#christian cage fan fiction

[bullet-clubs-bitch]

Anyway I can request a Christian Cage x Copeland!Reader fic? The reader is married to Christian and they have their own little family together and while Adam is under the influence of Malakai Black’s mist he ends up injuring his baby sister since when he sees her it reminds him of the long standing feud he and his childhood best friend and his baby sister’s husband just went through and when Adam ends up hurting her, Christian makes sure to do everything in his power to make sure the love of his life is taken care of and protected?

The Kings of The Black Throne

Christian Cage X fem reader

Warnings: Blood, violence, injury

Main Masterlist Christian Cage Masterlist

An: I wrote another Christian Cage x Adam Copelands little sister fic that you can find HERE if you are interested. (I quite enjoy that fic)

For weeks now The House of Black had been after Adam. I watched on a weekly basis as the men beat him to a pulp and tried to brainwash him into joining their group. At first I enjoyed watching the torturous events take place but now I couldn't help but feel that all of this was more than getting Adam to join their cult. “Are you alright? You seem on edge?” Christian asked me. “I just have a bad feeling about all of this” “Why? You should be happy he’s finally leaving us alone” Christian told me. “I know but what could The House of Black want from him. Truly. He has nothing to offer them Christian. I can’t help but think that maybe, just maybe there's something bigger going on here” Christian had a point, I should have been happy that Adam was finally leaving us alone. He’s done nothing but cause trouble since the moment he stepped in AEW. He still couldn't accept the relationship between Christian and I. 15 years and three kids later he still couldn't accept it. He tried to tear my family apart, he tried to take the TNT title but of course he was no match for the patriarchy. 

Tonight our adopted son Nick Wayne was scheduled to have a match against Daniel Garcia on Dynamite. As the two of us got ready to go I ended up running into Adam, he had a dark look in his eyes. I didn’t think much of it, we had a match to win. The match was going well, everything was according to plan when all of a sudden the lights went out. Out of instinct I jumped into the ring and stood in front of Nick. That gut feeling had returned and was stronger than ever. Just then the lights turned on. I should have known The House of Black would be behind all of this. What did they want from us? “What the fuck do you want?” I spat at Malakai. “Trust me when I say it’s not you that I want. Who I’m after is your brother, Adam Copeland” “You can have him, I don’t fucking want him” “I really don’t want to be doing this sweatheart, I actually admire you but as much as you hate your brother I know he loves you” What was he talking about? Just then I felt it. The burning sensation of Malakai’s Mist. I could hear Nick’s screams of help but I couldn't do anything, I had been blinded by the mist. I was defenseless, Brody and Buddy held me down while Julia handcuffed Nick to the ring ropes. I couldn't see much but I noticed a dark figure match down towards the ring. I assumed it was Christian but was shocked when I saw Adam stand before me. 

“This is your final test” Malakai said to Adam as he handed him a steel chair. “Do it” he spat. “Think about all the harm she has caused you. Think about what she put you through. She cost you the TNT championship, she cost you your best friend. You are all alone Adam, your family, everyone you loved, gone. All of this is Y/n’s fault. Prove to us you are worthy. Join us, join us as we take over All Elite Wrestling. Join us on our quest to capturing the TNT championship” 

I knew it, I knew they were using him. They wanted to use me to get to Adam to get to Christian. It was a long plan, they took months planning this. Would it have been easier to ask Christian for a title shot? Absolutely but I must say I respected this plan of theirs. 

I could see the hesitation in Adam’s eyes. He couldn't do it, he was too weak. Just then I saw Julia whisper something in Adam’s ear. I didn’t know what she told him but I could see the effect it had on him. His eyes had turned black, the look on his face was cold and dead. They stole his soul. I don’t know what happened after that. All I remembered was waking up in a hospital bed. 

“You’re awake, how are you feeling baby?” Christian asked me carefully. “Where’s Nick?” I asked “Is he okay?” “Nick’s fine, he’s okay. It’s you that I’m worried about” He said as he carefully brushed his fingers on the fresh stitched on my skull. “What happened to you?” I asked him as I noticed his busted lip. “You were right about The House of Black. They attacked you honey. I tried to get out there but they locked me and Luchasaurus in our locker room. When I got there it was too late, I’m so sorry baby” I could see the tears start to form in his eyes as he spoke. “I should have listened to you, I should have been there to protect you. I failed you” I carefully wiped the tears that fell from his face. “It's okay, I’m okay” I told him reassuringly “No it’s not okay. I had to watch Adam crack your skull open with that chair and I could do nothing about it. I couldn't do anything when you were blinded by that mist. I watched them beat you to unconscious and I could do nothing about it. I really hoped my issues with Adam were over but it seems like they have just begun. I promise that I will do everything I can to get my revenge. I am going to take out the house of black one by one before I kill Adam with my bare hands. I will not rest until they pay for what they have done.” 

[nevereverafter45]

About A Girl| WWE|1

@prettyinpayne | @ohnoitsthebat

masterlist

After finding out that the truth about their budding relationship with Chris Jericho and Christian Cage was all a sham. A bet. Trish Stratus and Lita find out that they have a lot more in common than just being played.

This is going to be set after they find out about the bet leading up to and after the 2003 Battle of the Sexes. Also, I am going to kind of ignore the relationship Lita had with Matt Hardy. And that’s mostly because I can’t stand Matt Hardy. This is also going to be the first very short story (10 chapters) in Ajay Reso (Ashton Hardcastle) ‘s series. And the second story in Scotlynn McMahon’s series. Also, I'm making the bet happening outside of kayfabe too. 

Chapter 1: I Can’t Believe It

Trish Stratus shook her head as she paced the length of the crowded locker room, tears still clear in her eyes that were fixed on the floor. She couldn’t believe that this whole time she was being played like a damn fool. That the relationship and feelings that she had for Jericho and that he had for her were all a fucking bet. A plaything, a means to an end.  She shook her head and clenched her fists as she kept pacing.

 “T, would you relax?” Her redhead counterpart Lita said from where she was sitting on the bench, “They are men there is no reason to get so damn upset about it.” 

“How can you be so relaxed about this?” The Canadian asked more distress than before. 

“I am not. I’m pissed as hell about it but acting like this and crying over them isn’t going to do anything.” She said standing and folding her arms, “Does it suck that we got played for a fucking Canadian dollar? You’re damn right it does. I hate that they did this to us. They took advantage of our feelings and the whole world saw it.” 

Trish nodded her head leaning against the nightstand, “What do we do then?” “We get even babe, we get even.” 

Trish nodded her head raising her eyes to look at her.

 Lita pushed her fingers through her fiery red hair and licked her lips. She wasn’t quite sure what they would do to get even but she sure the hell was going to try to make this better. 

By any means necessary. Even if that meant calling Ashton, Christian’s younger sister, to try and talk sense into her brother or even Jericho. Both of them listened to her for the most part. 

---

Anger was burning through Christian Cage as he shoved his items back into his bag. 

“How the hell did they find out about this? I thought we were more careful about this.” “We were!” Chris Jericho stressed. 

“Then how the hell did they find out?” Jericho shrugged, “I have no idea, they are women, they are sneaky.” 

Christian let out an angry sigh as he yanked the zipper up on his bag, “Well now everything is ruined.”

 “It’s not ruined, we just need to get them back. It can’t be that hard.” Jericho commented, folding his arms across his chest, “They will be easy to win back into our favor. We just have to woo them back.” 

Christian turned to look at him, how could he say that? There was no way they could easily woo them back into their arms. They were pissed and pissed at them for doing this. 

“It’s not going to work and you know it.” He said, “We are in deep shit. At least Bischoff is on our side about this. And we can use that to our advantage.” 

Chris shook his head as he moved away from his friend; there was no way they were going to forgive them. No way.  

“Don’t get him involved, he will hold it over our heads for the rest of our careers.”

Christian grinned and patted his shoulder before walking out of the locker room to talk to Raw's general manager. 

Bischoff may be sleazy but at least he knew how to get things done. And he hated Trish and Lita almost as Christian did right then.

  He would be a good ally going forward whether Jericho saw it that way or not. Seeing Trish and Lita exit the locker room, he paused and smirked. 

At the end of the day, he was still going to win the bet and seal the deal with Lita. 

Feeling his eyes on her, Lita glared at him and pushed him roughly. Trish followed steps behind her, scoffing as she passed.

 He turned his head watching them walk, then walking like this was only making him want it more. 

***

Lita waited until she heard the shower turn on and she picked up her phone and scrolled through the contacts until she found Ashton's contact information and pressed the button, it rang once, twice then, “Hey Li, give me a second.’  The background noise went quiet and she came back, “sorry I'm just getting ready to go back home and the dorm is crowded.”  The former Queen of Extreme had forgotten that the younger Reso sibling had started her first semester at Northwestern that summer and put her wrestling aspirations on hold. “What's up?”  

“Have you talked to your brother lately?” 

“Which one?”  There was an underlying amount of hurt in her voice, and the older woman felt like a tool, both Christian and Ajay had been informed that they had a younger half-brother and possibly a younger half-sister. The older sibling had turned more devious, more selfish. And Ashton, she wasn’t sure about. Edge, whom she had been in contact with while he was out on injury mentioned that she had almost shut down and then went to Ohio with her roommate and a couple of her friends but the results were unknown even to Edge whom she told everything to. “How are you doing with that? “

 “Lita, which brother?”   

“The one that you share a mother with.”   

“No, I have been busy with finals. What happened?” 

“They placed a bet on who would bed Trish or me first.” 

“They did what?”  

“For one Canadian dollar.” 

Ashton let out a disbelieving laugh, “A goddamn Canadian dollar? Are you kidding me? You are so out of his league.”  Lita smirked, she knew getting the younger girl involved in this was a good idea. “What do you need me to do?” 

[transfemme-shelterdog]

Timothy Francis LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins have had an insurmountable impact on modern Christianity, and some of you aren't ready to have this conversation.

For those who aren't aware, these two men are the authors of the Left Behind series of books, which has 16 books, 5 movies, and a children's book series, that follows a group of people from the Rapture, onto the end of the Tribulation period, where Jesus comes back for a mighty war to wipe out the forces of Satan.

This book series was arguably the next most popular book, next to the Bible, and still is, for many Christians. Enter any thrift shop, and you're guaranteed to find at least a few of these books in the used books section.

These books are essentially AO3 fan-fiction where the authors took vague symbolism from AD 81–96, and applied it to modern geo-politics, and invented a whole storyline to fit the two author's views on things such as Judaism, Catholicism, the United Nations, Liberal Secularism, and other concepts that are either not in the Bible, or are completely different from our modern understanding of it (Judaism has evolved from the times of Jesus for example).

This book series took what was essentially a fringe view from the 1800s, that's not even held by a lot of denominations today, and made it mainstream and easy to market through average level prose.

So, how has one series that is really only known for shitty Nick Cage films, and books that aren't really seen outside of church libraries affected non-Christians globally?

Well, global warming for example. Many, many, people think that because "Jesus is coming back soon" that we don't need to do anything to prevent the destruction of the world we live in, because it's all going to be gone in a few years anyways, so why should I care?

They often cite the book of Genesis, where God pledges to never kill the world again with water, and by their logic, the ice caps can't be melting because God promised to never flood the world again.

Many policy decisions also center around this, such as global support for Israel by Conservative and Liberal (yes, even Liberals, who are often Christian too) parties, as there's this ongoing belief that one must support Israel, as they're a vital part in "End Time's Prophecy", and that any day now, the Anti-Christ will arise in the Middle East, preform miracles, and be declared the Messiah (falsely), which then starts the war of Gog and Magog, with Russia, Syria, and other countries around the globe partaking in it.

Name any modern shitty policy, and it can be traced back to the concept of the Rapture. Abortion? Anti-Trans/Gay laws? Gun control? All of these have links to Pre-Millennial Dispensationalism.

Some scholars have written on this, such as Bart Ehrman when he wrote the book Armageddon, but I have yet to see any scholar write about the more nitty gritty stuff that you see from pastors and random schmucks on YouTube, that I've seen growing up in a family that believes in this stuff.

Hard to believe that a letter written about a conspiracy theory back ~1950 years ago, is being used to backslide human rights and throw gas on the extinction of life on the planet.

Thanks John Nelson Darby!

[talenlee]

October 2023 Wrapup

Dread Month draws to a close! The spookiest of nights, the dawn of the dead, the uh, thing! We shed our shackles and dance in our bones, and tomorrow, go about the business of being people, once again, sloughing out into the drawing heat and the growing, burning, hateful light of a sun that resents us and we celebrate in spite of it. You know, the normal and natural way everyone relates to this time of the year.

Alright, let’s do the Game Pile articles!

Don’t Go In There, a dice chucker board game made in a charming dice tower

Backwater, a really interesting TTRPG about a post-apocalyptic vision of the parts of America that are allowed to stay permanently soggy

Phantom Ink, a hidden information ghosty game in the vein of Mysterium

Carrion, a video recreation of one of my favourite articles to read aloud from 2020

Then there’s the Story Pile!

Bloodthirsty Hearts, a fiction podcast about queer girls fighting gargoyle vampires at a convention in which they learn the valuable lessons that all systems of privilege and power aren’t as important as talking to your gay crush.

The Lighthouse, a black and white movie about what enters you when you take yourself far away from everything and empty yourself.

Jujutsu Kaisen, spoiler-free, a contextualising post about how a great Shounen Battle Anime with horror elements make the idea of shounen anime nonsense.

John Carpenter’s Halloween, from 1978, a movie that is both way better than I expected, and full of all sorts of deliberate choices that people seem to replicate for no good reasons.

Willy’s Wonderland, which is, unironically a Five Nights At Freddies fan movie made by Nicolas Cage in a month and really quite good!

This month also featured a somewhat bumper load of D&D content. First, I did some worldbuilding for Cobrin’Seil, both in revealing a new location, Uxaion, which is a necrocybermagepunk city. It’s an adventure city where you can contend with economic harm and threats, and where you can also just murder your way through cops that only respect the utility of your body as a potential undead – it’s a place for wight privilege. Then I also presented the player backgrounds for characters you could make from the Szudetken province. Along with that, I made an article about Evil Gods, and the antisemitism built into the framework of the D&D Lich, and since I was just in the territory, I made fun of the 4e D&D Vampire character class, even though I think it’s a great idea. Then, in this month’s How To Be article, where I got to hold high Harrowhark Nonagesimus, drowned sad vomiting goth of the Locked Tomb franchise, I also gave a long-form discussion of how to translate a prominent, small-cast character’s vibes in a team based game.

Up here, there’s also room to talk about an OC, Z3R0, and about the ongoing, relentless onslaught of capitalism in the creation of more than half of all valid Commander cards in the past five years.

This being October, I once again did a set of Dread Readings. I know that a lot of my friends have never partaken of a lot of classic, historically important horror media. At first, Dread Readings were Lovecraft Stories, trying to make the difficult readings of his old texts into something more approachable. Then, the year after, I started picking up short stories from other, equally classic horror material that could help – in my opinion – familiarise people with different kinds of horror that you know, didn’t just continue being Lovecraft.

This year, the four Dread Readings are:

HP Lovecraft’s The Thing On The Doorstep, which I bring up as the time Lovecraft dabbled in issues of gender.

A chapter excerpt from Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind In The Willows, in which Mole and Rat meet the Horned King, a totally normal thing to randomly have in an otherwise pretty Christian book!

Destiny’s No Rez For The Weary, a lore tab entry from a videogame. I liked it because it’s horror in a science fantasy space that isn’t

Paul Jenning’s Granddad’s Gifts, a haunting story from an Australian kid’s author. This is a story I really like as an example of horror used to a different romantic effect than just fear.

It wouldn’t be October, the ongoing Dread Month, without some real downer articles. Do you want to read me being a huge downer? No? Okay, well, here are links anyway. I wrote about the Silent Hill Wiki Circumcision Incident, about how we examine the death toll of Chernobyl, about the way we all live the life of Lovecraft’s horror, about the creation of an alternate reality in the form of all media that wants to pretend the Pandemic never happened, and most of all, the horror of a history seeing suicide by immolation become more common. Know what really sucks? Since writing that article I remembered the Arab Spring was kicked off by another one!

Next up, what about this month’s T-Shirt? Since I’ve been watching Jujutsu Kaisen, this horse meme and the narrative of the series came together:

This design was one of those ones where I, with enough work, was able to put together a few variations. Redbubble lets me stick things in collections, and so, here! Have a collection for your consideration of which version looks best to you.

Work-wise, this month is the tail end of semester, which means I have been, I think, marking student work every single day of this month. I’m trying to make sure my students are getting attention they need, and still also provide plans to my cohort of teachers about how we can refine these subjects going forward. This is in addition to my phd work, which…

It’s weird?

I’m excited to work more on my phd tomorrow morning. Like I am genuinely thinking about the stuff I stopped working on today and want to pick up tomorrow. There’s a mindset shift on that front that’s been really hard to get my head around. I’m glad of it.

I’m also kind of boiling with game ideas, and without a theme – and with the upcoming no effort november vibes I’m aiming for… we might see more chill vibes going forward!

Check it out on PRESS.exe to see it with images and links!

[danoscigarette]

Eli Sunday x f!Reader

Chapter I - My Body is a Cage

Summary: A young girl and her religious family move to Little Boston - the only problem is the reader is faithless. With no other choice, her family turns to the likes of a young pastor to rekindle the lord’s flame and penetrate her with the Holy Spirit.

Warnings: misogyny, nothing too heavy right now, religious trauma, eventual smut so 18+

A/N: Just a warning,,,,I haven’t even watched There Will Be Blood yet but I’ve found myself on Eli Sunday TikTok and I had to write this up 🥵 I did look up the plot though, so I spoiled the movie for a bit of smut - Its just who I am. - Also sorry if there are any inaccuracies in this, just overlook them 😌

I have a lot of religious trauma and this may be projected through this fan fiction. I will also update any tags if necessary!

Also I am still writing my Riddler x Reader, this little fic is what I have written between chapters so if you are having some Paul Dano brain rot - check out my longer fic: Riddle Me Witch

AFAB reader using she/her pronouns

Christ, the Lord Saviour was sent to Earth by his Heavenly Father to die for humanity's sins. This is the word that was drummed into you since you left the womb, the word that continues to ring in your ear at church and the word that you will be buried to. Religion to you was a dictation and an oppressor, especially to a young woman like you in a time such as this. 1911, a mere decade past the turn of the century and women were still held tight by religion's iron grip; this continuous mistreatment erupted into a storm within you.

The youngest of 3, your family were simple church going folk; the almost idyllic image of a good Christian household. You however, were the exception. Called a spoiled brat by most, hysterical by others, you internally spat at the floor whenever you heard the word of the 'Lord'. Your disdain for the Christian religion eventually lead you to lose your faith completely. You'd ask questions, something which was a 'no-no' in your household, making blasphemous remarks and even mocked the Bible. Your poor family tried their best to tame you, to teach you, to brain wash you to no avail.

It came as a detriment to them, you were always chaperoned in case you misspoke in public, not that you were stupid enough to do that considering it was a punishable offence. Other than church, your parents had kept you away from formal functions and parties - especially events that included alcohol. If you weren’t already bold, the alcohol certainly brought out your passionate anti-religious speeches.

Another issue your parents had was being unable to marry you off to some good man. All you encounter were either stupid, cowardly or had zero tolerance to your headstrong personality. Things became worse when your father died; he at least used to keep you in check. You'd allow no man to dominate you, no man would dare. Even at both of your sisters wedding, the gentlemen who'd approach you would soon turn on their heel and run head fast away from you - and you liked it this way. You could be independent forever, the master of your own life.

That was until your mother remarried. You kept out of your family's business for the most part so your mother finding love again was the least of your worries; that was the case before discovering your step-father, Joe and his plans. He wishes to move you and your family to a place called Little Boston, California. Apparently, being a young girl in her 20s and unmarried was quite the unfortunate state of events - your family's reputation was at stake. If you had chased away all of the men in your town then god see to it that he will find you a husband in another.

The idea sprung to mind when your step-father was offered a job out there which promised oil. Your mother and him thought it be a great idea to place you in a different, more enclosed environment - to break your spirit down, make you vulnerable and willing to accept Jesus and be a meek woman like a good baptised lady should. Needless to say, you weren't thrilled by the idea. And by that, you threw a fit of rage. You might have been the dark sheep of the family, but in your home town you had the community, you had friends and even a chance at a future for yourself.

You understood completely why they wanted to take you, fuck the oil job, they were punishing you into submission. Your family dragged you kicking and screaming to Little Boston, no amount of comforting words sated your fury. But here you are, sat in your new house, in your new bedroom, sulking into a chair and staring out the window. It was an almost barren land, the sky stretched on for miles and the noise was quiet, too quiet; you enjoyed peace but this, this was eery.

Your eyes hung heavy, bags from lack of sleep and dried tears, you looked a wreck. The population in this god forsaken town was stupidly small and the combined IQ even smaller; no doubt full of religious and uneducated nut jobs considering a school has not yet been built. Your punishment.

The pressure built in your bones, rage rampant in your chest and head full of thoughts that could shame your family for generations. You could feel your whole body shake, how dare they do this to you, cornering you like an animal.

It had been 3 days since you moved in and you hadn't spoken a word to anyone, staying in your room you refused to engage with your oppressors. That was until you saw a group of people approach your house, you look down and notice a young girl and three men; two who were quite obviously identical twins. Staying out of sight, you listen to your step-fathers interaction with them - it was them welcoming your family to the community and that you should pay the "Sunday's" a visit for dinner.

As they walked away, you stayed staring out at the window, catching another glimpse of the party; in doing so, one of the twins had turned back and noticed you. For a split second you considered hiding but instead, you held eye contact with him - an interesting looking fellow dressed all in black and wearing a cross around his neck; another religious nut. Even so, you couldn't help but stare, even when he turned around and carried on walking, you watched him disappear with his family.

"Y/N..." you hear a knock at the door, turning to it, you accept their entrance to see your mother. Despite feeling immense anger, your mother held an air of comfort, especially when you are feeling emotional. It's almost as if the more you feel, the less strong-willed you felt. "How are you doing darlin'?" She comes to sit on the bed close enough to place a hand on your lap. You hesitatingly take it in yours, playing with her fingers lightly.

"Well, I have made my thoughts quite clear" you begin, raising an eyebrow. "But I am surprised at how lovely the weather is" it was the only thing you could really say that was positive. As much as you wanted to keep your wilful persona, you mother occasionally brought out the softer side of you; she had been through a lot as it is and you knew how much of a nuisance you could be towards her.

"Isn't it just lovely?" Your mother had a sweet Texan accent, it was gentle and dainty, much like her as a person. "I would say that would be mighty fine to explore this place, wouldn't you?"

You don't respond at first, calming yourself before answering. Your mother was really trying with you and you wouldn't forgive yourself for shouting at her so soon upon arrival. "Perhaps we can walk about the town once we are all settled"

"Oh Y/N!" Your mother threw her arms around you with a squee, you welcomed her with cautious affection; you really didn't want to explore (not that there was much to explore anyway) but you wanted to meet her part way at least. "Okay but first, we had a little visit from our neighbours, they wish to host a dinner for us as a little welcome! Now waddaya say?"

'No' was the thought that came to mind, you give her an unsure expression. "They could be crooks mama" you doubt it, but anything to put your mother off you'll say.

"Oh don't be silly Y/N, the Sundays are a reputable family they mean no 'arm. The two sons are also unaccounted for" she gives you a cheeky wink, you pull a grimace in return.

"Don't even think about it Ma"

Oh but she did, and she does. Your mother gives you her best puppy dog eyes and holds your hand close to her chest.

"Fine" you exhale out, your mother reaches in for another aggressive hug. You feel slightly defeated, but getting to know the community may help you gage what kind of company you'll be sharing in the future.

"This will be a delightful occasion, but my my Y/N you look like you could do with a week's rest!"

"Will you let me rest for that long?"

"And miss church? I don't think so"

And that was that, you had agreed to a dinner party. You could kick yourself with how quickly you allowed yourself to be convinced to engage in any of your family's shenanigans. But there you were, a Saturday night in June, putting on your forget-me-not blue dress to meet the Sunday family. You hadn't intended on looking particularly nice for this mystery family, however, there was a side of you that wanted to look so good that you'd be intimidating; but then again, you didn't want to look like a common whore either.

"Oh Miss Y/N you look like the prettiest peach in spring" you hear a soft feminine voice chirp. Turning towards the door, you see Vi and Elizabeth, your sisters, poking their head through the frame; grins plastered on their faces.

"Get out of here" you joke, waving your hands to shoo them away.

"Ah come on sis, we're all waiting on ya!" Liz pulls at your arm

"And you will wait even longer" You try to slap Liz's hand away to no avail. Violet and Elizabeth are already married women, Violet being the eldest already had a child on the way. Their husbands Mark and Jason were also (conveniently) offered the job to work with your step-father and decided to move to Little Boston as well.

"Come here, we got a surprise for you" Violet spins you in front of your mirror. "Now please, don't take it off I know what you're like" she wraps a gold chain around your neck, hanging from it was a delicate cross. Your eyes widened.

"Vi! I can't accept this...I don't-"

"Hush now, we are eating with the first family to greet us. We at least have to make a good impression"

You give in, once again; perhaps the new environment had softened you (though you blamed your sleep deprivation) and accepted it. You couldn't lie though, it was a very pretty necklace, whether it was a religious symbol or not.

Walking down the stairs, you could see your mother marvel up at you, she looked like she was on the verge of tears. 'It's not exactly my wedding day' you grumble to yourself. Jason and your step-father Joe had far too much work on their hands to attend any fancy meal, so you it was just you, your sisters, Mark and your mother to attend.

Arriving at the Sunday's house, you are greeted by a young man with a friendly face; this was Paul Sunday. Upon entry he shook all of your hands and you all each gave him a polite smile; except for you - you smiled but it was more civil than it was warm.

"So this is us" Paul spread his arms out to show off his family. "This is my little sister, Mary, my father Abel, my mother Ruth and" finally he waves his hand in his brothers direction. "This is my brother, Eli"

You hold your breath as you look at him, up close he was far more…intense than he was through your window. It astonished you to his likeness of his twin brother except, he was different somehow. More refined perhaps.

'Eli' you repeat in your mind, you notice the same obnoxious cross he wore around his neck. You dismiss all curiosity and enforce those walls again; you may be here for food, but you weren't about to make friends.

"Well hello everyone! This is my family! We have my 3 beautiful daughters, Violet, Elizabeth (and her husband Mark) and Y/N" Your mother reaches out her hand in your direction, you give a little wave with an awkward smile that clearly shows you didn’t want to be there.

Your eyes return to Eli, he is full on staring at you which kind of creeped you out a little. You give him another polite smile before your family take their seats around a table. There were many a pleasant conversation shared amongst the families, you remained silent throughout except for whenever there was a question directed at you. Apparently, Eli was the pastor at the local church, you force yourself not to say anything at this, you just sat there and listened to the drivel about how religion is important blah blah blah.

Neither you or Eli had spoken directly, occasionally exchanging in a few glances here and there. You could feel your palms sweating just thinking about looking at him for longer than a few seconds; for some reason this pipsqueak had made you feel on edge and you couldn't pinpoint why. The dinner continued on, you didn't like to admit it, but the food was actually delicious and far exceeded that of your family's rations for the last few days.

"So tell me Y/N, what's a sweet thang like you doin' unmarried?" Abel asks, you almost chocked on your food. Your mother turns towards you sympathetically and then back to the rest of the party.

"My littl'un has had some trouble over the years..."

"Trouble how?" Paul pushes, the air is thick at this point. You could almost read the room's mind, you look to either Paul or Eli, both of them were also unmarried. You definitely didn't like where this was potentially going.

Before your mother could speak you sit up straight in your seat and pick up your glass of wine. "No man could tame the horse as one could say" you let out a short laugh, the first laugh since you arrived at this cursed place.

"What- what she means to say is that she hasn't found anyone on her level" you mother tried explaining, she at least didn't put you down. "Most of the men where we come from ain't too kind to her fiery nature y'see"

“Nothing wrong with a free spirit” Ruth answered plainly, giving you a sympathetic smile

“There isn’t…but its not a…desirable quality when it comes to finding a suitor” Your mother rubs the back of her neck

“Mama” you disgruntled under your breath, placing a warning hand on her leg. There were a few moments of silence before Abel coughs into his fist.

“I see, I’m sure a bit of Little Boston’s fresh air will do you some good”

“Here here” you mother chimes in, raising a glass before taking a sip of wine. You lean back in your chair in a sulk, the heat of humiliation rising to your face.

"I see you are a lady of faith" Eli finally spoke to you, gesturing to your cross. You blink at him for a moment before realising your necklace.

"I-"

"She is a little hesitant towards religion but she is of the faith, yes" your mother spoke for you once more, panic painfully obvious in her voice.

"Then perhaps she should visit one of my sermons, I do them every Sunday"

“I’ll vouch for my son, he is really very good. I was the pastor for a while before Eli here took over” Abel added

“That sounds like an excellent idea, reinstall those good Christian values we were brought up on” Liz strokes your arm encouragingly, you really wanted to die in that moment.

You purse your lips, really biting your tongue at this point. How you wanted to rant and rave about how ridiculous it all is, but you subsided your anger however, got to keep up with appearances and all that.

"We shall see" were your only words, and they remained your only words for the rest of the evening. Eli personally saw to it a challenge, being a man of God and having so many rely on him sky rocketed his ego; if he could persuade you in any form, he would see it as his greatest achievement.

The rest of the evening was fine, an awkwardness hung in the air but it was manageable. All you wanted to do was escape this place, going somewhere on your own and live as a hermit for the rest of your life. Little Boston was nothing like your home town, the weather may be nice but you honestly couldn't say anything good about it.

[wheeler-beretta-harwood]

I answered your get to know me 20 questions and I want to get to know you better too! So I compiled a 20 list of some questions I thought were interesting (some are from the list you sent me because I liked them too). If you don’t want to answer them or answer them publicly that’s okay!

1. What’s your go-to guilty pleasure?

2. What’s your favorite quote from a tv show/movie/book?

3. What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?

4. If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?

5. What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?

6. What are you most proud of in the last year?

7. A place you want to visit?

8. What fictional character do you relate to the most?

9. Top 5 wrestlers?

10. Favorite book?

11. What fandoms are you part of besides wrestling?

12. Favorite movie?

13. Non-wrestler celebrity crush?

14. What did you want to be when you were a kid?

15. Favorite singer/band?

16. Favorite holiday?

17. What’s your favorite story trope?

18. What do you find most attractive in a person?

19. Sunny days or storms?

20. Cutest kiss? (Forehead, cheek, hand, etc.)

1. I honestly have no guilty pleasure so to speak. In real life, I am known as the nerdy book lover who knows every Disney movie by heart and has a collection of almost 500 Funko Pops. I am a walking guilty pleasure. BUT not many people know I love wrestling, mostly because I dread the "two talks":

a) But do you know it's fake?!?!?

(And because I'm a girl)

b) So you watch it for the hot naked guys?!?!

That being said, I am currently outing myself as wrestling fan because all I wear are my FTR shirts on repeat and people ask me about it.

------

2. One?! You're killing me! Okay, I can do a top 4:

“You're mad, bonkers, completely off your head, but I'll tell you a secret... all of the best people are.”

Alice in Wonderland

"Your name is a golden bell hung in my heart."

The Last Unicorn (I actually have this tattooed around my wrist)

"Curiousity is the strongest force in the universe because it can overcone the two strongest braking forces in the universe: reason, and fear."

The City of Dreaming Books (losely translated by me)

Never cowardly or cruel. Never give up. Never give in .

Doctor Who

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3. Our dogs greeting me when I come home, the smell of freshly mowed lawn, and having some comments/notifications on my writing.

-----------

4. I am not that much into owning an exotic animal. I like fluffy cute ones that I can pet and cuddle...so, if you want to count it as exotic, definitely a fennec. Those huge ears. And they're foxes 🤩

-----------

5. Decaydance Fest 2007. My three favorite bands at the time in one evening: Fall Out Boy, The Academy Is, and Cobra Starship. I was in heaven. And at the end of it, I got to meet the singer of CS, Gabe Saporta. Such a nice guy, and to this day, the only celebrity I've met.

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

6. Oh my...a tough call. I am generally never proud of anything, because I am a rather mediocre person. Okay at a lot of things, but not good at anything specific. If you're calling me out like this, I'll say this: I am proud I finally started writing (again). Is it my anchor in stormy weather.

---------

7. The Holy Trinity of places I want to visit: Chicago, Ireland, Iceland.

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8. The first that came to my mind is Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter. A weirdo, a loner, but a dedicated friend. I love her so much.

---------

9. No. 1 will forever be Cash Wheeler/FTR. Because these two little shitheads helped me so much with conquering my depression. For years, I haven't done anything I've enjoyed in the past. And they got me back into writing and drawing. And I've met some of the greatest people because we share the love for FTR. I basically owe them every good thing I have in life right now. ( I always get so freaking emotional when it's about these two)

No. 2: Christian Cage. My first real wrestling crush, and I still love him today

No. 3: Trent Beretta. He's just so criminally underrated. I feel like everybody is sleeping on him. And he is so hilarious. And gorgeous.

No. 4: MJF. Everything he touches turns to gold. And he's still so young. It's only gonna get better from here on. And I can't wait to see what he can do.

No. 5: Kenny Omega. I have said it before, but there is just something about the way he moves in the ring. It's almost poetic. I get mezmerized every time he wrestles.

-----------

10. RUMO by Walter Moers. It's just so beautiful. Everything about it. But literally any of his Zamonia books are wonderful. I could ramble on about it forever it, but I'm biting my tongue right now.

-----------

11. Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Doctor Who, Marvel, Batman, and Disney are my main thing. And the Zamonia fandom mentioned above.

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

12. It's either Edward Scissorhands (first movie that made me cry because I connected so much with Edward) or V for Vendetta. And, of course, the Lord of the Rings movies.

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

13. Chris Evans.

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

14. First a vet, until I realized I had to put animals down. So no, thank you. Then a lawyer, but I'm too stupid for that, then a profiler. But that wasn't a real thing in Germany back in the day.

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

15. Fall Out Boy. I've loved them since I was a teenager, and I've grown up with them. I will (hopefully) never get sick of them.

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

16. I wish Halloween had been a thing here in Germany when I was younger. I would've loved getting all dressed up. In my heart, I just know it's my favorite holiday, even though I've never REALLY celebrated it.

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

17. Hmmm, I don't know. Pining? What I do love are slowburn stories. Because although I can imagine crushing on someone right away, it will forever be a mystery to me how people can fall in love so fast. I'm such a slow person with this... probably why my ass is still single, noone has enough time for slow me.

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

18. The two sexiest traits in my opinion: humor and intelligence. There is nothing hotter than a guy that can make me laugh and have a deep conversation with me about anything. That's borderline orgasmic.

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

19. Storms. I'm not sure if one can tell by my writing *cough*, but I am not a summer, beach type of Person. I get a sunburn so easily, I even once had a heatstroke. No fun. The sun just doesn't like me all that much.

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

20. An ex always kissed the tip of my nose. It was so intimate and innocent at the same time. And I am such a sucker for temple kisses. I love these so much, that's probably why they're in almost every fanfic I ever wrote.

[anthonysstupiddailyblog]

Anthony's Stupid Daily Blog (734): Thu 21st Mar 2024

I'm going to have to take Lucy to the vets because she's making this weird clicking noise with her mouth and I suspect she may have another infection in her teeth or gums. Last time this happened she had to have a bunch of her teeth removed and now I'm worried that she might need to have the rest of them taken out. I know the idea sounds absolutely horrible but at the end of the day it's better for her to have no teeth than infected teeth but it does mean all she'll be able to eat will be her regular dog food. I don't know what the vet will even suggest given that Lucy has to be at least fifteen years old at this point so I don't know if they would even bother going through with an operation but I have to at least book an appointment to get an opinion from a professional. This afternoon I went to the town to do a bank transfer to the automatic car driving lesson company. On the bus ride there I read more of Gather Yourself Together. As Philip K Dick's first novel there's not a science fiction element as this wouldn't become his area of expertise until a few novels in but there's still some good stuff to be found in this book and there is still his trademark sense of fear and trepidation in the face of advancing technology and changing landscapes / cultures. There's a cool moment where Carl, Verne and Barbara leave the empty construction site and go check out an abandoned bungalow where they bemoan the rare books and antiques will now likely just be destroyed. This strikes a chord with me because I always get this feeling whenever I see that a longstanding business or building or TV series is about to end because to me it's like all the memories of all those associated with them also disappear which seems like such a shame. I made the deposit and got my appointment and time slot organised while I was still in the town. £70 sounds awfully expensive for a two hour driving lesson but hopefully it will prove to be straight-forward and afterwards the guy will say I don't need anymore. I can't see how I would possibly struggle at this because I imagine all my anxiety related to driving will melt away once I realise that I don't have to worry about that constant urge to look down at the gearstick when I'm changing gears. Plus I won't have to worry about finding the biting point or holding the clutch in for too long when approaching bends or roundabouts and thundering out into the road. When I got home I checked out last night's Dynamite which culminated in a terrific I Quit match between Adam Copeland and Christian Cage. At one point Tazz accidentally called Copeland Edge which was inevitably going to happen since we all still thin of the guy as Edge after all. Could Tony Khan not have filled a trademark for the name “Edjj”? and called him that instead. Anywho Edge I mean Adam Copeland eventually won after whacking Cage in the balls with his board with nails in it thus bringing an end to their feud. Cage has been great in this cowardly, heartless heel role but I've grown tired of seeing him as the secondary champion in the company and would much rather him or Copeland would put over one of the younger guys. there are rumours that Sheamus might be on his way to AEW soon which I have mixed feeling on. I'm a big Sheamus fan but also it's not like AEW are lacking in terms of stars and I just feel they should be focusing their efforts into pushing the guys and girls they already have because they've definitely got enough great athletes it's just the screative that needs a kick up the arse to take them to the next level.

[cowboywritersworld]

What wrestlers do you write for?

Hi! So far mostly Hangman Adam Page, Bloodline, Judgement Day, Drew McIntyre, Adam Copeland (or Edge, if set when he still was in WWE), Christian Cage, Kyle Fletcher, Daniel Garcia...

I am open to write about anyone but those written in my "Fan Fiction requests" post.

[sheetmusiclibrarypdf]

Sun Ra (May 22, 1914 – May 30, 1993)

Sun Ra (born Herman Poole Blount, May 22, 1914 – May 30, 1993) Please, subscribe to our Library. Thank you! Sun Ra Montreux 1976 (II): Take The A Train Best Sheet Music download from our Library.

Sun Ra (born Herman Poole Blount, May 22, 1914 – May 30, 1993)

Herman Poole “Sonny” Blount from Birmingham, Alabama, became Le Sony’r Ra, from Saturn. In adopting a new name and birthplace and erasing ties to his past, Ra provided an example for others who yearned to shed their given names—a constant reminder of slavery and oppression.

Sun Ra’s name went through several transformations, with which he sought to distance himself from his given name. Sun Ra’s biographer, John F. Szwed, outlined several name changes and the reasons behind them in his book Space Is the Place, Ra’s names over time included: Sonny Blount, Sonny Bhlount, H. Sonne Bhlount, the last of which he deciphered to mean “the sound of God.” Several name variations later, Ra approached his friend and band manager, Alton Abraham, about officially changing his name. Abraham was supportive. Ra debated between “La Sun Ra, “Le Sun Ra” and “Le Sony’a Ra,” but ultimately settled on “Le Sony’r Ra.” The reasons for this final change to his name before making it official in 1952 remain a complete mystery and a secret that Ra never revealed. The last little bit of information regarding his name must—appropriately—remain a secret, to reinforce the symbolic connection that mankind can never know all the secrets of the Cosmos.

Sun Ra Montreux 1976 (II): Take The A Train

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k341z3dsXy4 (Sun Ra and Arkestra playing Billy Strayhorn's "Take The A Train" at the Jazzfestival Montreux on July 9th, 1976). Taking control of his destiny, starting with his own name, meant freedom and the ability to redefine words, breaking away from the confines and negative connotations of language. His deep interest and study of etymology—the re-naming and redefinition of words (with different spellings)— became an important factor for him and other African Americans. His teachings on religions and philosophy had a profound influence on his band members, and a wide circle of musicians, friends, and supporters. These themes are continuously re-visited in his music and lectures, as well as in the film Space Is the Place. Ra frequently gave lectures, before, during, or after his concerts, in which he weaved a narrative from historical, mythological, philosophical, and etymological perspectives. The Cold War, Space Race, and the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and 70s had a profound effect on Ra’s music. As with Cage, and many other artists of the time, these historic events served as inspiration for many musical works of Ra. As an African American, the Civil Rights movement, coinciding with the Cold War and the Space Race, had an additional impact on Ra. Religion, race and identity played a central role in Ra’s career. However, Ra often found himself in disagreement with different religious groups (such as Nation of Islam followers, Baptists, or other Christians). Not fitting in any “box,” Ra devoted his time to the broad study of religions, etymology, history, science, and science fiction. This led Ra to unique and firmly held beliefs of his own particular views on religion and philosophy. Ra’s music became deeply rooted in his own “brand” of religion. He often spoke to his audiences about his religious teachings and philosophies, and by the mid-1950s Ra became an “international spokesman for the creator of the Omniverse,” writing, proselytizing and distributing leaflets.9 He carefully studied the Bible and other religious texts, deriving interpretations that did not always fall in line with the doctrines of traditional religions. Another source of influence for Ra was science and science fiction. Science fiction became very popular in the decades spanning the Cold War and the Space Race, and Ra was an avid fan of science fiction. The Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union prompted a scientific and military push with the intention to outmaneuver the declared enemy. The control of land, water and air was crucial, but both countries had their sights set on a new frontier: space. Military leaders on both sides realized that satellites could be used to monitor or deploy weapons from space, without being easily detected. Now civilians also had to fear attacks from land, water and air, as well as from missiles launched from space. The media picked up on this scenario by releasing films, graphic novels, books, etc., all with the intent to answer one question: what is waiting for mankind out in space? How will these scientific advances (mainly robots) change life here on earth? Many artists added their own commentary to the Space Race movement. It was in this frenzy that Cage picked up a newly-published star atlas, which he used to write Atlas Eclipticalis. But unlike Cage, Ra and other African Americans did not have equal opportunities to pursue government sponsored space-related occupations, or to even be part of the main-stream media conversation on this topic. Arguably the greatest feat achieved by humankind—the moon landing—was to be done by an entirely white, male crew. Being left out of the scientific endeavors, Sun Ra and others in the black community turned to music as a viable tool to build a space-exploration narrative. Without access to space exploration technology, music became a means to “transport black people to other states of being in both material and spiritual terms.” Highlighting the unrest, inequality and lack of opportunity, Gil Scott-Haron released “Whitey on the Moon,” a poem set to music on his new album A New Black Poet – Small Talk at 125th and Lenox (1970). A rat done bit my sister Nell. (with Whitey on the moon) Her face and arms began to swell. (and Whitey’s on the moon) I can’t pay no doctor bill. (but Whitey’s on the moon) Ten years from now I'll be paying still. (while Whitey’s on the moon) The man just upped my rent last night. (‘cause Whitey’s on the moon) No hot water, no toilets, no lights. (but Whitey's on the moon) I wonder why he’s upping me? (‘cause Whitey's on the moon?) The lyrics paint a picture of the standard of living for millions of African Americans, in direct contrast to whites landing on the moon. It highlights the injustice of affording luxuries of space travel while an entire race was subjected to deplorable living conditions. How could these two extremes of such inconceivable human achievement coupled with sub-human treatment and living conditions exist within the same community? Although the development of Afrofuturism cannot be attributed to a single person, the term itself has frequently been ascribed to Mark Dery who describes it as: Speculative fiction that treats African-American these and addresses African-American concerns in the context of twentieth-century technoculture—and, more generally, African-American signification that appropriates images of technology and prosthetically enhanced future—might for want of a better term be called ‘Afro-futurism. Afrofuturistic” is a term frequently used to describe Ra’s music. Furthermore, Ra and his Arkestra members regularly played their concerts in costumes and clothing that were in line with Afrofuturism. There is no doubt that Ra was a key figure in spreading awareness on this topic. Various religions played a part in Ra’s music. Christianity, Islam, Egyptian, African or other ancient myths, are intertwined with his music. Ra’s study of religion was incredibly systematic. Although the entirety of his study cannot be discussed in the scope of this chapter, a sole example of one of his street-corner sermons will illustrate the point. To begin the discussion of his obsessive study of religious texts, etymology must be discussed first. John Corbett described Ra as a “logophile,” a lover of words and homophony, where the “words another form of music.” As mentioned before, etymology—the study of the origins and history of words, was a passion of Ra’s and played a significant role in his music and teachings. In many of his street-corner sermons, Ra used etymology to explain, deepen, or even re-interpret the meaning of a word. In one sermon, he begins with the study of the word “Christianity” and delves into historical, mythological, cultural, and religious meanings tied to the word. A section of a street-corner sermon outlining some of Ra’s views on Christianity and his obsession with etymology and words also shows his philosophical tendencies as well as his fascination with early Christian history: "Christianity is a religion based upon the of Christ, but when used in this manner it should be spelled Christionity. There is a difference between the people who believe in Christ and the people who believe on Christ. The meaning of this will require study by those who are interested. The word chrest is also significant, and we should not neglect the word crest because a crest is a shield or a coat of arms. Crest also means top. It is remarkable that people are in ignorance concerning these two words. We recommend that you research upon the words chrest and chrestion." Ultimately, Ra saw much of Christianity as false and oppressive. Ra explored these ideas further in the film Space is the Place, whose plot—although set in modern times— closely follows ideas of the Bible. Ra’s ultimate goal was to “awaken” the people to his teachings and to allow the Rapture to happen; this is depicted at the end of the film when Ra takes a few African Americans aboard his spaceship and takes them to a new planet, while the rest are left behind on a “fallen” earth controlled by the Devil. This event can also be viewed as an Exodus (like in the Old Testament) when Moses led his people out of the oppressed land of Egypt where they served as slaves, into the new land, where they were free to start anew. Ra and his Arkestra gained international fame in the 1950s as they toured across America, Europe, and Asia not only for their futuristic space-inspired jazz, but also for the costumes, headgear, and other visual aspects that accompanied Ra’s performances. Since the 1950s, Ra’s band, The Intergalactic Myth-Science Solar Arkestra, was commonly referred to as “the Arkestra.” Acknowledging a rare reference to his birthplace, Ra named his band Arkestra, joking that this is how “orchestra” is pronounced in his native Alabama. It was also fitting that the spelling of the word references the Biblical Ark.21 The symbolism of the Ark is a reoccurring theme in Ra’s work: it is a vessel, a ship, and a tool, sometimes physical, sometimes metaphorical, by which Ra transports himself and others to and from Earth, across the Solar system, into the past, and into the future. His band, the Arkestra, signifies a metaphorical ark that carries the music, ideas and the seeds of his philosophical and religious teachings as the group travels around the world. At other times, the Ark is the music itself, transporting Ra’s audience into the future through experimental, futuristic jazz; at other times still, the Ark is the spaceship in Space is the Place, which carries Ra and his passengers across the Solar System. Ra’s views and philosophies caused many to question Ra’s authenticity, sincerity, and commitment to his principles and his identity. However, this only seemed to strengthen Ra’s resolve: “I believe that if one wants to act on the destiny of the world, it’s necessary to treat it like a myth.” Ra held a life-long insistence on the necessity of myth, not only in history, music, and art, but also in every aspect of life. The subject of myth, myth-science, mythocracy, and mythology, which captures the vision behind Ra’s passionate pursuit of the subject. He insisted on the necessity of myth, not only in history, music, and art, but also in every aspect of life. In his eyes, to change the world, it is necessary to examine the boundaries of reality, truth, and mystery. There is a deeper truth to Ra’s philosophies and teachings: as he invites his listeners to examine these boundaries, they discover that there may not be any boundaries at all. In fact, they may be seen as myths themselves. In his eyes, to change the world, it is necessary to examine the boundaries of reality, truth, and mystery. June Tyson, singer in the Arkestra, proclaimed: “If you are not a myth, whose reality are you? If you are not a reality, whose myth are you?” Read the full article

[c-40]

A-T-2 385 Dope Library Music With A Space Theme

Holst's suite The Planets written as what the composer described as "a series of mood pictures" (in a music lesson at school we were told to close our eyes listen to this piece of music and let images appear infant of our eyes) I'd argue it was very influential in the development of space music. Mainstream public interest interest in space travel is believed to have come from a Soviet youth magazine published October 2nd 1951 which outlined how two men might fly to the moon and back, thus kickstarting the Soviet lunar programme. This is published in the US and the space race is born. The Space Shuttle era begins in 1981

John Cage composes Imaginary Landscapes No.1 in 1939. In the 1950s with the onset of the space race there was a boom in space films. The film Forbidden Planet came out in 1956, it's soundtrack was made entirely electronically (reportedly to get out of paying musicians and union rates), this helped solidify a connection between space and synths. Electronic music is considered to be futuristic in nature, and in the 1950s it was (in 2022 watching films set hundreds of years in the future but they're still dancing to 1990s electronic dance music is a bit of a joke.) In 1963 Doctor Who appeared on UK television screens with it's electronic theme music realised by Delia Derbyshire using musique concrète tequniques. Like with the John Cage piece I mentioned the sounds electronics can produce often sound alien, sound can be manipulated way beyond what a musician playing wind, strings, percussion, or a voice can do. In that way these sounds might be considered futuristic or even emanating from outer space. Electronic instruments also seem more scientific, it's often called tech, closer to computer laboratories and rocket controls than pianos, saxophones, drums, or guitars

We tell stories about space. Star Wars ushers in a renaissance of space fiction and it remains popular to this day. Ridley Scott's second space film Bladerunner comes out in 1982, which has one of my favourite soundtracks

Space library records are popular with fans of electronica and they usually have great sleeve artwork. That space library albums have a funky beat makes no sense at all, there's nothing particularly spacey about drum breaks, still I am drawn to them

Gaston Borreani recording under the name Galaxy for De Wolfe

Galaxy - Jupiter

Again for De Wolfe Unit 9 who did two space titled albums Delta and Over The Moon. Also check Fission Chips from Over The Moon and Omicron (before it was the name of a covid19 variant and we believed in progress and the future, ah! innocent times) from Delta

Unit 9 - Pi

Earforce Band - Sky Racer brilliant German one off for UBM Records. Bassist Dieter Petereit and drummer Willy Ketzer were both in the fusion band Passport. Space is big enough from harpsichord

Roger's New Conception - Expectation from the album Infomatic 2000. Roger Roger & Nino Nardini sounding like something from the 1960s or 70s. Sleeve artwork is nicked from the CTI album Moon Germs by Joe Farrell and isn't a million miles away from the sleeve for China Crisis' debut album designed by Peter Saville Associates. Anyway, beats

Christian Chevalier - Strange Pop from the album Christian Chevalier & Alan Feanch - Space Résonance. Alan Feanch followed up with sister album Flash Résonance: Space Dream

Miha Kralj - Jupiter from the Yugoslavian state owned record label PGP RTB album Odyssey

Roland Brocquet - Epsilove another French offering, this one from the album Robot Rose "Claviers Synthétiseur"

The Astral Dimension - Black Holes from Italy, not to be confused with Astral Sounds. A spooky ambient one this

[bullet-clubs-bitch]

Christian Cage Masterlist

Welcome to the Masterlist of Christian Cage

Main Masterlist

✉️: Request 💎: Personal Fav. ❤️‍🔥:18 +

The secret’s out : When jealousy and drama starts backstage it escalates too far when your relationship with Christian Cage gets revealed  ❤️‍🔥💎

The Secret's out Pt 2: Y/n returns to the ring after her broken nose like she never missed a beat. But everything changes when Y/n unexpectedly becomes pregnant. How will this affect not only her relationship with Christian Cage but her career in AEW?  ✉️❤️‍🔥💎

The Secret's out Pt 3: Y/n makes the tough decision to relinquish her title. Fast forward 4 months when Y/n and Christian attend AEW’s yearly New Years party after keeping the pregnancy a secret. What happens when LuFisto shows up and promises to ruin Y/n’s life.  ✉️❤️‍🔥💎

The Secret's out Pt 4: LuFisto kept her promise, making sure to make Y/n’s life miserable. Death threats, stalking and harassment ruining the family. It didn’t help that she was 8 months pregnant and now on bed rest. What happens when one stormy night their worst nightmare comes true. ❤️‍🔥✉️💎

Pay for it When Jack Perry helps Anna Jay win her match against Y/n he didn’t realize he dug himself his own grave when he injured Christians wife. ✉️

Life On The Road Life on the road was always stressful, what happened when a simple cold turned into something worse. After the readers match Wrestledream it turned out they had appendicitis and needed surgery. ✉️❤️‍🔥

NSFW ALPHABET : pretty self-explanatory 😏 ✉️❤️‍🔥

Lover: What happens when the rivalry between Christian Cage and Adam Copeland goes too far and causes Adam to say some controversial unscripted things about Y/n and the Patriarchy ✉️

Love Hate and Kayfabe: Request: Can I request a Christian Cage x Female!Copeland!Reader where Christian is married to Adam’s younger sister and they have their own little family together and she’s Christian’s Valet on screen when Adam arrives it causes a riff because (on-screen) he’s trying to get his baby sister away from who he believes is her manipulative piece of shit husband but behind the scenes, he’s the most caring and loving big brother and uncle and best friend? ✉️❤️‍🔥

Imsominac: Request: Reader is fighting insomnia and Christian let's fem reader know that he is there for her every sleepless night and will be there for her through it all. ✉️

Rest Day: Being two of the biggest wrestlers in the world ment constantly being on the road. It was exausing but rewarding. In the rare ocasions you had a day off all you wanted to do was lie in bed and do nothing. ✉️

Sugarplum: Sugar daddy Christian Cage headcannons

KINK Headcannons: Pretty Self explanatory ✉️❤️‍🔥

The Kings of The Black Throne: The house of Black manipulates Adam Copeland into attacking Y/n to get to Christian and his title. ✉️❤️‍🔥

Diamonds are a girls best friend : Having an affair with Christian Cage ✉️

[kneamet]

Masterlist

Masterlist

Tom Hiddleston

Basic:

- Popular character's Tom Hiddleston in yandere (part 1) 

- Popular character's Tom Hiddleston in yandere (part 2)

[Tom Hiddleston]

- Protection

- I adore you

- Failed Escape

- Patient №73 (fan fiction) — You-a hard-working doctor is transferred to another mental hospital, where you are immediately assigned a very strange, but friendly patient №73. However, you also have to find out the reason why he killed one person. What you don’t know is that when your shift with him is over, he won’t want to let you go.

- Mysterious man

- Pure Admiration

- Branding

- Real Fan 

- Toes 

- Angel of Cards (fan fiction) — Joker, Mr. J, anarchist psychopath, Tom Hiddleston. He had many nicknames. Joker was Gotham's most dangerous and insightful man, with sharp makeup and horribly memorable scars on his face in the form of a smile. He was absolutely crazy and deadly. No one knows his real identity and everyone is afraid of his cruel jokes. But what happens when he becomes obsessed with an ordinary girl? She belongs to him. No one can take her away from him. Even The Batman.

- Betrayal

- Portrait

- CEO

- Donation

- Dependence (fan fiction) — There were many charms in life. However, Tom Hiddleston, having tried the most forbidden ones, could no longer imagine his life without them. The rest for him was nonsense, not worth his attention. After all, in order to survive, he needs to find a dose, thanks to which he feels better, not paying attention to the other rabble that reigns around. He doesn't care about his mother, who brings men into the house; he doesn't care about his sisters, whom he envies; he doesn't care about the whole world. But soon his search for a new dose will turn into a search for a girl who has won a victory over his drug-addicted mind, absorbing him completely and occupying all his thoughts. And he won't stop until he gets what he wants.

[Loki]

- Showing love

- Forced

- Necklace

- Second time

- Westview

- the legend of the god of lies (drabble)

- dance crescent (drabble)

[Robert Laing] 

- Danger

- Daddy's little princess

[Thomas Sharpe]

- Control

- Older Brother (fan fiction) — What if the story of Crimson Peak existed in reality? A menacing atmosphere, Gothic dresses and costumes, an intriguing Sharpe family, with a sister who has a rather strange relationship with her older brother Thomas.

- Disappointment

- Fear 

- Flower

- Perfect

[Hank Williams]

- My little wife 

- Songbird

- Support

- Inspiration

- Delusion (fan fiction) — She was the only girl in his band whose singing he loved so much. She was the person he truly respected. Andy Miles was someone Hank Williams had an unrelenting obsession with.

[Scott Fitzgerald]

- His Muse

- "The Trap of the Word"

[Jaguar!Tom Hiddleston]

- Pancakes

- Typical Stalker 

- Opponent

- Tears

- Danses

[Freddie Page]

- Dangerous Help

- I'll always find you

[Prince Hal/Henry V]

- My Venus

[Jonathan Pine]

- Proposal

- Juliet

- Never

[James Nicholls]

- Christmas Gift

- Baby

[Adam]

- Ray of sun

Ewan Mcgregor

Basic:

- Ewan McGregor's characters in yandere (1 part)

- Ewan McGregor's characters in yandere (2 part)

- Ewan McGregor's characters in yandere (3 part)   

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

- A dream does not dry on a knife

- glance — and hysteria will begin (drabble)

- requiem for fate (drabble)

- bound by blood (drabble)

- the extinguished star (drabble)

- The stars all belong to the Gods

[Christian]

- le désir de peindre (drabble)

[Roman Sionis] 

- The Caged Bird

-  ​my beautiful madness (drabble)

- blood moom ball (drabble)

[Patrick McKenna]

- angels don't fly (drabble)

- All the roses go to hell

- crown of thorns (drabble)

[Mark Renton]

- black sun (drabble)

[Curt Wild]

- amore amore (drabble)

[Christopher Robin]

- Chance

[Jonathan McQuarry]

- Illusions

A/N I don't have a lot of stories yet, but I promise that the master list will be updated every day.

[oberlincollegelibraries]

Weekend Edition: Non-Fiction

The great thing about non-fiction books is that we have lots of them in our libraries on almost any topic you can imagine. You can find one that interests you in the Main, Conservatory, Art or Science library. Here are a few recently published ones you might want to consider for your bingo box prompt, Non- Fiction.

God Rock, Inc. : the business of niche music / Andrew Mall “Popular music in the twenty-first century is increasingly divided into niche markets. How do fans, musicians, and music industry executives define their markets' boundaries? What happens when musicians cross those boundaries? What can Christian music teach us about commercial popular music? In God Rock, Inc., Andrew Mall considers the aesthetic, commercial, ethical, and social boundaries of Christian popular music, from the late 1960s, when it emerged, through the 2010s. Drawing on ethnographic research, historical archives, interviews with music industry executives, and critical analyses of recordings, concerts, and music festival performances, Mall explores the tensions that have shaped this evolving market and frames broader questions about commerce, ethics, resistance, and crossover in music that defines itself as outside the mainstream”

Frederick Douglass : prophet of freedom / David W. Blight. “The definitive, dramatic biography of the most important African-American of the nineteenth century: Frederick Douglass, the escaped slave who became the greatest orator of his day and one of the leading abolitionists and writers of the era. As a young man Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) escaped from slavery in Baltimore, Maryland. He was fortunate to have been taught to read by his slave owner mistress, and he would go on to become one of the major literary figures of his time. He wrote three versions of his autobiography over the course of his lifetime and published his own newspaper.” (publisher).

Video/art: the first fifty years / Barbara London “The curator who founded MoMA's video program recounts the artists and events that defined the medium's first 50 years. Since the introduction of portable consumer electronics nearly a half century ago, artists throughout the world have adapted their latest technologies to art-making. In this book, curator Barbara London traces the history of video art as it transformed into the broader field of media art - from analog to digital, small TV monitors to wall-scale projections, and clunky hardware to user-friendly software. In doing so, she reveals how video evolved from fringe status to be seen as one of the foremost art forms of today.”

Grassroots rising : a call to action on climate, farming, food, and a green new deal / Ronnie Cummins “A book that should be in the hands of every activist working on food and farming, climate change, and the Green New Deal."--Vandana Shiva A practical, shovel-ready plan for anyone wondering what they can do to help address the global climate crisis Grassroots Rising is a passionate call to action for the global body politic, providing practical solutions for how to survive--and thrive--in catastrophic times.”

Hot pants and spandex suits : gender representation in American superhero comic books / Esther De Dauw  "Hot Pants and Spandex Suits looks at representations of gender and its intersection with sexuality and race through the figure of the superhero. It places superheroes in their socio-historical context, particularly those published by the 'Big Two' publishers in the industry: Marvel and DC. The superheroes are: Superman, Captain America, Iron Man, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Wiccan, Hulkling, Batwoman, Luke Cage, Falcon, Storm and Ms Marvel. Focusing on superheroes' first appearance in World War II up to their current iterations, author Esther De Dauw looks at how superheroes have changed and adapted to either match or challenge prevailing ideas about gender, including views on masculinity and femininity in the US military, attitudes towards American national identity, how gender intersects with sexuality for gay superheroes and how the lack of representation of minority communities impacts the superhero of color. What do superheroes say about and to us? Considering how gender, race and sexuality are often inextricably enmeshed in representation politics, this book offers an analysis that examines how all these different identities intersect and how that intersection itself produces ideas about gender. What is it that superheroes teach us about what it means to be a man or a woman when we're white or gay or Black? Following this analysis, it offers strategies and solutions to the question of representation within both the comic book industry and comic book scholarship. This book will be of interest to anyone interested in superheroes, including comic book scholars, gender studies' scholars, Critical Race scholars and scholars in the field of American Studies"-- Provided by publisher

Stamped : racism, antiracism, and you / written by Jason Reynolds ; adapted from Stamped from the beginning by and with an introduction from Ibram X. Kendi "The construct of race has always been used to gain and keep power, to create dynamics that separate and silence. Racist ideas are woven into the fabric of this country, and the first step to building an antiracist America is acknowledging America's racist past and present. This book takes you on that journey, showing how racist ideas started and were spread, and how they can be discredited"--Dust jacket flap "A history of racist and antiracist ideas in America, from their roots in Europe until today, adapted from the National Book Award winner Stamped from the Beginning"-- Provided by publisher

The undocumented Americans / Karla Cornejo Villavicencio. "Traveling across the country, journalist Karla Cornejo Villavicencio risked arrest at every turn to report the extraordinary stories of her fellow undocumented Americans. Her subjects have every reason to be wary around reporters, but Cornejo Villavicencio has unmatched access to their stories. Her work culminates in a stunning, essential read for our times. Born in Ecuador and brought to the United States when she was five years old, Cornejo Villavicencio has lived the American Dream. Raised on her father's deliveryman income, she later became one of the first undocumented students admitted into Harvard. She is now a doctoral candidate at Yale University and has written for The New York Times. She weaves her own story among those of the eleven million undocumented who have been thrust into the national conversation today as never before. Looking well beyond the flashpoints of the border or the activism of the DREAMERS, Cornejo Villavicencio explores the lives of the undocumented as rarely seen in our daily headlines. In New York, we meet the undocumented workers who were recruited in the federally funded Ground Zero cleanup after 9/11. In Miami we enter the hidden botanicas, which offer witchcraft and homeopathy to those whose status blocks them from any other healthcare options. In Flint, Michigan, we witness how many live in fear as the government issues raids at grocery stores and demands identification before offering life-saving clean water. In her book, Undocumented America, Cornejo Villavicencio powerfully reveals the hidden corners of our nation of immigrants. She brings to light remarkable stories of hope and resilience, and through them we come to understand what it truly means to be American"-- Provided by publisher

[stuffiemaid-blog]

Vent

i love my mother but...

do you honestly believe that taking away the only thing that keeps me stable and happy is going to make me feel better..? the only connection i have to the outside world and people who actually care about me..? the only ones who ask if ive eaten or actually trust that i won’t do anything unless im in distress? the only ones who when they ask what im doing they don’t get mad at me or further interrogate me because there are old perverts that want to kidnap me?? The ones who don’t mock me for calling cps or mock me for cutting or being sensitive. The ones who don’t give me a reason to cry and cut and starve and hope i don’t wake up because the fan fictions i read are much better than being here. Being surrounded by people who have groomed me, confined me into their home and car, who have degraded me and force their beliefs and opinions into me leaving me to do nothing but cry and submit against my will- A Mother who looks over my shoulder every time i type something on the phone knowing i have no way of escaping... making me think that there’s a demon in me and the only way of getting it out is disconnecting me from REAL loved ones and cats and puppies and pretty colours fun sci fi and bilingual movies and apps... there were problems when i didn’t have my phone... i just didn’t have a reason to say anything knowing that nobody would help me.. i didn’t draw knowing there was no one to share it with and it was all just for a grade... i had nothing to look forward to but waking up too early, sleep paralysis, being told to stay awake and being yelled at for failing a class or prowling around with “friends” who call me weird and treat me like a 1920’s asylum patient and “boys” who go under the table and touch me or harass me in the halls and classrooms but hey.. /iTS oNLY TWo MoRe YeaRS, aND GeTTiNG aN aSSoCiaTeS DeGRee iS So WoRTH THe eMoTioNaL aBuSe”/

no... it’s not... /WeLL WHY NoT ReaD a BooK iNSTeaD oF BeiNG oN THaT PHoNe/ because im a jealous little doll who envy the main character’s happy endings... being desperate ive read reader fanfiction to numb the pain... thinking that it could actually happen... that someone could swipe me away with ease and admire this corrupted body... cage me in a playroom filled with bubbles and plushies and soft blankets.. put me in cute dresses just to watch and admire the state of purity... or travel all over the place as a companion collecting memories and blood money admiring the city lights and stalking the night owls that prowl around casinos and sleezy motels... at this point I don’t care if it’s “yandere” or “ruins my life”... staying here and accepting this crying American Christian emotional slavery would eventually run me into a bathtub with a knife or overdosed on painkillers... just get me out of here...

[wazafam]

Zack Snyder's Justice League boasts a highly-acclaimed star-studded ensemble, many of whom have established a fanbase beyond their pursuits with DC Extended Universe. While actors like Ray Fisher (Cyborg), Jason Momoa (Aquaman), and Ciaran Hinds (Steppenwolf) might be more popular with their TV roles, leads, like Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), and supporting actors, like JK Simmons (Jim Gordon), have tasted cinematic success before.

RELATED: DCEU: The 10 Best Performances In The Franchise, Ranked

A few cast members, like Ben Affleck (Batman) and Willem Dafoe (Nuidis Vulko), have even been associated with other non-DC superhero films, like Daredevil and Spider-Man respectively. The aforementioned Simmons and Joe Manganiello (Deathstroke) have also had side roles in the latter.

10 Braven (2018) - 5.9

Braven unites Stephen Lang and Jason Momoa as a father-son duo who must fight off drug traffickers while being trapped in a cabin amidst a snowy landscape. The setting and the storyline might seem simplistic, but the action easily makes up for everything.

RELATED: Jason Momoa’s 10 Most Badass Roles, Ranked

Even though it doesn't offer anything new in terms of Momoa's acting, action-thriller flicks like Braven do suit his persona and physique. Further, for fans of his historical period drama, Frontier, the film will make for another opportunity to see Momoa brave the North American wilderness.

9 Cinema Verite (2011) - 6.5

Cinema Verite is a fictional account of the origin of one of America's earliest reality TV shows. Diane Lane leads the HBO film's ensemble, while Tim Robbins plays her husband. They seem to have an ordinary suburban life in the 1970s as the former's character handles the home, while the latter is mostly out on professional trips.

RELATED: The Sopranos: James Gandolfini's 10 Best Movies, According To Rotten Tomatoes

Witnessing the family's drama unfold in front of him, an ambitious director plans to capitalize on their real-life trials and tribulations by shooting a reality series on the family. A nine-time Emmy nominee, Cinema Verite is a must-watch for fans of family-centric reality television.

8 Enola Holmes (2020) - 6.6

Without a doubt, Millie Bobby Brown is the star of the Netflix comedy-drama Enola Holmes. However, Henry Cavill too succeeded at his unconventional (and slightly literature-accurate) portrayal of the detective Sherlock Holmes.

As Enola heads out on a trail of mysteries to find her missing mother, Cavill's Sherlock serves as a passive observer. He's introduced as a highly-skilled detective and yet he chooses to stay away from the limelight, allowing his equally-skilled sister to take charge. The role is a fresh take on the iconic character and offers Cavill some versatility, as viewers have gotten used to seeing him as usually a lead actor in action films.

7 Big Eyes (2014) - 7.2

While films like Arrival and Nocturnal Animals make for essential viewing, a lesser-known gem in Amy Adams' filmography is Big Eyes, Tim Burton's biopic on Margaret Keane.

RELATED: 10 Best Movies About Famous Artists, According To IMDb

Featuring standout performances from both Adams and Christoph Waltz, Big Eyes uses a comedic-dramatic approach into the life of artist Margaret Keane, her unique style of painting big-eyed characters and her struggles to get recognized for her work, as her abusive husband often took credit for it through unlawful means. Adams' performance earned her a Golden Globe win, along with a BAFTA nomination.

6 Reversal Of Fortune (1989) - 7.2

While Jeremy Irons' mainstream roles include antagonist turns in The Lion King and Die Hard: With A Vengeance, the British actor earned an Oscar win for his portrayal of the socialite and murder accused Claus von Bulow in the legal drama Reversal of Fortune.

Inspired by a true story, the film finds a wealthy man (Irons) convicted of the death of his wife (Glenn Close) as he desperately tries to clear his name. Rather than relying on any cheap genre tropes, Reversal of Fortune goes down the path of slow-burning thrills to flesh out suspense that leaves morally grey areas.

5 Silence (2016) - 7.2

Arguably the most underrated entry in Martin Scorsese's recent filmography, Silence finds two Jesuit priests (Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver) embarking on a journey to 17th century Japan to find their long-lost mentor (Liam Neeson). Meanwhile, the country is in turmoil as adherents of Christianity are increasingly prosecuted. What ensues is a complex tale that tests the faith and survival of all its characters.

Steppenwolf actor Ciarán Hinds has a major role in the start as the real-life Italian missionary Alessandro Valignano, who goes on to send the two protagonists on their travels.

4 Fast Five (2011) - 7.3

The film that introduced Gal Gadot's Gisele Yashar also turned out to be a watershed entry in the Fast and Furious franchise. Even though Fast Five's predecessors chiefly focused on street racing as an overlying theme, the 2011 film raised the stakes adding an international heist angle to the mix. The franchise has only increased in scope and scale ever since.

Gadot's character was an ex-Mossad agent, her first major American film role. She also performed her own stunts and in fact, director Justin Lin took her on board for her past experience in the military.

3 We Need To Talk About Kevin (2011) - 7.5

Based on the novel of the same name, We Need To Talk About Kevin serves as a psychological thriller and a realistic horror as it documents the coming-of-age of Kevin (Ezra Miller), a socially awkward boy with violent tendencies.

While the film unleashed a much younger Miller's dramatic prowess, Tilda Swinton also delivered one of her career-best performances as Kevin's troubled mother who desperately seeks a solution to parent her child. Hauntingly beautiful frames coupled with unsettling imagery make this Lynne Ramsey-directorial feature disturbing and yet highly relevant.

2 The Town (2010) - 7.5

A massive modern update on the otherwise-oversaturated heist genre, The Town finds director/star Ben Affleck heading back to his hometown of Boston to weave a tight-knit, adrenaline-fueled thriller. The premise involves a bank robber falling for a bank assistant, a move that jeopardizes his entire team's operations.

The Town's impact can be felt on Affleck's career as following Gone Baby Gone, The Town established his status as a noteworthy director, especially in the thriller genre. This was further strengthened after the release of Argo, a few years later.

1 Lord Of War (2005) - 7.6

Jared Leto has had a diverse filmography that includes both blockbuster films and experimental projects. While films like Blade Runner 2049 and Requiem For A Dream are common picks to appreciate his acting skills, a comparatively under-the-radar pick is Lord of War, in which he had a supporting role alongside Nicolas Cage.

The film works as a faux-biopic as it documents the rise of a global illegal arms dealer who finances his daily life through violence and terrorism. Leto brings his influences from Requiem as he appears as the protagonist's morally unstable and drug-addicted brother. It's a quintessential Jared Leto role, allowing him to channel his energetic self.

NEXT: 10 Movies Starring Both MCU And DCEU Actors

10 Best Non-DC Movies Starring The Cast Of Zack Snyder's Justice League, Ranked By IMDb from https://ift.tt/3w1CRS7

[lewepstein]

A Letter To My Fellow Americans

As I complete this post on Thanksgiving day, the transition to a Biden presidency has finally begun.  And, although I’m feeling some relief that the Republican Party’s attempts to overturn an election and stage a coup seem to be ending, the 73 million of my fellow Americans who have spoken through their ballots and said that they believe Donald Trump deserves a second term as president continues to haunt me.  

The question that keeps coming to my mind is, “Who are “We?”  I heard one politician quoting  Lincoln  about “The better angels of our nature.”   A television journalist said,  “This is not who we really are as Americans.”  Another commentator when referring to the Trump era stated,  “We’re better than this,” as if the support for Trump and Trumpism has been an aberration in our national quest for a more perfect union.  I use the collective “we” hesitantly now with the understanding that nations can polarize around the more binary question: “Which side are you on?”  

It is easy to focus on Donald Trump as the problem.  But who we elect  and elevate to positions of power is also a reflection of who we are as a people. The storm clouds of QAnon and other conspiracy theories are swirling on social media, while armed, right wing militias show up at  public rallies to throw their support behind Trump’s false narratives and his attempted coup.  Prior to this era, the election drama that we just witnessed could only have been a work of fiction, a sensational political thriller in which a rogue American president tries to overturn the results of an election -  an autocrat is willing to fan the flames of division by refusing to relinquish power and screams “foul,” with no evidence to support his claims.  And in that novel or movie, every office holder in his party is  either too frightened of the demigogue to challenge his false narrative, or worse, believes that he is entitled to hold onto power regardless of the results of the election.  That nightmare drama - the near ending of our democracy - is now part of our American history.  

The worst part of this narrative for me is that throughout all of his regime’s  four years in power Donald Trump’s 90% approval rating by self identified Republicans has remained remarkably stable.  And regardless of the lies he has told and the con job he has perpetrated,  73% of Republicans polled this month do not believe that Joe Biden is the legitimately elected president of the United States.

Based on this nearly stolen election and the collaborative assault on our democracy over the past four years, the following is a letter to my fellow Americans. It is addressed to all of those Trump supporters who for one reason or another have decided that he continues to remain acceptable to them. It is meant for all those who believe that Donald Trump “speaks my kind of language” and therefore, that qualifies him to be president of the United States.  It is also intended for those who have simply been mesmerized by him and  joined his cult.  I especially address this letter to Christian Evangelicals who have abandoned any pretense to morality and so-called “Christian values” along with those corporate and “Country Club Republicans” who have always disdained the working class and non-whites but never knew politicians could go beyond racist dog whistles until Trump led the way.   And of course, there are the rural, white working class non-college educated who feel scorned and talked down to by the “urban elites” and are willing to join a movement that directs their rage and resentments against people who are even more disadvantaged than they are.  I should also include machismo males of all ethnicities who identify with Donald Trump’s toxic masculinity and elevate “toughness” and  “invulnerability” to some kind of religion - and subscribe to the pseudo masculine notion: “make a liberal cry.”  This letter is also addressed to those Northern and Southern conservatives and Christian Nationalists - those  cult members who nostalgically long for a return to an idyllic past that never was - one that refuses to embrace the complexity of change and enshrines white privilege as a right, and therefore views any movement for social change as an existential threat.  

This letter is not about four years ago when you may not have been so sure about what you were getting in a Donald Trump presidency, although he did begin his campaign with a racist “birther” conspiracy theory designed to delegitimize our first Black president.  Your desire to shake up the establishment and bring home jobs that were outsourced to Mexico and other countries in trade pacts made by both Democratic and Republican administrations - something that Trump promised, but never made good on - may have made sense at the time.  But now it is four years later and what terrifies me is that you’ve had time to see what this administration is capable of doing and has already done.   And yet, you seem to have bought the entire package - a package that includes an inept and yet politically calculated mishandling of a pandemic that has cost the lives of two hundred and fifty thousand of your fellow citizens, some of those deaths being members of your own families.  It is also an administration that denies the science of climate destruction while megastorms threaten our coastal communities, heat waves are destroying our crops and out of control fires are threatening our way of life on a planet our children and grandchildren will inherit.  

You have also witnessed the dismantling of our democracy, piece by piece in a callous and self serving way - the  breaking down of norms and institutions that are designed to check presidential power by a president who has made clear his admiration for the “strongmen” and dictators of other nations. You have seen the replacement of dedicated diplomats and other public servants by Trump family members and other cronies - so much so that now many in government need only answer to Donald Trump.  Even if you mostly listen to the echo chamber of Fox “News” and the bull horns of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham, you have also seen the images of cages and family separations at our border and the people around you dying of Covid.  You have heard many of Trump’s twentytwo thousand self serving lies and watched as he directed his venom against women, those with disabilities, LBGTQs, immigrants and people of color while encouraging right wing militias, neo-Nazis and white supremists.    

When I consider what you seventythree million voters have endorsed by voting for Donald Trump what comes to my mind as a therapist are a couple of basic questions that I frequently pose to clients:  “How far are you willing to go with this?” and “What is your bottom line?”   When people are in marriages or other committed relationships, the things that they are UNWILLING  to tolerate - their BOTTOM LINES - are key markers as to whether the relationship will grow or dissolve into patterns of resentment and even abuse.  Your relationship to politics and politicians contains elements of this paradigm: What are you UNWILLING to tolerate? - even if you believe you may be getting something that you want out of the arrangement?  And, Is there a point where a political leader goes too far? - one in which he violates a core morality and some fundamental idea about what you believe to be wrong?  Does there ever come a time when he  steps over a line and threatens a value or an  institution that you hold dear?   Is there any point at which you would decide to draw your own line in the sand and withdraw your support?    

The other elephant in the room when it comes to the WILLINGNESS to tolerate just about anything - where there seems to exist no bottom line is within the Republican Party itself - you senators, congresspeople and party officials at all levels of federal, state and local government.  If you recently called yourself the “Party of Lincoln,” the defenders of the constitution, the party of “free trade,” the party of a muscular foreign policy that defended democracy abroad through our NATO allies and oppositioin to Putin’s expansionism, WHAT JUST HAPPENED?  Just a few years ago wasn’t it you who was willing to spend trillions of our national treasure and expend thousands of our soldiers’ lives to wage a war against the dictator, Sadam Hussein?  And, If you are the party of “family values,” how did you just give your authority over to a vulgar autocrat who shits on the constitution, uses the presidency to enrich himself at public expense, elevates dictators around the world and allows Vladmir Putin to attack our elections and place bounties on our troops?  How come you continue to back a president who calls your family members who have died in our nations wars, “suckers and losers?”

The word that you would have applied to a Democratic president who did even a few of the things that you have condoned in Trump is, “traitor.”  You castigated President Obama for at times wearing a tan suit and not observing the norm of wearing an American flag pin on his lapel.  But  following your Republican primary you didn’t even bother to create a party platform, leaving the next four years open to whatever the “Dear Leader” wants.  The glaring and challenging question to Republicans is:  I know what you are afraid of - getting on the wrong side of Donald Trump and losing his base. BUT WHAT DO YOU ACTUALLY STAND FOR?  Was it always just about tax breaks for corporations and the ultra-rich?  Was it really mistly about preserving your white privilege?  Are you at core the party of voter suppression and minoritarian rule that promotes the notion that some Americans count more than others?   And, If you aren’t outraged by Donald Trump’s many abuses of power, and his attempt to hijack an election - his high crimes and misdemeanors - the question that I would also pose to you is “WHY  NOT?”  

History has taught me that  nations can turn from democracies  to autocracies and then to police states.  Democracy is a fragile and precious compact that depends upon norms and rules. Germany was an advanced, parliamentary democracy during the 1930s until citizens began  attending Hitler’s rallies in which he called the free press “the enemy of the people,” promoted a return to “law and order” and demonized certain “inferior minority groups” as a threat to the white, Aryan “masterrace.” These German citizens eventually became Hitler’s WILLING executioners as he dissolved parliament, created his ministry of “information” and built the death camps that became part of what we now call the Holocaust.    

Much of the German population had become what we might call “true believers'' - they had a picture of Hitler along with one of Jesus on their mantles.  Those who attended his rallies, fellow Germans, had over a few years become the enemy of other citizens who had become marginalized and demonized. and would end up in concentration camps. The Conservative Party of Germany at the time said that Hitler was just a “clown” who they would be able to control once in power and the capitalist class along with the clergy and intellectuals  turned out to be fine with a booming war time economy and a supply of slave labor.  If we fought World War II and were willing to die by the thousands on the beaches of Normandy to topple a racist autocrat who was in league with other dictators and a threat to world democracy, how can you now, my fellow Americans, ever consider voting for a racist autocrat who is in league with other dictators and is a threat to world democracy?  

This rise of a dictator is not just a German phenomenon that occurred eighty years ago. The devolution of countries that once aspired to democracy in which a demigogue uses a phony populism and the demonizing of immigrants and ethnic minorities to seize power is currently going on in countries like Orban’s Hungary, Duda’s Poland, Duarte’s Philippines and Bolsinaro’s Brazil, among others.   It begins with attacks on truth and journalism and ends up with disempowered parliaments along with the media, judges, generals and police forces answering  only to the strongman in power.  This is what almost occurred here in the United States of America because of your support for Donald Trump.  I have little doubt that four more years of him being in power would have been the death knell for our democracy. .

And so, my fellow Americans, you who have attended the rallies and shouted, “Lock her up” when it came to Trump’s political opponents and “Build That Wall”  to keep out the demonized  “others” who Trump singled out to be your object of  hatred.  You who are willing to embrace a White Christian Nationalism out of a fear of change and a more diverse America that the future will inevitably bring.  You who would be quite happy with a theocracy as long as White Christains are calling the shots.  You who are  willing to go along with Trump’s portrayal of wearing a face mask during a pandemic as a sign of weakness while you spread this disease and endanger both your own families and our larger community.   On this Thanksgiving Day I am very grateful that we just averted a political disaster and narrowly elected a democratic politician and a decent human to be the president of our country.  

I hope that you were merely in a trance during the Trump era, the way that members of cults frequently are.  But people who are in a trance can also be a danger to themselves and others, willing to follow the commands and subliminal messages of the hypnotist.  They are prone to forsake reason and go along with an alternate reality where facts do not matter and truth does not exist.  They are also willing to give over all of our hard won freedoms to con men and traitors. To paper this over and pretend that there is anything OK about your support for this demigogue would be very disrespectful to you.  I intend to remain very vigilant over the next few years and see if the spell that you seem to be under can be broken while also keeping in mind that you have aided and abetted this abomination called the Trump presidency.  And I will always keep in mind that under the right conditions you can and will become a danger to everything that I value and hold dear.      

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