#it's an entrepreneurial mess

[mostowa]

So my mind thought that I am not busy enough with closing one company in one country and opening another one in another country and figured out that starting to write Chenford fic is a great idea right now.

"If truly loving someone meant choosing this person and doing this on a daily basis, well, then Tim Bradford has made some questionable choices recently."

[rewritingcanon]

i’ve seen relationship therapists and psychologists analyse hermione and ron’s relationship and conclude that they wouldn’t work out in the long run. they’ve argued for hermione to be with harry, krum, even DRACO (don’t understand how a counsellor can vow for canon dramione but alright) as an alternative partner for hermione since ron is “too insecure” to be with her and match her intelligent prowess or what have you.

i seriously don’t understand this sentiment. ron and hermione genuinely seem (almost) perfect to me, maybe not in the movies (a common denominator of people who don’t like romione is that they always cite evidence from the movies, since the films took a lot away from ron’s character and his growth), but definitely in the books.

looking at ron’s insecurities, a lot of people dredge his inferiority complex up to toxic masculinity primarily, when it was more explored how it was an effect of his home life (not gonna argue toxic masculinity wasn’t a factor, they’re teenagers in the 90s written by a pretty misogynistic woman so…). he was the youngest son out of how many children? all of his older brothers were brilliant in some way. bill was an extremely gifted spellcaster, charlie was gifted with magical beasts, percy’s academic score was unmatched, and fred and george (despite their trouble) were entrepreneurial inventor-geniuses. ron, on the other hand, was quite literally born a disappointment to his mother, who conceived him specifically because she wanted a daughter, whilst ginny was born her favourite (though, even then, ginny was gifted at quidditch). ron was mediocre in every sense of the word, and his two best friends were harry (one of the most famous wizards) and hermione (the smartest witch of her age yada yada). and i’ve seen people argue that harry was more welcomed by molly into the weasley household than ron ever was. this isn’t even mentioning the amount of bullshit he copped for being poor (people always downplay the blow to confidence being in poverty can have on a person who is constantly surrounded by people who not only have more, but look down on him for simply being unlucky as to not have what they do).

so yeah, ron was an envious kid, but he was that way not because he was an evil patriarchal conception but because he was lowkey neglected. and even then he was overall an extremely devoted and loyal friend to both harry and hermione, because he did genuinely love them.

there were many moments of ron standing up for hermione that was cut from the films, not as a guy who was romantically interested in her, but as a friend. ron arguing with snape for making hermione cry is one of my fav scenes in the books ru kidding me, and in the movies he AGREED with snape RU KIDDING ME. not to mention how ron was a sobbing violent mess when hermione was getting tortured in the last book, whereas he wasn’t nearly as bothered in the films. and the films cut out harry being a dick to ron about his familial concerns (in dh), so when ron left it seemed like a random dickish move over his jealousy towards harry and hermione’s relationship.

there’s also a million moments where they minimised ron’s usefulness in the books for comedic purposes (forbidden forest with aragog, troll scene, devils snare scene) so ron seems dumber than he is. like, he’s actually smart and a really good spellcaster…. in the books.

so simply by stating this most of the arguments against romione become void. “he’s too stupid/weak for her” simply not true. “he’s a terrible friend who doesn’t stand up for her” also not true. “he’s too insecure to have made a move on her,” yes, but given the context i don’t think people would freak on about ron’s upbringing, i think many would be more understanding, especially considering his growth. even if he wasn’t insecure, hermione is beyond incredible and is bound to make anyone nervous when pursuing her (not an excuse for ron to act like a dick, but it does explain a lot where the movies don’t). “they argue too much” they bump heads, none of the arguments they have are actually super damning, with the exception of ron leaving in deathly hallows.

maybe i’ve covered everything (excluding the abhorrent amount of classism that clouds people’s judgments around how they view ron when harping about how hermione deserves better? hopefully).

now, i know people won’t like me mentioning the cursed child, but i’m going to considering we actually get an insight of their life as a longterm married couple there. a lot of ron stans hated how ron was the only character that wasn’t doing something incredible. harry was head of the aurors, ginny was a famous quidditch player retired to a famous journalist, neville was a hogwarts professor, hermione was quite literally minister on magic. and ron…. ran the joke shop with george.

and i think this was almost the perfect route to go down for ron. because he was average, and was perfectly fine with just being average. hello?? that speaks leagues of growth for his character. he’s supportive of hermione’s work, he grounds her when she gets too caught up in being the literal president of wizarding society, and he still viciously defends her, minister or not. in fact, he’s proud to simply be known as hermione’s husband because he doesn’t feel the need to prove to anyone else his worth. the people he loves most know his worth, hermione never downplays or underestimates him, they are complete equals in the relationship in every single way that matters. they kept ron’s best qualities whilst making him seem more of a healed person. they work so well as a married couple without it seeming like mischaracterisation (not to mention the cursed child literally shows how those two are in love in every reality, so there quite literally can’t be a better partner for hermione or ron according to canon).

so i really don’t understand how professional relationship counsellors can go online and denounce it. probs because they only watched the movies, but it’s 2023 and ron stans should not STILL be fighting for their lives trying to defend him from people who simply don’t consume media with as much depth (which is fine, but one should clarify if they’re talking about the movies because i’ve seen people state they’re talking about the hp BOOKS when it’s simply just…. the films). anyways. romione on top, thanks to coming to my ted talk.

[silvercompassmaps]

Orc Tavern

This Orc Tavern may look intimidating from the outside, but it is merely a tourist trap run by two entrepreneurial half-orcs.

This tavern simulates everything that happens in a real Orc mess hall, but makes sure that no one is cooked, stabbed, or eaten.

Download this map for free here.

This map is part of my Dwarven, Elven, and Orc Taverns pack.

[photoboothphotos]

Strawberry Milkshakes

Paxton Hall-Yoshida x Reader -  House parties turned into late night drives. [1.3KWords]

The house shook, its walls were trembling as music bounced off every surface. The dwelling was too small for all these teenagers to mingle in, but its foundation stayed strong as people continued to stomp all over its hardwood floors. The home never wavered as it weathered the storm of spilled drinks and drunken make out sessions. Everything was loud, and strangely dark with only small pockets of light creating pathways. You absent-mindedly drummed your fingers to the beat of music, the tips of your figures sticky from your beer. 

This wasn’t your first rodeo. You’ve been to plenty of house parties before. You usually enjoyed these type of events, finding enjoyment in the lightshows and the friendly catchup sessions with old classmates, but this one was different. The overwhelming sense of crowd made you feel so small yet so big. It felt as if even a minor misstep into the wrong direction could create irreversible mayhem but it also felt like that you were just a spec of dust to these other high schoolers. It was an odd feeling. And you hated it. 

Paxton had his arm wrapped around your waist, and another holding a red solo cup. The teen was trying his best to listen to Trent’s latest entrepreneurial scheme but it was hard to stay focused when his concern for you was coursing through his veins. He could feel your skin grow tackier and your muscles beginning to jitter. Paxton had decided then and there that enough was enough. 

The call of your name snapped you out of your trance. You turn towards your boyfriend, confusion lacing your features. Had you missed something he said? 

“You there, Bun?” Paxton asked again. “We can go home if you want.” He had abandoned his spiked drink and the rest of his best friends story entirely. His eyes pierced through your graze, making your heart skip a beat. 

“Oh, I wouldn’t want to ruin your fun. I’m fine.” You reassured, taking another sip of your drink. The brew did little to calm your nerves. Usually you’d be a blushing mess of a person hearing your boyfriend – the Paxton Hall-Yoshida – call you by that nickname. But the smog of the room was beginning to become suffocating and you had lost the ability to say much more than your words of half-hearted optimism. 

“Nuh uh, c’mon we’re getting you out of here” Paxton declared. His arm swooped fully around your body, supporting your back as he guided your stiffened stance out the door. 

The fall winds caused goosebumps on your skin when you met it outside. The distance between the house and Paxton’s Jeep was a short one, but your dizzy state left you incredibly slow. Paxton was patient though, continuing to guide you through your journey to the car despite the sloth-like pace, whispering soft words of ‘Don’t worry take your time’ and ‘It’s okay, I’ve got you’. Once you reached the safety of the Jeep you let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. You felt a hand on your forehead as the teen took in your current condition. You let Paxton tuck your sweat soaked hair behind your ear and dab your cheeks with some left over takeaway napkins that he kept handy. 

Although Paxton was worried sick about your sudden panic at the party, he couldn’t help but muse at how beautiful you looked. The scrunched fabric of your top did wonders for you, especially as the white fabric clung to your skin. Not to mention the silk of your black skirt, and how it draped over your tired legs. Oh God.

“My eyes are up here, Yoshida.” You teased, gaining back some of your energy. “Although, I never get tired of how you look at me.” 

Paxton's laugh was music to your ears, a spell that made you fall harder every time.  

“I’m sorry. You’re just burning up and those long sleeves can’t be helping.” He replied while disregarding his growing blush. “I know what will help though.” Paxton looked at you suggestively with his eyebrow raised and an arm reaching towards you. 

You gave him a questioning look back, unsure of what type of funny business he was about to perform next. 

“A late night drive with all the windows down and singing to the Jonas Brothers songs all the way to Foster Freeze for milkshakes.” Paxton shot you a wide smile as he closed the gap between the two of you to roll down your passenger side window. The two of you were practically nose to nose now, his lips seconds away from yours. “Your favourite activity.” He stated knowing exactly what this proximity is doing to you. 

Your throat bobbed as you swallowed the unexpected lump that had appeared. Before you had a chance to act upon the situation, Paxton quickly pulled away.

Within moments the Jeep began to roll down the streets of San Fernando Valley. The tunes of your favourite childhood boyband filled the air as a hurricane of brisk evening winds and traffic lights filled your senses. Though even the cold gush of wind wasn’t enough to cool you down from that heightened moment, the mental image of your boyfriend’s lips permanently seared into your mind. 

Foster Freeze had the best strawberry milkshakes. And though Paxton would typically argue for team chocolate, even he had to admit that the strawberry milkshakes from the dinner was something other-worldly. As he pulled the vehicle into park, he decided to push your buttons further. Just a little bit. “Okay, what would you like Bun?” He asked, giving you his signature dreamy eyes. 

“Just a large strawberry milkshake.” You requested, giving him a doe-eyed look in return. 

With a light nod, Paxton began to make his way out the car without another word. And just as he had predicted, the second his hand reached the handle, he heard a audible protest from your pretty mouth. It was quiet, but unmistakable and it made Paxton’s gut do summersaults. 

You couldn’t see it, but the grin that grew on Paxton’s face was shit-eating. “Are you forgetting something?” You asked innocently, not wanting to admit the yearn you had for a kiss. Your boyfriend always kissed you before he left anywhere, no matter whether it was for five minutes or five hours. Paxton never left you empty handed. 

“Oh right,” He replied. Turning back to fumble with the middle compartment before fishing out his wallet. “Almost forgot, thanks! You’re so thoughtful (Y/N).” He began his exit again before feeling the soft tug of his t-shirt. 

“I think you’re forgetting something else.” Your advised, your voice so delicate that it almost made Paxton’s heart burst. 

He couldn’t help it anymore. The teen turned around once more, his hands landing familiarly on the side of your face, placing your lips right into the crevice of his own. You tasted like left over booze and candy lip-gloss. Paxton felt you relax in his touch, your wandering hands finding the hem of his jeans. This made him smile into your kiss, making the touch breathy. 

“So just a strawberry milkshake?” Paxton asked pulling away and returning your ability to breathe. 

It was your turn to nod lightly now, your kiss-stained lips turning into a teethy smile. “And a large fries please.” You added, finally allowing him to run into the diner before it closed. 

You admired Paxton’s figure as you watched him exit the car and walk towards the restaurant, his figure getting smaller as the distance between the two of you grew. He waved at you half-way, offering his patented teenage heartthrob grin. You smiled back, your mouth still burning from the kiss he left you with. Even from a distance you can see the mischief within his eyes as he continued walking backwards. It was if he was  asking you, ‘Are sure you don’t want anything else?’ 

And you did want one more thing, Paxton knew that. But that’s a different dessert that you’re gonna save for another late night drive.

[signalhill-if]

SIGNAL HILL is a post-apocalyptic action interactive fiction game by @townofcrosshollow about exploring the bustling city of Signal Hill- and determining who gets to control its future.

The world went to shit long before you were born- what happened, nobody's sure. Whatever it was, it left a mess. The horrors of the blasted wasteland, the things that roam outside of city walls, the static that buzzes in your ear like an old TV... not to mention the violent fuckers out there who'd rather they have what you've got.

But a job with a caravan travelling across the wastes means you can finally start a new life in the neon-lit utopia of Signal Hill. That is, until you're ambushed outside the city, your cargo stolen and your guards dead. The bright lights and the ever-present hum of the radio are starting to feel like more of a nightmare than a dream...

Customize your Outsider's look, pronouns, personality, and skills- plus even their weapons, wardrobe, and apartment

Be indulgent or principled, violent or diplomatic. Enjoy your romp in the big city, or try to forge a better future

Upgrade your skills and unlock abilities that can totally change how you play the game

Discover and define your identity, telling the world exactly who you are- and getting unique benefits and drawbacks from each one

Explore a vibrant, detailed setting full of places to go, people to see, and things to do

Side with one of three factions with unique routes- experience the rich luxury of the upper classes, side with the entrepreneurial rebels on the outside, or see beyond the veil with a strange doomsday cult

Try out a variety of casual, open, and serious relationships with the strange folks you meet along the way

Rush through the main story, or take your time and explore the city's many "side quests."

Signal Hill is intended only for mature audiences and contains mature content such as violence, language, drug use, and sexuality. Viewer discretion is advised.

DOC - he/him - DRUGGIST

He might not be a real doctor, but at the very least he's a friendly face, given that he patched you up after the unfortunate incident at the gates. If you need somebody with a gas mask who can hold his own against the wasteland, a real survivalist, he's your guy.

YASMIN - she/her - BARONESS

Left to essentially run the city on her own after her water baron father died, Yasmin isn't crazy about leadership- she's content to just get high and have fun. But since he died, it's been clear her mental state has been... deteriorating.

YVETTE - he/him - RED LIGHT MOGUL

If you're looking to have fun in Signal Hill, chances are you're going to wind up in one of Yvette's establishments. Nobody knows how he got this rich, but there are some rumours about how he looks so good- blood is said to have rejuvenating properties, after all.

KC - she/her - MERCENARY

Tired of the shit they got from the guards, KC and her loose company of (questionably legal) mercs now operate out of the ruins to the south of Signal Hill. She might be the most level headed person in the whole area- but don't mistake that for being a pushover.

LEVI - he/him - DEVOTEE

The face of the strange cult springing up within Signal Hill, Levi appears surprisingly normal on the surface, even charming. Just don't question his authority. There's only one person in the world who can tell him what to do, and you're not it.

WOLFE - he/him - ENFORCER

A truly hateable kind of guy with a sour demeanour but a talent for keeping his underlings in line, you instantly get off on the wrong foot with Wolfe. Don't expect that to change. He might be good at his job, but he's not against breaking the rules to keep you quiet.

ALDRICH - they/them - ???

You've heard rumours about this person, who can see into your head and make you feel static in your veins, who's risen from the dead and enlightened masses of followers. Sounds like a lot of horseshit. Are they even real? I guess you'll find out.

PLAY IT NOW | PATREON

[freyatarotreadings8]

Lewis Hamilton's Future Spouse | TAROT

Disclaimer: I made this reading only for entertainment purposes. This reading shows just a current energy. My interpretation of cards may vary from other readers. Feel free to share your vision.

Who is she? 3 of Wands, Knight of Pentacles, The Emperor, 7 of Wands She is a lady you don't want to mess with. Don't fuck around her. Period. She has such strong and bossy character. She has a high standards. Entrepreneurial vibe. She is so business savvy, hardworking, goal oriented and ambitious. She is willing to take calculated risks and explore new opportunities. Her strategic thinking and vision helps her to influence others and be a leader. She isn't afraid of responsibilities and commitments. So down to earth, stable and practical. The lady may prioritize logic over emotions in certain situations. Also she may appreciate being outdoors, doing gardening, farming. Lewis' future wife has nurturing and protective qualities, providing a sense of security to loved ones. Her personality involeves courageous elements. She isn't afraid to stand up for its beliefs, defend her position and face challenges with resilience. Moreover, I guess she is a foreigner. Has Lewis already met her? 5 of Pentacles Nope How they will meet? Page of Pentacles, 4 of Cups, 8 of Swords So, they may cross paths in a work-related senses or a learning environment. Some younger person may play a role in this meeting. They may meet during a moment when one or both of them are reflecting on their current circumstances. I don't think that they will actively seeking new connections during that period of time, but this meeting will change their minds. This meeting may involve a situation where they need to step out of their comfort zones or challenge their own perceptions.

[djbunnie]

DamiRae Monster High AU

Heads up! sorry it's a huge mess of ideas just...speed run this prompt😅

so … I'm bored! What if Damian and Raven were in the Monster High AU. I have some ideas! but I can't decide😵.Since Monster High is a Modern/ Fantasy gerner. I thought it would be fun to explore some options.

Unfortunately, I did some research on Islamic monsters and folklore…and I'm sorry to say it, but none of them fit Damian…. at least to me. It really sucks because I really want Damian as an Islamic mythical creature. But if you agree or disagree, explain why or why not? I would love to read and share your comments.

So here is my DamiRae Monster High AU portfolio. (Also outfit, accessories, and etc).

Raven R. Constantine: adopted child of Sorcerer Supreme John Constantine.

Race: Demon

Appearance/Killer Style: She is tall, has a crimson skin tone, 4 yellow eyes, white hair (high messy bun with full bangs) and black stiletto nails. Victorian/Lolita, with a bit of Western 1950 vintage aesthetic. "I can't go anywhere without my book earrings with matching necklace!" (something like this)

Freaky flaw: impulsive shopper, likes to spend all her money on books, comics, and other book-related gimmicks. I hate not having money for lunch just because I spent it on a book embosser because Tiktok told me to.

Favorite color: pink!

Favorite food: DESSERT!

Biggest pet peeve: Yuck, where do I even begin…. Books in series are a different size, movie poster covers, book covers are shorter than the pages, stickers printed on the cover, broken spines, books with a sticker on the cover that you can peel off but it leaves the stickiest residue known to mankind for all eternity! And so much more!

Favorite activity: Reading, collecting rare books (including other books and comics), writing stories (both as a writer and a comic artist), social media (Raven is a Booktuber).

Pet: Edgar Nevermore, is a raven with scarlet 4 eyes. He is quite the chatterbox.

Favorite subject at school: Monster History

Least favorite subject: Sports

Friends: Damian, Conner, Donna, Garfield, Jamie.

______________________________________________________________

Damian Al Ghul: He is a mummy and a member of the very prestigious Al Ghul family.

Killer Style: (I couldn't decide) he wears a dark (green, black and gold) suit with a black bow tie and a large Egyptian gold mask covering his face. Or he wears a black t-shirt, green cargo pants and an Egyptian style collar over his bandages. (Just imagine the pharaoh from the Boo York movie, but with Damian).

Freaky flaw: According to my classmates, I'm "overly competitive." Apparently, wanting to be the best is a bad thing…. On the other hand, the thumb war against Conner got out of hand last week just because we couldn't decide where to go for summer vacation….

Favorite color: Green (because of the money).

Favorite food: Pumpkin curry with rice

Biggest pet peeve: losing, I will win and destroy all my competitors!

Favorite activity: playing with his pets

Pet: Titus (mummy dog or jackal) he is perfect.

Favorite school subject: Art

Least favorite school subject: n/a. (he values education)

Friends: Raven, Conner, Donna, Garfield, Jamie.

______________________________________________________________

Okay, the reason I chose Damian to become a mummy is 1: because in the Monster High universe, mummies = wealth. Also, in the Boo York movie, there is a character named Pharaoh whose family is very rich, and I thought Damian would be the opposite of him (personality wise). Damian is going to be an entrepreneurial, business-oriented character. And since it's a modern Au, I thought it would be great if Raven was a YouTuber in this universe.

Do you guys agree or disagree with that. I would love to discuss this further with you guys, it could be anything, her monster race, personality, origin and so on!!!!

[blueiskewl]

The Revolutionary 500 MPH Bugatti Plane That Almost Changed WW2

This is the Bugatti Model 100P: A 900 HP, 500 MPH, race plane imagined by none other than legendary automotive designer Ettore Bugatti, so technologically advanced that it could have single-handedly dominated the skies of WWII for Germany, had the Nazis ever gotten their hands on it. But after more than seven decades of obscurity in a French barn, the "Veyron of the Skies" is ready to finally take flight for the first time.

In 1938, Ettore Bugatti enlisted the help of his chief engineer, Louis de Monge, to do something the pair had never attempted before: build an airplane. And not just any airplane, a screamingly fast racer capable of beating his counterparts in Deutchland's most prestigious air race: the Coupe Deutsch. And they almost did too.

The Model 100P that Bugatti devised was the SR-71 of its day—an aircraft packed with technology ludicrously advanced beyond the existing state of the art. Measuring a stout 25 feet long with a 27-foot wingspan, the 100P Its fueselage and forward-swept wings were formed from multi-layer wood laminate—sandwiching balsa and hardwoods—a manufacturing technique still widely used today but practically unheard of in the 1940's.

The 100P was exceptionally streamlined thanks to its revolutionary inline engine design—wherein the 100P's pair of 4.9L, 450HP, 8-cylinder racecar engines were positioned behind the cockpit—that drove a pair of counter-rotating props. It also included a 102 degree V-tail, a zero-drag cooling system that ejected air from the trailing edges of the wings, and computer-directed flight controls that automatically changed the wing profile to produce extra lift or reduce drag and acting as an airbrake when pulling out of dives. Even the automatic landing gear took orders from the plane's computer system.

The airspeed record in 1939 stood at 469 mph, set by a German Messerschmitt. Had the 100P flown in 1940 at the Coupe Deutsch, the math suggests it would have topped 500 mph. However, the 100P never did fly in 1940, having just missed the entry deadline in September 1939 due to manufacturing delays.

While this was a disappointment to Bugatti, this delay may well have changed the outcome of World War II. During development, the French government learned of the project and approached Bugatti with an offer to use the technology for a new generation of highly-maneuverable, light-weight fighter planes. He turned them down but as the second World War broke out. When Germany invaded France in 1940, there became a very real chance that the Germans could learn of and seize the 100P, using the technology as their own war machine to decimate the Allied air fleet, Spitfires and all.

But Bugatti, who became a French citizen after WWI and who rarely hide his distaste for the Germans, wasn't having any of that mess. Rather than let the plane fall into Nazi hands, he decided to hide the nearly-completed aircraft in a barn somewhere in the French countryside. And that's where it stayed throughout the war.

After its rediscovery at the end of the War, the 100P was sold and auctioned numerous times before finally coming to rest in the EAA Airventure Museum, where it has been restored and is currently on display. However, this septuagenarian aircraft is far too old and delicate to fly anymore, which is why a dedicated team of classic plane enthusiasts have spent the better half of a decade building an exact, full-scale replica capable of flight.

"The vision, the courage, the entrepreneurial spirit, those things. That's where the focus is," Scotty Wilson, a former Air Force pilot and historical plane enthusiast from Tulsa, Oklahoma involved in the replica project, dubbed Le Reve Bleu, told KFOR. "It's an airplane at the end of the day. But it happens to be a very cool airplane with an interesting story."

"The Bugatti 100P was 85 percent complete when the Germans invaded," ex-RAF engineer John Lawson, who built the replica's gearbox, told Metro UK. "If it had flown in 1940 then it would have been a revolution. It was an incredible aeroplane and Louis de Monge, who worked on it with Ettore Bugatti, was a brilliant engineer."

"The plane was designed to fly very fast but the gearbox wouldn't have much longevity,"Lawson continued. "I reverse-engineered it from plans and pictures and designed one which runs perfectly." The Le Reve Bleu team hopes to have the replica finished by this fall and will be making appearances in the skies above the Farnborough Air Show and Goodwood Revival for years to come.

By Andrew Tarantola.

[denimbex1986]

“I don’t remember ever not thinking I was going to be an actor,” says Cush Jumbo. We’re meeting to talk about her new role in Shakespeare’s legendary psychological drama, Macbeth, in which she will star opposite David Tennant. Has she always wanted to act, I ask? “This is just what I do – I’m not that good at anything else.”

When it comes to Jumbo, “good” is an understatement. The star of The Good Wife has played many formidable stage roles, appearing in Phyllida Lloyd’s groundbreaking, all-female version of Julius Caesar at the Donmar Warehouse in 2012, She Stoops to Conquer in the same year at the Olivier Theatre, and opposite Hugh Jackman in The River on Broadway – to name a few. A personal favourite for me was her star turn as the titular role in Hamlet at the Young Vic two years ago, which stopped me in my tracks.

But it was when Jumbo decided to not just act but create – writing and starring in Josephine and I, a play about the jazz sensation, political activist and international icon Josephine Baker, in 2015 – that she garnered real, critical acclaim. Josephine and I catapulted Jumbo towards scoring the iconic, whip-smart female role she has now undertaken: Lady Macbeth.

Despite being offered the role several times, Jumbo didn’t feel the set-up was right – until now. “One of the biggest things I’ve learnt over the last 10 years is: don’t play opposite a man, if you’re not sure whether that man is going to mess with your mental health,” she tells me. But the right timing, the safety net of acting opposite Tennant (a close friend) and the vision of director Max Webster has been a magic combination, giving her the confidence to take on this venerated role.

In this production, Webster has chosen to put the marriage at the centre. “He believes Macbeth is a play about a couple suffering with psychosis after losing a child,” says Jumbo. In order to create a sense of intimacy, the production employs the use of headphones, through which the audience experiences binaural technology that creates an intense and unnerving 3D sound world. I’m excited to see how this technique might help to amplify the sense of inner monologue that Shakespeare is so good at creating.

Lady Macbeth and Jumbo are alike in one sense, at least: they both want to be heard. You could call this serendipity, but Jumbo thinks of it more as destiny: “It’s quite amazing how the universe gives you things when you need them,” she says. Jumbo’s ambition with her performance is to change perspectives of this much-maligned anti-heroine. “Her name has been dragged through the mud,” she explains. “If she were male, she would’ve been seen as a flawed hero.” She’s determined to give Lady Macbeth’s character new meaning, and to prove her as one of Shakespeare’s smartest creations.

Jumbo is looking forward to a busy period, Macbeth aside. She has demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit with Criminal Record, an eight-episode crime thriller that she pitched, co-executively produced and will star in, which will debut on Apple TV+ in January 2024. It’s an exciting time for the actor – and there’s no doubt that, both on stage and screen, Jumbo is one to watch.'

[terrence-silver]

Terry Silver is a Ravenclaw, thoughts?

I don't know, guys; Terry Silver rather gives me the airs of some corrupt, extremely high ranking official at MACUSA who somehow manages to maintain an immaculate reputation regardless of his shady dealings both in the Wizarding World, where he is regarded as a fiercely talented Magic user, possibly the best of his kind and the Human one alike, where he is a immensely wealthy business tycoon....and entrepreneurial benefactor when he feels like posing himself as a bit of a saint for laughs. Undoubtedly studied at Ilvermorny before or after returning from the war, fully immersed in a civilian life as well as a magical one. Dynatox is still a thing and it pollutes at large. He is beyond gifted at Illusions, yet he makes a sport out of deliberately not using a wand to trick his targets and instead, relying solely on his natural wits and manipulative tendencies to mess with people just because he can. It is a testament to just how good he is.

[spikybanana]

@wolfstarmicrofic - prompt: lemons - here, have some utter nonsense. sorry not sorry. coffee shop au meet cute except it's a bubble tea shop

Here they are, on a bright, brilliant, bright morning, criminally early on a Friday. And when Sirius imagined a Friday morning bathed in the freedom of having ran from home, they didn’t think it’d be stressing out about running a bubble tea shop by themself. Because Mary was late. Again. But it’s fine. They can handle the shop alone, never mind they’ve barely been here for a week.

The door squeaks when it swings open, and Sirius begrudgingly looks up— and freezes, all entrepreneurial annoyances instantly forgotten. Surely, they’re looking at cookie dough on legs and kneaded into human form, who manages to lay a spell on them with a single dimpled small smile. Standing in front of Sirius is the most implausibly adorable specimen of a person he’d ever seen. Their sweet features frame cheeks glowing from the early winter chill, and are set atop an unlikely, unseemly mash of jumper, uniqlo checkered scarf, track pants (that look inherited from high school days), and a windbreaker that rustles when they lifts a hand to swipe floppy brown hair away from their eyes.

“Um, hello.” They say, adjusting the bag slung over their shoulder, when Sirius has spent entirely too long gaping in silence.

“Hi.” Sirius clears their throat, gathers their jaws, and thinks about banging their head on the wall. “what can I get for you today?”

“Just the classic brew, please. Half sugar less ice,” they replied concisely, quietly confident. “And, ah, could I have it with oat milk instead of cow’s milk?”

“Um, okay. Sure…” Sirius is too busy watching the way their intelligent eyes flash as they speak, that they fumble and entirely mess up the order on the till. Fuck. I’ll deal with that later. Sirius looks back up, to see the stranger looking at them with an extremely amused tilt of their head. “Y’alright?” Sirius asks.

“Yes, yes of course,” they chuckle, “no one else here has quite taken the oat milk part in stride before.”

“Oh, was I supposed to?” Sirius flashes a grin, “Well, I’m new here, but I’ll offer the retrospective judgement if that’ll make you feel more at home.”

Sirius mentally pats themself on the back as the other laughs, then grimaces at the till screen, which is now flashing alarmingly. They quickly look away, and picks up a paper cup. “Could I have your name?”

“It’s Remus.”

Remus doesn’t mention that the question is entirely unnecessary, since no one else was in the shop, and Sirius doesn’t resist drawing a little wolf on the cup instead. Their tongue pokes out the side of their mouth and only too late does Sirius realise Remus is watching them the whole while. “Well!” Sirius abruptly turns away, cheeks heating, “one oat milk classic brew coming up!”

Sirius mutters and curses at themself the entire time as they throw together the milk tea, dumping the pearls into the cup a bit more violently than necessary. But they can’t shake the jittery nerves that has decided to overtake them, and Sirius staunchly ignores every insistent gaze Remus sends their way, as though the flutter in their chest needs exacerbating.

By the time Sirius gathers enough of themself to turn back to the counter, proudly setting the drink down and finally tapping the order onto the (happily recovered) till, Remus is looking at them with a dreadfully guilty expression.

“I’ve not got my wallet with me.” Remus says. "I am extremely dreadfully horribly sorry."

Sirius blinks. “Excuse me?”

“I tried to call you! And you very much should have made me pay first!”

Sirius curses, like the utter professional they were, “Oh bloody— I’m new here!” Sirius taps away wildly on the screen, cancel order, cancel, where does it say cancel. “You should take the drink. No one else’s going to want the oat milk, in any case.”

“Right,” Remus laughs weakly, “I’ve— got a lemon, though.”

“What?”

“I don’t know…” Sure enough, Remus has pulled a lemon out of nowhere, and is hesitantly rolling it between their fingers. “it’s the only barter-able thing I’ve got in my bag.”

“Why’ve you— never mind. This should cost you around ten lemons, if you must.” Sirius crosses their arms, teasingly pouts until Remus again looks at ease again.

The interested smirk slowly returns to their lips. “Oh, well. I'll just have to come back again to bring you the rest, then?" Remus pick up the cup, one brow jumping at the small drawing.

Sirius grins happily. "I'm counting on it."

[subconsciousmysteries]

7s and what they avoid

7s have a bad mental continuity because it hurts them to remember the fights, the fallings out, the details of the dark stuff. This is why 7s and 4s clash so much. They are opposites, held opposite by type 1. 4s enjoy wallowing in all of the deep, dark, archetypal fantasies, attempting to explain why they feel so alien to the world. 7s couldn’t think of anything worse.

I don’t know if 7s actually forget the things they appear to have forgotten on the surface. I think they do not. But they still try their best to forget the past, to throw it away the same way 5 throws away the possessions he is too attached to. 7s throw away the past and boldly go into the bright future.

7s avoid the past and project their unprocessed pain into the future, by coming up with bigger and better ideas. With thinking about the past comes thinking about all the torment of life. The imperfections; the possibility that it didn’t go according to Plan. The possibility that it could have been perfect but it didn't turn out perfect, and now you can’t go back and fix it… instead you have to live with the grief of losing a dream. The what-ifs. If you’re a 7, you can’t afford to go and ponder all that dark stuff. Because you can’t handle the grief of it.

The 7 is the fallen 5. He takes the 5’s fear of grief, the 5’s belief in his own weakness and futility, the 5's sense that grief can and will destroy him. Rather than silently protesting against his weak condition and resenting it and conspiring about releasing himself from it the way a 5 does, the 7 embraces his weakness happily. The 7 is the perfect slave. He decides that weakness it is a positive thing or a thing worth ignoring, and then extroverts his weakness, in the form of using whatever fleeting joy and idealism he can grasp onto to avoid looking into the eyes of the void (the grief of his past and his helplessness against that grief. 7 -> 5). He is immediately manipulated by powerful people who dangle little treats for him to earn in front of him, or little goals for him to achieve. He lets the system fry his dopamine receptors because he uses dopamine to replace searching for insight. Other people make structure for him, because he resists the need for his own internal mental order and mental independence (7 -> 5). The 7 feels that I can’t handle the insides of my own brain and all the grief and darkness it contains (toxic 7 -> 5). The 7 is the brainless Consoomer.

The 5 is the fallen 8, the 8 turned from physical to mental being. The strong, free, possessive and controlling 8 with his animal spirit, falls into this conspiring little mess, hiding himself and confining himself, for fear of being chained by others. Unable to be physical and unable to be free inside of an increasingly shrinking space, the 8 loses sight of his animal nature. Instead of being the physical beast he is, he begins wallowing in his sense of weakness and powerlessness, a wallowing that is mental and requires retreating deeper and deeper into the recesses of one’s own mind (8 -> 5).

The 5 feels that he cannot hold on to anything he truly loves and cares about, because he can’t handle the grief of losing it to the external world. The grief will destroy me. The 7 feels the same way — that he is too weak and empty to handle grief — but he doesn’t wallow in the misery of his weakness and his futile character like the 5 does. Instead, he projects his weak and futile character out onto the world, onto the future. The 7 lives in idealistic dreams of the future that he unconsciously believes will alleviate him from all the pain and trauma of his past that he refuses to process the grief of, because he feels too weak to process it. The 7’s idealistic future dreams can be complex entrepreneurial dreams, or they can be as simple as going to the next party. At the next party I’ll find my soulmate. At the next party I’ll find what I need in life. Definitely.

[chrysanthemumsatsunset]

chrysanthemum's excessive challenge part 3

some highlights from recent gameplay: mastered knitting, started building a rocketship (and in the process mastered the rocket science skill), messed around with the caliente and pancakes sinks, discovered the forgotten grotto

trait/aspiration/skill/collection/university/career progress under the cut :)

TRAITS

original: child of the ocean, loner, music lover, quick learner

gained traits: loves outdoors, foodie, overachiever

gained from aspirations: higher education, beloved, angler's tranquility, professorial

gained from skills: the knowledge

purchased traits: waterproof sim, great storyteller, entrepreneurial, never weary, incredibly friendly, morning sim, observant, night owl, super green thumb, inspired explorer, creative visionary, savant, connections, iceproof, heatproof, beloved

ASPIRATION PROGRESS

creative: bestselling author (3/4: novelest novelist); musical genius (3/4: harmonious); lady of the knits (2/4: thread setter)

deviance: public enemy (1/4: mostly harmless); chief of mischief (3/4: professional prankster)

food: master chef (1/4: aluminum chef)

fortune: fabulously wealthy (2/4: learning earning)

knowledge: renaissance sim (completed), nerd brain (completed), academic (completed), computer whiz (2/4: technologically adept)

location: mt komorebi sightseer (1/3: explorer)

nature: angling ace (completed); freelance botanist (1/4: naturewalker); the curator (1/4: out and about)

popularity: friend of the world (completed); joke star (1/4: practical joker)

SKILL PROGRESS

10: gardening, programming, guitar, gourmet cooking, rocket science, handiness, logic, knitting, research & debate, piano, cooking, fishing, writing, charisma

9: video gaming

7: mischief, wellness

5: cross stitch, entrepreneur, comedy, singing

4: painting

2: mixology, fitness

1: skiing

COLLECTION PROGRESS

frogs 9/25; gardening 14/32 +5; mysims trophies 10/20; metals 6/20; crystals 5/20; elements 5/15; fossils 2/15; fish 15/22 +10; snow globes 2/15; magic beans 1/6; simmies 1/12 +1

UNIVERSITY DEGREES

ubrite: language & literature (distinguished with honors)

CAREERS

author: 9 (bestselling author)

[nmojello260cmu]

Blog #1

9/3/2023, Saturday

Studying entrepreneurship wasn't really on the list of subjects I wanted to enroll myself in. In hindsight, it probably had something to do with my mistaking it for business, and I have never really been keen on anything concerning that topic. Fortunately, my professor had been very clear on the distinction between the two.

So what is Entrepreneurship? Why is it so different from Business? And why does a student need to be trained in this?

From what I learned, entrepreneurship in a sense, is a thing that was meant to disrupt. To change order. A rejection of the inadequacy. Its difference with business is that it doesn't put its focus on profit but more on innovation. Which means generating new value, whether that value be financial, aesthetic, social, or emotional.

But, disrupt what exactly?

Incovenience.

Problems in daily life, little things that I thought were easily done (banking, shopping, storing, delivery—) could be made even easier or convenient through the innovation of entrepreneurship.

Honestly, most of my day-to-day life in modern society has long been influenced by entrepreneurship. Particularly when the pandemic hit, more than ever people with ideas began to make it bloom and flourish. Even until now, the effects of those ideas have yet to wane. I certainly don't want it to.

So, why do I have to learn it?

The 'convenient' thing about entrepreneurship is that—ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. It's not like business where you have to have a certain keen sense in order to keep the profit coming in. A spark of an idea, a seed of ingenuity is all it takes to start the journey to entrepreneurship.

To keep moving forward with it though, my professor iterated more qualities. Though the one that stuck with me most were,

You must risk being wrong.

You must know when & how to ask for help.

You must learn that good enough is enough.

It was almost ironic how these were the qualities I had trouble emulating the most.

I cannot risk being wrong because being wrong usually has consequences, severe consequences. Asking for help is just asking for people to mess up your work. And lastly, to be good enough, one just has to achieve perfection.

As I am beginning my entrepreneurial journey, I realize that the mindset above is not one that I can afford to continue. And so, I look forward to seeing how I change as a person because of this. And I look forward to seeing what ideas I can bring to bloom because of this topic.

[little-life-of-bushra]

Yesterday I was upset.

I had had no opportunity to grieve in peace. Mum had died in June 2019. And it is a year nearly since dad had died in May 2023.

I had an industry stalker trying to interfere and ruin every part of may life justifying it as it was somehow helping me. Yet they had no consent to be in my life. Well the first one was Yates Buckley. And the newer ones is Grimes who was recruited by Yates. Crazy right.

Or rather I came up on the radar because I needed allies to help me out of the stalking incident - I reached out them and the allies gladly saw my skills and wanted to find out more but Yates duped them to create problems in my life of grief and divorce as a single mother. To create an unsafe place as possible for me. To compromise my life as much as possible .... because apparently little people with little lives want this. We need to be shown how to live like them because our lives are of such little value.

Why was I targeted because I am a proven innovator and I am an ethnic minority woman. And big companies have very huge public problems with their diversity record it costs them billions and also I genuinely have valuable innovation and leadership skills proven by an untarnished career. And I have had the pleasure of working with wonderful people with integrity over the years. Lucky me.

And why this circus ? to waste my time so I don't do my actual work.

Should I put on a fake smile and be positive ? Then I don't believe in myself and I am unassertive. And I am consenting to what I do not.

Should I tell them this is bullshit straight away ? Then I risk the most powerful people fucking with my life some more.

I am not processing this slowly. No.

Am I working out how to get on with life and protect my daughter ? yes.

Did my approach pay off ?

Yes it is ... absolute dividends.

Have I compromised any integrity ? No.

I have reported incidents to the police while working in the met and also last year when the new stalker came into my life. Fraudulent estate agents.

I am an immigrant who has just worked hard and believed in myself taking risks enough to have the most wonderful life I could. I do not have the resources they have. So I have played dead. Not completely dead but enough to see what was needed to get out of this situation and expose what goes on.

One of the best things I could do - was to show that I couldn't do simple things in my life like tidyness and hygiene. I had travelled around the world to far flung places but very very seldom become ill. And lived on building sites for most of my life.

How is this possible without some simple self care. And believing in myself.

I could see they just focus on the minutiae constantly - so all the things in life which have always worked for me and everyone else is messed with and that is what is judged. Never the big things in life.

One of the best misdirections and it took little effort.

Play along, to downgrade myself pretending to be less than I am ..... .. misdirection ..... so the most powerful people in the world don't attack me and I get to see exactly what was going on. They feel useful and superior and entitled and attack me less. I get to bide my time.

And as I fought every day through grief to come out of this situation. My body of work so strong in innovation, actually getting the attention of innovation leaders.

What was my life like. Jetsetting around the world. Renovating houses - living in a beautiful house. From time to time throwing huge parties. With an amazing husband. Parents helping with my gorgeous daughter. Lovely Bengali community. Of course by no means it was perfect. Like any real life. But we made the most of what we had.

I created vision boards that I would like to work with Elon Musk (I figured he had invented cool stuff in sustainability) and Richard Branson (his travelling and risk taking and just so British), my entrepreneurial heroes. Why not. What are the odds of that happening right ? But one could dream as an innovator. Those vision boards are mostly women leaders now by the way - no disrespect to the aforementioned.

Most of dreams had come true over the years but I knew this would be ridiculous.

Besides I was innovating in VR. One of the only ethnic minority muslim women in the world with a studio I set up in 2016. Multiple degrees and a career spanning back to the early 2000s starting in technology, via sustainable fashion and academia. I even worked in the police. With an impeccable career except for this one stalker. Well and this new one.

Contacting every single person in the industry and bad mouthing. If it was only a professional situation... but it wasn't it was personal.

Finding contacts I had within my daughter's schools to specifically talk them about me and prompting them to talk to me to tell me I am less than I am. Waste my time and money because that's what they have limitless amounts of.

I will document what happens in my life in this blog on a daily basis. Good and bad.

[lowela-m-duterte03]

Second blog/journal (GEE 16 Entrepreneurial Mind)

After we interviewed 50 students in Central Mindanao University, we thoroughly compiled each respondent's answer to gain insights into their respective pain points or issues. Through this process, it became evident that 20 individuals specifically mentioned concerns related to trash management, 6 individuals highlighted transportation issues, while 3 pointed out problems with the internet connections Additionally, 3 participants expressed concerns related to financial matters, and 3 mentioned maintenance issues with comfort rooms, aiso the other 15 voiced frustrations regarding class schedules and the distance between buildings, indicating a need for improvements in these areas.

We've collectively agreed to exchange ideas on different matters and propose multiple solutions for each issue. For instance, when discussing transportation, options ranged from providing bike rental services for students to implementing designated routes for motorelas to ensure efficient student transportation However, the majority of our group consensus honed in on the issue of improper waste segregation. We noticed that the careless disposal of trash by certain students, such as not properly disposing of their waste, results in overflowing trash bins. This not only creates a mess but also poses environmental and hygiene concerns for the entire community

As our team interviewed different students on campus about their points of pain, we gained valuable insights. In each interview, we discovered the power of perspective, and every student had a unique insight. Our team also realized that listening is very important. Through these conversations, we have not only learned about the issues but also about the various voices that make up our campus.community

DUTERTE, LOWELA M. BSES 1A