#Jonathan Majors also does an admirable job

[agneswarda]

btw I've watched Loki s2 and the most important thing I got was... Ke Huy Quan would make such a good doctor. Wow.

[topreviewin]

Bear in mind this: You're on go back and forth, and you've got got had a gargantuan night time's sleep. Greater than you'd hang at home. Sound familiar? I pronounce a kind of that has to attain with the indisputable fact that you simply are away and escaping your long-established life, nonetheless a kind of it also has to attain with the mattress itself. A amount of excessive-finish motels hang gargantuan quality mattresses that present the factual increase to your wait on nonetheless also wait on force, offering you with optimal consolation. We have tested our dazzling fragment of mattresses throughout the years, so we know exactly what makes a mattress actually feel luxurious.And without extra ado, let's factual net factual into our list for the most efficient hotel mattresses. What's the most efficient hotel mattress overall? The WinkBed mattress is the epitome of a luxurious hotel mattress. It has a plush, fluffy pillow top and a sturdy, thick hybrid building that supports all body sorts. WinkBed even affords three firmness alternatives to accommodate all drowsing positions. It also doesn't damage that the WinkBed appears admire a bed straight out of a magazine. Most piquant hotel mattress: VideoThe splendid hotel mattresses in 2023 Slumber Yard The important thing defining characteristic of the Wink bed mattress is its good, fluffy pillow top. I pronounce this can actually feel corresponding to a kind of beds you'd receive in a excessive-finish hotel. And consistent with WinkBed, it designed this mattress to emulate a hotel vogue mattress. One more standout characteristic of the WinkBed mattress is that you simply might well per chance per chance resolve your firmness level, so it fits all drowsing positions. It's seemingly you'll well per chance simply hang gotten three firmness alternatives to make a option from -- the Softer model, Luxury Firm and the Firmer model. The firmest option you might well per chance per chance resolve is the WinkBed Plus, nonetheless it absolutely's actually a separate mattress altogether and namely geared for the wants of heavier people. Basically based totally on how good and sumptuous it is, it be now not as expensive as you might well per chance per chance assume. After reductions, you are having a take into legend at splendid $1,500 for a queen-measurement, and the firm typically throws in just a few extras admire sheets and pillows.ProsA couple of firmness alternatives obtainable Namely designed after hotel mattresses Actual for all body sorts ConsNo split king option; you will must comprise two twin XL bedsShorter trial length than assorted producers on our listExtra particularsKind: Hybrid mattressFirmness: 3 firmness ranges | Softer: Medium-soft or 3 | Luxury company: Medium or 5 | Firmer: Medium-company or 7 Trial: 120 nights Guarantee: Lifetime guarantee Designate scale: $$ Jonathan Gomez The Helix Lux mattress does a correct job of emulating hotel-vogue consolation at home. The designate has six assorted beds to make a option from, which honestly rather overwhelming. Fortunately, Helix has a straightforward-to-spend sleep quiz on its net keep, which works you with the bed that is factual for you. I suspect that the large majority of people that take the quiz will finish up with either the Moonlight or the Midnight mattress on legend of they're more typically accommodating mattresses that are gargantuan for accommodating assorted drowsing positions. No topic the Lux model you are matched with, all of them near with a gargantuan pillow top. They add a zone increase coil building and you might well per chance per chance even net it with a cooling quilt, which is candy. There might be a ton to admire about the Helix Lux lineup of mattresses. The Helix Lux mattress is rather costlier than your moderate bed in a box. I pronounce you might well per chance per chance demand that factual by having a take into legend at them. You're having a take into legend at about

$1,900 for a queen measurement after factoring in reductions, nonetheless I pronounce it be unruffled a solid label, brooding about the unparalleled quality and building of the bed. ProsEasy Helix mattress quiz suits you with a bed that easiest fits your wantsThere are 5 firmness level alternatives to make a option from Accommodates all body sortsConsIt be regarded as one of the crucial more expensive beds on our list Shorter trial and guarantee length than assorted producersExtra particulars Kind: Poly foam hybrid mattressFirmness: 5 or medium Trial: 100 nights Guarantee: 15-year dinky guarantee Designate scale: $$$ The Saatva Fundamental is roughly corresponding to the WinkBed in that it has a extraordinarily good pillow top as its predominant consolation layer and it be rather supportive. The Saatva Fundamental has two separate layers of coils for extra increase, so I pronounce it is going to be a extraordinarily good option for people with wait on effort, heavy sleepers or somebody who wants those extra reinforcements.It's seemingly you'll well per chance per chance also pick your firmness level with the Saatva Fundamental. There might be a Plush At ease model, a Luxury Firm and Firm. The Luxury Firm is a pleasant pick for wait on, abdomen sleepers and a few combo sleepers. The Plush At ease is closer to a medium and correct for facet sleepers. The Firm model is a basically company bed, and splendid instantaneous to strict wait on sleepers who desire exiguous to no give. You even hang the system to amass it in a 14.5-trek profile or an 11.5-trek profile.Love the WinkBed mattress, the Saatva Fundamental is a gargantuan deal for what you are getting. A queen-measurement mattress will label you about $1700. As an different of unveiling up internal of a box, this mattress comes with complimentary white glove offer. ProsA couple of coil layers manufacture this bed extremely sturdyThree firmness ranges to resolve from Two top profiles to make a option from A couple of zoned layers for focused increase and reductionConsIt be costlier than assorted beds on our listExtra particularsKind: Hybrid mattressFirmness: 3 firmness ranges | Plush At ease: Medium or 5 | Luxury Firm: Medium-company or 7 | Firm: Firm or 9/10 Trial: 365 nights Guarantee: Lifetime guarantee Designate scale: $$$ Nolah The Nolah Evolution 15 Mattress is one other good pillow top hybrid that is supportive and sumptuous. The mattress comprises the uncommon proprietary Nolah Air Foam that you simply will splendid receive in Nolah mattressesWith the Nolah Air Foam, you net the cradling sensation of memory foam, on the different hand, the foam is also responsive. That acknowledged, it has more of a memory foam actually feel when put next with the assorted beds mentioned in our easiest hotel mattress review. It has a zoned-increase coil building admire the Helix Lux does, and it also has three assorted firmness alternatives you might well per chance per chance resolve from must you are testing.The sumptuous company model is their most well-most long-established, and that one's basically closer to a medium, so it can well per chance per chance simply unruffled work rather mighty for all people. The quilt of the Nolah Evolution 15 hybrid is a exiguous bit cool to the contact. I'd now not basically set up it in the active cooling class as our threshold for active cooling beds is excessive, nonetheless does a pleasant job at drowsing temperature just in most environments. After reductions, you are having a take into legend at $1,600 for a queen-measurement Nolah Evolution Hybrid, which in my tag makes it a gargantuan label. ProsMatches all drowsing positions (just a few firmness alternatives obtainable) Correct for all body sorts Correct at regulating temperature ConsExtra particularsKind: Memory foam hybrid Firmness: 3 firmness alternatives obtainable Trial: 120-night time trial Guarantee: Lifetime guarantee Designate Scale: $$ Nolah Nest Bedding Sparrow

Most piquant hotel mattress with generous firm insurance policies No longer surprisingly, we've got one other luxurious pillow top hybrid on our roundup of easiest hotel mattresses. It be the Nest Bedding Sparrow, and I basically slept on the unique version of this mattress for a actually very long time. While you unzip the pillow top, you will receive a thick layer of what it calls eject foam. This foam has a pleasant balance between sink, consolation and increase. It doesn't actually feel mighty admire a memory foam, and most of the people will receive it cushy. Love most in our easiest hotel mattress review, you might well per chance per chance pick and resolve your firmest level with the Nest Bedding Sparrow. However I'd suggest most of the people go along with the medium model. It might per chance per chance simply unruffled work rather mighty for all drowsing positions, nonetheless you even hang the Plush option to boot to a Firm. One contemporary characteristic of the Sparrow Hybrid is the lifetime renewal alternate program the logo affords, the keep you might well per chance per chance net a free pillow-top foam change at any point in proudly owning the mattress. Designate wise, you are having a take into legend at about $1,600 for a queen-measurement after reduce label, which puts it in a the same pricing tier to the beds we've got talked about up to now. ProsWeird lifetime renewal alternate program for the head-layer foamA couple of firmness alternatives to make a option from Matches all body sortsConsIt be rather expensive if it be now not on sale Extra particularsKind: Poly foam hybrid Firmness: 3 firmness ranges obtainable Trial: 365 nights Guarantee: Lifetime guarantee Designate scale: $$ Brooklyn Bedding The Aurora Luxe from Brooklyn Bedding is the most efficient cooling mattress that also feels admire one thing you'd receive internal a hotel. Most producers claim that their beds sleep cool, nonetheless more typically than now not that proves now to now not be accurate. However, the Aurora Luxe is an active cooling bed with a cool-to-the-contact quilt. This bed doesn't hang that gentle pillowtop actually feel admire the large majority of the beds on this list. It has more of a soft just actually feel, which factual methodology you are now not going to net that fluffy feeling which which you will likely be in a position to demand from a pillow top. However Brooklyn Bedding now not too long prior to now announced they're adding a Cloud Pillowtop option for the Aurora Luxe, and we will be making an strive it out very soon. It's seemingly you'll well per chance simply hang gotten the system to resolve your firmness level. Again, I'd factual suggest going with that medium model first. It works rather mighty for all people, nonetheless you even hang a Plush model that'll be softer, and a more impregnable option to boot. After reductions on the substandard model, you are having a take into legend at about $1,400, which makes it a pleasant label for this bed, and the most wallet-friendly bed in our easiest hotel mattress review. ProsA correct pick for sizzling sleepers on legend of of its cooling techDiversified firmness alternatives to resolve from The most reasonably priced pick on our list ConsExtra particulars Kind: Hybrid mattressFirmness: 3 firmness ranges | At ease: Medium-soft or 3 | Medium: Medium or 5 | Firm: Medium-company or 7 Trial: 120 nights Guarantee: 10-year guarantee Designate scale: $$$ How we tested the most efficient hotel mattresses CNET editors pick the merchandise and products and services we write about consistent with editorial merit. While you comprise thru our links, we might well per chance per chance simply net a price. Our CNET mattress crew has tested over 200 beds, and internal that series, a handful of mattresses stood out because the most efficient hotel mattresses. Resort mattresses are usually thick, sturdy and accommodating so they're cushy for any manufacture of guest who stays, from a tiny facet sleeper to a heavy wait on or abdomen sleeper.

The necessities for discovering the most efficient hotel mattress entails: Accommodating firmness alternativesTrue, hybrid building to accommodate all body sorts Luxurious pillow top in the consolation layer Factors to defend in mind when selecting the most efficient hotel mattressFirmness: Most motels hang mattresses with medium to medium-company firmness ranges on legend of a medium profile affords a correct balance in between supportive and force relieving. For a exact hotel-admire actually feel, decide for a bed with medium or medium-company firmness level. Despite the indisputable fact that, resolve a soft mattress if it accommodates your express wants greater. In actuality feel: Most hotel mattresses hang a just actually feel that received't flip off guests when they sleep in them, admire dense memory foam might well per chance per chance attain. They also typically comprise a pillow top, which presents a mattress an extra plush and soft actually feel. For that final 5-star hotel mattress skills, strive to amass one with a pillow top. Construction: The splendid hotel mattresses are constructed to final and increase all body sorts. That's why we hiss a hybrid mattress that mixes foam and supportive coils if you happen to deserve to develop that hotel-mattress actually feel. Resort mattress FAQs What roughly mattresses attain motels spend? Lodges typically spend hybrid mattresses that combine foam and coils on legend of they're supportive for all body sorts and longer-lasting. High-finish motels typically furnish their rooms with pillow top mattresses that add an extra layer of consolation and luxurious. Why are hotel mattresses so cushy? They are usually quality-constructed mattresses with accommodating aspects so they suit all forms of assorted guests. While you sleep greater on a hotel mattress than your comprise, it be doable yours is now not accommodating to your drowsing situation, body kind or it be outlasted its lifespan. What's the most efficient hotel mattress to amass? After testing many different beds, our crew stumbled on these mattresses emulate the feel of a hotel mattress most:WinkBed mattressSaatva FundamentalHelix Lux mattresses Nolah Evolution 15Nest Bedding Sparrow Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Lux

[matthew-carver]

✴ Welcome Aboard ✴

THIS IS A ROLEPLAY BLOG & A SELF-INSERT. Blog heavily inspired by @betteredbriston Matty's carrd [Admin uses He/Him]

Character Plotline

Matthew Carver, or Matty, he is the older brother of Jason Carver. He attended Hawkins High, and after graduating he began majoring in medicine, having a part-time job as a nurse. He is also a closeted bisexual, none really knowing besides his close friends. His hobbies are reading, poetry, writing, swimming & baking. He is nicknamed the nicer Carver Brother since he has a more shy and reserved personality than his brother. Read more to discover.

NSFW DESCRIPTION

Matthew is into more vanilla sex but isn't scared to try anything new. He is also a switch but more dom-leaning. He also has an average length.

Description Regarding Looks

Hair Length, Color & Style? He has dirty blonde hair that is short-ish. He styles it differently every day.

Eye color? He has green-blue eyes.

Height, Body Type? He is around 6'2, taller than his brother. He also is decently fit, having some visible muscles and abs.

Dumpy or not? He has a decent dumpy, its also kinda visible, depending on clothes.

Features like freckles, birthmarks, etc? He has no freckles but he does have birthmarks.

Characters Relations To Him [Mainly His View]

Jason Carver - Younger brother, Close bond.

Chrissy Cunningham - Friends [Mainly cause of Jason & Hers relationship]

Eddie Munson - Acquaintance, doesn't really have an issue with him.

Steve Harrington - Close friend, romantically involved

Jonathan Byers - Friends, old romance

Carol Perkins - Ex-girlfriend, dated briefly.

Tommy Hagan - Friends.

Billy Hargrove - Admires him.

Nancy Wheeler - Close friend, small crush.

Robin Buckley - Close friends.

Other characters will be added eventually.

Titles For Characters When Interacting

Lil Bro - Jason Carver

Bros Girl - Chrissy Cunningham

DND Dude - Eddie Munson

My Man Stevie - Steve Harrington

Camera Bro - Jonathan Byers

Ex yikes - Carol Perkins

Nancy My Beloved - Nancy Wheeler

Surfer Purfer - Billy Hargrove

Robin Sweetie - Robin Buckley

Other PPL - Anons or self inserts

Feel free to RP with me as long as you are not a minor! I do both nsfw and sfw.

[linskywords]

criminal-minds-fanfiction wrote a bunch of questions for authors that you’re supposed to let people ask you, buuuut I felt like answering all of them instead of doing my actual job this afternoon. 😄 Here we go:

1) How old were you when you first starting writing fanfiction?

Like 25 maybe? I started writing about a year after I started reading it. I had a fanfiction-deprived adolescence, y’all.

2) What fandoms do you write for and do you have a particular favourite if you write for more than one?

The hockey boys pulled me in years ago and they haven’t let me go. I do sometimes write other things: I almost always participate in Yuletide, and I’ve actually written a bunch of Animorphs fic under a different name (ask me if you want to see it!). Mostly hockey RPF, though.

3) Do you prefer writing OC’s or reader inserts? Explain your answer.

Haha neither. Well, I guess OC’s, if I had to choose -- I don’t read or write reader inserts. But I tend to keep OC’s for original fiction.

4) What is your favourite genre to write for?

I was very confused about fic having genres before I realized this was probably referring to the genre of the canon works. Um...sports. :D

5) If you had to choose a favourite out of all of your multi chaptered stories, which would it be and why?

Don’t make me choose my favorite child. Um, probably the first wolfverse story -- I don’t know if it’s the best one, but I’m very grateful to it for starting the ‘verse!

6) If you had to delete one of your stories and never speak of it again, which would it be and why?

None of them, if that’s an option. If I really had to choose...probably the Kirk/Spock fic I never finished even after uploading it to AO3 and promising to finish it this time. I still want to finish it!! But it would be the first to go.

7) When is your preferred time to write?

I don’t have a strong preference. Afternoon/evening. I like having multi-hour blocks, and I use the Forest app to keep me off my phone while I do it.

8) Where do you take your inspiration from?

Plot bunnies come from all over the place: random thoughts, memes, real-life conversations, suggestions from other fandom people. I tend to have a pretty strong “THIS IS A STORY I WANT TO WRITE” response when something grabs me the right way.

9) In your xxx fic, what’s your favourite scene that you wrote?

Haha this is probably why I’m not supposed to just answer all of these in order. XD I’ll answer for my current WIP: the scene where Geno kisses Sid for the first time. So soft. So angsty. 😈 (My own story has cursed me to love Geno. I am doomed.)

10) In your xxx fic, why did you decide to end it like that? Did you have an alternative ending in mind?

In general: I know how my stories are going to end when they start. Sometimes it does evolve a bit as I write. One thing I’d like to play with is including more of the main characters being together at the end of the story, instead of ending it at the moment when they get together; the latter makes sense from a tension perspective, but I’ve been finding when I read lately that I want more of the happy times at the end, so I’m going to try to move in that direction.

11) Have you ever amended a story due to criticisms you’ve received after posting it?

Only for typos, I think.

12) Who is your favourite character to write for? Why?

Ooooh. Either Patrick Kane or Jonathan Toews. There’s something so compelling to me about Patrick’s fanon voice. And every love interest in every original story I try to write is Jonny.

13) Who is your least favourite character to write for? Why?

I...don’t really write about characters I don’t like? I wish Auston Matthews would shave his mustache.

14) How did you come up with the title for the xxx? - You can ask about multiple stories.

About fifty percent of the titles I come up with are desperate scrambles because I’ve got nothing. The other fifty percent I have a perfect song lyric for from the start.

15) If you write OC’s, how do you decide on their names?

I only write OC’s in original fiction, but: I’ve been phonebanking lately, and I’ve been writing down all the good names I come across. The best so far is someone with the last name Quackenboss.

16) How did you come up with the idea for xxx?

MAGIC.

17) Post a line from a WIP that you’re working on.

Oh...oh no. Um.

“It doesn’t matter what he was thinking about. His knot popped; that’s the important thing.”

Some of you can probably guess what that’s about. :)

18) Do you have any abandoned WIP’s? What made you abandon them?

Mostly on my computer. I have a lot of beginnings of stories I haven’t finished yet; many of them I’ll probably go back to. I tend not to post things until I’m done or close to done with them. (That one Star Trek fic being an exception. Mea culpa.)

19) Are there any stories that you’ve written that you’d really love to do a sequel to?

YES. The 1988 timer one and the 1988 story where Patrick’s a girl who sneaks onto the Blackhawks in disguise. I’d love to do a Bennguin version of both of those.

20) Are there any stories that you wished you’d ended differently?

Hm. Some of them I think I rushed a little. More Than I Could Ever Promise, I think it needs a good old-fashioned battle scene in the mountains at the end to really round out the plot.

21) Tell me about another writer(s) who you admire? What is it about them that you admire?

Have I mentioned astolat? What, only two or three hundred times? I should mention her again, then. Give me that woman’s ability to plot. Inject it into my veins.

22) Do you have a story that you look back on and cringe when you reread it?

Haha. I often have slightly cringy moments in my old stories. You Made My Life an Adventure, I definitely didn’t really know what I was doing yet...

23) Do you prefer listening to music when you’re writing or do you need silence?

I usually listen to music.

24) How do you feel about writing smutty scenes?

Turned on.

25) Have you ever cried whilst writing a story?

Yes. The sequel to My Heart Forgets to Beat.

26) Which part of your xxx fic was the hardest to write?

The Sid/Geno wolfverse story I’m working on now is maybe the hardest thing I’ve ever written. The language barrier is such a new challenge for me.

27) Do you make a general outline for your stories or do you just go with the flow?

I don’t formally outline, but I tend to have a sense of the major plot beats. One reason I love writing fic is that the plot and world tend to be straightforward enough for that. I have a lot more trouble doing that with original fiction.

28) What is something you wished you’d known before you started posting fanfiction?

This will radically reduce the amount of time I spend writing original fiction.

29) Do you have a story that you feel doesn’t get as much love as you’d like?

Like You Have a Secret I think is less read than some of the others because it’s het, but I really love it. Similarly, some of my stories that are inspired by other works (Tangled, Doctor Who, The Giver) tend to be read less because people think they need to know the source material, when really I deviate from the source material so much it’s not important.

30) In contrast to 29 is there a story which gets lots of love which you kinda eye roll at?

Huh. Probably not. I’m definitely surprised when some stories take off -- Kinda Narrows It Down I wrote pretty quickly, on a whim, and I was surprised by the extent to which it resonated with people. Turns out lots of people think Tyler was coming out in that tweet. XD

31) Send me a fic recommendation and I’ll post it for my followers to see! (The asker is to send the rec not the answerer)

Ooh. Ignoring the terms of this question, but: I just read this TK/Patty story and loooved it. It’s a different take on werewolves than the one I use in wolfverse, and it’s super compelling:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24029188

32) Are any of your characters based on real people?

Hahahahahaha. (I mean...less so than you might think.)

33) What’s the biggest compliment you’ve gotten?

I absolutely love it when people write screaming flaily responses to my fic. Also anytime anyone says that they’ve been having a tough time and my story was exactly what they needed. Maybe my favorite was the responses to More Than I Could Ever Promise that told me it read like a novel; that meant a lot to me right then.

34) What’s the harshest criticism you’ve gotten?

Fandom is amazing; people almost never give me concrit. I did have someone ask once if I randomly chose when to stop writing and just ended my stories there. I was pretty offended, since of course that’s not true at all, but I can see where they were coming from: my stories tend to wrap up after the characters get together, and sometimes there’s a lot of potential story left to tell at that point. But stories have to end sometime.

35) Do you share your story ideas with anyone else or do you keep them close to your chest?

I tend to share them! I find other people’s enthusiasm to be strongly motivating, and sometimes people have awesome suggestions I wouldn’t have thought of.

36) Can you give us a spoiler for one of your WIP’s?

Well, I only have the one. XD Sid...is about to have an important conversation with Mario.

37) What’s the funniest story you’ve written?

Ooh, I’m not sure I’m the write person to answer! No idea, really. My recent TK/Patty is probably pretty funny. Or maybe Quality Time, where Patrick doesn’t understand why he keeps losing track of time when he’s cuddling with Jonny. Anything with a super dumb protagonist, probably.

38) If you could collab with any other writer on here, who would it be? (Perhaps this question will inspire some collabs!) If you’re shy, don’t tag the blog, just name it.

Wow, I have no idea. I’ve never really written a story with someone, so I’m not sure how that would work. I want to say astolat again but honestly I’d be too intimidated.

...no, I’m gonna say astolat. Even if I made a fool of myself I think I would learn a ton.

39) Do you prefer first, second or third person?

Third. For some original stuff I like first person, but third feels right for the hockey boys.

40) Do people know you write fanfiction?

My close friends do. Most of my friends have the vague idea I write fic, but they don’t know my username or anything.

41) What’s you favourite minor character you’ve written?

Patrick Sharp. No question.

42) Song fic - What made you decide to use the song xxx for xxx.

I will legit listen to a new album with a doc open to write down promising lyrics. Titles are HARD, y’all.

43) Has anyone ever guessed the plot twist of one of your fics before you posted it?

I think people guessed where the Tangled fic was going. Though I also liked the guesses that it would be about Patrick’s mullet. XD I don’t really mind when people guess twists -- in the kind of story I write, it’s more about the experience of reading it than about surprise!

44) What is the last line you wrote?

“His parents have always been very respectful of any choices Sid’s wanted to make. They haven’t pried into his private life when he’s tried to set boundaries. But they’re wolves, and they know him a lot better than Jordy does. Sid isn’t going to be able to keep it a secret from them what he’s going through.”

...no guarantee it survives in that form. :D

45) What spurs you on during the writing process?

Getting the story out of my head and into reality! Spoon out that lake, baby.

I also do love the prospect of posting it for people to enjoy and respond to. It’s one of the reasons I find fic so much more rewarding than original fiction, where the timeline to a readership is so much longer.

46) I really loved your xxx fic. If you were ever to do a sequel, what do you think might happen in it?

Things, probably.

47) Here’s a fic title - insert a made up title. What would this story be about?

This exercise might be going off the rails a bit. (If anyone does want to pose this to me, feel free!)

48) What’s your favourite trope to write?

Ooh. Mutual pining. Friends to lovers. Werewolves. :D

49) Can you remember the first fic you read? What was it about?

The first fic I ever, ever read was a random Kirk/Spock one I found through google, and I was like “OMG IS THIS WHAT AROUSAL FEELS LIKE”

50) If you could write only angst, fluff or smut for the rest of your writing life, which would it be and why?

Oh man. Angst, as long as it can have a happy ending. But it just wouldn’t be the same without the smut.

[citizenscreen]

On September 8, 1930, in the midst of the Great Depression, the world was introduced to Blondie Boopadoop, a dizzy blonde flapper created by Murat Bernard ‘Chic’ Young. Blondie debuted in newspapers across the country on that day. She was Chic Young’s fourth strip featuring a young woman, but this was the one to catch fire and eventually become iconic in the world of comics and media at large. It is hard to believe that the blonde hero of blissful domesticity turns 90 and that her stories remain tops with audiences the world over.

Blondie’s early days featured the star popular in dating circles. Her courtships made for several storylines. Blondie’s main squeeze, however, was bumbling playboy Dagwood Bumstead, son of millionaire industrialist, J. Bolling Bumstead. Dagwood introduced Blondie to his ill-natured father in the very first strip announcing their plans to marry. The elder Bumstead was aghast that his son would be interested in a woman of Blondie’s lowly social status.

For the next couple of years, the Blondie comics centered on the couple’s struggles to get the Bumsteads to agree to the pairing. Blondie does everything imaginable to no avail. In the meantime, she also entertains several other admirers – although Dagwood was never far away. With readership dwindling, Chic Young and the comic’s distributer, King Features Syndicate, decided Blondie and Dagwood should finally get married and in February 1933 they did much to the chagrin of the Bumsteads who disowned their son and heir. Mr. and Mrs. Bumstead only grudgingly acknowledged the union because Dagwood went on a hunger strike that lasted over 28 days spotlighted by daily coverage and countdowns that helped circulation. Every day people tuned in to see how Dagwood was doing on the hunger strike. After all, one of his favorite pasttimes has always been eating. One of my favorite Blondie scenes is of Dagwood emerging from his bed after the hunger strike to reveal loads of dishes under the covers.

It was after the marriage of the disinherited blissfully happy Dagwood and the carefree vivacious Blondie took place that audiences truly warmed to their humorous domestic escapades. Blondie and Dagwood became a happy family whose troubles reflected those of the readers’ in many ways. The couple started their married life penniless, as were most during the Depression, which lent itself to many enjoyable scenes. First Dagwood’s need to find work made great stories and eventually so did his relationship with his boss Mister Dithers. However, the charms of Blondie the strip relied on the couple’s home life and its place in the pantheon of all things domestic comedy, which was a revolutionary one at that as Chic Young insisted that the young Bumsteads share a double bed, not the twin beds audiences saw on all other domestic stories in media. (loc.gov) In fact, the Bumsteads did not share a bed in their movie incarnations.

As the strip continued its run, Blondie and Dagwood changed as did their family. Blondie, who started as an airhead of sorts, became the Bumstead voice of reason and Dagwood became the flake to whom all things happen. Part of Dagwood’s charm is he remains a child of sorts, an innocent whose zany antics we cannot get enough of and all because he can’t seem to get things quite right. Except his sandwich, which is a masterpiece every single time.

On April 15, 1934, the couple welcomed their first child, Baby Dumpling (later Alexander) who received almost as much media attention as baby Ricardo on “I Love Lucy” two decades later. Except without the power of television.

In 1941, Blondie and Dagwood welcomed a daughter, Cookie, whose name was chosen by hundreds of thousands of submissions in a contest run by Chic Young. Blondie’s popularity soared when the Bumsteads became a family in earnest in their home in Joplin, Missouri, including Daisy (family dog and Dagwood’s best friend) and the pups. At the height of its popularity, Blondie rivaled Peanuts. No doubt, this creation by Chic Young is one of the all-time greats in the pantheon of comic strips. I would say a masterpiece people have enjoyed for its love conquers all stories and wonderful drawings. It has been one of my favorites for years.

Aside from daily strips and Sunday editions, the Bumsteads have enjoyed comic book popularity as well with seven versions spanning from 1947 to 1976.

  As you probably know Blondie’s popularity jumped to screens and the airwaves as well. As far as the movies go, the story is that as the strip’s popularity grew, Columbia Pictures’ boss Harry Cohn decided that the characters had potential for a B-picture or two so he signed a deal with Chic Young. The result was a 28-picture, 12-year run between 1938 and 1950. All twenty-eight movies star Penny Singleton as Blondie and Arthur Lake as Dagwood. The first and best is Frank Strayer’s Blondie. Strayer directed more than a dozen of the Blondie pictures.

Some of the signature gags from the strip made it into the movies such as Dagwood running into the mailman every morning as he is late for work causing the mail to fly all over the place. That happened early in all of the movies welcoming devoted fans to the hijinks of their favorite family. Following Dagwood’s signature,” Blondieeeeee.” Dagwood’s legendary sandwich also made its way into every single one of the movies and into Webster’s New World Dictionary.

The first movie in the series sees the Bumsteads about to celebrate their fifth anniversary, but money troubles ensue. They have money troubles often in their history. In fact, the Bumstead budget, as Blondie mentions in one of the movies, is the pulse of the family. Dagwood asks for a raise from Mr. Dithers (Jonathan Hale), owner of the J. C. Dithers Construction Company, with whom Dagwood is always at odds just like in the strip. Blondie, on the other hand, orders new furniture (from an uncredited Charles Lane) since they just finished paying off other furniture. Her logic is impeccable, a logic inherited by an almost-too-cute Baby Dumpling (Larry Simms). Dagwood loses his job after getting into a jam at work, but makes up for it by wooing a wealthy businessman (Gene Lockhart) into investing with the Dithers Company.

Staying true to the comic strip, Blondie (1938) features several of the same characters throughout the series played by the same actors. Aside from Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake, Larry Simms plays Baby Dumpling in all of the movies. He was so popular in the role that he was credited as “Baby Dumpling” in Frank Capra’s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) where he plays the Hopper Boy. Marjorie Ann Mutchie (as Marjorie Kent) makes her debut as Cookie Bumstead in Frank Strayer’s It’s a Great Life (1943), the thirteenth movie in the series and one of the few without “Blondie” in the title. More on that later.

Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake as Blondie and Dagwood in the first movie in the Blondie series

Rounding out the regulars that make up the Bumstead family is Daisy, the cocker Spaniel/Poodle/Terrier mix whose real name was Spooks and plays the Bumstead’s trusted pooch with flair. Spooks appeared in a good number of movies in character parts, but is best remembered as Daisy. The prolific Willie Best appears as a porter in the first movie and does what he can with the stereotypical part he is given. Best plays varied roles throughout the series and remains mostly uncredited. Fay Helm appears in several Blondie movies as Mrs. Fuddle, neighbor to the Bumsteads and Blondie’s best friend. Danny Mummert plays her son Alvin, Baby Dumpling’s nemesis.

The Blondie movies are typical B-fare. They are fun, perfect for Saturday mornings, but substance is hard to come by. There are a few hearty laughs like the one in Blondie with the talking scale in the hotel men’s bathroom. It advertises your favorite radio voice will talk to you and when it does, it tells Dagwood he’s a loser.

Probably the best part of the series, however, are the actors that appear throughout. If you are a fan of the great character players you’ll get to see the likes of Donald Meek, John Qualen, Edgar Kennedy, William Frawley, and Mary Wickes to name a few. Many future major Columbia stars also make appearances. I was quite surprised to see Rita Hayworth, for instance, play prominently in Blondie on a Budget (1940). She is an old friend of Dagwood’s who plays right into Blondie’s jealous hands. When Blondie was not trying to finagle the family budget in order to buy something, she spent her time worrying that Dagwood would leave her for another woman.

  Larry Simms, Penny Singleton, Arthur Lake and Rita Hayworth in BLONDIE ON A BUDGET

The Blondie movie series ended with Edward Bernds’ Beware of Blondie (1950) where we see Dagwood in charge of the Dithers Construction Company while the boss is on vacation. You can just imagine how well that goes. Adele Jergens plays Miss Clifton, a con woman who takes advantage of Dagwood’s innocence to get to Dithers’ money. Of course, all turns out fine in the end with one important resolution to the series to close out a continuous loop. The mailman (Dick Wessel) decides to end Dagwood running into him finally by delivering the Bumstead mail on his own time at night. No more dirty uniforms. No more bruises. No more scattered mail. Unfortunately, the day he decides to do his first night delivery is tax day and guess who runs out of the house to mail his taxes at the last minute.

By the time Beware of Blondie was made the stories were stretched thin. The familiar Bumstead elements held the movies together as the family survived all sorts of domestic misadventures. According to AFI, Columbia had lost interest in the series after the first fourteen installments. They released two movies without Blondie’s name in the title and stopped producing the series in 1943. However, audiences wanted more and production resumed for another fourteen movies making this series the longest in terms of pictures to date. When the Blondie pictures ceased altogether in 1950, Columbia intended to replace it with another comic strip series, but that fell way short at the box office forcing the studio to reissue all 28 Blondie pictures.

Penny Singleton, Arthur Lake, Larry Simms, and Marjorie Kent in the final picture in the series

America’s love affair with Blondie, Dagwood and the gang was not limited to movies, as we well know. The comic strip continued to strong readership and between 1939 and 1950, Blondie was also heard on radio. Arthur Lake played Dagwood in this version as well with Penny Singleton replaced by Alice White, Patricia Van Cleve and Ann Rutherford at various times. Blondie originally aired on CBS with Camel Cigarettes as its sponsor and later moved to NBC and Super Suds. Lake and Singleton made an appearance as Blondie and Dagwood on The Bob Hope Show following the 1938 release of the first movie, which led to their own show as a summer replacement for The Eddie Cantor Show. They originally aired on Monday evenings at 7:30 and just as the strip helped Depression-era audiences forget their troubles, the radio show helped them through World War II. Enjoy the following episodes of Blondie out of the funnies and into your homes…

From October 1939, “Dagwood Buys a New Suit”

https://ia800201.us.archive.org/13/items/OtrBlondie/Bd1939-10-30018DagwoodBuysANewSuit.mp3

  From April 1940, “The Gypsy Queen”

https://ia800201.us.archive.org/13/items/OtrBlondie/Bd1940-04-22043TheGypsyQueen.mp3

  From March 1944, “Abbott and Costello with Blondie and Dagwood”

https://ia800201.us.archive.org/13/items/OtrBlondie/Bd1944-03-02AbbottCostelloWBlondieDagwood.mp3

  From July 1944, “Plumbin Problems”

https://ia800201.us.archive.org/13/items/OtrBlondie/Bd1944-07-21PlumbingProblems.mp3

  From May 1945, “Socialite Blondie”

https://ia800201.us.archive.org/13/items/OtrBlondie/Bd1945-05-27SocialiteBlondiesocialAspirations.mp3

  From July 1947, “Three Week’s Vacation”

https://ia800201.us.archive.org/13/items/OtrBlondie/Bd1947-07-27ThreeWeeksVacation.mp3

  Unlike radio and the movies, attempts to bring Blondie to television proved unsuccessful. Its power were in the mediums already discussed, but it’s at least worth a mention that those in charge thought enough of the characters and their stories to give them several attempts at TV productions. The first such attempt, Blondie, premiered on January 4, 1957 on NBC and ran for one season. Pamela Britton starred as Blondie with Arthur Lake reprising his famous role once again. Stuffy Singer, Florenz Ames, Ann Barnes, and Harold Peary were also in the cast. In 1968, CBS gave Blondie a turn with The New Blondie, which also ran for one season. Patricia Harty and Will Hutchins star as Blondie and Dagwood in this version with real-life married couple Jim and Henny Backus as Mr. and Mrs. Dithers with Pamelyn Ferdin and Peter Robbins playing the Bumstead kids. As you can tell from the short run of both series, neither managed to capture the charm of the Bumsteads the other versions of their stories did.

Chicago native Chic Young drew Blondie seven days a week from 1930 until his death in 1973 producing more than 15,000 strips. His legacy, continued by his son Dean Young, is one of warmth and humor and home. No matter the decades that have passed, people still visit with the Bumsteads – 90 years after meeting them. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for the laughter during difficult times.

Chic Young’s BLONDIE turns 90! On September 8, 1930, in the midst of the Great Depression, the world was introduced to Blondie Boopadoop, a dizzy blonde flapper created by Murat Bernard 'Chic' Young.

[fanwarriorfictions]

One-

A Stranger Things Fanfic

Chapter Five- Part Three

Phina and Nancy make their way to the field, hearing Jonathan's gun going off. Once they get to the grassy area, they see him shooting at some cans set up on tree stumps.

Phina smiles at her friend as he misses every single shot. Nancy also smiles in amusement.

"You're supposed to hit the cans, right," Nancy asks as they get closer.

Jonathan looks at the girls and smiles, "no actually, you see the spaces between the cans? I'm aiming for those."

"Well then you're a perfect shot Jonathan," Phina smirks sarcastically.

He does a little fake bow, making Phina snort. She loved when he was sarcastic, he learned it all from her.

Nancy sets her things down, Phina following suit. Jonathan starts to reload the gun.

"You ever shot a gun before," he asks Nancy.

Nancy laughs, "have you met my parents."

Jonathan snorts, "yeah, I haven't shot one since I was ten. My dad took me hunting on my birthday, he made me kill a rabbit."

"A rabbit," Nancy asks.

"Yeah," he shrugs, "guess he thought it would make me into more of a man or something. I cried for a week."

"I remember that, I went over and had to take all of your meals to your room cause you wouldn't leave," Phina says.

"Jesus," Nancy whispers.

Jonathan looks at her, "I'm a fan of thumper."

"I meant your dad," she says, sighing a little.

"Yeah. Lonnie's a real PoS," Phina laughs, "doesn't care about anyone but himself."

Jonathan nods, "yeah, I guess he and my mother loved each other at some point. But I wasn't around for that part."

Nancy gestures for him to hand her the gun and he looks down awkwardly, "yeah, just uh, point and shoot."

Nancy nods and takes the gun, "I don't think my parents ever loved each other."

"Must of married for some reason," Jonathan says.

Nancy raises the gun up, "my mom was young, my dad was older, but he had a cushy job, money, came from a good family. So, they bought a nice house at the end of a cul-de-sac, and they started their nuclear family."

Jonathan shakes his head, taking a glance at Phina who just nods, "screw that."

"Yeah." Nancy closes one eye to aim. "Screw that."

She shoots, the bullet hitting one of the cans. She smiles and looks at Jonathan, who smiles back. Phina looks in between the two of them with a wide smile. Perfect.

-

The three teens walked through the forest, Phina leading about twenty feet ahead. Nancy and Jonathan hung back, together, and Phina didn't mind one bit. She looked around the forest ahead of her, admiring its beauty. By now, almost every single tree had lost all of their leaves, which now crunched beneath Phina's boots.

Phina sighed, she loved being in the forest, it brought her a comfort that couldn't be found anywhere else, it even soothed her ever on going headache. Something about the way the trees reached for the sky, as if grasping for heaven, with its claws out. The roots of the tree shielding her from the damned below.

Not to mention the colors. Her artists soul yearned for any and all color she could find, the forest bloomed with it. Even this deep into fall, the fiery oranges and reds calling out to her fiery heart. She wish she had her sketchbook and her colored pencils. She'd capture the essence of its beauty on a page.

She was brought out of her mind by the sound of Nancy's voice, "you never said what I was saying."

"What," Jonathan asks her, confused.

"Yesterday, you said I was saying something, and that's why you took my picture," she explains.

"Oh, I don't know," he says, flustered, "I guess I saw this girl, you know, trying to be someone else. But in that moment, it was like you were alone, or, you thought you were. You know, you could just be yourself."

Silence, and then Nancy speaks, "that is such bullshit!"

Phina turns around as Jonathan says, "what?"

They had all stopped, and Nancy turned to Jonathan, "I am not trying to be someone else. Just because I'm dating Steve and you don't like him."

Jonathan shakes his head and starts walking again, "you know what, forget it. I just thought it was a good picture."

Nancy walks after him, "he is actually a good guy."

"Ok," Jonathan says sarcastically.

"Yesterday, with the camera." They both stop again. "He's not like that, at all. He was just being protective."

"Yeah, that one word for it," Jonathan says, waking away again.

Phina rolls her eyes as Nancy says, "oh and I guess what you did was ok?"

"No, I never said that," he defends himself.

"He has every right to be pissed," Nancy shouts at him.

Jonathan stops again and turns around, "ok, alright, does that mean I have to like him?"

Nancy stops, "no."

"Listen, don't take it so personally ok," he says and steps towards her, "I don't like most people. He's in the vast majority."

He turns and walks away, again. How long are they gonna play this stupid game? Phina groans to herself.

Nancy looks around, "you know, I was actually starting to think you were ok."

Jonathan stops, again, "yeah?"

"Yeah," Nancy answers, "yeah. I was thinking, Jonathan Byers, maybe he's not the pretentious creep everyone says he is."

"Guys," Phina groans, trying to stop their stupid bickering, she was getting irritated now.

Jonathan starts to walk back towards Nancy, "oh I was just staring to think you were ok. I was thinking, Nancy Wheeler, maybe she's not just another suburban girl, that thinks she rebelling by doing exactly what every other suburban girl does, until that phase passes and they marry some boring one time jock who now works sales, who lives out her perfectly boring life at the end of a cul-de-sac, exactly like their parents who they thought were so depressing."

"Would both of you shut the hell up! Right now, you both suck, and I couldn't give a damn about who's wrong or right. I'm out here to find whatever took Will and Barb, so save your petty bullshit for the high school where all these stupid little arguments belong. Got it! Good," Phina yells at them fed up with their crap.

They look at her like scolded children, both of them nodding.

"Now shut the hell up and look for this gods damned thing," she growls and turns on her heel in the direction they were previously walking.

They follow her with their heads down, not noticing the shift in the trees. Not noticing how the branches coiled and uncoiled, copying the motion of Phina's clenching and unclenching fist.

-

Night time had fallen, and Phina had slowed down to be next to her sister and Jonathan, for safety. They pointed their flashlights ahead, walking and listening to the forest around them.

Phina stopped, listening to a noise she had heard. Nancy stops to, also hearing the noise.

Jonathan turns to the girls, more so towards Nancy, "what, are you tired?"

"Shut your sarcastic ass up Byers," Phina whispers, listening harder.

"What," Jonathan asks, a little shocked at her words.

Nancy sushes him, "I heard something."

Phina nods, pointing her light in the direction the noise is coming from. She walks towards it and the other two follow.

The noise becomes clearer, a distressed and painful whimper. As they got closer, Phina felt her heart painfully lurch.

A deer lays on its side, injured, bleeding everywhere. Phina covers her mouth, to keep a small cry from escaping. She kneels down next to the doe, reaching a hand out to stroke her.

Nancy kneels besides her, "it's been hit by a car."

Phina nods, tears building in her eyes.

Nancy looks back at Jonathan, "we can't just leave it."

Nancy grabs the gun she had sat down and looks at it, Phina shifts back a little as her sister aims.

"I'll do it," Jonathan says, noting Nancy's distraught face.

"I," she starts to protest, remembering his story from earlier.

He grabs the gun, "I'm not nine anymore."

Phina looks into the animals eyes, you'll be ok. The animal stares back, an almost thankful look in its eyes. Then it's being pulled back, almost to quickly for Phina's eyes to process. She falls backwards and into her sister, who helps her up from the ground.

They all breathe heavily, "what was that?"

"I'm willing to bet that's what we came here for. Come on," Phina waves, tracking the trail of blood the deer left behind.

The other two hesitate, glancing at each other before following. The blood on the leaves glisten in Phina's light. Jonathan and Nancy shine their lights around, Jonathan holding the gun up as well.

The trail suddenly stops, making Phina stop and look around.

"Where did it go," Nancy asks shakily.

"I don't know," Jonathan breathes, "Do you see any more blood."

"The trails gone, like it vanished into thin air," Phina answers.

Phina turns and walks away from the two, Nancy almost doesn't notice, but when she does, she follows. Jonathan, unfortunately, doesn't notice.

Phina shines her light on a tree, for some reason, it calls to her. At the base of to tree is a hole, which emits a low noise that sounds more like a growl than anything.

"Phina, what are you..."

Nancy looks at the tree and then at her sister. They creep slowly over to the tree, bending down to look at it. A gooy substance is all over it, and blood. The girls look at each other, the same question on there mind, should we go in?

"Jonathan," Nancy shouts, but they had gone to far, he couldn't hear them.

"What could go wrong," Phina shrugs, she's read enough horror novels to know those where the most fatal words she could've said, but, she didn't give a damn.

She starts to climb into the whole, a sputtering Nancy going after her. They climb through the tunnel, coming out on the other side. Phina helped Nancy up and looked around.

It looked like the forest they were just in, but different, more sinister. Particles float around them in the air, the color of the forest void. It felt utterly wrong to Phina, yet familiar, like she had seen it before. No, she shakes her head, that's crazy.

The girls look around and start to walk away from the tree, their flashlights beginning to flicker. Phina hits hers a few times and it stops.

They jump as a noise comes from their right. They whirl their lights on it, and are met with the monster feeding on the deer.

Phina grips Nancy's hand, so tightly that she'd probably leave a bruise, but Nancy squeezes back just as hard. They slowly back away, one step at a time, staring at the monster. Nancy steps back and a strange vine thing crunches under her foot.

The monster turns towards them and roars loudly, it's mouth opening up just like the drawing Phina did of it. The girls bolt.

"Jonathan!"

-1868 words-

[ledenews]

Hanna's Musings - Dr. Evans, Loaded,

He Did What! After narrowly keeping his job by a 7-5 vote of the West Liberty University Board of Governors, Dr. Evans, university president, now faces disciplinary action to be decided upon by the Board of Governors. Evans plagiarized material from various other sources and used it during several of his speeches without citing proper attribution. In the West Liberty University Student Handbook plagiarism is listed among the offenses of academic dishonesty, and students found guilty of it can face possible expulsion. Of course the question now is how does the university punish its president for the same egregious error that could result in expulsion for student offenders. The easiest solution would be for Evans to resign, but apparently he is not going to do that, and that’s a shame because as long as he is there, the university will bear the stigma of his indiscretions. But the bottom line here is that by not calling for Evans’ resignation, the Board of Governors quite simply dropped the ball. And it didn’t take long for the word to get out. In a bylined lead article for Plagiarism Today Jonathan Bailey doesn’t mince words in writing about the West Liberty situation. Here’s what he says about Evans’ punishment: “In short, every student who is expelled for plagiarism will have received a harsher penalty than the school’s President. How does one explain that to the student or their parents? While there are many reasons that keeping Evans as the President may be desirable, do those reasons outweigh potential long-term damage to trust between the school, its faculty and its students?” Bailey also points out that the stigma of plagiarism is not easily erased:     “Unfortunately, there is almost no way that this school won’t have   questions hanging over it for some time. Simply put, as a small, rural school, national headlines like these stick around. The school had an opportunity to put those questions to rest and has now missed it. “West Liberty University will likely be long known as the school with a plagiarizing President that didn’t feel strongly enough to push him out. Even if he goes on to become an excellent President in other ways, these questions will always linger.” That’s an ominous outlook for the university’s future, but it’s the only one it can be until a major change eventuates. And it doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to figure it out!   It Was Loaded! In a tragic, and gruesome example of life imitating art, actor Alec Baldwin shot and killed the cinematographer and wounded the director of his new film Rust when he fired a prop gun containing a live round of ammunition. The bullet delivered a fatal chest wound to cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and subsequently struck director Joel Souza in the shoulder. The shooting occurred on the set of Baldwin’s new film in the New Mexico desert. According to reports, Baldwin had no idea the gun contained a live round. Baldwin was sitting in a mock prop of a wooden church and practicing something called a ‘cross drawing’ and then aiming the gun at the camera lens. The report stated that Baldwin thought he was holding a ‘cool revolver,’ meaning one which was not loaded. The following is a tweet Baldwin released after the shooting:“There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I am fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred, and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.” Of course the obvious questions to be answered are who loaded the gun, was it intentional, or was it a matter of extreme carelessness. The investigation is ongoing, and if the whole thing weren't so damn tragic, you could almost expect one of the members who were on the set that day to jump up and say, “Col. Mustard did it in the conservatory with the revolver.” Unfortunately, however, this horrific event is like a real-life mystery. Law enforcement officials have said that criminal charges are not out of the question if evidence warrants them. One fascinating turn of events according to an affidavit is that several hours before the tragedy occurred, six disgruntled members of the camera crew walked off the set to protest the poor working conditions. Stay tuned for future developments. Old Saying What’s that old saying about the apple not falling far from the tree? Have you heard what Donald Trump Jr. is selling on his website? How about shirts saying, “Guns don’t kill people Alec Baldwin kills people”? They come in black, blue, and military green with a price tag of $27.99. It's bad enough that the sentiment on the shirt is completely tasteless, but, it's also stated illiterately because it's a run-on sentence with no end punctuation. But I'm sure Daddy loves it. Still Coming It's still coming. I've warned you about it so that you can get ready for it, but I don't see too many people making preparations for it. All you have to do to understand that I'm saying is to look out your window every once in awhile. Oh the signs are there all right, but you just need to look for them. And don't forget that funny business that we do with the clocks every year around this time. That's a sure sign that it is coming. It's not here yet, but don't let it take you by surprise. Just pay attention to your surroundings. I'll do my best to help you get ready for it. Ponder This: I dressed my dog up as a cat for Halloween. Now he won’t come when I call him.                                                                    ~Anonymous Read the full article

[your-dietician]

Where does your school rank among richest and poorest Power 5 college football programs? New revenue figures for all 65

New Post has been published on https://tattlepress.com/ncaa-football/where-does-your-school-rank-among-richest-and-poorest-power-5-college-football-programs-new-revenue-figures-for-all-65/

Where does your school rank among richest and poorest Power 5 college football programs? New revenue figures for all 65

On Wednesday, we posted the Big Ten football revenue figures. Today, we present all 65 of the Power 5 schools, ranked from the most modest to most extravagant, for the 2019-20 fiscal year (generally 07/01/19 to 06/30/20).

These are annual university athletic department figures mandated by the U.S. Department of Education and its Equity in Athletics Data Analysis (EADA) arm. The headings represent the revenue derived from each university’s football operation before expenses, as listed by athletic directors of each school in their annual reports. These figures do not include the massive annual payouts from conferences’ broadcast contracts. (They ranged widely between $28 million outlays for lower-tier ACC schools to $56 million per Big Ten institution.)

In each brief capsule, I’ve detailed expenses and net profit for football, plus some occasional various factoids, sometimes on other sports.

To emphasize: these are revenue figures relating to the 2019 football season and the 2019-20 basketball season, not last season. So, they do not reflect the broad fiscal distress of the COVID-wracked and, in some cases, stunted 2020 football season, but do include decrease in funds from the lack of a 2020 NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

Because some irregularities in the reporting by various athletic directors is inevitable, the reports may include caveats and discrepancies between one school and another. We can’t control that. All we can do is pass on the parallel figures as they are posted in the EADA report.

Here, then are all 65, bottom to top, with number of ranking spots risen (+), fallen (-) or maintained the same (=) from the 2018-19 fiscal year, in parentheses.

#65 West Virginia $19 million (=)

Neal Brown’s rookie season as head coach was the first losing one in six years for the Mountaineers (5-7); they went winless in the Big 12 at home. Exactly what WVU does with its bookkeeping is a riddle, but it seems an anomaly considering home crowds at Mountaineer Field that hover between 50-60K. Both the football and men’s basketball programs recorded a deficit in the EADA report ($3.2M and $2.1M, respectively).

#64 Wake Forest $24.7 million (-1)

No mystery here as announced crowds at Truist Field, even for a competitive 8-5 team, commonly ranged around 25-30K; that’s barely Conference USA level. Wake was also one of only three Power 5 schools to fabricate a balanced ledger – identical figures of $24,698,755 for revenue and expenses – indicating a true deficit compensated with general funds.

#63 Georgia Tech $28.2 million (-15)

A similar sad story here as native Georgian Geoff Collins came from Temple to relieve longtime triple-option proponent Paul Johnson and the Jackets sank into a 3-9 morass. Football eeked out a $1M profit and tumbled farther in one year than any program in the rankings. Men’s hoops ran a deficit of slightly over $1M.

#62 Boston College $31.8 million (-1)

Seeing an ACC pattern here? This was the dreary 6-7 season that got Steve Addazio fired after seven years in Chestnut Hill. After an encouraging start, the tone was set in week 3 with a stunning rout home loss to 20-point underdog Kansas. BC football managed a $5.1M profit. Men’s hoops barely broke even (+$128K).

#61 Rutgers $32.9 million (+3)

Like Wake Forest, RU cooked its books to represent a balanced budget when it’s clear the football program is running at a deficit. Football revenue and expenses are listed as identical totals – $32,874,357; men’s basketball, the same – $8,249,544.

#60 Vanderbilt $33.4 million (+2)

The only private school in the SEC routinely brings up the rear in the nation’s most competitive football conference. The Commodores went 3-9 in since-fired Derek Mason’s sixth year and managed a $4.2M profit. Men’s basketball apparently ran a deficit, reporting identical expense and revenue figures of $14,072,415.

#59 Missouri $34.7 million (-4)

This was the final year of Barry Odom’s 4-year tenure, as an encouraging start dissolved in mid-season. It’s never been easy at Mizzou even though Gary Pinkel worked minor miracles for a while. Tiger football cleared a $6.1M profit while men’s basketball made $1.7M.

#58 Oregon State $35.6 million (=)

It’s become more apparent in the past seven years just what a perfect fit Mike Riley was here. Since he left for his incongruous mission to Nebraska, the Beavers have returned to their familiar spot in the Pac-12 basement. Actually, Jonathan Smith did an admirable job with 5-7 (4-5 P12) in 2019 and OSU managed a decent $13.7M clearance. Wayne Tinkle’s hoops program barely broke even ($212K profit).

#57 California $36.1 million (+3)

Justin Wilcox’s defensive-minded Bears weren’t always enthralling to watch, but they tenaciously hung in games and finished 8-5 (4-5 P12) including four road wins at Washington, Mississippi, Stanford and UCLA. Cal football cleared $4.9M; men’s basketball made $2M.

#56 UCLA $37.5 million (-6)

The Chip Kelly hire began looking like a serious misstep as the Bruins stumbled to 4-8, though they did play perhaps the toughest non-con schedule in the nation. UCLA football managed a $5.2M profit while the once-proud Bruin hoops program foundered with a $474K deficit.

#55 Pittsburgh $37.9 million (-2)

Heinz Field is exponentially nicer than old gray Pitt Stadium, but it’s not easy luring a university community down the hill from Oakland to watch a just-OK team play opponents from Tobacco Road. Pat Narducci has done all he can. Panther football lured consistent announced crowds of 40-45K and cleared $5.4M. Meanwhile, the struggling basketball program, blessed with a gorgeous campus venue and much more attractive conference opponents, managed just an $800K clearance.

#54 Arizona $39 million (-7)

This is a lost program trying to survive at a basketball school and was enduring the throes of Kevin Sumlin’s imminent demise. At least Wildcat football spent less than almost any Power 5 program ($21.7M) and so cleared a $17.3M profit. Men’s basketball made $6.5M.

#53 Duke $39.7 million (-2)

Rivaling Kentucky, Indiana and Kansas, this is the arguably most severe example of basketball overshadowing football. And so, it provides a window into just how much more important football is fiscally to college athletics. David Cutcliffe’s Devils went 5-7 (3-6 ACC) and yet the football program still cleared more profit ($14.5M) than Mike Krzyzewski’s basketball behemoth ($13.4M) which grossed among the most of all college hoops programs in the nation ($33.4M!)

#52 Mississippi State $40 million (+5)

This was the second and final abortive season for Joe Moorhead in ill-fitting Starkville. With crowds at Davis Wade Stadium consistently in the mid-50K range, interest was there, but the wins weren’t. Football cleared $9.5M while men’s basketball ran a deficit indicated by identical cooked expense/revenue figures of $7,373,585.

#51 Kansas $40.6 million (+5)

The ill-fated Les Miles experiment never got airborne with a 3-9 (1-8 B12) inaugural record, succeeding only in helping to get Steve Addazio fired at BC with a surprising early road upset. Jayhawk football managed to clear $18.6M while Bill Self’s much more celebrated hoop program profited only $5.5M.

#50 Stanford $40.9 million (-6)

The Cardinal’s first losing season in the decade-plus David Shaw era (4-8, 3-6 P12) and since the early Jim Harbaugh tenure (2007-08) dropped Stanford six spots. Football cleared $13.2M while men’s basketball made $1.3M.

#49 Syracuse $42.6 million (-4)

The beginning of the descent of the the once-promising Dino Babers regime at The Cuse FB began here with a 62-20 rout loss at Maryland and has not lost downward velocity. The Orange football program did manage $14.9M in profit while Jim Boeheim’s basketball operation made $8.7M.

#48 Virginia $43.4 million (+11)

One of the big success stories in major college football has been Bronco Mendenhall’s rehab job at UVA. The Cavs won the ACC Coastal, gave heavily favored Florida (-14) a fight in the Orange Bowl (36-28 loss) and finished 9-5. In so doing, Virginia football jumped 11 spots and made a $15.8M profit. Meanwhile, Tony Bennett’s defending national champion basketball program cleared just $2.4M.

#47 Washington State $44 million (-4)

This is a notorious black hole that was kept relevant for a decade only by Mike Leach’s black magic. In his final season before fleeing for Starkville, Leach’s Cougars fell to 6-7 (3-6 P12) and WSU fans began to drift away from tiny Martin Stadium. Football still cleared an admirable $21M above a prudent $23M expenditure. Wazzu hoops ran at a $118K deficit.

#46 Kentucky $44.5 million (+3)

After the landmark 2018 for Wildcat football as Mark Stoops got UK into double-digit wins with the upset of Penn State, 2019 wasn’t quite so successful (8-5, 3-5 SEC) but football interest continued to expand with a decent $13.9M profit – more than John Calipari’s hoop program ($11M). Women’s basketball ran a whopping $5.2M deficit.

#45 Maryland $44.7 million (-6)

Terrapin football listed just $21.4M in expenses, lowest total in the Big Ten and one of lowest in P5, to total a $23.3M profit. It’s always been a basketball school and Mark Turgeon’s men’s hoops program took in $14.1M in gross to clear $5.5M.

#44 Kansas State $45 million (-4)

It’s been an arduous effort for K-State in attempting to extricate itself from the Bill Snyder era, but North Dakota State emigree Chris Klieman made an admirable effort in his 8-5 (5-4 B12) rookie season that included a jaw-dropping upset of 23-point favorite Oklahoma. KSU football cleared $19.2M while men’s hoops made $2M.

#43 North Carolina State $47.6 million (-2)

A very down year (4-8, 1-7 ACC) for Dave Doeren’s generally overachieving program still made $24.3M in profit. Men’s basketball cleared $5.6M.

#42 Texas Tech $47.7 million (-7)

The first year under Matt Wells after Kliff Kingsbury took off for the NFL Cardinals was the worst in Lubbock in nearly three decades (4-8, 2-7 B12). Gross revenue dipped $3.5M and TTU plunged seven spots. Because of an extremely frugal overhead of just $21.6M, the program still cleared $26.1M. Men’s hoops about broke even (+$545K).

#41 North Carolina $48.7 million (+11)

With the possible exceptions of Dick Crum and Bill Dooley, Mack Brown is the most popular football coach UNC has ever had. And his return from retirement to Chapel Hill at age 68 was a big deal. Kenan Stadium sold out all six home dates and the Heels responded with a bowl season for the first time four years. UNC football cleared $18.2M which topped the much more popular basketball program ($17.1M) exp: $30.5M.

#40 Louisville $48.9 million (-2)

After the general embarrassment of Bobby Petrino’s second stint here that ended in his team quitting on him (and vice versa) at the close of 2018, interest was at a nadir. But Scott Satterfield, imported from a distinguished run at Appalachian State, was the right antidote. His first season went 8-5 (5-4 ACC) and his team fought. Louisville football cleared $24.2M. Meanwhile, Chris Mack’s basketball program gathered a phenomenal $40.7M gross (tops nationally) and profited $20.8M.

#39 Arizona State $49.7 million (+15)

The surprising turnaround of Sun Devil football gained full steam in Herm Edwards’ second year with an 8-5 season that contained three wins over top-20 opponents (@Michigan State, @Cal, Oregon). ASU football leapfrogged 15 spots and added $10.7M in revenue from 2018-19 and cleared $17.7M, regaining all the ground lost at the end of the Todd Graham regime. Bobby Hurley’s hoops program made $1.5M.

#38 Virginia Tech $50.3 million (-8)

Justin Fuente’s program began to take on water and notably lost to UVA for the first time in eons. Football managed $14.7M in profit. Basketball made $1.5M.

#37 Colorado $50.5 million (+9)

Mel Tucker’s only season before he took off for Michigan State was uneventful after a 3-1 start with wins over Colorado State, Nebraska and @Arizona State that got the locals enthusiastic enough to start showing up. Then it petered into 5-7 (3-6 P12) and Tucker was out the backdoor. Football jumped nine spots by clearing $27.8M. Hoops made $2.7M.

#36 Purdue $51.9 million (-5)

When paired with expenses of just $23.8M, football cleared $28.1M in profit. Men’s basketball cleared $6.9M on $15.2 gross. Oddly, Purdue women’s basketball listed a whopping gross of $6.5M and a $2.1M profit. Matt Painter’s men’s program cleared a substantial $8.7M.

#35 Iowa State $52.1 million (-1)

Matt Campbell has done wonders in Ames, turning a perennial loser into a ranked force in the Big 12. The Cyclone football program made a $22.7M profit while hoops cleared $4.1M.

#34 Mississippi $53 million (+3)

This was the final year of the Matt Luke Experience. He was hired over as a former interim for Hugh Freeze who was deposed after his calls to an escort service. Now it’s Lane Kiffin in charge. If you see a pattern here, well… Ole Miss football only cleared $12.6M due to a hefty $40.4M overhead (no hooker jokes, please). Men’s hoops made $396K on a tiny gross of $10.2M.

#33 Southern California $53.4 million (+3)

USC once was a perennial top-20 moneymaker but has spiraled during the Clay Helton era. After an 8-5 (7-2 P12) fifth season, he barely kept his job thanks to a strong finish and USC’s ongoing fiscal pain, some of it related to NCAA probation, some to the hefty buyout with which dismissed AD Lynn Swann extended him. Trojan football cleared $17M. Andy Enfield’s hoops program listed a $500K deficit. Women’s hoops nearly broke even.

#32 Oklahoma State $53.5 million (+1)

Boone Pickens Stadium continued to fill or come close to it routinely as Mike Gundy’s Pokes played an entertaining if not always victorious (8-5, 5-4 B12) brand of football. OSU football cleared $29.1M. Hoops made $4.1M.

#31 Indiana $56.5 million (+1)

This was the year Tom Allen’s Hoosiers began to make a move with an 8-5 (5-4 B1G) season and respectable bowl showing against Tennessee (23-22 loss). Indiana football made a $27.1M profit. Basketball is still king here, though. Even during another non-NCAA season for since-fired Archie Miller, IU hoops cleared $12.3M, among the tops nationally for men’s basketball.

#30 Baylor $56.6 million (+12)

This is the season that got Matt Rhule an NFL job. His Bears were a phenomenon, rising from 1-11 to 11-3 and a decent Sugar Bowl showing against Georgia (26-14 loss) in three years. McLane overflowed to 100.8% of capacity as Baylor roared to 9-0 and eventually #8, losing two heartbreakers to Oklahoma. BU football cleared $21.2M. Interestingly, Scott Drew’s Baylor basketball program, a year prior to its national championship season, actually lost money. A deficit was indicated by identical revenue/expense figures – both $9,790,607.

#29 Miami (FL) $59.5 million (=)

Manny Diaz wanted the job at Miami so badly that he reneged on Temple after already accepting the position there. He just didn’t know the Canes would come after him four weeks prior. The jury remains out on him. This first season was The U’s first losing one in a dozen years since the Randy Shannon regime. Miami rolled up a whopping $48.9M in expenses, so it only cleared $10.6M. Jim Larranaga’s basketball shop indicated a deficit with both expenses and revenues an identical $9,209,237.

#28 Northwestern $59.5 million (-4)

This was the last-place sandwich for Pat Fitzgerald (3-9, 1-8 B1G) between two B1G West titles. NU football listed a $26.4M profit off $33.1M in expenses. Basketball grossed a paltry $9.1M with $9.7M in expenses, leaving a deficit (about $600K).

#27 Texas Christian $61.2 million (-5)

The two-decade Gary Patterson regime finally began to show some wear with only the third losing regular season in his tenure (5-7, 3-6 B12) on the heels of 7-6 and 6-7 in the prior three years. Horned Frog football cleared $20.1M in profit. Jamie Dixon’s men’s hoop program posted $890K in the red. Raegan Pebley women’s program listed a hefty $5.7M gross with only a $1.3M deficit.

#26 Minnesota $61.8 million (=)

This was the dream season for Gopher football with the 9-0 start and the 11-2 (7-2 B1G) finish including the exciting upset of Auburn in the Outback Bowl. P.J. Fleck’s program made $27.6M profit during the breakthrough season, weighed down by expenses of $34.2M. The clearance was down a smidge from 2018. Basketball made $6.4M on $14.8M gross.

#25 Utah $62.6 million (=)

If Kyle Whittingham isn’t the most underrated and underappreciated coach in college football, he’s on the short list. The Utes reached the Pac-12 title game (losing to Oregon) and finished 11-3 (8-2 P12) after an Alamo Bowl loss to Texas. UU football cleared $30.8M while men’s hoops made $500K.

#24 Clemson $63.1 million (+3)

You might think after all the recent national success, Clemson football would pull down more profit than it does. But it’s still a small-market program with a relatively average alumni base and no significant national cachet of adoration (such as, say Duke basketball or Notre Dame football), so the economic ceiling has about been reached. Dabo Swinney’s team again reached the national title game before losing to Louisiana State. But the profit after a whopping $55.9K expense outlay (no doubt, exacerbated by travel) was a mere $7.2M. Men’s hoop profit was $1.4K.

#23 Illinois $65.6 million (+5)

Though Lovie Smith managed a shocking upset of Wisconsin with his Illini as a 30-point dog, 2019 only prolonged the inevitable – his firing at the end of last season. The Illini cleared $38.9M on $26.7M expense. Basketball made just under $10M in the black on $21.5M in revenue.

#22 Michigan State $68.9 million (-4)

This was Mark Dantonio’s swan song, a dreary 7-6 (4-5 B1G) season. A hefty football expense tab of $44.0M (4th-highest in the B1G) drained what ended up as a modest profit of $25.9M (12th). Tom Izzo’s basketball program cleared $8M on a $20.2M gross.

#21 South Carolina $69.2 million (+2)

This season was before Will Muschamp was finally taken out back like Old Yeller, but it probably made the trip inevitable – a 4-8 (3-5 SEC) mess that included home losses to North Carolina, Appalachian State and Clemson (38-3). But big 80,250-seat Williams-Brice Stadium still filled to 97% of capacity and Gamecock football still cleared a substantial $35M. The men’s basketball program made $2M. Dawn Staley’s well-followed women’s program collected a very respectable $3.1M gross but also bled $6.9M in expense for a $3.8M deficit.

#20 Arkansas $70.3 million (-3)

Chad Morris was fired after just two seasons in relief of Bret Bielema because of this 2-10 (0-8 SEC debacle. Razorback football burned through a hefty $43.6M but still somehow made $26.7M profit. Men’s hoop clearance was a healthy $8.8M.

#19 Florida State $71.1 million (+2)

Not to sully Mike Norvell who bears no responsibility, having not arrived yet from Memphis. But through the college athletic fiscal data I’ve seen since beginning this report four years ago and including 2019-20, this has to be the least efficient college football program of them all. Among other condemnations of the Willie Taggart era, his program posted a mind-bending expense ledger of $67.8M, tops nationally and 16% higher than runner-up Alabama – which sort of earned the right. His FSU program did not, going 6-7 on the heels of 5-7, culminating in his dismissal. That expense total left a profit of just $3.3M which is insane for a top-20 grossing program. Seminole hoops almost cleared as much – $2.6M.

#18 Oregon $77.6 million (+2)

Speak of the devil, this is the place from whence Taggart arrived, after just a single 7-6 season. Mario Cristobal has been a clear upgrade and 2019 was the Ducks’ best year (12-2, 9-1 P12) since the post-2014 national title game appearance. Autzen Stadium filled to the brim and Oregon football bagged $44.9M in profit. Dana Altman’s hoop shop cleared a much more modest $286K.

#17 Texas A&M $78.1 million (+2)

We keep bumping into Taggart connections. This is the program his FSU predecessor Jimbo Fisher left for. He won a little more (8-5, 4-4 SEC) and spent a little less ($40.6M), leaving $37.5 in profit for A&M. Men’s basketball clearance was $1.3M.

#16 Iowa $81.4 million (=)

Kirk Ferentz’s program went 11-3 and came within three narrow losses of the College Football Playoff. Iowa football made a $39.7M profit on $41.7M in expenses. Fran McCaffery’s basketball program cleared $2.6M on $11.2M gross.

#15 Wisconsin $87.4 million (-2)

Paul Chryst’s program went 10-4 (7-3 B1G), reached Indy and enjoyed the second-largest percentage profit margin in the Big Ten – a $58.1M profit nearly doubling the $29.3M expenses. Bucky hoops had a big year with a $19.5M gross and $10.9M profit, also 2nd-highest in the B1G.

#14 Tennessee $91.6 million (-2)

If they played a Dysfunction Bowl, this program would have a prearranged spot lately. But no matter what the suits who run it do, it keeps spitting out money. And, though his teams weren’t very good, since-removed Jeremy Pruitt wasn’t a particular spendthrift. Vol football expenditures reached $38.1M which left a tidy $53.5M profit. Men’s hoops made $6.4M. Women’s hoops grossed $3.2M and ran a mere $2M deficit.

#13 Washington $91.7 million (+2)

This was the final season for the highly respected Chris Petersen who decided he’d had enough of the rat race and abruptly retired at age 55 with two Bear Bryant and one Bobby Dodd award. The Huskies weren’t very good (8-5, 4-5 P12) but the fans always turn out in Husky Stadium and UW football made a whopping $53.3M profit. Basketball cleared $1.9M.

#12 Florida $94.9 million (+2)

Dan Mullen has proven to be a quiet overachiever everywhere he’s been. Back at UF, where he worked as Urban Meyer’s OC, he assembled an 11-2 (6-2 SEC) team his second season that won the Orange Bowl and finished #6. Gator fans filled the Swamp at a 96% rate and the program cleared $57.3M. Men’s hoop profit was $1.6M.

#11 Louisiana State $95.1 million (=)

This was the stunning national championship season led by Ohio expatriate Joe Burrow. The Tigers had recruited at an elite level for years but had not reached the pinnacle since Nick Saban’s 2003 team. This one went a perfect 15-0 (9-0 SEC). LSU football cleared $53.7M. Meanwhile, the men’s basketball program of disgraced but not dismissed Will Wade ran a $497K deficit.

#10 Nebraska $95.8 million (=)

The slog of Scott Frost’s non-revival continued, but the faithful fans just kept showing up through a 5-7 (3-6 B1G) traipse. Nebraska football’s $64.2M profit on $31.6M expense ranked behind only Michigan. Fred Hoiberg’s first UNL basketball operation generated a $2.6M profit above hefty expenses of $10.9M.

#9 Auburn $97.7 million (-2)

Gus Malzahn seemed to walk a career tightrope here for 9 years, this being his next-to-last with a 9-4 (5-3 SEC) team that beat Alabama but lost to Minnesota. AU football cleared $51.7M while Charles Barkley’s old hoop program managed to profit $500K.

#8 Notre Dame $97.9 million (-4)

An ugly and inexplicable 31-point loss in the rain at Michigan pocked an otherwise very good 11-2 season. Other than USC, the home schedule wasn’t up to par and Irish football revenue dipped $17.6M from 2018-19. But when you’re hovering in 9-figure-gross territory, it’s not exactly a cataclysm. Men’s basketball, now part of the far-flung ACC, listed a deficit of $4.7M (travel?) and women’s basketball was worse ($5.0M).

#7 Penn State $101.7 million (-1)

James Franklin’s football program made a $51.1M profit on $50.6M expense during the 11-2 (7-2 B1G) Cotton Bowl season. Gross hoops take was a modest $3M profit on $10.5M gross over $7.5M expense. Notably, the women’s basketball program significantly lowered overhead, paring its expense ledger to $4.6M in the first year under Carolyn Kieger after a whopping $6.2M in the final year under Coquese Washington. That left a shortfall of just $3.5M rather than the $5.1M in 2018-19 which was largest that year in the Big Ten.

#6 Oklahoma $101.9 million (+2)

Lincoln Riley’s Sooners had a big year until they ran into the LSU massacre (63-28) in the CFP semis at the Peach Bowl. Still the 12-2 (9-1 B12) season reaped a whopping $60.4M profit, among the very top in the nation. Lon Kruger’s hoop program ran a $1.2M deficit.

#5 Alabama $110.1 million (+4)

Nick Saban has earned the right to expense the occasional miscellaneous payment, right? Six national titles will grease that wheel. Bama football listed $58.5M in expenses after its 11-2 (6-2 SEC) season that ended in the Citrus Bowl. That still left $51.6M in clearance, which will do. Nate Oats’ first Alabama basketball program did well on the court and off, clearing $5.3M.

#4 Ohio State $115.5 million (+1)

Ryan Day’s first full season was a hit as he took the Buckeyes to the CFP and a narrow semifinal loss to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl. OSU football’s $62.9M profit had to clear $52.6M in outlay, tops in the league. Chris Holtmann’s basketball program pulled $22.0M in gross with an $11.5M profit.

#3 Michigan $125.8 million (=)

Nothing new in Ann Arbor. Jim Harbaugh’s team kept underachieving (9-4, 6-3 B1G) and U-of-M’s formidable alumni network and massive stadium kept feeding the coffers. The $81.1M profit dwarfs everyone else in the Big Ten, just barely missing the $81.4M school record of 2017. Men’s basketball cleared a healthy $10.3M on $17.8M gross.

#2 Georgia $134.5 million (=)

Only four of the 14 programs in the nation’s most important college football conference totally own their states (Georgia, LSU, Arkansas and Missouri). But UGA and LSU are the only two that matter, and Georgia has the urban epicenter of the league (Atlanta) in its backyard. That’s one big reason Bulldog football is such a cash cow. Kirby Smart’s team went 12-2 (7-2 SEC) and was probably the best left out of the CFP, courtesy of a blowout loss to LSU in the SEC championship. It set program records for gross and profit (a monumental $86M), easily blowing past the 2018-19 totals. UGA hoops cleared $1.3M.

#1 Texas $144.4 million (=)

But even Georgia has a ways to go before it can challenge the 10-gallon hats in Austin. What makes Longhorn football’s continued dominance atop the financial list is how mediocre its on-field product has been for years – really all the way back to the mid-’00s Mack Brown years of a decade and a half ago. The 2019 season was no different as Tom Herman’s penultimate team went 8-5 (5-4 B12) and lost to every formidable opponent. But UT has its own network for a reason – lots of fervid and loyal alumni with lots of expendable income. The Longhorn football profit total of $104.9M didn’t quite measure up to 2018-19′s record ($112.9M). But nobody else is in the neighborhood.

More PennLive sports coverage:

• Which are richest (and poorest) Big Ten football programs? Here are fresh revenue figures

• The bowls were never in danger from a playoff, and reaction to the 12-team CFP proposal is proof.

• “Hey, Jones!”: Did Bo know about Michigan doc? Is Pulisic USMNT savior? What we know so far suggests: Yes.

• Why expanding College Football Playoff to 12 teams is just a big, fat hustle that serves the status quo.

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Star Trek: Discovery Season 3 Episode 3 Review: People of Earth

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This Star Trek: Discovery review contains spoilers.

Star Trek: Discovery Season 3, Episode 3

If you were expecting the Discovery’s return to Earth to become a major plot point in Season 3 of Star Trek: Discovery, then keep guessing. The show makes a clever and unexpected narrative decision by, upon reuniting our wayward travelers with Michael, almost immediately bringing the crew of the Discovery to Starfleet’s (former) home planet, only for them to find very few answers or comforts there. It’s a bold move, one that tells the crew and the viewers that, while Earth may have been at the occasionally-visited anchor of many a Star Trek story before now, it has never been what this show is really about—which is to say: looking outward, towards unknown and unfamiliar stars—and it’s not about to start. In this way and many more, Season 3 of Discovery continues to live up to its ambitious title.

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While the plot of “People of Earth” is about the crew’s return to the birthplace of Starfleet, the heart of this story really lies in the reunion of Michael and the rest of the crew. We begin more or less where last week’s cliffhanger left off, as Michael beams aboard after dropping the bomb that she arrived to the 32nd century a full year before her ship. It’s an emotional reunion and, at first, that joy is simple. It doesn’t matter that the crew hasn’t seen Michael in days while its been a whole year for her. For a little while, all that matters is that they’re together.

Last week, I mildly lamented the fact that Discovery was reuniting Michael with the Discovery so early in the season, but, after seeing how it is playing out, I am totally on board. While Michael may be back with her family, there is also a tension between Michael and the rest of the crew that is fascinating to see play out. It’s not malicious or even volatile in nature, but it is there, complicating that simple joy into something a bit more uncertain. Michael has spent a year having to make choices in this strange place without her crew as support, and even us viewers don’t know quite what that means. But Michael does, and she knows it’s changed her. She knows that, at a certain point, she had to let go of the hope that the Discovery would come in her lifetime just so she could keep on living.

When the Discovery accidentally pores fuel on the fire that is a dispute between Earth and a band of attacking Titan raiders led by someone named Wen, Michael goes rogue (well, with Book) to solve the problem, expecting that Saru will follow her lead and trust her even though she has kept him in the dark about her plans. He does, and it’s another inspiring example of faith in his crew from Captain Saru, but it’s not not a problem. Michael may have spent the last year looking for clues about the fate of the Federation, but she’s been living without the institution of Starfleet around her, without the rules and regulations of a ship and its crew. As she tells Saru, it’s going to take some time before she can remember what it’s like to be part of something like the Discovery again. It’s really moving to see both Tilly and Saru, the two people that Michael is closest to on the Discovery, recognize the changes in their friend and to offer their acknowledgment and patience as she reacclimatizes to life aboard a Starfleet ship.

It’s an especially big ask of Saru who, as the captain of the ship, needs to know he can count on his number one. He already has Emperor Georgiou—who, to her credit, makes no secret of the fact that she will do exactly what she wants to do, regardless of whether it goes against Saru’s plans—to worry about. He can’t afford to also have Michael as a loose cannon. It’s even more impressive that Saru can find it in himself to trust Michael through this, as she has demonstrated herself capable of making the wrong decision before, as she did in the Discovery pilot. But Michael isn’t the same person she was then, and neither is Saru. He has settled into his role as a leader, and it has been inspiring to see him represent a kind of leadership that is similar to Pike’s, but also a brand of captainship all his own. We’ve never had a Star Trek captain quite like him, and I continue to be impressed by Saru’s combination of even-keeled confidence and boundless empathy.

Saru’s choice to trust Michael, both in the heat of a skirmish and in the quiet debrief afterwards, allows the Discovery to play diplomat between Earth and the people of Titan, aka Saturn’s moon. The “B” plot is similar to many we’ve seen before in on Trek television, but it’s none the less powerful for it. Turns out, Wen and his attacking radars are also human, people who were stationed on a research colony on Titan. When there was an accident that took out much of their capability to take care of themselves, they returned to Earth looking for help, only to be fired upon. Since then, they have been raiding Earth as a way to survive, further escalating the war of humanity that Earth ignorantly began.

The Discovery’s involvement allows the people of Titan and the people of Earth to begin peace talks proving that, one ship can do the work of the Federation even when they’re all alone. It’s the kind of institutional functionality we didn’t always see from Discovery even when they were surrounded by Federation support in their home time, and it’s just one more example of how this series has seemingly finally figured out what kind of story it wants to tell: one of hope in the absence of comfort, and bold kindness in the face of nihilism.

In all the hubbub, it can be easy to forget just how much the crew of the Discovery has been through, how much they have lost, but the episode takes the time to give us a scene between Tilly and Michael in which Tilly grieves the loss of her family and friends and everything she has ever known. Tilly doesn’t wish for her life back so much as hopes for some kind of tangible connection to it, proof that it was ever there at all, and she finds it in a tree on the former grounds of Starfleet Academy. The Federation may be gone from Earth, but the tree is still there: a reminder that the Federation was once a beacon of light in the potential darkness of space and time, and that it could be again.

Additional thoughts.

The main subplot in this episode was the introduction of a new character: Adira! They’re very, very smart and, as we learn in the episode’s final moments, also happens to be carrying the Trill symbiont of Admiral Tal, the Discovery’s best lead when it comes to the mystery of the Federation, inside of them. Given the episode-ending reveal, no doubt next week’s episode will dive further into the story of Adira.

Saru is officially captain. <3

Adira was previously announced as Star Trek‘s first non-binary character. Right now, this is character context you will have only if you have read supplementary coverage outside of the text of the show. It is potentially problematic that Adira’s non-binary identity will be conflated with their identity as a Trill, but it has yet to be addressed in the show itself. For now, I reserve judgment.

Still smiling about that reunion hug scene.

As we learn from Michael’s opening montage monologue, 700 years after Discovery jumped through a wormhole, dilithium dried up. The Federation tried alternative warp drive designs, but none of them worked out. The Burn was what followed, and is still an unsolved mystery: in an instant, all dilithium went inert and any ship with an active warp core detonated. It’s hard to imagine the scope of this tragedy, though Michael does tell the crew that millions died.

“Cake is eternal.”

Directed by Jonathan Frakes! Good job, sir. This season continues to be beautiful.

Book and Michael? Yeah, I ship it.

Continuing to side-eye Grudge. (But don’t tell Book.)

Playing fast and loose with the spore drive. Allows Discovery to move across the quadrant much faster than anyone else, which makes them both a target and uniquely situated to solve the mystery of the missing Federation.

I would wear Saru’s sweater tunic.

No sign of Burnham’s mom so far in the 32nd century.

“We didn’t give everything for this version of the future, and I’ll be damned if I let it stand.”

The post Star Trek: Discovery Season 3 Episode 3 Review: People of Earth appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[blogsmog]

Enough, America.

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. But you already know that. America and the majority of the entire globe know this because the entire 8 minutes and 46 seconds was filmed by bystanders’ phones. And within hours the video trended all across media platforms. And was deleted. And was re-posted. And so on.

Since this date- America has seen numerous rises of protests and riots. But again, you know that. You’ve seen the coverage.

Over the last seven days, I’ve been lost in my own thoughts and simply have not been able to form words about the spread of events that have taken place. I’ve seen many supporters for Black Lives Matter on social media. I’ve also seen numerous of non-supporters’ posts. I’ve refrained from saying anything publicly on social media during this time because of a few reasons. One being the question of, “Do my words or sharing a graphic on Black Lives Matter- actually make a difference? Does it actually help this long standing issue?” Then the other part of me recognizes that my generation has grown up on social media. Social Media is a way of communication. It’s a way of expressing your support. And if you’re silent than you’re just as part of the problem.

After conducting my own research and thoughts, here is how I’m showing my support and love towards the Black Lives Matter movement.

Recognizing my White Male Privilege. I’m from a small town in East Tennessee known as the City of Clinton. Growing up in Clinton means you are familiar with the story of the Clinton 12.  The story goes back to 1956. Twelve African-American students became the first black students to ever attend Clinton High School. Making CHS the first desegregated high school in the South. My grandmother was a senior at Clinton High School during this time. Growing up, she shared with me many stories about what she witnessed happen to these 12 high school students, about the town riots that occurred from white supremacist groups, and about how eventually the school was bombed. I have known from a very early age what racism is and that it is wrong.

    I say all of this, yet I don’t know what it’s like. I don’t know what it’s like to be stopped by police for simply taking an evening walk down the street. I don’t know what it’s like to continuously apply for jobs and interviews and get turned down due to race.  I don’t know what it’s like to be paid less money simply because of my skin color. I don’t know what it’s like to be automatically stereotyped as a thug or dangerous. I don’t know what it’s like to be pulled over for something minor and worry about getting shot. And I most certainly don’t know what it’s like to leave my house for something as simple as going to the grocery store and having to wonder if that will be the last time I ever see my family again. I don’t know because I am a white male. And I recognize that.

2. I’m educating myself. It’s easier now, more than ever, to automatically form an opinion on an issue. But I’m diving a little deeper into this than just sharing a post or a tweet on social media. I’m no longer believing someone’s personal opinion is the only truth. I’ve learned over the course of the last few years that it’s more beneficial to do your own research to form your own thoughts and opinions. I am currently reading the following books: So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo and Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism,  Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad. Additionally, I am listening to NPR’s Podcast, Code Switch.

In addition to my readings and listenings, I am taking the time to learn more about people of color who have been killed over the last decade by police. Between 2013 and 2019, 7,666 people of color have been killed police in the United States. In Tennessee, the total is 41. You can view more of this information and see where your state stands here. 

Eric Garner, John Crawford III, Michael Brown, Ezell Ford, Dante Parker, Michelle Cusseaux, Laquan McDonald, George Mann, Tanisha Anderson, Akai Gurley, Tamir Rice, Rumain Brisbon, Jerame Reid, Matthew Ajibade, Frank Smart, Natasha McKenna, Tony Robinson, Anthony Hill, Mya Hall, Phillip White, Eric Harris, Walter Scott, William Chapman II, Alexia Christian, Brendon Glenn, Victor Manuel Larosa, Jonathan Sanders, Freddie Blue, Joseph Mann, Salvado Ellswood, Sandra Bland, Albert Joseph Davis, Darrius Stewart, Billy Ray Davis, Samuel Dubose, Michael Sabbie, Brian Keith Day, Christian Taylor, Troy Robinson, Asshams Pharaoah Manley, Felix Kumi, Keith Harrison McLeod, Junior Prosper, Lamontez Jones, Patterson Brown, Dominic Hutchinson, Anthony Ashford, Alonzo Smith, Tyree Crawford, India Kager, La’Vante Biggs, Michael Lee Marshall, Jamar Clark, Richard Perkins, Nathaniel Harris Pickett, Benni Lee Tignor, Miguel Espinal, Michael Noel, Kevin Matthews, Bettie Jones, Quintonio Legrier, Keith Childress Jr., Janet Wilson, Randy Nelson, Antronie Scott, Wendell Celestine, David Joseph, Calin Roquemore, Dyzhawn Perkins, Christopher Davis, Marco Loud, Peter Gaines, Torrey Robinson, Darius Robinson, Kevin Hicks, Mary Truxillo, Demarcus Semer, Willie Tillman, Terrill Thomas, Sylville Smith, Alton Sterling, Rhilando Castile, Terence Crutcher, Paul O’Neal, Alteria Woods, Jordan Edwards, Aaron Bailey, Ronell Foster, Stephon Clark, Antwon Rose II, Botham Jean, Pamela Turner, Dominique Clayton, Atatiana Jefferson, Christopher Whitfield, Christopher McCorvey, Eric Reason, Michael Lorenzo Dean, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd

These are the names of black Americans who have been killed by police since Eric Garner’s Death in 2014. I’m taking the time to read on each and everyone of these names. To learn their story and to help say their name. Because the second we stop saying their name- we go back to acting like none of it ever happened at all.

3. I plan to make a donation to the following organizations: The Loveland Foundation; a nonprofit that provides financial help to Black women in need of mental health support. As well as the NAACP’s Legal Defense and Educational Fund; an organization that advocates protecting voting rights, improving equal education, and many other civil rights causes. With this organization, you have the option of deciding which cause you would like your donation to go towards. I recognize that many people may not have the opportunity to make monetary donations. Which is also why I have also signed the Justice for George Floyd petition.You too can sign it here. 

4. I’m supporting the protests: I admire every single person who has over the last couple of days marched through their city and peacefully protested. I also recognize that the extremists are also participating and are the ones who are destroying buildings and burning down cities. And yes- the majority of the people doing these actions are white. People will argue that this not what Martin Luther King Jr. would have wanted. And to an extent I agree, yet at what point do we have to go to get everyone’s attention? How many more people are going to have to die until we finally recognize this is an issue? How many videos are going to be tweeted of an innocent black man or woman being killed?

5. I’m Voting on Tuesday, November 3, 2020:  As always, you will find me at the polls on Election Day 2020. If we want change in America, it starts with you and me…. and just five minutes at the voting booth. Seriously, voting does not take long at all. And if you early vote, it’s even easier. If you are not registered to vote, the deadline for Tennesseans to register is October 5, 2020. You can even do it here.

6. I’m continuing to choose love over hate: I’m not really a big deal. And although my family will continue to support me and say I’m special- I appreciate the words of affirmation, but I’m not any better than any other person on this earth. I’m not superior over anyone. I will continue to love everyone, even when there are trying times like right now. I will continue to learn and listen. And I will one day teach my future children to choose love over hate. As I get older, I continue to believe in supporting the future generation. They are the ones who will read about this history in text books. And they are the ones who will truly see no color.

I understand that I will never understand. However, I stand with you.

-Taylor 

[pigballoon]

Mudbound

(Dee Rees, 2017)

Another year, another film with which Netflix attempt to break into the prestige cinema racket. Returning with her third directorial effort 2 years on from small screen biopic-ing with Bessie, Dee Rees gets to paint on a canvas far greater than either said HBO effort, or her much lauded debut Pariah allowed, and for the most part she proves herself a dab hand.

With Mudbound, her adaptation of a much lauded novel by Hillary Jordan, Rees tackles the seemingly eternally relevant subject of racism through the prism of life in the deep south in the 1940s with occasional diversions to war torn Europe. The screenplay, penned by Rees in collaboration with Virgil Williams is maybe the weakest aspect of the film. Make no mistake, there is plenty to love in here, the film does a generally strong job of having the majority of its characters exist within grey areas rather than reducing everyone to black and white. 

Set in a world in which the KKK reign, and racism is open and everywhere it’s impressive that the majority of the movies ideas on the racial divide as relates to the world today are communicated in less direct means, through action, and intention, and experience rather than monologue. Some credit also to the voice over narration that permeates the movie in far less offensive fashion than is often the way, more early era Malick than pre-92 Blade Runner, given the depth of feeling in the delivery, and almost Sorkian lyrical musicality of the words. 

It’s not easy to make it work to that degree, but they pull it off, in addition to everything else it works because within a film that is as much as anything about divisions between people who live next door to each other, the ability to communicate internal feelings so eloquently, while nothing but trouble comes across externally adds another layer to the film. Sadly, it isn’t quite perfectly pulled off because ultimately too much of what is being communicated internally also gets expressed one way or another externally, rendering much of that narration superfluous in the way voiceover usually is at its worst.

Anyway, the thing primarily works because within the frame of that shadowy, stormy, gloomy, candle lit chiaroscuro photography of Rachel Morrison aforementioned flawed screenplay is brought to life by a tremendous cast, Rees’ knack for eliciting strong performances still as present as ever. Jonathan Banks saddled with the least interesting character in show, but a world away from the character that made him world famous (all talk rather than all restraint) he gets to display his range. Mary J Blige seems to be drawing most headlines, she’s the most famous name on show, but her role is relatively small. It’s admirable how effortless her performance is, how naturally and without fanfare she blends into proceedings, that discipline the most notable thing about the turn. Garrett Hedlund continues to offset with his movie star looks, and superstar voice with another in a long line of wonderfully varied character turns, and his scenes with the ever ascending Jason Mitchell prove some of the movies highlights, probably their heart. Jason Clarke is the heart of the thing, it is within him that the central conflict, the emotional tug of war between one side and the other is most embodied, and the way he plays it right down the line is a credit to him. 

Still, for me the highlights of the movie are Carey Mulligan and Rob Morgan. Mulligan, a world away from the very British work with which she resurrected her reputation in 2015 proving, like Blige, displaying an ability to disappear seamlessly into her character, into this world, and bring her grace to graceless lands. Morgan, whose most notable previous work is probably his small parts in other recent Netflix series’ Daredevil, and Stranger Things is the on screen star of the show for me, certainly in the early stages when it is he, as much as the photography, writing, music of anything else that lends flavour and earthy heart to this story, that lends it a feeling of authenticity. His ability to communicate so much while doing so little is at a level beyond what you might expect from someone whose career has been dominated by small projects, and small roles. Hopefully this will make him the star he deserves to be.

Mudbound overall on account of all their contributions is a very engaging, very watchable, very well made film. It’s far from perfect, but it establishes strong characters, juggles multiple thematic strands with great power, is handsome as hell to behold with a certainly very literary air hanging over the whole thing that lends it all a touch of class. It’s heavy, but it’s worth it.

[windofderange]

Let’s talk about gender in Stranger Things 2!

So there’s a bunch of stuff happening in my life and I keep meaning to post something about that, but it’s serious and scary and stuff, so instead, I’m going to ramble a while about why I really love some of the subtle gender role reversals in season 2 of Stranger Things!  Like a normal, well-adjusted person!

Also, no major spoilers ahead, but I will talk about things that happened in Season 2, so if you want to come to it totally fresh, please skip this.

So I’m still a little sad that there’s no queer representation in this show.  Yes, I know it takes place in the 80s and queer people hadn’t been invented yet, but still.  (I was SOOO hoping that the big reveal at the dance would be that Dustin was building himself up to ask Will to dance, but I guess that probably would have been genuinely too much for an 80s middle school to handle.)  However, despite that, I was actually really impressed by some of the smaller ways the story undercut traditional gender stereotypes this season, and some of the improvements to how the girl and women characters were written.

That’s not to say that I thought they were poorly written last season - I just thought they were a lot more one-dimensional.  Emotional mother.  Brainy, goody-two-shoes girl exploring her sexuality.  Even Eleven, who was by far the female character with whom we spent the most time, was sort of scattered - the writers clearly couldn’t decide how unaware of the world she should be, and in turn, what things about gender she should care about (ie, she didn’t know what ‘pretty’ meant, but she still wanted to be it), a problem I don’t think they’ve entirely corrected (more on that in a sec).  The male characters were similarly archetypal - the drunk, broken-down town sheriff, the maniacal scientist, the lovesick teen, etc.

This season, I feel like the characters all got a lot more flushed out, but more than that, the way they did so also made some really interesting choices about gender and gender roles.  Also, I’m occasionally going to refer to the characters as sets because that how some of the storylines run - the adults (Joyce, Hopper, and Bob), the teens (Nancy, Jonathan, Steve, and Billy), and the kids (Eleven, Will, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Max).

1. Joyce and Bob: Okay, so I know I’m apparently the only person in the universe who doesn’t ship Joyce and Hopper, but I loved Joyce and Bob.  Bob is a ‘beta male’ - he’s fat, short, into electronics, likes Kenny Loggins, makes corny jokes, and is too much of a scaredy-cat to watch scary movies.  However, it’s made immediately clear that Joyce isn’t just dating him because she needs a man or in order to fill some hole in her life - the first scene we see of them is the two of them adorably flirting, and then hard-core making out.  Bob is also consistently shown to be the less driven of the pair (a theme that will actually come up a lot in this post).  Joyce is a fighter.  It’s an important aspect of Joyce’s character, one that was established last season, but in the context of her frantically fighting to get her son back.  In the grand tradition of the Aliens franchise and Poltergeist, Stranger Things holds that mothers are the toughest fighters, and this season makes it clear that that’s always been true of Joyce Byers - it wasn’t just the panic of losing Will that drove her; she’s always been like this.  Bob knew her in high school, and makes it clear that he’s always admired her for it.  However, the story doesn’t present Bob as emasculated (a term I hate!) - he’s jazzed as all hell to finally be dating Joyce Byers!  

In setting up their relationship in these terms, the story gives us something we don’t often see - Bob is a boy-gal Friday.  In fact, he’s Joyce’s boy-gal Friday.  He’s competent, with a complementary skill set; he’s valuable, and Joyce clearly values him, and he makes a lot of connections and discoveries on his own, but he’s not capable of turning those connections into actions that drive the plot forward until he turns them over to Joyce.  And he’s perfectly happy in his role - even when he shows up in her house covered in Will’s bizarre tunnel drawing and is told he can’t ask questions, he’s clearly having the time of his life, solving a cool puzzle with a woman he loves.  Like every gal Friday, he can’t conceive of a world in which he could be the protagonist - he’s a superhero, but he’s not the Hero.  That’s Joyce

2. Hopper and Eleven: Off the bat, I have to admit that I think the writers are still doing the worst with Eleven when it comes to writing gender, just because they have the most room to play with and they’re not making use of it.  There’s no reason for Ele to have a concept of gender performance - she’s a lab rat. We know that the mad scientist raised her to think of him as her “Papa” (whether he was biologically or not), but we’re given no evidence that she had any concept of being his “daughter” or a “girl.”  Again, I know it’s an unpopular opinion, but it’s part of the reason I actually really liked the episode with her and Eight (also because I’m a sucker for a coming of age story) because I think pairing her gender development with the punk scene is a potentially brilliant way to play with some of these ideas in a culturally-contemporary way (since gender non-conformity was a big part of punk), and it’s something I really hope the writers come back to next season.

That being said, I did really enjoy the relationship between Ele and Hopper, and in particular, the fact that Hopper is clearly raising a kid, not a girl.  We never see Hopper force any gender norms on Ele (even though he had a daughter of his own and could potentially have those kinds of expectations for her), we see them sharing in not traditionally feminine things (building traps, eating garbage, watching scary movies - all things dads usually do with their sons in movies and TV), and even though it’s clear that Hopper knows about Mike’s and Ele’s feelings for each other, we never get any weird matchmaking or overbearing overprotectiveness from him - his overprotectiveness of Ele is always about keeping her safe from Hawkins, not keeping her away from boys.  He even embraces her “bitchin’” new look, but clearly also helps her get ready for the dance.

3. Mad Max and the AV Club: So I love Max.  I love Max so much.  And I still love the AV Club.  I do get the point of articles like this one that part of the nostalgia of Stranger Things is a nostalgia for nerds who are actually bullied and oppressed, but I think that’s over-simplifying things.  To start with, Lucas is black, and this season they finally managed to engage with that a little, in the same way they managed to engage with Dustin’s disability a little last season.  Also, I think the way that the AV club’s masculinity is presented is important.  This is not the adorkable misogyny of the Big Bang Theory.  They are not traditionally masculine and they are absolutely fighters, and those two things are never presented as being in conflict in any way.  Indeed, the constant references to D&D, including their own nickname for their group as “the party,” sort of reaffirms this - for people who know the game, they know you need a balanced party.  You don’t want all muscles, or all magic, or all rogues.  In many ways, Will becomes the ultimate symbol of this in Season 2 - he is absolutely a soft boy (Hopper even asks if he’s gay in Season 1, to which Joyce rightly replies, “why would that matter?!”), and yet, he is both the major villain AND the one fighting hardest against that villain in this season.  His strength to fight the mind flayer stems from his nontraditional masculinity - from his art, and ultimately, from his empathy, being kept in control of his body by the stories of love and affection from his mother, brother, and best friend.

Max is similarly nontraditional - we’re introduced to her by the traditional nerd trope of “girls don’t play video games!,” “girls don’t skateboard!;” however, if we’re really supposed to read the AV club as models for nerd culture, then the important element surely comes in their immediate reversal in meeting Max and seeing that she does indeed play video games and skateboard.  Not only do they not gatekeep or question her love of these things, they are immediately more impressed by her because of them.  They want to be friends with her because she’s a girl who skateboards and plays video games, and it’s clear that this is the root of Dustin’s and Lucas’ attraction to her, as well.  Even Mike’s resistance to bringing her into the party is never presented as her being a girl or a “fake gamer girl” - the show does a good job of showing that he doesn’t like having her around because she can’t know about Ele, and that having her there without knowing means that things are moving on and the others might move on, as well.  As soon as Lucas spills the beans and Max is fully on board, Mike’s resistance disappears.

4. Nancy and Jonathan: So I think the teens’ stories are where Stranger Things does the best with undercutting gender roles because these stories are so ingrained and so formulaic normally.  These are also the ones that I noticed the most while watching it.  Also, full disclosure - I don’t really ship Nancy with anyone, and was sort of disappointed that last season had a teen girl, two love interests, love triangle story line.  However, I do think the lovestory between Nancy and Jonathan has some of the best gender reversals.  To start with, Nancy is absolutely the Protagonist of their story.  Nancy causes everything to happen in their story.  It’s her acts that inadvertently bring them together (by getting drunk), but she decides that they’re going to do something to get justice for Barb, she takes them to find the journalist, she comes up with the plan to blackmail Hawkins.  Even in the scenes of them getting together, we see her sitting up in bed, trying to decide what to do.  She goes to the door, and Jonathan is there.  All of the focus is on her as the decision maker.

This role reversal comes to a head in the final showdown with the mind flayer.  I loved the call back to the last season when Hopper asked Jonathan if he could shoot a gun, and Nancy took it instead - they had already established that she was the better shot, and again, this scene wasn’t presented as her emasculating Jonathan in any way (and Hopper doesn’t hesitate for a second in handing over the riffle) - it’s clearly just that their lives are at stake, and of the pair, she’s the better shot. But the best is the scene in the cabin - this could have so easily been the teary-eyed girlfriend hanging off her stoic boyfriend (which, to be fair, was a lot of how Jonathan was written last season).  Instead, we got Joyce, raging and holding down her son, who was clearly in pain, as Jonathan screamed hysterically and cried, trying to stop her, being held back and finally comforted by Nancy.

Let me be clear - this scene only makes sense this way, given what we know about these characters.  Joyce is driven and direct - she’s going to make a plan and stick to it, come Hell or high water.  Jonathan has already been shown to be way too invested in Will and his well-being, and it seems completely believable by now that he would even fight his mother if he thought Will’s life was in the balance.  Nancy is an outsider - she’s not family, and her concern is mostly for Jonathan.  However, even as exciting as this scene was, I couldn’t help but step out of it a bit as I was watching it and realize how weird it was to see a young man portrayed as hysterical, rallying against a woman with a plan, and then being comforted by another woman, who was relatively calm and unaffected.  It works so much better this way, but there are so many show where this scene would have had Nancy freaking out for no other reason than because women are hysterical.

5. Steve: Oh, Steve. heart eyes  I am so in love with Steve after this season.  Obviously Stranger Things is a show that loves its parallels, and Steve’s stories move increasingly into roles played by women in the original as the season goes on.  The initial story with him and Dustin have parallels to Stand By Me and Gremlins, but by the big showdown with the mind flayer, Steve opens embraces his role as “the babysitter,” a role that actually has some decent echoes in 80s movies - Adventures in Babysitting would be the obvious, but Steve’s role in the group also directly parallels Mary Plimpton’s character in the Goonies, as the third wheel to the big brother and girlfriend (except in this case, those two had buggered off to go do The Omen instead), who also delivers the incredibly quotable line, “I feel like I’m babysitting, only I’m not getting paid.”

However, again, we’re not given any hint that Steve has any problems with his new role.  After the rest of the adults and teens leave, he directly parallels Mr. Mom, the movie the Byers were watching earlier, wearing an apron and slinging a kitchen towel over his shoulder after doing the washing up.  But whereas the entire premise of that movie is how embarrassed Michael Keaton’s character feels to be a stay-at-home dad and how bad he is at household tasks, Steve seems genuinely proud of himself for tidying up the Byers house, and proud to serve as guiding voice to the remaining kids left in his care.  Even his use of a traditionally-masculine sports metaphor to explain why they have to stay put reaffirms how much he’s internalized his role - he clearly means for it to be rally speech, as he’s presumably delivered to his teammates, and he shows his own confusion when it concludes with, “and that’s why we’re on the bench.”

The episode briefly looks as though it’s going to offer Steve a redeemingly masculine role of protector with the arrival of Billy, Max’s big brother.  We get some macho posturing and a fist fight, and although Steve does get to come to Lucas’ rescue, he’s still soundly trounced by Billy. Again, this is completely in keeping with the characters - we’ve already seen that Billy isn’t just up for a fight, but abusive and dangerously violent.  However, it’s Max, the only girl in the room, who puts down Billy, again in a series of gender undercuts - first, she beats him subversively by drugging him (poison being a woman’s weapon and all that), but then, in another reversal, she takes the opportunity as he’s weakened and blacking out to threaten him with Steve’s baseball bat, extracting protection for her and the AV club using the same oath as we’ve seen used previously by Billy’s abusive father.  The rest of the episode is clearly The Goonies, with Steve-as-Mary-Plimpton and the kids running around underground, and Steve reiterating that he’s there because he’ll be held responsible if anything happens to them.

Even in the final denouement at the dance, Steve gets the same final appearance as Joyce and Hopper, the other two caregivers, dropping off his ‘kid’ and driving away.  (Interestingly, of the teens and adults, only Nancy gets a denouement at the dance - Jonathan is also there, but just gets to smile and wave from the sidelines, the same ending as basically every supporting girlfriend from every teen movie, again highlighting that it’s Nancy who is the Protagonist.)

So why do I care about all of this?  Well, one of my biggest frustrations with a lot of TV and films is that I feel like writers still suck at writing women - in particular, women as protagonists.  It seems like way too many writers can’t understand how women can make choices that drive the story forward, and that means way too many stories fall back on traditional tropes where women are the backups and support.  It’s cool to see so many of those tropes not only avoided, but directly reversed, and so effectively.  Bob, Jonathan, Steve, and the AV club are cool, interesting, likable characters.  They’re not diminished by not being the protagonists, or not being traditionally masculine.  Like I said, I would love to see the writers do more with Ele because there is so much opportunity there for a truly agender character, which is something else sorely missing from modern TV, but I also hope they continue to present women who are ambitious and driven, and men who are emotional and empathetic because it’s super cool to finally get those kinds of stories.

[oncethrown]

2x17 "Do you trust me?"

This was another good example of an episode that had a central theme, and teased it through nearly all the plot lines to expand characters in a satisfying way. The theme still didn't manage to affect Clary, who is now basically flapping in the wind with a motivation that doesn't make sense. "Do you trust Jocelyn?" To me, one of the most interesting things about this episode is the evidence that Jocelyn dragged so many warlocks into protecting the mirror. It was either @f-f-f-fight or @amorverus who commented that the narrative allows so much trust in Jocelyn because she's a white woman, and while that's probably the real reason this plot line exists, there is internal logic to this plot that is dark and fascinating. Jocelyn is a master manipulator. We've seen her in action several times. She has a way of getting what she wants from people, by giving them what they want, and not giving a damn if that exchange of goods and services harms them or other people. Every time we saw Jocelyn on screen, she was exerting some kind of power to achieve her ends. She has her daughter's mind wiped to keep them away from the Clave, and somehow manipulates Magnus into helping her. She lies to Clary for 18 years. She gets a lot of support (including, you have to assume, monetary support, cause...artist) from Luke and seems to offer nothing in return. She traps Clary in a boathouse so she can kill Jace unimpeded. She killed Alec to find Clary. Remember that? Clary was pissed, put herself in danger, and then Jocelyn used Alec to find her, and for a moment, Alec was dead. Jocelyn killed Alec. So it's really easy to imagine Jocelyn going to all of these warlocks, promising them the power to restrict the power of the Clave, and oh by the way... you might die. Jocelyn, in this light, is the perfect embodiment of the Clave. Making promises, but never risking what she asks others to risk. Always out to get what she wants, but never offering mutual trust, mutual transparency. Assuring everyone that they have the downworld's best interest at heart, they want to work together...and then protecting themselves from the specter of an uprising by lying about having the sword. If intentional, The leitmotif of Jocelyn's manipulation in this episode Is genius. If not it's All the Problems With Clary turned up to Eleven. "Do the Lightwood trust the Clave and Eachother" Max's orders are an interesting hiccup in this trust/Clave/sword imbroglio, especially for Izzy. She has to ask herself if she trusts herself to have trained Max well enough, a harder question now that she's in recovery. She has to confront Alec, not as her older brother, but as the head of the Institute, sending another young soldier into the field. And of course, does she trust the Clave? Does she trust their choice to let 12 year olds out into a world that is much much more dangerous than ever before. I wish there had been more talk between the Lightwoods about trusting the Clave after the revelation about the sword, but I acknowledge that this Max plot line is building toward something in the next episode and that the sword thing is covered in other plots. It also sets up the questions that other characters ask about being able to trust Alec as the head of the Institute. "Was Magnus Wrong to Trust Alec as Much as he Did?" Obviously the focus of this piece of the plot is on Alec and Magnus's personal relationship being tested by their professional obligations and cultural loyalties. Magnus has opened up to Alec in ways he hasn't opened up to anyone. We just came off an episode where Magnus told Alec something he may never have told anyone, after keeping it bottled up for four straight episodes. Then Magnus comes from a meeting and unabashedly announces his total faith in Alec's good intentions, and trustworthiness. The revelation that Alec lied about the Clave is a huge and multi layered betrayal. 1. He lied to Magnus. Alec is always shown being totally honest with Magnus. He didn't know why he stayed to have a drink with Magnus, and he doesn't pretend otherwise. He tells Magnus as soon as he gets engaged. He admits to having some degree of suicidal ideation. He walks into sex with no major reservations pretty early. There is a lot of trust there. Alec's lie complete blindsides Magnus. 2. The lie shows that Alec is more of a Shadowhunter than Magnus has been thinking of him as. Alec lies to Magnus to protect the Clave. Alec makes a show of transparency with the downworld, gives that to Magnus as the official line, and then politically undermines Magnus, as The High Warlock, like a Trump tweet during a White House briefing. Alec then toes the party line about protecting downworlders from themselves in general, and insults Magnus by infantilizing him. Alec just didn't want Magnus to worry his pretty head about the sword. 3. The lie shows disregard for the magnitude of damage that Valentine has caused in only the last few weeks and for Magnus's life.If Alec had bought yogurt on the day of the downworld massacre that took place in Alec's Institute, with that missing sword, that yogurt would still be good. Also, for a significant amount of time, Alec thought he was going to find Magnus's dead body lying in a hallway after that massacre. It's like if there was a school shooting, and afterward the school put the gun in a janitor's closet, fully loaded, and forgot about it. Much like Izzy did, Magnus walks in to see Alec and finds himself confronting the Head of the New York Institute. Alec loves and admires Magnus. The Head of the Institute made assumptions about how a warlock would react to Clave news. Alec is always open and honest with Magnus. The head of the Institute is hiding life or death information. And there is a race factor here too. Everything Alec says and does after Magnus confronts him reeks of ingrained downworlder predjudice. Which is not to say that Alec is a bigot, or that he doesn't love Magnus, but Alec benefits from a society where he is powerful because his species has subjugated Magnus's species and hunted them for sport within Magnus's living memory. It's a massive betrayal, and Magnus lashes out at Alec with a viciousness that shocks Alec. It's the end of the honeymoon, and it's a great set up for deep meaningful plots moving forward. "Who can Jonathan trust?" It's also interesting to see the Jonathan/Valentine dynamic in an episode haunted by Jocelyn's emotional manipulation skills. Jonathan has this very interesting motivation: he wants to be loved. He's a villain who wants to be loved. He's a villain with a baseline of "pretty gosh darn evil" who just wants to be loved... and so far in the plot, shouldn't be loved. I am so in. Love that shit. And he's with an abusive monster who is preying on him to revert back to his big genocide plan... but he's also in contact with Jace, who can keep pointing out how abusive and manipulative Valentine is. And he knows Clary is his sister, and she keeps talking about how he can be redeemed, and she needs to find him, and she has no one, and giving him this lifeline. I almost want to read the kiss as an outburst of misplaced non sexual want. Like, he just has no idea how to express affection, but also he wants to claim her in a completely not-okay way. But the cynical part of me thinks that free form probably just threw it in for no reason. "Clary was also in this episode" Clary is the only character saddled with dragging the book plot along with her, and it's an albatross around her neck. Knowing that, it was a huge mistake to also give her the exposition that was so clunky it was reading examples of how not to do it. Then give her magic plot advancing powers in the form of visions for no reason. Everyone of her scenes reads like it was written by someone who got this job because their uncle works there, but they showed up hungover, wrote it 10 minutes before the scripts were due, and is probably going to quit soon anyway. Seriously, whoever wrote the Clary parts of this episode should be fired. Rather than beat a dead horse with my usual complaints about Clary and her storyline, I'm just going to point out that all those complaints still apply, but now with extra annoyance because: 1. The motivation they gave her makes no sense. Luke was supposed to be her father, but they never talk since she you know, tasered him. Dot is supposed to be a big sister to her, Clary keeps leaving her to die. But also, the writers don't use her actual close relationships to build this want in anyway. Like, she fucked up a sibling relationship with Simon cause of the awkward nerd boning, and the distance in that relationship never comes up as a motivating factor as she searches for family. The three people she hangs out with most (theoretically) are siblings. The idea that maybe she's a little isolated from that dynamic doesn't come up. 2x17 was a well developed, nuanced episode that explored a lot of deep and complicated facets of the characters and elements of the world, and Clary was a redhead in it.

[sebastiankurz]

Have a look at some of the best Interior Design Projects

Interior Design Projects of quality can be found all over the world each of them with a distinct quality as well as a couple of differences influenced by both the taste of the interior designer and also by the country it’s located at. Join us in this trip around the globe in order to discover some of the best Interior Design Projects out there!

You may also like: The Best Design Spots you can’t miss while in London

Jonathan Adler

Jonathan Adler biggest aim is to always create a flawlessly chic home no matter the circumstances. He does this beautifully and the biggest proof of this is the designer’s exclusive collection for Amazon ‘Now House’, featuring a varied selection of outstanding furniture, rugs, bedding, artwork, and decor pieces!

You can see it in the above living room style to which the designer has brought his signature style – bold graphics, pops of colour, textural patterns, as well as eye-catching details. From large furniture pieces to smaller accessories, elevating a boring room into something really unique is Jonathan Adler’s mastery skill.

Ryan Korban

Ryan Korban may be better known for being a specialist of high-end retail design and having worked for remarkable houses such as Balenciaga, Alexander Wang and Aquazzura, but his talent doesn’t stop there. – 40 Bleecker is another remarkable project by this designer.

In the designer’s own words about the project:

“When designing 40 Bleecker, I knew my work needed to speak to a new generation of downtown buyers who are looking for luxury and elegance against a modern backdrop. This idea of contrast is evident throughout the spaces in everything from textures and materials to finishes and furniture—masculine contrasts with feminine, traditional with modern, soft with brutalist.”

You can also check out: A discovery of both Milan and Leonardo Da Vinci’s Work & History

Rockwell Group

The Rockwell’s Group work for this luxury hotel is astonishing and couldn’t stop ourselves from giving a special highlight to the bedrooms. First off, the hotel comprises a total of 349 rooms that the duo has set up with botanically inspired designs as well as artful interiors. Not only that, but the dynamic duo also made sure to incorporate plenty of whimsical details while also paying close attention to space and functionality.

The bedroom’s warm and open atmosphere is the result of the use of a muted colour palette which includes –  wood-like floors, army-green mosaic tile, as well as striped drapes. Each room also features custom-designed and multipurpose furniture designs that also elevate the rooms to maximum comfort.

Yabu Pushelberg

Yabu Pushelberg first major project in the UK — the new hotel from Ian Schrager: the London edition. Located in central London’s Fitzrovia, Yabu Pushelberg has preserved the finest aspects of the historic building (formerly the Berners hotel), while still reinventing the spaces and bringing to them a dynamic fusion of old and new; past and present.

The hotel’s lobby features a cosy, yet old-school glamorous atmosphere. The American minimal artist, Donald Judd serves as the inspiration for the room, making it the juxtaposition between the existing traditional spaces and the more modern insertions.

Peter Marino

With setting on Biscayne Bay, and located on Star Island, this long rectangle of land, was a challenge for the architect Peter Marino who only had a couple of rooms with water views.

Nonetheless, his artful talent and exquisite craft made it all possible and the result demonstrates, as per usual Peter Marino’s strengths as well as his undeniable connection to art. In this particular living room design, he worked with the owners’ Asian sculptures and paintings by Léger, Miró, Kiefer, and Prince, but was also able to commission pieces including Lalanne furnishings. The result is eclectic, inspiring and bold – perfect for anyone who hates a minimal room!

Marmol Radziner

As a regular guest of leading publications such as – Architectural Digest, Dwell, The New York Times Magazine, Wallpaper, Interior Design, and Architectural Record – Marmol Radziner is a must cover whenever showcasing the best design projects of the moment.

This time the project we would like to bring to your attention is the one developed in partnership with legendary music icon Lenny Kravitz, who founded Kravitz Design Inc., a design company focusing on residential, commercial, and product design. The pre-crafted, one-bedroom home was smartly considered to maximize the use of its compact footprint. The colour scheme is neutral and uncompromising which conveys it with a lovely sense of eternal elegance.

Hirsch Bedner Associates

Hirsch Bedner Associates has created various show flats and marketing Suites in a diversity of foreign places. Their approach to the whole design, spatial planning, detail, colour psychology and accessory selection is immaculate and inspired and a big reason why we wanted to show a little bit of his work in more detail.

The Altamount Residence in MUMBAI (India), is his latest design project and it features bold colours, rich colours as well as noble materials.  These luxury residences were inspired by the multilayered urbanity as well as the culture of Mumbai.

A small palette of materials is implemented throughout the space in varying finished and sizes to add richness. Architectural lighting plays an important role in enhancing and complementing the layered experience throughout the living room. One of the most iconic furnishings from this unique project is the Eden centre table designed by Boca do Lobo and is located in the living room.

Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Martyn Lawrence Bullard is great at bringing unexpected elements to the same place. This bathroom design is one of our favourites from all of his work and, therefore, definitely worth the highlight.

This phenomenal bathroom is located in Villa Luna, and the key element is the pop of colour that contrasts with the neutral furniture. Another noticeable element refers to the gorgeous cabinets which are fully covered in a gorgeous and classic, Missoni fabric.

Nate Berkus

Berkus believes that homeowners should think about bathrooms as more than just utilitarian and functional spaces. Instead, a thoughtful decoration method is set to leave us with a further nicer result.

According to Nate Berkus, the aim is always to express one’s style and personal preferences – from colours to materials, textures and accessories – for the designer, important is to never settle down in the sense of just doing things without a purpose or care.

Michael Smith

The old Hollywood elite’s favourite, Casa del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica, has been revived with modern-day amenities and some luxurious upgrades courtesy of celebrity designer Michael S. Smith.

We especially loved the work done in the rooms; the multi-level Penthouse suites which are reminiscent of Italian seaside villas and feature eclectic Venetian-designed furnishings, a living room with a fireplace, a formal dining area, and either one, two, or three bedrooms with separate sitting areas, giving guests the feeling they are in their own private, beachfront pied-a-terre. Not only that, but the rooms also feature custom designed alder and walnut furnishings throughout, with particular attention to the use of a variety of hues and textures. You will also be able to find ebony finished pieces that contrast with the light blue walls, as well as furniture with caning, or raffia wallpapered bookcases.

The centrepiece is a rich walnut four-poster bed accented with luxurious white linens, lush chenille throws, and a bisque-colored ceramic garden stool located at its base. Other gorgeous details include; an etched and hand-silvered mirror, a selection of thoughtfully chosen novels, and whimsical artefacts reflective of the property’s beach location, such as coral and vintage maps of downtown Santa Monica, inspired by an original print dating back to the 1930s.

Timothy Corrigan

Timothy Corrigan is the owner of Chateau du Grande-Lucé, located in Le Grand-Lucé, in France’s Loire Valley. The chateau and its gardens are listed as French National Landmarks. When Timothy acquired the glorious 18th-century estate, restoration was on top of the list and the chateau was quite wrecked. The decoration was the next step, and it was also what brought life back to this beautiful property.

This French Chateau was built between 1760 and 1764, so stepping inside it, is a complete time travel experience. – While most of the rooms are very formal, the subtle pops of colour, whether it be on the walls or fabrics – keep the space looking far from a museum.

Kelly Hoppen

Kelly Hoppen signature style is a mix of contemporary and luxury, with bold and glamorous accents. This and so much more makes her stand out has one of the best interior designers of our times.

This home in London is one of her latest interior design projects and displays perfectly her decorating style that we all love and admire so much. In this specific project, we really loved her work in the living room. – The all-white family room, which includes the kitchen, and both dining and sitting areas, is decorated with contemporary furniture. It is highly functional, but also very comfortable, luxurious, and filled with light.

David Collins Studio

The Connaught Bar in London has been brilliantly designed by the David Collins Studio and comprises three rooms featuring hand-dyed degrade leathers, metal-studded black leather tables, and silver leaf mirror artwork.

The bar is panelled in a hand-painted Hibernian landscape which was designed in collaboration with Atelier Pierre Bonneville featuring gorgeous hues of dusty pink, pistachio green, and pale lilac; all framed in platinum silver leafed oak panels, which are a representation of the Irish inspired landscape.

David Collins Studio has done such an outstanding job that this bar has actually won many awards including “best interior design of the year” (Elle Decoration) and best bar for sealing the deal (esquire man at the top awards).

Zaha Hadid Architects

As a continuation of Zaha Mohammad Hadid legacy, Hadid’s Architects delivers this incredibly designed yacht which completely lives up to Hadid’s well-known design style – neo-futuristic and characterised by powerful, curving forms and elongated structures.

In the words of the belated architect – “As a dynamic object that moves in dynamic environments, the design of a yacht must incorporate additional parameters beyond those for architecture—which all become much more extreme on water. Each yacht is an engineered platform that integrates specific hydrodynamic and structural demands together with the highest levels of comfort, spatial quality, and safety.”

Within this project, we would like to highlight the beautiful exteriors which are characterised of a series of interwoven support beams; giving the superyachts Hadid’s ‘simple elegance’ signature style.

Everything inside has been designed in a clean, all-white manner and which is inspired by the ocean’s fluid form. The common area looks both futuristic and calming, mixing a white variety of minimal and practical forms.

Philippe Starck

Philippe Starck is one of the main French interior designers of the moment and is known for his incredible vision on interior design as well as design styles in general. He always creates a unique atmosphere in any place he decorates, and the work done for the Hotel Faena in Argentina is no exception.

We particularly love the work done in the bedrooms, where you can view the use of two main colours – white and red. This sets the mood for the entire room, making it a bold and daring space that also has a comfortable and cosy feel to it. The furniture has been meticulously chosen in order to create an environment that unveils perfect visual harmony.

Jean Louis Deniot

Jean Louis Deniot is known for his iconic design style that features no shortage of arresting materials and textures tempered with subtle colour palettes, muted tones as well as impeccable lighting. The result is a mix between classical terminology and contemporary aesthetics with a serene and elegant touch.

We loved the work he did for this Paris Avenue Montaigne flat, and especially the living room design in it.- The lines are filled with a multiplicity of layers, going from sophisticated furniture, a mixture of nude patterns, textures, materials and pieces from different periods, which are combined in his usual masterful way.

His design aesthetic can be defined as ‘French Chic’ and includes timeless interiors with different style inspirations and influences. Due to his tremendous experience and mastery conquered through the years, Jean-Louis Deniot is more than used to adapting the décor style around his clients’ preferences, and while always associating them with his, informal, but bold signature style.

Karim Rashid

Karim Rashid is known as one of the best interior design professionals, and owner of a fresh and truly unique style, where colours and curves are the main focus.

This living room style is the perfect example of Karim Rashid’s style and includes all of his signature decor elements – lots of colour, lots of prints, modern shapes, all of which on a contemporary looking backdrop. When Karim Rashid is designing a new space, there are no rules, there are only possibilities.

Patricia Urquiola

One of Patricia Urquiola’s most beloved projects was done for the boutique Hotel Les Cigales in Nice (France).

The starting point draws from Giannakopoulou’s origins: “xeno-dochio”, is greek for a box that contains travellers, otherwise known as a hotel. The architects’ interpretation centres on a narrative of geometric shapes appearing throughout the 6,000-square-foot, four-story property. The bedrooms are our favourite and include – boxy daybeds, round mirrors, triangulated brass wardrobes, each one unique but all with Achille Castiglioni and Joe Colombo light fixtures. Even the throw pillows boast a grid of rectangles, making it all almost look like “an abstract painting of Nice.”

Dimore Studio

One of our favourite projects by the Dimore Studio is ‘Leo’s inside The Arts Club’ on Dover Street, in Mayfair (London). In fact, the Italian duo Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran, worldwide known as Dimore Studio, have been tasked with the designing of the new interiors of Leo’s inside The Arts Club on Dover Street, in Mayfair, London. This is a major event for The Arts Club since it represents its most significant transformation since the overhaul of 2011.

This concept takes us through to the 1960s, where a mix of contemporary retro and oriental elements standout as the main stars. In the end, the result is divided into a bar with a counter (and counter stools), as well as a nightclub with a stage, where any guest can have a tremendously good time!

Marcel Wanders

Marcel Wander is one of the masterminds behind ‘Moooi’ – an astonishing brand that provides a wide range of solutions that clients find remarkably unique. Through its approach to shapes, patterns and textures, Moooi’s bring more boldness into any interior design style.

As you can see by this Moooi leaving room design; the brand goes the extra mile to take your home decoration to a stellar level. With an iconic mix of lighting, furniture and accessories, they are the go-to choice when inspiration is lacking as their fresh approach to interior design can spice up any creative mind!

Piet Boon

Piet Boon is one of the most important and iconic designers of our time, belonging to the list of ‘most famous Dutch architects and interior designers’. Together with Karin Meyn his creative director, this top interior designer leads his own team of designers, interior designers, and architects, who all together join forces with the aim of creating some of the best interior design and architecture projects to their ever-growing list of prime clients.

This ‘Paris Luxury Apartment’ is just another proof of Piet Boon Studio’s remarkable work. We especially love the bedroom where beautiful hues of turquoise, elevate this modern master bedroom to a place of luxuriant tranquillity

India Mahdavi

The Ladurée’s Tokyo Salon designed by India Mahdavi is one of the best examples of her signature style – “Queen of colour”.

In this particular project, Mahdavi has been consistent with the theme of French macarons and pastries. The end result is a whimsical combination of mint-green and bonbon pink that takes right into a glamorous Parisian dream.

To further enhance the interior design of the tea salon, Mahdavi added marvellous white candy-stick tables, bespoke and scalloped furniture with plush velvet cushions, grey and white marble floor; the walls are decorated with beautiful blown glass floret lamps that are an excellent complement to the cherry blossom-pink walls while meringue-shaped ceilings lamps soften the down lighting.

Twinkle Khanna

In this Kohler x Twinkle Khanna mesmerizing bathroom campaign you can see some of the most unique as well as beautiful interior design ideas for luxury bathrooms.

Kohler is best known for bringing innovation and style to the bathroom set, offering a wide variety of minimalist and sleek products and working with Twinkle Khanna was just the perfect fit for this project.

The range of designs is best described for featuring intriguing patterns inspired by cultural elements from all around the world such as – the Artists Edition sinks (Derring and Marrakesh) – which were inspired by Moorish architecture. These designs bring functionality and artistry to a whole new level and are beautiful statement pieces for any luxury bathroom.

In Twinkle Khanna’s words about the project – “This campaign really spoke to the designer in me. If you think about it, white and chrome have been synonymous with bathrooms. But that doesn’t have to be the case. There is a lot you can do. Especially, the collection that I worked with, is absolutely stunning as to what Kohler has done with decorative and colourful sinks and faucets by transforming them into artistic statements”.

Ab Concept

This project by AB Concept consists of an opulent colonial-inspired lounge bar which combines a mix of British and Chinese heritage and cuisine.

The Dispensary our favourite room, features an outstanding design concept that evokes the history of Cantonese heritage and emerges as a cut edge Hong Kong lounge bar decor scene, where the unofficial police bar originally stood.

★

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★

from Sebastian Kurz Blog https://www.designbuildideas.eu/look-best-interior-design-projects/

[tara-firma-blog]

Torn // Chatzy Transcript

Tara is a cockblock, Eli makes it better, Damian and Daphne have Actual Moments, Hadeel uses that cubus charm on Toby, Bei is a Beiby Gayby for Leo(nardo), and Jonathan is king of everyone’s heart

Damian: "I would say it was one time, but well." He replied a little bitterly, looking away. It was easier to be with Daphne. To be all the good and all the bad without feeling like a villain for it. He tapped his fingers against the bar top. "One drink?" 19:33

Hcdeedee: "I'd really rather not be in the enclosed space where its dark and I'll have to waste money on many torches." 19:36

Toby: "Well, I'm sure there are plenty of low level enemies in there just waiting for us to kill them you know." He said pointed out, taking a sip of his drink. 19:37

FlynnRaider: Leo shrugged. It would make sense. "I've always been told I'm an intimidating figure. I wouldn't really be surprised. Still, getting /some/ sort of action would have been nice". Leo was vastly unprepared for the attention he got in the states as a result. Relationships were a mystery to him. "Yeah, I grew up on the coast. It was beautiful. Moved to the states for my studies though" 19:37

Hcdeedee: "Probably, but it's so much nicer in the woods." 19:39

Daphne: "It's cute how you act like I can stop you," Daphne grinned, reaching up to pinch Damian's cheek. She was comforted knowing that here, drinking gave you a debuff instead of sclerosis. 19:39

Damian: He wiggled his brow as he leaned in and pretended to bite at one of her ears. "Well you might be able to." He straightened and grinned. "I think I read that druids can whip my ass. Since I'm a wolf." 19:40

Bei: "I thought I heard some sort of vague accent..." Bei hummed while an amused smile flickered across his features. Slowly the stupor of the day, of the flashbacks, seemed to be slipping away. Not gone, but certainly no longer at the forefront of his mind. "I figured New England... Not Italy." He looked down at his beer. "I'm an immigrant myself. Chinese, parents moved to America when I was a child." 19:41

FlynnRaider: "Yeah, I never could quite kick it," Leo said with a grimace. His italian roots were always obvious. His supposed that it was okay though, his only ever fling had called it "sexy". "Lucky you. I made the big move myself." He sipped on his drink, aiming for casual. Social drinking wasn't something he was well versed in. 19:47

Daphne: Daphne pressed her face to his shoulder and inhaled "That explains why you smell like dog" Happy dog. She loved that smell. "I could whip your ass anyway. Remember when I ran into your shins with my chair?" That's what he got for taunting her. "Well, shin?" She corrected herself. 19:48

Bei: "For what it's worth..." Bei started tilting the beer in his hand. "I can't slip from Mandarin to English without a disgusting accent slip. I wasn't able to shake it until I was well into high school. The teasing was horrendous." 19:50

Damian: "What is your obsession with sniffing me?" He wrinkled his nose. "I'm the one with nose powers in the current time and place." Damain grimaced at the memory. "I only have half a lower shin on one side. Take pity." He grinned at her. "One drink each. Maybe two. Then strip joint or bed." 19:50

FlynnRaider: "Kids are awful," Leo agreed with a roll of his eyes. He didn't miss highschool, he'd been tall and gangly, if you could believe that. Hadn't grown int himself yet. "Thankfully I missed out on the welcoming/ american highschool experience. I didn't come to Pennsylvania till uni." 19:53

Bei: "Pennsylvania?" Bei asked, tipping his head a bit. "Where at in Pennsylvania?" 19:54

FlynnRaider: "Philadelphia, specifically. Studied History and Art History there. Double major." It was a bit embarrassing to admit, a tough guy like him. But it was his passion. The school boasted one of the best programs in the country. 19:55

Bei: "I could never imagine studying History myself... then again, I was never much the school type anyway. I was far more interested in doing than learning." He hummed before looked to Leo. "Though, I suppose that does go to show how small the world is. That's just under two hours away from where I live. Really, a day trip. My parents used to love going to Philadelphia... Thought the Liberty Bell was the greatest thing ever." 19:58

Toby: "Alright, alright. We'll go to the forest then." Toby wasn't put out either way. One way or another he was going to try and level up. "You know, we could also try going down to the water." 20:00

FlynnRaider: "Let me tell you, it's come in handy these days. Knowing all the names of the weapons, the clothing, that kind of thing," Leo joked. He'd never thought his degree would actually be applicable in his daily life. "I can't say I ever saw too much of the city though, which is a shame. Too focused on my studies. And I've moved now anyway." 20:00

Daphne: "You smell like a Good Boy. Like Brinkley. You know, that therapy dog." Daphne wrinkled her nose at the drink the barkeep pushed toward her. She had been diagnosed prior to her 21st birthday and had never had the opportunity to acquire a taste for booze. "They have a strip club here?" She asked, bewildered. 20:02

Bei: "I'll bet. If I ever have a question, I now know where to go to." He smiled before he took a sip from his beer. "Oh? Where did you move to? Somewhere warm and not prone to a foot of snow in one go?" 20:03

FlynnRaider: Leo snorted. "More like covered with people who walk too slow and sells shitty hot dogs. New York of all places. A tiny shitty apartment in the Bronx, if we're getting specific." 20:04

Damian: "Ew. He's a drooler." Damian wiped his hands against his thigh with a shiver. Taking his drink, he nodded before taking a long drink. Setting it down again, he smiled. "Yep. Girls. Boys. And in between. I figure you can admire naked beauty and I can try to get laid." 20:05

Bei: The answer seemed to catch Bei off guard and he sat up a bit straighter. "...New York?" 20:06

FlynnRaider: "Yeeeees?" Leo answered questioningly. "Not the classiest of places but I didn't think it was /that/ bad." 20:07

Bei: "...New York, New York?" 20:08

FlynnRaider: "New York, New York." He arched an eyebrow. 20:09

Bei: A slow smile spread across Bei's face, similar to the Grinch but far less menacing. "Huh." He hummed as he took another drink. 20:10

FlynnRaider: Leo grumbled into his drink. "Care to share?" 20:11

Bei: "Oh, nothing." He replied coyly with a shake of his head. 20:11

FlynnRaider: Flagging down Jonathan, Leo narrowed his eyes at Bei. "Seriously? This is how it's going to be?" He sighed and rested his chin on his hand in annoyance. 20:13

Daphne: Heat rose in Daphne's face. Naked bodies were... weird. They just made her feel awkward unless it belonged to somebody she knew. Then she didn't care. 20:16

Bei let the quiet linger just a moment longer before he leaned in a bit, not enough to breach personal space, but closer than he'd been before. "I'm from New York as well. That's all." 20:16

Toby joined the chat 20:16

Daphne: "I hope you're not expecting a wingman" 20:16

Damian: He chuckled and patted her back, "I'm fucking with you. I just need a drink." He held up his foot, the sole of his left boot flapping. "Look at this sad state of affairs. I deserve a drink, Daf." 20:17

FlynnRaider: As Bei leaned in, Leo leaned back in his chair in response, face heating slightly. "Oh, uh, small world." There was a beat of silence. "Whereabouts?" 20:19

Bei: Bei took the fact that Leo leaned back as a clear signal and straightened out, once giving the other the space he'd had before. "As cliche as this is going to be, Chinatown." 20:20

FlynnRaider: Leo tried his best to ignore the pang of disappointment he felt as the other leaned back. He supposed that was his own fault. But maybe he could fix it? Shaking it off, he smirked and leaned forward on his hand. "Wow, really doing your part to shake off the stereotypes." 20:25

Bei: Bei winced though his expression was open and playful and followed by a laugh. "Blame my parents. They set up there, opened a shop to support us... and it was an easy place to come back to after..." He trailed off, the smile faltering a bit as he tipped his nearly empty glass. "...after my injury." 20:27

Tara entered for the first time 20:28

Daphne: Daphne blushed. She should have known he was teasing. Daphne went to drink but... the flapping. The flapping was incessant. And Damian knew how annoying it was; he had to or he wouldn't be doing it! So, she reached out and tore the sole off. "There! I fixed it!" 20:29

FlynnRaider: Leo's playful look immediately dropped. This was clearly a more serious topic, it should be handled delicately. He couldn't help his eyes flicking over Bei's body, though logically he knew any injuries wouldn't have transferred over. "Injury? I hope you're alright..." 20:30

Bei: "I'm fine." Bei replied, just a beat too quickly as he shrugged it off. "I moved back to New York and took a job as a local cop. Let me tell you, the strange shit you see as a cop in New York." 20:30

Tara joined the chat 20:31

Damian: Damian looked wide eyed at here then wiggled his socked toes out the bottom of his shoe. "You punk ass kid, Daf." He grabbed the sole and tried to reattach it. "I wasn't gonna buy new ones dammit!" 20:32

FlynnRaider: Leo let him drop the subject without pressing Some things were best left alone. "A cop, how honorable." he flattered with a small laugh. "But I bet you I can top that. You see even stranger shit as a bouncer. All the crazies come out at about 3 am" 20:32

Tara: By this point, Tara was somewhat convinced that since this game had so many Americans, she was going to get carded before she could even get drunk truth or dare going. It was going to happen, dammit, even if she was the only one playing. So her first part of the plan? Sneak into the tavern (check), say nothing (so far, check), sit in the corner (creepily, check) and spring it on them when they were too confused to argue. Yeah. That was it. 20:33

Bei: "I can guarantee you I've been called out at 3am to half of the clubs at some point." Bei countered, his easy smile returning before he leaned back a bit, making sure to give Leo his space. "What club?" 20:33

Daphne: Daphne shrugged. "You could just go barefoot like me," she chirped, wiggling her toes at him. 20:37

FlynnRaider: "Those calls must be fun. I can't imagine the amount of times you've been hit on." Whoops. It just kind of slipped out. That was about as close to flirting as Leo could get. Regaining his composure, he shrugged. "Industry Bar. Not the prettiest scene but it pays the bills." 20:39

Bei: "No one wants to hit on a cop that's arresting them for a drunk and disorderly. Trust me." Bei replied, shaking his head. At the name of the bar, he felt his expression betray himself and give away his surprise. "Wait... You're a bouncer at Industry Bar?" 20:40

Damian: "I'm not a fucking heathen." He grabbed her foot and pulled, nearly dislodging her from her seat. "Heathen." 20:40

Tara: Raising her eyebrows sketchily, Tara leaned in to a conversation of which she had no idea of the topic. "So you know what goes really great at industry bars? Activities that really get the whole crowd involved." 20:41

FlynnRaider: If it was you I would, was all Leo could think. But he didn't voice those thoughts, obviously. He raised his eyebrows at Bei's surprised expression. "Yeah. You know it? I work most nights" 20:42

Bei: There was a long pause as Bei stared as Leo. Then, slowly, realization began to dawn and his eyes widened. "Oh, holly hell..." 20:44

Bei glanced sideways at the young woman, caught off guard. He'd focused so much on Leo, he'd hardly noticed the other people around. "...Oh?" 20:45

FlynnRaider: Leo's eyes widened as well, mirroring the man across from him. "Is.. there something wrong?" 20:46

FlynnRaider: He followed his gaze to the women next to him, staring at her blankly. 20:46

Tara nodded sagely. She had not seriously expected that they would get this far. "Yes. How interested are you... in games?" 20:46

Bei: It seemed as though Leo wouldn't get an answer. "It depends on the type of game, I suppose." 20:47

Daphne: Daphne poked Damian in the ribs with her stave. "Bad dog," she scolded, trying to keep from grinning. 20:48

Tara: thought that almost all games were good, but she had to cater to people that just were not used to actually enjoyed themselves. "Games typically played at parties... but with higher stakes." 20:48

FlynnRaider: This was becoming something he did /not/ want to get involved with. "Uhhhh.... is their an opt out option?" 20:48

Tara: Frowning, Tara supposed that she had come on a little strong. "My name is Tara, if that helps, and I consider myself an expert at games. Opting out is always an option, especially if you enjoy a heavy sense of regret." 20:50

Bei arched an eyebrow at the young woman, clearly amused. "Well, Tara, I might just think you were an NPC looking to get some people in trouble." 20:51

Toby joined the chat  20:51

Damian: "You are an asshole." Damian released her foot and grabbed his drink. "You are an ass and I'm telling on you to Jonathan. My new best friend." 20:51

Toby: Hummed in content as he sat off in the corner of the bar. Nursing his second tankered of mead. 20:52

FlynnRaider: Leo's eyes darted back and forth, watching the exchange. He was content to just observe from the sidelines. 20:53

Tara: That was probably supposed to be offensive. "If I were an NPC, I would probably be, like, totally more predictable. And less awesome. Talking to NPCs is really boring," she said, pouting. "It's just truth or dare. It's fun." 20:53

FlynnRaider: "I... can't say that I've played much truth or dare," Leo admitted. 20:54

Bei glanced up at Leon, an eyebrow arched. "You've never played truth or dare?" 20:55

Tara: Good! She had managed to rope in the one who had been reluctant to play. "I bet that guy over there would play with us," Tara said, pointing over at Toby. "It's a rite of passage to play." 20:55

Toby: Looking up when he heard a voice, Toby lifted a brow. "A rite of passage? To play a game most of us haven't played since elementary school?" 20:56

FlynnRaider: As much as he tried to stop it, Leo's cheeks flushed red. "Do I really seem like the wild partying type in uni to you? It's not like, a necessary human requirement" 20:56

Bei: The amused expression from earlier was back, and Bei had to stop himself from making some sort of flirtatious comment about the color in the other's cheeks. He'd made it clear he had boundaries, and Bei had seemingly already crossed them once. "I would go so far as to say it's a rite of passage as Tara seems to suggest... but it is a staple of most young, dumb experiences." 20:58

Tara: Oddly enough, Tara thought he did look a little like the wild partying type if she squinted hard enough. "Yes, thank you. Definitely something at least close to a rite of passage to play truth or dare... While drunk!" There. The gauntlet had been thrown down. 20:58

Daphne: "mhm, yeah, ok." She stood on tiptoe and kissed Damian's cheek. "I'm going to bed, you grump so you'll have to do the sex elsewhere." 20:58

FlynnRaider: "I was significantly lacking in young, dumb experiences," Leo grumbled. "Don't remind me." He was, of course, referring to his lack of relationships over the years. He never really got to be just a teen. 20:59

Bei: "Well, it seems this lovely young woman is offering you the perfect opportunity to rectify that." 21:00

FlynnRaider: "I'm not /nearly/ drunk or stupid enough for this" 21:01

Toby: Running a hand over the back of his neck, Toby shrugged. "Yeah, alright." Knocking back the rest of his drink, he got up and went to join the others at their table. 21:01

Bei: "Well, looks like you need to down a few beers then." He challenged with an arched eyebrow. 21:01

FlynnRaider: He glared at the other man. "I'm usually the one monitoring peoples drinking, not drinking myself." 21:02

Tara: Two of these strangers were talking about something that Tara still had no idea about, but the other one was definitely game. "Perfect!" she said brightly, going for the least gross-sounding beer that they had. "Should we find more peopld?" 21:02

Damian: "Nooooo. I'll go with you." He pouted and made grabby hands. 21:03

Toby: "Do we need more people?" He wondered out-loud. 21:03

FlynnRaider: "Do we need to play at all?" Leo countered. 21:03

Tara: "Well we don't need more people as long as we can hang on to the one who's too afraid to play," Tara said without thinking too hard about it. 21:04

FlynnRaider: "the one who's too afraid to play?" Leo yelped, insulted. "I'm right here you know!" 21:05

Bei: "Sounds like you've been challenged." 21:07

Damian: Loudly and in the background, Daphne and Damian stumbled out. Laughter following after them. 21:07

FlynnRaider: Grumbling, Leo glared at them while downing a beer. Staring them challengeingly, he slammed it onto the bar. 21:08

Tara sipped at her new drink, entirely pleased that she had found these enjoyable people that did not like her very much. "Yes, o frighted and soon-to-be-drunk one. I dare you to hold your friend's hand for... five minutes." 21:09

FlynnRaider: "I- what?" He blinked, shocked. "I don't have much truth or dare experience, I admit, but I'm /pretty/ sure that's not how you play." 21:10

Toby: Toby: "Oh you've got to be kidding me? That's the first dare that you're going with?" He teased looking at Tara. 21:11

Bei sat back in his chair, his glass held lightly in his hand utterly unaware that he was the friend to which Tara was referencing. 21:11

Tara raised her eyebrows at Toby. "Oh, but you see, this is actually the best idea I've ever had. And since you guys didn't give me your names, you don't get to choose truth or dare." 21:12

Toby: Leaning forward, he held out his hand to her. "Toby. Toby Ross." He said with a smirk. 21:13

FlynnRaider: Crossing his arms, Leo sent an unimpressed look her way. "You essentially walked up and demanded we play. Not sure where you think your so called authority is coming from" 21:13

Tara: Taking Toby's hand, she grinned. "Tara Grayson. Well met!" Scowling at Leo, she said. "Excuse you, but I'm a Paladin, so I probably have... marginal imaginary authority." 21:14

FlynnRaider: "Well I'm a pirate so I probably have marginal imaginary refusal of authority." 21:15

Toby: "Or you're just drunk and your imaginary authority complex has gone to your head." He pointed out. 21:15

Bei snorted softly and shook his head. 21:16

Tara: Raising her glass, Tara insisted, "I have had *one* drink. One! I am not drunk. I am a noble and sometimes chivalrous being." 21:16

FlynnRaider: Scowling, Leo sulked on his stool. And to think, the night had seemed to be looking up. He risked a quick glance over at Bei. 21:17

Toby: "What ever helps you sleep at night, sweetheart." He said before lifting a hand to try and order another drink for himself. 21:18

Damian changed name to Eli 21:18

Tara: Okay, so clearly she was having less success with the night than she expected. "Excuse you, I sleep great at night. And hey!" She glanced from Bei to Leo. "Why aren't you two holding hands? Too chicken?" 21:20

Bei blinked and sat up a bit straighter. "Huh? Me?" 21:20

FlynnRaider: Leo's scowl only deepened. He simply grunted in response. 21:21

Toby: "Really? Guess you'll have to prove it to me sometime." Was he shamelessly flirting? Yes. A common occarance when he got drunk. Looking over to Bei, Toby started to chuckle. "I think she meant you my friend." 21:21

Bei set his now empty glass on the bar. "I've been dared?" 21:24

Tara: "Yes, you two. I dared you guys, like, three minutes ago," Tara said, rolling her eyes. Why couldn't people keep up? Apparently Toby wanted to keep up in some other way, which she was lucky enough to catch the drift of. "No offense, but I'm kind of throwing up in my mouth a little. Can you give me a minute?" 21:24

Eli: Eli sauntered into the tavern with a grin. He'd had a successful day of questing and needed a drink. Going to sit up front, he flagged down the bartender, Jonathan, and ordered a drink. 21:26

FlynnRaider: Eyes darting around looking for a quick escape, Leo spotted Eli at the other end of the bar. "Oi! Eli!" He called over. 21:26

Hcdeedee joined the chat  21:27

Hcdeedee: Holy crap there were so many more people than before in the tavern. 21:27

Bei: "I was not aware I'd been dared." Bei countered before he ordered another drink. 21:28

Eli: Eli looked over and smiled as he raised a brow. "Leo? How are you?" 21:29

FlynnRaider: "Errrrr - could be better," he grimaced,looking pointedly at Tara. 21:30

Toby: "Take all the time you need." He said with a shrug. Turning his attention back over toward the bar he smiled seeing DeeDee. "Save me." He mouthed to his friend. 21:30

Eli: He raised a brow, grabbing his drink and walking over. "What's gong on?" 21:30

Hcdeedee: Hadeel caught sight of Toby at the bar and sighed in relief. "BeeBee!" She called out, pushing past people to stand at his side. 21:31

Tara: Grumbling, "I am much too gay for this," she swigged back at her drink. "And I can totally hear everything." 21:31

Bei pushed himself to his feet and gestured for the bartender to cancel his drink. "And I believe that is my cue to head out." 21:32

FlynnRaider: Leo quickly stood as well. "I'll ah - catch you later?" he said desperately. And just when they'd had a good conversation going. 21:32

Eli: "Yeah of course." He looked from him to Bei and raised a brow. 21:33

Toby: Grunting slightly at the nickname, Toby looked down at Hadeel. "Why does it feel like we're back in high school?" He questioned looking at the group of people. 21:33

Bei nodded to Eli politely before he glanced to Leo and smiled softly. "I'm sure we'll see each other around sometime. Small world and all." He managed, looked up through his eyelashes before he turned and left, hands tucked into his pockets. 21:34

FlynnRaider: "No- I mean - I'm staying. Bei is going. I think." He collapsed onto his stool. Lord this was confusing. 21:34

Hcdeedee: "Probably because we're all playing a video game?" She shrugged and looked around for a drink. 21:35

FlynnRaider: "Yeah, see you around," Leo offered half-heartedly as Bei left. 21:35

Eli: Eli rolled his eyes before nudging Leo, "I'm sure Bei wouldn't mind the company, Leo." He looked over to where Bei was walking off. "Go catch up to him idiot." He hissed quietly at Leo. 21:35

Tara: Under her breath, she said, "If they had just held hands everything would have been great, but nooooo, they just have to be children about it." 21:35

FlynnRaider: Looking back over, Leo lowered his voice as well. "Catch up with him? He clearly wants space! He just left!" He hissed back 21:36

Eli: "Because you were clearly ignoring him." He snarked in returned and shoved him off the seat onto his feet. "Go after him and say you want some private time." 21:39

FlynnRaider: Stumbling, Leo looked back in shock. "Ignoring him? I wasn't! Can't I just PM him??" He would never understand boys 21:40

Toby: "Yeah, this isn't just a video. This is real life there DeeDee." He said shaking his head. "I need more beer if I'm going to listen to this anymore. Come on." 21:41

Eli: Eli grabbed his face and held his eyes. "Listen to me very closer. GO and kiss the boy." 21:41

Toni entered for the first time 6 seconds ago 21:42

FlynnRaider: Leo threw up his hands defensively. "WOAH - woah. Kiss?! Who said anything about kissing!" Leo laughed awkwardly. 21:42

Tara: Tara hummed "Kiss the Girl" softly, knowing that the reasonable guy and the jittery one wouldn't hear. 21:43

Eli: He gave him a sharp look. "Go. Now." He nudged him over. "Go get him. Or I will." 21:43

FlynnRaider: He grabbed onto Eli's arm desperately. "No - NO. This is not happening. Nobody is getting /anybody/. Let's just. have a drink, yeah?" 21:44

Eli: He raised a brow at him and opened up his menu. "I'm sure if I message him, he'd be down to meet." He hummed to himself. 21:46

Toby: "You know Bei is a really great guy." He said wanting to just stir the pot a little. "He's really great with handcuffs." 21:47

FlynnRaider: "Wait - WOAH. Let's be reasonable here. It's late. He's gone home - or wherever. We have no reason to contact him." Leo paused. "Why do you even have his username? Ugh, doesn't matter. Just - don't." 21:47

FlynnRaider: At Toby's comment, Leo went BRIGHT red. "I - what - I don't - " he stuttered. 21:48

Toby: Toby couldn't help but chuckle, as he sipped more at the beer he'd finally acquired. "Oh calm down, I was kidding. Mostly." 21:49

Tara: "Was that the guy that just walked out? How do you spell Bei's username?" Tara asked curiously. 21:49

Eli: "I know his username. We're friends." Eli waved at his friend list. "Leo come on. Go after him. Now." He shoved him again, elbowing Toby to stay out of it. 21:49

FlynnRaider: Leo sunk down into his seat, burying his head in his hands. This was a disaster. He was surrounded by drunk idiots. 21:50

Toby: Toby looked over at Eli, rolling his eyes before taking an empty chair. Feb 1

Tara: "So do you spell it like B-A-E? Because if so, I bet that one was hard to get," Tara mused. 21:51

Eli: "Go," He nudged him again. "He clearly liked you." 21:51

Hcdeedee: Hadeel trailed after Toby, curious to see if she could get him to buy another drink for her. 21:52

FlynnRaider: Leo's head snapped up. "He did /not/. You just think that because you think /everybody/ is flirting with you." 21:52

Toby: Glancing up at Hadeel, Toby lifted a brow. "Can I help you dear?" 21:53

Toni had no idea what the hell was going on. Frankly, ne had better things on ner mind, like how the inner workings of the game worked, and how to break it all apart from the inside. But seeings as there seemed to be such a large crowd inside the Tavern, ne figured what would one drink hurt? Of course, one became two and two turned into somewhere between ten and too many. Leaving Toni, a frustrated, horny mess, as the tall drink of water passed her....a drink of water, encouraging ner to slow down, while also looking the hacker over. Toni was really appreciating the attention. But Toni didn't show anything on her face. Of course, the alcohol was sure to change that soon. 21:53

Hcdeedee: "Aren't we getting more drinks?" 21:55

Eli: Eli rolled his eyes and looked over to Tara. "B E I." Then looking back to Leo, he grunted. "Everyone does flirt with me. Haven't you heard? Good looks alone." 21:55

FlynnRaider: Leo rolled his eyes. "Then why don't /you/ go hit on him if you're so insistent on it." 21:56

Eli: "Because he seemed upset about you, not me." Eli replied with a look. 21:56

Tara: "Thank you!" she said to the nice stranger. She would vote for him for guild prime minister, probably. Swiping through her menu, she went to go add this Bei person to her friends list. 21:56

FlynnRaider: He had a look of innocent confusion on his face. "Upset? I didn't really get that vibe..." 21:57

Toby: "I mean, if you'd really like to get another drink, by all means go ahead. Can you get me one too while you're at it?" Giving Hadeel a wink, he turned his attention back to the room. "Thanks doll." 21:57

Eli: Eli rolled his eyes hard and looked to Tara. "Sweetheart, help me out here." 21:57

Tara: For some bizarre reason, Tara's new name in this bar was 'Sweetheart.' She did not really like it. "What? Are we talking about his bae Bei?" 21:59

Eli: "Yes. Apparently, Bei was not into Leo here." He gave her a look. 21:59

Hcdeedee: Hadeel pouted, stubbornly staying put by his side. She only had so much gold and she'd be damned if she'd spend it on drinks she could get for free. 22:00

Tara: Tara was not sure if the prime minster guy was being serious. "Well apparently that is incorrect because Bei totally probably was. But what do I know?" 22:01

FlynnRaider: Leo just grumbled. "I'll believe it when I see it. I've gotten my hopes up one too many times. Not that uh - I'm hoping for anything." 22:02

Toby: Nudging Hadeel's shoulder, Toby sighed. "What's with the pout?" 22:02

Eli: "Or you are greatly missing on the opportunity to make out with a frankly super hot man because of fear of rejection." Eli said dryly and breathed out. "Two people, unbiased, saw he was at least into you. Why not message him now and see?" 22:03

Hcdeedee: "I'm saving my gold and was hoping you would pay for the drinks." 22:03

FlynnRaider: Leo crossed his arms and frowned. "If I PM him, will you leave me alone?" 22:04

Tara: "Actually I'm totally biased, because you two would have been really sweet... If you had just held hands!" Tara said, waving her arms around excitedly. 22:04

Eli: "What the beautiful lady said," Eli grinned at Tara before finishing off his drink. "Only if you ask him out on a date." 22:05

Toby: Toby rolled his eyes, fishing in his pocket for another two pieces of gold. 'Here. Those are the last ones I'm buying you, alright?" 22:06

FlynnRaider: Leo just gave Eli a look. "I will /not/. A PM is the best you're going to get. Final offer." 22:06

Tara looked at her messages, vaguely distressed. "So Bae with an A just blocked me, but Bei without is imaginary. Pity." 22:07

Eli: "Then I'll ask him out." Eli threatened flatly. "Bei's username is Beiby. As in gayby beiby." 22:08

Tara: "Scoooooore," Tara said, fistpumping. "Thank you, Prime Minister." 22:09

Eli: Eli nodded then did a double take. "Did you just refer to me as Prime Minister?" 22:10

FlynnRaider: "I wish you luck in your relationship," Leo said dryly. "And don't enable her." 22:10

Tara: "I did. I voted for you. Well, I will," Tara said as thoughtfully as possible, ignoring Leo the grump. 22:11

Eli: "I'm an enabler." He grinned at him and then threw an arm around him. "He was into you." Looking over to Tara, "Do I want to know?" 22:11

FlynnRaider: "Yeah, yeah. Thanks for the attempts at an ego boost. Here's a thought, lets find /you/ sombody" 22:12

Tara: "You might want to know," Tara said cryptically. "Ooo, this is such a romantic evening. I'm so excited." 22:13

Eli: "Well," Eli scanned the tavern. "Slim pickings." He sipped his drink, "Too bad Jonathan is an NPC." 22:13

FlynnRaider: Leo threw his arms into the air. "Alright. I give up. Time to get drunk." 22:14

Eli: "Excellent. Jonathan!" He called, "Shots. Keep them coming." 22:15

Hcdeedee: Hadeel grinned and raced to the bar to get the drinks. A little flirting got her two drinks for the price of one and she quickly returned with their drinks. "Thanks BeeBee." She kissed his cheek in thanks and set down the mugs. 22:15

Tara: "NPC romance is probably worse than star-crossed love. There's probably someone who looks like this one somewhere. Possibly as obedient." 22:17

Eli: "I don't want obedience." He screwed up his face. "I wouldn't mind that face. Or arms." 22:18

FlynnRaider: Leo ignored all his surroundings and just downed a shot. If he could forget the events of tonight, it would be a miracle. 22:18

Tara: "Oh, so you want a better Jonathan. I will make it my mission to find you one, my leader," she said seriously. 22:19

Eli: Eli shoved another shot into Leo's hands taking the empty glass. "Please do. I will..." He looked her up and down, "girlfriend?" 22:20

FlynnRaider: He supposed he was making up for all of his missed drunk nights in uni all in one sitting. not that he was complaining. 22:22

Tara: "Girlfriend please," Tara said with a nod. "I've been seriously almost considering praying for a pretty vampire girlfriend, but I'm only kind of almost picky mostly sometimes." 22:23

FlynnRaider: "Guys... where are we staying tonight..?" 22:23

Eli: "I will attempt to fulfill your dreams." He held out his hand. "Eli." Looking over to Leo, he raised a brow. "I can probably find you a place to stay." 22:26

Toby: "No problem darling." Toby teased. "How about we get out of here once the drinks are done. I'm not quite in a bar lurking mood anymore." 22:26

Tara: "But I can be extra patient, so please prioritize the future guild needs," Tara said fairly. "But now? Now considering it is sleeping time, I must find a tree." 22:27

FlynnRaider: Leo laid his head on the counter, closing his eyes. Just a minute, he told himself. "I'll just... be here. Gimme a sec..." 22:29

Hcdeedee: "Sounds good, no cute guys here anyways... Wanna check out that strip joint?" 22:29

Eli: "Okay. Bed time for all." He patted Leo's back as he got to his feet. "Don't worry. I'll get you to a bed." Pointing to Tara, "And you. You're with me. As your prime minister. I will provide a bed. Free of birbs." 22:30

FlynnRaider: Leo just groaned in response. "Can I just like... not move?" 22:31

Eli: "Only for a bit," He said as he checked his messages again. 22:32

Toby: "And what am I? Chopped liver?" He asked "But yeah, if you want we can head there." 22:32

Tara: "You're so good, Prime Minister. I'm going to friend request you now, and it would be an honor to be even considered one of your list," Tara said gratefully. "Also, Leo, you look really sad. You should get on sleeping not here with Jonathan or the Prime Minister will be jealous."

Hcdeedee: "No you're just old."22:32 

Eli: "Prime Minister will be very jealous." He agreed solemnly with Tara. "I'm SirenSong dear, if you can still spell." He steadied her as he grumbled at his inbox.22:34 

FlynnRaider: "I'm not sad," he mumbled. "I'm just drunk." Was this karma for all the smashed club goers he'd laughed at?22:34 

Tara: "I am the best drunk speller," Tara insisted, tapping that in. "There you so, sir. I'm TerraFirma. But also Tara. Duality, you know? You know. Can we go with the sad drunk now?"22:35 

Eli: "TerraFirma? Nice name." He smiled and handed her a water that Jonathan had pushed over. "Drink this so your body hates you less. And Leo of course you're not. Don't worry. We're just going to get you to a bed in just a second."22:36 

FlynnRaider: "I'm staying at the inn.... it's just down the road," he mumbled into the wood, gesturing randomly towards the door.22:37 

Eli: "Mhm, of course." He patted his head as he Tara nodded off against him."22:38 

FlynnRaider: Attempting to get up, Leo got approximately one step before he sagged into Eli. "Now I remember why I don't drink.."22:44 

Eli: "Yes. yes." He held both of them up, swaying a little himself.22:46

FlynnRaider: "I can probably make it myself. It's not far....." Leo offered and trailed off. Honestly, he just wanted a bed. Or a floor. Anywhere, really. He wasn't picky22:49 

Eli: He shifted, trying to continue messaging Bei for help. "Yes. Now sit."22:50 

FlynnRaider: Leo squinted. "Eli... you realize that didn't actually answer my question?"22:50 

Eli: "Sit." He repeated the order, as he sent a badly worded message.22:51 

FlynnRaider: Obediently Leo sagged to the floor. Stretching his legs out and letting his head fall against the bar, he closed his eyes. Just a short rest...22:52

 Eli: Eli tipped back his head and sighed loudly, "Fuck me."22:52 

FlynnRaider: Leo opened one eye. "No thanks. Friends is good for me."22:53 

Eli: "Not you," He nudged him with his foot.22:54 

FlynnRaider: "Who's the lucky lad then?" He inquired without opening his eyes. "And why are we still here anyway?"22:55 

Eli: "We're still here because Satan is outside." He murmured angry and picked Tara up in a fireman's hold.22:55 

FlynnRaider: "Lovely. We barely lasted a few days." He cracked open his eyes. "Where are you going?"22:57 

Eli: "Okay." He shifted Tara. "I am going to go drop her off, then I'll be back for you. Just... stay." He gestured, "Good boy." He walked off with Tara.22:58

FlynnRaider: "Right....." Leo mumbled. All he could do was watch as they disapeared into the night. Well, fuck.22:59 

FlynnRaider: He faded in and out of consciousness for the next little while. Occasionally falling asleep but something would always inevitably wake him and start the cycle over.23:00 

Bei exhaled as he closed his user interface and stared up at the sign for the bar. Eli owed him. He pushed his way inside and blinked, surprised to find no one in there... until he spotted someone on the floor. "...Leo?"23:02 

FlynnRaider: Leo barely cracked his eyes open, throwing up a hand to shield his eyes from the light. "...hmmmm?"23:03 

Bei: "Oh for heaven's sake..." He shook his head and bent forward. The height different proved to be difficult, but not impossible. He got Leo to his feet and glanced up. "Where are you staying?"23:05 

FlynnRaider: Leo tried to steady himself as he was pulled up but it was proving rather difficult. He sagged heavily into the figure of... Bei? "Didn't you... go home?"23:06 

Bei: "I did." Bei nodded and adjusted Leo so he was better supporting him. "And now I'm back." He made his way towards the door slowly. "Now, where are you staying?"23:07 

FlynnRaider: "There's an inn... down that way." He swirled his hand in a vague direction. Something was nagging him though. "This... is embarrassing. Wow, ok, let's never speak after this shit."23:08 

Bei: Bei smirked and let out a quiet laugh. "Oh, I have a feeling you'll never live this down. And it won't be because of me." He murmured, carefully directing them in the way of Leo's vague gesture.23:10 

FlynnRaider: He was far, /far/ to drunk too make out these kind of statements in his addled brain. "Not you? What? Who? Eli?" The questions spilled out before Bei could even answer.23:11 

Bei nodded. "Yupp. Eli is likely going to harass you endlessly."23:13 

FlynnRaider: "Eli has no ground to stand on anyway," Leo grumbled. "He fucking ditched me at the bar! Left me wasting away! Any random could have come for all this," he gestured towards his general body. Part of his mind was screaming at him to stop talking but he ignored it.23:15 

Bei: That earned an amused look from Bei as they made their way through the streets, leaving the tavern behind. "All this?"23:18 

FlynnRaider: Leo tried to shrug but just ended up stumbling. "Yeah. This brooding bad boys bod. Words direct from the mouths of my sisters friends. I'm "ripped" apparently. Girls are weird" He attempted to make little air quotes with his fingers.23:20 

Bei: It took only a minute or two for them to reach an inn, the one Bei hoped Leo was staying at. "Well, it sounds like your sisters friends certainly have a type."23:22 

FlynnRaider: "Jokes on them. I'm kind of a dork." He would never have admitted that if he wasn't drunk, but oh well. "A dork wrapped in pretty packaging." As Bei stopped, Leo sagged against the smaller man.23:24 

Bei glanced at Leo and licked his lips before he breathed out and shook his head. No comment. Like he'd said, you got used to it. "What room are you in, buddy?"23:26 

FlynnRaider: Leo squinted his eyes, wracking his brain. Oh, fuck. "...223. Wait no, 322....232? 332?....." He trailed off, looking are Bei with wide innocent eyes.23:29 

Bei: "...you realize that is absolutely no help, right?"23:30 

FlynnRaider: Leo pouted. He didn't even know he could pout. "I'm trying, alright? I narrowed it down to 4, that's something. I got this," he said with faux confidence. He started to stumble down the hallway.23:32

Bei: "Leo, Leo stop." Bei moved after him and grabbed his wrist lightly, tugging him back. "You can't just knock on random doors, dude."23:33 

FlynnRaider: "Technically it's Leonardo," he said idly, not paying attention. "It's not like you have any better options." He blinked at Bei, as if the other man somehow held all the answers.23:35 

Bei: "Alright then, Leonardo." Bei replied softly. "You really can't remember your room number?"23:35 

Eli: (give him the d)23:36 

FlynnRaider: (SAVAGE OMG HE'S DRUNK CALM DOWN)23:36

 FlynnRaider: "I'm fairly confident that it's on the second floor? If me being confident right now counts for anything." Leo scratched the back of his head. "You can uh... go home now, I don't want to keep you." He flushed slightly.23:38 

Bei: "I can't just let you stumble around an Inn knocking on random doors." Bei huffed. He kept his grip on Leo's wrist and paused before breathing out. "Come on, you can crash in my room."23:40 

FlynnRaider: "It'll be like....one door," Leo tried to justify. He had no shame, even more so in this state. Bei's suggestion threw him into a mild confusion, though. "Your room? You're in this inn too?"23:42 

FlynnRaider: (poor bb is confused like what you have a room here?? what an idiot)23:43 

Bei: "I'm just down the street." Bei offered softly as he guided Leo back out of the Inn and onto the road. "Come on."23:44 

FlynnRaider: Leo didn't argue as Bei towed him along. He was just tired - /so/ tired. He didn't care about location anymore. When Bei looked at him he just blinked sleepily and smiled.23:47 

Bei: The walk was fairly brief, just a couple of minutes before the awkward duo was stumbling into the Dane's Inn. "Come on." He repeated, gently guiding Leo through the halls and back to his own room.23:49 

FlynnRaider: Yawning, he rubbed at his eyes. "Thanks," he mumbled. "Like, times 1000. I owe you. Like, anything you want. All my gold or somthin' He all but dragged his fete through the halls.23:51 

Bei: "It's not a problem, Leonardo." Bei murmured as he guided Leo back to his bed. He paused to make sure that the younger male was comfortable before he breathed out. "You okay?"23:53 

FlynnRaider: "Okay is a relative word. I feel like my heads been through a meat grinder." Leo sagged into the bed below him. It felt like heaven. "I can't take your bed though. Gimme the floor, you take this" He protested weakly, but his eyes were already fluttering closed on the pillow. He struggled to stay awake. "I've slept on the floor plenty of times. And you said you were injured...."23:56 

FlynnRaider: (THAT GOT LONG I HAVE A PROBLEM RIP ME23:56 

Bei blinked, caught off guard that Leo remember that particular tidbit of information out of everything. The concern was genuinely... touching. "I'm fine. Get some sleep, okay?"23:57 

FlynnRaider: "Not gonna take the bed...." he muttered as he slowly slipped into sleep. "Kick me off...."0:00 

Bei shook his head and waited until Leo was asleep before he turned and left the room, quietly shutting the door after himself.0:01

[bountyofbeads]

Exclusive: Top US Navy SEAL tells commanders in letter: 'We have a problem'

https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/01/politics/navy-seals-collin-green-service-members-misbehavior/index.html

When you have a rogue, undisciplined, criminal Commander-In-Chief its going to trickle down the ranks. THE FISH ROTS FROM THE HEAD!!! #VoteBlue2020 #VoteBlueToSaveAmerica2020

Exclusive: Top US Navy SEAL tells commanders in letter: 'We have a problem'

By Barbara Starr, Pentagon Correspondent | Updated 1:20PM ET Aug 1, 2019 | CNN | Posted August 1, 2019 |

Washington (CNN) - The top US Navy SEAL recently sent a blistering letter to the force, writing in boldface type, "We have a problem," following several high profile incidents of alleged misbehavior by the US Navy's elite service members, CNN has learned.

Rear Adm. Collin Green has given commanders until August 7 to detail the problems they see and provide recommendations on how they will ensure troops are engaging in ethical and professional behavior.

The letter -- dated July 25 and exclusively obtained by CNN -- comes in the wake of several high profile incidents of alleged misbehavior by SEALs.

"I don't know yet if we have a culture problem, I do know that we have a good order and discipline problem that must be addressed immediately," Green said.

Although Green, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, does not mention specific incidents, the letter comes on the heels of an entire SEAL team being sent home from Iraq following allegations of sexual assault and drinking alcohol during their down time -- which is against regulations. Another case involved an internal Navy investigation that found members of SEAL Team 10 allegedly abused cocaine and other illicit substances while they were stationed in Virginia last year. The members were subsequently disciplined.

Green said in the letter that "some of our subordinate formations have failed to maintain good order and discipline and as a result and for good reason," the culture of the Navy's special operations forces "is being questioned."

CONCERNS RAISED AT HIGHEST LEVELS OF THE PENTAGON

The incidents are rising to the highest levels of the Pentagon. Defense Secretary Mark Esper earlier this week spoke to the head of all special operations forces, Gen. Richard Clarke, about recent ethics violations in the military and how they are being addressed. "They discussed some of the recent cases that have emerged in the special operations community. They share the concerns," Jonathan Hoffman, Esper's spokesman told CNN.

Clarke is expected to also send his own memo to the force on ethics and call for a renewed focus on ensuring all special operations forces behave appropriately. CNN has spoken to several military officials who say they don't believe there has necessarily been an increase in incidents of bad behavior, but they have to ensure none of the incidents are tolerated even if they don't rise to the level of full criminal investigations.

After the most recent series of misconduct cases, including alleged illegal activity by two Navy SEALS teams, the Navy leadership at the Pentagon above the SEALs may step in and issue new directives on compliance with ethics standards, even as the SEALs potentially face criminal military charges, according to a senior Navy official. "There is a cultural and ethics issue in the SEAL community," the senior Navy official told CNN. "Senior Navy leaders are keenly interested in how this problem is going to be addressed." New actions could involve Navy Secretary Richard Spencer and the Chief of Naval Operations.

Congress is also beginning to question how the US military is dealing with these incidents. The admiral picked to come in as the next Chief of Naval Operations was asked about this at his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday.

"It's especially important in combat that those values be maintained for all the reasons that we understand so well," Vice Adm. Michael Gilday told the Senate Armed Services Committee. He said he was committed to "getting a better understanding of those issues, to holding people accountable if and where they need to be held accountable, to getting after the root causes and ensure that if there is a problem with the culture with the community, that that is addressed very, very quickly and very firmly."

In early July, a military court decided Navy SEAL team leader Eddie Gallagher, a one-time member of SEAL Team 7, would be demoted in rank and have his pay reduced for posing for a photo with a dead ISIS prisoner while he was serving in Iraq. Another SEAL was sentenced in June for his role in the 2017 death of Army Staff Sgt. Logan Melgar, a Green Beret, in Bamako, Mali.

SYSTEMIC PROBLEMS?

Gilday promised the committee that if he is confirmed he will take a "deeper look" at the SEAL community. Some military officials question if these incidents, such as Gallagher's case, are happening because of the pressures special operations forces have been under for the last nearly two decades with constant deployments on the most dangerous missions.

But many, like David Lapan, a retired Marine colonel, reject that notion.

"Yes, they are being asked to go out and kill as part of their jobs but they are supposed to be able to do it with discipline and do it in ways that don't allow them to lose their bearing and lose their discipline," Lapan said.

Whether it is a systemic problem or not, the community appears to be taking the misconduct seriously. "These ethical breaches effect the entire command and effect the credibility of our entire force," said US Special Operations Command Chief Master Sgt. Greg Smith.

There are also growing concerns in the Marine Corps of troops adhering to ethics and cultural standards. Recently 18 Marines and one sailor were arrested at Camp Pendleton, California, over allegations on human smuggling.

Gen. David Berger, the new Marine Corps. commandant, said he was "troubled by the extent to which drug abuse is a characteristic of new recruits and the fact that the vast majority of recruits require drug waivers for enlistment." He also said over the last ten years more than 25,000 Marines were dismissed from the service for misconduct, and drug and alcohol offenses.