#Octavia Sutherland

[osfinexe]

My favorite death cultists 

[wondereads]

Weekly Reading Update (06/23/24)

Reviews and thoughts under the cut

Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler (8/10)

This was my first ever Octavia E. Butler book, and it didn't disappoint! The way this story used Anyanwu and Doro's relationship to comment on power dynamics and issues in the world at large blew my mind; I found the discussion of eugenics particularly interesting. They were both such intensely flawed yet compelling characters. This book skirts the line between fantasy and sci-fi (something I'm looking into for my thesis as a peripheral issue), and it definitely made me wonder about the world. I wasn't aware going in that this was a prequel situation, but even then I do think I was a bit dissatisfied with how things left off. That's just my personal taste though.

Haikyuu!! Vol. 41 and 42 by Haruichi Furudate (10/10)

It usually takes me around half an hour or so to get through a volume of manga, but these took me a couple of hours. Why? Because I had to keep putting it down because I was crying so hard I couldn't breathe. As someone who has read a plethora of books ever since I was young, it takes a lot to get me to cry, especially that hard. I was sobbing. Furudate has created such wonderful characters and then puts them through so many struggles that I can't even be mad about because it's highly realistic that someone pursuing a sport would run into this! Seeing Hinata break down followed instantly by the third years graduating and the Brazil arc had me miserable in the best way possible. I usually never rate manga or graphic novels five stars because they're usually super fast-paced and so much relies on writing style for me when I read novels, but this just broke me.

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter (46%)

This is a very cute book so far. I could probably tell you exactly what's going to happen from this point onward, but it's a genre convention for romcoms to be predictable. Liz is a fun protagonist; she's quirky in a way that has a reason and isn't annoying. There's good chemistry between the leads with some great banter, and you really can't ask for more than that. However, I will say the constant song references are starting to irk me, especially with the lyrics included in the writing --I don't know, it just reminds me too strongly of my early fanfiction years.

Moon Rising by Tui T. Sutherland (45%)

If there's one thing about me, I love a mind-reading protagonist. Moonwatcher is probably my favorite perspective of the Wings of Fire series, even if I wish she'd speak up sometimes. Sutherland did a great job making her similar to Starflight, since they're the same tribe, without being a carbon copy, and while mind reading might seem a little too omniscient, her inexperience and general social ineptitude keep it from becoming overpowered. I'm thrilled to see the return of Peril, whose story is left open from the previous arc, and I'm excited to learn more about the other new characters (Winter, Qibli, and I believe Turtle) who have their own interesting introductions.

The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien (43%)

Despite my fantasy obsession, this is my first time reading The Lord of the Rings (though I have read The Hobbit). While it is definitely much slower-paced than the average modern fantasy, I'm enjoying myself so much. If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll know I'm a worldbuilding nut, so this is like my dream book. There are so many tangents to tell stories about the history of Middle Earth and all the goings-on of the world, and I keep noticing little details and wishing they'd talk about those too. Tolkien is also a rather funny writer; Bilbo's passive aggression in particular made me giggle. While this a bit of a dense story, it's definitely living up to its reputation so far.

Boys With Sharp Teeth by Jenni Howell (42%)

This is a project for my part-time job, so I'm not sure how much I can actually divulge, but let me just say this: this book is compared to The Raven Boys in its summary, and it's living up to that.

Her Wolves by G. Bailey (7%)

I won't lie, the writing of this book so far does not give me hope. However, it could still be a fun read even if the grammar and syntax aren't the best. Also, funny thing, this book is set in the future on Earth. I did not know this. I thought it was a high fantasy. So imagine my surprise to see a landmass labeled "America Court" on the map. My misunderstanding was cleared up soon, but it still made me laugh.

[ev-nhua]

Winter 2024! (newsletter)

(a copypasta from the newsletter, saved here for ease)

Happy 2024 ! :) ✩

Here’s a round-up of everything I’m working on in the upcoming Winter season ❄️

2023 Highlights →

Octavia Butler AI with Dr. Beth Coleman

This was my second (and a half) year working with Beth on her AI project inspired by Octavia Butler’s writing. With a bespoke AI Image GAN, we created images series inspired by Alice Coltrane, oceanic jellyfish, and Black Panther Party gatherings. Images were reproduced as oil paintings, and documented through a web archive, an exhibition and symposium, and (most excitingly) a published book.

UNCG

I returned to the College of Visual and Performing Arts at University of North Carolina Greensboro as an instructor of two classes, Intro to Web Design & Professional Practices. The latter focused on portfolio & CV building to support students as they graduate into careers as working artists.

Artivive AR Residency

In April, I wrapped up a year-long mentorship residency with Artivive, an AR platform focused on artists. My first time using Blender, I worked with my mentor Agnes Michalczyk, and produced an AR sculpture PaperCuts that has since exhibited in Vienna at Artivive headquarters and in the Geary Art Crawl 2023.

InterAccess

First complete year with InterAccess as Programming Manager (and first day job!) Very grateful for the opportunity to work full-time in a permanent arts position. Highlights include starting an Open HDMI event series, an after hours event inviting visual artists to plug into InterAccess’s in-house immersive projection system, IA 360°,  in an open deck style. Several Open HDMI events of the same name have been popping up around the new media scene since the first IA event in April! (1) (2)

Upcoming →

Did You Eat? | Group Exhibition @ Ed Video | January 15 – February 15, 2024

I’ll be showing a series of remixed recipes on acrylic, Ju/uu/ook,as part of a symposium focused on ✩FOOD✩ (including food production vs insecurity, cultural dishes’ role in nostalgia and tradition, and consumerism vs consumption)

Ju/uu/ook looks at the shifts in traditional recipes - whether through generations, miscommunication, or flirtation with shared or adjacent cultures - as something to be welcomed, rather than lamented as culture lost.

section of the distorted scan

Recipes for juuk, char siu, and joong were run through a custom Python script, randomizing the ingredient measurements and instruction order to create a copy, reminiscent of the dish, but nonsensical. The new recipe was then written by hand with traditional calligraphy tools, digitally scanned with physical distortion, cut into acrylic, and then handpainted once again.

painting process! the text was cut in reverse on the back so it appears to float from the front

This project started over a year ago through a School for Poetic Computation course, Digital Love Languages, where I developed the Python script that remixes the recipe text.

snapshot of the code

Did You Eat? | Closing Reception @ Ed Video | Feb 9 2024, time TBA

Closing event to celebrate the exhibition – including a potluck!

Did You Eat? | Artist Panel @ Online | Feb 10 2024, 3PM

Online panel discussion with the other exhibiting artists; email maddie@edvideo.org to register.

Topics in Communication, Culture, Information & Technology | Design Consultant @ UTM | Winter semester

I’ll be working with Dr. Beth Coleman supporting her class researching conceptual data visualization with a fabrication focus.

Solidarity Infrastructures| School for Poetic Computation

I’ve been accepted to a course (on scholarship, big thank you to equity pricing) with SFPC, starting next week! We’ll be learning about “slow web, organic Internet, right-to-repair, data sovereignty, minimal computing and anti-computing”. Very excited!

Day job updates / InterAccess →

Media Arts Prize Programming | InterAccess | Jan 17 – Feb 17, 2024

↪ Exhibition: once more, once again | Ghislan Sutherland-Timm | January 17 – February 17, 2024 ↪ Exhibition: Kaboos: An exhibition of nightmares | Mehrnaz Abdoos | January 17 – February 17, 2024 ↪ Workshop: DIY Vacuum Formed Lamps | Audrey Ammann January 30, 2024, 6 – 9PM ↪ Artist Talk: Farming the Future | Murley Herrle-Fanning | February 3, 2024, 2 – 3:30PM

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[darrisgrove]

My Reviews

Hello all! These are some sites you can use to keep track of my reading and reviews if you are interested. Of course I will also upload some reviews here on Tumblr as well!

Goodreads

Storygraph

If my links do not work for any reason please feel free to send me a message so that I can update any information and/or send you a direct link if you would like!

MASTERPOST BELOW

Walk the Wild with Me - Rachel Atwood

Legends and Lattes - Travis Baldree

Redwall - Brian Jacques

Wildwood - Colin Meloy

Isaac Asimov's Robot City - Odyssey

Isaac Asimov's Robot City - Suspision

The Windeby Puzzle - Lois Lowry

Bride - Ali Hazelwood DNF

A Clockwork Orange - Anthony Burgess

Kenny and the Dragon - Tony DiTerlizzi

Ragweed - Avi

Dawn - Octavia E. Bulter

Under The Earth, Over The Sky - Emily McCosh

The Rise of A Legend - Kathryn Lasky

WOF The Flames of Hope - Tui T. Sutherland

Berries and Bones - James Stephans

CURRENTLY READING:

-The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

-Mossflower by Brian Jacques

-

[feo-oliau]

The Hollywood Reporter - December 18, 2017 part 2

[captainseaweedbrains]

The Hunger Games: Ch. 5

I am finally getting around to writing up thoughts. Life am I right? So I’m not only behind, but starting a bit later on my chapter thoughts. 

Here are my rambling thoughts and emotions on chapter 5: 

"Good news, though. This is the last one. Ready?" I get a grip on the edges of the table I'm seated on and nod. The final swathe of my leg hair is uprooted in a painful jerk.// Girl, I feel you. We’ve all been there. #Noshaveforever

This has included scrubbing down my body with a gritty loam that has removed not only dirt but at least three layers of skin// It’s called exfoliating, Katniss, and I promise, it is good for your skin. If they can do one thing for you, it is this. 

Okay. Like Katniss, I have a soft spot for her prep team. I can’t help it. They feel like they mean well and I’m a sucker for it. Even if they are prepping her for death.  💀

He gives his orange corkscrew locks a shake and applies a fresh coat of purple lipstick to his mouth.// I wonder if SC thought of the most gaudiest looks and just rolled with it. Probably. But some of these outfit choices just seem so out there that I have such a hard time picturing it. Am I alone on this? My fashion sense is that of a bygone era. So maybe that’s why. What is high fashion? Not me. That’s what.

Octavia, a plump woman whose entire body has been dyed a pale shade of pea green // Why would you want to look like a Sim? Why is that in style here? 

"Excellent! You almost look like a human being now!" says Flavius, and they all laugh.

I force my lips up into a smile to show how grateful I am. "Thank you," I say sweetly. "We don't have much cause to look nice in District Twelve."

This wins them over completely. // Katniss!! I love you. Never change. I do love how other worldly each party sees the other. Maybe it’s a comment on colonialism in that sense shut up Terri Your English degree is showing BUT how Katniss views them as strange birds rightly so because one legit probably looks like a Sim and them viewing her as NOT HUMAN even though she definitely looks the more normal in the room and I stand by that Where was I going with this? It just feels a bit Two Worlds colliding. Okay. Moving on. 

Just how filthy was Katniss? Like she definitely bathed before coming. Twice in one day. So what is their standard here? I don’t want it because it’s probably too much effort. #lazy

It's hard to hate my prep team. They're such total idiots.// My thoughts exactly. 

I cannot stress how much I love how blunt SC makes Katniss’ thoughts. It feels so human to me and I don’t always see that in writing. It’s nice. 

Am I alone on wondering if Cinna has that eyeliner tattooed on? I don’t know why that’s always my first thought with the second being “ouch.��� 

I do love how Katniss is always thrown when her pre-perceptions of the Capitol are challenged by *the few* people like Cinna. 

I saw someone point out how Katniss remembers a lot of details like the stylists and past years winners and their strategies and I’m wondering if it’s more like how I know stuff on like the Kardashians that I don’t really want to know or care about knowing. Just facts living in her head rent free. But she remembers a lot of details on the Games.

He presses a button on the side of the table. The top splits and from below rises a second tabletop that holds our lunch.// The future 1950s ads promised and Disney Channel’s Smart House made those in my generation fear. That or a super fancy automat. 

Unpopular opinion, but I absolutely hate when Katniss goes on about the food and how to make dishes. I think it’s so boring to read. Even one sentence about what everyone is eating dulls me. 

What must it be like, I wonder, to live in a world where food appears at the press of a button?//Okay, I know we kind of already have this luxury to an extent, but I too want to press a button and my food is magically there, in my home, already made. #queenlazy

My heart saddens when Katniss wonders what people do in their free time. She is a CHILD. *cries*

Okay. So I know Katniss has boasted about concealing her thoughts, but is she REALLY good at it? She gets called out a lot by practical strangers. I will cling to my headcanon that she is truly an open book and just believes she’s sneaky like that and Peeta pretends she’s succeeding at later in life. Is this canon? Maybe? Don’t @ me

SC’s commentary of sexualizing young teens and kiddos is amazing and yes, please keep coming at us like this, Suzanne. 

Also those poor, naked children. Not only were they going to their deaths, but they literally were paraded around on national television buck naked. 

I'll be naked for sure, I think...Naked and covered in black dust, I think.//An example of why I just love her narration. I crack up every time at the clear doom in her “voice”

He sees my expression and grins.//A true madman because I can only assume her face is that of horror.

I am still mad at the scaly-looking outfits the movie gave us and how they made her hair look

It crosses my mind that Cinna's calm and normal demeanor masks a complete madman.//He is a madman. We accept it and move on from here

*Peeta enters* *Cue my glee* 

*He is my favorite and that favoritism will show*

*Listen I am here for the messages on war and our consumer culture SC is providing*

*But I will not hide why I’m really here rereading these books*

*WEEPS* SHE IS RELIEVED TO SEE PEETA 

"What do you think?" I whisper to Peeta. "About the fire?"

"I'll rip off your cape if you'll rip off mine," he says through gritted teeth.//Don’t touch me. The teamwork they already share. 

Haha I just imagine Peeta has that big smile on his face all “Haha I want to die right now”

THEY’RE LAUGHING. Precious beans. 

I guess we're both so nervous about the Games and more pressingly, petrified of being turned into human torches, we're not acting sensibly.// That or you both are talking to your crushes and are feeling giddy about it. Don’t deny it Katniss. We see you

Lmao Katniss’ enthusiasm for D1 cracks me up

Cinna over here just lighting people on fire and relieved it worked properly. This man, I swear

She calls him dazzling. Be still my heart. 

Also I still don’t understand the true purpose of Cinna presenting them as united. Maybe I’ll get a refresher later on. Is it just to make them stand out more because they’re united? I don’t understand this angle at all. So #SameKatnissSame

Lmao or maybe Peeta’s the one who is all “Idk, but *sings* I wanna hold your hand...” 

Or not. But you bet Peeta is pumped. He’s not naked on national television and he’s holding his crush’s hand. Peak day for Peeta Bram Mellark, with all things given.

I do hope they are waving correctly. 

I'm glad now I have Peeta to clutch for balance, he is so steady, solid as a rock.//I’m FINE. Totally FINE that this will be how she views him for the rest of the series. FINE.

Narrator: She was not fine. 

How absolutely sad that she mentions how the Capitolites took the effort to look in the program for their names. How they waste CHILDREN’S LIVES. 

But I shall focus on her gaining confidence and Katniss Everdeen legit getting caught up in the moment where she is blowing kisses at them. The power of a great outfit, amirite? 

Someone throws me a red rose. I catch it, give it a delicate sniff, and blow a kiss back in the general direction of the giver. A hundred hands reach up to catch my kiss, as if it were a real and tangible thing.//Oh my god. So Extra

Everyone wants my kisses.//Peeta wants those kisses 

"No, don't let go of me," he says. The firelight flickers off his blue eyes. "Please.// I am crying as I think about their interaction in the same square in Mockingjay, when she tries to take the nightlock pill and he stops her. “I’ll never let go, Jack”  

SC can describe Snow however she wants, I will forever see Donald Sutherland and only that. Even when Snow is a teenager I picture Donald. The power of Donald Sutherland.

I love that she doesn’t realize she’s still holding his hand. If Portia had enough time to spray them down, she’s been holding on for awhile. Katniss, explanation?  👀 👀 👀 👀 👀

"I'm sure they didn't notice anything but you. You should wear flames more often," he says. "They suit you." And then he gives me a smile that seems so genuinely sweet with just the right touch of shyness that unexpected warmth rushes through me. // AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

SHE FEELS WARMTH RUSH THROUGH HER

THE SHY FLIRTING

PEETA, YOU SHY SLY BEAN OF A FOX

The more likable he is, the more deadly he is.//Yeah, for catching a dangerous thing called FEELINGS. 

Katniss, how does *kissing* him help matters here? You clearly caught wind he was flirting and your first thought was *le kiss* ???????

These two, I swear

And Katniss is just so smol having to stand on her *tiptoes* to kiss his cheek. #teamsmol

Onward to the next chapter! 

[crowdvscritic]

round up // MARCH + APRIL 21

March and April were a whirlwind of vaccines and awards shows! A full year after we starting staying at home, the end of this weird chapter in recent history seems like it might finally be coming to a close, and this pop culture awards season—typically a time full of fun and glamour—captured our moment weirdly well. (Emphasis on the weird.) This month’s recommendations is filled with more Critic Picks than usual, so without further delay, let’s dive right in...

March + April Crowd-Pleasers

Double Feature — 2018 Action Thrillers: Bad Times at the El Royale + Den of Thieves

In Bad Times at the El Royale (Crowd: 9/10, // Critic: 8/10), Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Jon Hamm, Chris Hemsworth, and Dakota Johnson are staying at a motel on the California-Nevada state line full of money, murder, and mystery. In Den of Thieves (Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 6.5/10), Gerard Butler takes on some of the best bank robbers in the world. Whether you like your action with a dose of mystery or the thrills of plot twists, these will fit the bill.

Double Feature — ‘80s Comedies: Caddyshack (1980) + Splash (1984)

In the mood for pure silliness? Take your pick between a mermaid and a gopher! Five years before The Little Mermaid, Tom Hanks fell for Daryl Hannah’s blonde hair and scaly tail, and John Candy was his goofy brother in Splash (Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 7/10). And four years before Ghostbusters, Bill Murray was the goof on a golf course full of funny people like Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Ted Knight in Caddyshack (Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 6.5/10).

Double Feature — 1980s Coming-of-Age Films Starring Corey Feldman, Kiefer Sutherland, and Challenging Brother Relationships That Influenced Stranger Things: Stand by Me (1986) + The Lost Boys (1987)

Believe it or not, I had no idea these two ‘80s classics had so much in common when I chose to watch them back-to-back. In Rob Reiner’s adaptation of Stephen King’s Stand by Me (Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 9/10), four kids (Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, River Phoenix, and Wil Wheaton) are following train tracks to find a missing body. In The Lost Boys (Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 7/10), Corey Haim and Jason Patric move to a small California town and discover it’s full of ‘80s movie star cameos and…vampires? One is a thoughtful coming-of-age story and one is just bonkers, but both are a great time.

Spaceman by Nick Jonas (2021)

My love for the Jonas Brothers is well-documented, so instead of going down the rabbit hole I started digging at 15, I’ll talk about how Nick Jonas’s latest solo album will likely appeal to a wider audience than just the fans of the brothers’ bombastic pop records. It’s full of catchy tunes you’ll play on repeat and an R&B-influenced album experience about the loneliness we’ve experienced in the last year and how we try to make long-term relationships work.

Ted Lasso (2020- )

I love stories about nice people crushing cruelty and cynicism with relentless kindness, and Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) is the warmest, most dedicated leader this side of Leslie Knope. Be sure to catch up on these witty and sweet 10 episodes before season 2 drops later this summer.

Double Feature — Tony Scott Action Flicks: Enemy of the State (1998) + The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)

Tony Scott’s movies have got explosions and excitement in spades. I love a good man-on-the-run movie, and in Enemy of the State (Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 8/10), Will Smith is running through the streets of D.C. after getting evidence of a politician’s (Jon Voight) part in a murder. I also love a tense story set in a confined space, which is what Denzel Washington is dealing with in The Taking of Pelham 123 (Crowd: 9.5/10 // Critic: 7/10) after a hammy John Travolta takes a New York subway train hostage.

Double Feature — Baseball Movies: The Natural (1984) + Trouble With the Curve (2012)

Sue me—I love baseball movies. Robert Redford plays a fictional all-time great in the early days of the MLB in The Natural (Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 9/10), and Clint Eastwood plays a fictional all-time great scout in his late career in Trouble With the Curve (Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 7.5/10). If you love baseball or actors like Amy Adams, Glenn Close, Robert Duvall, and Justin Timberlake, these movies are just right here waiting for you.

Nate Bargatze: The Greatest Average American (2021)

Sue me—I enjoy Netflix standup comedy specials that are safe enough to watch with your whole family. That’s exactly the crowd I laughed with over Easter weekend, and while the trailer captures Bargatze’s relaxed vibe, it doesn’t capture how funny he really is.

The Mighty Ducks (1992)

I thought somewhere in my childhood I’d seen at least one of The Mighty Ducks movies, but after watching all three, I think my memories must’ve come from previews on the VHS tapes for other Disney movies I watched over and over again. The original still holds up as an grown-ups, which is why even my parents got sucked in to this family movie while just passing through the living room. Bonus for ‘80s movies lovers: Emilio Estevez is basically continuing Andrew Clark’s story from The Breakfast Club as an adult. Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 6.5/10

Double Feature — New, Dumb Action on Streaming: Godzilla vs. Kong + Thunder Force (2021)

If you want something intelligent, go ahead and skip to the next recommendation, but if you’re looking for something stupid fun, these are ready for you on HBO Max and Netflix. Thunder Force (Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 6/10) follows Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer as they train to become superheroes who take on superhuman sociopaths wreaking havoc on Chicago, and alongside Jason Bateman, they do it with a lot of laughs. Godzilla vs. Kong (Crowd: 9.5/10 // Critic: 5/10) is, um, exactly what it sounds like, so I’ll skip a plot summary and just say it’s exactly what you want from this kind of movie. #TeamKong

3:10 to Yuma (2007)

All you need to know is Russell Crowe is an outlaw, and Christian Bale is the guy who’s got to get him on the train to prison. I also watched the 1957 version, which is also a solid watch if you love classic Westerns. Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 8/10

Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

Marvel’s newest series isn’t nearly as inventive as WandaVision, and it may not land every beat, but it’s worth a watch for the fun new gadgets, Sebastian Stan’s dry joke delivery, and its exploration into themes of what makes a hero and what governments owe their citizens. It’s a pretty satisfying entry in the MCU canon, but I’d also recommend re-watching Captain America: Winter Soldier and Civil War—the canon is getting expansive, and it’s getting trickier every year to keep up with all the backstory.

March + April Critic Picks

Best of 2020 Picks

As per usual, the months leading up to the Oscars becomes a binge period for potential Oscar nominees. In March and April, I watched many of the films that made my Top 20 of 2020, including Boys State, The Father, Judas and the Black Messiah, Let Them All Talk, Minari, Nomadland, On the Rocks, One Night in Miami…, Promising Young Woman, Soul, and Sound of Metal. You can read how I ranked them on my list for ZekeFilm, plus reviews of The Father, Minari, Promising Young Woman, and Soul.

Bonus: If you loved On the Rocks, don’t miss this feature and beautiful photography starring Sofia Coppola, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning, and Rashida Jones for W Magazine. 

Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

What would you do if you started hearing a voice who narrated your every thought and move? If you’re Will Ferrell, you’ll seek out a literary professor (Dustin Hoffman), fall in love (with Maggie Gyllenhaal), and track down the voice (Emma Thompson) who’s making ominous predictions about your future. Stranger Than Fiction is funny thought-provoking, and an unusual but welcome role for Ferrell. Crowd: 9.5/10 // Critic: 9/10

All the Royal Family News

Speaking of stranger than fiction, it’s been a busy few months for the Royal Family. We’ve celebrated 95th birthday of Queen Elizabeth, the 3rd birthday of Prince Louis, and the 10th anniversary of Will and Kate’s marriage. We also lost Prince Philip, and we watched the drama of Harry and Meaghan’s interview with Oprah. No matter what happens to their Crown, I don’t think we’ll ever get over our fascination with the Windsor family. A few pieces worth reading from the last few months:

“In Meghan and Harry’s Interview, Two TV Worlds Collided,” Vulture.com

“The Queen’s Man: Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Dies,” TIME.com

“Obituary: HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” BBC.com

Goodfellas (1990)

One of my film opinions that makes me feel like a phony is that Martin Scorsese just isn’t my cup of tea. He’s brilliant, but his films tend to be long and dark, two qualities that are never my first choice…and somehow Goodfellas still worked for me? Maybe it was the TV edit graciously toning down the violence or maybe it was that Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci were firing on all cylinders, but for some reason this ‘90s classic didn’t suck the joy out of my evening like Scorsese often does. (Bonus: For a Martin Scorsese/Robert De Niro I don’t really recommend, head to the last section of this Round Up.)

Fearless (Taylor’s Version) (2021)

Her voice has only matured, so Taylor Swift revisiting her old albums is like upgrading a blast to the past. Plus, the six new tracks make me feel like 15 crushing on that boy in Spanish class again, and her Grammys performance (just before her third Album of the Year win) was magical and folklore-tastic.

Double Feature — ‘60s Action Classics: The Guns of Navarone (1961) + Planet of the Apes (1968)

The Guns of Navarone (Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 8.5/10) follows Gregory Peck and David Niven as they destroy Nazi weapons in the Mediterranean. Planet of the Apes (Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 8.5/10) follows Charlton Heston as he attempts to escape from, well, a planet full of apes. The pacing of ‘60s films doesn’t always hold up, but that’s not the case with this pair. Both are still full of suspense, and you can’t go wrong hanging with casts like these.

Let Him Go (2020)

Kevin Costner and Diane Lane play a farming couple who unexpectedly help raise a boy who lost his biological father—sound familiar? But instead of a superhero origin story, they’re part of a thrilling Western with performances nuanced (Costner and Lane) and showy (Lesley Manville). If I’d watched this before completing my Best of 2020 piece, it likely would’ve been on my list. Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 8.5/10

The Oscars

I’m a ride-or-die fan of the Academy Awards, but I’ll admit even I found this year’s ceremony odd. Instead of focusing on what wasn’t so hot, I’ll recommend a few moments you don’t want to miss:

Emerald Fennell giving a shout-out to Saved by the Bell

Daniel Kaluuya acknowledging his parents’ sex life during his acceptance speech (??)

Yuh-Jung Yoon flirting with Brad Pitt and acknowledging she’s just “luckier” than her fellow nominees

Glenn Close dancing to…”Da Butt”?

You can also read about the historic wins and nominations from this year’s Oscar class and why the Golden Globes were an even stranger production weeks earlier.

Trailer-palooza!

Movies are on their way back, y’all! I’m counting down the days until I can get back to a theatre, and even if some of these movies are duds, I’m planning to see all of them on a big screen if possible:

Those Who Wish Me Dead (May 14)

Cruella (May 28)

In the Heights (June 11)

Space Jam 2 (July 16)

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (September 3)

West Side Story (December 10)

Also in March + April…

To add to the Oscars love, you can listen to a conversation about what we learn about family, community, and society in some of the year’s biggest nominees on the Uncommon Voices podcast. I join regular hosts Michael and Kenneth in this episode, and I recommend all of their thoughtful discussions on their “What’s Streaming” episodes.

I’ve previously recommended the Do You Like Apples weekly newsletter, so I’m proud to share I contributed twice in March! I wrote about Love and Basketball, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, and one of my all-time favorite Julia Roberts rom-coms, Notting Hill. (I also tied to win their Oscars pool, but I suppose that’s less exciting for you than me.)

It was a busy couple of months on SO IT’S A SHOW! New logo, new email list, new Instagram, and a host of new episodes about a flop of a Madonna flick, a Swedish children’s TV show, an urban legend turned into a horror movie, one of the best films about journalism ever, and a Martin Scorsese movie about a real boxer.

Most of what I wrote for ZekeFilm in March and April was mentioned in Best of 2020 recommendations…except for The Nest, a film that couldn’t figure out what genre it wanted to be.

Photo credits: Nick Jonas, Royal Family. All others IMDb.com.

[starberry-cupcake]

mommakittysworld replied to your photoset “Rachel Chavkin receiving the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical...”

I wouldn't watch a film that was directed or produced by a woman just because I dont think I'd be interested in it. I like horror. The more disturbing, the better. I just dont think most women have the right personality to create a good horror film. I hate comedy, and especially romance. My tastes aren't very feminine.

Ok so, I received this reply on my post about Rachel’s speech on the Tonys. I’m going to block this person outright and I won’t engage in any type of conversation with them. However, I want to post this reply with two intentions: 

1) I appreciate when blogs I follow show these kinds of behavior toward their content so that I can block them and not have to cross paths with them in the future. I highly advice you not to engage in conversation with them, not even to dissent, but if you find their answer as insulting as I did, you might want to block them. 

2) I am going to take this opportunity to talk about a very favorite subject of mine: women in horror. Here is a list of several women who have created content in the realms of horror in the past or who are doing it today, from various standpoints, with various origins and for very different tastes, as well as a selection of examples of their work (there’s so much more they’ve done!). Tread with caution because horror is not devoid of triggers. Whatever I haven’t seen or read in this list is at least included in my to-watch/read lists. This person might not appreciate them, but I know someone out there will. 

Ann Radcliffe (writer)

The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794)

Mary Shelley (writer)

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818)

Charlotte Perkins Gilman (writer)

The Yellow Wallpaper (1890)

Daphne Du Maurier (writer)

Jamaica Inn (1936), Rebecca (1938), My Cousin Rachel (1951), The Birds and Other Stories (1963)

Shirley Jackson (writer)

The Haunting of Hill House (1959), We Have Always Lived in the Castle (1962), The Lottery and other Stories (1949)

Joyce Carol Oates (writer)

Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? (1966), Zombie (1995)

Alejandra Pizarnik (writer and poet)

The Bloody Countess (originally called: La condesa sangrienta) (1971)

Anne Rice (writer)

Vampire Chronicles (1976–present)

Debra Hill (writer and producer)

Halloween (1978), The Fog (1980), Halloween II (1981)

Angela Carter (writer)

The Bloody Chamber (1979), The Company of Wolves (1984)

Susan Hill (writer)

The Woman In Black (1983), The Mist in the Mirror (1992)

Kathryn Bigelow (director)

Near Dark (1987)

Narumi Kakinouchi (mangaka)

Vampire Princess Miyu (originally called: 吸血姫 美夕) (1988-2002)

Mary Lambert (director)

Pet Sematary (1989)

Marina Sargenti (writer and director)

Mirror Mirror (1990)

Fran Rubel Kuzui (director)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

Jennifer Lynch (writer and director)

Boxing Helena (1993)

Laurell K. Hamilton (writer) 

Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter (1993-present)

Tananarive Due (writer)

The Between (1995), My Soul to Keep (1997), The Good House (2003), Trial Day (2003), Aftermoon (2004), Ghost Summer: Stories (2015)

Octavia E. Butler (writer)

Bloodchild and Other Stories (1995), Fledgling (2005), also has a lot of sci-fi themed books

Kei Fujiwara (writer and director)

Organ (originally called: オルガン) (1996)

Kelly Link (writer)

The Specialist’s Hat (1999)

Mary Harron (writer and director)

American Psycho (2000)

Guinevere Turner (writer)

American Psycho (2000)

Karen Walton (writer)

Ginger Snaps (2000)

Linda Addison (poet)

Consumed, Reduced to Beautiful Grey Ashes (2001)

Ann Hui (director)

Visible Secret (originally called: 幽灵人间) (2001)

Marina de Van (writer and director)

In My Skin (2002)

Elizabeth Kostova (writer)

The Historian (2005)

Helen Oyeyemi (writer)

White is for Witching (2009)

Karyn Kusama (director)

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Diablo Cody (writer)

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Gemma Files (writer)

A Book of Tongues (2010), A Rope of Thorns (2011), A Tree of Bones (2012)

Tiffany D. Jackson (writer and director)

So I Married A Vampire (2010), The Field Trip (2011)

Seanan McGuire (writer)

Feed (2010), Deadline (2011), Blackout (2012, Feedback (2016)

Asa Nonami (writer)

Body (originally called: 躯) (2012)

Jen Soska & Sylvia Soska (writers and directors)

American Mary (2012)

Lauren Beukes (writer)

The Shining Girls (2013), Broken Monsters (2014)

Melissa Hunter (writer, director and actress)

Adult Wednesday (2013-2015)

Axelle Carolyn (writer and director)

Soulmate (2013)

Jennifer McMahon (writer)

The Winter People (2013)

Marisha Pessl (writer)

Night Film (2013)

Jennifer Kent (writer and director)

The Babadook (2014)

Kelly Sue DeConnick (writer), Emma Ríos (writer and illustrator) & Jordie Bellaire (colorist)

Pretty Deadly (2014-2016)

Ana Lily Amirpour (writer and director)

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)

Julia Penner (writer)

Stage Fright (2014)

Leigh Janiak (writer and director)

Honeymoon (2014)

Krysty Wilson-Cairns (writer)

Penny Dreadful (comic books and tv series) (2014-2016)

Diane Ruggiero-Wright (writer)

iZombie (2015-present)

Agnieszka Smoczyńska (writer and director)

The Lure (2015)

Anna Biller (writer and director)

The Love Witch (2016)

Julia Ducournau (director and writer)

Raw (2016)

Sarah Adina Smith (director and editor)

Mother’s Day segment in Holidays (2016)

Mariana Enríquez (writer)

Things We Lost In The Fire (originally called: Las cosas que perdimos en el fuego) (2016)

Mariana Travacio (writer)

Flowerbed (originally called: Cantero) (2016)

Issa Lopez (writer and director)

Tigers Are Not Afraid (originally called: Vuelven) (2017)

Jac Jemc (writer)

The Grip of It (2017)

Carmen Maria Machado (writer)

Her Body and Other Parties (2017)

Emma Tammi (director)

The Wind (2018)

Teresa Sutherland (writer)

The Wind (2018)

Nicole Snyder (writer)

The Perfection (2018)

Stacie Passon (director and writer)

We Have Always Lived in the Castle (film) (2018)

If anyone wants to add some more to this list, you’re welcome to do so. I absolutely also recommend, if you’re interested in the subject, following @horrorladies​ ♥

[disdaidal]

Navigation

- Turned my old messy navigation page into a text post for easier editing.

► Movies:

28 Days Later

A Clockwork Orange

Alien(s)

American Psycho

A Nightmare on Elm Street

An Interview with the Vampire

Back to the Future

Batman

Batman Returns

Disney

Favorite Movies

Flatliners

Free Guy

Harry Potter

Heathers

Homeward Bound

IT 1990  

Jurassic Park

Lord of the Rings

Monty Python

Pirates of the Caribbean

Power Rangers

Red Eye

Star Wars

The Avengers

The Breakfast Club

The Crow

The Hobbit

The Hunger Games

The Lion King

The Lost Boys

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Secret Garden

The Shining

The Three Musketeers

Tremors

Wet Hot American Summer

Young Guns

► TV Shows:

American Horror Story

Being Human

Fear the Walking Dead

Firefly

Game of Thrones

Hercules: the Legendary Journeys

Legend of the Seeker

Moomin

Saints and Strangers

Skins UK

Stranger Things

Supernatural

The 100

The Almighty Johnsons

The Witcher

Xena: Warrior Princess

Young Hercules

Z Nation

► Anime:

Fruits Basket

► Games

Assassin’s Creed

Days Gone

Far Cry 4

Far Cry 5

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Forbidden West

Infamous: Second Son

Red Dead Redemption 2

Resident Evil 3 Remake

Resident Evil 2 Remake

The Last of Us

Uncharted 4

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

► Ships (fictional):

Bellamy/Clarke

Bellamy/Murphy

Billy/Eleven

Cahir/Ciri

Cara/Kahlan 

Carlos/Jill

Ilian/Octavia 

Jayne/Simon

Kili/Fili 

Leon/Ada

Mitchell/Anders

Murphy/Raven

Nil/Aloy

Steve/Billy

Thor/Loki

► Ships (RPS):

Aidan/Dean

Joe/Dacre

Lou/Kiefer

► People:

Aidan Turner

Audrey Hepburn

Chai Hansen

Chris Conrad

Chris Hemsworth 

Christian Slater

Cillian Murphy

Craig Parker 

Dacre Montgomery

David Harbour

Dean O’Gorman

Elijah Wood 

Emilio Estevez

Evan Peters

Finn Wolfhard

Gina Torres

Gordon Ramsay

Ian McKellen 

Jared Padalecki

Jensen Ackles 

Joe Keery

Joel Tobeck 

Keanu Reeves

Kiefer Sutherland

Kristoffer Joner

Lee Pace

Leonardo DiCaprio

Lou Diamond Phillips

Luke Evans

Natalia Dyer

Orlando Bloom

Richard Armitage 

Robert Downey Jr

Rupert Grint 

Ryan Gosling

Sarah Paulson

Sigourney Weaver

Stig Henrik Hoff 

Sylvester Stallone

Tabrett Bethell

Tim Curry

Tom Hiddleston

Winona Ryder

► Gaming:

Jacksepticeye

Pewdiepie

Pyrocynical

► Animals:

All animals

Birds

Bunnies

Cats

Dogs

Horses

Snakes

► Misc.

About me

Art 

Audio

Comics 

Fake scenes

Fanart 

Fanfiction

Fonts  

Funny posts

Games

Headcanons

Incorrect quotes

Moodboards

Personal  

Photography

Photoshop

Resources

Twitter

Youtube  

[in finnish / suomeksi]

► My pets:

Lucas

Sini (†)

Tuuli (†)

[gaylortruther]

(many) tag games

saw someone else do this so i figured i’d go through all my tag games in one looong post instead of spamming you all with a bunch of separate posts!

i’m gonna tag everyone now and yall can choose which tag games you want to do or whether you want to do them all (or whether you want to do any)!!

thanks to everyone who tagged me in all of these! i LOVE being tagged in tag games and i am always up for more! <3

tagging THE SANCTION (including ppl that i haven’t gotten up on the page yet im sorry abfjffsdhsjbjsdf it will happen SOON):  @newdivinities @wolvesofarcadia @maskedlady @victoiirres @sancta-silje @bumblebeesonpaper @wasting-ink-not-youth @horrorspell @ya-lady-tauriel @awritinglen @purpleshadows1989 @ivonoris @theforgottencoolkid @the-ichor-of-ruination @grotesqu-e @lucacangettathisass @tea-ndi @hazeywrites @lunar895 @thewordsinthesky-andstars

[LAST LINE TAG]

TAGGED BY  @melwrotethat AND @hazeywrites

thank you both for the tags! these are the last few lines of the prologue-excerpt-thing i wrote for the page i’m working on for WHERE THE CELLAR MEETS THE SKY

Somehow, Collin hears them. Silently, she rolls up her sleeve, and Rowan feels the Collin Sutherland they knew is somewhere far, far away. The tattoos are black, geometric in design, two on each arm, and eerily similar to the ones Rowan has just discovered on their own left arm. They're sure if they were to roll up their right sleeve, they would find more.

"I should have told you a long time ago," Collin whispers. "I didn't know you were a part of it, but I should have guessed. I didn't want to put you in danger."

"I'm not- I don't- in danger of what?"

The waves crash onto the shore, and in the distance, a seagull cries, sending Collin into action. She grabs Rowan's hand and starts pulling, dragging them back behind the house.

"Come on. We don't have a lot of time, we have to get going. I can tell you everything on the way. I don't know why he brought me here instead of straight to the veil, damn it-,"

"Wait!," they say, wrenching their hand out of her grasp. "Just- stop! Where are we going?!"

Collin's eyes flash bright, despite the lack of sunlight. "Home."

yeah, a bit long, a bit unedited, but *shrugs*

[SPELL OUT UR URL USING SONG TITLES]

TAGGED BY @tea-ndi

thank you sage!!! <3

hard feelings/loveless | lorde

another one of those days | cavetown

let’s fall in love for the night | FINNEAS

ocean eyes | billie eilish

honey and milk | flower face

i know | king princess ft fiona apple

dreamz | sara king

iloveyou | BETWEEN FRIENDS

nobody’s home | gnash

greek god | conan gray

sycamore girl | rex orange county 

and there you have a small sample of my music taste! add in literally every taylor swift song (dont judge me), some lo-fi tunes without ANY words whatsoever, and the occasional fall out boy or panic at the disco goddamn absolute banger, and you have my XANDERS JAMS playlist on spotify. ENJOY

[11/11/11 TAG]

TAGGED BY @awritinglen <333333333333333333333333

thank you for tagging me len!!! your questions were so fun!! i’m doing this for WHERE THE CELLAR MEETS THE SKY

Name all OCs in your WIP

OMFG okay,,, wait do you mean full names?? POV characters as of rn are Collin Aisling Sutherland, Rowan Tilley (doesn’t have a middle name) and Avery Bristol Charter. then the next most important one is Isaac Michael Rosewell, even though he’s the antagonist. then the side characters that are still very featured are Noah Rosalyn Pratten, Reese Iseul Radley, and Sage Emarosa Delgado. THEN we get into the very very side characters, Willa Robinson and her son August Robinson. then we have Avery’s parents, Alaric and the late Octavia Charter. and thennnnn we have Beldane Moreno, Avery’s uncle and Collin’s grandfather (undecided abt that last name but going w it for now). i promise it all makes sense. i promise anfnfsjnfdjsfd

Name at least one hobby your Main character love

i’ll give this one to Collin, she is a musician! Avery’s mother always taught her music before The Accident (dun dun dunnn) and after Collin was abandoned in the Nigh she threw herself into music. she plays guitar mostly, but she secretly loves piano the best out of every instrument she knows

3 sentences about your current WIP

OOF. im so bad at summaries why would you do this to meee abfhshjbsbshfjsbf. “A determined believer wants to return to a home that never wanted her. Almost 4000 miles away, an incisive, intellectual outcast of a dreamer muses over getting out of their hometown. And infinities away from them both, a teenage revolutionary disappears into thin air, on his way to bring back his past and fix his (and everyone’s) future.”

Is there a romance in your WIP and did you plan it from the beginning?

yes! there are three! they are definitely a main focus of the plot, but not THE main focus. Reese and Rowan were definitely planned from the beginning. Collin and Noah were, too, but they weren’t originally enemies to lovers, and they are now (hehehehehe). and Isaac and Avery were DEFINITELY not planned from the beginning. in fact, Avery was originally paired up with Sage, but it’s literally so much better this way and i’m so glad it’s been changed. Isaac and Avery has been planned since about when Isaac’s character was thought up, one year into planning WTCMTS.

What genre(s) is it?

a mix of dystopia and urban fantasy. and it’s YA, borderline NA because some of the characters are 19-20, but i still think YA is appropriate because of the style of writing.

What’s the aesthetic of two of your characters?

fun question! Collin’s aesthetic is very emo-punk, with a splash of yellow towards the end of the series. piercings, blue hair, rips on clothing, dirty converse, smudged eyeliner, safety pins. the yellow comes in as part of her character arc, as she learns to accept that her childhood memories are tainted and not actually perfect utopia. Rowan is way more minimalist (sometimes). they’re into the bookstagram type aesthetic, and mom jeans with sneakers, jean jackets, plants against a white wall, colorblocked windbreakers, rain against a car window.

When did you start your current WIP?

WTCMTS was started in august of 2017 

How far along are you in the process (i.e 1st/2nd/3rd draft, worldbuilding)

still worldbuilding, unfortunately, for personal reasons

Who’s the hardest character for you to write?

OOOOOOF. sage or rowan?

What music genre best decribes your main character(s) and whats their favorite?

Collin - alternative (favorite band would be like twenty one pilots, p!atd) 

Rowan - ichillwave (clario, rex orange county)

Avery - emo (fall out boy, all time low)

Isaac - indie alternative OR instrumental lofi (jaymes young, birdy)

Noah - electropop (lorde, halsey, charlie xcx)

Reese - folk rock (the head and the heart, of monsters and men)

Sage - indie pop (lana del ray, florence + the machine)

Are you working on more than one WIP?

yes! i have four currently but only two are important lol, ILLUNIUS and WHERE THE CELLAR MEETS THE SKY (this one). WIP PAGE

MY QUESTIONS

how did you come up with the title for your WIP?

is there anything you want to change about your WIP but you are hesitating on?

do you have a favorite character? a character that is your baby?

write a tinder bio for one of your characters.

how do you feel about epilogues? does your wip include an epilogue?

what changes does your MC go through over the course of the story?

what is the most significant insignificant thing that happens in your story? don’t explain why it is significant if it spoils things ;)

do you know what will happen after the ending of your wip, or would you rather not picture it?

how long does your wip span? is it a novel? a series? does it have prequels or spin-off wips?

what is a major internal conflict for your MC? 

do you include flashbacks in your wip? do you like writing flashbacks?

[HOW TO KNOW YOU’RE IN A ______ NOVEL TAG]

TAGGED BY @writevevo​ AND @wolvesofarcadia​

thank you both for this tag! it’s so much fun and both of your novels sound like novels that would be very interesting to be stuck in :D

inspired by this post

HOW TO KNOW YOU’RE IN A HALOHIDINGS NOVEL

you’re an older sibling and you have a younger sibling. you’re extremely bitter towards your younger sibling for stealing opportunities from you, damning you to a life you never truly wanted. your younger sibling adores you and just wants to please you. they never meant to do it. 

you’re stuck in constant, wistful wanderlust, never feeling like you truly belong, never fitting in anywhere, not with friends, not with family, and when you finally find the place you’ve been looking for, you realize it’s nothing like you dreamed or remembered.

you’re not heterosexual. no one around you is. no one is cisgender either. where are they? no one knows. 

you have a peculiar capability dancing under your skin. it trickles from your pores and muddles with your mind. maybe you asked for it, maybe it was predestined, maybe you never wanted anything to do with it. whatever the reason, it’s there, and you don’t know what’s you and what’s it. maybe you’re not meant to ask. maybe you’re meant to succumb. 

your memories are as fickle as the rain, coming and going and breaking through the clouds, shattering the fog and disappearing with the sun. you can’t recall what you’re doing here, or where you’re meant to be instead. what’s your name?, they ask. you don’t know.

there are two worlds. one world is blissfully unaware of this, or at least, as unaware as any world of millions and millions of people can be. no secret can be kept forever, they tell you. you are desperately trying to keep the secret.

the one closest to you, despite your abhorrent denial of this fact, the one you would trust with your life, will betray you. because of their decision, their selfishness, you will either lose them, or lose yourself.

THOSE WERE SO FUN OMG. they all mostly apply to both of my major wips, which is probably bad. oh well LMAO

SORRY THAT WAS SOOOOOOOO LONG hope at least someone does one of these tag games lol <3 

xander out

[thotyssey]

Friday (11.2.2018)

UPTOWN

BOXERS UES: ATREVETE Latin party (9pm)

CASTRO:Latin party (10pm)

BOXERS WH: Kizha Carr & DJ JROC (11pm)

SUITE: Brenda Dharling & Pattaya Hart (midnight)

HELL’S KITCHEN

BEECHMAN: Fade To Connie: The Roxie Files starring Love, Connie (7pm)

HARDWARE: Jasmine Rice & Izzy Uncut *premiere* (7pm);  DJ Mike Borowski with Bootsie LeFaris (11pm)

RITZ: Maddelynn Hatter hosts OPEN CALL drag competition (9:30pm);  DJs Eddie Martinez & Eugene Edo (11pm) 

HUDSON TERRACE: This Free Life’s MONEY 18+ feat. DJ: Sammi Blendz, Jasmine Rice, Stella Artoit, Ritzy Bitz, Ruby Fox, AndrogyNY, Jessie James, Shuga Cain, Izzy Uncut, Lemon, Blair Bitch, Linux & Harajuku (10pm)

THERAPY: DJ AJ Sanchez (10pm)

RISE: dance party (10pm)

VSBU: DJ 2Face & Chaka Khanvict (10pm)

ATLAS SOCIAL CLUB: FREAKITON Latin party (10pm) 

POSH: DJs Kamil & Steve Sidewalk with Kedwin Zapata (11pm) 

BOXERS HK: MISTER NOIR urban dance party (11pm)

EAST SIDE

LIPS: “Glitz & Glamour” with Ariel Sinclair & company (5pm); “The Dirty Show” with Ariel Sinclair & company (11:30pm) 

UNCLE CHARLIE’S: live piano (8pm)

TOWNHOUSE: Go-Go Boys (9pm)

ER BAR: FI3RE FRIDAY (10pm)

CHELSEA

GYM BAR: Karaoke with Ari Kiki (9pm) 

EAGLE NYC: ROCK & ROLL FRIDAYS (10pm) 

BOXERS CHELSEA: CATCH FRIDAYS (10pm) 

REBAR: Frankie Sharp’s BOYS (10pm)

MUSEUM OF SEX: TROPICUNT (10pm) 

MCKITTRICK HOTEL: Bartschland Follies feat. Joey Arias, Murray Hill, Shequida, Charlene & more (midnight) 

WEST VILLAGE

LE POISSON ROUGE: Bingo with Linda Simpson (7pm) 

ROCKBAR: Viva Vidalia, Lilith LeFae & Catrina Lovelace (7pm);  ROCKSTRAP underwear party (10pm)

PIECES: Yuhua Hamasaki or FiFi DuBois (9pm);  Ruby Roo & Brita Filter (11:30pm) 

STONEWALL: girlNATIONnyc upstairs (10pm);  Jacqueline Dupree downstairs (11pm) 

MONSTER: DJ Mike Cruz & Octavia Anyae (10pm) 

HENRIETTA HUDSON: DJ dance party (11pm)

EAST VILLAGE

CLUB CUMMING: Daphne Always (7pm);  FEMME feat. DJ Matty Glitterati & Zeta Jones with Bubbles D'Boob, DJ JCLEF & more (10pm)

NOWHERE: DJs Zach Cole & Cameron Cooper (10pm)

PHOENIX: DJ Mitch Ferrino with Tina Burner & Vinny Vega (10pm)

LADY STARDUST: DJ Jen Urban (10pm)

BEDLAM: DWorld Underwear Party (10pm)

THE COCK: DJs Sammy Jo, Chris Flynn, Ernie & Nashom (11pm) 

NARCBAR @ THE STANDARD: DJ Reaubert (10pm)

DROM: HOT RABBIT feat. DJ Simone, Monster LaBeija & more (11pm)

BROOKLYN

BROOKLYN STEEL: Jake Sheers with SSION (8pm)

METROPOLITAN: Miz Jade (10pm) 

ROSEMONT: DJs Ickarus & Hannah Lou with Crystal Mesh, Panthera Lush, Serena Tea & Baby Love (10pm) 

BROOKLYN BAZAAR:”Halloween Never Ends“ FEAT. DJ Accident Report with Sweaty Eddie, Shanita Bump, Linda Felcher, God Complex, Reagan Holiday & Qhrist With a Q (10pm)

GOOD ROOM: Occupy The Disco & DJ Vangelis (10pm)

3 DOLLAR BILL / SUTHERLAND: DJs Tom of England & JD Samson (10pm)

CLUB XSTASY: Latin party (10pm) 

DEEP END: Bearlesque (10pm)

MACRI PARK: Misty Meaner & Mocha Lite (11pm) 

CLUB LANGSTON: urban party (11pm) 

QUEENS: 

CLUB EVOLUTION: Victoria Chase’s karaoke (8pm);  GIA Latina lesbian party in Cantina side bar (11pm); Latin hip hop dance party feat. Michelle La Fontaine (midnight)

HOMBRES LOUNGE: Dia De Los Muertos (9pm)

ALBATROSS: Karaoke (9:30pm)

ICON: JanSport (11pm)

WESTCHESTER

THE ALAMO: Amber Guesa with Angel Elektra & Shay D'Pines (9pm)

NEW JERSEY

GEORGIE’S: DJ Stanley Stylez (9pm)

TIO DADDY: FRESCURA FRIDAYS feat. Kristy Blaze, Jazel Jazalien, Angela La Marquess & Robert Garcia & Jayse Vegas (10pm)

PARADISE: Honey Davenport with Ebonee Excell & Jolina Jasmine   (11pm)

FEATHERS: Sherry Vine (11pm)

Full List Here    

[wondereads]

Weekly Reading Update (06/17/24)

Reviews and thoughts under the cut

The Dark Secret by Tui T. Sutherland (8/10)

The fourth book of this series marks a major turning point, mainly because of a reveal at the end, and the rest of the story is quite good. I think although Starflight is not my favorite of the five dragonets overall, he is probably the one most similar to me, and I can understand his decisions well. I did rate this one just a little lower because Starflight is pretty isolated for the majority of this book. It's necessary for his character development, putting him in a situation where he can't just fall back on his friends, but I definitely missed the dragonets' dynamic in this one.

The Brightest Night by Tui T. Sutherland (9/10)

I think this was a pretty good end to this arc of the series. There were some things that I wish had been built up more with foreshadowing in previous books, but Sutherland did a good job creating a conclusion that is both satisfying and adheres to the worldbuilding and characters she's crafted. It's great to get Sunny's perspective in this installment and incredibly satisfying to see her take charge and prove that pacifism and optimism don't mean she's weak or naive. Also, one thing I really appreciated about The Brightest Night was how it handled Starflight and Sunny's relationship. Not only does it show how to respectfully reject romantic feelings and accept that rejection, but I'm also of the opinion that the main five are far too much like siblings for any romantic relationships.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain (5/10)

This may sound deranged, but this book has all the tropes, archetypes, and hallmarks of a male power fantasy isekai. For those who don't know, isekai is a Japanese genre, usually appearing in anime, manga, and light novels, where the main character is transported to another world or back in time. A fairly basic premise, but there are certain distinguishing aspects of the genre, such as a main character far more powerful than they have any right to be, using knowledge of the modern world to change/rule the new one, and some sort of knowledge of the future. Isekai is inspired by portal fantasies, which A Connecticut Yankee is a prominent example of, but the similarities between the story of Hank Morgan and those generic dudes who get hit by a truck and become the most powerful being to ever exist are just so glaring to me. Aside from this, there were some genuienely funny moments in this book--it is satire, after all--but overall it just got a little boring and I could not care less about Hank.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (4/10)

I have to say, despite my rocky past with historical fiction, I'm disappointed. This book was honestly pretty bad, despite the constant praise it receives. It is hailed as a feminist masterpiece and yet contains only the most basic, surface-level white feminism. The scientific aspects are not just annoying and unrealistic but obviously poorly researched, and the way religion is treated in this novel speaks of narrow-mindedness and an unwillingness to look closely at the issue. The story itself lacks tension of any kind because the main character is so obviously right and perfect all the time and all her opponents are so plainly bigoted and idiotic. This wasn't a complete disaster; it utilizes a writing style I enjoy and I can definitely see the appeal of it as a wish-fulfillment fantasy, but overall it's just a mess and mostly just infuriated me.

Haikyuu!! Vol. 36-40 by Haruichi Furudate (9/10, 8/10, 9/10, 7/10, 8/10)

I feel like I'm burning through this series, but it's probably just because manga is so quick and easy to read. I am an ardent lover of the story behind Haikyuu!!, and I think the two volumes I gave 9s to are great examples of why. Volume 36 is probably my favorite of the volumes focused on the Nekoma match, and I love the way it portrays the relationship between both Hinata and Kenma and their two schools. (While I rated Volume 37 lower overall, I did cry at the Ukai/Nekomata handshake.) These interactions speak to how the characters have so much respect and admiration for each other, even if they are rivals, and Karasuno holds that respect for pretty much every opponent they face. Volume 38 is focused on a Fukurodani match, not the main characters, and despite it being technically a story on the side, the characters are given so much depth and attention. I think Haikyuu!! is so engaging to me and generally well-loved because of moments like these where each character is given a story, a moment, and the depth they deserve.

Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler (55%)

So far I find this book quite interesting, and I'm also just excited to be reading my first Octavia E. Butler novel. There are a lot of compelling connections to various societal issues in Anyanwu and Doro's relationship, and I think the decision of how to set them up, particularly Anyanwu as an African woman during the height of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, brings much more depth to these topics. It's definitely tough to read, dealing with, obviously, slavery, but also eugenics, suicide, and abuse, but Butler is handling it all quite well and in a rather subtle manner that carefully contains the story to this one relationship while still making clear commentary on the world at large. I wonder how everything will resolve, since the characters seem to be in a bit of a stalemate right now.

[aurunselection]

mwwfcs mais velhos?

Esse é meu momento! Vamo lá: 

mwm: Henry Cavill (serio eu dou tudo que você quiser se me dar esse homem), Ben Affleck, Brandon Routh, Jason Momoa, Don Cheadle, Lenny Kravitz, The Rock, Joseph Morgan, Charles Davis (e todo elenco de TO e TVD porque amo), James Marsden, Reynal do Gianecchini (o maior gala brasileiro sim), Rodrigo Lombardi, Bruno Gagliasso, Donald Sutherland (tudo pra mim um Snow), Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr., Colin Firth, Gabriel Nunes, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Morgan Freeman, Samuelr Jackson, Jack Black.

mwf: Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Candice Accola, Queen Latifah (rainha mesmo), Jessica Alba, Juliana Paes (pelo amor de deus), Alinne Moraes, Harlle Berry, Paola Oliveira, Octavia Spencer, Kerry Washington, Julianne Moore, Megan Fox, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Garner, Salma Hayek, Priyanka Chopra (amo demais), Deepika Padukone, Song Seon-mi (rainha, perfeita 0 defeitos), Vivianne Pasmanter, Igrid Guimarães, Lee Young Ae, Angela Basset, Whoopo Goldberg (tudo pra mim 2), Emily Blut, Anne Hathaway, Helena Carter, Eva Green.

Espero ter ajudado cinzinha! 

[mybookshavebooks]

Face Claim Masterlist

Adriel:

Tian Jing as Adriel Njördrsdotti

Aliferous:

Octavia Spencer as Edda

Kerry Washington as Raphael- older sister

Shemar Moore as Galgaliel- older brother

Dev Patel as Naririel- older brother

Chris Pratt as Michael- older brother

Eduardo Verastegui as Gabriel- older brother

Ana de Armas as Ka

Zoe Saldana as Uriel/Arael- younger sister

Jamie Bell as Hayliel- younger brother

Audrey:

Megan Fox as Audrey Tracy Makkol

Yound David Mazouz as Edward “Ed” Anthony Makkol

Kiefer Sutherland as Truman (the Traitor)

Bonnie & Clyde:

Emma Roberts as Bonnie/ Victoria Stone

Ezra Miller as Clyde/ Fred Smith

Elliot: 

Sasha Alexander as Elliot “Ellie” Bishop

Johnny Depp as Messiah

Poison:

Selena Gomez as Amanda “Poison” Johnson

Hugh Laurie as Nightmare

Olufemi:

Avan Jogia as Kafele

Kylie Bunbury as Olufemi’

Paula Patton as Rania

The Merciful Eira:

Yaya Dacosta as Eira Surtrsdotti

Nathalie Emmanuel as Althea Surtrsdotti

Taraji P. Henson as Sinmara

Clancy Brown/ Taika Waititi as Surtur

Brian Tee as Agnar Marson

The Phantom Soldier:

Amber Heard as Josephine Garrison/ The Phantom Soldier

Keira Knightley as Wendy Wayne/ Unknown

Unknown:

Amber Heard as Josephine Garrison/ The Phantom Soldier

Keira Knightley as Wendy Wayne/ Unknown

Mckenna Grace as Lana Müller Rogers-Barnes

Peggy & Chris:

Chris Evans as Chris Evans

Candace Patton as Peggy Gonzalez

Bailee Madison as Anna Salazar-Evans

Yara Shahidi as Carrie Evans-Gonzalez

Levi Miller as Jason & Nathan Evans-Gonzalez

Rowan Blanchard as Diana Lowe-Evans

Asher Angel as Jake Evans-Gonzalez

Jessica Parker Kennedy as Ava-Jane & Evelyn Evans-Gonzalez

Sierra Ramirex as Beatrice “Bea” Ramirez-Martinez

Rocío Dúrcal as Marjorie “Mama” Martinez-Macias

Peggy & Chris AU:

Nicole Beharie as Peggy Gonzalez

Mackenzie Foy as Mackenzie Evans

Millie Davis as Julie Evans & Caroline “Linny” Evans

Greyson Chance as Alex Evans

[depressed-bibliophile]

My TBR List of 2019

1) Already read Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh 3/5 The Go-Between - L.P. Hartley 3.5/5 As You Like It - Shakespeare 3.5/5 Song of Achilles - Madeline Miller 4.5/5 Circe - Madeline Miller 5/5 A Semi-Definitive List of Worst Nightmares - Krystal Sutherland 4.5/5 The Astonishing Colour of After - Emily X.R. Pan 4/5 Kate Daniels 1-10 - Ilona Andrews 5/5 Dante Valentine 1 - Lilith Saintcrow 4/5 The Power - Naomi Alderman 4.5/5 The Winternight Trilogy - Katherine Arden 5/5 2) My TBR Iron Covenant 1+2 - Ilona Andrews Animal Farm - George Orwell Slaughterhouse 5 - Kurt Vonnegut Walden - Henry David Thoreau The Princess Bride - William Golding The Tenth Kingdom - Simon Moore King Lear, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Tempest & Hamlet - Shakespeare The Binding - Bridget Collins The Silence of the Girls - Pat Barker The Parable of the Sower - Octavia E. Butler Oryx and Crake - Margaret Atwood Strange the Dreamer - Laini Taylor A Song of Ice and Fire 1-5 - George R.R. Martin The Afterlife of Holly Chase & My Lady Jane - Cynthia Hand Master and Margarita - Mihkail Bulgakov White Nights - Fyodor Dostoyevsky