#MN conventions

[twincitiesgeek]

CONvergence 2023 Returns to July in Downtown Minneapolis

Will we see you at CONvergence in downtown Minneapolis this July? Use code TWINCITIESGEEK to get $10 off your full-weekend adult badge at checkout!

CONvergence, Minnesota’s largest fan-run science fiction and fantasy convention, is coming back to Minneapolis for four days on July 6-9, 2023. CONvergence has traditionally been held around the 4th of July holiday, but after moving to a new venue in Downtown Minneapolis, spent a few years holding the annual convention in August. This year marks their return to their traditional weekend, and many…

[xlynnbbyx]

Here is the schedule for all of Jared & Jensen stuff for the con in Minneapolis, Minnesota this weekend. 

**Note: Since the con is in Minneapolis all times will be central standard time. Also the tag for this con on Twitter(refusing to call it X) will be #CreationMN. I guess creation isn’t going to use SPN tag anymore. If it’s not solely Supernatural con anymore they need to change the name from Creation Con. Like call it J2 & Friends Con or something.**

Saturday September 9th

Photo Ops

Jensen, Jared & Baby- 1:50pm

Jensen(solo)- 2:30pm

Jensen & Misha- 3:15pm

Jensen, Drake, Meg & Jojo- 3:30pm

Jared & Misha- 4:35pm

Jared(solo)- 3:50pm

Meet & Greet

Jared M&G- 2:45pm

Jared VIP-  3:15pm

Jensen VIP- 4:00pm

Jensen M&G- 4:15pm

Autographs:

Jensen(non photo items only)- 5:15pm

Jared(non photo items only)-  5:15pm

Sunday September 10th

Panels 

Jensen & Jared Gold Panel(half hour long)- 11:00am

Jensen & Jared main panel(a hour long)- 3:00pm

Photo Ops

Jensen, Jared, Misha, & Mark S- 12:15pm

Jensen(solo)- 12:25pm

Jensen & Jared- 12:40pm

Jensen, Jared, & Jake- 1:30pm

Jared & Misha- 1:40pm

Jensen & Misha- 1:45pm

Jensen, Jared & Misha- 1:55pm

Jared(solo)- 2:10pm

Jared, Jake, Mitch, & Keegan- 4:20pm

Jared & Keegan- 4:30pm

Meet & Greet

Jensen & Jared: 11:40am

Autographs

Jensen (8x10 headshots and photo ops pics only)- 4:45pm

Jared (8x10 headshots and photo ops pics only)- 4:45pm

**Next con after this is DC which is September 29th to Oct 1st I don’t think Jensen or Jared has any other con before then. But for Creation there is only 4 cons left for this year(that is including DC)**

Not going to lie the dc one hurts a bit cause I was supposed to go to dc con. I was supposed to go up Saturday try to get there before registration closes to go ahead and get registered. Then stay the night in a hotel near the con. Then go Sunday Oct 1st to finally meet Jensen since my bday is Oct 24th this was going to be an early birthday gift for me. But sadly unseen circumstances have squashed that. So I am a little bit bummed it’s not happening. Hopefully someday it will happen. 

[pretty-as-neptune]

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had a blast at twin cities con this weekend

[companionofthetimelords]

BG3 Actor Convention list from June through October 2024

Listed in Character Alphabetical Order and by convention start date. I apologize for any errors and will try to update as time goes on.

Astarion - Neil Newbon

Jun 28th 2024 Too Many Games Con in Oaks (Philadelphia) Pennsylvania USA

Jul 4th 2024 Fan Expo Denver (2024) in Denver Colorado USA

Jul 12th 2024 Florida Supercon in Miami Florida USA

Aug 16th 2024 Fan Expo Chicago (2024) in Rosemont(Chicago) Illinois USA

Aug 22nd 2024 Fan Expo Canada (2024) in Toronto Ontario Canada

Aug 29th 2024 Dragon Con (2024) in Atlanta Georgia USA

Sep 26th 2024 FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention (2024) in Salt Lake City Utah USA

Oct 11th 2024 Retro Game Con in Syracuse New York USA

Oct 17th 2024 New York Comic Con (2024) in New York New York USA

Gale - Tim Downie

Jun 22nd 2024 Comic Con Yorkshire (2024) in Harrogate UK

Jun 29th 2024 Twitchcon EU in Rotterdam South Holland Netherlands

Aug 23rd 2024 2D Con (2024) in Minneapolis (MN) USA

Gortash - Jason Isaacs

Sep 6th 2024 Rose City Comic Con in Portland Oregon USA

Sep 26th 2024 FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention (2024) in Salt Lake City Utah USA

Halsin - Dave Jones

Jun 29th 2024 Twitchcon EU in Rotterdam South Holland Netherlands

Jul 27th 2024 Comic Con Manchester (2024) in Manchester UK

Jaheira - Tracy Wiles

Jun 29th 2024 Twitchcon EU in Rotterdam South Holland Netherlands

Jul 27th 2024 Comic Con Manchester (2024) in Manchester UK

Karlach - Samantha Béart

Jul 19th 2024 Kitsune Kon (2024) in Green Bay Wisconsin USA

Jul 27th 2024 Comic Con Manchester (2024) in Manchester UK

Aug 16th 2024 Fan Expo Chicago (2024) in Rosemont(Chicago) Illinois USA

Aug 23rd 2024 2D Con (2024) in Minneapolis (MN) USA

Oct 11th 2024 Retro Game Con in Syracuse New York USA

Lae'zel - Devora Wilde

Jul 12th 2024 Florida Supercon in Miami Florida USA

Aug 29th 2024 Dragon Con (2024) in Atlanta Georgia USA

Sep 26th 2024 FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention (2024) in Salt Lake City Utah USA

Oct 11th 2024 Retro Game Con in Syracuse New York USA

Oct 17th 2024 New York Comic Con (2024) in New York New York USA

Minsc - Matthew Mercer

Jul 12th 2024 Florida Supercon in Miami Florida USA

Aug 23rd 2024 Anime NYC 2024 in New York New York USA

Minthara - Emma Gregory

Jul 27th 2024 Comic Con Manchester (2024) in Manchester UK

Narrator - Amelia Tyler

Jun 29th 2024 Twitchcon EU in Rotterdam South Holland Netherlands

Jul 27th 2024 Comic Con Manchester (2024) in Manchester UK

Aug 23rd 2024 2D Con (2024) in Minneapolis (MN) USA

Orin - Maggie Robertson

Jun 28th 2024 Too Many Games Con in Oaks (Philadelphia) Pennsylvania USA

Jul 5th 2024 Montreal Comiccon 2024 in Montreal Québec Canada

Jul 19th 2024 Animate! Columbus (2024) in Columbus (Ohio) USA

Sep 27th 2024 Nightmare Weekend Des Moines (2024) in Des Moines Iowa USA

Oct 11th 2024 Retro Game Con in Syracuse New York USA

Shadowheart - Jennifer English

Jul 12th 2024 Florida Supercon in Miami Florida USA

Aug 23rd 2024 Tampa Bay Comic Con (2024)in Tampa Florida USA

Aug 29th 2024 Dragon Con (2024) in Atlanta Georgia USA

Sep 26th 2024 FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention (2024) in Salt Lake City Utah USA

Oct 11th 2024 Retro Game Con in Syracuse New York USA

Oct 17th 2024 New York Comic Con (2024) in New York New York USA

Wyll - Theo Solomon

Jun 29th 2024 Twitchcon EU in Rotterdam South Holland Netherlands

Aug 29th 2024 Dragon Con (2024) in Atlanta Georgia USA

[james-is-here]

Christmas Miracle

The snow softly tumbled from the inky sky, dressing Seoul in a delicate blanket of white. Mn pulled his coat tighter around him as the cold nipped at his cheeks, his breath visible in the frigid air. The convenience store, glowing warmly a few blocks away, promised a refuge from the biting wind and the promise of snacks.

His mind was a whirlwind of clients and his upcoming convention, but the thought of indulging in some comfort food and a quiet night away from his responsibilities gave him a sense of peace. Just as he quickened his pace, eager for the warmth that awaited, a slick patch of ice maliciously hidden beneath the fresh snow caught him off guard. His feet slid from under him, and with a sharp intake of breath, he tumbled backwards, his hands instinctively reaching out to break his fall.

The impact against the cold, hard ground sent a jolt of pain up his arms and behind, and he grimaced, his hands stinging from the cold and the force of catching himself. That's when he heard it—a voice, soft and concerned.

"Hey, are you okay?"

Mn wasn't expecting anyone to notice his fall, and he certainly wasn't expecting the face that came into view as he looked up. His eyes widened as he recognized the familiar features, the same ones he saw every time he looked in the mirror, just a bit younger.

"Innie?" Mn's voice was a mix of confusion and disbelief.

Jeongin's eyes mirrored the same shock, his breath forming clouds in the cold air as he reached down to help Mn up. "Hyung? What are you doing here?"

Once on his feet, Mn found himself quickly pulled into a tight embrace, the kind that can only come from years of brotherhood, the youngers grip tight around Mn's waist tight. Mn returned the hug just as tight, the familiarity of his brother's presence suddenly making the Seoul night not so cold.

"I'm here for work," Mn managed to say, his voice muffled against Jeongin's coat. "Client wants me to paint for their daughter's wedding and there's an art convention that invited me to show my work."

Jeongin pulled back slightly, his face beaming with pride. "I didn't know you started traveling. That's amazing, N/n!"

The street around them felt deserted, the world narrowed down to just the two of them in their unexpected reunion. Mn's grip around Jeongin's shoulders didn't loosen; if anything, it tightened as he saw a look of guilt take over the younger males face.

"I'm sorry I couldn't make it back for Christmas this year, N/n."

Mn shook his head, a smile breaking through his surprised expression. "Don't worry about it, Innie, you had your reasons. Bumping into you here... it's like a Christmas miracle. I wouldn't have been at home anyway if you did go home."

Jeongin's eyes softened, and he looked at his older brother with a mixture of relief and affection. "You shouldn't be alone on Christmas. Come to the dorm with me. The guys would love to see you."

Mn's heart swelled at the invitation. Without hesitation, he pulled Jeongin into a tight hug, his right arm wrapping around the ravenette's shoulder as his left tightened around his lower back, burying his face in the crook of Jeongin's neck, more like in his scarf, and swaying them slightly, hugging the boy with all the pent-up homesickness and love that had been building inside him since he'd left Busan.

"Thank you, Innie. I couldn't ask for a better holiday."

They stood there in the middle of the sidewalk, two brothers holding onto each other, the cold night air no match for the warmth of their reunion. Mn finally pulled away, his hands resting on Jeongin's shoulder and side as he gave him a reassuring smile. "Let's get out of the cold, yeah? And maybe get some more feeling back into my hands."

Jeongin nodded, his own smile spreading across his face as he giggles. "Come on, Hyung. The boys are gonna be so happy..."

They walked side by side, making their way through the snow-filled streets as Jeongin went on about what they were planning to do for the holidays. The convenience store was forgotten, its warm glow left behind as they headed towards the second place Jeongin called home. The crunch of their footsteps on the snow was a gentle rhythm in the quiet night.

As they approached the dorm building, Mn threw an arm around Jeongin's Shoulders, a protective gesture that reminded Jeongin of their childhood as he wraps an arm around Mn's middle and stepped further into Mn's side. "The guys are going to be surprised," Jeongin chuckled. "I didn't even know you left Busan, that you left home. Eomma didn't say anything and I assumed you were too busy to reply to me."

"I wanted to tell you," Mn admitted, "but I also wanted to surprise you, try to find you and then show up. Was gonna message Chan after I went back to my hotel so I could do that. Guess we both got our surprise, huh?"

Jeongin's laughter was a sound that Mn didn't realize he'd missed so much. "The best kind of surprise."

They entered the dorm building, the warmth inside immediately enveloping them. The sound of laughter and music trickled from the door at the end of the hall. Jeongin pushed it open when they made their way down the hall, and the noise spilled out louder. Seven faces turned towards them, a mix of surprise and happiness on each one.

"Guys!" Jeongin announced with a wide grin. "Guess who I ran into!"

One by one, the members of Stray Kids approached, offering handshakes and hugs, their welcome genuine and warm. Mn was swept into the camaraderie as if he'd always been a part of it. The cold night outside was now a distant memory, replaced by the laughter and warmth of his honorary brothers.

As the night wore on, Mn found himself surrounded by stories, music, and the kind of joy that only comes from being with people who care. Jeongin stayed close, always making sure Mn was included, his eyes occasionally meeting Mn's with a silent understanding that no distance or time apart could ever break the bond they shared.

As they settled down later, Mn found a quiet moment to lean over to Jeongin. "This really is the best Christmas present, Innie. Thank you."

Jeongin just smiled, shuffling over to Mn and almost throwing himself into his brothers side, cuddling up to his brother and resting his head on Mn's shoulder as the older wrapped his arms around him in return "Having you here is the best present I could ask for, Mn. Merry Christmas, hyung."

And in that small dorm, surrounded by his brother and friends, Mn now realizes that he won't be alone for Christmas like he thought he would be. Even if he reached out to his brother he thought he'd be too busy. The homesickness that had gnawed at him was gone, chased away by the warmth of an unexpected Christmas miracle.

"Merry Christmas, Innie."

[mbta-unofficial]

US people who care about railroads should definitely read the Corridor ID Selections. While it was published a little over a year ago, the program is designed to fund shovel-ready programs and dedicate money to assessing the viability of corridors which would be either new or upgraded, and they just posted a massive update to the map including new HSR viability studies.

A partial list of served cities:

High speed rail candidates

San Francisco, Anaheim, LA, Vancouver, Portland, Seattle, Eugene, Charlotte NC, Atlanta, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Las Vegas, Palmdale

New Conventional rail candidates

Asheville NC, Salisbury NC, Savannah GA, Chattenooga TN, Nashville, Memphis, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Boston, Albany, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, King's Mountain NC, Moline IL, Naperville IL, Wyanet IL, Chicago, Fort Wayne IN, Columbus OH, Pittsburgh PA, Cleveland OH, Cincinnati OH, Dayton OH, Toledo OH, Detroit MI, Coachella CA, Fullerton CA, Indio CA, Riverside CA, Palm Springs CA, Fort Collins CO, Pueblo CO, Denver CO, Boulder CO, Colorado Springs CO, Newport News VA, Charlottesville VA, Roanoke VA, Richmond VA, Dover DE, Wilmington DE, Berlin MD, St Paul-Minneapolis MN, Eau Claire WI, Fayetteville NC, Raleigh NC, Lillington NC, Fuquay-Varina NC, Mobile AL, Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula MS, Houston, San Antonio, Rosenburg TX, Flatonia TX, Seguin TX, Meridian MS, Mineola TX, Longview TX, Marshall TX, Shreveport LA, Ruston LA, Monroe LA, Vicksburg MS, Jackson MS, Jacksonville FL, Miami FL, Orlando Fl, Tampa FL, Indianapolis IN, Louisville KY, Milwaukee, WI; La Crosse, WI; Eau Claire, WI; St. Paul, MN; Fargo, ND; Bismarck, ND; Dickson, ND; Glendive, MT; Billings, MT; Bozeman, MT; Butte, MT; Helena, MT; Missoula, MT; St. Regis, MT; Sandpoint, ID; Spokane, WA; and Pasco, WA, Duluth WA, Peoria IL, Phoenix, Tuscon, Maricopa, Reading PA, Scranton

These are most of the cities with new service

If you are between two of these cities, there is a serious chance you will have a train coming to you soon. Check the Doc for more as well as service upgrades on existing services

[dayurno]

Is number 5 the one where Kevin goes nonverbal after the choking incident?

mn! the first scene is supposed to be kevin and aaron in betsy’s waiting room. aaron is pretty interested in the situation because he thinks it’s actual physical damage that is keeping kevin from talking and that’s what causes a lot of fear-mongering for the other foxes :) but of course it’s the result of a week or two of not speaking for physical reasons and then never actually starting it back up out of intense fear and anxiety surrounding the convention of Speaking at all……….. pobrecito……….. no one is happy about this least of all kevin but they will be fine i promise 👯‍♀️ betsy plays a big role in this fic because she mediates most of kevin’s interactions post-selective mutism; she’s the guiding force for the learning curve that it is for the foxes and works genuinely tirelessly to help accommodate kevin

re: betsy and kevin im actually really interested about and fond even of how their dynamic goes in this wip because she understands rather early that working towards speaking again is infeasible for kevin in the immediate aftermath of his mutism 🥹 i think she’s the first person to actually sit him down and say okay, if this is how you’re going to lead your life now, then well need to do this and this and this. she traces a pathway for him to follow and slowly but surely it will help with speaking again, but most importantly she’s the one to look at him and accept that this might be a permanent condition and it should be accommodated for and respected as such. dloes that make any sense at all? im sleepy

[koreanbibliophilegirl]

Part three of incorrect quotes for my dsmp superpower AU wee woo

(Credit: Quotes are from ScatterPatter's Incorrect Quotes Generator!)

-

(At a restaurant)

Sam: You guys should get the orange soda, it's amazing.

Ponk: Okay.

Waiter: Can I get you guys anything to drink?

Sam: Orange soda, please!

Ponk: I'll have the strawberry soda.

Hannah: Me too, strawberry soda.

Sam:

-

Niki: While I'm gone, Tommy, you're in charge.

Tommy: Yes!!!

Niki, whispering: Bad, you're secretly in charge.

Bad: Obviously.

-

Aimsey: Would you stab your best friend in the leg for 10 million primes?

Tommy, turning to Tubbo: You stab me, and then when my leg gets better, we buy a big-a** house.

Tubbo: You can stab me too, then we'll have 20 million.

Tommy: Good thinking.

-

Ranboo: I trust Tubbo.

Techno: You think he knows what he's doing?

Ranboo: I wouldn't go that far.

-

(After Techno offers to coach Benchtrio in vigilante-ing)

Tommy: So, what, now I'm just supposed to do anything that Technoblade does? I mean, what if he jumped off a cliff?

Ranboo, who works with Techno at the library: If Techno were to jump off a cliff, he would've done his due diligence regarding the height of the cliff, the depth of the water, and the angle of entry, so yes. If you see Techno jump off a cliff, by all means, jump off a cliff.

Tommy: You jump off a cliff!

Ranboo: Gladly. Provided Techno did first.

-

Foolish: Eret, what do IDK, ILY, and TTYL mean?

Eret: I don't know, I love you, talk to you later.

Foolish: Oh okay then, I love you too. I'll just ask Tina.

-

Store Worker: Would a Mr. Bedwars please come to the front desk?

Purpled, arriving at the desk: Hello, is there a problem?

Store Worker: (Points to Quackity and Punz)

Store Worker: I believe they belong to you?

Q and Punz: We got lost :(

Purpled: I didn't even bring you guys here with me-

-

Foolish: I can't believe you live nearby, and you won't let anyone crash at your place.

Punz, desperately trying to keep his mafia status a secret from Foolish, trying and failing to come off as casually joking: You people already know too much about me.

Sam, who lowkey suspects Punz is mafia: I know exactly three facts about you, and one of them is that you won't let any of us crash at your place.

-

Tubbo: Dandelions symbolize everything I want to be in life.

Purpled: Fluffy and dead with a gust of wind?

Tubbo: Unapologetic. Hard to kill. Feral, filled with sunlight, bright, beautiful in a way that the conventional and controlling hate but cannot ever fully destroy. Stubborn. Happy. B*st*rdous. Friends with bees. Highly disapproving of lawns. Full of wishes that will be carried far after I die.

Hannah: Edible.

-

Bad: Three words. Say them and I'm yours.

Skeppy: Three words.

Bad:

-

Ant: Date someone who will drag you outside at 3am to look at the stars.

Ponk: If anyone, and I mean anyone, wakes me up at 3am to go look at the d*mn sky they will be removed indefinitely from my life.

-

Sam: Remember when you didn't try to solve all your problems with attempted murder?

Ant: Stop romanticizing the past.

-

Kristin: This is bothering me.

Velvet, abusing his Ghost Powers™️ and floating on his stomach next to her head: Well, you are digging up a corpse.

Kristin: No, not that. That's, uh, pretty par for the course, actually.

-

Tubbo: I think I'm having a mid-life crisis.

Technoblade: You're 16 years old.

Tubbo: I MIGHT DIE AT 30!

-

George: I slept for almost 12 hours, but I might still be tired, so lets go for 12 more just in case.

Sapnap: George, that's a coma.

George: Sounds festive.

-

Ponk, looking over Hannah's wing, ripped and shoddily sewn up years ago: How would you rate your pain?

Hannah, traumatized and emotionally scarred at the loss of something that had been taken for granted her entire life: Zero stars. Would NOT recommend.

-

Sam: Stop buying plastic skeletons for Halloween! It's terrible for the environment!

Kristin: Yeah! Locally sourced, all natural skeletons are much more environmentally friendly!

-

Phil: WHAT'S YOUR TYPE

Techno, bleeding out and mildly delirious, attempting to joke: Anything, honestly, but nerds especially.

Phil, desperately: YOUR BLOOD TYPE.

Techno: Ohhh. B positive.

Phil: DON'T TRY TO CHEER ME UP JUST TELL ME YOUR BLOOD TYPE

Techno:

-

Sam: Sorry it took me so long to bail you out of jail.

Boomer: No, it's my fault, I shouldn't have used my one phone call to prank call the police.

-

Ant: You kill people for money?!

Punz: I can explain!

Ant: And all this time I've been doing it for free like a chump!

-

Wilbur, who just came home: So what's for dinner?

Fundy, staring at the sourdough bread he somehow, SOMEHOW, burnt: Regret.

-

Niki, going over Tommy's resume: Okay, so right here, it states that you're creative.

Tommy: Yes.

Niki: Okay... may I know what you create?

Tommy: Problems.

-

[Part 1] [Part 2]

[myckicade]

Nandermo Ficlet Snippet - The Kids

"So, Master," Guillermo called softly, a light tremor in his voice that couldn't be missed. He looked down as Nandor glanced up from his reading, the familiar wringing his fingers together nervously. "Y-You remember how we agreed that we'd have no more secrets?"

Nandor tensed. The last time he had heard such a tone from Guillermo... Nandor closed his book in his lap, inhaling sharply as a dangerous scowl settled over his lips. "Guillermo, not again."

Realization came quickly. "No! No!" The younger man's eyes widened in horror. "Not that! Definitely not that!"

Well. Nandor gave a curt nod. So long as it wasn't... that. He didn't want to have to stake another vampire, even if it was for Guillermo. "What is it, then?"

Guillermo shifted on his feet. "There's, um..." A small smile wobbled on his lips. "There's someone I want you to meet." A pause. "W-Well, a few s-someones, really."

It was then that the bottom dropped out of Nandor's stomach. Someones? But... He'd really thought... After all that they had been through? "Mn," he hummed, if only to cover the sudden sense of disappointment that didn't belong in his heart. "Who are these someones, exactly?"

Guillermo took a deep breath, and then a step to the side, revealing... "The kids!"

Which is how Nandor found himself staring, dumbstruck, at three very small, very inhuman looking-"Kids?"

"Hi!" one screeched, the fluffiest of the bunch. If he didn't know any better, Nandor would have thought them a lamb. The child - she? Nandor wasn't sure - came running up to the vampire, their arms wrapped around a small stuffed animal. "Daddy said to be nice, and say 'Hi!'."

Nandor nearly choked as he knelt on the carpet. "Daddy?" He looked up to Guillermo, who seemed a bit flustered. Oh, it was getting worse and worse, this knifey-stabby-pain feeling in his chest. He wanted to know who, he wanted to know when, and why. But, naturally, the burning question that left his tongue was a hissed, "Exactly what did you mate with, Guillermo?"

And Guillermo, lunatic boy that he was, giggled. Before he could answer, the second child stepped forward, this one looking like some sort of puppy dog. He held his hands - paws? - at his sides, and looked Nandor in the eye. "We are not conventional children," he advised, a level of wisdom in his words that was well beyond his apparent years. "We are the by-product of a process in which the one you call Laszlo-"

"Laszlo," Nandor cursed. He bared his fangs at the thought, unnoticed to himself, until Guillermo stepped forward to put a hand on the head of each of the startled children. Behind him, a third child, resembling a small piglet, clung to Guillermo's pant leg.

"Like the Baron and Sire's children," Guillermo murmured in a soothing tone. It was clearly for the sake of the little ones, but, Nandor was loathe to admit, it was working for him, too. "Kind of. There was no..." Guillermo pulled a face. "Mating involved."

Digesting the words took a moment, leaving behind a feeling that was quite close to shame. All Nandor could utter was a small, "Oh." It seemed he had made a rather hasty assumption. He returned his attention to the children, taking in more details of their appearances. It would have been difficult for anyone else, Nandor was sure, but he could spot little bits of Guillermo in each of them. He did, after all, know the man better than most anyone out there. Even that loathsome, repugnant, fumbling fool of a fucking guy who thought he could just turn another vampire's familiar all willies-nillies!

Anger clouded back in, swirling in his memory with such force that he nearly missed the little lamb-child step even closer to him. Wide, innocent eyes stared up at him, and, yes, there was definitely a lot of Guillermo in this one.

"Daddy said you were important."

Nandor fought the barest twitch of a smile. "He did, did he." A darting look to Guillermo found the boy turning a faint shade of pink. How amusing. "Well, your... Daddy and I have a long history together."

"Can we call you Mama?"

Nandor's head darted up again, he and Guillermo sharing the same shock. Guillermo seemed to be floundering for what to say, jaw working soundlessly, open and closed. Nandor swallowed, which did nothing for the growing tightness in his throat. He looked back to the child, who hugged their toy tighter, eyes widening even more in anticipation. He should have said no. He should have straightened the record on that before it could cause further issues. The expression in those innocent eyes, the eyes of his favorite human on Earth, just wouldn't allow it.

"I suppose," he agreed, placing a gentle hand on the child's shoulder, "that would be all right."

[lsdunesarchive]

Post-Hardcore Supergroup L.S. Dunes Debut New Single “Old Wounds”

Words by wookubus Photo by Kevin Estrada August 24, 2023

Post-hardcore supergroup L.S. Dunes have dropped their second stand-alone single of the summer, “Old Wounds“. As with this past June’s “Benadryl Subreddit“, this song was produced by Alex Newport (The Mars Volta, Fudge Tunnel) during a recording session at Ranch De La Luna in Joshua Tree, CA.

Guitarist Frank Iero (also of My Chemical Romance, commented:

“‘Old Wounds‘ was a song that Travis brought to the band a while back. In getting ready for the upcoming desert session, Anthony came back around to it and ended up singing an incredible melody over it. After hearing Anthony‘s voice on that song, it was pretty obvious what needed to be played over those existing melodies. ‘Old Wounds‘ definitely feels like it represents the cold nights out in the desert for me and it might be one of my favorite songs we have done as a band.”

Vocalist Anthony Green (Circa Survive, etc.) added, “‘Old Wounds‘ was inspired by something I thought that I had lost that I actually needed to let go of.”

Guitarist Travis Stever (Coheed And Cambria) shared:

“The way everyone drifted into this song and brought their own energy was one of the most organic and natural approaches to songwriting I have ever been a part of. From the initial instrumental ideas to the vocals Anthony added, all the way to the production, it just flowed. Like we had a road map for where the song would go already. The feelings it derives from me, and the continued layers make it possibly my favorite song I have ever been a part of writing.”

The group will remain active on the road throughout the fall, having been booked for the below run of shows.

09/17 Chicago, IL – Riot Fest

With Pierce The Veil, Dayseeker & Destroy Boys:

11/04 Sacramento, CA – Hard Rock Live 11/05 Fresno, CA – Fresno Convention Center 11/07 Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre 11/08 El Paso, TX – UTEP Don Haskins Center 11/10 San Antonio, TX – The Espee 11/11 Edinburg, TX – Bert Ogden Arena 11/12 Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall 11/14 Orlando, FL – House of Blues 11/15 Orlando, FL – House of Blues 11/17 Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues 11/18 Corbin, KY – The Corbin Arena 11/19 Macon, GA – Macon City Auditorium 11/21 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway 11/25 Reading, PA – Santander Arena 11/26 Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live! 11/28 Chesterfield, MO – The Factory 11/30 Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom 12/02 Des Moines, IA – Vibrant Music Hall 12/03 Minneapolis, MN – The Armory 12/05 Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion 12/07 Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl 12/08 San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena

[ashimbisresearch]

Biopesticides and Biofertilizers rises with Organic Food Demand | BIS Research

Advocacy for organic farming is on the rise as a preferred alternative to conventional methods, with a focus on reducing environmental harm. In 2022, organic food sales in the U.S. exceeded $60 billion for the first time, indicating the robustness of the organic industry. The global organic food sector's substantial expansion is expected to drive growth in the biopesticides and biofertilizers market.

[thegreatlukeski]

MARSCON 2024 March 8th, 9th, & 10th, 2024 Hilton Minneapolis/St Paul Mall of America – Bloomington, MN Comedy Music Track website: http://marsconcomedy.com Main Convention website: https://marscon.org/2024/index.php

Andy Merrill is a comedian, voice actor, writer, and multi-talented creative known for his significant contributions to the early years of Cartoon Network, Williams Street, and Adult Swim. Merrill's breakthrough role was as the voice of the lovable and eccentric character "Brak" on the groundbreaking animated talk show "Space Ghost: Coast to Coast." Premiering in 1994, this show was a pioneer in adult-oriented animation and played a crucial role in the establishment of Cartoon Network's late-night programming block, Adult Swim.

Merrill continued his work with the character Brak in "Cartoon Planet," a show which started out as a showcase of classic cartoons from the Turner library with interstitial segments featuring Space Ghost (George Lowe), Zorak (C. Martin Croker), and Brak. With the popularity of the interstitial comedy sketch segments and funny songs surpassing the classic cartoons being shown, the show switched to being composed entirely of their sketches and songs, some of which were improvised. On both "Space Ghost: Coast to Coast" and "Cartoon Planet", Andy's comedic timing and distinctive voice brought Brak to life in a way that resonated with audiences and contributed to the show's success. Cartoon Network released three albums featuring music from both "Cartoon Planet" and the two-part variety show special "Brak Presents The Brak Show Starring Brak", which are prized CDs of any comedy music fan. Dr. Demento has played many tracks from them on his radio / internet show since the mid 90's.

In 2000, Merrill went on to create and star in the Adult Swim series "The Brak Show," a spin-off from "Space Ghost: Coast to Coast" that focused on Brak, his best friend Zorak, Brak's Mom and Dad, and their daily sitcom adventures. The show continued the tradition of having excellent funny songs and musical episodes, and ran for 3 seasons. Merrill expanded his involvement with Adult Swim, lending his voice to various characters in popular shows like "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" where he played the recurring role of Oglethorpe the inept alien invader. As the years progress, his voice work continues to extend to notable shows like "Adventure Time," where he brought his unique style to James the Ice Cream Bar.

Merrill showcased his musical versatility by covering the Suicidal Tendencies song "Institutionalized" in character as Brak on the 2018 album "Dr. Demento Covered in Punk". Some people (or at least some people named Luke Ski anyway) say it is the best track on the amazing collection.

Andy makes regular appearances at conventions in the midwest, as well as performances in stand-up clubs where he brings his ukulele and cracks up the crowds with his hilarious jokes and catchy songs. We at the MarsCon Comedy Music Track have been wanting to have him as our guest for many years, and we are very honored to have him join us as our 2024 Comedy Music Guest Of Honor. All hail Brak.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Judd Legum and Tesnim Zekeria at Popular Information:

Now, Emmer and the other Republican members of Minnesota's Congressional delegation are being confronted with an issue much closer to home. Last Saturday, the Minnesota Republican Party formally endorsed Royce White, a former NBA basketball player, to be the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate. White was introduced at the Minnesota GOP convention by Steve Bannon, the far-right polemicist and former Trump advisor.  Bannon has guided White's evolution from a Black Lives Matter protester to a MAGA Republican. In the process, White has publicly promoted deeply anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.  In April 2022, White wrote on his Substack that "many of the Jewish people have lost their faith in a loving God," and their faith has been replaced by "materialism" and "a survivalist impulse that can give birth to the darkest of intentions and most grandiose effort for world control." In another rambling post published in September 2022, White said his criticism of Jewish people is not anti-Semitic because he is actually criticizing "anti-Jews." Many Jews, according to White, "joined the woke armies of globalists." These Jews, White said, became "globalists" because they "hate God" and "are enemies of all." 

White defended Ye (formerly Kanye West) after the rapper praised Hitler in 2022. At the time, White criticized Jews for focusing on the Holocaust "to provide a victimhood cover for their own corrupt practices." White later praised Ye for speaking out against "the Jewish lobby." White also asserted that "[t]here is a group of Jewish elite, that tends to be secular in belief and corrupt in political practice." White has described Israel as "the lynchpin of the New World Order," a conspiracy theory that posits that elites are conspiring to create a global totalitarian government. 

What has Emmer and the other Republican members of Minnesota's congressional delegation said about White? Nothing. Popular Information contacted Emmer, Finstad, Stauber, and Fischbach about White's anti-Semitic views. We did not receive a response.  This suggests their comments about college protesters are less about a principled opposition to anti-Semitism and more about a political opportunity. Emmer and his Republican colleagues criticized college protesters because it was politically advantageous. Whether or not their claims were true, they advanced a narrative that the political left was being overtaken by bigoted radicals. Criticizing the candidate that the Minnesota Republican Party endorsed for U.S. Senate is not politically advantageous for Minnesota Republicans. So they are staying quiet. 

White's history of misogyny and homophobia

White also has a track record of making misogynistic and homophobic comments. In July 2023, White lamented that “women have become too mouthy” on an episode of Bannon’s “War Room” podcast. During the interview, White also complained about the “insertion of women into the workplace,” saying that women in the modern workplace “have a history” but are too preoccupied “to look into the history.” Online, White is also notorious for describing women as “cunts.” In a Substack post from March 2022, White described abortion as “[a] purposeful eugenics so successful it inspired the murderous 3rd Reich” and baselessly claimed that abortions have led to “the greatest genocide in the history of the United States of America.” In another post, White declared that “unviable” fetuses are a “lie.” This is false. “[T]here are several situations in which a pregnancy will never be viable,” the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology writes on its website. 

White also holds extreme anti-LGBTQ views, arguing that “[t]he LGBTQ movement is the brainchild of radical feminists and their cucked men.” In a post from January, White calls the Guardian, the Washington Post, Mother Jones and the Star Tribune “beta, cuck, fags (non sexual)” and “foot soldiers of the New World Order.” According to the Daily Dot, White has used the word “fag” in at least seven posts over the last two and a half years. “Personally, I am not anti-LGBTQ citizens; but spiritually, I believe it is in defiance of the natural order, which is God’s natural order,” White wrote in 2022. White also regularly rants against “the Church of LGBTQ,” saying it has a “pervasive effect” on society and is “out of control.” The “Church of LGBTQ  must be removed from our federally funded education curriculums,” White posted on Gettr, a social media app created by a Trump aide. 

White's close ties to the far right

White has also cozied up with several far-right figures like Steve Bannon and Alex Jones. According to the Washington Post, White’s profile in right-wing politics took off after he was introduced to Bannon in 2021. Since then, White has appeared in dozens of Bannon’s right-wing podcast “War Room.” 

The Minnesota GOP endorsed former NBA player and raging far-right extremist Royce White to be its nominee to face against incumbent Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D).

[hawkstonedraws]

HEY GARGOYLES FANS. Are you a newer fan who missed out on the Gathering of the Gargoyles conventions? WELL IT’S BACK. Just like we did for the 20th we’re piggybacking (limpeting? Parasitically clinging to?) on the 2024 Minnesota CONvergence for the 30th. Lemme tell you these things are a HOOT.

Not this summer! Next summer. In July. Clear your calendars! Two Gargoyles Comics will be there and so should you!

Here’s an outfit-prompt of my AU-OC for attention!

[nightofthelivingfig]

i seem to only come to tumblr when my brain is being really spicy. just one of those days. I have a back brace, knee brace, and its very frustrating to not be as able bodied as my to do list wants me to be. executive disfunction is really taking it's toil as well. oof. a snack, a nap, and hopefully that will at least reset the mental part of things so that i can get orders done and commissions out. also 10 days til a vampire convention in MN, to that'll be interesting. fingers crossed it's a crowd that likes the gift shops stuff.

[yunoteru4ever]

Hi! Do you perhaps know where I could find official Mirai Nikki merch like @reversed-yukiteru-amano ‘s?

If you want some of the stuff that's sold/produced in Japan, your best bet is probably to search eBay or — better yet — watch Japanese auctions via Buyee.jp. Or hit up anime conventions and hope for the best...

If you want the North American merch, it's mostly produced by Great Eastern Entertainment. This will give you an overview of MOST of the Mirai Nikki merch they've put out in the past decade — although their own site is sold out of everything listed at the moment. Still, you can use it to help you look for things on sites like Amazon, eBay, Entertainment Earth, RightStufAnime, and the like. There's definitely still some things available on such sites.

And that list from GEE isn't comprehensive, either, because it lacks stuff like their playing cards, the Yuno bikini throw blanket and the, uh, tumbler-with-lid featuring the same Yuno-in-bikini art on it...

...guess they really like putting that image on stuff... 😒

The last time GEE produced a new print run of their Future Diary merchandise was in late 2022 — although that was only a new shipment of throw pillows, buttons, keychains, and the ever-popular Yukiteru Beanie. Some of the stuff shown on their site hasn't had a new print run in many years now, and I haven't seen them do a new run of any MN stuff yet this year.

Oh, and uh... here's an important warning: Unless you've already got one, don't expect to EVER own the much-coveted Mediacom Yuno figure. It rarely shows up for sale, and when it does? Sure hope you're ready to spend the price of a used car on her!

I'd love to have one, but holy SHIT. For that price, I could literally travel to Japan MYSELF to hunt merch. And still come back with cash to spare.