#bloomington-normal

[railwayhistorical]

Amtrak’s Inter-American

Not great photographs here, but the content makes it worthwhile to inspect and interpret what was versus what remains.

This is a southbound number 21, the Inter-American, crossing College Avenue in Normal, Illinois. This is the former Chicago & Alton, later Gulf, Mobile & Ohio. One may note the distinctive B&O signals here—a result of the C&A being controlled by that major railroad. It was Illinois Central Gulf at the time of these pictures, and is now of the Union Pacific (with another group owning the line in between these last two).

The train is approaching a spot in Normal that will host a passenger station (MP 124), but at this time trains stopped a bit further down the line in Bloomington itself. One will also note the the train will meet a northbound freight with an ICG unit on point. Illinois Central’s charter line cuts across the Alton near where that train can be seen. Looking at Google Maps today, it’s clear that this historical line of the IC no longer exists here (though it does in bits and pieces in other parts of the state). And looking at Google Street View, it’s difficult to recognize anything from these vintage views—other than the high-rise buildings, which I assume are connected to Illinois State University.

The train is being powered by three E-units—two are former Union Pacific E9s (built in 1955) while the middle unit is an E8 (built in 1953) of the RF&P. Two are in Phase II paint (so-called cigar-band), while one is in the original Phase I (bloody-nose) scheme. I didn’t realize this train, the Inter-American, went all the way to Laredo, Texas, and had connecting service with National Railways of Mexico. I’ll add a timetable page above (copyright Amtrak, by way of timetables.org).

Two images by Richard Koenig; taken November 21st 1976.

[thechildisgone]

this feels so fake to me its kroger or hyvee or meijer .. jewel osco.. where are those in illinois..

[marylemanski]

You other states are a bunch of weirdos!

[brunswickanimalhospital]

Brunswick Animal Hospital Welcome to Brunswick Animal Hospital, your trusted Bloomington veterinarian and Animal Hospital in Normal. We're dedicated to providing compassionate and expert care for small and large animals. Located in Normal, Illinois, our team of veterinarians and staff are pet lovers like yourself, committed to the health and well-being of your pets. We offer veterinary services to Dogs & Cats, Exotic pets and Large animals. Contact us at 309-454-2458 to learn more.

Visit us at: https://brunswickanimalhosp.com/

[sunkelplumbing]

Tap into Clean and Healthy Water with These Bloomington Water Filtration Solutions

Water is an essential part of our lives, and having clean and healthy water to drink, cook with, and bathe in is a must. Unfortunately, not all communities have access to potable water sources or are able to provide water that meets all safety standards. Fortunately, there are solutions available such as Bloomington water filtration systems in Normal IL.

Here are some ways to use these systems to tap into clean and healthy water.

• Invest in an In-Home Filtration System: An in-home filtration system is a great way to make sure you have access to safe drinking water. These systems remove contaminants like bacteria, lead, chlorine, pesticides, and other unwanted particles from your water supply. Not only do they ensure the safety of your drinking water, but they come with several other benefits as well. Some in-home filtration systems also reduce bad odors and improve the taste of your water making it more enjoyable to drink.

• Utilize Water Softeners: Water softeners provide homes with softened or “soft” water which helps to protect plumbing pipes, fixtures, and appliances from scale build-up. It also helps reduce soap scum and makes it easier to rinse off dishes and laundry items.

�� Reverse Osmosis Systems: Reverse osmosis systems are an ideal solution for homes with high levels of iron, sulfur, or other contaminants in their water supply. These systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove these contaminants which result in clean, healthy drinking water.

The installation process for a water filtration system is simple and straightforward, making it a great choice for DIYers or those who don’t have the time or inclination to hire professional services for plumbing in Normal, IL. It’s super easy to install these systems yourself; all you need are basic tools and a few hours. Once installed, you can rest easy knowing that your water is free from any contaminants or pollutants and your family can enjoy the health benefits of clean drinking water.

These water filtration systems in Normal, IL, can help you tap into clean and healthy water for all your needs. Make sure you have access to clean, healthy water by investing in one of these Bloomington water filtration systems today!

So, if you’re looking for an effective way to ensure your family has access to clean and healthy drinking water, contact Sunkel Plumbing at 309-829-5320.

[momotonescreaming]

Part One

“Jeff. Jeffers.” Eddie starts, as soon as he opens the door to Jeff’s bedroom, ignoring the way it slams into the wall with the force of it. “I am about to lose my shit.”

“So a normal Saturday, then?” Jeff replies, looking up from the music magazine he’s flipping through, not moving from where he’s reclined across his bed.

Navy blue comforter, pale grey sheets, tucked in tight. His mother’s influence, Eddie knows. Jeff’s mom is a good woman, is cool with the band, and the metal, and the DnD — but she’s a total neat freak. So Jeff makes his bed perfectly everyday, so she won’t barge into his room and do it for him. He bought himself a Motorhead poster from a record store in Bloomington once, and his mom framed it.

So there was Eddie’s room, with all his posters and banners haphazardly tacked to the walls and stuck to the mirror; and then there was Jeff’s, with his carefully curated selection of framed posters. Not very metal, Eddie thought. Jeff always said that if that’s what it took for his mom to accept to metal music? He’d take it.

Eddie shuts the door behind him, making sure it closes with a swift kick of his socked foot, before turning back to his best friend.

“Worse than normal, Jeffy-boy.” Eddie says, emphasising with his hands before gripping them tightly. “I bumped into Henderson at Melvalds this morning and he would not shut the fuck up about Harrington the entire time he trapped me in conversation.”

“Ah,” Jeff simply replies, closing his magazine and placing it off to the side, out of the way. “So it’s a Harrington breakdown today? I’ll clear my schedule.”

“Jeff,” Eddie says, trying to sound stern with all the emphasis on the word, but he’s smiling. Watches as Jeff pats an empty spot on the mattress next to him. He rolls his eyes, playing it up, before flopping face first onto the bed beside Jeff. He groans into the mattress, a long, drawn out sound, and can hear Jeff chuckling at the sound of it. “Please.”

Jeff pats his shoulder comfortingly, hand warm and steady, before Eddie rolls over. Stays laying down, and looks up at the swirly patterns of Jeff’s popcorn ceiling.

“Okay, okay, I’ll stop.” Jeff laughs, before turning to look down at Eddie. “So. Harrington.”

Eddie groans again, ignoring the sound of Jeff’s laughter. “I made the mistake of asking Henderson what he was doing later — trying to make fucking small talk, or something — and apparently our little sheepie is hanging out with Steve Harrington.”

“Wait,” Jeff says with a start, his brows furrowing. “Harrington hangs out with freshman nerds? Willingly? And he knows Dustin?”

“Fucking apparently,” Eddie exclaims, throwing his hands up into the air and letting them fall back down onto the mattress with a thump. “Henderson would not shut up about how cool it was Steve was hanging out with him, like he was trying to brag about it to me. Asking me if I fucking knew Steve Harrington like, hello? I live in Hawkins, everyone knows who Harrington is.”

“I was gonna ask if he was lying,” Jeff starts, bringing his hand up to his jaw to absently press and pick at his skin as he thinks. “But you’d think he’s smart enough to lie about something believable, at the very least.”

“He’s definitely lying,” Eddie replies, sighing, letting all the air exit his lungs in one slow exhale. “Because I cannot handle it being the truth. Harrington being hot, rich, charming, and nice to nerds like us? No way.”

“I was wondering when the crush was going to make it’s appearance,” Jeff replies, finally letting himself flop down beside Eddie. Rumpling his nicely made sheets, not caring as his abandoned magazine falls to the floor.

“Oh it’s been here the whole time Jeffothy,” Eddie says, stretching his legs out before letting them relax again. Picking at the navy blue fabric beneath him. “As soon as Dustin said Harrington’s name I felt my traitorous heart speed up.”

Eddie wasn’t lying and he a little felt ridiculous about it. Like some leading lady in a rom-com, the second the words Steve Harrington left Henderson’s mouth he felt his heart clench, his pulse quicken, and a horrid combo of shame and wanting curl around his stomach. His crush on Steve was always there, simmering in the recesses of his mind like the burning embers of a fire. Just waiting for something to come along and set it alight.

“And that’s the main reason you’re losing your shit?”

“Yeah,” Eddie sighs, sounding a little defeated, before perking himself up and sitting up, the mattress bouncing beneath him. Pushing those thoughts to the side. Thoughts of Steve Harrington and his amazing hair. His charming smile and warm eyes. Thoughts about him leaning in towards Eddie as they make conversation, so much Eddie can smell his cologne, his shampoo. And Steve will ask him questions about DnD, and actually sound interested about what Eddie would say back. Shaking his head a little, Eddie forces himself to not get lost in the fantasy.  “But enough about me, Sir Jeffington the Just. Any progress with Chrissy?”

Jeff just snorts, looking up at Eddie. “You say that like there’s progress to be had.”

“Come on,” Eddie starts, nudging Jeff’s side. “There’s gotta be something.”

“Not really,” He replies, taking a deep breath. “I stare at her in the halls at school like a lovesick fool and I don’t think she even knows who I am. There’s no way one of the cheerleaders knows my name.”

“You’re being too hard on yourself,” Eddie replies, pushing himself up off of Jeff’s bed and heads over to his desk, pushed up under the window. He had started to feel that itch under his skin, the twitching of his fingers, that feeling that he just couldn’t sit still anymore. So he moves to the desk, seats himself on Jeff’s nice office chair with the wheels, and fidgets with the mini’s he has scattered on the desk. “You’re hot and charming as hell, at least one of them has gotta know your name.”

“Not Chrissy though,” Jeff says, self-deprecating, pushing his socked foot along the carpet from where it hangs off the bed, gathering static. “Come on.”

Eddie sighs, long and drawn out and dramatic — turning into more of a groan at the end. They had done this song and dance before, Eddie hyping Jeff up, and his best friend responding with self deprecation. Jeff was a guy who was confident in himself, in his hobbies and interests — but when it came to love, he faltered.

Eddie could understand. They were both freaks who’ve never dated anyone, with crushes on two of the most popular teens in Hawkins. Peak conformists. It was never gonna happen but Eddie wanted.

“Fine.” He concedes. “We’re both pathetic, happy now?”

“Thrilled,” Jeff snorts, before sobering. “I just don’t want to get my hopes up, y’know? She’s with Jason and she’s not about to dump him to start looking my way.“

“I know,” Eddie replies, voice also sobering, so there’s something quieter about it now. He gently spins on the chair, pushing himself back and forth with his feet. Trying not to fidget too much, trying not to pick and rip at his nails. “I’m just trying to live vicariously through you a little because I am not handling my conversation with Henderson well. Chrissy just seems one step closer to us than Harrington. At least she’s still at Hawkins High and we actually see her on the regular. But what if Henderson is telling the truth and Steve like, picks him up from Hellfire? Leaning on the door frame, swinging his keys around his fingers, raising an eyebrow all sexy-like. Looking at me from across the room.”

“You think Henderson knows Chrissy as well?” Jeff jokes, sitting up and crossing a leg underneath himself. “Think he could put in a good word?”

Eddie snorts, rotating one of Jeff’s minis between his hands. “Definitely. That nerd is slowly collecting all the sexy jocks in Hawkins, just for us.”

There’s a moment of silence, slowly thickening in the air between them before Jeff sighs and looks up at the ceiling. “What would I even say to her? Hey Chrissy, I’m the DnD freak who thinks you’re super hot. I definitely haven’t started daydreaming about going to basketball games just so I can watch you cheer, wanna go out?”

“Oh my God, Jeff,” Eddie laughs, wiggling his legs, unable to contain himself.

“I know,” Jeff exhales with a laugh.

“When I asked if there was any progress on the Chrissy front,” Eddie says, laughing. “Why didn’t you tell me this?”

“Because it’s embarrassing! I’m so down bad it’s ridiculous.”

“This is a safe space, Jeffrey,” Eddie adds, nodding sagely. “I told you about how I started selling after games last year just so I could have an excuse to watch Harrington play. Did you see his thighs? Woof.”

“I did not see his thighs because I was busy lying to the others about how you were there because it was prime selling time, and you needed the extra cash to help Wayne,” Jeff adds, laughing., voice dropping into something more coy. Teasing. “And you definitely weren’t there because you were drooling over the idea of Harrington crushing your head in between his thick, sweaty, thighs.”

“As is my right, Jeff!” Eddie exclaims, feeling a little lighter, giddier, electric. A buzzing under his skin. Eddie launches himself off of the chair and towards Jeff — wrapping his arms around his waist and laughing all the while. Sending them both crashing into the mattress, rumpling Jeff’s neatly made bed even further. His face is pressed into Jeff’s chest, fabric of his Black Sabbath shirt soft against Eddie’s skin.

It always makes him feel better, talking about this sort of stuff with Jeff, letting it out, instead of holding it in. Eddie can feel Jeff laughing, his chest shaking underneath him as he wrestles Eddie off. Not hard enough to hurt.

He rolls off of Jeff, letting go of his waist, laughing as Jeff softly kicks him in the leg.

“I really can’t blame you though,” Jeff admits, looking over at Eddie. “Chrissy in that cheerleader skirt of hers is the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.”

“It’s all about the thighs, I told you!” Eddie exclaims, laughing as he playfully shoves at Jeff again. Gripping the sleeves of his shirt, gently pushing and pulling him. His best friend lets himself be moved, used to Eddie’s shenanigans by now. “You want to give her a thigh hickey so bad, don’t ya, Jeffrey? Or maybe it’s her ass? All perky and round from cheer.”

Eddie cackles as Jeff covers his face with his hands, groaning, and almost definitely flustered.  He drags his hands down his face, drawing out the groan, before tuning to Eddie.

“I’m trying so hard not to get too gross about this, dude,” Jeff starts. “But you are not helping.”

“Nothing wrong with being a little gross with your friends,” Eddie says, slowly stopping his shoving at Jeff, moving his hand to gently pick at a stray thread. “I know you’re not, like, gonna be gross with her. I mean, unless she likes it.”

“Eddie!” Jeff exclaims, although he’s smiling, as he shoves his best friend off the bed.

Part Three | Part Four | Part Five

[shankss-magnificent-ass]

Imagine King growing attached to you

Kaido: go find King and give him this note.

You: *new to the crew* okay, who is King

Kaido: he... He's the one dressed head to toe in leather, you'll know him when you see him.

After wandering around Onigashima

You: *after asking for directions from Sasaki, you spot him* I take it you're King?

King: yeah, who's asking?

You: I have a note from Kaido for you.

King: that's Kaido-sama to you... This says you're the new assistant I requested. I need to go talk to him. *Storms off leaving you behind*

You: sir? *Can't keep up, so you sit and wait for him to come back*

In Kaido's room

King: you made a human my assistant, I don't want them. You know how I feel about humans.

Kaido: yes, I know, but I need you to look after that one though, I have a gut feeling they'll be useful later. They're also a non-combatant, so you need to also guard them, I figured I'd make them useful to you while you do that, by making them your assistant. Where is (y/n) by the way?

King: *wasn't aware you didn't follow him* I don't know?

Kaido: better go find them then, they're your responsibility.

King: ugh! *Runs off to go find you only to find you sitting on the floor where he left you* why didn't you follow me!

You: I couldn't keep up with you.

King: why didn't you try and find me?

You: I don't know my way around yet, and I was already lost. I was always told if you're lost in a building to stay put and wait for someone to find you.

King: *exasperated, but is glad you were easy to find* alright come with me.

Over the next few months

You: *proves yourself a very capable and attentive assistant and pleasant company*

King: *still vaguely bitter about having a human assistant but has reluctantly accepted your occupation of space in his life* we're going on an expedition next week.

You: *has pneumonia* hopefully I will be better by then.

A week later

You: *still sick* alright, I have prepared everything for you, your bags are packed and waiting for you in your cabin. I was told that sometimes it's difficult to get a decent meal the first day out, because of double-checking stuff, so there are some rice balls waiting for you as well. I made sure you have plenty of blank treasury reports for the haul. Is there anything else you'll need?

King: my assistant

You: the doctor didn't clear me for active duty, so I'm afraid I'll have to stay here. Plus someone has to hold down the fort. Although I can't promise it'll be in one piece when you get back. Yamato is a lot stronger than I am.

King: ugh, fine see you in a few months.

That afternoon

Queen: I'm starving

King: *munching on the food you left him*

Kaido: where'd you get those?

King: (y/n) left them for me in my room.

Jack: so that is why they were making in the kitchens this morning.

Queen: those look so good, what flavor are they?

King: spicy tuna, and I think there's a shiso one in here. (Y/n) is always trying to get me to eat more vegetables.

Kaido: I bet you're glad I assigned them to you to look after.

Jack: *mutters* looks like they look after him more.

King: *punches him*

Two days into the voyage

Kaido: *going over scouting reports in the ship's office*

King: *making arrangements for which ships take what supplies*hey, (y/n) get a load of this, Queen wants to take any gold we find as cargo on his ship. The audacity

Kaido: ... Who are you talking to?

King: (y/n), * points in the direction your desk usually is back on Onigashima*

Kaido: they're back at base

King: ... Oh right

Over the course of the trip

King: *realizes he doesn't like you being so far away from him* damn it

Kaido: is it just me or is King grumpier than normal? He snarled at me earlier for drinking before noon.

Queen: he's been more aggressive, and morose lately.

Jack: I think he misses (y/n).

Kaido: I'm not going to lie, I kind of miss them too. I'm tempted to fly back home, to see if they have recovered.

Queen: I already called, doc Bloomington said they're still on bed rest, but they should be fully recovered by next week.

When the crew returns home

King: *spots you in the crowd, waiting at the docks, so he flies over and scoops you up, and finally feels complete and at ease*

You: how did the expedition go?

King: well enough, have you recovered from that puny illness?

You: yes sir

King: good, you're not allowed to get sick for that long again.

You: I have flying fish sashimi and a bath prepared for you in your room for you, sir. We can get to sorting the treasure tomorrow morning.

King: *has missed this* good idea, remind me to let you pick something nice from the haul tomorrow.

Support me on Kofi and Patreon

[marxism-transgenderism]

I walked a total of two miles today all without my cane !! I def pushed myself a bit too far but I'm realizing just how much of my pain comes from having to stand still while walking relieves the strain. Like i just feel normal tired rn and not like my joints are killing me like i do w grocery shopping. But anyway roomie and I walked around the block then down to the river then we came home and walked to the liquor store and back !! There was this really hot guy playing bass on the corner who was nice and I got a new local whiskey that was a bit pricier but FUCK it's so delicious !! It's Old Woody out of Bloomington and it's got a lot of burn but a really sweet taste and classic bourbon flavor

[mybeingthere]

Carmen Lozar, glass artist, "Couture" series.

​Born in 1975, Carmen Lozar lives in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois where she maintains a studio and is a member of the art faculty at Illinois Wesleyan University. Carmen has taught at Pilchuck Glass School, Penland School of Craft, Pittsburgh Glass School, Appalachian Center for Crafts, The Chrysler Museum, and the Glass Furnace in Istanbul, Turkey.

“The sculpture I create with glass is meant to inspire and provoke imagination. Telling stories has always been my primary objective. Some narratives are sad, funny, or thoughtful but my pieces are always about celebrating life.”

[lady-jane-asher]

April 5th 2024, happy beloved 78th birthday to the one and only Jane! She’s been my inspiration for around 12 years since I first discovered about her. It’s been a wonderful journey getting to share new pictures I find, my scans, colourisations and accurate information in regards of the pictures I found. May I be able to meet her one day. 🤍

This post will be divided in two, as the picture shown was used for two different newspapers that I scanned therefore the subtle mark on the photos. And you might have seen the photos with my old username so I am sharing them with the new one!

Jane Asher and Gawn Grainger as Juliet Capulet and Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet” presentation while being on tour in the USA, 1967.

First picture is my edition and enhancement from historical picture auction scan, second one is my scan from the newspaper, and third one is the scan of the newspaper.

Jane Asher-More Than a Beatle's Bird

In cities all across the U.S. this spring Beatle fans are swarming to a touring production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet staged by the Bristol Old Vic Company. When Juliet appears on stage for the first time the reaction is almost always the same. Applause thunders through the theater. Flash bulbs pop—electrifying the scene like summer lightning. At the end of the play young girls scream the name of the actress who plays Juliet: "Jane Asher! Jane Asher!" This is the girl they have come to see. To a Beatle fan Jane Asher's romance is even more exciting than the story of Romeo and Juliet. Jane Asher, in case you haven't heard, is the girl friend of Paul McCartney-the last unmarried Beatle.

An Interview With Jane

To find out what kind of girl dates a Beatle and also has enough talent to

perform in one of England's most respected theatre groups, CURRENT EVENTS Editor Nancy Malone talked to Jane Asher in New York City. The 20-year-old actress seemed puzzled when asked why teen-age girls scream for her. "I don't really know," she said “and I don’t think they’re quite sure themselves. Once they’re with me, they seem a little lost and aren’t sure what to do or say”.

Miss Asher, in contrast to her fans, is not at all confused. She is looking the forward to a successful career in the theatre—on her own merit, not because of her friendship with a Beatle. The actress with the golden-red hair is well on her way to stardom. Her portrayal of Juliet with England’s Bristol Old Vic company has been highly praised. The company is nearing the end of 16-city american tour, which began in Boston last January. After appearances next month in Bloomington, Ind., Detroit, and Cleveland, the company will perform at expo 67 in Montreal. Then the actors and actresses will retur to England.

Does Jane Asher hope to do more Shakespeare? "Oh, yes." she said, “I'd like to do all the Shakespearean heroines-especially Lady Macbeth. But I'd also like to do modern comedy. I wouldn't like ever to stick to just one thing. For example, I don't want to do all movies or all stage. Though if I had to choose, I'd choose stage. I like having a live audience.

Movie Fame Unimportant

"I know you can become more famous by being in movies,", Jane said. "but I've had a taste of that kind of glamor, and I know I don't want it. I want to be a good actress." Jane, who has been acting since she was five years old, comes from a show business family. Her brother, Peter Asher, has toured the U.S. several times. He makes up one-half of the popular singing duo Peter and Gordon.

But Jane hesitates to encourage outer young people to become entertainers. "It's really not the glamorous life people imagine. It's hard work with rehearsals all day and shows every night. And when you come right down to it, acting is really only pretending you're something else on stage." Although Jane made several films during her childhood, she attended regular m schools—not acting schools for m professionals. "I'm glad I got a normal education," she said. "I think it gave me a more balanced view of life. In addition to several Shakespearean roles, Jane has played Alice in Alice in Wonderland, Wendy in Peter Pan, and Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion. Juliet, however, is the highlight of her career.

Jane and the Bard

She is particularly delighted that she is helping to acquaint American teenagers with Shakespeare. She commented on her own attitude as a 13-year-old: "I suppose I felt as all English schoolchildren do-that Shakespeare was pretty dull stuff with lots of language I didn't understand. I know I wasn't mad about it." Now, at 20, she believes that Shakespeare wrote "the greatest roles in the world." She added: "On this tour, I've gotten a lot of mail and it has meant a great deal to me. Some of the letters from kids say “We came to see you. We were so surprised. We really liked the play.” “That’s great. That’s a real accomplishment to me —as an actress”.

[sunkelplumbing]

Signs you need slab leak services in Bloomington, IL

Slab leaks can cause extensive damage to your home’s foundation, leading to costly repairs. Knowing the signs of slab leak damage is essential for homeowners in Bloomington, IL to keep their homes safe and prevent major repair bills. Here are some warning signs that you may need slab leak services in Bloomington, IL:

1. Your water bill has gone up significantly: One of the earliest signs of a slab leak is an unusually high water bill. If you’ve noticed your water bills have been spiking for no apparent reason, then it could be due to a slab leak.

2. Your floors are warm or damp: Another common indication of a slab leak is if your flooring is warmer than usual, or if there are wet spots on the floor that soggy and hard to clean. This likely means that water is seeping through the foundation of your home and damaging your flooring. By scheduling water leak services in Bloomington, IL, you can fix the issue and prevent further damage.

3. You hear running water when there shouldn’t be any: If you can hear running water coming from within the walls or beneath the floors of your home, then it’s likely that you have a slab leak. This means water is escaping and quickly accumulating, so it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible.

4. You see visible cracks in your floors or walls: Visual signs of damage can also be a sign of a slab leak. If you notice any cracking on the interior or exterior walls or floors of your home, this could indicate that you have an underlying slab leak issue that needs to be addressed by trained professionals. With the help of plumbing inspection camera in Normal, IL, you can get a better picture of what's going on and find the source of the problem.

If you notice any of these warning signs in your home, it could be time to call an experienced plumber for slab leak services in Bloomington, IL. By addressing this issue promptly, you can avoid having to pay for expensive repairs down the road. 

If you’re concerned about a potential slab leak or want more information on how to prevent one from happening, contact a reliable plumbing service provider today. They’ll be able to provide assistance and advice so that you can repair any damage quickly and minimize further costs. Contact Sunkel Plumbing today at 309-829-5320 for more information.

[ncis-nerd]

Bloomington

CHAPTER 1

A/N: I saw someone on tumblr say how they wish someone would write Bloomington fanfic as if the reader was Jackie and that's exactly what I'm gonna do so credit to @loverllyhurtswithoutyou for this idea! It was technically 2 years old, the request but better late than never. I'll try to update as much as I can but I am a senior in hs and get busy a lot so no promises.

Y/N's Pov:

It's my first day at college! I'm so excited. I pack up the last of my t-shirt shirts and sneakers. I guess that's it. I sigh. Let me double check I have everything.

Shirts, jeans, hoodies. Check, check annd check. Time to transport all this luggage to the car!

I look out the window and see trees and what seems to be farmland. Hm, that's pretty cool. Wait. Did I pack deodorant... I pray I did...

Goodbye home. Hello college. I see a big brown building come into sight. Is this it?? Are we here?? I think with excitement. More buildings nearby each other appear.

"Well Y/N my dear, we are here" says my Mom. I get out of the car and look around. There are a bunch of other people here, with their parents. They must also be moving in. I wonder if they know each other. Or have any friends yet.

"Earth to Y/N" says my Mom. I jump. "Huh, what?" I say confused. "I said which residence is yours?" said Mom. "Oh.. hold on-" I reach a piece of paper out of my pocket. I unfold it. "The Lake Residence. That's where my dorm is." I say.

"Hm. Let's look for a map. This place is huge." My mom says. "Ah there it is! It says we are here. And we need to walk straight and we'll see a big sign that say the Lake Residence" my mom says. I nod in approval.

Wow I can't believe. I'm finally here. I've always wanted to go to college. Being a child star had its ups but I missed being a normal kid and going to regular school.

a/n: stopping here for right now. unknown how many chapters there will be as the movie is long and i don't know how long i will make each chapters.

[ravensliterature]

Happy Accidents

A/N: A new day and a new post

pairing: Eddie Munson x Reader

warnings: Fluff

w/c: 1957

Prompt: Life is going well for you and Eddie until you get some surprise news. How will he take it?

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

Things had been going surprisingly well until today. Eddie graduated, and monsters from the Upside Down hadn't been seen for a couple of years. You both even bought a new apartment in Bloomington, Indiana, which was only an hour's drive south of Hawkins at most. Staying in Hawkins wasn't an option after everything that had happened, but you chose not to go too far because your friends and family still lived there. Eddie’s criminal charges were lifted with Hopper’s help, but sadly, Chrissy’s case remains open. Your heart goes out to her family, and you wish you could tell them the truth, but it was for the best they didn't know.

Eddie worked at a game store during the day, but some nights he still played with his band. They had gained a bit of fame, though there was still room for growth. The lead guitarist being charged with murder had definitely drawn some attention.

You were currently a senior at Indiana University Bloomington, in your last semester, so what was currently happening wasn't exactly ideal. It wasn't bad, just unexpected and not the best timing.

You stared down at the test in your hand—two pink lines. You were pregnant. Eddie Munson was the father. Tears started to form, and you quickly wiped them away. It hadn't really sunk in yet. Sure, your hormones were screaming at you now, but you needed to tell him. Eddie was at work and wouldn't be home for a couple of hours, giving you time to prepare.

Eddie walked through the front door with groceries in hand. He tossed them down on the table before making his way to the kitchen. After setting out the groceries, he grabbed a bottle of water and headed into the bedroom where you were. Upon opening the door, he saw you and gave a soft smile.

"Hey, babe."

Eddie returned your smile and kissed you gently on the lips.

"How was work?"

"Busy as usual," he replied, sitting down next to you.

"Don't work yourself too hard. I need you in one piece," you playfully scolded.

"I'll try not to, love," Eddie said, wrapping an arm around you and pulling you closer. You rested your head against his chest, sighing deeply. You cherished these moments of tranquility with him.

"I'll make us some dinner, babe. What sounds good?" Eddie asked, kissing your forehead.

"Chicken pot pie? Or maybe some chicken Alfredo," you suggested.

"Sounds perfect!" Eddie exclaimed before heading to the kitchen.

After dinner, you both sat on the couch watching television until your stomach began to churn. 'Now is the perfect time. You should tell him now!' you thought to yourself.

Eddie glanced over at you. "Y/N, everything okay?" he asked.

"Yes! Yeah, I’m fine! I actually have a small present for you..." you trailed off, trying to mask your nervousness.

"It’s not my birthday, is it?" Eddie joked.

"No, of course not!" you chuckled nervously.

"Then why did you get me a gift, princess?"

"I...uhm..." you paused, taking a deep breath. "Remember when we went grocery shopping about three weeks ago?" Eddie nodded. "I couldn't buy any of my normal shampoos because they made me nauseous," you explained.

"What does this have to do with the gift, princess? Did you get me shampoo?" Eddie teased.

This made you roll your eyes as you ran to your bedroom. When you emerged, you were holding a box.

You carefully set it down next to Eddie on the sofa. The two of you stared silently at it for a moment.

"Open it, please," you urged.

Eddie lifted the lid slowly and stared inside at the contents. His eyes landed on the smallest pair of shoes he had ever seen. Almost as if they were for...

"Is this.. Are you...?"

"Are you pregnant?" he whispered.

You nodded shyly. A smile slowly spread across Eddie's face. He stood up, ran towards you, and threw himself into your arms.

"We’re having a baby! We’re actually having a baby!" he exclaimed.

"I’m really scared right now," you admitted, holding onto him tightly.

"Scared about what? What do you mean by scared? Do you want to keep the baby?" Eddie questioned urgently.

You nodded again. "Of course, I want to keep the baby, but we don’t have the money. Eddie, I am about to graduate college, and you still work at a gaming store."

"I actually have something to tell you," Eddie announced, his grin widening.

"Well then, spit it out."

"We got signed," he stated.

"What?! But how?!"

"Corroded Coffin got offered a record deal last night. There was a music producer in the crowd," Eddie revealed. "I was keeping it as a surprise."

He grinned.

"That’s amazing! So, what now?"

"Well, maybe find a house. I love this apartment, but it might be best given the new developments," Eddie joked.

"Okay, fair point. The neighbors are probably tired of us anyway," you replied with a giggle.

"It's not my fault you are so loud," Eddie laughed in reply.

The two of you continued discussing possible house locations after finishing dinner. By that point, the sun had set, causing the stars to shine brightly above you through the living room window.

"Mommy, can you come here?" your daughter called from the living room. You walked in and held out your hand for her to take.

"Here! Look!" she exclaimed. Your husband was on television playing with Corroded Coffin. "Look, Mommy! He's on TV! Dad mentioned you! I think he likes you," she added, giggling.

You smiled down at your child.

"I sure hope he does," you responded, kissing her forehead.

"This next song is for my wife, Y/N, and my daughter, Chloe! Chloe, if you're watching this, go to bed!" your husband shouted in the middle of his performance, causing you to laugh.

"Why?" Chloe complained.

"Because tomorrow morning you have to go to school!" you answered.

Chloe rolled her eyes before climbing off the couch. Her little feet lightly padded as she headed to her room.

You smiled, watching Eddie perform his heart out on the late-night show. Even though you both were a little older now, he never cut his hair, and you watched him wildly bang his head to the music, playing his guitar.

After a year of playing and an album going platinum, Eddie had moved you and a much younger Chloe to a pretty good home where you have been living your lives. You two also got married in between that. It was a fast wedding, but you wouldn't have had it any other way.

Maybe there are such things as happy accidents.

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[follow-up-news]

After roughly 20 years of development, HrSR (higher-speed rail)* with speeds up to 110 mph will be in effect as of June 26 on Amtrak’s 284-mile Chicago-St. Louis corridor, on Lincoln Service and Missouri River Runner trains (300, 301, 302, 305, 306, 307, 318 and 319), as well as on the Texas Eagle. Trip time is reduced by 15 minutes from 90-mph run times and 30 minutes from 79-mph run times—less than two hours from Chicago to Bloomington-Normal and less than three hours to Springfield, with end-to-end St. Louis-Chicago schedules of under five hours. HrSR was a joint effort of the Illinois DOT, Amtrak and primary host Class I Union Pacific, plus numerous consultants led by WSP USA. Other host railroads on the corridor are CN, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), and Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA). The project involved track upgrades, double-tracking, PTC and other infrastructure improvements. The shorter schedules, combined with new Siemens Charger diesel-electric locomotives and state-owned Amtrak Midwest Venture cars, also from Siemens, “we are completing a full makeover of this corridor service,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. Project cost came in just under $2 billion, including $1.66 billion in funding from a 2010 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant.

[professorpski]

1930s Autumnal Velvet from Indiana University

I have long thought browns don't get any respect and this delightful printed velvet dress confirmed my belief that they deserve a lot. This is a soft silk and/or rayon velvet printed in brown, orange and tan which was then trimmed in brown velvet and gold metal for the tie and the belt. The pictures do not do it justice as it simply glows with color because of the nature of velvet which catches the light so beautifully. I would happily wear it come fall.

The collar and tie are one of the many clever necklines invented during the 1930s. This one has tunnels around the sides of the neck to hold the tie which is then tacked at the back and shaped into a bow in the front with the help of the metal piece. The bow is large and shaped and stiffened with some kind of interfacing inside. The waistline returned to its normal spot by the mid-1930s and hemlines dropped to lower calf, but skirts always had some kind of flare below the knee whether from a pleat, a godet or the cut of several gored panels. There was always a little flirty swing as a woman walked, and in velvet, the skirt would catch the light in a playful way. You can see how the bodice is shaped with a piece that comes up from the waistline in a soft curve and then gathers above to shape the bustline. It has long sleeves gathered at the cuffs, and a long shaped skirt.

Being in velvet, which is a delicate fabric despite its thickness, this is a dressy daytime outfit, something for a luncheon or a tea or an afternoon concert. The colors make me think of fall, and back to school events. Which makes this a good time to share it, I thought.

I had the pleasure of seeing highlights of the Elizabeth Sage Historic Costume Collection, Indiana University at Bloomington in the company of the Curator/Director Kelly Richardson. This collection is part of the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design about which you can find more here: https://eskenazi.indiana.edu/index.html