#even if I do wonder about the browsing history of the writer and/or artist since they really do be putting our boy in some uuuuuh situation

[age-of-moonknight]

“Solve for X: Part 2 (of 3),” Strange Academy: Moon Knight (Vol. 1/2023), #1.

Writer: Carlos Hernandez; Penciler and Inker: Julian Shaw; Colorist: Edgar Delgado; Letterer: Clayton Cowles

[siteeco15]

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People put invest in it so they can meet someone like them. Nowadays people have much higher expectations. The birth of mobile phones, social media, tweeting texting and chatting online have changed human nature. People cancel by text now. And that culture has spread into the dating world — people want what they want. The set-up is distinctly old-fashioned, as Mairead explains: I had a nice time.

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Not mind-blowing, not terrible, just quite normal. But it was still very different to going on a date with a random bloke I met in a bar, or someone on Tinder. Both evenings ended at a civilised hour with a peck on the cheek — after which, Jo calls me with feedback — which is excruciating. As it happens, although I had a lovely time with both men, I felt pretty ambivalent about seeing them again, and told Jo as such.

Black Women on POF (Plenty of Fish) Part 5 Birmingham

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[franeridart]

hi!!! first of all i adore your art so much!!!! like daddy jesus, it gives me life. u draw rlly good poses, so maybe u have some tips? or any good places to find references cuz i can only find pretty stiff looking pictures and thats sad :((((

Tips! Yes! I have those, since it’s a thing I’ve always struggled a lot with too, so I ended up hunting down and hoarding tips like an artist dragon with fancy pictures of gold - disclaimer, even though I know of these tips it doesn’t necessarily mean I’m good at following them. Because I’m a mess. SO! TIPS!

 - When trying to decide on a pose, try to picture the whole action behind it instead of just the single instance! If we were to talk in animation terms, I’d say try to picture the whole sequence instead of just a single, specific frame of it. What is your character doing? Picture in your head the whole movement, and then pick a frame that’s smack in the middle of it - this is because generally the stiffer moments through an action are the beginning and the end of it, so drawing the middle will give your pose a lot more life! If you’re unsure about exactly which moment of the action would work best, draw thumbnails of a few different “frames” of it and pick the one that flows best for you

 - Related to that, when looking for references generally I prefer looking for videos instead of pictures, specifically to get a better sense of how the whole movement flows and where it would be best to stop it. In the same vein, I’ve made a habit of at least partially always keep an eye out for body language while watching movies/tv shows/cartoons&anime, because while real life is just as much a good source of reference as anything else, actors and animators tend to exaggerate movements to make them more captivating and eye-catching, and that’s what we’re looking for when drawing too! It’s all in the drama of it, look for the drama

 - “A real life person wouldn’t do that/move like that/bend like that”, that’s okay, this isn’t a real life person! Exaggerating the shapes and lines is a good way of increasing the flow of your pose, as long as you don’t make it grotesque then pushing on the shapes and curves is always a good idea! Unless you meant to go for grotesque, in which case push all you want, who’s to stop you. In this specific area action lines are your best friends, so if you feel your pose is stiff or lacks life, try finding the action line in it and push it more - you can find a lot of youtube tutorials on action lines and gesture drawing, in case you want to look more into that! Only god and my youtube history know how long I’ve spent doing just that

 - Talking about youtube, if you want to work on your flow a good way is to try out the one minute figure drawing exercises - they give you a pose, you have one or two minutes to sketch it out depending on the video, then it moves to the next pose. It’s a good way to loosen up your lines, in my experience! This is a nice playlist for that, in case you wanna give it a go!

 - Rewinding a bit and going back on body language, if you want your pose to feel alive and be realistic while at the same time conveying a specific mood or feeling, maybe you’ll want to look into how people express themselves through body language! I always see this suggested to writers to set the mood without explicitly stating the emotion, but it’s a wonderful tip for artists too the way I see it (mostly so if you’re drawing a comic, actually!). A good list is this one, give it a skim!

 - More than a tip it’s a trick, really, but giving a prop to your character can help make the pose more interesting - there’s only a finite number of things a character can do standing alone by themselves with nothing to occupy them with, an object or an animal or a second character to interact with really do make finding an interesting pose easier!

That was a lot of theory there, wasn’t it, let’s go for some practical tips too (featuring Horikoshi’s pencil sketches, because I love them and he’s very, very good at this whole posing thing)

 - If you picture your character as standing in an open space and the eyes of the viewers as a camera, moving the camera around them to find an interesting angle adds a lot of depth to the pose. It can be really, really tempting to just draw them from the front and eye level, but sometimes even just raising or lowering the camera the smallest bit helps with giving the drawing life - perspective! I know, I hate it too orz but we’re working hard to overcome that problem, because look at Horikoshi’s latest Kirishima sketch!

so alive! So beautiful! The pose in itself isn’t all that special, but the angle he decided to draw it at sure helps give him life. A thing I do often is to draw a thumbnail of the scene I’m trying to draw from the most boring angle possible, to make sure of where everything is, and then metaphorically move the camera around to try and find a more interesting angle to portray it from - it helps! At least, it does for me haha

 - Keeping it asymmetrical makes the pose dynamic! Let’s look at Toga over here

Her legs and arms are an obvious example of this, but specifically I marked for you the hips line and shoulders line to show you how they aren’t paralel either, because that’s a little thing that’s generally a good idea to keep in mind when you want to give a bit more of movement to your posing! It’s true in photography too, actually. If you want a full body selfie to look good, try keeping shoulders and hips on non-paralel lines, it makes the whole thing look a lot more professional 

 - Keeping that Toga pic as our set example, hair and clothes give a lot of movement to the pose too! If you draw someone in the middle of an action, their clothes and hair are (possibly, if the clothes are loose enough and hair long enough) going to move with the action too - they show the direction of the motion, so keep that in mind when drawing them. Additional tip! If your character is just standing still, wind is a thing you can always make use of to give a bit more movement to the whole set-up!

 - It’s a good idea to keep all the noise in your pose on one side, to give it a bit more balance and make it less chaotic - let’s use Jirou here as our example

the lines on the right side are a lot more simple and straight than the ones on her left, as I tried to very roughly mark for you - all details and “noisy” bits are all on the same side too, so that your eyes can easily focus on what’s important in the pic without getting lost all over the canvas. Balance and asymmetry! Again! It’s an easy way to make poses interesting, after all!

 - That said, it’s not like you can never keep it symmetrical - the human brain actually likes that symmetry a whole lot, finds it compelling! It has to be perfectly symmetrical, though. Let’s look at Bakugou, because why not, always a good time to look at Bakugou

if you drew a line in the middle of his face and down his body, you’d see he’s pretty much perfectly symmetrical - that’s nice! That works! ...why does it work, though? This goes a bit more into composition and less into posing, but this has to do with the rule of thirds: generally and very simply, the rule is that for a picture to be well composed it needs to be set so that the main focus isn’t smack in the middle of the canvas. Some examples with the pics I just posted up there!

The way the bodies are positioned and the way in which the empty spaces are used respect the rule of thirds pretty dang neatly, and that helps make the pictures look less stiff too, between the others things! It gives balance to the whole composition, and makes it more lively! (The reason why it works with Kirishima is that the focus of the drawing is less him as a whole and more his face and right fist - so very neatly positioned! I’m in awe, ngl)

Bakugou’s case is a bit different thoguh, and that’s why the symmetry works there!

when you want to go for the symmetrical look you sort of need to forget about the rule of thirds, as far as I’ve been thought - symmetrical means tidy, and it’s only really tidy if it’s symmetrical based on a line traced right in the middle of the canvas, so Bakugou’s center is right along the median axis, and his pose works even if it’s pretty stiff, by all means.

(this goes into the rules of making a good portrait work, actually, but the lack of empty space all around him helps with keeping it looking well composed and tidy, too. There’s a lot of little tips and tricks that help make a pose work when it comes to composition, really!)

(Also, to be fair this last bit about the rule of thirds wasn’t exactly necessary or particularly well explained, I’ll be real, but while browsing Horikoshi’s twitter I realized how neatly all his sketches follow the rule and I needed to gush about that for a sec, it’s how being a fan works haha hope it was useful at least a bit to you, though!)

[aion-rsa]

Best Marvel Comics to Binge Read on Marvel Unlimited

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With an enormous swath of the world involved in varying degrees of social distancing, many of us suddenly find ourselves with a lot of time on our hands. Never fear! There are more options for streaming comics than ever before, and that means we have access to more of comics history, more hidden gems, and more epochal runs than ever before. But the variety of options to read can be daunting. That’s why we’ve put together a recommendation list of some of our favorite comics binge reads to help you through quarantine. Marvel Unlimited has been around for more than a decade. It runs about six months behind print release of books, so it’s a good way to stay sorta-current with the stories you love. But the real draw is the back catalog: with 25,000 issues in its library, you’ve got access to some of the most important and most entertaining runs of superhero books of all time. From Lee and Kirby creating the modern superhero comic in the pages of Fantastic Four through Chris Claremont and John Byrne revolutionizing the X-Men, and through several Wars (Secret, Infinity, or Civil), everything is here. 

You don’t need us to tell you to read some of these stories. You know “The Dark Phoenix Saga,” Kraven’s Last Hunt, “Demon in a Bottle,” or Jonathan Hickman’s behemoth are all important and good. And some of them, Marvel’s even giving you for free. We’re going to skip over some of the obvious ones and point you towards hidden gems, the harder to find stories that fill in the edges of the Marvel Universe and make it such a rich, lush experience. We are also looking for monster runs that will keep you occupied – you can read six issues in one sitting with no danger of nearing the end. Some of these might take you an entire round of social distancing to finish. 

A quick note about the reading guides: We’ll list out the issue numbers for most of these. Many of them may have their own separate entry under Marvel Unlimited’s reading lists – those are helpful, but these are definitive. One of them, we’re going to refer you to the events – to find those, you can go to “Browse”, then scroll over to “Comic Events.” And for one of these, we’re linking to the inordinately helpful Comic Book Herald. They’re a great site for comic reading orders in general, and have helped me through several other binge reads before. 

Walt Simonson’s Thor

Thor (1966) #337-360, Balder the Brave (1985) #1, Thor #361-362, Balder the Brave #2-4, Thor #363-382

This probably shouldn’t be on the list. It is in the conversation for the greatest runs on any superhero comic ever. But if you’ve never read it, you’re truly missing out.

If you watched Thor: Ragnarok and loved how it looked or any of its story, chances are you are going to adore this, the run that Ragnarok borrowed so much from. Walter Simonson took the Asgard realized by Jack Kirby, the mythological realm pumped full of color and Kirby dots, and turned everything way up to create the most iconic Thor run of all time. Simonson started the run on art before handing off to Sal Buscema, and Simonson and Buscema are two of the artists I could recognize by style the soonest. Everything is HUGE. 

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Thor Comics Reading Order: Ragnarok for Beginners

By Marc Buxton

Movies

Thor: Love and Thunder Release Date, Cast, and Story Details

By Mike Cecchini and 1 other

It’s paced immaculately, with whatever story is in the foreground holding your complete attention, but always with something drip drip dripping in the background that will eventually crescendo. This run made so many characters wonderful, but Loki, Volstagg, and Beta Ray Bill are highlights. And have I mentioned the art? It’s incredible, and doesn’t suffer one bit when Buscema takes over. This is my favorite run on any comic of all time. You absolutely must read it. 

X-Men: the Messiah Cycle

Messiah CompleX, Messiah War, and X-Men: Second Coming

The hottest take you’re going to find on the internet today is this: the Messiah Cycle is the best era of X-Men comics. It has everything I want from the X-Men line: books have distinct voices and missions, but contribute to the overarching direction of the line. There IS an overarching direction to the line. New characters are brought to the front, and new ideas are injected into the line.

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Comics

First New Marvel X-Men Crossover Revealed

By Jim Dandy

TV

X-Men: The Animated Series – The Essential Episodes

By Michael Mammano

You get all of that from the Messiah era. Messiah CompleX picks up with Cerebro identifying the first mutant birth in years; Messiah War has the members of the Mutants with Claws and Swords era X-Force heading to the future to check up on that baby; Second Coming is when she returns to present day. Each one has a different tone; Messiah CompleX and Second Coming bring together every book in the line to tell their stories, but also let each creative team keep telling their stories and end up being the best-handled X-crossovers since Inferno. And Second Coming is the best straight action X-book I think I’ve ever read. 

If you like these crossovers, you should absolutely check out other books from this era. Utopia X, a crossover between Uncanny X-Men and Dark Avengers, is amazing, as is Duane Swierczynski and Ariel Olivetti’s Cable and Zeb Wells’ New Mutants.

Mark Gruenwald’s Captain America

Captain America (1968) #307-422, 424-443

Full confession: this is my current binge read. After years of hearing about how wonderful Gruenwald’s Cap was, I finally decided to jump in and within three issues, I was texting people to scream at them for not forcing me to read it sooner. For starters, the goddamn Serpent Society turns into a union. In fact, the Serpent Society’s union meeting is the most fun I’ve had reading a comic scene in a while, and the fact that it is based on a real meeting of comic book creators from 1978 makes it both more accurate sounding and HILARIOUS (I think Constrictor is Gil Kane, when you read it).

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Avengers: Endgame – The History of Captain America’s Climactic Moment

By Gavin Jasper

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Captain America Comics Guide and Reading Order

By Mike Cecchini

But the real appeal is how much movie Cap is based on this era. Gruenwald’s Steve Rogers is a really nice guy. Everybody loves him, everyone respects him, and there’s not a lick of condescension or mean spiritedness about anything he does, from sparring with Black Knight to taking on a gang of criminal jugglers with Hawkeye to trying to help joke villains like Rocket Racer. He’s also extremely competent, and Gruenwald and artist Paul Neary do an incredible job of showing this, as Cap breaks into the West Coast Avengers’ headquarters while trying to figure out, through his jet lagged brain, what day it is. It only gets bigger and more traditionally superhero as it goes on, with artistic contributions from the likes of Kieron Dwyer, Ron Lim, and others.

You’ll see even more of this run’s influence in Marvel’s The Falcon and The Winter Soldier TV series on Disney+, as it introduces key characters who we’ll see on screen there, so get reading, and pay attention!

Runaways 

Runaways (2017) #1-current

Rainbow Rowell’s current run as writer on Runaways captures the Marvel spirit better than just about any comic coming out right now. It’s a masterful mix of superheroics, joyful immersion in Marvel continuity, and soapy teenage drama. A lot of people are doing good work at Marvel right now, but nobody is hitting these notes as consistently well as this crew. 

This book is remarkably accessible for something so steeped in its own history. If you’re new to comics, or if you’re here because of the Hulu show, you’ll find plenty to love. But if you liked the original series from Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona, you’re going to be shocked at how much this feels like if that same book had never ended. Even though the characters have grown and changed substantially, their voices are distinct and seamless. This is one of my favorite Marvel comics being published right now, and once you’re all caught up, make sure you add it to your pull list at your shop.

Darth Vader

Darth Vader (2015) #1-12, Star Wars: Vader Down #1, Darth Vader #13, Star Wars (2015) #13, Darth Vader #14, Star Wars #14, Darth Vader #14-25

Remember that moment in Rogue One where Vader just kicked the shit out of everyone without looking like he was trying? And how everyone squealed in delight at old, force of nature, badass villain Darth Vader being back? If you were reading the comics at the time, that moment had already happened for you a full 18 months before the movie came out, in Darth Vader #6. 

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Comics

Star Wars Canon Timeline in Chronological Order

By Megan Crouse and 1 other

Movies

Star Wars: Darth Vader’s Best Moments from the Marvel Comics

By Marc Buxton

This entire series is Vader killing everything he can. It’s like watching a space tornado. What’s especially surprising, though, is how Kieron Gillen manages to sneak some important character development into the book. While Vader slices through Sith intrigue and Rebel scum and the entire royal line of a mining planet and a bunch of others, we’re also learning about why he’s the way he is. This series takes place between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back, so some of the lines that get filled in add to the rest of the OT as well. There have been several very good Star Wars comics since Marvel got the license back, but this run on Darth Vader is the best. 

Ultimate Spider-Man 

Ultimate Spider-Man saved Marvel Comics. Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley didn’t do it with flashy variants or crossovers. They did it by telling good, pure, core Spidey stories. 

It’s hard to separate Peter’s origin from Ultimate Spider-Man from Peter’s origin in the 616. The Ultimate origin is so definitive and iconic in how it fills in the spaces between the necessary beats. Bagley’s art especially – even now, thinking about this series that I haven’t read in forever, I can still pull up Peter jumping over Norman’s car, or MJ’s face when she and Peter have “the talk.” 

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How Shifting MCU Release Dates Could Impact Spider-Man 3

By Don Kaye

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Spider-Man 3 Story Is “Absolutely Insane” Says Tom Holland

By Kirsten Howard

For the absolute best, and purest this book can be, just read the first 38 issues, ending with the first Venom arc, but the book stays solid for its entire run. Bendis’ work with both Peter Parker and Miles Morales is my favorite work of his career, especially when Miles joins the cape world, but nothing will ever match just how fantastic these first few arcs of Ultimate Spider-Man are.

The Annihilation Era

Annihilation, Annihilation: Conquest, War of Kings, Realm of Kings, and The Thanos Imperative

You will be hard pressed to find better comic book space opera than the Abnett/Lanning era of Marvel’s cosmic characters. Marvel’s cosmic line was an afterthought when these first started coming out. By the end, it was a widely beloved corner of the Marvel Universe that was popular enough to be mostly transcribed whole by the movies.

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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: Cast, Release Date, Director, Story, and News

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Guardians of the Galaxy Reading Order

By Gavin Jasper

The nice thing about this era of the cosmic line is how neatly the main books move from event to event. Annihilation tells the story of a cataclysm that befalls the universe, and how the remaining heroes – Nova, Star Lord, Silver Surfer, Drax, Gamora, Ronan the Accuser, and Super-Skrull, among others – fight a war to survive. Rich Rider gets his own solo Nova comic from there, and it leads right into Annihilation: Conquest, about the catastrophe that follows in Annihilation’s wake. It also sees the formation of the Guardians of the Galaxy as we know them and launches their book, before tying both comics together in War of Kings where the Shi’ar and Kree empires collide. Realm of Kings is the aftermath of that war (and has one of my favorite Shi’ar Imperial Guard stories of all time), and that leads directly into the conflict that mostly closes out the era, The Thanos Imperative. This is a great introduction and immersion in Marvel’s cosmic universe, and will have you hooked by the halfway point of the first crossover.

Black Panther

Black Panther (1998) #1-22, Deadpool (1997) #44, Black Panther #23-62

There are certainly better parts to this run, but there is a scene where Namor, T’Challa, Doctor Doom, and Magneto stand around an apartment outside of the United Nations shouting at each other about diplomacy, and to this day I still have not found a comic book more specifically designed for my interests than this one. 

Read more

Movies

Black Panther 2 Cast, Release Date, Villain, Story, and News

By Mike Cecchini

Movies

Best Black Panther Comics: An Essential Reading Guide

By Jim Dandy

Priest is one of the sharpest minds ever to write comics. He’s so good at misdirection and storytelling – he will overwhelm you with style and flash, and you won’t even notice the subtle clues he’s dropping, or the way themes and characters weave together to show key parts of the story. This run on Black Panther is probably the definitive one for the character, and contributed a ton to the movie version, but there’s so much more depth (and humor!) that Priest puts into the Marvel Universe that it’s very worth reading.

Incredible Hercules

Hulk (1999) #106-112, Incredible Hercules (2008) #113-115, Hulk Vs. Hercules: When Titans Collide, Incredible Hercules #116-137, Assault on New Olympus Prologue, Incredible Hercules #138-141, Hercules: Fall of an Avenger #1-2, Heroic Age: Prince of Power #1-4, Chaos War #1-5

Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente are two of the best people writing comics right now. Each individually writes really good comics, but the two of them working together almost always put something special out. Incredible Hercules spun out of World War Hulk and came out better than it had any business being. 

Read more

Movies

Hulk Movies Marvel Should Make

By Marc Buxton

TV

Who is She-Hulk? A Guide to Marvel’s Next TV Star

By Gavin Jasper

Hercules exists in a unique place. Pak and Van Lente used him as a gateway to the mythology of the Marvel Universe – the Greek pantheon, but also the Norse pantheon, Japanese gods, Inuit gods, even Skrull deities. And several of these aren’t exclusive to Marvel, so you get a very clear and obvious statement about some of the differences between the Big 2 universes, some clever in-jokes, and the requisite moving story about godhood. This all comes with wonderful characterization, clever plotting and a great sense of humor. 

Nextwave: Agents of H.a.T.E.

Read Nextwave after you’ve read everything else, not because it’s a good capstone to your Marvel experience, but because it’s aggressively anti-continuity, and (lovingly) EXTREMELY disrespectful of the rest of the Marvel Universe. It’s also one of the funniest comics Marvel’s ever put out. 

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This whole story is Warren Ellis brutalizing superheroes. Boom Boom from X-Force, Monica Rambeau (sometimes Captain Marvel, sometimes Photon), Machine Man, monster hunter Elsa Bloodstone, and Captain &#($$&*#!@ (or The Captain) are brought together by the Highest Anti-Terrorism Effort (H.A.T.E.) to fight Unusual Weapons of Mass Destruction. It’s aggressive nonsense, less anti-continuity than acontinuitous which isn’t a word but also fits the spirit of the book – characters make no sense even from issue to issue, and only serve the plot, but that nonsense later serves the plot. And it is an absolute tour de force from Stuart Immonen, who draws every type of comedy you can imagine – slapstick, absurdity, somehow sarcasm, puns – with incredible layouts and storytelling. This is not a good Marvel comic, but it is an incredible comic book that you’re going to love.

The post Best Marvel Comics to Binge Read on Marvel Unlimited appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Comics – Den of Geek https://ift.tt/39RbFsI

[thesinglesjukebox]

TAYLOR SWIFT - THE MAN

[5.67]

«What man?» “The man,” Marco explained, explaining nothing.

Jonathan Bradley: For a feminist song by an artist whose music is rarely explicitly political, "The Man" focuses its attentions on one woman in particular. That is a good thing; Taylor Swift writes best from personal experience, and this is a more immediate and sharply felt song than the blandly participatory, elections-inspired "Only the Young." "I'm so sick of running as fast as I can," says Swift, but she doesn't sound weary; she sounds resentful. And she should be, too: the public and critical response to Swift has been explicitly gendered for her entire career. One of the sharpest songwriters of her generation, she has been abjured as frivolous and feminine; petty and jealous; a scold and a snake; too nice, too nasty, too promiscuous, too prudish. ("The negative traits ascribed to Taylor always sound like a greatest-hits list of every bad characteristic associated with womanhood," Molly Lambert wrote in 2014.) "The Man" is, as Swift tunes often are, broadly applicable. But it's also specific in its indignance. These are wounds felt personally. [8]

Vikram Joseph: Taylor's lyrics are normally best when she's writing about heartache, but they are so strong here -- incisive, funny and bitingly on point about the ways in which women in the public eye are castigated for things that men are celebrated for. "What I was wearing / if I was rude / could all be separated from my good ideas and power moves" is particularly good, and the bridge contains probably the only acceptable instance of a mad/bad rhyme in pop history. Musically, "The Man" is deceptively amiable, almost to a fault -- it's fun synth-pop but feels like 1989-lite, "Out Of The Woods" with too much of the fizz dissipated. [7]

Katie Gill: Swift's superpower is the ability to release all the worst songs off of her album as singles. (Calling it now, her next single will be "London Boy.") "The Man" is far too happy and peppy for a song about institutional sexism, with a chorus that heavily relies on the line "I'm so sick." The mixing choices are bizarre: those "yeah"s hiding in the background are so awkwardly placed that it makes me wish goat remixes were still in vogue. And for an artist who still struggles to get past that iconic moment of being compared to Beyoncé, it's a weird choice to make a song that will inevitably be compared to Beyoncé. [4]

Katherine St Asaph: For all the Discourse that smogs up everything Taylor Swift does, especially (but not only) when it involves politics or feminism, "The Man" is not really of that world. It's Taylor Swift finally getting around to releasing her own "If I Were a Boy" or "If I Was a Guy" or "Do It Like a Dude": a standard topic for pop songs, alongside "fame sucks" and "I rule." These songs are rarely great, tending lyrically to The Wing ad copy (lowlight here: "my good ideas and power moves") and musically to midtempo resignation: sure, if I were a man then I'd be the man, but I'm not and won't be, so why get angry or excited? (To Swift's credit, she works with the resignation; there's genuine wistfulness to the "running as fast as I can" line, if not wistfulness that's explored far.) These songs also subsume personality: The artist is no longer herself, just a woman among the class of women -- and actually not even that defined, just not a man. Taylor Swift, being Taylor Swift, doesn't make herself totally anonymous -- the multiple lines about getting to chase models, specifically in the way Leonardo DiCaprio does, seems like a deliberate reference to the tabloid world of the Squad, Kaylor, etc. But for every spot where her vocal inflections sound indelibly like herself, there's one where she sounds exactly like Katy Perry, one where she sounds exactly like Sia, one where she sounds exactly like early Britney, and many where she sounds like late Britney, who by then sounded like everybody else. (And since Swift and Joel Little are the only writers, for once it isn't a demo vocal's fault. Which means neither are the scanSION isSUES.) Will it shift the narrative? That's the main reason this exists. Will it be anyone's feminist awakening? Given that her stans recently exhumed and endorsed a slimy blog post by one of the most notorious pustular men of publishing because it let them harass a woman for reviewing her PR documentary -- another standard form of pop-star content -- the snooze button's been hit on that. Will it take up man-sized space on the radio? Clearly; it is a song by Taylor Swift. You're the man now, dawg. [5]

Brad Shoup: For someone who's gotten so adept at threading personal storytelling in and out of celebrity narrative, Swift suddenly, inexplicably, writes like someone who hasn't browsed a magazine in years. She must know that Leo's romantic excursions are a punchline at best, and that anyone else dropping a couplet like "What's it like to brag about raking in dollars/And getting bitches and models" would be in for a straight week of surgical editorialization. As usual, her verses are intricate machines of melodic development and rhythmic gymnastics. But the chorus makes me wish she'd pulled a reverse Porter and gone full pitch-down. I know she can afford it; she's the man. [3]

Kylo Nocom: Taylor's precise satire ends up a greater priority on "The Man" than the melodies, leaving a more impressive statement than a tune. Neither Blue Neighbourhood squeals nor choral presets are intriguing by 2020, making me wonder whether Joel Little realizes, almost seven years after Pure Heroine, that its influence is getting boring now. (Yeah!) [3]

Alfred Soto: Those staccato synth chords and Taylor Swift's stentorian delivery distracted on a rather effective album sequence last August. Radio play, however, has revealed the mild gender subversion explicit in the chorus, especially the way the electronic space fails to distinguish it from the competition. Exposure, alas, spolights "If I were a man/Then I'd be the man." [7]

Tobi Tella: For an album billed as her "most political yet", Lover mostly sidesteps real discourse. "The Man" is gloriously unsubtle, but I'm not sure how true Swift's conceit rings. There are some great confrontations of double standards here, mostly of her dating history; but would Taylor Swift, a woman who writes gooey emotional pop songs about love, be "the man" in any circumstance, regardless of gender? [6]

Michael Hong: Does anyone remember that interview around the release of Lover, where she explained why she wrote that dreadful second verse of "You Need to Calm Down?" It's hilarious: a statement by a woman whose allyship stretched as far as a throwaway "boys and boys and girls and girls," now expressing public indignation at the mere idea that one might perceive her as a homophobe. As a result, we had to suffer through "why are you mad, when you could be GLAAD," which somehow earned her GLAAD's Vanguard Award, further proof for cynics that Taylor Swift had become an expert at gaming the system. "The Man" is more of the same, Taylor Swift honing in one way she's a minority and filtering out all her other privilege. It's punctuated by a weak statement: "if I was a man, then I'd be the man," ignoring the fact that "the man" is more commonly used as a symbol of oppression. Nothing about the track challenges any piece of existing culture; even the call-out of Leonardo DiCaprio is more of a playful little ribbing, something Taylor might joke about to him during one of her extravagant yacht parties. "The Man" is a brilliant piece of marketing, a demonstration of Swift's ability to flip social issues into sounding personal and branding herself as a feminist. It helps her sell her own records while elevating her own standing. But as a song, it's another awkward and clunky moment that she seems to perceive as her own little mic drop. Hopefully next time she'll a) hire some women personnel in the studio and b) learn about the concept of intersectionality. [1]

Wayne Weizhen Zhang: I've criticized Taylor Swift before for her political silence, so I feel hypocritical now -- especially as a cisgender man, especially in the context of her recent Netflix documentary -- saying this sounds heavy-handed and awkward. Taylor explores the political less clumsily than Katy Perry circa 2017, but that's hardly a compliment. "The Man" is a message song, and it achieves its goals confidently, without mincing words. But Swift is a talented songwriter with many more interesting things to say, and has even talked about similar themes in more interesting ways (see "Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince"). Lover is full of intimate, gorgeous pop songs like "False God" or "Daylight," so to push this as a single is disappointing. #JUSTICEFORCRUELSUMMER [5]

Lauren Gilbert: "The Man" is a theme song for every woman who has had a man explain to her that if she just smiled a little more and tried a little harder, of course it'll all work out. It feels like walking out of a horrible job for the last time, looking at the sky and knowing -- absolutely, with a certainty you never have about yourself -- that you're better than that place, and you'll make more than they will, anyway. And I'm completely here for these MUNA-esque synths and Taylor's half-rapped "bitches and models." OK, so I docked a point for rhyming "man" and "man" in the chorus. But Taylor's still got it; this bitch still knows how to write a damn song. [9]

Ashley Bardhan: The production is deceptively honeyed -- gumdrop bass and candy button high hats. It does its job in distracting from how frustratedly deadpan Taylor sounds, probably proving her point that "it's all good if you're bad/and it's okay if you're mad," as long as you're a man. She uses the word "bitch" twice in the bridge, a testament of anger from the pop star who doesn't publicly curse very much at all. She spits it out, "I'd be a bitch, not a baller," as if singing the word will get rid of it. Of course, a famous white woman like Taylor Swift wields the kind of power that most women won't even allow themselves to dream about, but still, I feel sorry for her. [7]

Edward Okulicz: In a sea of competing takes, cut-through is achieved by blending the incisive thoughtfulness of Taylor Swift with the head-scratching vacuousness of.... Taylor Swift. I wonder which man wrote the hook that made it so catchy. If you'd once written an entire multi-platinum record by yourself and still people assumed you were ghostwritten, you'd throw your hands up too. [8]

Alex Clifton: "The Man" is a bit basic and one-note, but then again, I never expected a detailed intersectional rundown of systemic oppression in a four-minute pop song on an album titled Lover. The message of the song--"if I was a man, then I'd be the man"--is one of Swift's weaker chorus lines, because it's so redundant and clunky. Still, other lines like "when everyone believes you, what's that like?" hit like a dart. I've had my share of those experiences myself, some which I still struggle to talk about, and unfortunately I know way too many other women do. To hear someone as big as Swift sing about it in a song, knowing she's had her own experiences with sexual assault and harassment, is really powerful to me. "The Man" is not the best song on Lover, but it does make me feel more hopeful about the state of the world, if only because there are going to be teen girls listening to this and deciding that they're going to make a change in the world for themselves. There were no songs like this on mainstream radio for me when I was thirteen, and I wish there had been. So if this song makes young girls feel like they can and should fight for their rights, Swift has done her job. [6]

Isabel Cole: I mean, it could have been SO much worse. [6]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox]

[thotyssey]

On Point With: Blake McIver

Beginning his career as a child star with memorable roles in “Full House” and “The Little Rascals” reboot, this actor / writer / producer / director / singer / songwriter / ex-gogo boy has definitely sashayed his way into our hearts and minds. New Yorkers can enjoy a pair of performances from him this week at the Laurie Beechman Theatre: first covering a legend’s songbook in a solo show, then as a supporting player of a drag queen’s showcase that he’s directed. It’s the charming and talented Blake McIver Ewing!

Thotyssey: Hi Blake, thanks for talking to us! So, are you mad busy now with rehearsals and finishing touches on your two shows (Blake Sings Barbra and I Dream of Jackie), or are you comfortable with what you have down now for both of them?

Blake McIver: Well, I am admittedly a rehearsal addict, but I had to come back to LA for another show. So, we'll do a couple quick clean-ups before next weekend!

You've certainly been performing for nearly all of your life... have producing, writing and directing always been part of the equation as well? I've actually been directing for over a decade! I started a theatre company in Southern California at 19, and cut my teeth as a producing major during my time at UCLA. Writing came shortly thereafter, first with songwriting, and then it expanded from there! So are you pretty much open to a variety of projects, or do you have a pretty specific wheelhouse? I like wearing many different hats. It keeps my passion alive, and keeps me learning and constantly refining my skill set.

Are you still basically based out of California? I am still based out of LA. As much as I love my time in NYC, the West Coast is always home. I was born and raised in the heart of LA, which is very rare. I consider myself a unicorn, haha!

Unicorn indeed! You've had a long and amazing career as an actor, beginning with some choice gigs as a child star... including Derek from Full House, Michelle's adorable friend who slayed “Yankee Doodle Dandy” in his debut episode! When you're that young and that famous/successful, can you even fully understand what is going on... or is it just normal because that's all you know?

For me, it was just going into the family business at a young age. Both my parents have lifelong careers in entertainment, which meant that many of their friends were in the business as well. I went to regular school, with non-working kids in between gigs, so I was aware that my life wasn't exactly typical. But I wouldn't have traded it for the world.

Nor would your fans! I understand Derek was meant to be a one-time-only appearance, but that evolved into a beloved recurring role for several seasons.

You're right! Derek was supposed to be a one episode thing, that turned out to be three seasons of the show until it ended. It was a joy to be on that set every single time. It really was a cohesive family by the time I entered the cast, and they all made me feel right at home.

One fun part of Fuller House is seeing many of these supporting characters and their actors from the original show return as adults for cute cameos. It would be difficult without the Olsen Twins on board for this version, but would Derek stop by Fuller House if it were up to you?

YES! If it were up to me, Derek would definitely be the flamboyant show choir director at the School of the "new generation" kids! Have you noticed the show is so gay now? DJ and Stephanie are hitting on gay guys, and Kimmy's ex-husband is basically the New Trade. It's wonderful! Haha! That's awesome to hear. I have to be totally honest and tell you I haven't actually watched any of the reboot past the first episode! I know, sacrilegious! There's just only so many hours in the day, and I have so many Real Housewives franchises to keep up with! But I'm so glad people are loving it, and I hope it goes on and on.

Speaking of Housewives, you made appearances on a Bravo show a few years ago, "The People's Couch!" What was that experience like?

Well I have to say, when they pitched the show to us I thought, "Okay, we've officially reached the end of entertainment! You're making a show about people watching other shows on TV." Of course I hadn't yet seen the brilliant original British version, Gogglebox. And then when I saw the rough cut of the pilot, I was blown away with how fresh and funny it was. 

We really had the opportunity to engage in social commentary in a way I couldn't have predicted. Of course there was plenty of silliness along the way, but we did get to talk about some real issues on Bravo primetime, which I'm proud of.

Your album The Time Manipulator was such a diverse collection of songs and styles. 

Indeed! The Time Manipulator was intentionally stylistically diverse. It wasn't until I began writing music that I realized the diversity of my musical influences. Each track on that album represents a story from a moment in my life; some happy, painful, frustrating, etc. The narrative is quite dramatic, and I felt the genres really needed to serve the narrative. 

Of course, that's the last thing any record label wants to hear... which is why it was important for me to self produce / release the first one so that my un-diluted musical story is there.

That's the way to do it! Who would you consider some musical influences?

I'm inspired by everyone from The Beatles and Queen to Diana Ross, Carole King, Elton John, Antonio Carlos Jobim, to Gaga and Beyonce. I'm a real music nerd so if the melody and lyric meet a pure emotional intention, I'M IN! Do you have any plans for another recording? I do! I'm in the middle of a (much more musically cohesive) new EP that is inspired by my love of Motown, Blues, and Soul.

Right before recording The Time Manipulator, the internet-browsing public was alerted (thanks to Perez Hilton, I think) to the fact that you--a former child star!--were gogo dancing to fund its production, and the Thirst Pics were abound. You've already talked a lot about that experience with honest candor and charm, but I was wondering.. does being a stage and screen performer prepare you for gogo dancing at all, or is it a completely different animal?

The performative aspect of it definitely felt familiar to me. Performing for an audience has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. But does anything truly prepare you for shaking your moneymaker in a jock on a box? Not sure, lol! 

It was like playing a role to a degree. I had a character / persona in my head. He had a name and a personality that was admittedly bolder than my own. So I guess it kind of was like a fun acting gig. Def, and it paid! Is that also how you got to know people in nightlife, like promoters and drag queens, or did you already kinda know that crowd from just being a gay entertainer in LA? It all sort of happened simultaneously, in a beautiful way. Just as I was becoming more comfortable and free in my queer identity and expression, I was meeting wonderful queer artists and brilliant performers who challenged me artistically and mentally, which was really wonderful.

What's been your history as a stage performer in NYC?

Well, my NYC stage debut was as an honorary member of "The Broadway Kids" in the early 90s. I believe a Gavroche got sick before one of their big shows, and my friend Kathryn Zaremba (who was Lisa on Full House) was Annie Warbucks on Broadway. She said to the director, “my friend can learn this show in four days.” Before I knew it, I was singing and dancing alongside all these young Broadway vets who were very gracious to let the TV / Film brat come play with them! What's a dream role for you, as far as Broadway is concerned? Deena Jones in Dreamgirls. Which I realize is extremely problematic on every level, and will never and should NEVER, EVER happen.  

I wish that Disney could get it together and put Hunchback on Broadway. I would do just about anything to bring Quasi to the Broadway stage. Oh God that would be incredible!  

So I saw I Dream of Jackie during its initial run at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, starring NYC queen Jackie Cox, which you directed and also co-starred in. I absolutely loved it, it was cute and very funny, and even had sincere moments! How did you get involved with that show, which I’m happy to see returns to the Beechman on Sunday, August 20th?

I'm so glad you enjoyed IDOJ! It was such a joy bringing it to life. Jackie (aka Darius) has been my best friend since we met on day one of college at UCLA. We actually came up with the character of Jackie together, which is why I am referred to as her "Drag Father," hahaha! 

It worked out that my schedule opened up enough for me to be in NYC for the month of July, and I jumped at the chance to direct and choreograph the show. Can't wait to do it again next Sunday!

Amazing! Have you / would you ever try drag yourself, by the way?

I have very strong, angular features. Me in drag just looks like Idina MANzel.

Ha! Well, the night before IDOJ returns, the Beechman will see you solo on the stage for the return of your own hit cabaret revue, Blake Sings Barbra: The Concert! What role does Barbra Streisand's music play in your life, and what made you want to bring this show to the stage?

I've been captivated by Barbra since I first saw Funny Girl at 7 years old. But it wasn't until her 1994 comeback concert that I became completely obsessed. It was a crazy year for me: I was in my second season of Full House, I filmed The Little Rascals, and my parents’ house was destroyed in the Northridge earthquake. In the show, I take you through all these things via The Concert, which basically taught me everything I know about being a performer.

I've wanted to do this tribute show for many years, and finally sat down one day last year, during the tumult of election season, and wrote it all down.

Now that you mentioned The Little Rascals--where you play spoiled villain Waldo-- and the election, I have to quickly ask about how surreal it is that Donald Trump plays your Dad on the other end of a phone conversation in a brief cameo. That must be so surreal to process, nowadays.

It really is! And I tell the extended version of the story in my show. It becomes relevant at a certain point in the concert!  Intriguing! What's your favorite song to do in the show? I love the setlist from the concert so much, so it really changes with every audience. Last month I had some true 94 concert superfans in the audience, so during "The Way We Were" they were quoting her ad libs at me, then I quoted some back at them during the interlude, and we all screamed and it was a fabulous moment. I explained it all to the rest of the crowd after the song, haha!

Sounds like a remarkable experience, congratulations! Anything else coming up for you? Yes, in September I am directing and choreographing a tour for the wonderful cabaret and burlesque artist Ariana Savalas (of Postmodern Jukebox fame). I built the first version of her show last summer, and now it's expanding into a full Caburlesque extravaganza, which is so fun! And then I'll be back at the Beechman in October with two more shows! Excellent! So, lastly: what do you think The Little Rascals’ Waldo would be doing today, as an adult?

I feel like he'd be on a yacht in the South of France, spending his father's money as rapidly as humanly possible!

Sounds about right. Thanks, Blake!

Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Blake McIver’s scheduled NYC appearances. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and his own website.

On Point Archives

[sulfurousdreamscapes]

Everything the microphone recorded, the speaker forgot. It took me a while to discover this, but since then, I’ve been extra cautious with what I say when the microphone is turned on. Thankfully, I’ve always been stingy with when I turn the microphone on, so I haven’t forgotten much myself.

I was out of a microphone and I found a stupidly good deal on Amazon. The seller was really obscure, and located on the other side of the country. There was only one item left in stock, so after five minutes of careful, laboured consideration, I hit the buy button. The product was delivered in only a couple days.

Now this is where things get murky. I recall turning it on, but I cannot for the life of me remember what I said. I used it to Skype with a friend, and I remember that my friend and I talked about cats, and then her travels, and then clothes, and I don’t recall a word of what I said to her. I didn’t notice it right away, but within a few days, I made the connection. The microphone was sucking in everything I said.

I took it to an interview. I set up the laptop, and the microphone. I had the questions before me. Simple, basic questions for an artist. What are your inspirations? What time do you work? When did you start doing art? The usual questions. We talked for an hour, and had a great time, and every time I said something, I was reminded of the fact that I was going to forget it soon.

After the interview was done, I disconnected the microphone.

“It’s all in the file now, but I just wanted to clarify,” I said, “Did you cite Pixar as an inspiration?”

They frowned. “I…” they began, and then I felt a perverse glee inside me as I watched them struggle. “I’m not sure,” they said, smiling nervously. “In fact, I’m not sure if I have any inspirations at all.”

I nodded, and then played the file back, the exact part where they cited Pixar as an influence.

“What?” was their first reaction. I could relate. “I said that? I’m not sure if that’s… but I think Pixar makes sense,” they touched their head.

I laughed it off and suggested they get some rest. Of course, there was a lot more to it than that, but I couldn’t risk telling them. I couldn’t risk telling anyone until I’d figured out the exact level of hijinks I could inflict with this microphone.

I looked up the seller on Amazon. They were gone. No trace whatsoever. The item still showed in my purchase history, but the seller URL went to a dead end.

While I sat at home, I played back the interview file. Everything the artist had said, I remembered. But listening to myself talk was like listening to someone else with a voice uncannily similar to mine.

I connected the microphone again and recorded a file, in which I explained to a future version of myself everything that I knew about the microphone. Then I disconnected, and I forgot. Then I played the file back, and stared at the microphone in amazement.

I could hardly believe myself.

Inside the folder, there are about two dozen audio files of various sizes. Each one is neatly labelled, complete with a date. They list my fears, my bad memories, trauma, broken relationships, cringeworthy moments, all of which I’d spoken at length about, as if I were in therapy. At least, that’s what I think is in those files, judging by their names.

The microphone that steals memories had become the ultimate medication for me. If I can’t remember anything bad about myself, it wouldn’t exist, right? And yet, that’s not how it worked. Rather than cleanly removing the bad memory, I was left with a dark, seeping hole in my memory. Somehow, I could tell that a memory existed there, and that it was gone. I didn’t know if the memory was good or bad—that had been replaced with a suspense. The suspense of not knowing whether that was a memory I shouldn’t have forgotten.

Sometimes I’d listen to a file if it really, really intrigued me. Most of the time, I’d just sink my head into my hands and wonder to myself why I’d let myself regain that memory. It was not worth it. So I’d delete the file, and record the memory again. Once done, I’d take a deep breath and try to remember it. It was gone. I couldn’t remember what I’d said.

A new hobby. I’d keep the mic connected and walk about town, recording the city. Me, I wouldn’t say a word during these excursions. But the people around me did. Once I was back home, I’d play the file back to me as I did my chores and browsed the internet. Everything that was said had been forgotten. The woman talking about how living in London is like. The boy discussing autism. The girl asking for an Oscar Wilde book at the book shop.

I was cleaning out everyone’s memories. Was it fair? Was I doing them a service?

I forgot.

I took the mic with me to press conferences, and talked to sportsmen, actors, directors, politicians, city officials, painters, writers, musicians. I asked them questions, and I asked them bare it all. All the deepest, darkest things they could think of. Of course, they never did talk about their deepest secrets. But what they did, they forgot.

And surprisingly, it hit the news. ‘An outbreak of amnesia’, the headline said. I couldn’t publish my interviews, I’d realised a long time ago. But this growing epidemic of amnesia was something I wasn’t sure how to handle. Do I continue recording the world, filling up their minds into my hard drive?

My head hurt. For some people, headaches are very common, but they’re actually quite rare for me. I took it as my body voting for the 'no’ camp. And to be fair, the mind was a part of the body. I’d been abusing my body, I realised.

And I’d been abusing every single person in this town.

I listened to the audio files every moment I got that I wasn't recording. The microphone was a weapon, and it gave me a power—a power I didn't know what to do with. They say that knowledge is power, so I hoarded it. I took notes, but the notes poured over themselves. I can't hold the city's secrets to myself. I can't hold the secrets of all the famous people I'd interviewed. I wasn't worthy of keeping them with me. I wasn't worthy. I wasn't worthy. I wasn't worthy of this microphone.

I considered breaking it. Of course, going public with it would only invite ridicule. No one would believe me. I had to break it, I thought. To make sure no one can use it again. I wasn't sure who had given me this unusual device or why, but I knew that it was a curse. A burden I couldn't possibly take on.

I cried.

I couldn't do it. It didn't help that a part of me was conjuring bizarre fantasies of unleashing technological curses that might spread every which way if I were to destroy the mic. What if it is some ancient mummy's curse? Wouldn't want to risk it.

So instead, I watched the city destroy itself. The situation got worse by the day. I'd stopped recording, but the damage was done. So much had been forgotten that the entire infrastructure had stopped functioning.

I'd wounded people, I realised. Wounded them without their knowledge. It wasn't unlike shooting them down, or exploding a bomb in their faces—the victims wouldn't know what hit them. And that's how it was: my victims didn't know what hit them. They were living angry, distraught, frustrated lives as they struggled to remember memories that had been stolen from them.

Memories that were about to be deleted if I chose to hit the OK button on the format dialog box.

I paced around. I had lunch. I watched a dumb comedy show on TV. I checked my mail obsessively, which was full of confused messages from people asking if I knew what they'd talked about during their interview.

Finally, I hit OK.

Everything on the drive disappeared.

All the memories of the city, everything people knew, about themselves, about others, about the things that mattered and the things that didn't.

It was a fresh start. A new beginning.

Maybe this was the power that I had been granted, after all. The power to start things anew.

Even as the city descended into chaos—deep, psychic chaos, I was the only person who knew. I put the microphone in a wooden box and drove out into the desert outside the city. I drove for a couple of hours, and then buried the box in the sand, somewhere far away from civilisation.

I wasn't stupid. I knew someone would find it.

Thankfully, all I had to do was talk about what I'd seen the next time I saw the microphone, and then it would stop mattering.

Today’s throwback story is inspired by the excellent Zen and the Art of Transhumanism.

[spookysummersmores]

'Get to Know Me' meme

Looks like I was tagged by my wonderful friend @choc-chip-pancakes! Thanks, you lovely little bean, you! uwu *hugs*

Rules: Answer the questions and then tag 20 blogs you’d like to get to know better.

Nickname: Danni, short for Danielle.

Zodiac Sign: Libra ♎

Height: 5'2". I could very easily earn myself a spot in the 'Shorty Squad'. ;w; Last thing you googled: According to my Google browsing history (I had to look because I Googled a variety of things late last night), my last search was for 'Nickelodeon Party Blast'. It's a really old video game; think it came out in 2002. I was interested in seeing how many games Invader ZIM was featured in, so that was just the last of MANY Nick-game-related searches. :P

Favourite Music Artist: BUT...I HAVE SO M A N Y. Seriously, though, Imagine Dragons, Fall Out Boy, and Owl City are my absolute favorites.

Song stuck in my head: I don't have anything STUCK IN MY HEAD right now, but I'm currently listening to Gypsy Woman by Hilary Duff on loop, so I'm sure that it WILL be stuck in my head before the night's over! 

Last Movie you watched: Hop! Some people don't care for it, I know, but...I think it's adorable. ❤

Why did you choose your URL?: Well, originally, after deciding to ditch my old URL (that-silly-little-enigma, which sounded way too dumb and even pretentious to me after a while), I just wanted my URL to be 'spookysmores', just like my YouTube, Twitter, and Nintendo Network accounts. However, that was taken. I decided to add 'summer' to the URL for two reasons: one being that I wanted the 'spooky summer' part to tie into my love of Gravity Falls somehow, and the other being that I have many fond memories of making s'mores around our neighbors' fire pit every summer, as well as during vacations at a family favorite lake resort out of town. Thus, 'spookysummersmores' was born! xP

Do you have any other blogs?: Yep! @askmysterytwinmabel. It's an ask blog in which I pose as Mabel Pines, people send 'Mabel' questions, I answer them using my Mabel impression, and I post the little audio posts I record. It's in...DIRE need of an update. I've been too busy to keep it running as of late, so it's been idle since February...xD

What did your last relationship teach you?: ...That my notion of platonic relationships being far superior to romance was confirmed? LOL...okay, in all seriousness...if the guy seems to sneak around everyone he knows while he's dating you, and you start having doubts...don't ignore it. Don't be naïve. Go with your instincts. Even if the relationship seems perfect otherwise. At the very least, confront him about it. Otherwise, you'll end up having your heart shattered.

Religious or Spiritual: Ah...I'm honestly not sure! Both, I suppose!

Favorite Colour: Pink, purple, and blue, for sure! ^-^

Average hours of sleep: Ranges from 4 to 12, depending on what day of the week it is and whether or not my body decides it's ready to try sleeping before 5am. xP

Lucky Number: Not a clue. xD

Favourite Characters: Mabel, Dipper, Stan, and Ford Pines, as well as Soos Ramirez and Wendy Corduroy; Zim, GIR, and Dib; Wander, Sylvia, Lord Hater, and Commander Peepers; Star Butterfly, Marco Diaz, Janna, and Ludo; Peridot (I love all the Crystal Gems aside from Lapis, though, and Greg and Connie as well!); Mickey Mouse (of COURSE), Wirt, Greg, and Beatrice; Jack Skellington; Calvin and Hobbes; Snoopy; Kirby; Luigi...I could go on forever, but that's a good chunk of them...xD How many blankets do you sleep with?: As many as humanly possible. 2, at the very least. My sleep schedule is a complete joke to begin with, but I don't sleep at ALL if I can't bundle up without getting heatstroke. xD

Dream Job?: Storyboard artist, writer, and/or animator at a television animation studio...either as a crew member on a team projec, or even on my OWN project, if I'm lucky enough to do so! Voice acting would be a blast as well. ^-^

Let's see...gonna tag @raindroplazuli, @stariousfalls, @dipdoptreetop, @artsymeeshee, @howtotrainyournana, @a-million-chromatic-dreams...and anyone else who wants to do this, really! And as always, those who were tagged aren't obligated to do this; just do it if you want to and have the time to. owo

[ahopkins1965]

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How Do "the Heavens Declare the Glory of God"?

Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies / How Do "the Heavens Declare the Glory of God"?

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Pamela Palmer

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Psalm 19 is one of my favorite Psalms to read, pray, and meditate on. It is full of striking truth and beautiful praises to the Lord. The words of this passage captivate and comfort its readers. The very first verse in Psalm 19 takes our attention.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1).

This verse is profound, indeed, but what exactly does it mean? King David wrote the powerful words found in this chapter; it contains words that cause our minds to wonder and our hearts to consider what we really come to know about God from this Psalm.

When David wrote the beginning of this Psalm, I can imagine him looking around, admiring the grandiosity of nature – the clear blue sky, the array of colors, and the vast night sky filled with hundreds and hundreds of glistening stars. What David meant in this verse is that the creation of God, the beauty and awe of nature, shows us the work of God and the existence of God. Nature unashamedly proclaims that God is real and He is our Creator.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Greg Rakozy

What Is Happening in Psalm 19?

The Psalm itself doesn’t give any particular reason as to why David wrote it. Though, we see three distinct sections emerge: God is revealed through creation (verses 1-6), the word and law of the Lord are good and perfect (verses 7-11), and the desire for a relationship with God (verses 12-14).

In this prayer, David helps us see that God draws us closer to Him. We can experience God in His creation, we can gain a deeper understanding of God through His word and laws, and most inspiring is that we are able to have a personal connection with God based in love, forgiveness, and relationship.

How Can the Heavens Declare the Glory of God?

When we look at any piece of art, or read any great work, we catch glimpses of the artist or writer. If you have children, you may even be able to guess which one created which drawing. What we create is bound to represent pieces of who we are.

The same can be understood about the natural world we live in; we catch glimpses of our Creator in what He has created. Since God is the Creator of all things—the sky, the seas, all creatures, human beings, and everything else—we know that every part of creation declares that God exists and when we look at everything and everyone around us, we know that all the vibrant life we see are indications of the Creator. 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Ray Hennessy

What Does the Bible Say about Creation?

All things were created by God

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).

“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible” (Hebrews 11:13).

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (Revelations 4:11).

God reveals Himself to humanity through creation

“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?” (Job 12:7-9).

“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So, they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).

All things were created through Jesus

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:1-3).

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16).

“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands” (Hebrews 1:10).

God breathed life into humankind

“Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature” (Genesis 2:7).

“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4).

All creation shows His majesty

“Do you not fear me? declares the Lord. Do you not tremble before me? I placed the sand as the boundary for the sea, a perpetual barrier that it cannot pass; though the waves toss, they cannot prevail; though they roar, they cannot pass over it” (Jeremiah 5:22).

“It is I who by my great power and my outstretched arm have made the earth, with the men and animals that are on the earth, and I give it to whomever it seems right to me” (Jeremiah 27:5).

“O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great” (Psalm 104:24-25).

“Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them” (Psalm 111:2).

Photo credit: Unsplash/Yoel Kamara

How Else Do We See God in Creation?

The deeply rooted trees teach us that God is unmovable and cannot be shaken or overcome.

The vast blue skies teach us that God is omnipresent; He is everywhere and always with us.

The regions of outer space that we cannot even fathom teach us that God’s ways are not our ways, and that there are mysteries of the Lord we have yet to understand.

The rising sun teaches us that God is one who forgives and gives plenty of second chances.

The centuries of history and civilizations found preserved in the layers of the earth teach us that God is all-knowing and wise beyond comprehension.

The strength of the mountains teach us that God is all powerful and He can withstand anything.

The lushness of the forest teaches us that God is the source of all life and goodness.

The array of colors we see in flowers teaches us that God is vibrant and the foundation of joy and hope.

The winds teach us that God is quiet and gentle, yet also powerful and sovereign.

The extremes of the dry desert and the cold tundra teach us that God understands the hardships and trials we face.

The twinkling of the stars and the light of the moon teach us that God is with us in our darkest battles and hardest moments. 

The grandeur of the ocean teaches us that God is holy and unlike any other.

The warmth of the sun teaches us that God is compassionate, merciful, and loves us deeply.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Eberhard Grossgasteiger

How Can We Declare the Glory of God?

Just as the heavens created by God declare His glory, so do we, human beings created by God, declare His glory. God equips each of us with spiritual gifts, talents, and skills. Sometimes, we think our talents are small, but truly, discovering our gifts and using them are part of how we participate in declaring the glory of God.

For some, dancing, singing, and worshipping are how they glorify the Lord. To others, it is using their athletic abilities to glorify God. Whatever we do, we do for the Lord. We have all come across works of art, drawings, paintings, or performances that are grander than we could have imagined. They draw us to the Lord knowing that He inspired it all.

Some people have been given what seems like infinite amounts of compassion, kindness, and understanding. Imagine when we worship together, when we fellowship with one another, when we hold each other up in times of troubles, our beings are declaring the glory of God. Our goodness points to His existence. What beautiful ways to declare the glory of God to others; whether using the hands or the heart, we can glorify the Lord boldly in what we do as stewards of our gifts, talents and skills, the words we say, and how we live our lives.

The Magnificence of His Creation

Psalm 19 is an amazing passage that teaches us much about who God is and how His creation declares His glory. The Bible portrays a consistent message that God created all things and when we take a look around us, we see God’s design in creation. We bear His image as human beings created by Him and into whom He breathed life. God does not hide Himself nor make it difficult to be known. Rather His existence is known through the magnificence of His creation and in the Gospel message of our resurrected King, Jesus Christ.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Eddy Klaus

Pamela Palmer is a writer, chaplain, and the founder of upheldlife.com, the platform on which she produces weekly devotionals and faith resource articles to inspire keeping faith at the center of it all. She lives and thrives on Jesus, coffee, and music. She is in pastoral ministry and gets to share in the emotional and spiritual lives of many people, being a small piece of each journey. Pamela married the perfect man for her and they have two beautiful kiddos. She has been published on herviewfromhome.com and you can follow her at upheldlife.com, or on Facebook.com/upheldlife.

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[funface2]

Litquake Santa Cruz to offer ‘Funny & Peculiar: Santa Cruz Writers on Keeping It Weird’ – UC Santa Cruz

Litquake, San Francisco’s annual literary festival, was founded by Bay Area writers in 1999 to create a weeklong gathering for booklovers, published writers, aspiring writers, students, poets, artists, journalists, teachers, and individuals from all different ages, backgrounds and experiences.

Since then, it has grown to become the largest independent literary festival on the West Coast, each year presenting a 10-day mix of hundreds of readings, interactive workshops, and cutting-edge panel discussions.

This year, in honor of its 20th anniversary, Litquake has created 20 new events in 20 cities across the country outside of San Francisco. One of those events will take place at Bookshop Santa Cruz on October 15, co-presented by The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz.

Titled “Funny & Peculiar: Santa Cruz Writers on Keeping it Weird,” the LItquake Santa Cruz evening will be hosted by local authors Dan White and Amy Ettinger. White is the author of The Cactus Eaters: How I Lost My Mind and Almost Found Myself on the Pacific Crest Trail and Under The Stars: How America Fell In Love With Camping.

Ettinger, a UCSC alumna (Merrill ’95), is the author of Sweet Spot: An Ice Cream Binge Across America, and teaches writing at Stanford Continuing Studies.

Together they will moderate a panel of notable Santa Cruz writers that include Elizabeth McKenzie, Micah Perks, Peggy Townsend, Liza Monroy and Wallace Baine.

“The theme for the event is ‘funny and peculiar,'” said White. “The general idea is: it’s 2019 and things could not get any stranger, so why not mine the oddities of life with these five distinguished local writers? Each of these writers has a joyfully off-kilter way of looking at the world. Their work will give the audience members a taste of the quirky side of life.”

“This is the first-ever Litquake event in Santa Cruz,” White added. “It’s great for our writing community, and it sends a positive message. We’ve had a thriving literary scene for a long time, but our writing scene doesn’t get the same exposure as the larger writing hubs like LA and San Francisco. We have so many creative and talented people doing great work here. I think of our writing scene as one of those ‘best kept secrets.'”

Ettinger observed that it makes sense that Litquake would expand to include local writers because Santa Cruz has such a rich and vibrant literary community.

“I feel that each year the literary community grows, bolstered by the wonderful events that are hosted by Bookshop Santa Cruz,” she said. “When I was a student at UC Santa Cruz in the 1990s, I remember spending time at the bookshop, hearing authors speak, browsing the shelves, and jotting down the ideas for stories, which I later finished writing across the street at Lulu Carpenter’s. These were stories I workshopped at creative writing classes at UC Santa Cruz.”

“I’m proud to be joining the other writers on our panel in representing UCSC and also celebrating the wonderfully weird and sometimes peculiar Santa Cruz writing world,” Ettinger added.

 The Writers:

 Elizabeth McKenzie received a B.A. in Literature from UC Santa Cruz in 1981. Her novel The Portable Veblen was longlisted for the National Book Award for fiction and received the California Book Award for fiction. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Tin House, and Best American Nonrequired Reading.

 Micah Perks is a professor of literature and co-director of the Creative Writing program at UC Santa Cruz. She is the author of four books, most recently a book of linked short stories, True Love and Other Dreams of Miraculous Escape and the novel What Becomes Us, winner of an Independent Publisher’s Book Award and named one of the Top Ten Books about the Apocalypse by The Guardian. Her short stories and essays have appeared in Epoch, Zyzzyva, Tin House, and The Rumpus, and various other journals and anthologies. She has earned five Pushcart Prize nominations, residencies at MacDowell and Blue Mountain Center, and the New Guard Machigonne 2014 Fiction Prize.

Wallace Baine is an award-winning journalist and arts writer who regularly contributes to Santa Cruz Good Times, Metro Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Chronicle. His work has been syndicated in newspapers nationwide and his fiction has appeared in the Catamaran Literary Reader, the Chicago Quarterly Review, and as part of the Santa Cruz Noir collection of short stories. His most recent book is a history of Bookshop Santa Cruz called A Light in the Midst of Darkness.

Peggy Townsend is an award-winning newspaper journalist and author of the bestselling 2018 mystery novel, See Her Run, as well as its follow-up, The Thin Edge, both published by Thomas & Mercer. As a reporter, she has covered serial killers, murder trials and once chased an escaped murderer through a graveyard at midnight. When she isn’t outdoors, she’s either writing magazine profiles for UC Santa Cruz or working on her third novel. Townsend divides her time between Santa Cruz and Lake Tahoe.

Liza Monroy is the author of three books: the novel Mexican High; the memoir The Marriage Act: The Risk I Took To Keep My Best Friend in America and What It Taught Us About Love; and the essay collection Seeing As Your Shoes Are Soon To Be On Fire. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, the LA Times, The Washington Post, O, Marie Claire, Jezebel, Catamaran, and other publications. One of her columns for the��New York Times‘ “Modern Love” will appear in this fall’s anthology of the “most popular and unforgettable essays” of the series. She teaches writing at UC Santa Cruz and lives downtown with her husband, two tiny humans, a pug and unruly potbellied pig Señor Bacon. Currently, she is writing her second novel, a dark comedy of technology and obsession.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Litquake Santa Cruz: Funny & Peculiar: Santa Cruz Writers on Keeping it Weird takes place on Tuesday, October 15, beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. This event is co-sponsored by The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz.

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The Nongambler's Guide to Las Vegas

If you plan to take a pass on the glitzy casinos on your next trip to Las Vegas, you’ll have plenty of company. Splashy shows, upscale shopping and restaurants owned by celebrity chefs are just a few of the attractions displacing casinos as the big draws on the Strip. In 2016, 52% of Vegas visitors said vacation or pleasure was the primary purpose of their trip, and only 4% named gambling, according to a survey by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “As gaming expands in other parts of the country, it’s not a novelty to play the slot machines or blackjack anymore,” says David G. Schwartz, director of the Center for Gaming Research at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.

See Also: 31 Best Travel Sites to Save You Money

At the same time, downtown Vegas is emerging as a destination for local art, offbeat attractions and diverse cuisine. Plus, Vegas is only a few hours’ drive from several national parks and natural wonders, including Red Rock Canyon and the Grand Canyon. In other words, there are more — and probably more-rewarding — ways to spend your money in Vegas than placing bets at the craps table.

Kiplinger’s sent a couple of reporters to Las Vegas to see what’s afoot for visitors who have little or no interest in gambling. We discovered that you can enjoy the Strip no matter your budget, escape to museums and restaurants in the revitalizing downtown and avoid the crowds, or explore the beauty of the surrounding desert. If you’re determined to try your luck in the casinos, we offer some tips.

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Living large on the Strip

Because my reputation as a gambler and a gamer is well known among my Kiplinger’s colleagues, my editors assigned me to be a sort of Vegas sherpa for this story — someone who knows his way around town, even if I had never seen much reason to abandon the outdoor pool or the free drinks at the craps table. My partner in crime, Miriam Cross, who covers the travel beat, was the perfect foil because she was more interested in soaking up the sights than soaking in the hotel hot tub. (However, it helped that I used my casino membership to book a free stay.)

The Strip offers no shortage of sights, shows and sensations — with plenty of ways to spend a small fortune. First, the restaurants: The eponymous Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand features French cuisine from the chef whose restaurants have more than 30 Michelin stars among them. The nine-course, 17-dish tasting menu will run you $445 per person and includes the likes of langoustine ravioli in foie gras sauce and flan made from sea urchin. (Our limited expense account didn’t allow us to sample the food personally.) Elsewhere on the Strip, you’ll find offerings from such world-renowned chefs as José Andrés, Tom Colicchio and David Chang.

Feeling sporty? Book a tee time at Shadow Creek. A round of 18 holes at the course that’s ranked 16th on Golf magazine’s list of the 100 best public courses will have you chipping out of pine forests onto lush fairways in the middle of the desert (but will set you back $500). If golf isn’t your thing, splurge on shopping and a day at the spa. Start at Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot shopping and dining district in the Aria resort, where you can browse the high-priced merchandise at Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada, as well as Tom Ford, Stella McCartney and Lanvin. The on-site concierge at Crystals (call 702-590-9230) can help you book personal shopping sessions and after-hours appointments.

Across the street is the Sahra Spa & Hammam at the Cosmopolitan hotel. The full-service “Moroccan Journey” experience in the spa’s luxurious Turkish baths costs $450 for a 130-minute exfoliating and cleansing with a full-body massage. Or you can rent the spa penthouse suite, which comes with a living and entertaining area with a TV and a wet bar, private spa accommodations, and butler service. Rates start at $95 per hour, with a minimum of $500 spent on spa or salon services.

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But you don’t have to spend like Ivanka Trump to do the Strip. Art buffs will roll their eyes at the faux Bernini sculptures at Caesars Palace, but they’re just a few doors down from exhibits that wouldn’t be out of place in the Guggenheim. James Turrell’s breathtaking light installation Akhob is in the back of the Louis Vuitton store (free, but call 702-730-3150 for reservations at least a month in advance). Rotating exhibitions at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art recently included paintings by Picasso and the photography of Yousuf Karsh. The current exhibition, I Am the Greatest, which runs through September 30, was well worth the $18 admission — at least it was for this avid sports fan. The collection documents the life of Muhammad Ali through art, artifacts and rare film footage.

Spectacles and thrills. If you’re looking for spectacle, start with the free fountain shows at the Bellagio and the Mirage. Illuminated jets of water rocket skyward at the Bellagio every half-hour during the day and every 15 minutes in the evening, with changing music and choreography. A percussion soundtrack composed by Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart accompanies the show at the Mirage, which features an assortment of flamethrowers who sit in a fountain beneath a roaring “volcano.”

Las Vegas ballrooms have played host to world-class performers since the Rat Pack era, and the Strip still boasts a diverse lineup of shows — Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Donny and Marie Osmond, and, of course, Wayne Newton, with new artists blowing through town every month. You can catch one of six Cirque du Soleil shows on the Strip, or enjoy the magic of Penn & Teller or Criss Angel. For tickets, head to Vegas.com/shows. If you’re shopping for last-minute tickets, compare box office prices with those at one of the 10 Tix4Tonight booths that dot Las Vegas Boulevard.

Vegas has plenty of options for thrill-seekers, too. For example, you can test your mettle driving a high-performance car on a 1.2-mile, 10-turn racetrack with Dream Racing at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The basic package (five laps) in a Ferrari 430 GT will run you $550. Vegas Indoor Skydiving, located just off Las Vegas Boulevard, allows would-be skydivers to experience the thrill of freefall without, you know, jumping out of a plane. Divers don flight suits and hover over a giant wind tunnel. Tickets start at $75. The more daring can try the SkyJump at the Stratosphere, an 855-foot “controlled freefall” from the hotel’s 108th floor. Rides cost $120. —Ryan Ermey

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Off the Strip

As Kiplinger’s travel writer and, on my own time, a budget-conscious traveler, I can’t understand why anyone would spend their vacation cooped up in a casino or shopping mall, dropping wads of cash that could be spent instead on new sights and experiences. (Prior to Vegas, my one casino experience involved winning $24 Australian at the slot machines in Melbourne and then calling it a night.) So after a couple of hours of wandering the maze of hotel lobbies on the Strip, I was bored.

Just a few miles north of the Strip, downtown Vegas (as well as nearby neighborhoods) promises a more authentic and less crowded experience. To start, there are a number of museums where you can learn about Las Vegas’s strange and seedy history. The Mob Museum ($20.95 in advance online) weaves together the rise of the mob in the U.S. with its presence in Las Vegas through interactive exhibits and delightfully grisly artifacts (including part of the bullet-ridden St. Valentine’s Day Massacre wall, where seven gangsters were shot). Ryan joined a tour of the Neon Museum ($19 by day, $26 at night), where an enthusiastic guide led his group through the outdoor “boneyard” of vintage Vegas signs, explaining the rich histories of the places where they had once hung.

We didn’t have time to visit the National Atomic Testing Museum, which traces the history of nuclear testing in the Nevada desert ($22), the Las Vegas Natural History Museum ($10) or the Pinball Hall of Fame — not a museum per se, but a collection of restored pinball machines that you can play for as little as 25 cents each.

See Also: 26 Secrets to Save on Travel

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The burgeoning arts scene downtown is visible in empty blocks and parking lots enlivened with colorful murals that are left over from previous Life Is Beautiful festivals. Now in its fifth year, the festival features musical acts, comedy, art and more. We arrived too late in the day to see much activity at the Arts Factory, a collection of artists’ studios in the 18b Las Vegas Arts District. (The name refers to the 18 blocks that make up the neighborhood.) But as the chatty staffer at Jana’s RedRoom gallery explained, the area is hopping on the first Friday of every month, when food trucks line up and street performers entertain attendees who wander the galleries until late at night. (The preceding Thursdays, known as Preview Thursdays, are aimed at collectors and offer a more low-key opportunity to mingle with the artists.)

Fremont Street East (not to be confused with the kitschy Fremont Street Experience pedestrian mall) and surrounding blocks are sprinkled with restaurants and bars, including Le Thai, where we sampled curries in the backyard patio ($9.95 for a meal and drink during lunch). At the Downtown Container Park, a collection of restaurants and boutiques housed in shipping containers, we chowed down on delicious burgers and fries at the Perch (entrées start at $13). The airy second-story restaurant overlooks a performance stage and “treehouse” with a 33-foot-tall slide snaking out of the side. No matter where you eat, leave room for the artistic desserts at Sweets Raku ($12 each). We devoured a white chocolate cup stuffed with pie crust and strawberry mousse, with a sorbet-filled strawberry candy on the side.

Also on tap in Vegas: You can tour the headquarters of online shoe retailer Zappos ($10), which includes play time in the ball pit and testing your problem-solving skills on a mock customer-service call. (Zappos runs several other tours, including one that focuses on downtown hot spots.) Or you can amble among the remains of the city’s first permanent, nonnative settlement at the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort ($1), tucked among nondescript streets. Beyond that is Springs Preserve, a 180-acre space with miles of walking trails, a desert tortoise refuge, botanical gardens, archaeo­logical sites and museums. Admission is $18.95.

Leaving Las Vegas. The craggy peaks that ring the city hint at the dramatic landscapes that lie beyond. We chose Red Rock Canyon, a half-hour drive from the Strip, for a morning escape ($7 per vehicle). You can take it easy, as we did, by cruising the 13-mile scenic loop through the conservation area, parking at lookout points to take in looming clusters of rock. Or you can stop to hike on one of the many trails or climb the sandstone outcroppings. On our way back to Las Vegas, we stopped by Spring Mountain Ranch, a surprisingly lush property once owned (but never lived in) by Howard Hughes ($9). We skipped the nearby Bonnie Springs Ranch, but kids might enjoy the re-created Old West town, complete with cowboys and saloon, as well as a petting zoo.

If you want to delve deeper into the natural wonders around Vegas, head to the Valley of Fire State Park ($10 per vehicle), an hour away from the city, for ancient stone etchings and spectacular rock formations. Escape intense summer heat by hiking Mount Charleston, which is consistently cooler than the city, or splashing around in Lake Mead, a large reservoir on the Colorado River where you can boat, swim and fish, or explore the remnants of an old town that has reappeared as water levels in Lake Mead recede.

Hoover Dam offers tours of the power plant and passageways within the dam. Death Valley and Zion National Park are less than three hours away from Vegas. Getting to the visitor’s center of the Grand Canyon takes more than four hours by car, but helicopter and bus tours from Vegas can take you there and back in a day. —Miriam Cross

When to Go

Las Vegas doesn’t have a “slow” season because conventions and events take place all year. The weather is nicest in the spring and fall, when days are hot (but not blistering) and nights are cool but comfortable. If you’re trying to reduce costs, keep these points in mind:

Airfares. Flights to Vegas are cheapest in January, when the median round-trip airfare is $205, according to data from Kayak. You can typically find the lowest price when booking two months out.

Hotels. The lowest hotel rates appear in November and December, with a median price of $123 per night, according to Kayak. You may see rooms going for less than $100 a night on travel-booking sites, but resort fees can run up to $40 per night, says Christine Sarkis, of SmarterTravel.com. Many out-of-the-way hotels offer free shuttles to the Strip.

See Also: 3 Ways to Save on Air Travel

We saved money on our accommodations, thanks to Ryan’s Total Rewards membership, which covers casinos and resorts including Caesars Palace, Harrah’s and the Linq. Members at all status levels receive offers for free or discounted hotel stays. Ryan found a comped room at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino for himself and snagged me a rate of $35.50 per night. But we couldn’t escape the $34-per-night resort fee. —Miriam Cross

[the2travel]

* World Travel Tips : 50 Of The Best Indie Bookstores In America

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“Indie Bookstores are Back,” The New York Times proclaimed early last year. “People Are Still Buying Books At Indie Bookstores,” Forbes announced a few months later, somewhat incredulously. A quick piece from The New York Post on the “indie-bookstore boomlet” this month seems to seal the deal: independent bookshops are definitely not dying. 

Those who tolled the death knell too early are probably just as happy as everyone else. No one wants to see a neighborhood bookshop suffer. Who can resist the pungent smell of old novels, the shadowy intimacy of packed aisles, or the incredibly satisfying feel of a heavy tote bag filled with staff picks? If anything, we’re buying more books than we can actually read, which is hardly a problem for the brick-and-mortar booksellers still threatened by behemoths like Amazon.

If the mere mention of book odor makes you want to sprint into the shop around the corner, your timing couldn’t be better. April 29 is Independent Bookstore Day, and in honor of the occasion, we asked people across the HuffPost newsroom to nominate a few stores they’ve grown to love over the years. After days of waxing poetic, we came up with a mega-list of incredible indie bookstores that are alive, well and deserving of your patronage on this most holy of literary holidays. 

Behold, 50 of the best indie bookstores in America:

1. John K. King Used & Rare Books (Detroit, Michigan)

”One of the most unique bookstores in the Midwest, John K. King is one of the hidden jewels of Detroit. The shelves are filled with books you can’t find anywhere else. The bookstore holds around 1 million books in stock.” ― Philip Lewis, Front Page Editor

Check out John K. King here.

2. Taylor Books (Charleston, West Virginia)

“Taylor Books is a beloved spot on a quaint street in West Virginia’s capital city that offers a good read, beautiful art, a solid cup of coffee and a quiet place to enjoy it all. Taylor doesn’t just have a great selection of books ― the store hosts live musicians, holds book signings with notable authors and even serves as a place for creative types, like creative writing and improv groups, to meet. I love that they make sure to feature authors, artists and publications based in and around West Virginia and work to promote other arts-related businesses in the community.” ― Paige Lavender, Senior Politics Editor

Check out Taylor Books here.

3. Literati (Ann Arbor, Michigan)

”A great bookstore for a great college town, Literati sits right in the middle of Ann Arbor’s downtown shopping district. It’s the perfect place to spend an hour ― or two or three ― browsing the staff recommendations, which are reliably excellent.” ― Jonathan Cohn, Senior National Correspondent

Check out Literati here.

4. The Strand (New York, New York)

“I worked at The Strand when I first moved to New York City and it truly embodies so much about what makes this global city so amazing. Not only have numerous influential creatives worked here at some point in their careers, but the space itself is a defining part of the history of New York City. The last remaining staple of the historic ‘Book Row’ ― a massive area of 48 different bookstores dating back to the late 1800s ― The Strand is now the second-biggest used bookstore in the entire country. Go get lost in the literal miles of books while you discover some of the rich history of the store itself.” ― James Michael Nichols, Deputy Queer Voices Editor

Check out the Strand here.

5. Left Bank Books (St. Louis, Missouri)

”When I was going to college in St. Louis, Left Bank Books was a short bike ride from my apartment. The shop has incredible new and used book selections, ingeniously themed reading groups, impressive author events, and just a generally inclusive vibe that makes it seem like a neighborhood spot for anyone and everyone.” ― Katherine Brooks, Senior Arts & Culture Editor

Check out Left Bank Books here.

6. Old Tampa Book Company (Tampa, Florida)

“Old Tampa Book Company is this little store in downtown that usually gets overlooked, but the second you step in it’s the best place you’ve ever been. All the shelves are filled to the brim and you can find so many out-of-print or unique editions of books. And the entire place just smells like books ― overwhelmingly so.” ― Doha Madani, Associate Trends Reporter

Check out Old Tampa Book Company here.

7. Women & Children First Bookstore (Chicago, Illinois)

”Women & Children First is the kind of indie bookstore that belies an easy, convenient characterization. Sure, it’s a feminist bookstore with a name eerily similar to a certain Portlandia sketch. But it’s not some caricature. This place has a real heart and cares about their neighborhood and city, hosting regular community events spotlighting both emerging local and established international names. And their handwritten book recommendations throughout the store have never led me astray. It’s the real deal.” ― Joseph Erbentraut, Senior Reporter

Check out Women & Children First here.

8. Dickson Street Bookshop (Fayetteville, Arkansas)

“Dickson Street Bookshop is located just a short, lovely walk from the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville, so it’s a huge draw for college students and bibliophiles alike. Its towering, overstocked bookshelves wind in and out of rooms, almost as if they go on for miles. As an undergraduate, I needed a copy of Arthur Miller’s ‘Death Of A Salesman’ for a theater class I was taking that semester, and the shop owner knew exactly which room, which shelf and which precise stack of books was home to the one I needed, leading me right to it. I still have the tattered, out-of-print copy to this day.” ― Brittany Nims, RYOT Studio Editor

Check out Dickson Street Bookshop here.

9. Powell’s Books (Portland, Oregon)

“If there’s a list of great wonders of the literary world, Powell’s sits at the top. They call it ‘Powell City of Books’ for a reason ― it occupies a full city block and supposedly contains more than a million volumes.” ― Jonathan Cohn

Check out Powell’s here. 

10. Farley’s Bookshop (New Hope, Pennsylvania)

”Farley’s is nestled on the Delaware River in the historic and queer enclave of New Hope, Pennsylvania. There’s always an angelic cat that greets you (and every good independent bookstore should have that). It feels like a quintessential Americana place that could’ve easily been in a scene in ‘Hocus Pocus’ or something.” ― Melissa Radzimski, Social Media Editor

Check out Farley’s here.

11. The Book Barn (Niantic, Connecticut) 

“I never miss a chance to visit the Book Barn when I’m up in Connecticut. I could spend hours perusing the shop’s collection, which is actually spread out over four small locations in the coastal town of Niantic, which is worthy of exploring in its own right. Every visit is an adventure!” ― Curtis Wong, Senior Queer Voices Editor

Check out the Book Barn here.

12. The Last Bookstore (Los Angeles, California)

”Part bookstore, part art collective and sculpture, this shop has a solid selection of indie new stuff plus an extensive user collection that is worth checking out. A beautiful place.” ― Robb Monn, Head of Engineering

Check out the Last Bookstore.

13. Prairie Lights (Iowa City, Iowa)

”It’s everything you could want in a bookstore. A staff that knows their stuff? Check. A kids section that feels like a secret hideaway? Check. Coffee, cookies, and booze upstairs? Check. A secondhand books section so you can splurge? CHECK.” ― Chloe Angyal, Senior Front Page Editor

Check out Prairie Lights here.

14. The Children’s Bookstore (Baltimore, Maryland)

“This little bookstore is tucked away on a side street in the Roland Park neighborhood of Baltimore, and it’s so great. The staff is super knowledgeable, and they have a great selection of books for all different ages. Back when Harry Potter books were still coming out, The Children’s Bookstore would host a huge celebration leading up to the midnight release. They’d close off the street and have tons of activities for all of the dressed-up wizards and witches. You could get your book there at midnight, or they had a delivery service that would drop books off to the houses in the neighborhood (starting at midnight). It’s a great bookstore and community.” ― Hollis Miller, Associate Voices Social Editor

Check out the Children’s Bookstore here.

15. Elliott Bay Book Company (Seattle, Washington)

”I love reading staff recommendations, and this enormous bookstore had way more than I could skim in one visit. There’s a comfy coffee shop inside, so it’s the perfect zen stop, whether you’re working in the city or visiting from out of town. Grab a book, relax and people-watch.” ― Katherine Brooks

Check out Elliott Bay here.

16. Books Galore (Erie, Pennsylvania) 

“Independently owned and operated, I’ve frequented the place since I was a kid and continued to do so until I moved to Louisiana last year. When I was a kid, I liked going there every week to get my favorite comics. As I got older, they were a great resource for old books ― especially rare and hard-to-find books. They are great people and always friendly. They also do a lot of things for kids in the community, such as hosting games, having folks dress up as superheroes and hosting a free comic book day.” ― David Lohr, Senior Crime Reporter

Check out Books Galore here.

17. J. Michaels Books (Eugene, Oregon)

“A cozy and colorful fixture of one of Americas most colorful small cities. The owner is usually behind the counter, obscured by his curated selection of new releases. His arrangements never fail to compel even this most casual of bookworms to purchase. On your way out, take a peek at first editions and antique copies of many of Americas greatest writers. My wife and I once drove a Penguin Books–branded Mini Cooper across America, visiting indie bookshops all along the way. There is none quite like J Michaels.” ― Isaac Schmidt, Software Engineer

Check out J. Michaels here.

18. Westsider Rare & Used Books Inc. (New York, New York) 

“If there were a car air freshener called ‘Used Bookstore’ they would go to Westsider Rare & Used Books Inc.” ― Marc Janks, Multimedia Platforms Manager

Check out Westsider Rare & Used Books here.

19. The Iliad Bookshop (North Hollywood, California)

”Iliad Bookshop is a place you can get lost in ― and if you’re a book lover like me, you might suddenly discover that hours have elapsed while you were blissfully exploring that rabbit hole. They specialize in literature and the arts and have an impressive collection of rare books, in particular. If you somehow tire of the endless maze of books, you can take a break to play with the shop cats (yes, literal cats, not just cool people) or chat with the very friendly staff.” ― Antonia Blumberg, Religion Reporter

Check out the Iliad here.

20. The Montague Bookmill (Montague, Massachusetts)

“You know those bookstores where you can spend a whole afternoon? The Bookmill is like that, but more like days, or weeks ― I’d rent a room there if I could. The 1800s gristmill is home to thousands of used books, thoughtfully organized and sprawled out in room after room designed for wandering and hiding out among the shelves. If you somehow get bored of book buying, you can take a picturesque stroll by the Sawmill River or bring your finds to the Lady Killigrew Cafe, order a local beer and start reading.” ― Kate Abbey-Lambertz, National Reporter

Check out the Montague here.

21. Green Apple Books (San Francisco, California)

“Green Apple is the kind of bookstore that reminds you what an otherworldly escape reading is and makes you wonder why you spend so much time watching Netflix. It’s sizable but divided up into smaller rooms and alcoves you’ll want to hole up in for hours. It was named Publisher’s Weekly bookstore of the year in 2014, but it’s remained a humble neighborhood spot exactly as I remember it as a little kid growing up around the corner.” ― Lydia O’Connor, Reporter

Check out Green Apple here.

22. Maxwell’s House of Books (La Mesa, California)

“Maxwell’s has a lot of rare academic and scholarly titles as well as other hard-to-find titles. The owners are happy to engage in deep conversations about the books. It’s in a cozy neighborhood in a San Diego suburb and I feel like everyone is stopping by to say, ‘Hi.’” ― David Moye, Reporter

Check out Maxwell’s here.

23. Chamblin Book Mine (Jacksonville, Florida)

“I used to get lost in this place when I was a nerdy high school kid in Jacksonville. The aisles go on forever, and it’s basically impossible to leave empty-handed. It’s a great place to sell your old books, too. Highly recommended.” ― Kate Palmer, Lifestyle Editorial Director

Check out Chamblin Book Mine here.

24. Book Culture (New York, New York)

“This is everything a modern bookstore should be. It has something for everyone. Best Part: They have mystery books wrapped up so you can have a blind date with a book.” ― Marc Janks

Check out Book Culture here.

25. Books and Books (Coral Gables, Florida)

“Every author who’s done a tour knows about Books and Books, because it’s practically a South Florida institution. Worth visiting for the architecture alone, but it’s the reading that will keep you coming back.” ― Jonathan Cohn

Check out Books and Books here.

26. William Caxton Ltd Books (Ellison Bay, Wisconsin)

”This is one of the finest book stores I’ve ever been to, made even more incredible due to its location, completely off the beaten path on the Wisconsin peninsula. The owner is a retired professor and collector of rare books. This is a place you go to find books you’ve never seen before.” ― Andy McDonald, Comedy Editor

Check out William Caxton Ltd here.

27. Relay Bookhouse (Bethel, Connecticut) 

“It literally has tunnels of books from floor to ceiling — it’s like a maze. Books are piled up on the floor, you can hit dead ends and you can spend hours in it. I didn’t know bookstores like this still existed. Whenever I’m in the area I always stop in and walk around for a bit.” ― Samantha Tomaszewski, Associate Social Media Editor

Check out Relay here.

28. Inquiring Minds Bookstore (Saugerties, New York)

“In upstate New York, nestled in the quaint town of Saugerties, lies Inquiring Minds Bookstore. During a recent weekend stay in the area, I stumbled upon this cozy independent shop, filled to the brim with both new and used books. There’s a coffee shop inside, and you can get lost wandering around and browsing the journals, CDs and toys, which are also for sale. Inquiring Minds has a sister shop in New Paltz, New York.” ― Lauren Moraski, Entertainment Editorial Director

Check out Inquiring Minds here.

29. Skylight Books + Art Annex (Los Angeles, California)

”The most solid new bookstore for fiction and art books. Great staff picks and great staff. I’ve found many gems here that I’d never have known existed.” ― Rob Monn, Head of Engineering 

Check out Skylight here.

30. McNally Jackson (New York, New York)

“This is my favorite bookstore in the city ― it’s really well-organized and I love all of the recommendations from the staff. They also have a great magazine section, and they even have a little cafe where you can grab a coffee and read your newest purchase.” ― Hollis Miller, Voices Associate Social Media Editor

Check out McNally Jackson here.

31. Book Revue (Huntington, New York) 

“Growing up on Long Island surrounded by lacrosse bros and meatheads, Book Revue served as an oasis of art and literature. Big-name authors came to town for talks there. The 17,500-square-foot space is flanked by book shelves in nearly every possible space, a café with Korean candies and decent loose-leaf tea and a used book section where I bought my first W.H. Auden book for just $1. It’s always amazed me that, even as the record stores and other shops I loved folded, this place remained open. Thank God for that.” ― Alexander Kaufman, Business & Environment Reporter

“I usually force whichever family member I’m visiting on Long Island to make a stop at Book Revue, located in the picturesque, walkable downtown of Huntington. The store is expansive enough to easily kill an hour or two browsing, and they have a nice selection of inexpensive literary remainders — useful for anyone wishing to build up their classics library. With ample readings and events, they’re a good resource for the bookish who don’t want to travel all the way into Manhattan.” ― Jillian Capewell, Entertainment News Editor

Check out Book Revue here.

32. Little City Books (Hoboken, New Jersey)

”It’s a super-friendly atmosphere with welcoming staff, and carries a diverse range of novels and nonfiction. It’s also has a vast children’s section. It frequently holds readings and Q&As with authors and hosts a variety of book clubs focussing on different genres and writers.” ― Will Tooke, Producer

Check out Little City here.

33. Main Street Books (Saint Helena, California)

“Tucked between pricey boutiques and wine shops, this tiny gem of a bookstore was a saving grace for me growing up in a small Napa Valley town when I was too young to enjoy the tasting rooms and vineyard tours the region is famous for. I’d spend hours in this little shop (roughly the size of a small bedroom), picking up dozens of used novels (better for my babysitting-fund budget) while always eyeing the new titles with envy. I still make a point of dropping in when I’m home for a visit, particularly to check out the latest additions to the well-curated cooking section or ask for a recommendation. And if they don’t have a book in the shop, the owner will happily order it for you. I’ll forever be grateful for when she pre-ordered Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix for me and let me pick it up before the store opened for the day.” ― Mollie Reilly, Deputy Politics Editor

Check out Main Street here.

34. Prospero’s Bookstore (Kansas City, Missouri)

“As a high school kid in Overland Park, Kansas, Prospero’s was an oasis. Its basement smells like centuries-old book pulp ― it’s where I found one of the strangest used Cold War history books I’ve ever read and will never get rid of. On the main floor, you can find more precariously stacked books, plus work from students at the Kansas City Art Institute, or see performances from local musicians and poets. It’s much more than a bookstore, as it should be.” ― Katherine Brooks

Check out Prospero’s here.

35. Book Beat (Oak Park, Michigan)

“A short drive outside of Detroit, Book Beat was one of my favorite destinations as a kid. From the inconspicuous storefront ― they’re located in an outdated suburban strip mall ― you’d never guess that inside it’s warm and lively, with thousands of books are crammed into every inch of available space, stacked up to the ceiling. Friendly staff members are always happy to help you locate a title in the piles, or recommend a book you didn’t know you wanted. They carry a wide range of subjects, but their children’s book collection is truly unbeatable.” ― Kate Abbey-Lambertz

Check out Book Beat here.

36. Karma (Amagansett, New York)

”Karma (with locations in NYC and Amagansett) is both a gallery and a bookseller. They boast a beautiful collection of contemporary art books, many of which they publish themselves.” ― Willa Frej, Reporter

Check out Karma here.

37. Faulkner House Books (New Orleans, Louisiana)

”This teeny, tiny bookstore is housed in a building that was constructed in 1840. William Faulkner lived there in the early 20th century — hence the name — and wrote his first novel Soldiers Play. The space is as charming and mythic as any bookstore lover would hope, with low-slung chandeliers and books lining the walls, ‘Beauty and the Beast’-style. It has a great selection of New Orleans-centric books, from history to cookbooks, for people from out of town.” ― Priscilla Frank, Arts & Culture Writer

Check out Faulkner House here. 

38. Book Thug Nation (Brooklyn, New York)

“So intimate, so cozy and so friendly. I don’t know how they get by selling books for $2.50, but I try to always check out their selection first before I go anywhere else. And Book Thug gets new books every day, so there’s always something to discover.” ― Allison Fox, Lifestyle Trends Editor

Check out Book Thug Nation here.

39. Linden Tree Children’s Books (Los Altos, California)

”You won’t find the children’s books tucked away in a corner here. It’s the entire store. Linden Tree has a friendly and helpful staff, great selection and plenty of in-store events.” ― Ed Mazza, Reporter

Check out Linden Tree here.

40. Half Price Books (Dallas, Texas)

”Half Price Books might be a chain, but it’s family-owned, and, more importantly to some readers, it lives up to its name. Like any used bookstore, visiting comes with the wonder of discovery, a sensation absent from, say, shopping on Amazon. But the flagship store in Dallas is essentially a vast warehouse of books, and getting lost in its aisles is half the fun.” ― Maddie Crum, Books & Culture Writer

Check out Half Price Books here.

41. Haslam’s Book Store Inc (St. Petersburg, Florida)

“Finding refuge in stacks of books from the humidity of Florida and losing track of time was a common occurrence for me at Haslam’s, a massive new and used bookstore established in 1933. I’d take short vacations to St. Petersburg while studying in university to visit friends and wander through the expansive bookshelves, read excerpts on the back of book covers and then flip through pages upon pages of poetry, fiction, memoirs and essays. The science collection in Haslam’s is astounding, and this bookstore helped nurture my love of science out of the classroom. It has an unassuming facade but, as with most good bookstores, once you step inside you are transported into another place and time, lost in your own thoughts, to a place just waiting to be explored.” ― Madeline Wahl, Associate Editor

Check out Haslam’s here.

42. Book Woman (Austin, Texas) 

“In its annual collection of book review and book reviewer data, VIDA has shown that gender parity still hasn’t been achieved when it comes to literature. Women are less likely to get reviewed in several major outlets than men, and they’re less likely to win awards, too. Which is why the concept of the simply named BookWoman is so great. The store showcases women writers, and particularly women writers working in Austin — and it hosts intersectional reading events, too.” ― Maddie Crum

Check out Book Woman here.

43. Off the Beaten Path (Steamboat, Colorado)

”I’ve approached the staff at Off the Beaten Path with as little info as: ‘I’m looking for a really good book. Like, really, really good.’ And I always walk out with something I can’t put down and that I insist pretty much every friend and family member read. The people who work here are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about books and will keep pulling titles until they find something you’re excited to sit down with. They support local authors, and the ‘staff picks’ are the best way to find out about little-known writers and remember why you should go back and read the classics from high school. And the coffee ... OMG, amazing.” ― Eleanor Goldberg, Impact Editor

Check out Off the Beaten Path here.

44. Housing Works Bookstore Cafe (New York, New York)

“Housing Works, a smallish yet well-stocked two-story shop in Manhattan, is more than a bookstore. The organization takes seriously its role as an advocacy group for people with HIV/AIDS, and raises funds through events to that end. This alone makes it a worthwhile place to buy books, but the spot itself is charming, too, with winding stairways and high ceilings and timely author readings.” ― Maddie Crum

Check out Housing Works here.

45. Stone Soup Books (Camden, Maine)

“Stone Soup is a tiny used bookstore that sits at the top of a creaking staircase in an almost comically narrow building in Camden, Maine’s downtown area. Inside, it feels like the kind of place where the protagonist of a children’s movie would find a long-lost book that unlocked a portal to some sort of fairy tale world. It’s packed with books, most of them well-loved, extremely affordable paperbacks, lining every available inch of wall space and occupying numerous other shelves and piles throughout the store. Every time I’ve been there, one of the owners has been there behind the desk reading, and is exactly the kind of of older gentleman you’d hope to presiding over a charming secondhand bookstore.” ― Hilary Hanson, Reporter

Check out Stone Soup here.

46. Parnassus Books (Nashville, Tennessee)

“I stopped into Parnassus Books during a trip to Nashville a few years ago, and, like many of the city’s other small businesses I visited with friends, it felt like a place that really serves the local readers, both in terms of book recommendations and community space. Fun fact: The store is co-owned by author Ann Patchett.” ― Katherine Brooks

Check out Parnassus here.

47. Source Booksellers (Detroit, Michigan)

“Source Booksellers opened just a few years ago, but it’s thriving, with tons of readings and events ― probably because owner Janet Jones has been collecting and selling books since 1989. Her compact but extensively curated selection of nonfiction books ― with great titles on local subjects, history, culture, art and spirituality, are chosen with an eye toward educating people and enhancing their lives.” ― Kate Abbey-Lambertz

Check out Source Booksellers here.

48. 2nd Edition Books (Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina) 

“An independent bookstore in an airport? Yup. You’ll find 2nd Edition in the terminal at Raleigh-Durham International, past security near the gates. They sell only previously used books, but they have a wide selection (and many are barely used). They’ll even ship to your destination if you want.” ― Jonathon Cohn

Check out 2nd Edition here.

49. Books on the Square (Providence, Rhode Island)

"As a college student in Providence, I had the opportunity to explore some great local spots, and Books on the Square was a true highlight. Located in Wayland Square, it’s welcoming neighborhood shop with a cozy atmosphere and loyal customer base. The staff is very friendly and they often host events and speakers." -- Caroline Bologna, Parents Editor

Check out Books on the Square here. 

50. Politics & Prose (Washington, D.C.)

”No roundup of indie bookstores would be complete without mentioning Politics & Prose, the D.C. institution that, beyond selling books, hosts open mics, nerdy trivia, teach-ins and conversations with politicians, authors, filmmakers and more. When I first visited D.C., I knew enough to add this shop to my itinerary, squeezing it in between tourist spots. And it was worth it.” ― Katherine Brooks

Check out Politics & Prose here.

There are many other indie bookstores that we didn’t write about, but are excellent destinations you should probably check out. Including...

Myopic Books in Chicago, Illinois

Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi

Tattered Cover Bookstore in Denver, Colorado

Bluestockings in New York, New York

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