#deep davers

[andrewmoocow]

My Hero Academia, but it's Homestar Runner quotes

(Bakugo stands in front of Izuku, who is looking a little more energetic than usual due to Bakugo spiking his drink with coffee for a science experiment)

Bakugo: So Deku, tell me, how do you feel?

Izuku: (clapping his hands in the air) I FEEL GREAT, I FEEL GREAT, I FEEL GREAT! I feel bad. I DON'T EVEN WATCH FOOTBALL, I DON'T EVEN WATCH FOOTBALL, I DON'T EVEN WATCH FOOTBALL! I can't remember my legs.

(Izuku starts following Mineta around outside while Bakugo continues taking notes)

Izuku: Hey Mineta, listen up! Widdlywiddlywill! What did I say? What did I just say? Did I say anything? What about this one: hoo hee haw whadiawah! Did that mean anything? Did I offend you? I hope I didn't offend you.

Bakugo: After being exposed to my control Mineta, subject started acting way creepier than normal. Like, even for Deku.

(later during training, Izuku approaches Ochako)

Izuku: Ochako, Ochako! What do you wanna make? You wanna make some wood-davers with me? I got pine cones! I got peanut butter! I got everything we need! I said pine cones! Pine cones! Gonna be successful! Gonna be phenomenally successful! Sell 'em at the corner store! Sell 'em at the five and dime! Ochako, you gotta get on the train, get on the wood-davers train! Here goes the wood-davers train! It's takin' off! It's a new century! (Ochako awkwardly walks away as Izuku continues rambling) I can't remember cereal, I can't remember TV. Is it football season yet? I'll run you over in football, run you down the field like a clown!

Bakugo: The subject's condition continued to deteriorate, and he began making up arts and crafts activities. Like wood-davers.

(now Izuku is hanging upside down on the ceiling of the Heights Alliance sitting area, creeping everybody out)

Kirishima: Get down, Midoriya!

Izuku: No!

Kirishima: I said get down, you're creeping us out!

Izuku: No no no! Parakeet.

Kirishima: (shocked and amazed) Did you just say parakeet.

--

Aizawa: You heard the latest news?

Present Mic: Wazzat?

Aizawa: The students are filling the swimming pool with red Jell-O for the winter.

Present Mic: Y'know, I once had a student in my class, his name was Red Angelo! True story! His folks named him that! And he had a sister, named Grape-Flavored Jell-O With Fruit Floatin' In It! No bull! (Aizawa glares at Yamada and decides to slowly walk backwards into the shadows) And if you flash your lights at a car with its headlights off, you get shot by gangsters!

--

Bakugo: (drunk as hell on soy sauce as he attempts to pilot Aizawa's sleeping bag like a plane while Aizawa stoically looks on) Whoohooo! Clear the launchway, man. We're takin' this baby TO THE MOOOOOOON!

--

Dabi: Ah-ha ha! You're deep-dish! Ah-ha ha! And you've got extra cheese! Ah-ha ha ha ha! Oh, pepperoni!

Cop #1: What's with this guy?

Cop #2: He sounds crazy. Should we shoot him?

Cop #1: Abso-total-lutely.

--

Twice: Hey shopkeep, I need to buy some embarrassing items for my embarrassing body parts.

Shopkeeper: Certainly, sir. Six tubes of rear end cream coming right up!

Shigaraki: Oh-ho-ho, what you buying there, Twice?

Twice: Uh oh, it's my boss! Um, uh, these are for my twin brother! (Twice splits into two) These are for my twin brother! (Twice and his clone split into two) (the four Twices split into two) These are for my twin brother! (Shigaraki runs away in horror)

--

(during Class 1A movie night)

Movie: —but when I returned, the DNA evidence was gone!

Kaminari: Ooh, and he had a cameo as Stevedore #2 in the prequel, and he was in that car commercial with the wisecracking transmission, and he has a Bacon number of 4!

Bakugo: And this is my fist, you might remember it from Bloodied Pulp, the amazingly true story of your face in five seconds!

[danversxluthor]

The Super Blues (Pt. 4) -- REWRITE

Kara nearly broke the sound barrier as she flew to Alex’s location on the bridge. Alex was crouched down pulling her jacket over the blond girl who was shivering curled up in a ball up against the bridge railing. The girl was a far cry from the lively niece Alex had seen grow up before her very eyes. 

“Sweetheart, we’ve been so worried. You’re not in any trouble, we just want to help Lori.” Lori didn’t respond, she just continued to shiver with her face tucked into her knees.  

-----

Where am I? was the first thought that came to Lori as she started feeling the world around her once again. It was as if she was waking from a trance. Her body felt foreign. The shivering teen could hear her aunt’s familiar voice but was still feeling rather disoriented. 

The teen’s shivering got worse the more aware the teen got. As the blood started rushing back to her, Lori remembered the events of the day -- but the walk was all a blur. 

Did she really ditch school? Oh no - it was real! I missed class! Oh roa - jeju and mom are going to be so mad. Every thought of failure and disappointment swarmed Lori’s mind. She felt like she was suffocating and desperately tried to catch her breath. She tried to claw at her neck and chest, shrugging her aunt’s warm jacket off in the process. 

“Lori, hey, just breath kiddo.” Alex tried to get the young teen to calm herself to no avail.  

Kara’s heart was broken at seeing her little girl shivering with Alex crouched down trying to calm the teen. The super landed as gently as she could so as not to startle the pair. Lori was so overwhelmed that she didn’t hear the soft thud of boots hitting the ground. Alex looked up and gave Kara a nod and moved to make room for Kara.

“Lor,” Kara gently says as she crouches down to where her daughter is on the ground, “Lori, hey, its ok. You’re ok.” But, Lori doesn't seem to hear her. Kara is no stranger to panic attacks. She’s experienced several of her own and had to talk Lena through attacks in the past.

“Breath Lori, just listen to my voice and breath.” Kara says as calmly as she possibly can. Kara continues her message, and solely Lori starts to calm herself.

When Lori is finally out of the fog of panic, she’s reminded why she is here and why her Jeju is here. Her Jeju should be out saving other people, people who really need help, but instead Lori had to let her own problems take front and center. She should be stronger than this - she’s a Davers-Luthor after all.  The shame and guilt hung over the teen - she couldn’t even look her Jeju in the eye.

“Lori, hey kiddo, is it ok if I pick you up?” Kara wanted nothing more than to wrap her daughter in her cape and rush her home to Lena to be checked out, but she also knew Lori was in a fragile state. The teen nodded her ascent, and they were off toward home.

“I’ve got you, Lor.” Kara lifted Lori gently off the ground and immediately Lori clung to her Jeju, still shaking from the cold. 

“Just take deep breaths. Let's get you home.” Kara warped her cape around the freezing teen before lifting off. By the time the pair landed on the balcony, Lori was in a restless, shivering sleep in her Jeju’s arms.  

“Oh, thank roa,” Lena swung the balcony doors open letting the cold night air and Kara come straight through. 

“What– is she– what happened? Is she hurt?” a million questions and scenarios of what could have happened were running through the CEO’s mind. Kara carefully set their daughter on the couch but was stuck when she realized Lori still had her cape in a death grip.

“She’s freezing cold, Lee. Can you grab a few blankets to get her warmed up?” Kara asked in a calm voice, trying to bring Lena down from her anxiety. Kara gently releases her cape from Lori’s grip and starts piling on warm blankets. 

When they get Lori setted, Lena askes once again for details of what happened out there. But before Kara could answer, the young blond turned over and started to stir. 

“Jeju? Mom?” Lori said in a tired groggy voice.

“Lori, hey baby.” Lena said gently brushing blond hair from Lori’s sweaty forehead.

“What–?” Lori felt out of place, not in her body but also not out of her body. She didn’t even know what questions to ask. Kara and Lena looked at each other with worry. They didn’t have a handbook for this situation. They didn’t quite know what this situation was.

“It's ok, Lor. You’re safe.” Kara sat next to her daughter and pulled the blanket Lori had previously pushed off back up the teen’s arm. 

“How are you feeling, sweetheart?” Lena asked in full doctor mode. Sure, she wanted to know what happened and why Lori ran off, but Lori’s health was a more pressing matter at the moment. The young blonde was silent for a long moment, taking stock of her body and her surroundings.

“I-- I’m-- I--” Lori stuttered. She didn’t know how she felt. Numb, alien, dreaming, wrong -- these were all Lori’s feelings but they weren’t the right answer. Lori had already put her moms through hell, she needed to give the right answer. So, Lori settled for the next best thing - deflect. “I’m sorry.” Lori said flatly. 

“Lori, we’re not mad. We just want to help. Please let us help you.” Kara begged, brushing a stray blond hair from Lori’s face. 

Oh, no. I gave the wrong answer. I’m so stupid. How to fix this? How to fix this? All my fault. So weak. Lori’s mind was spiraling once again. She felt her chest tightening again. The blanket was all of the sudden boa constrictor, getting tighter and tighter. 

Kara could hear the uptick in Lori’s heartbeat and quickly stepped in to calm her daughter. 

“Its ok, Lor. Just breath. In and out.” Lori closed her eyes and listened to her Jeju’s calming voice. The teen started to come down and exhaustion was once again taking over. Lena and Kara decided not to press Lori any further. This discussion could wait for another day. Right now, Lori needed rest.   

----

After Kara carried their oldest to bed, she returned to her own bedroom to find Lena still at work on her tablet. “What are you doing babe? You should get some rest. We have to be up in a few hours anyway.”

“I just need to understand what happened out there.” Lena looked up at her wife. “What was she doing out there?”

“I don’t know. Alex found her halfway across the bridge.” Kara took a deep breath, remembering the sight of the small blonde curled up against the bridge railing. “She didn’t say much. She just seemed tired and cold… and scared.” Kara ran her hands through her hair, completely at a loss for what to do next when there were so many unanswered questions.

“The surveillance videos aren’t very helpful either. She just walks and walks. I don’t get it.” Lena rubbed at her tired eyes.

“I think we need to get some rest. We won’t get anywhere until we talk to Lori.” Kara leaned over and kissed her wife on the head as she slid the tablet out of Lena’s hands. 

“I see what you did there��” Lena says sleepily. 

“Wait…” Kara perked up and walked to the bedroom door. Lori should be sound asleep, why in the world would she be getting up already. But when Kara peered out the bedroom door, she couldn't help but feel a little more relief and love for her family.

“Not tonight, little one.” Kara guided a sleepy El from almost entering Lori’s room back to her own room and tucked her youngest in bed. El didn’t fight it. She just wanted to see her big sister. Before Kara could leave though, El caught her wrist and looked up at her Jeju with a frown.

“L-Lori?” El asked in a sleepy voice.

“She’s home safe, Ellie. But she needs her rest, just like you.” Kara kissed the young teen on the forehead and said goodnight.

TO BE CONTINUED... 

[unabashedkittenmoon]

(Teaser for a new book I am working on titled heir to snow and steel the full story is going to be on Wattpad and here and possibly ao3 Having said that enjoy and give me feedback please)

The wind howled outside the snowbourn castle, a stale reminder of the storm in the east. Daver woke up from his slumber frantically, his heart beating out of his chest sweat pouring down his face. His breathing was frantic as he tried to sit up. The sound of armor moving filled the hall as a tall man with black hair and a wolf's mask entered the room with his sword drawn. “What's wrong, young prince, is everything alright?” Fangrath said his deep voice now filled with concern. Davers breath slowed as he calmed down “I..I think so why did you run here?” Daver asked, now sitting upright, his hand brushing through his black silky hair. “You screamed, my lord , I thought you were in danger” Fangrath said, sheathing his sword. The prince slowly breathed, regaining his composure “j..just a nightmare fang I..I'm alright” Daver had said in a sheepish and still alarmed voice. The room fell silent once more as Fang nodded, putting a nearby chair at the door. “W..what are you doing?” Daver questioned with a dumbfounded look on his face. Fang said in the chair and chuckled slightly “I'll stay here while you sleep. I will protect you my little Lord”. “T..thank you fang” the prince murmured laying back down on his bed. The morning came sooner than expected just a few hours later. Daver awoke to the sounds of chanting in the streets and the sounds of trumpets filling the air. Today was special, today is the day his father would come home from his duties as the head of the snowbourn house. Daver quickly scrambled to get his clothes on before he rushed down the white halls with light blue trim. It had been four winters since he had seen his father, Daver was sixteen now in just a few moons he would be taking exams to become a soldier. However when he reached the stairs cheers stopped, the sound now filled with gasps and the cries of women. Fangs arms wrapped around Daver “no my prince no! I..I can't let you go out there” fang said in a desperate and upset tone. “B..but my dad he's home t..the king has come back” Daver exclaimed unsure of the reasoning for this. He had glanced behind fang seeing sixteen men on horseback with a wagon being pulled behind one of them, all the soldiers in white armor. “NO!” Daver exclaimed, fighting against fangs grip. “WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY DAD!?” Daver screamed out now desperate for an answer. “Kid listen to me and listen good…” fangraths voice was quiet and he spoke slowly. “Y..your father has fallen in battle young king I..I'm sorry” fangrath slowly let go of Daver as Daver growled out words “LIAR! LIAR! HE IS NOT DEAD!” Daver ran outside, tears streaming down his face as he cried out “DAD! DAD PLEASE! GET UP!” davers words were barely recognizable at this point but he clung to the cart that carried his father almost like a bee clings to their fallen queen. As they approached the graveyard Daver stopped in complete shock, he watched as they lowered his father into the grave. Daver felt pressure like never before since he was the only child of the king and he would become the heir to the throne at just sixteen. Daver silently walked back to the castle, memories of him and his father flooding his psyche. His thoughts now clouded with a barrage of emotions. He stopped at the blacksmith near the capital “what can I do ya for prince?” A man wearing only a piece of cloth to cover himself as his voice was gravely and his right eye was clearly a fake glass ball. “A..a broadsword like my father's..” Daver managed to say only that. His expression was one of a man who had gone through the unimaginable, his eyes vacant of emotion. As he studied all the swords laying around the tables. the blacksmith nodded and proceeded to work. “Deliver it to the castle when you are done” Daver spoke so quietly almost like he didn't want to speak as he sat down a bag of twenty gold.

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Whatfix, a global leader among digital adoption platforms (DAPs), has entered into a strategic alliance agreement with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP (Deloitte India).The strategic partnership between Whatfix and Deloitte India combines Whatfixs advanced digital adoption platform (DAP), simulation tools, and enterprise analytics with Deloitte India's industry expertise to accelerate digital transformation, enhance user experiences, and optimize technology investments. This collaboration brings together Deloitte's consulting strengths and Whatfix's GenAI-powered, data-driven solutions to unlock value from tech stacks and address key challenges such as change management, enterprise agility, ERP optimization, and digital transformation across sectors including finance, consumer goods, technology, healthcare, energy, and public services. Additionally, the alliance will support the next generation of Whatfix experts through upskilling and certification, with 5 certified Whatfix Technology Advocates already trained and 20 more on track."In today's rapidly evolving marketplace, digital adoption is not just an option but a necessity for businesses to stay competitive. Implementing a digital adoption tool requires careful consideration of technology architecture to enable seamless integration with existing systems of the organization. By empowering the workforce with intuitive tools and real-time guidance, businesses not only embrace change but drive it," said Salman Siddiqui - Partner, Deloitte India. "A digital adoption solution goes beyond staying competitive; it redefines success in a digital-first world, acting as a catalyst for maximizing efficiency, minimizing user frustration, and achieving unparalleled success in the digital transformation journey.""Our partnership with Deloitte India represents a shared vision to redefine the user experience through technology," said Vispi Daver, Chief Revenue Officer at Whatfix. "We are committed to empowering organizations to maximize their technology investments while placing the customer at the center of their digital transformation journey. This commitment is propelled by Whatfixs leading Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) and our expanding product portfolio-including Product Analytics with Enterprise Insights and Mirror-with Deloitte Indias deep industry expertise."Vinay Prabhakar, Deloitte South Asia Sales and Alliance Leader, added, "At Deloitte, we believe that true innovation happens when we collaborate, explore, and identify solutions for the 'art of the possible'. Our alliance with Whatfix combines our expertise with their analytics solutions to co-create a future where technology empowers businesses through data. With this association, our alliance ecosystem grows even stronger, which enables us to tackle the most pressing challenges in the market and drive impact by navigating complex challenges."Whatfix recently announced raising $125 million in Series E funding. It is the only DAP recognized as a "Customer's Choice" in Gartners Voice of Customer report and has consistently earned "Leader" status by IDC, Forrester, Gartner, and Everest Group. Whatfix has also been listed as the top DAP by Deloitte Technology Fast 500 for three consecutive years. The company's data-driven product suite, powered by AI, offers an enhanced userized digital experience and supports 700+ customers, including over 80 Fortune 500s globally.About WhatfixWhatfix is advancing the "userization" of application technology, by empowering companies to maximize the ROI of digital investments across the application lifecycle. Powered by GenAI, Whatfix's product suite includes a digital adoption platform, simulated application environments for hands-on training, and no-code analytics for applications and enterprises. Whatfix enables organizations to drive user productivity, ensure process compliance, and improve user experience of internal and customer-facing applications. With seven offices across the US,

India, UK, Germany, Singapore, and Australia, Whatfix supports 700+ enterprises, including 80+ Fortune 500s like Shell, Microsoft, Schneider Electric, and UPS Supply Chain Solutions. Backed by investors such as SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Dragoneer, Peak XV Partners, and Cisco Investments, software clicks with Whatfix. For more information, visit the Whatfix website.About DeloitteDeloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Private Limited (a private company limited by shares was converted into Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP, a limited liability partnership with effect from October 1, 2015Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Whatfix, a global leader among digital adoption platforms (DAPs), has entered into a strategic alliance agreement with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP (Deloitte India).The strategic partnership between Whatfix and Deloitte India combines Whatfixs advanced digital adoption platform (DAP), simulation tools, and enterprise analytics with Deloitte India's industry expertise to accelerate digital transformation, enhance user experiences, and optimize technology investments. This collaboration brings together Deloitte's consulting strengths and Whatfix's GenAI-powered, data-driven solutions to unlock value from tech stacks and address key challenges such as change management, enterprise agility, ERP optimization, and digital transformation across sectors including finance, consumer goods, technology, healthcare, energy, and public services. Additionally, the alliance will support the next generation of Whatfix experts through upskilling and certification, with 5 certified Whatfix Technology Advocates already trained and 20 more on track."In today's rapidly evolving marketplace, digital adoption is not just an option but a necessity for businesses to stay competitive. Implementing a digital adoption tool requires careful consideration of technology architecture to enable seamless integration with existing systems of the organization. By empowering the workforce with intuitive tools and real-time guidance, businesses not only embrace change but drive it," said Salman Siddiqui - Partner, Deloitte India. "A digital adoption solution goes beyond staying competitive; it redefines success in a digital-first world, acting as a catalyst for maximizing efficiency, minimizing user frustration, and achieving unparalleled success in the digital transformation journey.""Our partnership with Deloitte India represents a shared vision to redefine the user experience through technology," said Vispi Daver, Chief Revenue Officer at Whatfix. "We are committed to empowering organizations to maximize their technology investments while placing the customer at the center of their digital transformation journey. This commitment is propelled by Whatfixs leading Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) and our expanding product portfolio-including Product Analytics with Enterprise Insights and Mirror-with Deloitte Indias deep industry expertise."Vinay Prabhakar, Deloitte South Asia Sales and Alliance Leader, added, "At Deloitte, we believe that true innovation happens when we collaborate, explore, and identify solutions for the 'art of the possible'. Our alliance with Whatfix combines our expertise with their analytics solutions to co-create a future where technology empowers businesses through data. With this association, our alliance ecosystem grows even stronger, which enables us to tackle the most pressing challenges in the market and drive impact by navigating complex challenges."Whatfix recently announced raising $125 million in Series E funding. It is the only DAP recognized as a "Customer's Choice" in Gartners Voice of Customer report and has consistently earned "Leader" status by IDC, Forrester, Gartner, and Everest Group. Whatfix has also been listed as the top DAP by Deloitte Technology Fast 500 for three consecutive years. The company's data-driven product suite, powered by AI, offers an enhanced userized digital experience and supports 700+ customers, including over 80 Fortune 500s globally.About WhatfixWhatfix is advancing the "userization" of application technology, by empowering companies to maximize the ROI of digital investments across the application lifecycle. Powered by GenAI, Whatfix's product suite includes a digital adoption platform, simulated application environments for hands-on training, and no-code analytics for applications and enterprises. Whatfix enables organizations to drive user productivity, ensure process compliance, and improve user experience of internal and customer-facing applications. With seven offices across the US,

India, UK, Germany, Singapore, and Australia, Whatfix supports 700+ enterprises, including 80+ Fortune 500s like Shell, Microsoft, Schneider Electric, and UPS Supply Chain Solutions. Backed by investors such as SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Dragoneer, Peak XV Partners, and Cisco Investments, software clicks with Whatfix. For more information, visit the Whatfix website.About DeloitteDeloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Private Limited (a private company limited by shares was converted into Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP, a limited liability partnership with effect from October 1, 2015Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. [ad_2] Source link

[emperor-uncarnate]

Freezing Winds

[be-a-snake-stab-your-brother]

ENDGAME

Here be spoilers. You have been warned.

We were warned this would be a different film, a separate entity from Infinity War and that assertion proved to be 100% true. Endgame is quite a different beast than Infinity War, dealing so much more with the psychological fallout of the Snap, of how each Avenger deals with their failure, culminating in a set a 6 (plus a few others) character pieces.

What struck me overall is how bleak this movie is, starting with Hawkeye’s family getting dusted, the “defeat” of Thanos, the consequences of the Snap, Tony’s realization that he was going to get sucked back in after starting his family and knowing that somehow it wasn’t going to end well for him.

Okay, from all accounts, Thor was played for laughs but for, upon finally watching his scenes, they were actually really difficult for me to sit through, because everything about Thor screams a man who is deeply traumatized, deeply depressed, on the verge of panic attacks (as we saw in Asgard), and not processing any of this except through booze and food. Honestly, for me it was incredibly raw to watch Thor in such deep denial and just...as someone who has been in that exact spot, with almost the exact same “coping mechanisms,” it just really struck me. Deeply. And the thing is, even with the Snap being undone, he’s still not over it. He’s better, but I can understand why he’s abdicating in favor of Valkyrie. He (and the Asgardian people) is much better off not being King of Asgard.

Scott Lang was superb in this movie. That’s all I can really say.

I...am not sure how I feel about Professor Hulk. It just seemed a little abrupt to me and I can’t say I was the biggest fan. 

Clint is a badass in Japan and I love how he went off the deep end by going full-on vigilante. He also happens to be my second favorite Avenger.

Okay, so the missions. The “time heist,” as it were. I’ll get to New York in a second because obviously there’s a certain Mischief Deity I need to talk about. 

But! What I liked about Thor and Rocket’s visit to Asgard (and did anyone else catch the Asgardians calling Rocket a “rabbit”? Must be an Asgardian thing) - well, a lot. Frigga’s advice - to be the best you you can be was spectacular and I imagine she told Loki that very thing more than once when the boys were growing up. Funny that it took Loki less time to be “him,” to accept himself (Prince of Asgard, Rightful King of Jotunheim, God of Mischief) than it did Thor, who is only now starting on that journey now that he is unmoored from Asgard nearly completely. 

Vormir. Ouch. That hurt. I have to say, this movie made me like Black Widow a lot and the scene between her and Clint was just...emotional, especially when she tells him to “let go.” Just...yikes. I don’t like Vormir. Not one bit.

Ooooookay. And then there was New York. :) :) :) So, first of all, can we all just appreciate that out of all the Avengers, Loki has a habit of shapeshifting into Steve Rogers to mock their “high moral ground.” I think this is hilarious. Also, the little wave to the Hulk in the elevator? The facial expressions where Lokes was totally calculating what was happening? And then, in Loki’s own words, “Ta-da!” he escapes with the Tesseract.

Which means 2012 Loki is roaming around somewhere, presumably to interfere with human history in his upcoming TV show. In a movie that was very much about tying up the loose ends of the 6 OG Avengers (and knowing how every time Loki appears on screen, he basically steals the show), I am very okay with this outcome. He’s alive! And...I think for Lokes, all roads lead home, so to speak, in that he’ll come back to himself. He always does. Especially now that he will be absent the malign influence of the mind stone, now that he was hit in the head a few times by the Hulk. It will be interesting to see how he navigates this transition without his family this time (both good and bad. Odin probably didn’t help things, but Thor and Frigga may have.) In true God of Mischief fashion, he courts order from chaos, and once again leaves us all questioning - is he alive? (But of course he is, it’s just another story, another chapter, a novella within the novel.) The sun will shine again, whether separately or together for Loki and Thor. 

One of my favorite speculations, however, is that Loki is the rat that helps to release Scott from the quantum realm. I am ALL OVER that theory. :)

The big battle was fun, loved Carol Davers’s a) haircut (twenty thumbs up to that one) and b) when Thanos went to punch her and it had no effect that was awesome. Can’t say I loved the whole Steve Rogers/Mjolnir thing but it was fun to see. 

For me, both Tony and Steve had decent endings. In my mind, at some point Tony was going to come back to the Snap, not let it go, so that (unlike Thanos) was inevitable. I like the sassy Steve from the movie far more than 2012 Avengers Steve - his character has grown a lot in that amount of time. 

Standouts for me: Scott Lang, Black Widow, Clint Barton, Thor

Not really sold: Bruce Banner

I mean, I would have loved to have seen Loki and Thor teaming up in the last big battle, but I get why they didn’t do it. There was just too much going on, too many main plots to tie up, and as I’ve said earlier, Loki demands attention when he’s on screen. Thankfully, we get an entire series to enjoy the antics of one God of Mischief.

On the whole, I’ll say I enjoyed Infinity War more than Endgame (even with Loki’s whole...ahem, scene). The end credits, though, did make me tear up a little bit (and, if we all noticed, Loki was included with all the heroes!)

8/10 - the sun will shine on us again :)

[randomwordsandstormydays]

The One Where Garrett Meets Andrew

Have some more backstory for my Brotherhood OC: Garrett Thomas.

The quiet clearing of a throat from behind him causes Garrett to drop the blow torch he’s currently using to weld two finicky pieces of metal together. Luckily for him, and his uninvited guest, the safety features on the equipment shut off the light blue flame as soon as his fingers slide off of the grip. Still, he’s annoyed, and his annoyance transfers to the person who interrupted his work.

Garrett retrieved the torch from the floor before turning around to address the intruder. Standing across the workshop from him is a man, blond hair, dark eyes, and a deep scar down the side of his neck. The stranger is attractive, Garrett notices, but even still he came into his work space, uninvited, which could have come with serious consequences. His guest’s charming smile does little to quiet the voice in his head that wants to yell at the man to leave.

He places the torch back into it’s storage compartment before lowering his bandana from his mouth and sliding his welding gogglesonto the top of his head. “Can I help you?” The question isn’t asked nicely, but the blond’s smile doesn’t falter, if anything it widens.

“I was told that you take your meal down here and not in the mess hall,” it’s only then that Garrett notices the metal container which symbolizes his dinner, “I’m new, and not authorized to handle the food yet so I was told to bring this to you.”

Garrett’s stomach clenches at the thought of food and suddenly he can’t help but notice that he’s starving. Often times he gets so caught up in his work that hours go by, and he doesn’t eat, drink, or even use the bathroom unless someone interrupts his focus. He feels a little bad for snapping earlier, but he’s not the type to apologize.

“Thanks.”

The container is warm, which means that blondie didn’t wait before bringing him his food, which is what his normal delivery guy does. He peels back the lid and inhales deeply as the hot steam rises to meet him. He breathes in the scent of roasted potatoes, grilled radstag, and gravy, his favorite.

“Scribe Taylor prepared the meal tonight, I’ve been told he’s the best.”

This is new. Usually Scribe Davers drops off his food and leaves, he’s never tried to initiate conversation before. This new Scribe, who’s name he still doesn’t know, is standing with his hands behind his back, rocking slightly on his heels like he has no intention of leaving. It makes Garrett uncomfortable. Everyone knows that he’s antisocial, and prefers to work with metal and wires over faking pleasant conversation with other members of the Brotherhood. It was his dedication to his craft that got him promoted to Knight, not his communication skills.

He fumbles with a reply. “Uh, I guess. Never really know who’s cooking. I just eat what I’m given.”

The Scribe seems shocked at his response, he stops rocking and his mouth opens slightly, just barely parting, which means he must know of Garrett’s reputation. Instead of continuing to acknowledge the man’s presence, Garrett turns back to his work bench and begins to clear some space so he can eat. He turns to find a chair and is surprised to see that his dinner-bringer is still there.

“Can I help you?” He repeats his question from earlier, having already used most of his conversation skills on discussing his food.

“Not particularly, but bringing you your food was my last tasking for the day, so I figure, what’s the rush to leave?” He finishes his statement with a shrug of his shoulders, much too relaxed and casual for Garrett’s taste.

“Listen,” Garrett sighs as he places his food on the table, “I don’t know if you haven’t heard, or if you just don’t care, but I don’t really do the whole ‘social interaction’ thing”, he punctuates the last two words with air quotes, “so thank you for my food, but you can go now.” He doesn’t imagine the way the man’s eyes dim or the dropping of his shoulders, or the way his smile is wiped completely from his face, and for some reason the realization that he’s disappointed the other man makes him itchy, like he has to retract what he said just so the man will smile. What is wrong with him?

“Oh,” the word isn’t so much spoken as it is released on an exhale, “I’ll, um, just leave then.” The man glances up to make eye contact, gives what appears to be a forced smile. “Enjoy your meal.” He leaves without another word.

Garrett turns back to his food, but his stomach rolls with an unfamiliar feeling. Regret? Remorse? Shame? He doesn’t know, but it means that when he goes to eat, the food doesn’t taste as good as it should.

The next day, the Scribe returns.

This time Garrett isn’t knee-deep in metal and fire, which means he’s not surprised when a knock sounds at the door. He is surprised, however, to see the new cook again.

“Hi there, I’ve got your lunch,” he presents the metal container like a present, and Garrett takes it eagerly. A quick glance reveals mutfruit, razorgrain bread, and dried Brahmin jerky, “also I realized I never told you my name,” he holds out his hand, “I’m Scribe Andrew Parker.”

Garrett eyes the hand like it might infect him. He doesn’t shake it, instead he turns and walks away. “Yeah, I’m Knight Thomas. Thanks for the food.”

Scribe Parker follows him to the table and takes a seat. “Um, what do you think you’re doing?”

Andrew shrugs and settles into the chair. “I want to get to know you. I don’t have many friends yet, and I have officially taken over for Scribe Davers,” he smiles wide, “so we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other.”

Garrett doesn’t really have a response to that, and he feels like nothing he says is going to convince this new recruit that his presence isn’t welcomed. He’s convinced that after a few days Andrew will get bored of him and his lack of caring.

“Good luck with that.” Is his only response before he begins to eat him lunch.

Scribe Parker is not deterred and over the course of the next month he manages to coax what could possible be considered aquatenceship with Garrett. Garrett, in turn, actually finds himself looking forward to the cook’s visits, and not just because the other man brings him food. Slowly, but surely, he opens up to Andrew about his past, his job, his goals, and in turn he gets the Scribe’s entire life story, which he actually tries to remember.

Then, one day, their relationship changes.

It starts like any other interaction, Andrew drops of Garrett’s food, but instead of leaving he stays to chat, following Garrett to his table and starting to talk.

“So, Knight Thomas,” he pauses long enough to sit down and lean forward on his elbows, “I have a question for you.” Garrett takes a bite of his food and hums in response, unable to answer with his mouth full. “Do you want to go on a date sometime?”

The immediate inhalation that that questions prompts sends the dry bread straight to the back of Garrett’s throat. This, in turn, sends him into a choking fit, complete with chest pounding and teary eyes. By the time he can speak Scribe Parker is looking at with concern, half out of his seat and arm raised towards Garrett like he wants to help.

“What did you just say?” His throat is raw from coughing and he reaches for a can of purified water to soothe the pain.

Andrew waits for him to finish drinking before responding, “I asked if you wanted to go on a date with me.”

“That’s what I thought you said.”

That gets him a wide smile. “And?”

Garrett swallows, then clears his throat. “I don’t really… do dates.” He feels his cheeks flood with heat. It wasn’t as if he had never found anyone attractive before, but his lack of social skills and his preference for solitude didn’t exactly pave the way for a lot of romantic options. More often than not he’d chicken out long before he gathered the courage to even speak to someone he was interested in.

The one time Garrett managed to ask a fellow Knight out for drinks, she turned him down harshly enough that he never really tried again. It wasn’t her fault that he was awkward and conversationally inept, but she could have been nicer with her rejection. There had been no reason for her to imply that he wasn’t dateable, even if she followed it up with an invitation to her bed.

After that he stopped trying to get dates, one night stands and flings were good enough for Garrett, there was almost no need for talking and he was better with his hands anyways.

That gets him a thoughtful look before he asks, “so you’ve never been on a date?” Garrett shakes his head slowly, embarrassed by the admission. Scribe Parker’s eyes widen a bit. “Well, I’d like to take you on one, if you’d like.”

The silence stretches between them as Garrett considers this. He likes Andrew, finds him funny, interesting, and attractive. They get along, no one else has had the patience to actually break through the walls that Garrett had constructed to keep people away. He doesn’t have to wonder if Scribe Parker feels the same, since he’s the one initiating the romantic scenario, yet he still finds himself nervous. What if it’s a joke, or a ploy? Andrew has never done anything to insult or hurt him before, but that doesn’t mean that this isn’t some elaborate bet between the cooks or Andrew’s other friends.

But Garrett wants to say yes. Wouldn’t mind going out with Andrew, both of them dressed in civilians, getting to know each other outside of Garrett’s humid, dingy workroom. It’s not often that he finds himself wanting something enough to put himself at risk of getting hurt, and he doesn’t want to miss the opportunity for something good.

Andrew’s happy look is gone by the time Garrett responds, and he knows that it’s because of how long he took to reply. It comes back full force when Garrett gives a tentative smile and says, “okay.”

The next time Garrett sees Andrew they’re both in clean, nice clothes, and he doesn’t think he’s been this happy in a while. Their night out ends with a kiss and Garrett finds his cheeks hurting hours later, when he can’t seem to stop himself from smiling.

- - -

Click here to go back to my OC writings master list.

[ravenousnightwind]

I have an African Grey named Daverous, and he and his other siblings (they're all different birds) are as close to having kids as I'll ever get.

I'll be sitting gaming. My partner is doing something. I hear him telling me Daverous is going somewhere, and I talk to him just like a parent would. "DAVEROUS! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" I don't yell it, but I make my voice go really deep and extended, so hears me. "GET IN HERE NOW OR YOU'RE IN TROUBLE!!!" And he does. He waddles his way back in, where I'm standing with my fists on hips, looking down at him on the floor. I ask him, "What're you doing?" I say firmly. "Are you supposed to be over there?" And he just looks at me and I'm like "play with your box" and I wiggle the flap and go back to gaming and he does, he starts trying to dig around in his plethora of boxes lol.

[444names]

(excluding "mac") american and nord names from tes + scottish surnames

Addvir Adjol Afnari Afnyra Agner Agnorrald Ajold Akvir Albjord Alexandrald Allaces Allie Amihilda Amundingle Angeir Angelicient Anginar Angrek Anice-pier Anriet Arene Artain Asgaig Asgeil Askeggryr Asurnam Audmun Audrek Axdingmir Bansen Basdan Batharly Bearth Beathord Becker Beforgar Befortle Bekela Bericia Berles Berlyn Bertony Bervynne Bhàin Bjarment Bjarn Bjertaich Bjorstte Blacker Bloodmi Bloodmir Blue-sing Borfing Borgar Botte Bradwalker Branjollis Brasdan Brinn Brongsworm Brostie Brunds Brynne Caird Cairna Calling Calmasorod Caoidh Car-sha Cearsty Cecille Chaidh Chain Chalfald Chrisi Chrum Cious Cold-kin Colda Creak Creas Croweve Crusan Cèampatrica Daggus Darkesen Darsen Daver Deathard Deep-shiel Deepa Deepid Dengle Derri Donnda Dordunnan Dorence Drald Drodi Dubhthy Dulfa Dulfrei Dùghlaig Easbjorygel Eiborm-hew Eifly Eifred Eigrim Eiriadaich Elfkiling Elfrosa Elfud Elriksen Emstal Ergnolfa Erlen Erlnordrew Eveta Evskald Eydvir Fafnyra Falgar Falhand Falkeye Falsan Famie Feard Fellne Fenorth Fenrarn Fenrigg Fildia Fjaggart Fjalt-plain Fjognava Fraldrender Franach Franker Fredallea Fredil Free-fist Frosach Frosticiar Fòlair Gadora Gadreaker Galfingmun Gamilda Gath-hon Geadam Gerdan Gerdunnach Gesfurmes Gesrytte Ghailler Gilie Gilija Gilleblach Gjaralda Glaith Glottild Greginia Greil Greki Greldsen Grether Gritrine Grune Guair Gugna Guinn Gunda Gunja Guringold Gurtne Gwenner Hadrimidh Hadvaror Hagrunn Hakard Hakrek Halgus Halulda Halvoris Hammel Hanis Harda Hardt Hargiksen Harly-daug Harman Hatty Hectuirgain Hegreld Heila Hellemhàrta Hemgrunn Henrarike Hialaril Hjane Hjold Hjorckleann Hjorn Hjoti Hjrond Hloellne Hlogi Hokuliosa Holan Holava Hollris Holsie Holstag Horygg Hrader Hraibe Hrance Hrascart Hrogdis Hrolf Hrommer Hrorkandr Hrostar Hroth Huoldria Hurnesen Hyllie Hypherma Ice-boursen Ice-fire Imskr Inkette Irlafka Irngreyda Israkeldor Isruda Istlodvard Jadvirna Jafree Jakar Jarraldring Jeggardona Jeman Jofvirk Jomalarer Jondorald Jorcail Jorcallding Jorla Juliosalte Jurgisselm Kadorth Kathaelf Katharl Katnar Kjalda Kjarm Kjenny Korments Korsteena Krisruda Krists Kylde Leifbritte Leina Lemhànach Lenna Leofesa Lilleb Lisgunja Lisonichant Lodyetta Lokheimund Longstrolf Loris Lornsen Lothain Loud-scarro Luciararn Lyristiara Mabbie Madlinge Maerdais Maerer Maern Maesmal Maevild Malth-bren Manusanner Marik Maringmael Mathain Mathmun Meadar Medvar Melona Merhuring Minnbilda Mojers Mostach Mranker Màrta Neldsen Nellip Newhette Nield Nilsi Ogmaera Ogmarga Okustir Olveine Orgeirt Ormknir Ororalor Othgersen Packven Pacthainne Paulk Peaker Peary Raeriksen Raervald Raflodoremy Ragura Raysky Red-peak River-wind Rizabeldr Robail Rockbring Rogertaich Roggar Ronnar Ronor Sabel Safryf Salt-pommy Sapphing Scall Serpenne Serrfyg Sethmarth Sheòrsanna Shifton Sigardale Signa Sigurid Sileifja Sillisond Siraed Sistja Sjarnesen Skaldur Skarner Skjarek Skjold Skjolfi Skorlund Skulain Skulva Slasdanir Smiliuthais Snorva Snow-mais Snow-master Snowtra Sobgrun Sofnorri Sojar Solda Sonda Sondin Sorarn Sorenny Soress Soriabhràth Sorrvira Staggussen Stalsongar Stalsorenne Stigg Stong Storbelrek Strokil Surek Svakdawn Svers Svynnetted Talf-sprily Talker Tamanusach Tasheòrsan Ter-bloody Thaga Thain Tharn Thell Thels Thomhair Thonaid Thorfar Thorg Thormvar Thory Thrad Tidvi Tolfid Tolla Tolvorian Torbarreda Torbournach Tormoon Torvald Torynn Traich Trais Tyrondir Uglain Ulfnoramon Ulranura Urge-fridla Vardha Vild-eyed Viranis Virga Virgi Volkbjof War-walker Wareld Warralica Wayfing Widunn Wilhelgot Willering Winding Withagair Wolfgar Wordunnach Yngolf Yolagar Yolsthe Youndi Yrsillfury Yrsilvin

[burzindaver]

Burzin Daver – the rock of Gibraltar for the Livewel Group

Burzin Daver is the perfect example of the phrase ‘the rock of Gibraltar for the Livewel Group. A man who has worked hard to climb the ladder of corporate success is known for being deep-rooted in culture and ethics. He has exemplified that one can align his ambitions perfectly with the corporate growth and success plan.

[danvers-alexdanvers]

So...I know its just a trailer but "Kara Davers was a mistake" and "I am not human" is Kara´s conclusion about deciding that saving the whole humanity, her friends,her family,HER SISTER worth more than saving her boyfriend? Of course... Lets watch Kara hating herself, trying to hide her humanity deep down inside, probably driffting apart with her friends and family because she chose them over him...

[hcllfxre]

𝔹𝕖𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕎𝕠𝕝𝕧𝕖𝕤

Group: The Riviera Pack Members: 10 (remaining. The rest, missing) Alpha: Leo “Hades” Ronan Beta: Milo “Felix” Davers

- They’ve always lived by the river. It is known. For centuries, the Riviera pack have not strayed far from the water, claiming their territory by the rapids of the powerful downstream, building their homes, their communities and their lives around their main life-source. 

- Leo had always known he’d be Alpha. His family bred a powerful line of wolves that, for generation after generation, served and protected their community against the threats of the outside world. This was the life he lived and would continue to live till his dying breath. 

- For a while, they lived a relatively peaceful life. His first few years as Alpha, things had gone smoothly. His wolves called him ‘Hades’ after witnessing how ruthless of a warrior he could be when hunters attempted to threaten their pack. Felix often joked that it was because he looked miserable 97% of the time. 

- The peace that they lived in soon fell apart one night when a large group of hunters ambushed their community. In the dark of the night, the wolves woke with a panic as flames licked at the walls of their homes. It almost seemed as if they were coming from every direction, from the treetops to the shadows of the forest, arrows and spears coming for them, like unforgiving needles of death that took down his brothers and sisters without warning. 

- Without another thought, him and his beta corralled a large chunk of their pack to the outskirts of their community as fifteen of their best warriors fought against their enemies. 

- “Take them and disappear.” Leo hissed as he tugged at the necklace around his neck, the leather chord breaking apart, before pressing the cool ivory pendant against his beta’s palm. “Lead them away from the river. I will... I will find all of you, I promise.” His beta looked up at him with wild eyes before glancing back down at the the Alpha pendant resting in her hand, glinting against the soft moonlight of what she would say would be the worst day of her life. 

- “Leo-” 

- She looked up, only to find the retreating figure of a large black wolf howling into the night. With a deep breath, she tied the necklace around her own neck, praying to the gods for safety before barking at the rest of her pack to run... and to not look back. 

- Leo and the rest of their warriors fought valiantly, finally taking down enough hunters for them to signal for retreat. Looking around, amidst the burning homes of what was once their whole life, he barked for all of the wolves that were left to run north with him, away from the pack to dissuade the hunters from following his beta. 

- They stumbled upon the safe house by accident, and have been graciously welcomed. Leo, however, knows it won’t be for long. He needs to find the rest of his pack, or die trying. 

[un-enfant-immature]

Udacity restructures operations, lays off 20 percent of its workforce

Udacity, the $1 billion online education startup, has laid off about 20 percent of its workforce and is restructuring its operations as the company’s co-founder Sebastian Thrun seeks to bring costs in line with revenue without curbing growth, TechCrunch has learned.

The objective is to do more than simply keep the company afloat, Thrun told TechCrunch in a phone interview. Instead, Thrun says these measures will allow Udacity from a money-losing operation to a “break-even or profitable company by next quarter and then moving forward.”

The 75 employees, including a handful of people in leadership positions, were laid off earlier today as part of a broader plan to restructure operations at Udacity. The startup now employs 300 full-time equivalent employees. It also employs about 60 contractors.

Udacity, which specializes in “nanodegrees” on a range of technical subjects that include AI, deep learning, digital marketing, VR and computer vision, has been struggling for months now, due in part to runaway costs and other inefficiencies. The company grew in 2017, with revenue increasing 100 percent year-over-year thanks to some popular programs like its self-driving car and deep learning nanodegrees, and the culmination of a previous turnaround plan architected by former CMO Shernaz Daver.

New programming was added in 2018, but the volume slowed. Those degrees that were added lacked the popularity of some of its other degrees. Meanwhile, costs expanded and their employee ranks swelled.

Udacity CEO Vishal Makhijani left in October and Thrun stepped in. He took over as chief executive and the head of content on an interim basis. Thrun, who founded X, Google’s moonshot factory, is also CEO of Kitty Hawk Corp., a flying-car startup. In an earlier interview, Thrun told TechCrunch that he discovered the company had grown too quickly and was burdened by its own self-inflicted red tape. Staff reductions soon followed. About 130 people were laid off and other open positions were left vacant, Thrun said.

Thrun insists these latest layoffs aren’t just a half-hearted attempt to quickly cut costs and instead are part of a strategic turnaround plan. He communicated that same thinking in the email sent to employees.

“By bringing our costs in line with our revenue and refocusing our product strategy, we believe we can continue to grow the overall business both in enterprise and consumer segments in fiscal 2019 and beyond, while also achieving a break-even position in terms of both cash flow and EBITA, which will ensure that we can continue to do our important work,” Thrun wrote toward the end of the email to employees.

Last year, Udacity generated $88 million in revenue, but it reported a loss of $40 million.

Even as Udacity slashes costs and headcount, it’s trying to expand its enterprise business, which has had recent success. Udacity now has contracts with 60 enterprise customers, including AT&T and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Airbus and Audi recently signed on, as well.

Udacity’s plan was developed largely by Lalit Singh, the interim COO hired in February. Singh conducted a review of the business, including its operating model and Udacity’s primary costs such as workforce, marketing and other non-workforce expenses. As a result of the review, Udacity has laid off more staff, streamlined operations and programming and cut other costs.

“We have tremendous opportunities in front of us, and we also have some challenges. To succeed, we have to ensure that we have an operating structure that allows us to be nimble, efficient, and better organized to win with fewer silos and frankly, reduced cost,” Thrun wrote in the email.

As of Tuesday, four executives who handle different aspects of the business now report directly to Thrun. Those executives include Singh, Alper Tekin, who recently became CPO, James Richard, who was VP of engineering and has been named CTO, and Caroline Finch, vice president of consumer growth.

Alex Varel, the company’s head of enterprise sales, and Jimmy Lee, head of enterprise operations, will now report to Singh.

The change is striking compared to October, when Thrun came back to temporarily fill the CEO role. At that time, 17 people reported to Thrun.

Udacity also has cut costs and streamlined its marketing efforts, downsized and consolidated office space and made its educational programming consistent throughout the various regions in which it operates, including the U.S., Brazil, China and India.

The company will keep an office, albeit a smaller space, in Mountain View, and one in San Francisco. Udacity is closing an additional satellite office in San Francisco and is evaluating its real estate needs in other countries, as well.

[therearemyfavorites]

ichgehornurmir:

If you hadn’t already guessed by now, I’m completely obsessed with Rebecca at the moment. Even more so than that, Mrs Danvers currently owns my soul.      So far, not a single ‘Danny’ has let me down, but I have to say, having just finished watching the TV adaption starring Charles Dance and Emilia Fox, that Diana Rigg is simply unbeatable. She was just everything that Danny was supposed to be.

At first, I thought she was too old - I’m used to Judith Anderson, and to Susan Rigvava-Dumas and Pia Douwes, both of whom are younger than Diana was and frighteningly beautiful - but actually, she’s just right. She has that “something” attractive about her, despite the age; I can see exactly why Rebecca would have found her appealing. I know in the novel she’s described as having a skull’s face, but I’ve always pictured her as unusally striking and unconventionally attractive, so Diana does fit.

Watching Diana act the role of Mrs Davers was just…something else. I’ll start by saying that you can see why she’s been made a Dame. She has an extraordinary talent that was a joy to watch and I was left literally speechless by her portrayal.     She found an expression that just suited the character down to the ground; a little smirk - never quite a smile - that fitted how malicious, manipulative and mentally unhinged she really is. It was chilling to see that she evidently took great pleasure out of tormenting The Second Mrs de Winter, that she had absolutely no consideration for the other woman’s feelings due to her obsession with Rebecca, and I loved how she was always cast in shadow - more a reflection on fantastic lighting and directing - and the way she was always hid somewhere or would seem to appear out of nowhere.

It’s no secret that my favourite scenes are those that take place in the bedroom of Rebecca, between Maxim’s new wife and Mrs Danvers.  For me, they are some of the most intense parts of the novel and really demonstrate the brilliance of du Maurier’s mind. And Rigg certainly did the author proud. Her voice was low and seductive, almost as if she was trying to seduce Rebecca despite the fact that she had been dead a year; as if her Lady’s spirit would approve. She delivered the lines with malice and perfect timing, and always with that smirk.

Her addiction to Rebecca was never subtle, and was never portrayed as lesbian “sub-context” - it was pure, obvious lust, adoration and obsession. She was cruel, evil and mad, and it was all driven by her love and grief for Rebecca.    And that love, that Rigg displayed so clearly and passionately, brought with it some of the rawest emotions, and thus, the most fantastic acting in the TV film. Often, when women cry on the screen it’s “crystal tears” - one, maybe two, and it’s done beautifully and silently. Diana’s crying was ‘honest crying’ - there was nothing delicate or flattering about it, and her agony was emphasised by deep, almost unfeminine sobs.

(Spoilers) I adored the way Diana acted the part where she tells Favell that Rebecca never loved him. Again, her emotions were raw and so was her love for the late lady of the house. I can’t deny that I was stunned when she sobbed “It was me she really loved!” - Not even in the novel was Danny so bold as to admit that she was in love with Rebecca, and perhaps there may have even been more to their relationship than anybody had even known about. I think it was a turning point for her character, and also for her relationship with the Master and Lady of the house; I was glad she got to admit it, and was touched when The Second Mrs de Winter helped her to a seat. Suddenly, her madness and her cruelty to her was explained - she was so in love with Rebecca that she couldn’t bear anybody taking her place, and the new wife felt sorry for her.

The final scenes, where she burns Manderley were simply fantastic. And again, I was shocked (in a good way) when she laid out Rebecca’s nightdress and curled up on the bed with it, the bedroom ablaze. I adore Danny, she is easily my favourite character and while she was cruel, I always felt for her throughout the novel, but I wish she’d died in the house. I don’t mean ‘been left to die’ but allowed to die. She had lost Rebecca - even if it had been the cancer that had killed her, she’d never have had a chance to say goodbye because it was evident that it was the one thing Rebecca would have kept from her. She missed her, she was deprived of her, and she was devestated that Rebecca hadn’t felt she could confide in her. I agreed with Max’s new wife when she said “perhaps she wants to die”, or words to that effect. It was big of Max to save her (perhaps he also felt for Danny after her confession of love, too) but I think she should have been allowed to go to Rebecca, much like she had probably wanted to since her death.

To cut this horrifically long love-in short, Diana Rigg is simply sensational as Mrs Danvers; she has all the right measurements of cruelty, madness, obsession and raw, heart-breaking love for a woman she will never have. It was a fantastic representation of the entire book, and while the narrative does not focus entirely on her, an amazing and fitting representation of Danny and her feelings for Rebecca. 10 stars!!

[toomanysinks]

Udacity restructures operations, lays off 20 percent of its workforce

Udacity, the $1 billion online education startup, has laid off about 20 percent of its workforce and is restructuring its operations as the company’s co-founder Sebastian Thrun seeks to bring costs in line with revenue without curbing growth, TechCrunch has learned.

The objective is to do more than simply keep the company afloat, Thrun told TechCrunch in a phone interview. Instead, Thrun says these measures will allow Udacity from a money-losing operation to a “break-even or profitable company by next quarter and then moving forward.”

The 75 employees, including a handful of people in leadership positions, were laid off earlier today as part of a broader plan to restructure operations at Udacity. The startup now employs 300 full-time equivalent employees. It also employs about 60 contractors.

Udacity, which specializes in “nanodegrees” on a range of technical subjects that include AI, deep learning, digital marketing, VR and computer vision, has been struggling for months now, due in part to runaway costs and other inefficiencies. The company grew in 2017, with revenue increasing 100 percent year-over-year thanks to some popular programs like its self-driving car and deep learning nanodegrees, and the culmination of a previous turnaround plan architected by former CMO Shernaz Daver.

New programming was added in 2018, but the volume slowed. Those degrees that were added lacked the popularity of some of its other degrees. Meanwhile, costs expanded and their employee ranks swelled.

Udacity CEO Vishal Makhijani left in October and Thrun stepped in. He took over as chief executive and the head of content on an interim basis. Thrun, who founded X, Google’s moonshot factory, is also CEO of Kitty Hawk Corp., a flying-car startup. In an earlier interview, Thrun told TechCrunch that he discovered the company had grown too quickly and was burdened by its own self-inflicted red tape. Staff reductions soon followed. About 130 people were laid off and other open positions were left vacant, Thrun said.

Thrun insists these latest layoffs aren’t just a half-hearted attempt to quickly cut costs and instead are part of a strategic turnaround plan. He communicated that same thinking in the email sent to employees.

“By bringing our costs in line with our revenue and refocusing our product strategy, we believe we can continue to grow the overall business both in enterprise and consumer segments in fiscal 2019 and beyond, while also achieving a break-even position in terms of both cash flow and EBITA, which will ensure that we can continue to do our important work,” Thrun wrote toward the end of the email to employees.

Last year, Udacity generated $88 million in revenue, but it reported a loss of $40 million.

Even as Udacity slashes costs and headcount, it’s trying to expand its enterprise business, which has had recent success. Udacity now has contracts with 60 enterprise customers, including AT&T and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Airbus and Audi recently signed on, as well.

Udacity’s plan was developed largely by Lalit Singh, the interim COO hired in February. Singh conducted a review of the business, including its operating model and Udacity’s primary costs such as workforce, marketing and other non-workforce expenses. As a result of the review, Udacity has laid off more staff, streamlined operations and programming and cut other costs.

“We have tremendous opportunities in front of us, and we also have some challenges. To succeed, we have to ensure that we have an operating structure that allows us to be nimble, efficient, and better organized to win with fewer silos and frankly, reduced cost,” Thrun wrote in the email.

As of Tuesday, four executives who handle different aspects of the business now report directly to Thrun. Those executives include Singh, Alper Tekin, who recently became CPO, James Richard, who was VP of engineering and has been named CTO, and Caroline Finch, vice president of consumer growth.

Alex Varel, the company’s head of enterprise sales, and Jimmy Lee, head of enterprise operations, will now report to Singh.

The change is striking compared to October, when Thrun came back to temporarily fill the CEO role. At that time, 17 people reported to Thrun.

Udacity also has cut costs and streamlined its marketing efforts, downsized and consolidated office space and made its educational programming consistent throughout the various regions in which it operates, including the U.S., Brazil, China and India.

The company will keep an office, albeit a smaller space, in Mountain View, and one in San Francisco. Udacity is closing an additional satellite office in San Francisco and is evaluating its real estate needs in other countries, as well.

source https://techcrunch.com/2019/04/09/udacity-restructures-operations-lays-off-20-percent-of-its-workforce/