids are all grown up but are called back to that small town when the mystery resurfaces, apparently not as resolved as they had once all thought.

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury — is a dark fantasy about two 13-year-old best friends, Jim Nightshade and William Halloway, and their nightmarish experience with a traveling carnival called 'Cooger & Dark’s Pandemonium Show' that comes to their Midwestern home, Green Town, Illinois, on October 24th.

Whisper (Whispers 1) by Lynette Noni — “Lengard is a secret government facility for extraordinary people,” they told me. I believed them. That was my mistake. There isn’t anyone else in the world like me. I’m different. I’m an anomaly. I’m a monster.

For two years, six months, fourteen days, eleven hours and sixteen minutes, Subject Six-Eight-Four — ‘Jane Doe’ — has been locked away and experimented on, without uttering a single word.

As Jane’s resolve begins to crack under the influence of her new — and unexpectedly kind — evaluator, she uncovers the truth about Lengard’s mysterious ‘program’, discovering that her own secret is at the heart of a sinister plot … and one wrong move, one wrong word, could change the world.

The Lightning Tree (The NI Revolution Trilogy #1) by Lene Fogelberg — Nature finally rises against humanity.

Flora Reed discovers a lifeless body in her front yard the morning after the last day of her junior year of high school. Matters get worse when more people from her small town are found dead under mysterious circumstances and police take an interest in the boy next door, Carl.

Flora is convinced that Carl is innocent, suspecting that the deaths are somehow connected to her younger sister Fauna's tragic accident a year earlier. What she learns changes everything, and she has to race against time to prevent the killings from spreading. Flora and a small group of friends soon find themselves at the onset of an apocalyptic battle between man and nature, with no one believing their story.

The Call by Peadar Ó Guilín — is set in a unique future of Ireland—or what once was Ireland. Everyday children from as young as 10, fear the day they will get “The Call” – a point in which they are sent the Grey Lands, where they must survive being hunted by the Sidhe for twenty-four hours. Some come back alive, some dead, and some come back…different.

The story focuses mainly on Nessa, a fourteen-year-old girl with twisted legs thanks to polio. While not immune to the taunts and whispers she receives about her disability, she trains hard and is determined to prove to everyone that she can not only survive The Call, but that she deserves to be there.

All Our Hidden Gifts (The Gifts #1) by Caroline O’Donoghue — is set in an Irish town where the church’s tight hold has loosened and new freedoms are trying to take root.

It follows sixteen-year-old Maeve after she finds a deck of tarot cards while cleaning out an old closet in her Catholic school. She quickly becomes the most sought-after diviner at school.

But when Maeve’s ex–best friend, Lily, draws an unsettling card called The Housekeeper that Maeve has never seen before, the session devolves into a heated argument that ends with Maeve wishing aloud that Lily would disappear. When Lily isn’t at school the next Monday, Maeve learns her ex-friend has vanished without a trace.

The Door to December by Dean Koontz — Little Melanie had been kidnapped when she was only three. She was nine when she was found wandering the L.A. streets, with blank eyes. What had become of her in all those years of darkness... and what was the terrible secret, clutching at her soul, that she dared not even whisper?

Her loving mother and the police desperately hunted for the answer. They needed Melanie to help get to the bottom of the most savage scene of carnage the city had ever seen. And they would do anything to save her from whatever dreadful force or thing had invaded her young life. But first, they would have to save themselves from a rising tide of terror... and from an icy evil howling through The Door to December.

Infinity's Doorway by David Wind — Arren Blaine is a cop, he doesn't believe in the paranormal. He knows there is no such things as Werewolves or Shifters, until...

"Find me..." The words uttered by the mysterious woman he'd swerved off the road to miss, echo continually in Dallas policeman Arren Blaine's head as he fights to get back into the world of the living, after the almost fatal car crash.

"Find me..." So begins an odyssey of discovery that takes him far from the Dallas P.D. forensic labs and into the frightening world of the supernatural in his search for the woman who had saved his life. A woman he is destined to share eternity with, if he can find her... If he can save her...if she is even human...

Notes:

[1] — There's actually a live-action adaptation of Paper Girls on Amazon Prime, so if you enjoy the graphic novel, it’s worth checking out. This is recommended a lot to Stranger Things fans because it shares several elements that give it a similar vibe. Both feature a group of young heroes in the '80s, navigating the challenges of growing up while confronting dangers far beyond their understanding.

That said, Paper Girls stands on its own and isn’t a Stranger Things imitation, as some viewers might expect. It has its own unique tone, message, and concept, offering a different approach to the themes of friendship and adventure.

[2] — Stranger Things has many tropes inspired by Stephen King's works such as Carrie, Firestarter, It, The Mist and The Talisman (with a bit of The Body thrown in). This is why whenever someone asks for recommendations his books are always suggested.

[stellardriving]

Mastering the Road: Driving Lessons and Road Test Success in Vaughan and Maple

When it comes to learning how to drive, selecting the right driving school plays a crucial role in ensuring success on your road test and building confidence behind the wheel. For residents in Vaughan, Maple, and Woodbridge, finding the best driving school and road test preparation can be overwhelming. Whether you're gearing up for the G2 Road Test in Canada or simply looking for the best driving course in Woodbridge, it's essential to choose a driving school that offers professional training and comprehensive lesson plans tailored to your needs.

Why Choose Driving Lessons in Vaughan?

Vaughan is a growing city with a vibrant community, which means more drivers are hitting the roads every day. Taking driving lessons in Vaughan prepares you for the city’s busy streets, complex intersections, and varied driving conditions. Stellar Driving School, located in the heart of Vaughan, offers lessons that cover all aspects of driving, from defensive driving techniques to parallel parking.

The school’s certified instructors guide students through both in-class and in-car training, providing a comprehensive learning experience. This ensures that students not only pass their G2 Road Test but also develop the skills necessary to be responsible, cautious drivers in real-world situations.

 

Road Test Success: Tips and Strategies

The G2 Road Test Canada is a critical milestone in a driver's journey. It assesses a driver’s ability to handle real-world driving situations independently. Many new drivers often feel anxious about the test, but with proper preparation, you can confidently face this challenge.

Here are some essential tips for acing your G2 road test:

Practice Makes Perfect: Take your time to practice essential driving skills such as lane changes, left-hand turns, and stopping distances.

Familiarize Yourself with the Test Route: Knowing the road conditions and common traffic situations along the test route can significantly reduce test anxiety.

Stay Calm and Focused: Stay aware of your surroundings, follow road signs carefully, and maintain a safe driving speed throughout the test.

 

Driving School in Maple: What to Expect

Residents of Maple also benefit from top-notch driving instruction. A good driving school in Maple provides flexibility and convenience, allowing students to choose lesson schedules that fit their lifestyle. Whether you’re a high school student or a working professional, Stellar Driving School offers personalized programs to ensure your learning experience is both smooth and enjoyable.

Stellar Driving School uses modern teaching techniques that cater to the individual learning pace of each student. The instructors are patient and experienced, and they provide detailed feedback after each lesson, so you know exactly what areas need improvement. Maple's roads, which vary from quiet residential streets to bustling commercial areas, give students a realistic learning environment.

 

The Best Driving Course in Woodbridge

If you're in Woodbridge, you’ll be pleased to know that Stellar Driving School also offers the best driving course in Woodbridge. Learning to drive in Woodbridge is ideal for both new drivers and those looking to refresh their skills. The area’s roads offer a mix of suburban and highway driving, allowing students to experience different driving conditions.

What sets the best driving course in Woodbridge apart is the combination of classroom instruction, simulator training, and practical in-car lessons. Stellar Driving School focuses on creating confident and responsible drivers by providing extensive training that goes beyond just passing the G2 test.

 

Preparing for Your G2 Road Test in Canada

The G2 Road Test in Canada is the gateway to becoming a fully licensed driver. Stellar Driving School’s preparation programs ensure that you are ready for every challenge the road might throw at you. With the right preparation, students can overcome nervousness and take on the road with confidence.

The G2 test covers essential driving skills, including:

Navigating intersections and roundabouts

Performing smooth lane changes and merges

Observing proper stopping and following distances

Demonstrating effective use of mirrors and blind spot checks

Stellar Driving School’s instructors take students through each of these skills in a step-by-step approach, ensuring they feel confident and capable on test day.

 

Conclusion: Choosing Stellar Driving School

Whether you’re preparing for your Driving Lessons and Road Test Vaughan, looking for a driving school in Maple, or seeking the best driving course in Woodbridge, Stellar Driving School offers the experience, expertise, and professionalism you need to succeed. Their comprehensive programs, combined with skilled instructors, ensure that every student leaves the program as a responsible, confident driver.

[trikru111]

This movie was just 😍

Katherine was so talented and smart and she helped NASA and astronauts to the moon and return them safely home she also overcame racial and gender hurdles that helped make giant leaps for humankind, she proved that women can do anything that a man can do and even more.

Here is the information I've gathered about Mary Jackson 😍

Mary Jackson was born on April 9, 1921, in Hampton, Virginia..

She graduated with high honors from high School and earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and physical science from Hampton Institute in 1942.

She worked in the Langley Research Center's West Area Computing section, performing calculations that were crucial for Aeronautics research.

In 1958, she completed a training program and took graduate-level math and physics classes at an all-white high school. After completing the courses, she became NASA's first African American female engineer.

Also Mary Jackson conducted experiments in the Langley wind Tunnels and analyzed data on the effects of airflow around aircraft. Her work contributed to the understanding of air turbulence and drug forces, which helped improve the design of airplanes in spacecraft.

And Mary Jackson successfully overcame the barriers of segregation and gender bias to become NASA's first black female engineer in 1958 and the leader in ensuring equal opportunities for future generations.

Her life and career have inspired many young people to pursue their careers and STEM which is science,technology, engineering and mathematics field

Mary Jackson passed away on February 11 2015 but her legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Here is the information I've gathered about Dorothy Vaughan 😍

Dorothy Vaughan was born on September 20, 1910, in Kansas City, Missouri.

She graduated from Wilberforce university in Ohio in 1929 with a degree in mathematics

Dorothy Vaughan begin working at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics which later became NASA, in 1943 during World War ||. She was hired as a temporary worker under the Civil Service War Manpower Commissions efforts to recruit African American women to feel positions left by men who had gone to fight in the war.

She was assigned to the West Area Computing Unit, an all-African American group of female mathematicians. This group was responsible for performing complex mathematical calculations by hand, which were essential for aircraft design and other Aeronautical research.

Then in 1949 she became the first african-american woman to be promoted to a supervisory position in NASA.

As a supervisor she advocated for the women in her group, ensuring their received promotions and pay rises they deserved. She also pushed for her team to be included in training programs and new opportunities.

With the advent of electronic computers in the 1960s, she recognized the importance of learning new skills. She taught herself and her team the programming language FORTRAN, which was used for numerical and scientific calculations

Dorothy Vaughan's work laid the foundation for future generations of women and African Americans and STEM fields. She broke barriers and proved that women and minorities could excel in high technical and scientific roles.

Dorothy Vaughan passed away on November 10, 2008, but her legacy continues to inspire future generations.

The movie shows that women are capable of doing everything and that they're not just supposed to stay at home and be a baby machine no, they can do stuff that men can't without Katherine Goble they wouldn't have been able to send astronauts to the moon and return them safely that a woman's mind is miraculous and precious

Here is the information I've gathered about Kathrine Johnson 😍

Katherine Johnson was born on August 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

She showed a remarkable aptitude for math from a young age, attending high school at the age of 10 and graduating at 14, then she attended West Virginia State College where she studied mathematics and French. She graduated summa cum laude in 1937 at the age of 18

In 1953 Katherine Johnson began working at the National Advisory committee for Aeronautics as a "computer" performing complex calculations by hand. Her talent was quickly recognized, and she was assigned to work with the flight research team she calculated trajectories,launch windows, and emergency backup return paths for many early NASA missions.

Katherine Johnson received numerous awards for her work including the presidential medal of freedom in 2015

Johnson's achievement have inspired countless young people particularly women and minorities to pursue careers in STEM

Katherine Johnson passed away on February 24, 2020, at the age of 101

And here are some of my favourite quotes of the whole movie

“There are no colored bathrooms in this building, or any building outside the West Campus, which is half a mile away. Did you know that? I have to walk to Timbuktu just to relieve myself! And I can't use one of the handy bikes. Picture that, Mr. Harrison. My uniform, skirt below the knees and my heels and simple necklace pearls. Well, I don't own pearls. Lord knows you don't pay the colored enough to afford pearls! And i work like a dog day and night, living on coffee from a pot none of you want to touch! So, excuse me if i have to go to the restroom a few times a day.”

- Kathrine Johnson

And

“Oh, I'll tell you where to begin: Three negro women chasing a white police officer down a highway in Hampton, Virginia in 1961. Ladies, that there is a God-ordained miracle!”

-Mary Jackson

Katherine Johnson:how can you possibly be ogling these white men?

Mary Jackson: it's equal rights. I have the right to see fine in every color.

Overall 10/10 😍

[perfectlyyoungtimetravel]

Tech and innovation Tuesdays

Today I drew Mary Jackson! She was born on 9th of April in 1921. In Hampton,a Virgina. She graduated from highschool with the highest honors and she earned bachelor's degree in mathematics and physical science from Hampton University.Before she was recruited by NASA she taught math at an African American school in Calvert County, Maryland. There were unfortunately still segregations across the South. Then in 1943. she returned to Hampton where she became a bookkeeper at the National Catholic Community Center. In 1951. she was recruited by NASA,she started as a research mathematician at the Langley Research Center, she worked for Dorothy Vaughan in the segregated West Area Computing Section.In 1953. She accepted the offer to work for Kazimierz Czarneckl in the Supersonic Pressure Tunnel, but unfortunately she had to go undergo training to be promoted as an engineer. She needed to take graduate level courses in mathematics and physics. They offered her a night program by the University of Virginia which was held at the all white Hampton Highschool which is honestly f@#@ed up. But luckily she petitioned the City of Hampton to allow her to attend the classes and after she finished all her courses,she was finally promoted to an aerospace engineer in 1958. And she became NASA'S first black female engineer. She was awarded with:

Apollo Group Achievement Award

Daniels Alumni Award for Outstanding Service to Disadvantaged Youth

Distinguished Service Award

Langley Research Center Outstanding Volunteer Award

Langley Research Center Volunteer of the Year

Iota Lambda Sorority Award for the Peninsula Outstanding Woman Scientist

King Street Community Center Outstanding Award

National Technical Association's Tribute Award

Hampton Roads Chapter 'Book of Golden Deeds' for service

Langley Research Center Certificate of Appreciation

Congressional Gold Medal

And a satellite was named after her

She died on February 11th in 2005. Hampton, Virginia.

She was a very smart lady and she won't be forgotten

[lawyers-law-firms-12345]

What is an alternative to avoid Impaired Driving Lawyers in Vaughan

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can have severe legal consequences, impacting lives and livelihoods. Vaughan, like many other places, grapples with the repercussions of impaired driving incidents. However, there are proactive measures individuals can take to avoid the need for impaired driving lawyers and prevent such incidents from occurring.

Firstly, embracing responsible drinking habits is paramount. Moderation is key; knowing personal limits and ensuring adherence to them can significantly reduce the risk of impaired driving. It’s crucial to plan ahead and arrange for a designated driver, use public transportation, or hire a cab or rideshare service when alcohol consumption is on the cards. Apps and services facilitating safe rides home are easily accessible, providing convenient options to avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking.

Education plays a pivotal role in preventing impaired driving Vaughan can benefit from robust awareness campaigns and educational programs aimed at informing people about the perils of driving under the influence. Schools, community centres and workplaces can serve as platforms for discussions, workshops and seminars, emphasizing the legal, social, and personal consequences of impaired driving. By fostering a culture that prioritizes responsible decision-making, communities can work towards reducing incidents of DUI.

Technological advancements offer innovative solutions to curb impaired driving. Additionally, mobile apps can assist in identifying nearby transportation options, offering convenient alternatives for getting home safely.

Community engagement and support networks are invaluable. Establishing partnerships between local law enforcement agencies, community groups and businesses can promote initiatives such as safe ride programs or designated driver services. Encouraging a collective commitment to preventing impaired driving fosters a sense of shared responsibility, making communities safer for everyone.

Avoiding impaired driving isn’t just about evading legal troubles; it’s about safeguarding lives. By adopting a proactive approach cantered on awareness, education, technology, and community involvement, Vaughan can move closer to a future where impaired driving incidents become a rarity rather than a norm.

[lboogie1906]

Quiana Lynell (born April 16, 1981) is a blues and jazz singer, arranger and songwriter.

She was born in Tyler, Texas. During high school, she was in the all-state choir. She earned a BA in Vocal Performance from Louisiana State University.

She began her singing career as a classical singer and was a member of the St. James Episcopal Church choir in Baton Rouge. After meeting Janelle Brown, lead singer of the zydeco group 2 Da T, she began exploring additional musical genres, including zydeco and R&B. She has been mentored by notable artists such as Aaron Neville, Germaine Bazzle, and Wendell Brunious.

She won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, she received a recording contract with Concord Records.

She has performed with Nona Hendryx, Terence Blanchard, Jon Cowherd, Marvin Sewell, Eric Harland, Herbie Hancock, Patti Austin, Bilal, and Ledisi, and with local artists and bands in Louisiana. She performs at venues in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, including at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. She has performed with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra as a principal Soprano. She performed a tribute concert to Ella Fitzgerald, celebrating her 100th birthday. She was a featured artist with Bernard Purdie’s All-Star Shuffle, and Bobbi Humphrey, at Brooklyn Academy of Music’s R&B Festival in Brooklyn.

She released the EP Loving Me (Q Sound) and the single Baton Rouge (Q Sound). She has been a featured soloist on studio albums.

She has developed the educational program, “Made in America: Lyrically Speaking: Breaking Down Jazz, Blues, and Soul in American Music, from the Vocalist Perspective”, which has been used in clinics across the US to educate students on jazz, blues and traditional American music from the vocalist perspective. She is the founder of the running club, Musicians Run, aimed at promoting running to local musicians in Baton Rouge.

She has held several teaching positions, including as band director in elementary and middle schools. She has been a private vocal instructor and an adjunct professor at Loyola University New Orleans.

She has two children. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[brainersacademy]

Tutors On Call

Education is the key to unlocking countless opportunities and achieving success in life. To make the most out of your learning journey, having access to quality tutoring services can make a significant difference. Brainers Academy, a reputable and professionally managed teaching academy in Etobicoke, is proud to offer an exceptional tutoring experience with their specialized program - Tutors On Call. With our convenient location, we cater to students from various communities, including Etobicoke, Malton, Mississauga, Vaughan, Woodbridge, and Brampton.

Why Tutors On Call?

Personalized Learning: At Brainers Academy, we understand that each student has unique learning needs and pace. With Tutors On Call, we provide personalized one-on-one tutoring sessions that focus on addressing individual strengths and weaknesses. Our expert tutors tailor their teaching methods to match the student's learning style, creating a conducive environment for effective learning and growth.

Flexibility and Convenience: Life can be busy, and it's essential to have a tutoring service that fits your schedule. Tutors On Call offers the flexibility of choosing tutoring sessions at your preferred time. Whether it's after school, on weekends, or during holidays, our tutors are available to provide the support you need when you need it most.

Comprehensive Subject Coverage: Our Tutors On Call cover a wide range of subjects, from mathematics and science to language arts and social studies. Whether you need help with a specific subject or multiple subjects, our expert tutors are well-equipped to guide you through challenging concepts and ensure a deeper understanding of the material.

Exam Preparation and Study Skills: Preparing for exams can be overwhelming, but with Tutors On Call, you'll have the guidance and resources to excel. Our tutors not only focus on subject knowledge but also teach essential study skills, time management techniques, and exam strategies that can boost your confidence and performance during assessments.

Support for All Grade Levels: BraineRS Academy's Tutors On Call caters to students of all grade levels, from elementary to high school. Whether you're struggling with foundational concepts or seeking advanced academic challenges, our tutors have the expertise to support your educational journey at any stage.

Website URL:- https://brainersacademy.ca/

[gobeyondacademyrichmondhill-blog]

Go Beyond Academy provides the best Math Tutoring in Vaughan and help your child to improve his attitude towards math by introducing basic math skills. Tutors at Go Beyond Academy encourage your kids to solve problems involving math outside school. Enrol now! +1289-597-6906

Website: https://gobeyondacademy.com/

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Consider asking any of these crucial and pertinent questions before hiring a babysitter for your child. The responses should make you feel at ease and secure leaving your children in their care, just as they should make you feel at ease leaving your children in the hands of a childcare center. To know 5 Points To Check While Onboarding Babysitter For Your Infant visit https://childventures.ca/ or call us at 905.332.7539.

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Unit 01: Launching into Nature Interpretation

I grew up in the city of Vaughan, boasting a population of over 300,000 people as of 2017. I live in a cozy house with my family amidst a bustling neighborhood, and we have the biggest backyard on the whole street. My mom said that one reason we moved into this house was because of the large backyard, as it was good for our dog to run around in. It has a huge tree right in the center, with long, thick branches poking out of it. One summer, my stepdad helped me put up a tire swing off one of the largest branches. It would always fill with water after it rained, which was pretty often as it was a particularly rainy time. I remember swinging the tire against the tree so it would bounce off and make the water spill out of it. By the end of the summer, I didn’t spend too much time playing with the tire swing because the rainwater would annoy me a lot. Instead, I spent a lot of my time playing along the street with my neighbors. We would play grounders on the playground, go biking in the local parks, and play manhunt using our garages. Sometimes we would trade silly bands, staying out until it got dark so we could see if they actually glow in the dark. This never worked, though, because there were streetlights at every corner that never really let the sky get fully dark. Although our neighborhood had more than the average amount of greenery and parks for such a populated neighborhood in Vaughan, I don’t remember ever truly feeling a connection or appreciation for nature growing up. I was mainly surrounded by “city life”: concrete, houses, buildings, and plazas… it was rare to see a pretty sunset over a calm lake. 

I switched schools at the beginning of fifth grade. I had met a girl in my class who became my locker partner, and she convinced me to go to an all-girls overnight camp with her in the summer. I went to the camp but got placed in a younger age group. In all honesty, I never even saw my friend there. I didn’t enjoy it. I didn’t enjoy being bitten by mosquitos, I didn’t enjoy being around a bunch of younger kids, I didn’t enjoy not having the freedom to do what I wanted, I didn’t enjoy not having my friend there, I didn’t enjoy the small portions of food. One time, we did a camping trip where we canoed to an “island” and had to sleep near the lake in tents. It sounds nice, right? Nope. The counselors set up their tents on the soft sandy beach. We were stuck setting up tents further back, near the branchy forest. We didn’t have a soft cushion of sand to sleep on. I slept with a branch poking into my back. My first “immersion” into nature sucked, and I was more than ready to go home. As middle school ended, some of my friends from my extracurricular art program told me about another overnight camp they went to. Their stories were completely different than what I had heard in fifth grade: they told me about girls giving themselves piercings in the cabins. I thought that was insane… I had to see this for myself. I signed up for this camp, and at the end of August off we went! And you know what? I had a blast! Unfortunately, there were no DIY piercings. Fortunately, I spent all my time outside and LOVED it! Still do!

It was one of the first times in my life that I saw a sky full of stars. In Vaughan, there are only 3 at most. In Haliburton, my friends and I would lie on the boat dock for hours before bed just stargazing. One guy from our group even brought a $1000 telescope, and we got to see the moon and all of its craters! Another time, we jumped into the lake with our clothes on because we forgot to change into our bathing suits. During my free time, my group mates and I would explore the nearby forests and beaches, always ending our adventures with a view of the lake. I even tried tubing for the first time! So much water got in my eyes, but I did it again that same day! I was a camper here for 3 years, and a counselor for 2. I had felt a sense of place. That camp is my happy place, and the first spot I think of when I'm feeling down. The staff, the campers, and my friends were all a crucial part of that feeling. I knew I wanted to share my love of camping with others. I became a nature interpreter, leading hiking groups to introduce campers to the local ecology and beautiful landscapes. I enjoyed connecting younger generations to nature, the same way I had been.

That experience ignited a passion in me. I started seeking out camping experiences, such as back-country camping in the Bruce Peninsula and car camping at McCrae Lake. I even branched out my interest educationally, taking environmental science courses and going on to pursue higher education in environmental sustainability. I am forever thankful to my friends who convinced me to go with their crazy stories. If it wasn’t for my curiosity, I never would have ended up with such a priceless experience.

[stellardriving]

Mastering the Road: Finding the Best Driving Course in Canada with Stellar Driving School

Driving is a crucial life skill, and finding the right driving school is essential for mastering it. In Canada, where the roads and traffic regulations are unique, choosing the best driving course is vital for safe and confident driving. Whether you're searching for thebest driving course in Canada or a reliable driving school in Vaughan, it's important to select one that offers comprehensive training with experienced instructors. One such institution that stands out is the Stellar Driving School. Their expert Vaughan driving instructors are dedicated to helping students pass the G2 road test in Canada on their first attempt, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey towards obtaining a driver's license.

The Importance of a Quality Driving Course

A quality driving course does more than just prepare you for a road test; it instills safe driving habits that last a lifetime. In Canada, road conditions can vary dramatically, and a thorough understanding of driving techniques is necessary to navigate everything from city traffic to rural highways. The best driving course in Canada will cover not only the basics of vehicle operation but also advanced techniques such as defensive driving, handling adverse weather conditions, and understanding the nuances of Canadian road signs and laws.

 

Why Choose a Driving School in Vaughan?

When it comes to learning to drive in Vaughan, choosing a local driving school in Vaughan offers several advantages. Local schools are familiar with the specific road conditions and traffic patterns in the area, which is invaluable when preparing for the G2 road test in Canada. Additionally, local driving instructors can provide insights into the most common mistakes made by test-takers in Vaughan, helping students avoid these pitfalls. Stellar Driving School, for example, employs instructors who are well-versed in the local driving environment, giving students a significant edge.

 

What Makes Stellar Driving School Stand Out?

Stellar Driving School is renowned for its comprehensive driving programs and personalized instruction. Their Vaughan driving instructors are not only certified and experienced but also patient and understanding, which is crucial for new drivers who may feel anxious behind the wheel. The school’s curriculum is designed to cater to students of all skill levels, from beginners to those needing a refresher course before their G2 road test in Canada.

Stellar Driving School offers a variety of packages tailored to meet the needs of different students. Whether you're looking for a quick course to brush up on your skills or a full program that takes you from beginner to confident driver, Stellar has an option for you. Their courses include classroom instruction, on-road practice, and mock tests that closely simulate the actual G2 road test in Canada. This holistic approach ensures that students are well-prepared for all aspects of driving.

 

Preparing for the G2 Road Test in Canada

Passing the G2 road test in Canada is a significant milestone on the path to becoming a fully licensed driver. The test evaluates not only your ability to control the vehicle but also your understanding of road rules and your decision-making under pressure. Preparing for this test requires more than just practice; it requires a deep understanding of what the examiners are looking for.

Stellar Driving School's instructors are experts in preparing students for the G2 road test in Canada. They provide detailed feedback after each practice session, focusing on areas that need improvement. Students also have the opportunity to take mock tests that replicate the conditions of the actual exam, allowing them to gain confidence and reduce test-day anxiety.

 

Benefits of Learning with a Vaughan Driving Instructor

Learning with aVaughan driving instructor has its unique benefits. Local instructors have a deep understanding of the specific challenges faced by drivers in Vaughan, such as navigating busy intersections, understanding local road signs, and dealing with the area's weather conditions. This localized knowledge is invaluable when preparing for the G2 road test in Canada, as it allows students to practice in the exact conditions they will face on the day of their test.

Moreover, a Vaughan driving instructor from Stellar Driving School will guide you through the learning process at your own pace. They understand that every student is different and tailor their teaching methods to suit your learning style. This personalized approach not only makes learning more effective but also makes the experience more enjoyable.

 

Conclusion

Choosing the best driving course in Canada is a crucial decision that can greatly impact your driving skills and confidence. For those in Vaughan, Stellar Driving School offers the ideal combination of expert instruction, comprehensive course material, and personalized attention. Whether you are preparing for your G2 road test in Canada or simply looking to improve your driving skills, learning with a Vaughan driving instructor from Stellar Driving School will set you on the path to success. Remember, mastering the road is about more than just passing a test; it's about becoming a safe, confident, and responsible driver for life.