#dane is an international treasure

[avengerscompound]

The Interview - Chapter 10

The Interview - A Captain America Fanfic

Masterlist PREVIOUS //

Rating:  E

Warnings:  some foreplay and mentions of sex

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Melody Danes

Word Count:   2164

Summary:  Melody Danes gets the break of a lifetime when as a lowly intern, she’s assigned to write a profile piece on Captain America.  Steve Rogers is a hard man not to fall for and as she and Melody get closer and Melody’s career takes off, jealousy leads to sabotage, and the potential to bring her whole world crashing down.

Chapter 10

Steve Rogers was like no man Melody had ever spent time with before.  Not just because he was a genetically enhanced, super-soldier that was over a hundred years old, and spent his time saving the world.  Even taking out the ways he was obviously unlike anyone else on the planet, he was still rather exceptional.  He had this old-school idea of dating, where they did go on physical dates.  It was never just Netflix and Chill.  They always went out and did something together, but because there was his fame to contest with, it wasn’t a simple case of going out for dinner and a movie.  Yet, Steve made it work.  He was good at picking restaurants where he knew that New York’s unofficial rule of leaving celebrities alone would be adhered to when they did eat out, but more often they did other things.  They went to the theater and on a private tour of the catacombs under St Patrick’s old cathedral.  He took her to a private party at MOMA, and a special presentation at the American Museum of Natural History.

Each date was surprising and it was easy to tell he was thinking hard about ways to keep her entertained.  Melody was excited to get to see a side of New York that she had never even imagined she’d get to experience - let alone on the arm of Steve Rogers.  Part of her wished that he would relax a little and they could just get to know each other on a more personal domestic level, but she knew she couldn’t rush Steve into getting to that moment.  One thing she’d learned about Steve was that he didn’t think he deserved to have that kind of domestic connection, so she would wait.  It wasn’t as if she was rushing to get to marriage and kids either.  She’d worked so hard to get to where she was, she was far from ready to risk it by settling down.  Besides, sometimes the dates made good writing material.

She wouldn’t write about Steve, of course.  Or at least she didn’t write about Steve and publish it.  Her private journals spoke in detail about Steve and how she felt about him.  She wrote about the things they did together, how she was falling for him, and her fears about dating a celebrity and a man who risks his life so regularly on the job.  She wrote about what it felt like when she had his entire attention and what his lips felt like when they kissed.  She wrote about the dates in detail from the moment he showed up to the moment they parted ways, and from those journals, she’d pick out the information about the venues of the date and had started writing a regular column in the magazine about the secret treasures in New York seen by an outsider who was being guided by a local and through the lens of someone falling in love.  It never mentioned love or dating or Steve at all, and yet it was proving to be pretty popular and meant that she was now earning a steady paycheck from the DB, which was boosted anytime she submitted one of her profile pieces.

It didn’t matter how the dates started, they did always end the same.  Steve would always walk Melody to her apartment building and kiss her goodnight at the door.  He never came up if she asked, and never asked if she didn’t.  She wished he would - though sex in her apartment was far from easy given the sharing arrangement she had with Bobbi, but she did want to have sex with him, and if not sex, a makeout session would do.

But she could wait for that too.  She wasn’t in the business of rushing anyone into physical intimacy.

Tonight Steve had taken Melody to a 1930’s 1930s-themed party in the Rainbow Room to celebrate the anniversary of the Rockefeller Center being opened.  She had never imagined seeing the inside of the Rainbow Room, let alone attending such a big event in a deep-red, floor-length, 1940s style, satin gown with lace overlay, on the arm of Captain Steve Rogers.  Steve had looked so good in his dark blue suit with red pinstripes.  He had accessorized with a blue trench coat with red satin lining and a dark grey fedora.  He was a guest of honor given he’d been living in New York when the building was being constructed and when it had opened to the public, and he’d given a speech about how he’d used to watch the buildings go up in Manhattan from the docks in Brooklyn.

It had been such a good night.  She had made good connections and gotten to dance with Steve while imagining that it was the two of them dancing his return from the war.  The food had been amazing and the room was everything she’d dreamed it would be.  As Melody walked home with her arm looped around Steve’s, even as they chatted about the night, her mind raced with ideas for her column and future interviews.

They reached her doorstep and she turned to Steve as her hand ran down his arm and into his hand. “Please come up,” he said.  “I’m still buzzing.  We can have a drink.  I promise no ulterior motives.  Not unless you have them.”

Steve’s fingers curled around Melody's, and his gaze shifted from her down the street, to the window two floors up, and then back to her again, his blue eyes locking with her brown ones.

“Sure,” he said.  “Just a drink.”

Butterflies began to flutter around in her stomach as she led him upstairs and into her apartment.

“It’s bigger than the one I shared with Bucky when we first moved out together,” Steve said as he stepped into the room and glanced around.  “I mean, or starters, there’s a whole bedroom over there,” he added, pointing to the door to Bobbi’s bedroom.  “I think your living room is about the entire space we had including the kitchen and bathroom.”

“So what did you have?  A twin bed and a kitchen table?” Melody asked.

“Pretty much,” Steve said. “I used to sleep on the floor on a pile of cushions.”

Melody laughed and turned, cupping his jaw as she looked up at him. “I’m sorry, I just pictured you curled up like a little puppy.  It was a very cute mental image.”

He laughed with her and leaned down to peck her lips. “I’m glad my tiny shoe box home is entertaining to you.”

“Aww,” she teased and leaned up and kissed him again. “I’m sorry.  Go sit down.  I’m gonna make you a drink Bobbi invented. It’s gonna make you hate me, but it’s nice and you should see it.”

“Why would I hate you for it?” he asked curiously.

“Wait and see,” she answered, practically skipping to the kitchenette.  “Get comfy.  I won’t be long.”

Steve continued to poke around her things as Melody began to make the two cocktails.  She muddled raspberries at the bottom of the glasses and then filled the glasses with crushed ice, added coconut rum, and topped it off with a butterfly pea flower-infused gin.  She brought the two glasses out with straws and handed Steve his.  He laughed and shook his head. “The old red, white, and blue, huh?  Can’t escape it.”

She sat down next to him and nudged him. “If a girl can’t tease her boyfriend, who can?”

He smiled and looked at her with soft eyes. “That’s the first time I’ve heard you call me that.”

“Is that too soon?” she asked.  “I mean - I know we haven’t -” her eyes flicked to the partitioned-off section of the room that her bed was hidden behind.

“No, no,” Steve said quickly.  “Not too soon.  I like it.  You’re my girlfriend.”

He leaned in and kissed her.  As his lips brushed over hers, she put her glass on the coffee table and wrapped her arms around him, deepening the kiss.  His glass joined hers and he guided her back on the couch as he kissed her passionately.  His tongue teased into her mouth and she brought hers out to meet it, swirling them together.  She spread her legs and he moved between them, grinding down on her as his lips moved with hers.

Melody’s whole body was thrumming and her heart was racing.  She had not expected this at all.  She thought she would have rambled about how good the night was and shown Steve all the business cards she had collected from the famous and powerful.  She wanted to talk about his speech and for him to elaborate on it to learn more about the things that were important to the Steve Rogers who wasn’t on display.  She had expected Steve to need more time.

Now her cunt was dripping for him and she wanted nothing more than for him to strip off her gown and to feel him inside her.

Unfortunately, that was the moment Bobbi returned home from work.

“Oh, god,” she said as she opened the front door.  “Shit.  Ignore me.  I’m not even here.”

Steve was already scrambling back off Melody and Melody sat up, straightening herself off.  “What time is it?” she asked.

“A bit after one,” she answered as she hurried toward her room.  “Seriously.  Please, don’t let me stop you.”

“It’s fine, Bobbi,” Steve said.

Bobbi was already ducking into her room and she quickly waved her hand to dismiss him.  Steve let out a breath and picked up the cocktail, taking a long drink.

“I’m sorry,” Melody said.  “This is the worst setup for bringing people home.”

Steve shook his head. “It’s okay.  I got carried away.  If it’s okay with you, I’d like our first time to be a little more special.  Maybe we can go away for the weekend.”

Melody tilted her head.  She really had never met anyone like Steve Rogers before.  “Are you sure?  I’d be happy with a room with a lock on it.  We could always go back to your place.”

He nodded. “I know it’s putting a little pressure on it, but I think it’d be nice to do.  Old school.”

“Can I ask you something personal?” Melody asked.  Steve gave a brief nod. “Will it be your first time?”

Steve smiled and shook his head. “No.  I know I give off those vibes.  My number is low, but there is a number.”

“It wouldn’t have mattered.  I just really don’t want you to feel like you’ll be letting me down if you need time,” she said, taking his hand.

“You’re something else, you know that,” he said and kissed her cheek.

“So are you, Steve,” she whispered.

“I’ll check my calendar and book something. We can go upstate.  It’ll be nice,” he said.

“Sounds good,” she agreed.

Steve took another sip of the drink. “This is good by the way.  What’s on top?”

“Gin,” she said.  “I like how it goes with the rum.  It takes away some of the sweetness.”

“Why is it blue?” he asked.

“It’s infused with butterfly pea flowers.  If you add an acid it’ll turn purple,” she said. 

Steve gave an impressed nod and took another sip before putting the glass down.  “I should be going.  Say goodnight to Bobbi for me.”

“Will do,” Melody said, standing with him.  She walked him to the door and kissed him goodnight.  “Thank you for tonight. I had a great time.”

“I’m really glad you were there with me,” he said. “It felt a lot less like work.”

She watched him leave and shut the door, when she turned around Bobbi was standing in the doorway to her bedroom. “Sorry about the cockblock, cuz,” she said.

Melody laughed and shook her head.  “It’s fine.  I don’t think he was ready yet.”

“Yeah, I’m taking it slow with Bucky too,” she said. “But then - that has a lot to do with me.”

“Work or you haven’t told him yet?” Melody asked, picking up both glasses and bringing them over to Bobbi.  She offered Bobbi her untouched drink, and Bobbi took it and took a sip.

“Both,” she said with a sigh. “I hate telling people that I’m seeing when they don’t already know.  But I do really like him.  He’s quiet, but that kind of quiet where there’s something a little wicked under the surface waiting to come out.”

“You want me to feel around, see if I can get a vibe of how he’ll react?” she asked.

Bobbi pursed her lips and then took another long drink. “Okay.  Yes.  Please can you?  I give you permission to out me to Steve if you think he will keep it to himself.”

“Alright,” she said and hugged Bobbi.  “I love you, you know?”

“I love you too,” she said, hugging her back.  “Our lives are pretty crazy, right?”

Melody laughed and nodded. “You’re telling me.”

// NEXT

[andiatas]

Masterpost: Royal Authors

This is a text version of the original list I curated, which can be found here. The royals are listed chronologically based on their first name (not title). The books are listed with the oldest book first & most recently published book last.

Some of the mentioned people have published books or lent out their names for books as private citizens; this post & the original list only cover royal members & books published under their royal title. This means that some books & some people have been excluded due to not falling under those criteria.

Note: Some of the following links are affiliate links, which means I earn a commission on every purchase. This does not affect the price you pay.

Princess Akiko of Mikasa

Reconsidering early modern Yamato-e: perspectives from Japan, the UK, and the USA (2013)

Japan: Courts and Culture (2020)

Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester

The Memoirs of Princess Alice Duchess of Gloucester (1983)

Memories of Ninety Years (1991)

Catherine, Princess of Wales

Hold Still (2021)

Puzzles for Spies: The brand-new puzzle book from GCHQ (2022)

King Charles III

The Old Man of Lochnagar (1980)

Tomorrow is Too Late - A Celebration of Our Wildlife Heritage (1990) (with Sir David Attenborough, among others)

The Prince's Choice: A Personal Selection from Shakespeare by the Prince of Wales (1995)

Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World (2010)

Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World - Children's Edition

One Is Deeply Concerned: The Prince Charles Letters, 1969-2011 (2011)

The Prince's Speech: On the Future of Food (2012)

The list is too long; that man puts his name on literally everything. Check the page for more.

Princess Christina, Mrs Magnuson

Days at Drottningholm (2016)

Diana, Princess of Wales

British Sign Language: A Beginner's Guide (1988)

PEOPLE OF THE 90's: In Aid of the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children (1995)

Hannah Riddell: An Englishwoman in Japan (1996)

Head Injury: A Practical Guide (1997)

King Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor

Launch! A Life-Boat Book (1932)

A King's Story: The Memoirs of the Duke of Windsor (1951)

The Crown and the People, 1902-1953 (1953)

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent

Jackie Stewart's Principles of Performance Driving (1986)

Australia Bound!: Story of West Country Connections, 1688-1888 (1988)

Deep into Blue Holes: The Story of The Andros Project (1989)

The Institution of Industrial Managers: A History 1931-1991 (1991)

The Story of E. H. Shepard: The Man Who Drew Pooh (2000)

Tribal Odyssey: A Photographic Journey Among Tribes (2000)

Chasin' the Sound: Tales and tunes from the career of Pipe Major Brian B Heriot, Scots Guards (2016)

A Royal Life (2022) (his memoir)

One Crew: The RNLI's Official 200-Year History (2024)

Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother

The Country Life Book of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (1978) (actually by Charles & Godfrey Talbot, not her)

Henrik, Prince Consort

Fit for a Royal Dane: Gastronomic Views and Recipes of Prince Henrik (2002)

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Together: Our Community Cookbook (2018)

Princess Michael of Kent

Crowned in a Far Country: Portraits of Eight Royal Brides (1986)

Cupid and the King: Five Royal Paramours (1991)

The Serpent and the Moon: Two Rivals for the Love of a Renaissance King (2004)

A Cheetah's Tale (2017)

Princess Märtha Louise

Why Kings and Queens Don't Wear Crowns (2004)

The Spiritual Password: Learn to Unlock Your Spiritual Power (2014)

Emperor Naruhito

Costume at Castle Howard (1975)

The Thames and I: A Memoir of Two Years at Oxford (1993; 2006; 2019)

Queen Noor

Art of Jordan: Treasures from an Ancient Land (1991)

Landmines and Human Security: International Politics and War's Hidden Legacy

Leadership and the United Nations: The International Leadership Series (2003)

Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life (2003)

Breaking Ground: From Landmines to Grapevines, One Woman's Mission to Heal the World: Transforming Mines to Vines (2020)

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh's World Tour 1956-1957 (1957)

Selected Speeches 1948-1955 (1957)

Prince Philip speaks: 1956-1959 (1960)

Environmental Revolution: Speeches on Conservation, 1962-77 (1978)

Men, Machines and Sacred Cows (1984)

Down to Earth: Speeches and Writings of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on the Relationship of Man With His Environment (1988)

Survival or Extinction: A Christian Attitude to the Environment (1989)

The list is too long. Check the page for more.

Queen Rania

The Sandwich Swap (2010)

Prince William, Prince of Wales

Blown Away: From Drug Dealer to Life Bringer (2022)

Puzzles for Spies: The brand-new puzzle book from GCHQ (2022)

Earthshot: How to Save Our Planet (2021)

The Earthshot Prize: A Handbook for Dreamers and Thinkers: Solutions to Repair our Planet (2023)

(this post & the original list is a work in progress & will be updated whenever "new" books come on my radar)

[pain-suffering-even]

headcanons: Baek Yoonho

Quick headcanons - 

Name: Baek Yoonho

Age: 29

Gender: Male

DOB/Place: February 18th, 2031 in Jeonju, South Korea

Rank/Type: S Rank Fighter

Guild/Occupation: White Tiger Guild Leader

Past Occupation(s): Fiend Guild

Skills: Beast Eyes

Weapons: Claws

Family: Cho Garam (mom) (alive)

Baek Jongdae (dad) (alive)

Baek Namgil (older brother) (alive)

Core headcanons - 

Hidden talent: Really good with tying knots (not because hes into anything funky, but because of boy scouts) 

Favorite food: Rice and mushroom curry

What motivates them: Proving he’s better than just a country boy from a small town, internal sense of justice  

Treasured possession: A picture reel of him and his pets in the pool (he keeps it in his wallet all the time) 

Deepest secret: He has trouble connecting with people and socializing and he's always self conscious about it (it's the undiagnosed autism)

Best/Worst thing to happen to them: His brother being there for him when he was younger/His parents misunderstanding him  

Random memories: Hysterically crying over one of the chickens pecking him when he was younger not because he was hurt but because “McQueen didn’t like him anymore and now he's sad that he lost his chicken friend,” meeting Byungyu at one of the summer camps of his and becoming best friends, his older brother taking him out of town every time there was a festival so that Yoonho wouldn’t have to put up with the loud fireworks, volunteering at one of the animal shelters just outside of Seoul and slowly falling in love with Moscow and Black Magic before finally adopting them together as they’re the best of friends, Byungyu introducing him to the hidden lakes and ponds in the woods and going swimming in them, 

Best friend/Worst enemy: Min Byungyu/Choi Jongin (not really)

Good/Bad traits: Strong, thoughtful, observant/Defensive, competitive, insecure, 

Things they’ve done/like to do: Wash his pets in the kiddie pool, playing basketball and swimming with Byungyu, getting fouls in basketball, volunteering at animal shelters in his hometown, 

Personality type: “Entertainer” ESFP-A (89% extraverted, 11% introverted; 33% intuitive, 67% observant; 23% thinking, 77% feeling; 49% judging, 51% prospecting; 76% assertive, 24% turbulent) 

Nervous habit: Cleaning/fiddling with his nails, drumming his fingers on the table, picking/biting his lip, pulling at his hair/threading his fingers through it, 

Things they’re afraid of: Being misunderstood or misinterpreted, the dentist (sensory hell), 

Things they want to accomplish: Buying a house out in the country, volunteering more, 

Additional headcanons -

4 dogs, 1 cat, 4 hamsters , 3 rabbits, and a chinchilla

Pixie dust, the creamy colored Scottish terrier; Scooby, a large grey/blue great Dane missing part of his hind leg; Baggins, the giant and old saint Bernard; Black Magic, the blind rottweiler he got as a puppy; Moscow, the deaf Prussian blue cat; Cappuccino (light brown), Americano (dark brown), Macchiato (red brown), and Frappuccino (white with spots), the hamster sisters; Zeus (fluffy and white), Poseidon (brown with white patches), and Hades (mottled blue/grey), the rabbits; and Mama, the partially blind chinchilla

Likes sweet and sugary things in general

Always knows when it's gonna rain. Always. He's always correct, too (He’s got a pre-awakening knee left injury that aches when it rains plus his animal like senses confirming it)

Their Timeline -

Age 16: hurts his knee in basketball

3 years pass

Age 19: gets his rank

Age 20: moves to Seoul from Jeonju + joins the Fiend Guild

Age 21: gets Pixie dust + Mama

Age 22: gets Scooby + Baggins

Age 23: gets Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades

Age 24: gets Moscow + black magic

Age 25: first red gate experience

Age 26: first Jeju raid + creates the White Tiger Guild

Age 27: second Jeju raid + gets Cappuccino, Americano, Macchiato, and Frappuccino

Age 28: third Jeju raid (Baggins + Scooby pass away)

Age 29: now

[isocertification-in-denmark24]

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Forget Paper Tigers: Unleashing the True Power of ISO 9001 in Denmark

ISO 9001 Certification in Denmark demonstrates adherence to global fine benchmarks. But for Danish organizations, it’s a springboard for something greater:

Hygge Quality: Danes take pride in growing an experience of comfy consolation – “hygge” – in the whole thing they do. ISO 9001 Certification in Denmark allows the translation of this philosophy into steady, exceptional services and products that are reliable and delightful for clients.

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[hellostarrynightblr]

highlights of June-December

Favourite movies: The Farmer's Daughter (1947), Oppenheimer (2023), The Bourne trilogy (2002-2007), Gojira -1.0 (2023).

Decent movies I liked / appreciated but not loved: Highlander (1986), From the Terrace (1960), Mary Poppins (1964), Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023), If I Were King (1938), The Equalizer 3 (2023), No Way Out (1950), Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993).

wtf movie/ending: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) just because they ended it like an episode of a TV show rather than a part one of a movie. I knew it was part one and even I was sitting at the cinema confused once the credits rolled. Also, in the best way, They Won't Believe Me (1947). I was not expecting the film to end like that at all. AT ALL. Also, Caught (1949) has the most unsatisfying tonal shift in the end I probably have ever see. Up until that last few minutes, it was solid, dark, edgy even. Just the way I like my noirs to be. And then the resolution and it is just…. huh?

Best scenes: the Spider Men chase scene in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023); Alfred leaving Mary for good in From the Terrace (1960); the finale in They Won't Believe Me (1947); father's final walk to work in Mary Poppins (1964); the bomb / 'You will remember this day' in Oppenheimer (2023); saying goodbye to the 'daughter' in Gojira -1.0 (2023); the garage confrontation in Caught (1949).

Favourite genres: action, adventure, drama.

Favourite directors: Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer, 2023); Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, 2023); Robert Stevenson (Mary Poppins, 1964); Paul Greengrass (The Bourne trilogy, 2002-2007); Joseph L. Mankiewicz (No Way Out, 1950); Takashi Yamazaki (Gojira -1.0, 2023); Mel Brooks (Robin Hood: Men in Tights, 1993); Sidney Lanfield (The Hound of the Baskervilles, 1939).

Favourite actors: Robert Cummings (The Lost Moment, 1947), Susan Hayward (The Lost Moment, 1947 and They Won't Believe Me, 1947); Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward (From the Terrace, 1960); Ethel Barrymore, Loretta Young, Joseph Cotten (The Farmer's Daughter, 1947); Robert Young (They Won't Believe Me, 1947); Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell (Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, 2023); Matt Damon (The Bourne trilogy, 2002-2007); Ronald Colman (If I Were King, 1938); Denzel Washington (The Equalizer 3, 2023); Sidney Poitier, Linda Darnell, Richard Widmark (No Way Out, 1950); Cary Elwes (Robin Hood: Men in Tights, 1993); Bob Hope (The Ghost Breakers, 1940); James Mason, Barbara Bel Geddes, Robert Ryan (Caught, 1949); Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe (Gojira -1.0, 2023); Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr. (Oppenheimer, 2023); Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns (Mary Poppins, 1964). (Dick Van Dyke is an international treasure, I absolutely love this sweet, sweet man!)

Least favourite performances: anyone in Angels Over Broadway (1940) is pretty forgettable, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. in particular. I did not like Nine 1/2 Weeks (1986), so it might be affecting my perception of Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger's performances as I know both of them are more than capable performers. George Sanders is pretty bland in The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry (1945). Vincent Cassel is bizzare in La belle et la bête (2014).

The most wasted cast: I don't think there is any particular cast that was wasted this time around. I didn't enjoy Angels Over Broadway (1940), so might be this one.

The best wasted premise: The Lost Moment (1947). It's not a bad film, but way too rushed. Had they taken more time, I think the film would have been much, much better.

Best premise: Highlander (1986); No Way Out (1950); Gojira -1.0 (2023).

Favourite cast: Oppenheimer (2023), hands down. Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Alden Ehrenreich, Scott Grimes, Jason Clarke, James D'Arcy, Kenneth Branagh, Tim DeKay, David Krumholtz, Florence Pugh, Matt Damon, Dane DeHaan, Josh Peck, Rami Malek, Casey Affleck, Gary Oldman. At one point I just started listing every actor I know who's popped up in this, it got crazy.

Favourite on-screen duos: Robert Cummings + Susan Hayward (The Lost Moment, 1947); Paul Newman + Joanne Woodward, Paul Newman + Ina Balin (From the Terrace, 1960); Loretta Young,+ Joseph Cotten, Ethel Barrymore with literally anyone (The Farmer's Daughter, 1947); Julie Andrews + Dick Van Dyke (Mary Poppins, 1964); Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell (Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, 2023); anyone in Oppenheimer (2023); James Mason, Barbara Bel Geddes (Caught, 1949); Bob Hope + Paulette Goddard (The Ghost Breakers, 1940).

Favourite on-screen relationships: my favourite is easily Larry Quinada and Leonora Eames from Caught (1949), but I have a few others. Alfred Eaton + Mary St. John (in a very toxic, unhealthy way) and Alfred Eaton + Natalie Benzinger (From the Terrace, 1960); Katrin Holstrom + Glenn Morley (The Farmer's Daughter, 1947); Bourne + Marie (The Bourne Identity, 2002 + The Bourne Ultimatum, 2004); Koichi Shikishima + Noriko Oishi (Gojira -1.0, 2023).

Favourite characters: Alfred Eaton, Mary St. John (From the Terrace, 1960); Mrs. Morley, Katrin Holstrom, Glenn Morley (The Farmer's Daughter, 1947); Jason Bourne (The Bourne trilogy, 2002-2007); Larry Ballentine (They Won't Believe Me, 1947); Mary Poppins, Bert (Mary Poppins, 1964); Ethan Hunt, Grace (Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, 2023); J. Robert Oppenheimer, Lewis Strauss (Oppenheimer, 2023); Jason Bourne (The Bourne trilogy, 2002-2007); François Villon (If I Were King, 1938); Robert McCall (The Equalizer 3, 2023); Edie Johnson, Dr. Dan Wharton, Dr. Luther Brooks (No Way Out, 1950); Koichi Shikishima, Noriko Oishi (Gojira -1.0, 2023), Robin Hood (Robin Hood: Men in Tights, 1993); Larry Quinada, Leonora Eames, Smith Ohlrig (Caught, 1949).

Favourite quote: Let no one laugh at our absurd design, but pray to God that he forgives us all. (If I Were King, 1938). I also love this exchange in From the Terrace: Mary St. John: You've touched me deeply. Alfred Eaton: But not in the right places.

Favourite fact discovered in 2023: James Mason asked to play the good guy in Caught (1949) because he wanted a break from playing bad buys in British films. Gojira -1.0 (2023) was made on a 15-million-dollar budget. Effective filmmaking if I ever saw one. Oppenheimer (2023), a 3-hour biopic, made around a billion dollars at the box office.

The most overrated film: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023). It was fine, the animation is great, but there are a few too many stupid and slow moments. Nine 1/2 Weeks (1986) is terrible. No Way Out (1987) is okay, but I prefer the original anyway. Almost everything Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) is good except for the actual plot.

The most disappointing film: I didn't hold out much hope for any of these, so I wasn't disappointed.

The biggest surprise: Gojira -1.0 (2023).

Best cinematography: Hoyte Van Hoytema (Oppenheimer, 2023). Also, J. Peverell Marley (The Hound if the Baskervilles, 1939).

Best set design: Oppenheimer (2023). Also. I loved La belle et la bête (2014).

Best costume design: Pierre-Yves Gayraud La belle et la bête (2014).

Best music: I don't remember any. My guess is Oppenheimer (2023), but I can't remember any music from it either.

Best production choice: casting Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins, 1964); black-and-white sections (Oppenheimer, 2023), focusing on the human drama and survivor's guilt (Gojira -1.0, 2023)

Worst production choice: (randomly) killing Ilsa (Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, 2023).

Film of the month(s): Oppenheimer (2023), Gojira -1.0 (2023).

[barbiehytes]

best smut you have read in branjie fanfics? M/M and F/F

*drops writworm’s ao3 profile* EVERY ONE OF THESE

Writworm is god tier smut. Period.

No but reallyyy ugh this is such a hard question, I've been thinking about my answer very seriously. I’m gonna add a break so people not interested can skip because this is gonna be looooong.

For smut I think it really comes down to preference/kinks, and I love love love anything with Brooke x Vanjie x Kameron, or any kind of jealousy. So if it has them is an instant favorite of mine, see: 

* Something in the way we move by silver 

*Love Doctor  by writ !!

*come and take a walk on the wild side 

*Someone Like You by Joley 

*jealousy is a disease (that you love to hate) by Mac

*like a fire by holtz

-Poppedthep' smuts are !!!!!!!!!!!!!! wow. my lord and saviour. ( see I’ll Be your animal, and Seattle! ) 

M/M

- Big Guy and Twinkle Toes , one of the OG smuts in the fandom 

-Feeling Something New Inside Me, by legend icon star and my boss Writ,

also I'll Get You Lost (But I'm Having Fun) and Yes Daddy, and Sweet, sexy savage , (and seriously just hop in Writs profile you won’t regret it ) 

-The smut scene in Elastic heart !! is soo good, i always remember that one! maybe cause it was so cathartic after all that they’ve been through?? 

- Distractions by Manta. THis one IS SO GOOOD

- Dane smut is so !!!!! at the front of my mind is the Bottom! B fic, the one with the sex heels, the smut in the dressing room in Cruising and that one sceneeee with a table in Werq 

 -I haven’t caught up with all of Blackhighheels fics buuut I remember some very good smut in the Aruba fic 

- Cassie is a master of dumb boy fics au and we don’t deserve her chaotic ideas or her top notch smut, porg_galore

F/F

*can't let go of the heat, can't let go of your hand - I adore this one and I couldn’t find it for a second and panicked thinking it was deleted, but THANK GOD IS HEREEEEEEEE 

*Pressed for time - This !!!!!!! Eacala is ugh. I'm seriously still praying for a miracle and that they decide to come back one day.This was one of the first m*mmy kink fics I remember and we all died and went to heaven. 

*light of my life, fire of my loins, this whole verse is ICONIC

UGH, where do I beginning

*Seriously, Writ is THE smut writer, that’s the hill I’d die on. so to try and pick my favorite from them is ahhhhhh cause they have SO MANY. but ok I shall try. I love the whole series where Brooke is a dancer and THIS ONEEE is amazing, like wow. and of course the super kinky one shot they did for me where they go to a halloween party! and this one and also this.

* Hush money, baby, my emotional support fic.  this whole verse is *chef’s kiss*  but I the smut scenes in Foreign Heights and Lighters and OMG this treat ? Jaz is an icon and we stan, we do not deserve 

*Holtz smut is SO FREAKING GOOOOD, i love love the Partition fic, the bartenders one and thiiiiiiiis 

* i love be a freak like me, too where Brooke is a professor, and this one , and the Yayo yes you series

* Napoleon Complex series !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stud Vanessa, do I need to say more??

*each and every one of sohytes stories, especially Big ole Freak. 

*The smut scenes in Beauty in the Sheets are life-changing. for real.!!!!!! Tymv is a gift.

*Mac's stoplight series is so freaking good.

*Multi's cool for the summer and, actually scratch that, everything by Multi makes me fo feraaaaaal. see this and this and this is their profile cause I could keep going asdfgh

*It’s a long way down, and The thrill of the chase. THESE. and everything Kite writes is A r t . 

* You, me and New Orleans by joleyyyyyyy !!!!!! no thoughts head empty 

* and omg Ortega’s almost smut scenes are soooooooooooo !!!!!!!!!!!! your move ? I CO N I C. The hot tub scene in n19f ?? i died and went to heaven. *chef’s kiss* 

I started doing a collection (?) of f/f smut bookmarks in ao3 but I haven't updated in forever, I might get to it if y’all remember me, here it is xx

Anndddd these are the ones I remember right now.  I'M SURE I MISSED some important ones djdj so anons or non anons feel free to send your recs!!

**The bold text are supposed to be links, if one doesn’t work pls let me know and i’ll fix it.

***I’m not tagging all the authors cause it’d take me ages but thank you for your work and you know I love youuuu 

[saintflint]

my darling @successsionhbo tagged me to answer these 30 questions and tag 20 blogs❣️

(1.) name / nickname:

tori, tor-tor; only strangers and co-workers have ever called me “victoria”

(2.) gender:

[stressed noises] i go by “she,” for convenience’s sake in most social / work situations but internally, i really feel like anything depending on the day. like call me king, queen, captain, and i’ll respond? i WILL say, though, my favorite gender description that absolutely feels The Most Me is: “she,” but only in the way sailors and pirates lovingly refer to their beloved ship as a “she”

(3.) star sign:

i’m a scorpion

(4.) height:

5’10

(5.) time:

7:15pm

(6.) birthday:

🥖✨national homemade bread day✨🍞

(7.) favorite bands/groups:

fleetwood mac, the amazing devil, bleachers, the head and the heart, the mountain goats, boygenius, belle & sebastian, etc.

(8.) favorite solo artist:

PHOEBE BRIDGERS, then sufjan stevens, then hozier, then mitski, and bon iver

(9.) song stuck in my head:

slip away by perfume genius

(10.) last movie:

howl’s moving castle

(11.) last show:

hannibal

(12.) when did i create this blog:

remember when the les mis fandom had a resurgence and some of us sad souls still had minuscule hope for canon deancas and a good ending for game of thrones? yea sometime around then

(13.) what do i post:

fandom shit i consider elite and other miscellaneous interests

(14.) last thing googled:

claire danes and hugh dancy (CAUSE APPARENTLY THEY’RE MARRIED AND I HAD NO IDEA)

(15.) other blogs:

i have a james flint core blog i made solely to entertain myself with and that’s it

(16.) do i get asks:

tragically rarely and only occasionally when i post an ask game 😔

(17.) why did i choose this url:

i had just finished black sails and had my deep love for treasure island reawakened so this url just seemed appropriate

(18.) following:

my beloved mutuals and unfortunately hundreds of inactive blogs i’m too lazy to go back and unfollow

(19.) followers:

i don’t know how but i just reached 2,708

(20.) average hours of sleep:

6-8ish

(21.) lucky number:

i’ve always loved 11 and 17, and more recently 333 has become significant for me

(22.) instruments:

i used to play piano but i can only barely play a few songs now from memory and a couple of chords

(23.) what am i wearing:

an old red sweatshirt, jeans, thick socks, and a scrunchie in my hair

(24.) dream job:

sailing around the world for the rest of my life would be ideal but a bit of a more realistic option would be anything where i could care for individuals through counseling and encouraging them (i’m currently in the process of possibly changing my major to psychology for this reason)

(25.) dream trip:

anywhere that’s not here

(26.) favorite food:

big fan of soup and bread but i can’t really get more specific beyond that

(27.) nationality:

american

(28.) favorite song:

i could never choose just one but my top song of 2020 was savior complex by phoebe bridgers, according to spotify

(29.) last book read:

beyond the western sea by avi, for nostalgia’s sake

(30.) three fictional universes you'd like to live in:

i always liked the idea of the riordanverse so i could be the child of a deity and go on quests to slay monsters and save the world, although i will say middle earth is number one always, then....ok judge me all you want but i would do ANYTHING to be a pirate in the steampunk-esque, outer space universe treasure planet exists in

tagging: @wutheringheights78, @rodeoqueens, @loverfighter, @modernvampires, @strangerinthealps2017, @watchriverdale, @mycenterfold, @cruelsummerdotmp3, @hunybody, @thotfuss, @spacewitch, @donnatarttapologist, @ratatouiile, @frogandtoadpdf, @cartoonsun, @clutching, @tarmairons, @lilcowboys, @lovecoredean, and @grocerytote

[thevisafly]

Exploring Denmark: Taking Pleasure in Danish Delights

Denmark – a place of happiness, a collaboration of new and old – the perfect place for any kind of traveller. From festivals, art galleries and botanical gardens to EDM raves and snazzy architecture… The country has something for all who choose to travel here! Hygge Ever heard of the term Hyyge? It’s pronounced “hoo-gah”, and translates roughly to ‘cosiness’. But really, Hygge goes far deeper than that: it embodies warmth, enjoying a comforting atmosphere and good people. Things like sitting under the sun reading a good book, cosying up with your family in front of the fireplace, going on a picnic… All of them are Hygge. And Danish people, unsurprisingly, have a lot of it. It’s a Danish way of life, and you’ll find it year-round – probably why Danes top the charts when it comes to quality of life. If you’re unsure of how to go about embodying this culture, they have Hygge and happiness tours that you and your family can embark on – maybe find yourself, and some new friends too!

A Cycling Country Danish people are crazy about cycling. The country is known for its intense biking culture, and you can travel on a cycle whenever and wherever. They’re freely available to the public, and are actually encouraged – if you fancy a romantic bike ride with cool breeze in your hair and the towering sights of Denmark’s coolest castles at your footstep, then cycling it is. Most of Denmark’s terrain is either flat or mildly angled, and the nation has an expansive network of cycle routes to explore as well. The best part is, you won’t feel even a tad bit out of place while doing it – more than 50% of Copenhagen travels by bike, so you’ll fit right in with the locals!

Quintessential Quadruple – Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg These are the four biggest – and most popular cities in Denmark. Why, you ask? Well…

Copenhagen If we’re going to start talking about how amazing Copenhagen is, we need to start from the outside: it’s home island Zealand is just as (if not more) enticing as the actual city itself. Zealand is home to an insane amount of interesting man-made and natural spots that spark contemplation and curiosity upon sight – places like the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, and the Frederiksborg Castle are a must-see for those interested in the culture and history of Denmark. Other man-made mini adventures include the Six Forgotten Giants (a treasure hunt in the midst of a forest for these 6 gigantic wooden sculptures), and Camp Adventure (a large cone-shaped monument that has a breathtaking view from the top). Copenhagen itself hosts a variety of eye-catching experiences, including their world-class zoo, aquarium, open air museums and range of galleries. The experimentarium hosts fun science interactions, and the Botanical and King’s Gardens are home to expansive glass domes filled with teeming flora.

Aarhus Aarhus – a city where Hygge embodies its natural surroundings, and seeps its way into the Danish creativity: giving rise to all sorts of amazing urban architecture. To pick 3 of the coolest architectural experiences in Aarhus isn’t hard at all – what’s hard is figuring out how not to want more! The ARoS Aarhus Art Museum is home to a walkway bridge-like contraption – nothing fancy, until you see it and realise it’s like walking through a rainbow. From the inside, it’s the perfect embodiment of La Vie En Rose – except you’re seeing the world with more than just one rose-tinted glass: there’s the whole spectrum of rainbow waiting! Another really interesting work of art is the Infinite Bridge. Originally a temporary addition to a 2015 Sculpture fest, it was brought back by popular demand and is now permanently placed in Aarhus’ Varna Beach. You don’t just get the pristine cove and luscious high-rise forestry here – this bridge is a loop, meaning you can walk endlessly around it while uncovering bits of Varna Beach’s multifaceted natural beauty at every round. Lastly, The Iceberg.“What’s so special about an iceberg”? Well, it’s actually not even one – Aarhus Ø’s waterfront has one of the coolest-looking establishments ever – and it’s totally functional, too! It looks like a giant, man-made round of icebergs, and is named aptly so.

Odense The island of Fyn (pronounced “foon”) is where Odense is situated. Home to an eclectic mix of literary and environmental wonder, Fyn is a must-see for those looking forward to a laid-back vacation in the depths of Denmark. It’s ideal for those wanting a leisurely cycle around the countryside, because the natural islandic seascape draws many who go there. It’s also hard not to miss one of the many castles that adorn this part of Denmark, and a peaceful visit to these royal structures is always on the cards: for starters, we recommend the renaissance-dated Egeskov Castle. It’s also the home of Hans Christian Andersen, and many a tribute is paid to the legendary literacist here: he even has a museum in his name, that holds up the prestige of his works.

  Odense is a place to slow down and experience the true Danish spirit – its largest market, Rosengaardcentret (yes, we have difficulty saying that too) is a bustling mix of vibrant people and vintage surroundings. Odense is also the only place outside Sydney where you can try your hand at bridgewalking – this is your chance! Their assortment of bars, cafes, restaurants and public spaces are a great place to just hang out and take it all in. Not to mention the many festivals that take place here, including the magical Hans Christian Andersen Festival, the reputed Odense International Film Festival, and of course, the Magic Days Festival.

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[seuzz]

Novel: Hell Ship

Summary Dane Maddock, “Bones” Bonebrake, and two other members of a SEAL team are tasked by the Secretary of the Navy with finding a Japanese freighter sunk during the Second World War which was reputedly carrying a fortune in precious metals. But the ship at the location contains nothing but skeletons, and they realize that it is a "hell ship" which was carrying Allied POWs. As they wonder what to do about it, they are boarded by a gang of mercenaries who believe that the team must be on the verge of recovering a priceless artifact. The SEALs turn tables on the mercenaries and escape.

Meanwhile Alex, an assistant researcher to a historian, finds her employer murdered, and she herself narrowly escapes the killer. She deduces that someone is trying to cover up the sinking a hell ship, one where the US submarine commander was given explicit orders to kill a certain potential survivor. She follows the trail to a house in England where the man's elderly brother reveals that he and his brother were members of an order of Templars that survived the medieval purge. He tells her that the descendant Templars are guarding a great treasure, and that his brother—the man who was to be killed—had a physical key to the treasure implanted in his head. It was for this reason he needed to be killed, so that the key would not be recovered by non-Templars. He then reveals that he intends to kill her, but she is saved in the nick of time by Maddock, who has followed his own investigation to the Templars. They escape.

The SEALs return to the wreck with an undersea rover and its hired operator. They are unmolested until they succeed in tracking the errant survivor's progress to a small desert island, where they find the man's skeleton and the key. At that moment their rover operator, who was secretly working for the mercenaries, calls them in. The mercenaries, who are ex-Special Forces men, explain that they are trying to destroy the Templar descendants, who are a secret society controlling the world. Maddock and his men decline to join the mission, and are left stranded on the island by the mercenaries, who take the key. But Maddock has succeeded in making an impression of it first. They use their surviving resources to make a raft and sail out into the shipping lines where they are rescued.

With the impression of the key and a search of the English temple where they found Alex, they deduce that the Templar treasure is in Switzerland. They find a secret base under a mountain outside Basel and with the mercenaries in pursuit they explore. It is filled with Templar traps, but the survivors succeed in finding the treasure room, where modern Templars (who came in via a back entrance) are waiting. It is revealed that the treasure was long-ago spent in order to re-establish a secret Templar society that does in fact exercise an international sway. A firefight ensues that kills all the mercenaries and some of the Templars, but after the SEALs escape they realize there seems no point in exposing the Templars, as it would seem to make no difference to the world anyway. Maddock and his team are awarded Bronze Stars as part of a facade to hush up their discoveries, and Alex is revealed to be a Navy Intelligence officer who was pursuing similar leads independently.

Notes After a very shaky start—the first few pages really needed an editor—Hell Ship comes alive as a fun, slightly tongue-in-cheek romp wherein manly men engage in lots of globetrotting heroics while unraveling a vaguely sinister scheme. It does a very good job of ratcheting up tension by increasing the stakes, but I'm a little ambivalent about the action scenes. They are not choreographed in a clumsy way, but I think they could have done with a little less choreography—then they wouldn't have felt so much like visualizations of cinematic fights.

Characters are extremely wooden, and there's not a memorable line of dialogue in the whole book.

Recommended

[danishmuseuminterns]

Midwestern Living: How I Learned to Love the Heartland

I have had the pleasure to live in Elk Horn, Iowa for some time now, so here’s some observations straight from the American heartland. I have never lived rurally, so it’s been an interesting to experience a charming Midwestern small town – the kind I imagine John Mellencamp singing about in his hit “Small Town.” However, do add a Danish twist in Elk Horn’s case.

This is not my first meeting with the Midwest. I had the honor of spending a semester at the University of Illinois in Springfield in 2019, so the Midwest is not completely new to me. I have experienced how quickly the weather can change by the day, or by the hour, the humidity of summers and the harsh coldness of the winters, but also how serious Midwesterners are about ranch dressing. Yet, I have never lived in a town with a population of 601, nor have I lived a place without any kind of public transportation, so that’s a whole new world for me. Luckily, the Museum of Danish America provides their intern with a nice car. My favorite thing about the car is the automatic stick!

So how do I feel about living in rural Iowa? I appreciate how people say hello to each other, and how locals’ wave from their car when I walk back and forth to the museum. It gives a sense of belonging. In general, I like how genuinely curious Americans is – something I think we Danes could learn a little from. I also enjoy how clean Elk Horn is. People really care about their surroundings. Also, the church is a good place to become a part of a local community. Besides worshiping, the various kinds of churches also provide an important social glue to their communities where events is hosted and where people make friends. Country music is pretty popular around here and fuel-hungry pickup trucks are a common sight on the roads. County fairs is a big thing during summertime, and functions as a kind of warm-up to the Iowa State Fair, which takes places in August. A colleague of mine and her husband invited me to attend the Shelby County Fair, which was an amazing combination of livestock animals, farm equipment, and a midway, reminding me about Roskilde Dyrskue, a joy of my hometown.

Driving around the state has also led me to notice that many small-towns takes a lot in pride in preserving their local cinemas – a majority was built during Hollywood’s golden era in the 1920s and 1930s. While some may be abandoned, the powerful combination of fundraising, volunteers and willpower has put many of these glorious old architectural treasures back to life. Close to Elk Horn is a town called Audubon, where the local community have re-opened the 98-year-old Rose Theater and offers tickets and snacks to a fair price. This of course includes buttered Iowa-grown popcorn, which is – to put it mildly - an amazing thing.

I also like all the different tractors I see every day – especially the iconic John Deeres emerging from a currently green sea of cornfields, which will soon turn into ‘amber waves of grain’ as harvest season kicks in. During my stay here, the corn has been growing a lot. As such, corn was ‘knee high by the Fourth of July,’ which is an old saying used to signal that the crop will be safe and sound. Currently, the corn is as high as a man on horseback, so I am pretty sure that this will be a good season. Being located in the heart of the Corn Belt, Iowa leads the nation in corn production and corn has a big cultural impact on the state. My favorite depiction of corn can usually be spotted at local post offices, where 1930s New Deal murals showing corn is located above the entrance, being a testament of how corn has and continues to shape the American heartland.

You may not usually associate Iowa with top notch art, but Grant Wood, a native Iowan painter who created the iconic “American Gothic” in 1930, was probably the most important figure in the Regionalism art movement. Portraying realistic scenes of rural and small-town America, Regionalism came to prominence in the 1930s as a reaction to the Great Depression and captures the atmosphere of the Midwest during that period. I actually had the chance to visit Iowa State’s Parks Library in Ames, where the largest murals by Wood is located – and they truly depict how essential agriculture is for the state of Iowa. However, I have yet to visit the site in Eldon, Iowa, where the building of which “American Gothic” was inspired is located.

I am also adjusting to the difference scene of food. Whenever I go to new places, I try to eat what is considered traditional food – and Iowans sure like their meat. As such, I have been eating a lot of breaded pork tenderloins, which is a favorite dish among Iowans. The Iowa Pork Producers Association has actually released a “Tenderloin Trail 2.0,” which is an update of an earlier trail – it’s basically a guide to find the finest pork tenderloins of the Hawkeye State. Should you ever complete this trail, then you’ll be the lucky owner of a free t-shirt stating that you conquered the trail. A local business in Elk Horn called Jensen’s Pub was once named the number one place to get a pork tenderloin in the state, and they do indeed serve a great piece of pork fried to golden perfection. What is really fascinating about this Midwestern staple is how truly eye-catching the meal is with a giant piece of breaded fried pork situated between two disproportionately small buns.

Another favorite of Iowans is the loose meat sandwich. Not quite a hamburger and not quite a sloppy joe, this savory sandwich apparently originates from Iowa’s Maid-Rite restaurants. A local saying is that, when one is in Iowa, one must go on a quest to find Maid-Rite, which this writer did. Originally founded in Muscatine, Iowa, by a butcher named Fred Angell in 1926, Maid-Rite is actually one of America’s first fast food chains and the first chain to feature drive-thru service. Anyway, Angell asked a delivery man to taste his newest creation. The taster exclaimed on the spot: “This sandwich is made right,” which is how the chain got its name. When you order a loose meat sandwich, you’ll usually get a spoon – and trust me, you’ll need it to accomplish this messy mission. One thing I look very much forward to the Iowa State Fair in August, which is famous for their unique food, such as porkchops on a stick and deep-fried corn on the cob.

Anyway, eating like that means that I’ll need to get my daily exercise. In the evenings I enjoy taking a brisk walk and look at the different landscapes in Southwestern Iowa. My favorite place so far is the Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park at the grounds of the Museum of Danish America, where you’ll get Elk Horn’s finest view of the sunset. The nature around these parts of the state is very similar to Danish nature, which I find quite charming. Besides the nature, there’s also a lot of windmills, which is a common sight back home, but also a big industry in the state of Iowa.

And whenever I miss home, I go to visit the Danish Windmill or the Museum of Danish America and buy some products from Denmark. The people behind the desk both places are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, so it’s always very enjoyable. It’s Midwestern friendliness and openness at its best.

Best from Anders Tornsø Jørgensen

[peaceforasia]

The Situation in Afghanistan: Interview with Kevin Rudd and Dr Abdullah Abdullah

The events unfolding in Afghanistan portend difficult times for the elected regime in Kabul and may spillover into outright violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is very discouraging to see Afghanistan being kept out of the Humanitarian intervention debate. Given the Taliban’s advances, Afghanistan faces a bleak future ahead and it is felt that after American exit, even the Humanitarian Aid Organizations may find it difficult to address the crisis in the making.

 Peace for Asia, in collaboration with Zan TV and Women Empowerment and Leadership organized a webinar discussing the situation in Afghanistan. Former Australian Prime Minister H.E. Kevin Rudd and the leader of High Council for National Reconciliation H.E. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah participated as our Chief Guests. Other participants included:

 Shukria Barakzai (Former Afghan Ambassador to Norway)

Kay Danes (Humanitarian Advocate and Lecturer, University of New England)

Jason Scanes (Founder, Forsaken Fighters Australia Inc)

Mufta Udin Babakerkhail (Advisor to the President, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan)

 The webinar was moderated by Rita Anwari (Founder & Director at WEL, International Political Analyzer, Government Official) and Fariha Saidi (Chairperson of the Event, ZAN TV)

 In the backdrop of the evolving situation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban has made significant territorial gains, it is crucial to evaluate Afghan-Australia ties considering Canberra’s strong relationship with the post 9/11 regimes in Kabul. In June, Australia became the first country in the Western alliance to wind up its diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, raising questions on the sustainability of its partnership with Afghanistan.

 Recalling his travels and meetings with the Afghan politicians as the then Foreign Minister of Australia, Rudd discussed Australia’s role in Afghanistan post 9/11 and his role in the gradual deepening of the bilateral relationship after he became the Prime Minister in 2007.

 He expressed his disapproval at the international community’s evasive stance on Afghanistan. “Too much has been spent in blood and treasure by the good people of Afghanistan, its soldiers and allies”, and to walk away in this manner was distressing, Rudd stated. Reflecting on the present situation, Rudd pointed out the Taliban’s paradoxical stance wherein it engaged in violence and negotiations at the same time. It was high time that the major international stakeholders were made to acknowledge that the Taliban were not negotiating in good faith and that the challenges to the elected government were very very serious. The international community needs to put “maximum pressure on any government that engaged in direct communication with the Taliban” since this would tantamount to abetting attacks on the democratic regime in Kabul.

To know more: https://peaceforasia.org/situation-in-afghanistan-and-afghan-australian-ties-interview-with-kevin-rudd-and-dr-abdullah-abdullah/

[yourboatholiday]

Did you know the United States “Caribbean Side”? No, we’re not talking about Miami but the US Virgin Islands!

Just a three-hour flight from Miami and four hours from New York, the US Virgin Islands are a favorite destination for boaters across North America for a tropical getaway. Their strategic position, in addition to its beaches with stretches of sand and crystal clear waters, make them perfect both to be reached by boat from the United States and for a cruise to be enjoyed island by island.

CONTACT US FOR YOUR NEXT CHARTER IN THE USVI

Where are the USVIs located?

The US Virgin Islands are located in the stretch of the Caribbean Sea that separates the island of Puerto Rico from the British Virgin Islands, northwest of the Leeward Islands.

The archipelago consists of about twenty volcanic origin islands, of which four are main and open to international tourism. Saint Croix, the largest and southernmost island, completely surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. Saint John, smaller and almost entirely a National Park. Saint Thomas, home to the capital, Charlotte Amalie, the Caribbean’s main cruise port. Water Island, a wild islet along the coast of St. Thomas famous for its Eco-Lodge.

How to reach our destination?

The USVI is easily accessible by air. There are two main airports: Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport in Saint Croix and Cyril E. King International Airport, located a few kilometers from the center of Charlotte Amalie in Saint Thomas.

Both offer direct flights to and from the United States and the Caribbean islands while for those arriving from Europe or other countries it is necessary to make at least one stopover.

Why is the US Virgin Islands such a popular destination?

The USVI is rich in history and different cultures due to the seven different European colonization that have occurred there over the centuries, starting from the landing place of Christopher Columbus who arrived in 1493 in the place now known as Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve.

The first to economically exploit these islands were the Danes who established their sugar cane crops here by importing slaves from Africa to which natives of various ethnic groups soon joined.

Only in 1917 did the archipelago pass from the Danish colonial domination to the United States government, which bought them for the value of 25 million dollars in gold.

These lands also offer a luxuriant nature. The sea that surrounds the USVI is in fact renowned for its pure, crystalline waters, rich in marine fauna and flora, ideal for diving. The trade winds blow constantly and favor navigation far and wide.

We cannot forget the numerous sandy beaches that characterize all the main islands, some considered among the ten most beautiful in the world as Magens Bay in St. Thomas and Trunk Bay in St. John.

What is truly unmissable in a USVI boat itinerary?

If you are thinking of sailing to this destination during summer 2021, below we provide you with some information on the main attractions not to be missed.

The possible itineraries are innumerable and our advice is to consult your reference charter broker. Your Boat Holiday is our choice for reliability, competence, and customer care.

Saint Croix

With its 44 kilometers long and 16 wide, it is the largest of the American Virgin Islands. The mountains, the rainforest, the hills, the beaches, and the two colonial towns of historical and cultural heritage offer visitors the right mix of tranquility and Caribbean liveliness.

Christiansted, the main center, is considered the most captivating city in the Caribbean and is characterized by the typical architecture of the Danish colonial period with arcades and large squares overlooking the sea. The Danes used to embellish their most impressive structures with majestic columns and galleries with the function of protecting the inhabitants from the sun and tropical showers. The architectural result was a complex of splendid courtyards today used as restaurants, hotel entrances or arcades for shops and boutiques.

One of the main points of historical interest is Fort Christiansted which had the task of guarding the bay and preventing pirate raids.

The island of St. Croix offers visitors a myriad of opportunities to discover its enchanting beaches and you are spoiled for choice:

Columbus Landing Beach, also called Salt River Bay, is where Christopher Columbus historically landed and is certainly worth a visit.

Cane Bay Beach, on the other hand, is a narrow strip of sand with spectacular cliffs overlooking the sea, perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

Finally, Chenay Bay Beach is closer to the classic Caribbean beaches where you can seek relaxation in the calm waters of this white sand beach.

Saint John

Saint John is a true tropical paradise and home to the USVI National Park, protected natural land, and marine territory.

The almost obligatory landing is in Cruz Bay, on the west side of the island. Here the atmosphere is one of peace and tranquility where time seems to standstill. The small and picturesque village seems to have stopped at the time of the 18th century.

St. John is popular with travelers for its reputation as one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, three quarters home to the Virgin Islands National Park, a treasure trove of biodiversity resulting from the Danish colonial work (sugar cane plantations) and of luxuriant local fauna and flora.

With a scooter or a small rental car, it is easy to travel the 12 km of the Centerline Road and get to CORAL BAY: the second small island community on the southeastern side of the island.

Trunk Bay beach is certainly not to be missed as it is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. For those who practice snorkeling, the beach also offers an underwater journey highlighted with signs for the identification of corals and numerous multicolored fish.

Saint Thomas

Saint Thomas is considered the main island of the archipelago and here is indeed the capital Charlotte Amalie. 

It covers 85 square kilometers, is about 21 kilometers long, and only 8 kilometers wide.

Like Saint John, this island also has a coastal site overlooking the Atlantic and one, to the south, the Caribbean Sea.

St. Thomas is definitely the “glamorous” island of the USVI and it is no coincidence that it is home to some of the most renowned international hotel brands.

The Charlotte Amalie waterfront is very touristy and urbanized but as soon as you enter the town you discover its true Caribbean soul and colorful houses with red and pastel-colored roofs.

Water Island

Water Island is the fourth largest island and is about three kilometers long and only one kilometer wide. The short distance that separates it from St. Thomas, only a few miles, has made it a refuge for many pirates looking for a hiding place after their raids in the Danish territories.

Later, during the Second World War, it became a strategic point of defense for the United States of America. An example of this is The fort located on the island. War ended before it was completed so the project was not completed and was abandoned. Today it is a famous attraction for all tourists who enjoy an exceptional view from its top.

Water Island is characterized by numerous bays and inlets to discover and admire. There are beaches closed in small bays set on the coast.

Contact  now YBH Charter Brokers:

You can contact us by sending an email at ask@yourboatholiday.com or by phone, calling +39 33436 00997, available also on WhatsApp for both calls and texting.

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  Did you know the United States “Caribbean Side”? No, we’re not talking about Miami but the US Virgin Islands!

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[helloworlddemo1122-yahoopar-blog]

The Biggest 'Grey's Anatomy' Cast Exits

Grey's Anatomy has had its fair share of goodbyes.

As the 14th season winds down, ABC's long-running medical drama has gone through significant cast changes in front of the camera and its fair share of on-set drama and scandals. While Ellen Pompeo, Justin Chambers, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. are the only remaining members of the original ensemble who have been with the show since its March 2005 debut, many of their colleagues have come and gone -- some in tragic fashion and others with hopeful beginnings.

With Sarah Drew and Jessica Capshaw's exits looming ahead of the 15th season, there promises to be even more transitions for the veteran series. From T.R. Knight and Katherine Heigl to Sara Ramirez and Patrick Dempsey, ET chronicles the history of Grey's' biggest and most dramatic cast exits over the past 14 seasons.

Dr. Preston Burke (Isaiah Washington)

ABC

Washington was one of the original doctors on Grey's when it debuted in 2005. He was fired in 2007 after the third season, following an incident where Washington allegedly used a gay slur in reference to T.R. Knight during an on-set argument and clashed with other co-stars. The actor eventually returned to Grey's for a 2014 episode to help kick off Sandra Oh's exit.

Dr. George O'Malley (T.R. Knight)

ABC

Knight was the first major cast departure for Grey's, leaving in tragic yet heroic fashion at the end of season five. In his final episodes, his beloved character, George, ran in front of a bus in an effort to save a woman but was hit himself -- still one of TV's most shocking moments -- resulting in being completely unrecognizable to the doctors when he was rushed in. He would later die from his injuries, which became the topic of early season six, as his former colleagues mourned his death and attended his funeral. One of the original interns on Grey's, George was a puppy-eyed doctor whose close friendship with Meredith, fumbling romances with Izzie and Callie and adversarial dynamic with Alex made him even more relatable to viewers.

Denny Duquette (Jeffrey Dean Morgan)

ABC

While Morgan only appeared in about two dozen episodes, he remains one of Grey's most memorable characters, playing Denny, a patient-turned-love interest for Izzie in the second and third seasons. Though the heart transplant Denny came in for was successful, he died suddenly after a stroke -- but not until after he'd proposed to Izzie and she'd accepted. Later, Izzie used the money he left her to open up the Denny Duquette Memorial Clinic. In season five, Morgan returned for a new arc when Izzie began hallucinating Denny around the time she discovered she was diagnosed with cancer. 

Dr. Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl)

ABC

One of the original Grey's stars, Heigl left midway through season six after playing the bubbly, upbeat intern-turned-surgical resident Izzie for over 100 episodes. In her final episode, Heigl's character discovered she was cancer-free, attempted to reconcile with her ex, Alex, and turned down an offer to get her job back after getting fired, opting to move on for a fresh start. Heigl, who won the Emmy for her Grey's role in 2007, memorably took her name out of consideration in 2008 because she didn't feel she "was given the material this season to warrant an Emmy nomination," a reference to her reduced workload that year.

Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh)

ABC

Addison's introduction on Grey's at the end of the first season is still one of the most memorable moments of the series. Still, she left after season three after deciding to have a baby and visiting her friend Naomi, a fertility specialist in California at Oceanside Wellness Group, making the move to the Golden State permanent. Walsh's spinoff, Private Practice, debuted in the fall of 2007 and ran for six seasons, but she would pop back in and out on Grey's through its eighth season.

Dr. Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh)

ABC

Meredith's half-sister Lexie entered the picture in season three as part of that year's new class of interns, but became an integral part of the fabric of the series when she was upped to series regular at the start of season four. She became romantically involved with Mark in an on-again/off-again romance, and the two eventually reunited not long before they were both victims of a horrific plane crash at the end of season eight, during which she was the first to die. "My experience on Grey’s Anatomy is something that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I want to take this time to say thank you to the fans," Leigh told TVLine. "Your unconditional love and support have made these last five years very special for me. I look forward to my next chapter and I hope you will continue to follow me on my journey.

Dr. Mark Sloan (Eric Dane)

ABC

The "McSteamy" to Patrick Dempsey's "McDreamy," Dane joined the ABC drama as a recurring guest star in the sophomore season before being promoted to series regular in season three, and his character, Mark, was immediately dubbed the ladies' man of the hospital. His presence at the hospital caused more wrinkles than it stabilized the staff, with spicy affairs with Derek's estranged wife Addison, Callie and Lexie -- the latter a relationship he grew to embrace. Dane was written off in dramatic fashion; after Lexie's death following the eighth season finale plane crash, Mark succumbed to his injuries. 

Dr. Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh)

ABC

Oh was one of the original cast members on Grey's when it debuted in 2005 and was on the show for 10 seasons until she left in 2014, when Cristina made the leap to relocate and start anew in Zurich. As Meredith's "person," Owen's on-again/off-again love and a star surgeon, Oh's character was one of the most beloved of the series and speculation of a potential return has permeated ever since her departure. "I've gotta tell you, those rumors, I don't know who starts them but it really is tough," Oh admitted to ET Canada in 2016. "No, I have no plans to return to Grey's any time soon." But Oh did say in a 2014 interview with The Hollywood Reporter that she'd be game to return for the series finale. 

Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey)

ABC

Dempsey's exit in season 11 was one of the most shocking moments in the history of Grey's, as his character, also known as "McDreamy," was one-half of the main couple on the series alongside Ellen Pompeo's Meredith Grey. In his final episode, Derek was rushed to the ER after a large semi truck struck his car and the team of under-trained doctors were unable to save him in time, forcing Meredith to pull the plug. “Derek Shepherd is and will always be an incredibly important character -- for Meredith, for me and for the fans. I absolutely never imagined saying goodbye to our 'McDreamy.' Patrick Dempsey’s performance shaped Derek in a way that I know we both hope became a meaningful example -- happy, sad, romantic, painful and always true -- of what young women should demand from modern love,” creator Shonda Rhimes said in April 2015. “His loss will be felt by all.”

Dr. Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez)

ABC

Ramirez announced her decision to leave the show after 10 seasons of playing one of TV's groundbreaking bisexual characters following the season 12 finale. In Ramirez's final episode, she and her ex, Arizona, agreed that they would co-parent their daughter together. “I’m deeply grateful to have spent the last 10 years with my family at Grey’s Anatomy & ABC but for now, I’m taking some welcome time off,” Ramirez wrote in her note in 2016. “Shonda been so incredible to work for, & we will definitely continue our conversations!”

Dr. Stephanie Edwards (Jerrika Hinton)

ABC

Hinton joined the medical drama in its ninth season, staying on for five seasons as Stephanie, one of Grey Sloan's surgical residents, and leaving at the end of the season 13 finale after suffering devastating burns following a fiery explosion in one of the hospital wings. Her near-death experience was enough for Stephanie to change course, and she made a declaration that she wanted to live her own life now. Hinton revealed to ET in February that she pitched a version of Stephanie's final episode where she died. "My heart grows to think that I did get a hero's end -- that I got to go out in a way that was not just incredibly human and honest, but also inspirational."

Dr. Nathan Riggs (Martin Henderson)

ABC

Though Henderson's time as Riggs on Grey's was relatively brief -- he joined midway through the 12th season and left early on in season 14 -- he made his time on the series count. An Army doctor who had a friendship and deep history with fellow Grey Sloan doc Owen, he grew to become Meredith's main love interest following Patrick Dempsey's departure, but Riggs and Meredith's romance was cut short when he was reunited with his former love, Owen's previously presumed dead sister, Megan. In the end, the pair decided to move to Los Angeles together.

Dr. April Kepner (Sarah Drew)

ABC

Drew, who has played April since season six, was written out of the show at the end of season 14 and she got her happy ending, walking down the aisle in a surprise wedding with an old flame, Matthew, with her ex-husband Jackson witness to the happy day. She also decided to leave Grey Sloan to do God's work, helping homeless communities in Seattle. But there was some worry that she wouldn't survive the season. Things weren't looking good for the devout Christian doctor in the penultimate episode as she was seen unconscious and barely clinging to life after being in a car accident. Thankfully, she made it out with barely a scratch. Whew. Ellen Pompeo hinted to ET in May that Drew's character would not meet a horrific end -- and thankfully, she was right. "You only get killed off when your behavior is bad. If you're a nice actor, you die nice. ... But, yeah, these endings aren't tragic."

Dr. Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) 

ABC

In the penultimate season 14 episode, details of Capshaw's departure from Grey's were revealed: She was moving to New York City to be closer to the daughter she shares with her ex, Callie, and helping Nicole Herman open up a new clinic. In the finale, it was hinted that she and Callie may also be rekindling their romance. The announcement in March that she would be leaving after playing one of TV's few LGBTQ characters for 10 seasons was a shock to the system for fans. "I am sad to see her go, but I am consoled by the idea that she will continue to live on and on in all of our consciences and our imaginations," Capshaw wrote at the time.

Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

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Ellen Pompeo Says They're 'Starting' to Think About How to End 'Grey's Anatomy' (Exclusive)

'Grey's Anatomy' Star Ellen Pompeo Says Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew Won't Have Tragic Endings (Exclusive)

[sciencespies]

Meet Barbara Dane and Her Proud Tradition of Singing Truth to Power

https://sciencespies.com/history/meet-barbara-dane-and-her-proud-tradition-of-singing-truth-to-power/

Meet Barbara Dane and Her Proud Tradition of Singing Truth to Power

Smithsonian Voices Smithsonian Center For Folklife & Cultural Heritage

How Barbara Dane Carries a Proud Tradition of Singing Truth to Power

March 8th, 2021, 12:00AM / BY Theodore S. Gonzalves

Barbara Dane with the Chambers Brothers at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. (Photo by Diana Davies, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives)

There are times when a songwriter, a song, and a moment come together to make an impact beyond anyone’s expectations. That’s precisely what happened when Los Angeles-based songwriter Connie Kim (on stage, she’s MILCK) performed “Quiet” during the Women’s March in Washington, D.C, on January 21, 2017.

Originally written a year before the march with Adrian Gonzalez to address Kim’s personal trauma from an abusive relationship, they turned pain into power: “I can’t keep quiet / A one-woman riot.” A year later, the song served a wider purpose and a much larger audience.

Starting with smaller groups of women singing a cappella in different locations throughout the country, and without the benefit of in-person, live rehearsals, Kim found herself on the National Mall. She’s heard of choirs in Ghana, Sweden, Australia, Philadelphia, New York City, and Los Angeles singing “Quiet.” Her “one-woman riot” grew to millions: “Let it out now / There’ll be someone who understands.”

Kim concedes, “It’s not my song. It’s our song.”

Today on International Women’s Day, it’s time to connect the newest generation of songwriters like MILCK to a long and proud tradition of singing truth to power.

Since the 2016 presidential election, millions of people have found themselves in the streets, holding signs, chanting, singing, occasionally braving inclement weather, and probably meeting others they never expected to know. “I never thought I’d be out here, for hours,” many have said, some taking to protest for the first time in their lives. Maybe it was what was said on the campaign trail, how it was said, or simply who was saying it. For all the first-timers out there, no matter how they feel about the politics of the day, people finding connection in the streets should know that singer-agitator Barbara Dane has been connecting audiences and marchers for years, decades even.

Barbara Dane (left) at the 1966 Newport Folk Festival. (Photo by Diana Davies, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives)

As a teen, Dane sang for striking autoworkers in her hometown of Detroit. She attended the Prague Youth Festival in 1947 and connected local protest with stories of young people from around the world. With a natural gift for swinging and singing the blues, she launched a career in jazz that caught the attention of some of the greatest on the scene, like Louis Armstrong. By the end of the 1950s, Dane was featured in Ebony magazine, the first white woman to be featured in those pages and photographed with blues greats.

Forget about the sublime images of suburban life on TV from the 1950s. The postwar years saw millions taking up the banner of decolonization and national liberation. Americans couldn’t ignore those tides and neither could Barbara Dane. Her protest music took her to Mississippi Freedom Schools, free speech rallies at UC Berkeley, and in the coffeehouses where active-duty men and women steered clear of military police and regulations forbidding protests on bases. Dane was seemingly everywhere, leading chants, reinterpreting songs by Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Sara Ogan Gunning.

By the late 1960s, Dane took up an invitation to visit Cuba, where she was greeted warmly. Did she care about the U.S. State Department’s admonition against making the visit? Her response was sharp and clear: “We’re a country that promotes freedom, so why can’t this free person go where she wants to go?”

It’s no accident that Dane found kindred spirits among the ranks of singers and songwriters working in the nueva canción genre. This was a popular music that celebrated a constellation of impulses and influences, ranging from local, indigenous, folk, and ethnic instrumentation, stylizing, and vocalizing, to lyrics that were political, socially aware, defiant, or even comedic at times. Her Havana trip not only gave her a strong anchor in nueva canción for reference, but she also found singer-songwriters from Europe and Asia who shared those passions and interests.

Album art from Paredon Records (Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives)

These connections formed the basis of Paredon Records, the recording label she founded with Irwin Silber, a skilled critic and record producer. From 1970 to 1985, Dane and Silber released fifty albums that documented protest music from around the world. The musical messages reflected the stakes and the hopeful dreams of millions trying to make sense of a world dominated by superpowers with world-ending weaponry.

The songs and the writers came from every corner: students from Thailand and the Dominican Republic. Activists from Chile. Mass-party workers from the Philippines and Italy. Working-class rock by Brooklynite Bev Grant, anti-imperialist folk by Berkeley’s Red Star Singers, and anti-patriarchal songs by the New Harmony Sisterhood Band. But don’t think you can reduce Dane’s Paredon collection to merely strident messaging.

Throughout the catalog, you feel Dane’s attention to what it can mean to link the songwriter, the song, and the moment into something soulful and personal. Many of the musicians featured on Paredon trusted Dane because she was also an experienced singer in addition to being the label’s co-founder, writer of dozens of liner notes, and producer. She had the practical experience of knowing life as a working musician in an industry and in social movements dominated by men. She more than held her own. Audiences trusted her politics and attitude. And fellow musicians heard in Dane’s voice the hard life of singing for your living.

Getting out on the road and performing kept her vital and engaged. For Dane, as she explained in the liner notes to Barbara Dane Sings the Blues, the road taught her

what it means to be alive, to value life above anything and rage like a tiger to keep it… to spend it with care instead of trading it for a new car or a fur coat… to treasure the moments that are real between human beings without counting the cost or trying to bargain, because there’s no price on that beauty. The only thing we have, really, is our time alive, and I don’t think they’ve printed enough to buy mine. How about yours?

Folk musician Len Chandler talks with Barbara Dane at a major rally for the Poor People’s Campaign in Washington, D.C., 1968. (Photo by Diana Davies, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives)

It’s not too late for MILCK to meet up with Dane. I had the chance to catch Dane’s eighty-fifth birthday concert, where she sold out the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, California. For the first set, her quintet backed her as she delivered a slate of jazz and blues standards. After the intermission, members of her family performed—her daughter, Nina, singing flamenco; her two sons, Jesse and Pablo, and her grandson on guitar. Toward the very end of the evening, she brought up her entire family, spanning four generations, and had her great-granddaughter step up to the mic to sing.

It was getting late into the evening, and I was going to miss my train back into the city. I left just as Dane led the crowd through chorus after rousing chorus of “We Shall Not Be Moved.” I could hear her strong voice fade as I hit the street and descended into the subway station.

I hope MILCK gets a chance to see Dane, now ninety, perform live. Or maybe they could teach each other their favorite songs. Both of them, so much more than a one-woman riot.

Above, watch Barbara Dane sing and share stories during the 2020 Smithsonian Folklife Festival’s Sisterfire SongTalk.

Find the two-disc retrospective of Barbara Dane’s recordings, Hot Jazz, Cool Blues & Hard-Hitting Songs, and a vinyl reissue of Barbara Dane and the Chambers Brothers for sale from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. You can also explore the history, messages, and art of Paredon Records in a new online exhibition.

Theodore S. Gonzalves is curator of Asian Pacific American history at Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. He is currently writing a cultural history of Paredon Records.

#History

[barbiehytes]

happy happy birthday to @theartificialdane, an icon and legend in this fandom, as well as the sweetest human ❤❤❤ i adore you and I have no idea what we would do without you !