#ana and eric too damn it
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ehrenkassam: "daddy youâre not uncle eric. i want uncle eric." son, i'm the whole reason you are here
#i always forget about the degrassi ships#i kinda want to do annie and munro again#ana and eric too damn it
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if youâre still accepting for the character ask, iâd love to request princess aurora, anastasia tremaine, and hercules đ
Sure. I'll do these three. Sorry it's been a hot minute.
Aurora
My otp for them:Â Prince Phillip, of course. One of the best romances in Disney.
My brotp for them:Â The maternal bond she has with Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather is so satisfying.
Any other ships:Â Gaston (thanks to you), Snow White, and Hercules all come to mind.
Their best friend:Â I feel like Cinderella and Snow White are her two best friends. OG princesses gotta stick together.
My favorite nickname for them:Â "Sweet princess" that Merryweather calls her always sticks out in my mind. "Rose" too.
My favorite AU of them: I like the idea of an AU where she and Phillip eloped together without ever realizing that they were actually betrothed and slowly discovering the truth while Maleficent conquers the heirless kingdoms for herself.
My favorite outfit they wear:Â Her Briar Rose dress stands out to me more than her princess dress, lovely though it is.
Defining color:Â Pink and blue. I shall not take sides XD
Would I date them:Â No, but I'd be her friend :)
First impression:Â I loved her movie as a kid, and I always thought she was beautiful and kind. Though I never really thought much of her compared to Maleficent.
Current impression: I have found a very strong appreciation for her in recent years (and you're no small part of that). She's one of my five favorite princesses, and I feel like I knew of her once upon a dream but now I actually am getting to know the real Aurora in recent years. I love it :)
Hogwarts House:Â I would say she's a Hufflepuff. Very focused on compassion, empathy, and duty.
Anastasia
My otp for them:Â Don't really have one. I never particularly cared for her romance with the baker, and I don't have a strong crossover option in mind.
My brotp for them:Â Cinderella. I love the idea of them becoming friends and sisters after Cinderella III.
Any other ships:Â I know @jcmorrigan has floated the idea of her with Rumplestiltskin from OUAT, and I see a lot of potential there. I also remember a really good video of her with Proteus from Sinbad that I still think about all the time.
Their best friend:Â Probably Drizella. They fight and bicker, but they're a dynamic duo together.
My favorite nickname for them:Â I like the idea of someone calling her "Ana" for short in an affectionate way.
My favorite AU of them: Probably the Disney Parks version because she's hilarious there XD
My favorite outfit they wear:Â Her main dress is the best.
Defining color:Â Pink, but a very magenta shade of pink.
Would I date them:Â No, but I'd be her friend :)
First impression:Â I didn't think much of her or Cinderella as a kid. I respected the movie, but it wasn't one of my favorites and I didn't own it on VHS. Cinderella III, I enjoyed a lot more when it came out, and I found Anastasia to be one of the most fun and memorable parts of the movie.
Current impression: I love her a lot! I went through a phase of really appreciating her and being obsessed, but I've mellowed on her. Cinderella wise, I tend to gravitate towards Lady Tremaine and Lucifer before Anastasia now. However, I still think she's an excellent and fun character in everything she appears in.
Hogwarts House:Â She's a Hufflepuff who tries to act like a Slytherin because her mother is one.
Hercules
My otp for them:Â Megara! I just rewatched their movie last night, and I just LOVE their romance and connection so much. It fights for the top spot for my favorite Disney romance.
My brotp for them:Â He and Phil have such a satisfying relationship too. Ditto him and Pegasus. I love them.
Any other ships:Â Well obviously Aladdin and Herc are a hot couple together, also Aurora, Prince Eric, and a few of the heroes from the TV show/sequel like Theseus the Grim Avenger.
Their best friend:Â Gotta be Phil.
My favorite nickname for them:Â "Wonder Boy" from Meg always melts my heart.
My favorite AU of them: The AUs I've seen where he and Aladdin are a couple and get together are my favorites.
My favorite outfit they wear: His main hero armor.
Defining color:Â Bronze
Would I date them:Â Absolutely I would
First impression:Â I've always loved him and his movie. Even though I didn't pay super close attention to heroes when I was young, Hercules was one of the ones I always liked. I had quite a few toys of him too.
Current impression: I love him. One of my favorite Disney characters over all. I think he's just such a sweetheart and so damn likable. Like he's the type of Disney character who I'd really want to just hang out with and be friends with. He's not necessarily in my top ten heroes (Megara is, though), but he's always on the cusp.
Hogwarts House:Â VERY much a Gryffindor. He has some Hufflepuff shades to him, but not nearly enough to challenge the obvious Gryffindor.
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Tears in heaven (PROLOGUE)

Synopsis: Alexis OâBrien is about to get married but memories of her old life are coming back to haunt her.
MASTERLIST
Warnings: This story will deal with very dark subjects such as death, severe depression and suicide attempt (among others) if youâre triggered by any of those issues, please do not read this story.
Song inspiration: Tears in heaven (Eric Clapton)Â
Iâm participating in @emceesynonymrollâ Wacky Drabbles.
This weekâs prompt is: â Weâve gone through Plan A and Plan B, whatâs next?
Word count: 1250 (Iâm getting better!)
Disclaimer: All characters belong to PB
Iâm tagging my whole list for this FIRST chapter if you want to be tagged in future chapters please let me know:
@mskanekoâ @pedudleyâ @burnsoslowâ @drxkewalkerâ @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmoreâ @pug-bitchâ @lauzalesâ @desireepow-1986â @yukinagato2012â @kingliam2019â @drakewalker04â @ac27djâ @ravenpuff02â @msjr0119â @texaskitten30â @i-bloody-love-drake-walkerâ @loveellamaeâ @nomadics-stuffâ @drakeandcamilleofvaltoriaâ
HUGE thanks @mskanekoâ  who created ALL the edits in the center of the mood board. Love you
To my beta reader, @pedudleyâ  thank you for ALL your support, I LOVE you!Â
Alexis took a deep breath before looking herself in the mirror. She was wearing a gorgeous long, laced white dress that had been made especially for her by the great Ana de Luca. She ignored the exact cost of the exclusive dress, but she knew it was extremely expensive.
An old memory started to creep into her mind. The memory of another white dress in another life, a life that seemed so far away now that she wondered if it all had been a beautiful dream or a terrible nightmare.
2010
âGuys, Iâm getting married in less than a month! I need to find the perfect dressâ She sighed looking around the retail store âEverything here is âŠgenericâ
âWell, Alexis you donât have much choice. You thought the designer store I took you was too expensive, and you donât like the retail store eitherïżœïżœïżœ Olivia sighed annoyed âWeâve gone through Plan A and Plan B, whatâs next?â
Max grinned âI know a little vintage shop just around the corner. They have great, original, cheap clothesâ
Olivia couldnât hide her disgust âVintage?â
Alexis jumped into Maxwellâs arms âThatâs just perfect Max!â
After walking a few minutes, they arrived at the store.
Alexisâs eyes wandered through the store âI hope I could find something that will leave him speechlessâ
âPlease, Blossom, that guy is so lost for you, you could arrive in a jean shirt and heâd still be mesmerizedâ
Olivia arched her brow contemptuously âWell, thatâs probably because thatâs what heâll be wearing himselfâ
Alexis warned her friend âThatâs strike one, Liv. I donât know why you hate him so muchâ
Olivia scoffed âHeâs in last year of his Veterinarian degree but youâre about to start your second year, Alexis. Why do you want to get married right now? Do like everyone else, fuck him in every classroom of the university and move onâ She squinted at her âAre you sure youâre not pregnant?â
Alexis rolled her eyes âFirst of all, youâre the only one that fucks in classrooms, Liv. And for the hundredth time, no Iâm not pregnant. Weâre just crazy about each other. I canât even explain itâ She sighed âheâs my whole world and Iâm hisâ
Max talked while he looked through the racks âWell, I for one, think is inspiring, Lexie. Iâve never seen anyone more in love than the two of youâ
Olivia nodded âWell, thatâs true, youâre disgusting when youâre togetherâ
Alexis shook her head amused. âStrike two, Livâ She turned to Max âDid you find something?
Max answered from the back of the store with his arms full of white dresses. âOnly this, Blossom. Letâs the parade begin!â
After two hours trying different outfits, Alexis had chosen a long, white, bohemian dress, that would suit perfectly the simple wedding they were planning. Â
Maxwell was almost jumping âYou look gorgeous Blossom!â
Olivia nodded âThe bastard wonât know what hit himâ
Alexis looked herself in the mirror beaming, she had never felt so elated before in her life.
Maxwell saw the tears in his best friendâs eyes and took her by her shoulders âIs everything ok, Lexie?â
Alexis wiped the happy tears with the back of her hand âI was just thinking that I canât wait to be his wifeâ
Drake entered the address Liam had given shaking his head, it was an exclusive, expensive store. He definitely couldnât afford it. One day, Liam would understand that they didnât belong to the same world.
âDrake, over hereâ Liam waved at him.
âHi, Li. This store is way above my possibilities, man. I just need a suitâ
âCome on, Drake. You only get married once, or at least thatâs the planâ he teased.
Drake smiled thinking about her âThere wonât be no one else, Liam. Iâve never been so sure about anything else before in my lifeâ
Liam nodded âI know, Drake. Thatâs why I brought you here, plus, Iâm the best man. The suit is on me. She deserves to have the best day possibleâ
âAnd she will if I donât spend our whole budget in the damn suit. I appreciate your offer, but I can buy the suit myself. Letâs go to another store, one that I can actually affordâ
They got into Drakeâs jeep, and he started driving.
Liam watched his best friend, feeling almost jealous. Drake was going to marry the love of his life. Alexis. As usual, when his mind drifted to her, Liam tried to think about something else, he couldnât allow himself to go there. âWe have been friends all our lives, Drake. You can trust me, is money a problem? I could lend you someâ
Drake shook his head. He had inherited his fatherâs house after he had passed and his internship at the veterinary clinic was a paid job. It was a small house and the internship didnât pay much, but they would manage.
âItâs not that, Li. Iâm just trying to be careful. Lexie is always exhausted from studying all day and working all night in that bar, so Iâll try to convince her to quit waitressing. Iâm also saving to take her to that trip in South America she dreams about. We wonât be able to do It right away because of my internship, but maybe in the summerâ Â
Liam chuckled âI canât get over the fact that the brooding, dark and cynic Drake Walker is so âin loveâ that heâs planning a honeymoon. Who wouldâve thought?â
Drake didnât reply anything, but he was wearing such a mushy grin that Liam punched him playfully in the arm âYou disgust me, man. Who are you and what did you do with my best friend?â
Drake shook his head âI donât know what the fuck she did to me, Liam. I only know that I canât wait to make her my wifeâ
Alexis spent her days trying to forget all about those days, the days with him. She was starting a new life in less than two months. And after all, she had been through, after all the heartbreak, all the pain, all those days in that horrible clinic, she deserved to be happy with a man that loved her. She deserved to forget everything about her old life and start all over again.
Maxwell entered the room and gasped âOh my god, Blossom! You look gorgeous!â
âThank you, Max. It was a great idea to hire Ana de Luca. The dress is beautifulâ She gave him a small smile.
Five long years had passed since that dreadful day, but Maxwell still wasnât used to the change in Alexisâs personality. The joyful, sunny girl he had met in college had disappeared and a guarded, broken woman had taken her place. However, Max knew his old Blossom was still there somewhere and he had made it his lifeâs mission to bring her back.
A few minutes later she had changed back into her clothes, and they walked to the exit.
âThank you for coming to the fitting with me, Max. Are you sure you donât want to join us for diner?â
âSorry, Blossom, Rash is waiting in the house, I owe him a romantic nightâ
Alexis smiled âOh, I wouldnât want to interrupt thatâ
A flammant black Aston Martin pulled over in front of them.
âThatâs your fiancĂ©, Lexieâ He kissed her in the cheek as he waved to the man inside of the car.
Alexis set herself in the passengerâs seat before turning her head and kissing her future husband âHi, Liamâ
âHi, loveâ.
#drake walker#wacky drabbles#liam rys#drakewalker#drake x mc#drakexmc#drake x alexis#tears in heaven#axwalkerwrites
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Band AU Outline
Because where else am I going to put this?
[Lol I made it long, itâs under the readmore]
Scene 1 is Jax is trying to get coffee for his shitty boss and this asshole bumps into him, spills it all over him, and has the goddamn nerve to not stick around. Jax doesnât know how he feels about the $50 bill casually thrown at him before Asshole runs off
Scene 2 is Robb arriving late to after school rehearsal and smelling faintly like coffee and his stupid brother is there and sneers at him because Eric is sooooo perfect and Eric gets to be the one that plays the violin, the instrument that everyone likes, and Robb is here playing the bass. Well fuck you, Eric, because Robbâs a damn good bass player and he actually likes how it sounds, thank you very much. If heâd gotten stuck with the viola he would have killed himself; heâd literally be second fiddle to Eric.
Scene 3 is Jax on his lunch break talking to Ana about their bassist or something I think?Â
Scene 4 is Robb secretly practicing his electric bass in a quiet part of the mansion, like he always does, playing along with youtube videos and learning whatever he feels like
Scene 5 is Jax arriving at the venue and finally feeling the stress of the day wash off a little
Scene 6 is Robb arriving at the venue; heâs got a genuine ticket, but he brought his electric bass to try and say heâs part of the opening act or something and get backstage to try and get an autograph (maybe got dared to get one?) This goes, of course, wrong when the stage runner insists on personally seeing him to the correct dressing room saying theyâve been looking for their goddamn bassist all over the place, where the fuck have you been? and just shoves him inÂ
Queue: âYOU!â âMe?â Robb studied the otherâs face, looking for where heâd know those features from. Suddenly it came to him. Oh. Oh no. Coffee boy. âOh no,â Rob said, unable to help it, âMe.âÂ
Robb fucking OWES Jax for that bullshit, he may have payed for replacement coffee, but you canât pay for replacement dignity, and that was his FAVORITE sweater. Whatâs that instrument he has? A bass? Fucking good because Barger is a no-show and theyâre on in 15.Â
Anaâs drums, Di does keyboard and synth, Jax is lead (only) guitar and lead (only) singer -- Di cannot carry a note to save the galaxy and Ana gets too excited and just ends up screaming more than singing (you physically cannot stop her from doing this, mind you, so mostly Jax just doesnât give her a mic. It helps only so very much. To be fair, it is Anaâs band, so she has a certain right to do whatever she wants) They are the Dossier [Idk if I wanna include Xu and Elara in here yet; if I do, Elaraâs a techie and Xu is additional tech support + Social media manager/marketing/gig booking/etc]
Queue the gang tearing up Robbâs pretty boy outfit to get grungier bc if you believe Ana started some kinda new wave bullshit band full of crooners youâre goddamn wrong. They do loud hard rock and you can die made about it. Also Jax applies Robbâs eyeliner and Robb has never had a more intimate moment with an individual without actually touching one another in his life.Â
Then thereâs the show. Lucky for Robb theyâre playing all covers and itâs stuff that he knows. unluckily for Robb, itâs completely different to playing quietly in his tucked away chamber to youtube videos. He makes do, though.Â
Heâs kind of mouthing along to the words he knows and then heâs singing them quietly and then heâs singing them outright and then Jax notices and somehow thereâs now been a mic placed in front of him and heâs become backup vocals now and if he believed in fake things heâd think Jax was actually pleased about this. Wow, performing sure makes your heart beat hard.
Then theyâre taking a bow and off the stage before he even knows it. He thinks now heâll be shooed off, but actually they let him watch the actual concert with them and then thereâs like an after party and they let him tag along and actually he has a really good time (He gets that autograph he wanted too lol)
Like a week later he gets a call from Ana -- Di had made him sign a goddamn liability waiver including personal and emergency contact info -- and turns out that Barger skipped town for reasons which are genuinely undisclosed but 99% probably because he has a gambling problem. They need a new bassist. He worked out well in a pinch, does he think he can make practices monday at 7?Â
So thatâs how Robb starts sneaking around to be in this band and play little gigs here and there and it isnât the sort of places anyone from his circle would be involved in and it isnât so big that heâs so very worried about an internet presence (he does ââShylyââ hide behind his hand when Di tries to get pictures for their social media). Robb like tells his mom heâs doing some extracurricular thing and turns his phone off and pays off his chauffeur to say nothing
Thereâs probably some cute scenes or clips of outings or something. They go thrift shopping to get Robb some actual stage clothes, they hang out with Anaâs moms, they donât talk about Jaxâs parents ever and donât mention that Jax pretty much lives with Ana or the rotating cast of personnel through the house, thereâs heart-to-hearts, thereâs laughs, thereâs drama, thereâs friendship blossoming, walls breaking, truly incredible stuff
Then comes the inevitable. The day of the Big School Concert is also the day of the big Battle of The Bands or something. Itâs some sort of contest where they play some songs and then they play one they were like assigned and they were assigned Space Oddity and one thing is that the judges are really looking for those strings but Diâs synths just arenât cutting it; theyâre timing and intonation just arenât right. So Robb is like âOkay, you canât ask any questions, and Iâm going to be like on the wire BUT I will be there and I will bring strings. You have to trust me.âÂ
And then itâs Robbâs concert, and bananas things happen and he gets out of there with the bass and weâre switching back and forth between everyone being antsy and worrying and Robb booking it with this big ass piece of shit on his back and heâs in the back of the car fucking up his $300 suit. Maybe thereâs a run-in with Eric? I kinda really want him to show up a little worse for ware for Jax to fuss over.Â
And Jax and Ana and Di are like Bass??? Suit???? Hair half slicked back??? Are those LOAFERS??? Is that a BLACK EYE?? [one of the judges later asks the same thing and Robb just replies âWe are a grunge band, maâam] But thereâs no time to fuss! Because he rolls up literally like two minutes from going on stage!
They rush out and they play their song and itâs magical and fucking gay and Diâs going fucking ham on the piano and the whole room is vibing. Then they play a couple more songs or something idk I donât want to like ruin this emotional high but I do need to justify the electric base being there for the next bit which issss
Di and Ana shove Robb and Jax into the dressing room and they FINALLY make out. And itâs amazing and heavy and full of emotional and physical catharsis and itâs just exactly what everyone -- robb, jax, the reader -- needs.Â
And then thereâs a knock on the door. Followed by âRobbert, darling, are you in there?âÂ
And Robbâs blood goes cold. Because of course Eric told his mother. Of course he forgot to turn his phone off. Of course, just as he finally has the things he wants, what heâs been craving for all his life, here comes his mother reminding him of what he is supposed to be.Â
âWhatâs wrong?â Jax asks, âWhoâs that?â But Robb canât bear to say a word. Itâll all become obvious in a minute anyway. All he can do is hope that the sadness on his face shows, for once he wants his stupid face to show his goddamn emotion to the one person, and that Jax will know thatâs how he really feels and wonât take this next part too personally.Â
His parting words are to hand his electric bass to Jax and say, âHere, can you keep this safe for me? Valerios arenât supposed to play these sorts of things.âÂ
And before Jax can say anything Robb turns away and makes his face a mask and replies, âYes, Mother.âÂ
The door opens and there stands his mother, graying hair pulled into an elegant bun, still in the dress from the recital. Eric stands there too with his sharp suit, looking as if their tussle had never happened and like he didnât need to wash blood off his rings. There were also a couple of men in suits, some of his motherâs assistants. One entered unceremoniously and silently took the bass from the room.Â
âMy dearest, whatever are you here for? I believe we agreed to a dinner at your favorite restaurant for your recital tonight,â it was Ericâs favorite, Robb hated the place, âThis event was not on my itinerary.âÂ
âI apologize for the delay, Mother,â Robb said, as if heâd made them wait five minutes instead of running off across town and surely ruining their evening, âI owed a debt, and as you know that cannot be outstanding.âÂ
The barest hint of anger flashed over her face; she absolutely hated when he threw Valerio Family Names items back at her. He must have been hanging around with Ana too much, because he found himself relishing in having made her mad. The flash was gone almost before it was there, though, and her face was cool once more.Â
âAnd what, pray tell, did you owe to these... people,â his mother said, eyeing Jax in a way that made Robb so angry he could feel the white hot rage in the center of his chest. But he was a Valerio, and he knew better than to show it like Ana was allowed to.Â
âDid you not catch the show, Mother?â Robb asked, protectively stepping between her gaze and Jax and praying that it didnât show his cards too thoroughly, âThey required some strings accompaniment. I lent them some. Our transaction is done, I have no more business here.âÂ
He had so much more business here. He had results to hear. An after party to go to. Pizza to eat. Jokes to laugh at. A boy to kiss.Â
But now all that business is done for. Who wants to hear results for a song played by a liar? Who wants to go to an after party or eat pizza or tell jokes with a Valerio? Who would want to kiss him after seeing who he really is: a spineless wimp who is doomed to live and die by his motherâs whims. This whole arrangement was doomed from the start, and he always knew it. He was just too happy to let himself know that.Â
His mother was clearly displeased with him, but what was new? âSo I see,â She said at last, âWell then, come along, no need to tarry in this... venue.âÂ
âOf course, Mother,â Robb said. A cool nothingness washed over him. He knew his lines. He knew his place. This was who he was.Â
Robb left the room, not sparing Jax a single look over his shoulder. He told himself it was because his mother would certainly notice, and she would, but really he couldnât bear to see whatever expression Jax was wearing -- betrayal, shock, anger? It would only break his heart further.Â
As he left the room he now saw that Di and Ana were looking on in shock. Apparently they hadnât stepped too far away. âHey!â Ana yelled, âWhatâs going on?âÂ
âDid you not hear the entire conversation about whatâs âgoing onâ?â Erik asked, and Robb wanted to punch him again. Apparently Ana wanted to too, because Di instinctively reached to hold her back just as she began forward.Â
âAnd who is this, Robbert?â his mother asked, as if they were at the zoo and she was asking which animal was in this enclosure. It was so hard for Robb to see Ana riled up without getting riled up too.Â
âThe leader of the band, Mother,â Robb said, carefully not naming her. She was nondescript, hard to track down by description alone. Hopefully more trouble than his mother thought worth it. He never wanted any of this night to come back to hurt the band.Â
âWell, as youâve heard, his debt is payed, so he is leaving. Say goodbye, Robbert.âÂ
âGoodbye,â Robb said, feeling like a dog, âThank you for the experience.â That was as close as he could get to what he wanted to say. Thank you for being his friend, for being there for him, for letting him be dumb and clumsy, for a thousand things Ana has done for him. Her and Di and Jax. And all he can say is, âThank you for the experience.â He makes him sick.Â
And like that he turns with his mother and brother, because he is nothing but their dog. A spare for if something goes wrong. An extra to be married off for a good business deal once heâs ripe. Thatâs all he is and all he will ever be.Â
He can hear Ana yelling after them, struggling against Diâs hold. He can picture Diâs face as he struggles between holding Ana back for her own good and letting her go because he knows sheâll at least land a hit. He tries not to picture Jax at all.Â
But donât worry because I hate sad endings but idk exactly what I want to happen but basically a few hours pass and then either Siege or Ana is like âSo, when are we going?â and Jax is like â? Going where?â âTo break your boyfriend out.â and idk, but it works out in the end.Â
#heart of iron#hoi#soul of stars#sos#mywriting#fanfiction#rock band au#robb/jax#jax/robb#robbert valerio#jaxander taizu#robb#jax
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Top 10 âAlfred Loves Haploâ quotes, ranked
When I made this post I promised a sequel and so here I am, delivering. Standard disclaimer, this is a (very) non-inclusive list, and also order is not to be taken too too seriously. Anyway. Onward.
10. Seventh Gate, Alfred almost kills people because heâs so worried about Haplo
All heâd been able to think of was killing. And heâd actually considered it! Itâs this world, he decided, horrified at himself. This world of death where nothing is permitted to die. That and the battle in the Labyrinth. And his anxiety, his soul-wrenching anxiety over Haplo. Alfred was so close to finding his friend, and theseâhis enemiesâwere blocking his way. Fear, angerâŠÂ
It says a LOT about how effusive Alfred gets about Haplo that a quote about him literally almost killing a bunch of Patryns because heâs just that desperate to get to Haplo is the quote I put at the bottom of the list. Like. This is the dude that basically gave himself a handicap to avoid even the possibility that he would ever use his magic to hurt other people. (Unrelated, but you canât tell me that Haplo wouldnât be ridiculously into the fact that Alfred was that worried about him. Being so devoted to someone youâd be willing to kill for them has got to be a huge turn-on in Patryn culture, right?)
9. Fire Sea, Alfred heals Haplo
The circle between the two was truly forged, truly complete. And Alfred knew, with a feeling of overwhelming sadness, that Haplo would never forgive him.
I like this quote because of the sense of tragedy in it. Up til now, Alfred hasnât exactly said that heâd quite like to be Haploâs friend, actually, but there are a lot of mentions of how lonely he is, how he feels a connection to Haplo and refers to him as a friend before quickly thinking better of it, how he wants to believe that Haplo has good in him, and so on, and all of those leading into this moment where Alfred realizes he canât let Haplo die. Alfred already cares enough about Haplo to follow Jonathon and Jera into danger to save his life, but more than that, he cares enough about him to be deeply saddened by the idea that Haplo will hate him for it. He just wants a friend, dangit!! Thatâs the tragedy of it!! Also, thatâs not even touching the whole âforging the circle between themâ thing. Which is⊠wow, thatâs a thing.
8. Serpent Mage, Alfred makes a scene in front of the Council trying to talk to Haplo
Alfred was concentrating his attention on the Patryn and the dog, but he was also uncomfortably aware of Samah, who was watching the entire incident. Alfred recalled the words heâd just said to Haplo, realized how they must sound to the Councillor, foresaw more questions, more interrogation, and he sighed heavily. For the moment, however, none of that was important. What was important was the dog⊠and Haplo.
After almost a whole book of Alfred desperately trying to fit in with the Chelestra Sartan and knowing full well that Samah will be watching how he interacts with Haplo, the fact that this whole section is like. All Haplo really does is show up, look at Alfred, and Alfred does an anime blush, exclaims to Haplo about this blasphemous experience they had in the Chamber of the Damned, then realizes how much he screwed up only to go âwell, getting the dog back to him is more important right now.â As its own quote itâs not all that much, but like. The context, man. Alfred knows what the dog is, more or less, and knows that itâs Very Not Good that Haplo lost it, and probably even has an idea of the significance of the dog picking him to come to, and in this moment, he decides that reconnecting Haplo with this piece of himself is more important than how he is perceived by the rest of the Sartan, including Samah, which has been his main worry for like⊠the whole book. Thatâs love, baby!!! And weâre STILL in the bottom half of this, oh GodâŠ
7. Into the Labyrinth, Haplo and Alfred (and Marit) hold hands in Abri
Haplo held out his handâ the hand that was powerful, tattooed on the back with blue runes. Alfred extended his handâ white, shriveled, with knobby wrists and thin bones, its flesh cold and clammy with fear. The two hands met, clasped, gripped each other firmly. Two people, reaching across a chasm of hate. At that moment, Alfred looked inward and met himself. And he was no longer afraid.
So like, obviously hand-holding, and also the FIRST hand-holding, and Haploâs just called him friend for the first time, and Haploâs friendship and faith in him giving him courage and confidence, and also just, like, them officially being Friends and that friendship bridging the enmity between their races, and the way the whole thing is such a Momentâ to borrow Ana Navarroâs words: âThe power that that has, the intelligence that that has, the clearance that that has, the access that that has, the influence that that has, the profile that that has, the international implications that that hasââ
6. Fire Sea, Alfred feels a connection to Haplo
âBut now we are strangers in a strange worldâ a world that appears to grow exceedingly more strange the deeper we probe into it.â Alfred appeared confused, almost shy. âI canât explain myself, but I feel a⊠kinship to you, Haplo. Perhaps because of what happened to us going through Deathâs Gate. Iâve been where you were. And I think, if Iâm right, that youâve been where I was. Iâm not explaining this very well, am I?â
A great moment in and of itself, and all the better with @thatclumsysartanisbiââs observation that the word for âkinshipâ they used in the Hebrew translation can also mean âattraction.â Also great in that it mirrorâs Haploâs Elven Star quote about being strangers to the rest of the world, but not to each other. Also like, dang, who else remembers reading this for the first time and being as surprised as Haplo that Alfred isnât viewing him as an enemy at all? That canât have been just me, right? Like, it genuinely came out of left field for me, in the sense that I expected them to distrust each other and have to learn to get along, and hereâs Alfred starting off by refuting that whole idea?
5. Seventh Gate, Alfredâs vision in the Chamber of the Damned
The Sartanâs face was handsome, strong, resolute â fine steel emerging from a forging fire. No doubts marred its shining surface; its blade was honed to a sharp, cutting edge. The young man looked familiar to Alfred. He could almost put a name to him, but not quite. Now he could. The man had been Haplo. Alfred smiled. âI remember the feeling of elation, of knowing that I wasnât alone in the universe, that a higher power was watching over me, caring for me and about me. I remember that, for the first time in my life, I wasnât afraid.â
This ties in nicely with that earlier Into the Labyrinth quote where Haplo is showing up significantly in moments where Alfred is self-actualizing. Haplo and his influence on Alfred is so so connected to Alfredâs feeling loved, strong, not afraid and not alone, and this isnât the only time that connection is made clear. Also though, this quote breaks the top five because of the whole âAlfred gushing about how handsome and cool Haplo looksâ thing, which is QUALITY.
4. Serpent Mage, Alfred watches Haplo sleep and touches his hair
Alfred settled himself beside Haplo, occupied himself by studying the Patrynâs stern face. He noticed that it did not relax in repose, but retained its grim, forbidding expression, as though nothing, not sleep, perhaps not even death, could bring perfect peace to the man. Moved by compassion, by pity, Alfred stretched out a hand to smooth back a lock of hair that fell forward over the implacable face. The dog raised its head, growled menacingly. Alfred snatched his hand back. âIâm sorry. I wasnât thinking.â The dog, knowing Alfred, appeared to accept this as a plausible excuse.
So looking back on this Iâm not sure if a Hair Touch actually happens or if the dog stops Alfred before he can actually Hair Touch, but the intent is still there either way so I donât suppose it matters much. I choose to believe the Hair was Touched though. Anyway, Alfred is terribly affectionate towards Haplo here, and it kind of makes me want to cry. He sees Haplo and knows how hard heâs had it and why heâs the way he is and wants Haplo to be happy??? Shut up Iâm emotional. Also⊠this is that scene in Little Mermaid where Ericâs passed out on the beach after Ariel saves him, and she watches him and touches his hair and all that. Right? Iâm right, arenât I? Iâm absolutely correct. Do I need to pull up a picture? I wonât, but. Itâs that scene. Heâs even got a fucking dog that shows up at the end of that scene. Like. Come on.
3. Seventh Gate, Alfred helps Haplo and Marit speak and also loves Haplo
Her love poured out from her. Haploâs love flowed from him, and Alfred was the fine silk through which both passed. The tragedy of their separation grieved him deeply. If he could have given them ease by tearing himself apart, he would have done so. As it was, he could only be a poor sort of go-between. What made it worse was that he knew Haplo was speaking to him, tooâ to Alfred as well as Marit. Alfred, too, must find the strength to leave someone he had come to love.
If I can repeat myself: it says a lot about how effusive Alfred gets about Haplo that a quote where Alfred refers to himself as loving Haplo and compares that love to the love between Haplo and Marit without any qualification is only the 3rd top quote in this list. And seriously, the way he talks about their love for each other is so reverent. Their love for each other is as important to him as his own love for Haplo, which is a kind of love in its own right, that he knows how deeply theyâve felt for each other and suffered over it and how much he just wants them to be allowed to finally be happy together. Itâs such a selfless, complete, pure kind of love, that Alfred sees them feeling so deeply and its importance to them makes it important to him, too, his only thought is to protect it, that his happiness and love is in their happiness and love. I donât know how to put it, exactly, but⊠itâs not just that Alfred ships them, in this scene, but that it feels like Alfred becomes a part of that relationship, himself. Each of their individual relationships exist and are strong, of course, but this scene in particular has always been about the three of them as their own unit, to me, and it kills me, and is right up there with my favorite scenes in the series, and somehow itâs STILL only #3??
2. Seventh Gate, Alfred thinks Haplo is dead
Alfred knew he should say something, pay tribute, homage. But words were inadequate. What did you say to a man who had looked inside you and seenâ not what you areâ but what you could be? What did you say to a man who had wrenched that other, better person hiding inside of you outside? What did you say to a man who had taught you how to live, when you would much rather have died? Haplo had done all this. And now Haplo was dead. He gave his life for me, for the mensch, for his people. Each of us drew on his strength, and perhaps, unknowingly, each of us ended up draining a little of his life away. âMy dear friend,â Alfred whispered, his voice choked. He bent down, rested his hand on Haploâs, over the heart-rune. âI promise you. I will continue the fight. I will do what I can, take up where you left off. You rest. Donât worry about it anymore. Farewell, my friend. Fareââ At that moment, Alfred was interrupted by a whuff.
Do I have to say anything about this? Can I not just cry about it? Anyway. Once again we have Alfred explicitly tying Haploâs influence to him becoming stronger and more confident and âbringing him back to life.â Also more hand-holding and calling him not just âmy friend,â but âmy dear friend,â so now both Haplo and Marit have been âdearâ to Alfred, which is nice. But yeah thatâs all Iâve got because Alfred thinking Haplo is dead after everyone else he loved has died is too much for me, thank god for happy endings.
1. Into the Labyrinth, Alfred explains the meaning of his name
âWhenever you spoke to me, Haplo, even though you called me Alfred, I kept hearing Coren. It was frightening. And yet it felt good to me, all at the same time. Frightening because I didnât understand. Yet goodâ you reminded me of my past, my distant past, when my friends and family were still alive. How could you do this? I wondered. Who are you? At first I thought you might be one of my people, but I knew immediately that wasnât right. Yet you obviously werenât a mensch. And then I remembered. I remembered the ancient history. I remembered the stories about theâforgive meâthe old enemy.â [âŠ] âNow I know what my name means. â âItâs just a name, damn it! It doesnât mean anything. You said so yourself.â âBut it does mean somethingâto me. You have taught me, Haplo. You even said it. Not âchosen,â past tense. But 'to choose.â Present tense. Everyone else has always made my choices for me. I faint.â Alfred spread his hands helplessly. âOr fall down. Or"âhe cast a guilty glance at Hugh the Handâ"when I do take action, I forget.ââ Alfred stood up very straight, very tall. âBut now thatâs different. I choose to be here, Haplo. You said you needed me. You made me ashamed. You had the courage to come into this dreadful placeâfor what? For ambition? For power? No. You came for love. The Labyrinth is afraid. Yes, but not of me. Itâs afraid of you, Haplo. You have brought into it the one weapon it doesnât know how to fight.â Reaching down, Alfred timidly petted the dog, stroked its silky ears. "I know itâs dangerous and Iâm not certain how much help I can be, but I choose to be here,â he said softly, not looking at Haplo. âI choose to be here with you.â
Freaking. This whole scene. Thereâs just so much. 1. Alfred connecting Haplo to his true nameâ the name that only people who love him/who he loves are supposed to knowâ from the very beginning??? And that it felt good and that he was drawn to it?? Like either he means it literally, in which case soulmate shenanagins, or itâs more metaphorical, in which case it just sounds like Alfred just had a huge crush. Either way thatâs A Lot. 2. Again, Alfred crediting Haploâs influence for helping him grow as a person, but even More because heâs letting Haploâs (mis)translation of the name heâs always hated reshape how he himself thinks about it? Can there be anything more intimate or romantic than that?? 3. Acknowledging that Haplo came back to the Labyrinth for love. Love that is so strong and so deep that the Labyrinth is afraid of it, even though Haplo is still semi-reluctant to admit that explicitly. But Alfred knows thatâs exactly what it is, because he knows Haplo. 4. And then, combining those last two points: Alfred deciding his choice is going to be to stay with Haplo and help him fight the Labyrinth. With his own love as a strength against it, presumably. The fact that he doesnât just stop at âI choose to be here,â but repeats himself to clarify that âI choose to be here with you.â What the hell. How romantic is that? Alfred, who has been so unsure and unconfident, finally beginning to figure himself out and realizing that the place he belongs, the place he chooses to be, is with Haplo, trying to help him rescue his daughter and save his people? That feels like a marriage vow?? Help? 5. Remembering that he says all this before Haplo has even explicitly admitted that he considers Alfred his friend. True names, according to Alfred, are told to people who love you and who you love. So it wasnât just that Alfred loves Haplo, but that even without Haplo saying it, Alfred apparently was confident that Haplo cared for him enough for him to tell him is name.
Anyway, I feel like I gushed about these quotes a lot but Alfred is just⊠too much for me, he cares so much and I love him.
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California Voters:Â Vote YES on Proposition 10--Fairness to Renters paying in excess of 30% of their income on rent.
Make it clear to greedy developers and unscrupulous landlords that the rent is too damn high! Â Weâre counting on grassroots supporters to step up and vote for Proposition 10 on November 6. Your vote and your voice COUNT! Give the right of city self-determination back to each city government = local control. Â People on fixed incomes like retirees, veterans, and others require reasonable rents. Â Median home values have increased by 80% since 2011. Â More than half the renters in the state of California spend MORE than 30% of their income on rent (Haas Institute for Fair & Inclusive Society, UC Berkeley).Â

Vote for fairness, or do not be surprised at budding chaos.
Partial list of endorsements follow:
Congresswoman Barbara Lee
Congresswoman Maxine Waters
State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin (fmr)
State Senator Ben Allen
State Senator Connie M. Leyva
State Senator Kevin De Leon
State Senator Ricardo Lara
State Assemblymember David Chiu
State Assemblymember Laura Friedman
State Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher
State Assemblymember Mike Davis (fmr)
State Assemblymember Phil Ting
State Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer
State Assemblymember Rob Bonta
State Assemblymember Tony Thurmond
Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin
Berkeley Rent Board Member Igor Tregub
Berkeley Rent Board Member Leah Simon-Weisberg
Beverly Hills Vice Mayor John Mirisch
Culver City Vice Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells
Culver City Councilmember Daniel Lee
El Cerrito Mayor Gabriel Quinto
Emeryville Mayor Ken Bukowski (fmr)
Fontana School Board Member Mary Sandoval
Fowler Mayor Don Cardenas
Highland City Mayor Pro Tem Jesus Chavez
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti
Los Angeles City Councilmember David Ryu
Los Angeles City Councilmember Gil Cedillo
Los Angeles City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson
Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin
Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz
Los Angeles City Councilmember Robert Farrell (fmr)
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn
Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl
Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member George McKenna
Malibu City Councilmember Lou La Monte
Mountain View Mayor Lenny Siegel
Mountain View Councilmember Pat Showalter
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf
Oakland City Councilmember Dan Kalb
Oakland City Councilmember Desley Brooks
Oakland City Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan
Redlands City Councilmember Eddie Tejeda
Richmond Vice Mayor Melvin Willis
Richmond City Councilmember Jovanka Beckles
Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin (fmr)
San Francisco Supervisor Hillary Ronen
San Francisco Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer
San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim
San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin
San Jose Councilmember Don Rocha
San Jose Councilmember Sergio Jimenez
Santa Barbara Community College Board of Trustees Vice President Jonathan Abboud
Santa Clara City Councilmember Nassim Nouri
Santa Cruz City Councilmember Chris Krohn
Santa Monica City Councilmember Kevin McKeown
Santa Monica City Councilmember Sue Himmelrich
Santa Monica City Councilmember Tony Vazquez
Santa Monica Rent Board Member Caroline Torosis
Santa Monica Rent Board Member Nicole Phillis
Tulare City Council Member Jose Sigala
Ukiah Mayor Phil Baldwin (fmr)
Vallejo School Board Member Ruscal Cayangyang
West Hollywood City Councilmember Lindsey Horvath
West Hollywood City Councilmember Lauren Meister
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
City of Berkeley
City of Beverly Hills
City of Oakland
City of Palm Springs
City of San Francisco
City of Santa Monica
City of West Hollywood
City of Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Monterey County Board of Supervisors
San Francisco City/County Board of Supervisors
PUBLICATIONS
Los Angeles Times
Sacramento Bee
ColoradoBlvd.net
The Daily Californian
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Hoy Los Angeles
KnockLA
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Housing California
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Christian Church Homes
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Martyâs Place Affordable Housing Corporation
Mission Economic Development Agency
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Tenderloin Housing Clinic
Thai Community Development Center
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Women Organizing Resources Knowledge and Services (WORKS)
TENANT/HOUSING RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS
Housing NOW! California
Tenants Together
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Alameda Renters Coalition
Anti-Eviction Mapping Project
Arcata Lazy J Homeowners Association
Asian Law Alliance
Berkeley Tenants Union
Beverly Hills Renters Alliance
Bill Sorro Housing Program (BiSHoP)
California Coalition for Rural Housing
Causa Justa / Just Cause
Chinatown Community for Equitable Development
Coalition for Economic Survival
El Comite de Vecinos del Lado Oeste, East Palo Alto
Comite de la Esperanza
De Rose Gardens Tenant Association (DRGTA)
East Bay Housing Organizations
East Palo Alto Council of Tenants Education Fund
Equity Housing Alliance
EveryOne Home
Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California
Gamaliel CA
Glendale Tenants Union
Golden State Manufactured-Home Owners League
Homes for All
Homeless Student Advocate Alliance
Housing 4 Sacramento
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Sanctuary of Hope
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San Francisco Anti-Displacement Coalition
San Francisco Tenants Union
Santa Ana Tenants United
Santa Monicans for Renters Rights (SMRR)
Shelter for All Koreatown
Sonoma County Manufactured-Home Owners Association
Sonoma Valley Housing Group
South Pasadena Tenants Union
Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE)
Students United with Renters
Union de Vecinos
United for Housing Justice (SF)
United Neighbors In Defense Against Displacement (UNIDAD)
Uplift Inglewood
Urban Habitat
TENANT LEGAL SERVICES
Advancing Justice â Asian Law Caucus
BASTA
California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation
Center for Community Action & Environmental Justice
Centro Legal de la Raza
Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto
Crow & Rose, Tenant Lawyers
East Bay Community Law Center
Eviction Defense Center
Eviction Defense Network
Inner City Law Center â Los Angeles
LA Center for Community Law & Action
Law Foundation of Silicon Valley
National Lawyers Guild â Los Angeles
Public Advocates
Public Counsel
Public Interest Law Project
Western Center on Law and Poverty
LABOR & WORKERS RIGHTS
California Labor Federation
AFSCME California People
AFSCME Local 3299
AFT Local 2121
AFT Local 1521
Bay Area Labor Committee for Peace & Justice
California Faculty Association
California Federation of Teachers
California Nurses Association
California Teachers Association
Central Coast Alliance United For A Sustainable Economy (CAUSE)
Employee Rights Center San Diego
Humboldt and Del Norte Counties Central Labor Council AFL-CIO
International Union of Painters & Allied Trades Local 510
Jobs with Justice San Francisco
Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance
Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy
Los Angeles Black Worker Center
Oakland Education Association (OEA)
National Union of Healthcare Workers
Painters & Allied Trades 36
Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers Retirees
San Bernardino and Riverside Counties Central Labor Council
SEIU California
SEIU Local 1021
SEIU Local 99
SEIU Local 221
SEIU Local 521
SEIU Local 721
SEIU Local 2015
SEIU USWW
UC Student-Workers Union UAW Local 2865
United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America UAW Local 5810
UFCW Local 770
Unite HERE Local 11
Unite HERE Local 2850
Unite HERE Local 2
United Educators of San Francisco
United Taxi Workers of San Diego
United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA)
Warehouse Worker Resource Center
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California Democratic Party
Green Party of California
Peace and Freedom Party of California
Our Revolution
AAPIs for Civic Empowerment Education Fund
Alhambra Democratic Club
Americans for Democratic Action Southern California
Bernal Heights Democratic Club
Bernie Sanders Brigade
California Progressive Alliance
Chicano Latino Caucus of the California Democratic Party
Democratic Socialists of America
Democratic Socialists of America East Bay
Democratic Socialists of America Los Angeles
Democratic Socialists of America Orange County
Democratic Socialists of America Peninsula
Democratic Socialists of America Pomona Valley
Democratic Socialists of America Sacramento
Democratic Socialists of America San Diego
Democratic Socialists of America San Francisco
Democratic Socialists of America Santa Cruz
Democratic Socialists of America Silicon Valley
Democratic Socialists of America Ventura County
East Area Progressive Dems
El Dorado County Democratic Party
Feel the Bern Democratic Club Los Angeles
Green Party of Santa Clara County
Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club
Humboldt County Democrats
Inland Empire for Our Revolution
International Socialist Organization
Los Angeles County Democratic Party
Napa County Green Party
NorCal4OurRevolution
North Valley Democratic Club
Our Revolution
Our Revolution East Bay
Our Revolution Progressive Los Angeles
Our Revolution Santa Ana
Our Revolution Ventura County
Party for Socialism and Liberation â SF
Peninsula Young Democrats
Progressive Democrats of America California PAC
Progressive Democrats of America San Fernando Valley
Progressive Democrats of the Santa Monica Mountains
Richmond Progressive Alliance
San Bernardino County Young Democrats
San Diego Central Committee of the Peace and Freedom Party of CA
San Diego County Peace and Freedom Party
San Francisco Berniecrats
San Francisco County Democratic Party
San Francisco Latino Democratic Club
San Luis Obispo County Democratic Party
San Luis Obispo County Progressives
San Pedro Democratic Club
Santa Monica Democratic Club
Socialist Alternative Los Angeles
Socialist Party of Ventura County
Stonewall Democratic Club
UC Berkeley Young Democratic Socialists of America
Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club
West Hollywood-Beverly Hills Democratic Club
CIVIL RIGHTS/LIBERTIES ORGANIZATIONS
ACLU of California
ACLU of Northern California
ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties
ACLU of Southern California
Advocates for Black Strategic Alternatives
African American Cultural Center
American Indian Movement Southern California
APGA Tour
API Equality â LA
Black Community Clergy & Labor Alliance
Brotherhood Crusade
CARECEN
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA)
Committee for Racial Justice
Council on American-Islamic Relations California (CAIR)
Dellums Institute for Social Justice
Fannie Lou Hamer Institute
Institute of the Black World 21st Century
Latino Equality Alliance
Los Angeles Urban League
MLK Coalition of Greater LA
Muslim Public Alliance Council (MPAC)
National Action Network Los Angeles
National Urban League
Services Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN)
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Bay Area
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) San Jose
Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Southern California
United Native Americans
Urban League of San Diego County
Youth Justice Coalition
HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS
Access Support Network San Luis Obispo & Monterey Counties
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
APAIT (Special Service for Groups)
Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement
Black Women for Wellness
Latino Health Access
San Francisco Human Services Network
Sierra Foothills AIDS Foundation
St. Johnâs Well Child & Family Center
Women Organized to Respond to Life-Threatening Diseases (WORLD)
SENIOR ORGANIZATIONS
California Alliance for Retired Americans
Monterey County Area Agency on Aging
Senior and Disability Action
Social Security Works
FAITH INSTITUTIONS & LEADERS
Rev. James Lawson
AME Ministerial Alliance â NorCal
Bend the Arc â Southern California
Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Social Justice Committee
California Church IMPACT
Cheryl Ward Ministries
Christian Church Homes
Church Without Walls â Skid Row Los Angeles
Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice â Los Angeles (CLUE)
Congregational Church of Palo Alto
Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE)
Congregations Organizing For Renewal (COR)
First AME Church â Los Angeles
Greater Long Beach Interfaith Community Organization (ICO)
Holman United Methodist Church â Los Angeles
Inland Empire African American Pastors
Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace
Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity
Jewish Center for Justice
LA Voice â PICO Affiliate
Lutheran Office of Public Policy â California
McCarty Memorial Christian Church â Los Angeles
Multi-faith ACTION Coalition
Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)
Oakland Community Organizing â PICO Affiliate (OCO)
PACT: People Acting in Community Together â PICO Affiliate
PICO California
Poor Peopleâs Campaign of California
Sacramento ACT â PICO Affiliate
Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church
Unitarian Universalist Faith in Action Committee
STATEWIDE, REGIONAL & LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
ACTICON
Advancement Project California
Alliance for Community Transit â Los Angeles (ACT-LA)
Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE Action)
Allies for Life
All Peoples Community Center
ANSWER SF
Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN)
Associated Students of UC Santa Barbara
Block by Block Organizing Network
Brave New Films
California Bicycle Coalition
California Calls
California Environmental Justice Alliance
Californians for Justiceï»ż
California for Progress
Californians for Safety and Justice
Californian Latinas for Reproductive Justiceï»ż
California Partnership
California Reinvestment Coalition
Chicano Latino Caucus of San Bernardino County
Chispa
Coalition to Preserve LA
CDTech
Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council â Los Angeles
Committee to Defend Roosevelt
Communities for a New California
Community Coalition
Consumer Watchdog
Courage Campaign
Creating Freedom Movements
Crenshaw Subway Coalition
D5Action
Dolores Huerta Foundation
The East Oakland Collective
East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice
Ensuring Opportunity Campaign to End Poverty in Contra Costa County
Environmental Health Coalition
Friends Committee on Legislation of California
The Fund for Santa Barbara
GLIDE Foundation
The Green Scene TV
Ground Game LA
The Hayward Collective
Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council â Los Angeles
Hyde Park Organizational Partnership for Empowerment
Indivisible SF
Inland Empire United
Inland Empowerment
InnerCity Struggle
Justice House
Kenwood Oakland Community Organization
Korean Resource Center
LA Forward
Latino Economic Development Center
Latinos United for a New America
Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability Central Valley
League of Women Voters of California
League of Women Voters of Los Angeles
Liberty Hill Foundation
Livable California
Los Feliz Neighborhood Council â Los Angeles
Million Voter Project
Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc.
Mobilize the Immigrant Vote
Neighbors United â San Francisco
9to5 Los Angeles Chapter
North Bay Organizing Project
Orange County Civic Engagement Table
Organize Sacramento
Pasadenans Organizing for Progress
People for Mobility Justice
Places in the City
PolicyLink
Pomona Economic Opportunity Center
Progressive Alliance â San Bernardino County
Progressive Asian Network for Action
Public Bank LA/Revolution LA/Divest LA
Rampart Village Neighborhood Council â Los Angeles
Right Way Foundation
Rubicon Programs
RYSE Youth Center
Sacred Heart Community Service
Sero Project
SF Neighbors United
The Sidewalk Project
Sierra Club of California
Sierra Club of San Gorgonio Chapter
Silicon Valley De-Bug
Skid Row Coffee
Sociedad Organizada de Latinas Activas
Solidarity â Bay Area
SolidarityINFOService
Southeast Asian Community Alliance
South of Market Community Action Network
STAND LA
Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education (SCOPE)
University of California Student Association
Urban Tilth
Velveteen Rabbit Project
Wilshire Center Koreatown Neighborhood Council â Los Angeles
Working Partnerships USA
Xochipilli Latino Menâs Circle
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Fifty Shades Darker (2017)

While I didn't enjoy this film, that doesn't mean you won't. No matter what I say, the people involved in this project did it: they actually made a movie. That's something to be applauded. With that established...
Itâs hard to say if Fifty Shades Darker is a better film than the first. Large chunks of it undo the conclusion of Fifty Shades of Grey or reiterate what we already know. On a technical level, itâs probably worse, but I enjoyed it more. Does it matter? This is a bad second film and Iâm sure itâll be followed by an equally lousy third.
After assuring her that heâs ready to open up about his traumatic past, Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) convinces Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) to have a second go at their relationship.
On paper, Darker sounds like itâll be worth a damn, particularly if you already wasted your time with the first film. Thereâs a helicopter crash, a transparently evil creep after Ana, we finally get to see the often-mentioned âMrs. Robinsonâ (Kim Basinger) and thereâs even a part where someone is threatened at gunpoint! Those tiny blips seem to indicate excitement up ahead, but unless your mental capabilities are impeded by significant blood flow towards your nether regions, don't bother. That helicopter crash? Itâs so ineptly shot there isn't a second of tension. Worse, itâs so unnecessary it couldâve, and shouldâve been, excised from the plot.
As a whole, this story is messy. Anaâs boss Jack Hyde (Eric Johnson, whose character is so obvious itâs pathetic) does things that in hindsight donât make much sense. Characters like Christianâs mother, Grace (Marcia Gay Harden), and Ana take some shocking betrayals either way too easily, or in a way that makes you wonder if they didnât know all along and are being overly dramatic to put on a show. There still isnât any chemistry between the two planks of wood that are Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson, though at least she seems to be having a bit more fun in her role as Ana flip-flops between inviting her boyfriendâs sexual deviancies and chastising him for being a weirdo.
The film begins by undoing the ending of Fifty Shades of Grey and sprinkles hints of a plot in its first half-hour via some new characters. Then thereâs a whole lot of nothing until the last half hour. At this point, director James Foley hastily drops a couple of bombshells to warm us up for chapter 3. In between, there are exactly two good scenes. The first has Ana and Christian playing a game of pool that might get you steamed up. Itâs a sensual moment where the winner will decide what kind of fleshy display awaits us. The other takes place on a boat and shows us our couple smiling. It doesnât sound like much, but briefly, they make you think maybe these two people could be in love, instead of pretending to be for the sake of this idiotic storyline.
If you stick around for the end credits of the Unrated version, you get a sneak peek at Fifty Shades Freed, which Iâm certain will deliver more boredom than eroticism. I do hope the three sinister characters in this picture will band together in a Legion of Doom-style alliance, that could be fun. Nothing I can say will deter the cultists from calling Fifty Shades Darker even better than the first. For the rest, there are many other better, shorter, more exciting, more sexy films available to you. (Unrated version on Blu-ray, January 26, 2018)

#Fifty Shades Darker#movies#films#movie reviews#film reviews#James Foley#Niall Leonard#E. L. James#Dakota Johnson#Jamie Dornan#Eric Johnson#Rita Ora#luke grimes#Victor Rasuk#Kim Basinger#Marcia Gay Harden#2017 movies#2017 films
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Finding loopholes and bonding with baby too
Divergent fanfiction: Eric/OC. Mature content, strong language, Violence and dark themes. I do not own any part of Divergent
@pathybo @tigpooh67 @lunaschild2016 @emmysrandomthoughts @clublulu333 @beautifulramblingbrains @jaihardy @iammarylastar @kenzieam @kiiiimberlyriiiicker1995 @scorpio2009 @mom2reesie @readsalot73 @lacy-love @beltzboys2015-blog @beanzjellly @onceinamillionlifetimes @narfea @ariwolf14 @captstefanbrandt @badassbaker @badassdauntlessgirl @desicoulter @softpapers @kgurew @sporadichologramblizzard-ed17414 @book-boys-are-my-guilty-pleasure @girlslovestorys @that1girloverthere
"So you had no idea Jack Kang was married to your Aunt Kathy?" Eric asked incredulously.
"I didn't know I had an Aunt Kathy. Your family practically raised me," is the only answer I have to give shrugging.
Analisse is fast asleep in her daddy's large arms. I just keep looking at the two and smiling like the cat who ate the canary. I don't think I'll ever get tired of this view.
"Your face is going to freeze like that you know," Eric teases.
"That's not very Erudite of you," I smirk.
"I'm not Erudite anymore I'm Dauntless," he retorts.
"Yes I know," I answer grumpily.
It's not Eric's fault. I'm just in a mood with a tude. Damn horomones.
"Hey, I didn't mean anything by it Tarrin." Eric says softly.
I sigh heavily. "I know. I'm just grouchy. Plus knowing you have to go back without us in Mother's not so eloquent word SUCKS," I pout.
"Mother said sucks?" He laughs pulling me to his chest.
"I did, it's also called the baby blues Tarrin. It will get better," Mother says sneaking quietly in the door.
She sits a stack of papers and a few books on the table before approaching to kiss Analisse on her head. More research. Joy. But it will be worth in the end when we find all of our legal loopholes.
"Do not try to leave all the research to Tarrin either Mr. "I'm a Dauntless leader." That doesn't mean jack here. You understand me?" Mother says shaking a finger.
"Yes ma'am." Eric says quietly.
Even Dauntless leaders follow their Mother's orders sometimes apparently. Or at least this one does if he knows what's good for him.
"Do you want me to take Analisse for awhile? Give you two some privacy?"
"Yes," "No." We answer at the same time. I look at Eric and shake my head before answering again.
"You can if you want to. However its not really like we need it. NOTHING will be happening yet," I state solemnly.
Eric rolls his eyes and Mother laughs. "I did not expect it too. I've had three children if you recall. I just figured if you two wanted or needed to talk. Clear a few things up," Mother laughs shaking her head.
We looked at each other. So many things did need to be discussed. I just figured Eric would like all the time he can get with Analisse before he had to go back to Dauntless. I think Mother and Eric understood when I looked sadly at the two of them together.
"How about I come back in about two hours. By then she will have her next feeding and sleep for a few hours?" She offered as she spoke this time.
"Thank you Mother. That would be perfect if it's ok with Tarrin," Eric answered for both of us. I just nodded my head in agreement.
Mother left closing the door quietly. I tried to swallow around the lump in my throat. I didn't realize I was crying until Eric wiped my cheeks.
"Please don't cry Fancy. It kills me to see your tears knowing I am the one causing them," he whispered leaning over kissing my forehead.
Sniffling I wiped my face and pulled him close carefully of Analisse in his arms.
"It's not your fault. I've just missed you so fucking much Blue. Now seeing you with Ana," my voice broke horribly.
"I know Fancy, I know. This isn't easy for me either. At least you're here with her and our parents when I leave. I have-"
"Nobody. I know. It hurts my heart too," I finished.
"Why didn't you tell me Tarrin. Why did you keep her from me," he demanded but not in a harsh tone.
"I didn't keep HER from you Eric. Just my pregnancy. I knew if I told you that you would NEVER have left. Jeanine would have made us all suffer. I couldn't chance that with a baby involved." I stated passionately while looking him in his eyes.
I seen a little hurt leave his as he mulled over my words, my explanation. I hope he understood I didn't trust the situation with our baby when Jeanine was involved. I didn't trust that evil bitch even a tiny bit.
"I understand before I left I suppose. Why didn't you reach out to me later. Did you believe all those rumors or something?" He asked threw mildly grit teeth.
"No, not really. But I wanted you to worry about your initiation and leader training. You had alot on your plate Blue," I mumbled threw fresh tears.
"You're right, I did. You know though, you know you ALWAYS come first. Always I-"
" EXACTLY Eric. That is exactly why I swore your parents to secrecy and all but fell off the grid when I started to show. Nobody knows Eric. NOBODY. That's why my name was registered as Coulter. Under Gloria in the office actually. Its why I gave birth in this shit hole and not the hospital. I didn't, still don't want Jeanine to know," I spat out with some venom I didn't mean too.
"I'm so so sorry I ever invited that bitch into our lives. So sorry," Eric held my hand tight pulling it to his heart.
"You and Ana. That's it, you mean everything to me. Not Dauntless leadership, or army's and sure the fuck not Divergents," he breathed heavily trying to hold himself together.
That was a whole nother problem we hadn't discussed. Eric was NOT going to like the next words out my mouth.
"That's another issue. I think I might be one Eric," I said trying to pull away.
"One what? A divergent? I could careless. I think Jeanine is full of shit. You know I am right? That's what she had over my head, well and you of course," he cried out.
My eyes snapped to his. I had no idea he was divergent. I wasn't sure I was but Father said I had all the tendencies to be Erudite, Dauntless and Abnegation.
"Your, you are? She didn't kill you on sight?!" I ask shocked.
"No. Half Erudite half Dauntless. She saved me because she needed me. I'm guessing you're probably the same too," he said quietly.
"Father thinks probably Abnegation as well," I whisper.
"Fucking hell. Damn stiffs. No matter. Anyway, that means Ana probably is too. I will put that bitch down myself and die protect the two of you. You know that right?" He asked with fire in his voice.
I did know. I knew all to well. It was part of what scared the shit out of me. Part of what made me want to run and hide with my daughter.
"No, no more hiding Tarrin. I see it in your eyes. Between Mother, Father, Candor and hopefully I can sway at least part of Dauntless leadership and the council we will fight. To be together, safe, for our freedom and that of all the innocent people," Eric held my hand tightly again. He kissed it after he was done speaking.
I knew there were finally more people fighting for us and with us. So many people would give up EVERYTHING just to keep our little girl safe. It was time to trust just a little bit more. But ONLY A LITTLE. I refuse to loose my loved ones, especially Eric and my daughter.
"Ok Blue. Time to start looking for loopholes. You hold Analisse, I'll read out loud?"
"Yeah. Ok. Tarrin I love you. Don't ever forget that," he kissed me softly and passionately after his words.
"I won't. I love you too. Time too find loopholes while we bond."
#jai courtney#eric coulter#divergent eric#eric coulter fanfiction#eric divergent fanfiction#eric insurgent#lil girl
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DEGRASSI SEASON THREE IS ACTUALLY ONE OF THE BEST SEASONS OF A SHOW I HAVE EVER WATCHED ! So intense yet lighthearted and just so real - its beginning to give Skins, Skam, etc. a run for their money again. Everything in just ten episodes proves what wonders being picked up by Netflix has done for the show. Pointers ....
â THE PLATONIC FRIENDSHIPS
 - Lola and the Gamer Club was so unexpected but so great
- Lola and Yaelâs friendship was so amazing and one of the best female friendships to be portrayed on Degrassi IMO. Similar to that between Gamer Club and Lola, theyâre such an unlikely pairing but Yaelâs support towards Lola and her abortion during episode eight killed me, it was so beautiful
- Grace and Jonah are also one of my favourite friendships on the show bar the fact that I am receiving vibes that replicate season two Grace and Zig. Pleassssse just let there a be a bloody platonic friendship between a guy and a girl, Degrassi, plssss I beg
â Â PLOTSÂ
- I just really love how every character was depicted as so flawed and problematic yet loving and full of worth this season, it was so wonderful to see and it kind of gives hope watching. Iâve more confidence in myself and others after watching ?Â
- The writing was A***** this season. I cannot find a way to criticise it really. Also, A**** writing. Eric, Olivia and Ana all need some kind of recognition after their time on the show following their exits next season - such incredible actors//actressesÂ
- The refugee plot was so so amazing and I really hope that the information we learn about Rasha and Saadâs backgrounds gives some insight to or a change of heart in anyone watching who has a negative outlook on the refugee crisis. Also, I love how Rasha is a refugee from Syria, muslim and gay, it was just incredibleÂ
- I almost cried watching Zoe come out after watching her so clearly struggle in the past few seasons and it broke me when she moved in with Grace after being kicked out by her homophobic a*s of a mom. Zoeâs come such a long way - like, can we just see her happy now, or ? Also, can I just say that Zasha are one of my otps ? Coool (other two are Hael and Fronah.)
- Goldiâs plot !!!!!!! Her character development is ace and I just love how imperfect she can be but how she learns so much. Also, as somebody who cannot stand religion, I couldnât help but admire and respect how dedicated she CHOOSES to be to her faith. Also, when she supported Rasha coming out YASSSSSÂ
- MAYAAAA MY BBY MAYA ! Her plot struck too many chords and it all made so much sense. In reality, Maya has been a ticking time-bomb for such a long time; she had to boil over at some point. Every tiny aspect of every one of her seasons was so important and poignant. It was kind of nice for her to have a happy ending for once. Also, they better not revert back to her old look next season - HECK NO, KEEP THAT CURLING TONG AWAY !
- We finally got an insight into Esmeâs background ! Esme is one of those characters whoâs problematic behaviour is sometimes too regular for me to understand or accept but after those final scenes in episode ten, wow ! Esme is going to NEED to have a more prominent role in season four - Chelsea really stole that episode as such a capable actress.
- Lolaâs abortion storyline was flawless, it couldnât have been done any better. It really was the best depiction of abortion in both literature and TV/film that I have come across or heard of. Everything from discovering that she had been taking the pill the wrong way to Yael telling her that she was coming to the appointment. The procedure scene was so so vital and important plus the interaction with the doctor was brilliantly written. I also thought that it was so important that Lola was the pregnant girl in that storyline after being fobbed off as the âbimboâ for song long. Manny Santos-development vibes, yass !
- Episode five was probably my favourite episode this season. It ticked every box with both comedy and addressing the pressures and expectations of sexual behaviour and thoughts on both men and women. I had me both in stitches and in awe like IS THIS EVEN REALÂ
- I enjoyed Lola and Milesâs platonic relationship so I was a little disappointed when they âhooked upâ, especially since both are so often depicted as promiscuous and without a conscience. Oh, well. But besides that, I did love how supportive they were towards one another.
- Grace is making me so upset, ohmygosh, episode seven. No words. I was so glad that she changed her mind.
- Well, we can finally understand why Baaz acts like such a d*ck - he is insecure ! That scene where he is basically admitting to being jealous of Hunter was beautifully done and even more so when Hunter let him win the eh, âmeasuringâ contest.
- THE PERIOD STORYLINE OHMYGOSH NO WORDS I JUST LOVE THIS DAMN SHOW
- I havenât really thought much about the Tristan in a coma storyline yet. Iâm not sure how I feel about it uh
â Â RANDOM NOTESÂ
- Did everyone glow up this season or what ?!?!?!?!?!! Especially Hunter and Maya - DAMN ! In the early seasons of Next Generation, the then-cast apparently used to wear their own clothes in scenes rather than outfits from a wardrobe especially curated for their characters. It seems as if the current cast and crew are heading back this way (only have to look at Reiya and Hunterâs hair, plus Lola and Mayaâs hair and outfits.) which I looove - realistic looks and all that.
- MAYA IS TALKING ABOUT CAM OHMYGOSH KATIE IS BACK OHMYGOSH INTERACTION BETWEEN MAYA AND MILES OHMYGOSH THIS IS TBT ON ACID
 - Saadâs camera ? Where can I get it ? Pls ? Someone ?
-Â âYou know what they say .... Big feet ...â This show, I canât handle it ohmygosh, bless the Gamer Club YESÂ
- Yael and Hunter are the cutest, I love them both as friends and a romantic pairing and I really love how the show are portraying their difficulties in finding a balance ! Also, we really saw a softer side to both of them and theyâre just ahhhhh
- TWIN TIME ! TWIN TIME ! TWIN TIME ! We need more twin time and Hollingsworth sibling scenes in generalÂ
- Am I the only one who was delighted that there was no sign of the Hollingsworth parents this season ?
- FRONAH ARE TOO GOOD, THAT IS MY ONLY METHOD OF UNDERSTANDING WHY OR HOW THE DEGRASSI WRITERS COULD TRY SPLIT THEM
- Hunterâs hair and Jonahâs hair and guyliner ayyyyyy
- YAEL IS SUCH AN AMAZING CHARACTER ! I love how they included the âgirl on girl hateâ âIâm not like other girlsâ kind of thing and how she realised how in the wrong she was. Also, she has no chill ! The measuring scenes, omfg
- JONAH APPRECIATION ! How could anybody hate this smol bean ?
- Is Winston still only here for comedy, or ? Come on, lads !
- Degrassi incorporating such healthy discussions on attitudes towards sex, death, etc. is just the best. BRINGING IT BACK TO THE OLD SEASONS, AYY !
- will the writers give Frankie a break omfg this girl needs decent development !!! Character development !!! Where u atÂ
- Zoeâs mom just needs to stahp.
okay i should probably stahp now
#degrassi#degrassi next class#degrassi the next class#degrassi tnc#maya matlin#hunter hollingsworth#zoe rivas#Zig Novak#Jonah Haak#Lola Pacini#Frankie Hollingsworth#tristan milligan#Grace Cardinal#tiny bell#Shay Powers#degrassi the next class season 3#degrassi season seventeen#rasha zuabi#saad alâmaliki#baaz nahir#goldi nahir#vijay maraj#miles hollingsworth
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The Wandering Ear is now from 4-5 MST!
Doing a little switcheroo at the station. The Wandering Ear is now from 4-5 MST. Iâm sharing the time slot with DJ Pancake Breeze who will DJ on days I canât make it!Â
Here are playlists from the last couple of weeks I never got around to posting.Â
June 12 Swans - Trust Me Sinéad O'Connor - Mandinka Strawberry Switchblade - Jolene Yoko Ono - What A Bastard The World Is Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds - The Witness Song Nina Hagen - Mean Old World Screamin' Jay Hawkins - Whistling Past The Graveyard Joe Henderson, Alice Coltrane - Water Sunn 0))) - It Took The Night To Believe The Velvet Underground - Venus In Furs The Fall - Totally Wired Xiu Xiu - Scisssssssors The Raincoats - No One's Little Girl
June 5 Goblin - Opening to the Sighs Spirit Girls - Comforting the Bears Siouxsie and the Banshees - Hong Kong Garden Circuit Des Yeux - Call Sign E8 The Fugs - Nothing Robbie Basho - The Falconer's Arm Nico - The Falconer Ulan Bator - La Joueuse De Tambour EnstĂŒrzende Neubaten - Der Tod Ist Ein Dandy Jarboe, Larry Seven - Volcano Holly Herndon - SWIM Teho Teardo, Blixa Bargeld - Still Smiling Rebecca Phillips - Burnt Peach (Object Blue Remix)
May 29 2019 Doc & Merle Watson - Summertime Bill Callahan - Jim Cain Chuck Berry - Memphis, Tennessee Champion Jack Dupree - Drinkin' Wine Spodie-Odie Mickey Newbury - T. Total Tommy David Crosby - Laughing The Deslondes - Fought The Blues And Won Odetta - Timber Michael Hurley - I Stole The Right To Live Rev. Gary Davis - Death Don't Have No Mercy Davie Bowie - Where Are We Now? Circuit Des Yeux - Black Fly Robby Basho - Blue Crystal Fire Buffy Sainte-Marie - Goodnight
May 22 - Substitute DJ for The End Is The Beginning Johnny Cash - Desperado Rita Coolidge, Keb' Mo' - Walking On Water Lucinda Williams - Something About What Happens When We Talk Eliza Gilkyson - Borderline Blaze Foley, Ben Dickey - Should Have Been Home With You Hurray For The Riff Raff - Ode To John And Yoko James McMurtry - Dry River Bobbie Gentry - Lazy Willie Eric Bibb - Brazos River Blues Delbert McClinton & Self-Made-Men - Pulling The Strings Marc Broussard - Cry To Me Richie Havens - Here Comes The Sun Phosphorescent, Jenny Lewis - Sugaree Lucinda Williams - Car Wheels On A Gravel Road Billy Joe Shaver - Live Forever
May 22 2019 Patti Smith - So You Want To Be Nina Simone - Suzanne Rufus, Chaka Khan - Your Smile Kelsey Lu - Foreign Car New York Dolls - Trash Holly Herndon - Alienation Daevid Allen, Euterpe - Mystic Sister Lou Reed - Vicious Jean-Michel Jarre, Laurie Anderson - Rely On Me Peter Murphy - Seesaw Sway Psychic TV - Godstar EinstĂŒrzende Neubaten - Sehnsucht - Zitternd Oval - Legendary ANBB, alva noto, Blixa Bargeld - Ret Marut Handshake Gong - Master Builder The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) Meredith Monk - Environs 1
May 15 2019 B.B. King, Tracy Chapman - The Thrill Is Gone Albert King - Born Under A Bad Sign Elmore James - The Sky Is Crying Buddy Guy - Damn Right, I've Got The Blues Stevie Ray Vaughan - Pride and Joy B.B. King - Three O'clock Blues Traveling Wilburys - Tweeter And The Monkey Man Shakura S'Aida - Rain Down Rain T-Bone Walker - T-Bone Blues Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Louisiana Rain Zora Young - Go Ahead and Take Him Otis Rush - Working Man
May 8 2019 Buffy Sainte-Marie - You're Gonna Need Somebody On Your Bond Scott Walker - Duchess Faust - Birds of Texas Grouper - Made of Metal S.Y.P.H. - Nachbar Marie Davidson - Lara (Daniel Avery Mix) John Maus - And The Rain Grouper - Vapor Trails Yves Tumor, James K - Licking An Orchid Ellicist - Hennepin Scott Walker - My Death Ana Roxanne - Nocture Unspecified Artist, Wolof Music of Senegal - Tara (Traditional Song)
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Coffee Cocktails At The Movies: Blade Runner 2049
I sneak coffee into movie theatersâthatâs just what I do. But when I told Team Sprudge that Iâd next be smuggling coffee into Blade Runner 2049, they insisted that it was time to get more dangerous. To make my smuggling really count, this time they requested not just coffee, but a coffee cocktail.
Mamaâs always down to drink at the picture showâparticularly when the flick is three damn hours longâso I called up my former boss and forever buddy Cora Lambert, Immortan of Coffee Cocktails, to help me marry coffee, booze, and Philip K. Dick. Thinking back to the 1982 film, she wanted to make something visually dark with some sharp edges both seen and tasted. Her variation on a classic cocktail resulted in something very tasty that we called âDo Androids Dream of Electric Jungle Birds?â and I expect all of you coffee boozehounds to put it on your menu to capitalize on the, ummm, success of this movie. Hereâs how to make it so you can drink along at home.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Jungle Birds? Recipe by Cora Lambert
1oz espresso (Counter Culture Coffeeâs Guatemala San Miguel) 1/2oz simple syrup 1oz Cruzan Black Strap Rum 3/4oz Campari 3/4oz pineapple juice 1/2oz fresh lime juice Pineapple wedge for garnish (âcause it looks like a blade, duh)
Shake until chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass over a large piece of ice. Garnish with pineapple wedge.
Ainât she a beaut? And of course, after all that I spilled the contents into my water bottle, and easily snuck past a sleepy usher for a late night screening at one of my local movie theaters, Regal Cinemas Union Square 14. I blew my budget on booze and couldnât pony up for an IMAX or 4D ticket, so I sat in the third row, which makes it like an IMAX that hurts your neck a little more and doesnât come anywhere close to filling your field of vision. As I boozed up by coating my anxious throat with our molasses treat, I spent twenty minutes of trailers working myself up for what promised to be a visual feast with a twisty plot and all the crypticness I could hope for spread out over that epic three damn hour running time.
Critics had been instructed to reveal little of the plot. What jaw-dropping surprises were in store for me? Replicant slapstick humor? A movie where Sean Young is actually the lead? A thirty-minute electric sheep boogaloo dream sequence?
Yeah, none of that or even close. Much like the original, Blade Runner 2049 is just about a grizzled officer trying to find some robots. This time, the officer is played by Ryan Gosling (Harrison Fordâs Deckard disappeared thirty years ago but is surprisingly easy to find later in the movie) and boy does Officer K have some complex and not-so-complex women in his life. His boss, Madame (Robin Wright), is tough as nails and throws back shot after shot as she insists that he cover up their replicant hunt for the good of humanity. So cold and calculated! His companion, Joi (Ana de Armas, giving one of the worst performances Iâve ever seen), only serves to build his confidence and act as his on-demand agreeable sex toy. Then thereâs ruthless Luv (new goddess Sylvia Hoeks), who has been dispatched to find Officer Kâs replicant prey by evil billionaire Wallace (Jared Leto), who is obviously evil because he is blinded by cataracts and disability is still scary in 2017, I guess (to say nothing of 2049).
As promised, there are some plot surprises and crypticness, but three damn hours of back and forth about whoâs a replicant and who isnât and what does it even mean to be a replicant felt a little tired. At the very least, theyâre solving these Level Easy puzzles with the aid of top-shelf production design, cinematography (the great Roger Deakins), and practical effects.
That plot that has been shrouded in secrecy is a plot like any other. Ridley Scott didnât direct it (that would be Denis Villeneuve, he of the great eye and often choppy execution) but his heavy hand and spiritual hokum are all over this flick. A plot detail kept from the trailers is worn and obvious. Itâs a goofy setup and resolution that makes way for some interesting roboethics but for the most part, itâs all just a great big excuse for everyone in the movie to cry.
Thereâs your coffee cocktail drinking game. Drink every time someone in this movie cries. Mind you, they all cry beautifully, sometimes because they donât know who they really are (Officer K) and sometimes because they havenât punched through someoneâs skull in a while (Luv) but mostly all of these characters, robot or not, cannot stop crying while wearing beautiful jackets that I cannot wait to buy at H&M.
For an aspirationally gritty R-rated movie with bone-crunching violence and so, so many boobs, BR49âs sentimentality is squarely PG-13. After all the drinking, and all the tears, I saved my syrupy, soggy pineapple garnish for the final bite after three damn hours of running them blades. As I bit into it, I realized my own dystopian truth: I am probably far too cynical to survive the year 2049.
Cupping Score: 78
Notes: Thereâs some citric zing here but itâs mostly old prunes.
Eric J. Grimm (@ericjgrimm) writes about pop culture and coffee for Sprudge Media Network, and lives in Manhattan. Read more Eric J. Grimm on Sprudge.
The post Coffee Cocktails At The Movies: Blade Runner 2049 appeared first on Sprudge.
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What Bronco Mendenhallâs Virginia needs to avoid another year in obscurity
Of this divisionâs many excellent coaches, UVAâs is still the one with the toughest task.
As head coaches, David Cutcliffe, Larry Fedora, Justin Fuente, Paul Johnson, Bronco Mendenhall, Pat Narduzzi, and Mark Richt have combined for 654 wins, 62 bowl appearances, 29 ranked finishes, four conference titles, two FCS national titles, and a Broyles Award.
Cutcliffe is Dukeâs most consistently successful coach in six decades.
Fedora engineered UNCâs first 11-win season in nearly two decades.
Fuente pulled off a stunning turnaround at Memphis and won the ACC Coastal in his first season at Virginia Tech.
Johnson won two FCS titles at Georgia Southern, made Navy viable, and has two top-15 finishes at Georgia Tech.
Mendenhall went to 11 bowls in 11 years at BYU, won at least nine games six times, and finished 16th or better three times.
Narduzzi pulled off a road upset of national champion Clemson and has won eight games in both of his seasons at Pitt.
Richt engineered 10 10-win seasons, six top-10 finishes, and two SEC titles at Georgia.
All seven are now in the ACC Coastal. And every time they face each other, someone has to lose.
In 2016, that was mostly Mendenhall. It wasnât hard to see that coming.
The 50-year-old Oregon State alum dealt with unique recruiting challenges at BYU and produced top-50-caliber teams. Now he deals with a different challenge: selling a program that doesn't have the history of its rivals.
Virginia was once the most consistently decent program â in the 25 seasons between 1983 and 2007, the Cavaliers won at least six games 21 times but won 10 only once â but has now bowled just twice in 10 years. They are in the right ACC division (the Clemson- and FSU-free Coastal) but have finished within two games of the division crown only once since 2008.
Mendenhall left BYU in search of a new challenge, and boy, did he find one. His first UVA team was poor out of the gates â which resulted in losses to beatable teams like Richmond, Oregon, and UConn â and found a rhythm just in time to face a murderous stretch of conference foes. The offense had no big-play threats, and the defense had only a couple of play-makers and no depth.
Because of returning production and previous coach Mike Londonâs decent recruiting, UVA was projected 68th in S&P+; the slow start and limp finish meant a year-end ranking of just 88th.
Worse, this was an experienced team. Mendenhall must replace his two leading rushers, four of his top seven receiving targets, three experienced offensive line starters, four members of a nine-man rotation on the front seven, and everybody who kicked a ball last year.
Now, there weren't many difference makers in this group. But if you start slowly and finish 2-10, youâd rather do it with freshmen and sophomores. This was mostly juniors and seniors.
How long will it take Mendenhall to build the depth last yearâs team didnât have? How long until this begins to look like a Mendenhall team?
Itâs hard to know what heâs got, heading into year two. Heâs got an experienced quarterback and interesting receivers, but his skill-corps security blanket (running back Taquan Mizzell, who combined 187 carries with 52 receptions) is gone. A decent run defense should hold steady, but the pass defense was bad, and thereâs no guarantee that returning the DBs from that secondary is a good thing.
S&P+ sees a team capable of rising into the 60s, and there are enough intriguing sophomores and juniors that you can talk yourself into that.
Mendenhall is a unique dude and was the subject of this from ESPNâs David Hale, one of my favorite profiles of the offseason.
"I started reaching out to anyone that I respected or admired or was having success and just started asking, 'Who are your influences?' or, 'What's the best book you read on this?'" Mendenhall said. "That just started building the library step by step."
Recommendations came with ferocity to the point that Mendenhall had to set a standard for what he'd actually consume. He began taking trips to the bookstore with his kids, adding a few books every week to his collection. The time immersed in reading, he found, also rejuvenated him after the stress of coaching wore him down.
"I'm an introverted, deep thinker who is in an extroverted entertainer's job," Mendenhall said.
Every book gets scrutinized for information that can help his team, too.
Thoughtful can play well in Charlottesville. But it might take him another year or two for any sort of breakthrough on the field.
2016 in review
2016 Virginia statistical profile.
Over the first five games, Virginia played five teams that ended up 72nd or lower (in some cases, much lower) in S&P+. In my 2016 preview, I thought a 3-1 start wasnât out of the question if the Cavaliers found answers offensively.
Instead, they lost by 17 to Richmond, by 18 to Oregon, and, perhaps most damning, by three to UConn.
UVA responded with its best three performances of the year, wins over CMU and Duke and a competitive, 45-31 loss to Pitt. Then, after playing like a top-40 team, they settled into a top-80 cruising altitude ... against top-25 teams.
First 3 games (0-3): Avg. percentile performance: 23% (14% offense, 25% defense) | Avg. yards per play: Opp 6.6, UVA 5.1 (minus-1.5) | Avg. score: Opp 31, UVA 19
Next 3 games (2-1): Avg. percentile performance: 71% (62% offense, 55% defense) | Avg. yards per play: UVA 6.3, Opp 5.4 (plus-0.9) | Avg. score: UVA 38, Opp 33
Last 6 games (0-6): Avg. percentile performance: 37% (31% offense, 45% defense) | Avg. yards per play: Opp 6.7, UVA 4.1 (minus-2.6) | Avg. score: Opp 35, UVA 17
UVA was 0-3 in one-possession games, dropping competitive battles to Louisville and Wake Forest along with UConn; it didnât help that the Cavaliers had some of the worst turnovers luck in the country.
What was the source of UVAâs brief offensive eruption, by the way? At first glance, it appears the answer is âbalance.â Mizzell rushed 36 times for 234 yards (6.5 per carry) in that three-game span, but he only had to rush 36 times because the passing game was clicking. Kurt Benkert completed 54 percent of his passes at a whopping 14.8 yards per completion; including sacks, he averaged 7.3 yards per pass attempt. Slot receiver Olamide Zaccheaus caught 15 of 21 passes for 266 yards, 12.7 per target.
The rest of the season, Benkert averaged 4.2 yards per attempt, and Zaccheaus averaged 5.7 yards per target. That seems key, huh?
Offense
Full advanced stats glossary.
Robert Anae was Mendenhallâs offensive coordinator for their last three years in Provo, then made the trip with his boss. Anae showed flexibility in adjusting his system for run-happy quarterback Taysom Hill and the more pocket-based Tanner Mangum.
Anae went very pass-first under Mangum and maintained those ways last year. It was the best way to utilize both Benkert and the versatile (but not particularly explosive) Mizzell. But despite pass-heavy tendencies, Virginia managed just 15 passes of 30-plus yards, 94th in the country. Over the second half of the season, against good defenses, there was just nothing downfield.
Mizzell, backup running back Albert Reid, and receiver Keeon Johnson are gone; their production was replaceable (they combined to average five yards per carry and 5.6 yards per target), but itâs not evident who will replace them.
In the backfield, junior Jordan Ellis will likely get the first shot; the first carry of his career, a 39-yard joy ride against William & Mary, flashed a lovely combination of strength and open-field ability. But his 37 carries since then have gained just 96 yards.
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The return of Zaccheaus and senior Doni Dowling gives the passing game options; they combined for 7.6 yards per target and a 48 percent success rate last year, which is neither amazing nor awful. But the next three returning receivers â Andre Levrone, Hasise Dubois, Warren Craft â caught just 24 of 56 passes (43 percent).
The best news would be a breakout from Joe Reed. The sophomore was a revelation in the return game last year and caught a 25-yard pass against Pitt and a 28-yarder against Virginia Tech. But those were two of just four receptions. Dubois is exciting, but he caught just eight passes. Itâs hard to rely on a pair of receivers with 12 combined catches.
Itâs also hard to assume improvement up front. The line must replace three players (Eric Smith, Jackson Matteo, Michael Mooney) who had combined for 97 career starts. Two senior starters return (left tackle Jack English, guard Jack McDonald), and the Hoos have added both Notre Dame transfer John Montelus (a former four-star recruit) and Oklahoma State transfer Brandon Pertile; plus, former four-star recruit Steven Moss still has time to develop into something reliable. Still, the line needs to improve, not just hold steady.
The Hoos still have Benkert, though. The ECU transfer was as inconsistent as his receiving corps last year but added experience and dropped about 15 pounds. At 6â4, 220 (or so) pounds, he looks the part. But he needs more help than he got last year.
Defense
Over his last six seasons at BYU, Mendenhallâs defense graded out better than his offense five times. The Cougar D peaked during the Kyle Van Noy era, ranking sixth in Def. S&P+ in 2012 and 13th in 2013, but it was always steady and aggressive.
One trait translated in Charlottesville. Six members of the starting front seven recorded at least four tackles for loss, led by middle linebacker Micah Kiser and end Andrew Brown. The duo combined for 23 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks, and Kiser alone added eight passes defensed and five forced fumbles. He is a one-man havoc rate, and if he can get help from the edges, he could produce even bigger numbers.
Brown, a former blue-chipper, is a lovely piece, but if some sophomores step forward, the front seven could be excellent. Linebacker Jordan Mack, tackle James Trucilla, and ends Eli Hanback, Steven Wright, and Juwan Moye saw the field last year, and Mack and Hanback were key. Plus, linebacker Jahvoni Simmons is a former four-star recruit, ILB Dominic Sheppard was a mid-three, and OLB Gladimir Paul is athletic. Theyâre sophomores, too. And if junior Malcolm Cook breaks through after a serious illness, all the better.
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Andrew Brown
When the UVA defense was doing well last year, it was usually because of the front seven and run defense. The Cavaliers ranked 55th in Rushing S&P+ but only 89th in Passing S&P+; they allowed a 61 percent completion rate and 13.9 yards per completion with 25 touchdown passes to just nine interceptions. Worse yet: five of those interceptions came in one game. Even against a decent pass rush, opponents were able to look downfield.
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Bryce Hall (34) and Juan Thornhill (21)
That was with well-regarded safety Quin Blanding, a former blue-chipper who defensed eight passes. Just imagine the passing stats without him. But heâs back.
However, cornerback was a revolving door. With 2015 starter Tim Harris injured and others unable to stay on the field, converted safety Juan Thornhill and freshman Bryce Hall were the only stalwarts. They did combine for five INTs and 11 breakups, but the breakdowns were constant.
In theory, this will improve. Including Harrisâ 2015 stats, five returning DBs recorded at least one TFL, and six recorded at least two passes defensed. Blanding, Thornhill (back at safety), and sophomore safety Chris Moore are an exciting trio, and Mendenhall and defensive coordinator Nick Howell have options. But when you rank 89th in Passing S&P+, you can improve and still be mediocre.
Special Teams
Good news, bad news.
Good: Virginia ranked in the top 10 in both kick return and punt return efficiency, and big reasons â Joe Reed on kicks, Daniel Hamm on punts â return. They provided a field position boost for a desperate team.
Bad: Four different Cavaliers kicked balls â punter Nicholas Conte, kickoffs guy Dylan Sims, place-kickers Sam Hayward and Alex Furbank â and theyâre all gone.
Sort of good: Virginia mostly stunk at kicking anyway. Hayward and Furbank were 5-for-8 on field goals under 40 yards and 0-for-2 over it, and kickoffs and coverage were lacking.
Still bad: Conte was excellent, combining a 44.3-yard punting average with a propensity for fair catches. He will be missed. Redshirt freshman Nash Griffin was a stud in high school. But heâs a redshirt freshman.
2017 outlook
2017 Schedule & Projection Factors
Date Opponent Proj. S&P+ Rk Proj. Margin Win Probability 2-Sep William & Mary NR 23.7 91% 9-Sep Indiana 39 -4.4 40% 16-Sep Connecticut 125 18.6 86% 23-Sep at Boise State 29 -11.7 25% 7-Oct Duke 65 -0.3 49% 14-Oct at North Carolina 38 -9.4 29% 21-Oct Boston College 76 4.6 60% 28-Oct at Pittsburgh 33 -10.7 27% 4-Nov Georgia Tech 31 -6.5 35% 11-Nov at Louisville 14 -21.0 11% 18-Nov at Miami 18 -16.4 17% 24-Nov Virginia Tech 25 -8.9 30%
Projected S&P+ Rk 70 Proj. Off. / Def. Rk 82 / 48 Projected wins 5.0 Five-Year S&P+ Rk -0.9 (72) 2- and 5-Year Recruiting Rk 58 / 46 2016 TO Margin / Adj. TO Margin* -9 / 1.0 2016 TO Luck/Game -4.2 Returning Production (Off. / Def.) 74% (64%, 84%) 2016 Second-order wins (difference) 4.0 (-2.0)
Ellis, Zaccheaus, Peace, Cook, and Thornhill are juniors. Reed, Dubois, Hanback, Mack, and Simmons are sophomores. A lot of Virginiaâs most important players will be around in 2018, too, and maybe that gives us an idea of the Cavaliersâ arrival timeline (if, you know, one exists).
There are just too many ifs to expect any massive breakthrough this year, but there are winnable home games.
S&P+ doesnât give UVA a better than 29 percent chance in any of five road games, but the Cavaliers are at 30 percent or better in all seven home games. The best hope for a nice season comes in winning early games against William & Mary, Indiana, UConn, and Duke, beating Boston College a couple of weeks later, and hoping this generates enough confidence to pull a late-season upset.
That offers no margin for error, but itâs a path. More likely: UVA wins four or five games, a couple of sophomores break through, and 2018âs preview is more optimistic.
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