#mood: an african adventure

[blackfictional]

ch • ŋkani

a travelling mage and the main character of my story.

[sakarixo]

SAKARI VAUGHN: LA TASK PT. 1 ✨

PART 1: THE BASICS

What is your full name?

Sakari Dream Vaughn

Where and when were you born?

Brooklyn, NY. November 27th, 1995

Who are/were your parents? (Know their names, occupations, personalities, etc.)

Tanya Miller-Vaughn: Daycare Provider/Director + Non-Profit Founder ( caring, playful, understanding and laid back) Sincere Vaughn: Currently Incarcerated; former contractor ( stern, direct and straight-forward. Judgmental at times, but also a fair and gives good advice)

Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?

Yes. Sasha + Sincere Vaughn Jr. Sasha is very sociable, a slight perfectionist and a busy body. She’s always focused on her next move when she hasn’t even taken her first. Sincere Jr is young and reckless, he likes to have the latest designer and takes what others see as his image seriously.

Where do you live now, and with whom?

Currently, in a gated community in Calabasas with her Fiancé.

Describe the place and the person/people.

Sakari’s Home is a large residence. The home has great lighting due to the plenty of floor to ceiling windows in the living space/kitchen area. It comes with an updated kitchen and appliances, marble floors, multiple bed + bathrooms, a large pool with attached hot tub, a sauna + more.

She lives with Amil her Fiancée a tall dark skin athletically built male who can be best described as laidback, yet attentive and hard working and Smoke, her 1 year old Rottweiler.

What is your occupation?

Sakari is a business owner, owning her skincare brand and working on a second business. She also now has transitioned into being a part-time influencer.

Write a full physical description of yourself. You might want to consider factors such as: height, weight, race, hair and eye color, style of dress, and any tattoos, scars, or distinguishing marks.

Sakari is a 5’2, 132lb African American woman with brown eyes and currently has long black hair. she has several tattoos of different sizes: Her zodiac sign, 1/2 of a matching tattoo with her sister on oone of her wrist and a wishbone on the other, a spinal tattoo, her zodiac sign on the outside of one of her wrist, she has a large tattoo on her hip that spreads to her thigh, one on the upper area of her arm and one on her thigh. Sakari has a few healed scars on her knees from her younger gymnastic days and wild adventures. Her normal style of dress varies from her mood and event. She likes to accessorize heavily, her favorite currently being van cleef stacked bracelets or her bussdown watches. She often wears designer, especially vintage but will also dress up an outfit she’s bought at target.

To which social class do you belong?

Upper Class

Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?

Sakari has no known current allergies, diseases or physical weakness.

Are you right- or left-handed?

Sakari is Right-handed

What does your voice sound like?

Sakari has a strong New-York accent that is slightly high pitched especially when excited.

What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently?

“Um.” “Likeee.” “kk” “dummy” “hater.”

What do you have in your pockets?

Besides sometimes money, lipgloss or her phone she doesn’t carry much in her pocket.

Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits , or other defining characteristics?

Kari often licks her lips a lot or bites the corner of her bottom lip when thinking. She will smack her lips as well, rolling her eyes sometimes when she is annoyed, will fidget with her fingers when nervous etc.

PART 2: GROWING UP

How would you describe your childhood in general?

Sakari’s childhood was good, fun and she learned a lot. Although there was a lot going on around her both of her parents made sure she and her siblings had a good childhood. She was kept active a lot, her siblings were put in many different programs, and got to find the interest. They were never just put in one box, and their mother made sure they were never just at home, bored.

What is your earliest memory?

Getting to her mom’s daycare early in the morning and watching cartoons with the other kids.

How much schooling have you had?

She’s graduated high school, some college but has finish several certificates and schooling to be an esthetician.

Did you enjoy school?

When growing up, no. Especially when she got older. Now? Yes.

Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?

From her family, being outside with friends. Her mother was big on teaching her children their life skills. Sakari also participated in Girl Scouts for a few years, where she learned different skills that has helped her through life, the rest she has learned later on in life, from her own growth and experiences.

While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them.

Her mother was her biggest role model growing up, especially after her father got arrested. Her mother made a lot happen with what she had and it made Sakari strive harder.

While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?

Sakari was close to her siblings, especially her sister, her aunts and uncles she didn’t see often but there was love. Sakari is closest to her Nana on her Mother’s side. Her father, although she never knew his siblings, he did have friends that he grew up with who were like her uncles.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A doctor, a teacher or a hairdresser.

As a child, what were your favorite activities?

Playing with dolls, gymnastics, cooking/baking, being out in the park climbing trees and having fun.

As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display?

Sakari was independent, hard headed, reckless and adventurous.

As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?

Somewhat popular yes, she had a group of friends her best friends were Ashley, Jasmine and Raven. They were similar in many ways, funny and goofy liked to explore the city.

When and with whom was your first kiss?

Her first kiss was walking home from school with a boy she liked, when she was a freshman.

Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?

No. She lost her virginity to her boyfriend when she was sixteen.

PART 3: PAST INFLUENCES

What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?

Most important event of her life recently would be between securing becoming a business owner or getting engaged.

Who has had the most influence on you?

Her mom has the most influence on her, but her dad comes in at a very close second.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Her greatest achievement is becoming the person she is now and owning a successful business.

What is your greatest regret?

Greatest regret is not following her true passion sooner as well as allowing people/things to hold her back.

What is the most evil thing you have ever done?

Sakari wouldn’t say she does anything evil. The most evil thing would be leaking someone's information after they've done her wrong.

Do you have a criminal record of any kind?

Yes.

When was the time you were the most frightened?

When her father first got arrested and their entire place was searched. Sakari and her family were placed in a shelter for a brief time.

What is the most embarrassing thing ever to happen to you?

Her most embarrassing moment was when she was arrested over a dispute with her ex-boyfriend.

If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?

She would trust her intuition/gut more.

What is your best memory?

Getting engaged to.

What is your worst memory?

Seeing her father get arrested.

{ @la-resources }

[starry-skies-116]

My AU Synopsis for the main trio + June and Fowler: Jackson Darby: 16 yrs. Neurodivergent, Intersex ADHD Queer Black Pakistani-American kid from Brooklyn when he moved to Jasper Nevada at five, socially ostracized. bi as FUCK and not even subtle about it. dead father at seven lost due to illness and is being raised by his single mother June has a little drone friend named Emily for max gay adventurer scientist chaos energy. Huge fan of a show called Celestial Odyssey, side passion for music and gaming (bonds with Raf over it). Gains way too many parental figures over the course of the series. Hacked into the Pentagon at ten years old on a dare.

Miko Nakadai: 16 yrs. Heir apparent to Nakadai Industries. Short petite Japanese-American jock girl with slightly toned muscles that can actually send you to the gulag if you fought her. Was in multiple sports clubs and took Shaolin classes. Youngest daughter of a rich family of three other siblings and a lot of extended family back in Japan with a controlling immigrant businessman father, mood disorder af while dealing with the aftermath of generational trauma and a dysfunctional family. Has two older siblings that are both twins, older sister is Himeko and older brother is Sora. Himeko and Sora are both 18. Is the champion of multiple street brawls. Has gotten into many street-fights and fights at school. Secretly a nerd too, so it makes sense that she'd fall for the nerd.

Rafael Esquivel: 12 yrs. White, Italian-Cuban American, from a huge family. Basically near-blind without his glasses. Skipped a couple of grades due to his talents in IT and hacking, and regrets it immensely now due to the burnt-out gifted kid spiral that he's going through. goes to the same high school as Jackson and Miko, and nobody takes him or his decisions seriously since he's younger than the rest. being the youngest is hard honestly-

June Darby: 37 yrs. African American woman, passed down her broader and curvier physique to her intersex son (of whom's also genderqueer and bi as FUCK omg). M-spec, male-leaning. Learns about the Autobots later on and about the work her son does and the wonderful family and life he's building for himself, and instantly allies herself with them the moment she does. Quit her big-shot engineer job and became a mechanic just to be able to be home take care of her son. automatically adopts everyone else. best friends with Optimus Prime and Fowler naturally. she'd give the sun and moon and stars and universe and galaxies and planets and nebulas and black holes and MORE for her babies and our blood and all of us LIVE to see it. Closeted nerd and neurodivergent as well. (oh and btw Mama Darby once called Team Prime a more affectionate/familial nickname in French and the familial love +2 modifier was too much for them once their processors translated it and they understood what it and the connotations meant. Bumblebee was trying so hard not to break out into tears while Arcee was struggling to hold back a smile)

William Fowler: 35-37 yrs. Black American. Grew up in Detroit. Knew Jackson's father from his time in the army- they were both best friends. FBI agent and government personnel. Stern and no-nonsense authority figure at first, strict yet disciplined, takes it upon himself to be one of many Jackson's 'older sibling' figures that he gains. he and the kids both fight a lot but they are literally a package deal so do not separate anyways. HUGE cat-person, bonds with Miko over it. Actually really likes Emily because the drone behaves like an affectionate and excited puppy who's just happy to be there. He and June work together from the time she finds out the 'truth' to co-parent her son and his friends and to support them and the Autobots in all of their missions.

[cecilysass]

Hi Cecily! I’m a big fan of your work. In case you’re still in a chatty mood, I’d love to know your favourite books or books you read recently that you’d recommend. Thank you!

Hey Anon! Thank you for the ask! At first I was like, do not answer this question because you have no sensible sounding answer and you are going to sound so weird, but then I was like, hey, what am I invested in hiding exactly?

I used to read constantly as my anxiety-management technique. but I slowed down late pandemic (and frankly started turning to fanfic more often). So I don’t think I am on top of my recent fiction game exactly.

My fave genres are also really particular. I love historical fiction and fantasy. I also read tons of YA for professional reasons, so lots of my faves skew that direction, too. I think as a rule I like world building and novels about ideas and yes, some romance.

My weird recs:

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. Mystery-fantasy-horror-romance among secret societies at Yale. This is the author of Shadow and Bone (like the TV series), but it isn’t YA, and it’s darker. The first of two novels. (Actually, the series is not romance yet, but I am halfway through the second novel and I am hoping.)

The Pox Party: The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing - M.T. Anderson. Nobody ever likes this book about philosophy and race in the American colonies as much as me, but I do love it so.

The Witching Hour-Anne Rice. Listen, I am sure there is probably so much problematic in these books, but OMG this series combines smut and history and horror like nobody’s business. Same with Interview with a Vampire, obviously, but I feel like people sleep on these witch books.

Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen. Yeah, it just is what it is. Read if you have not.

Scythe by Neal Shusterman. If you read YA books at all, you know this already; if you don’t, it’s really excellent. Dystopian future, extremely original and smart.

The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August - Claire North. Fantasy involving time conundrums is definitely my jam.

Hild - Nicola Griffith. This is my most unhinged recommendation, because it’s a historical novel about a saint in Anglo-Saxon Britain and you have to be an absolute nerd to be into this hyper specific shit.

Children of Blood and Bone - Toni Adeyemi. This is another one you know if you read YA, but if you don’t, it is a very suspenseful, adventure-romance story set in a fantasy world influenced by west African mythology. Will totally immerse you.

If anyone wants more YA recs specifically, I could go on and on, but I will stop there for now to preserve my limited dignity. I’m also totally open to recs if you happen to share my niche tastes.

[specialagentartemis]

This Place Called Home: A Fanmix for The Murderbot Diaries

Happy New Year and happy new year fanwork exchange to @businesstiramisu!

I was captivated and intrigued by the idea of instrumental and non-English playlists/fanmixes; a little bit ago I put together a mini-fanmix for Mensah that included some of my aesthetic/musical inspirations for what I think Preservation is like that drew from African and Middle Eastern artists. Both your prompts made me want to try extending my fanmix chops to put together some properly in-depth fanmixes using those musical influences!

So here are TWO fanmixes with extremely different vibes. Which one are you in the mood for: intense robot adventures across the Corporation Rim, or the affirming and uplifting story of a place that strives to be a home?

THIS PLACE CALLED HOME: A FANMIX FOR PRESERVATION

Listen on Spotify here / on YouTube here

Available for download here. AO3 archiving and more notes here.

---

Satu Tuju - Raissa Anggiani

Rassemblons-Nous - Christopher Tin feat. Maurice Williams and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Chouf Ellil / شُف الليل - Djazia Satour

Ce n'est pas bon - Amadou & Mariam

Qongqothwane (The Click Song) - Miriam Makeba

Gambia - Sona Jobarteh

AMBÈ - Fatoumata Diawara feat. SOMI, Mayra Andrade, Thandiswa Mazwai, Inna Modja, Dianne Reeves, and Angélique Kidjo

Agolo - Angélique Kidjo

Hamsáfár - Christopher Tin feat. Sussan Deyhim and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Semoga Sembuh - Idgitaf feat. Ezra Mandira

[firethatgrewsolow]

Previous anon here! Glad my little message was well received. Well, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to travel the Middle East with our boy; so worldly wise yet spontaneous. Especially the thoughts and mood he was in during that car ride that bore us Kashmir. Food for thought! Btw, I love the way you tackle his personality ❤️

Hi again! Ah, thank you - I really enjoy playing around w my fairytale Robert. He’s so much fun to write. 💕 And I, too, have pondered what it would be like to travel with him. Probably incredible. I was just reading about his various northern African and Asian adventures (including basically getting lost) and the fateful trip that resulted in Kashmir. It always makes me giggle a bit that they didn’t actually get to Kashmir - but hey, a little artistic license never hurt anyone. 😘 Speaking of getting lost and Kashmir, have a listen to this rendition in 77 … the fun starts at around 2:12. 😁

[golden--doodler]

Random facts about my Gravity Falls OCs Maggie and Sydney (they're girlfriends :3) that absolutely no one asked for because I'm in a certain mood. I'm probably going to end up doing this again later with my Mission Impossible OC like I teased in that earlier post:

Maggie Pines

--The most Lesbian to ever Lesbian. Seriously, she can give any Queer person a run for their money. Anyone talking about liking guys legitimately fascinates her sometimes because of how foreign it is to her.

--She first discovered her Lesbianness because Mabel was watching the movie How Did They Set Up Manny Mongoose? (which is a spoof on Who Framed Roger Rabbit?) and the gorgeous wife of Manny Mongoose, Joanne Mongoose (supposed to be Jessica Rabbit) appeared for the first time. She was enthralled.

--She's the oldest triplet and doesn't let Dipper and Mabel forget it. She may have been born only five minutes before Mabel and ten minutes before Dipper, but it still very much counts in her eyes.

--Was born with six fingers on each hand (postaxial polydactyly) and while she thinks it can be fun sometimes (it's actually made her better at video gaming than the average person) she's actually quite insecure about it.

--Has horrendous eyesight. She's been wearing glasses since the first grade. However, she's never needed braces like Mabel.

--Has asthma, but has never let it hold her back from being an extremely active person. She loves exercise, which is bad news for her lungs.

--Her favorite food is Pad Thai and her least favorite food is Curry. She could have a good bowl of Pad Thai any day of the week.

--Has undiagnosed, fairly high functioning Autism, which has led her throughout her life to not understand social cues very well (and just social interaction in general), has a hard time getting excited about things that aren't related to her special interests (mainly science), and just in general is always stimming in subtle ways. She gestures when she talks like there's no tomorrow, and tends to repeat things a lot, too.

--Yes, she's started getting her Period already. And yes, she has the biggest mood swings while she's on it out of anyone. Whenever it happens, she just needs to be locked away in a restroom by herself with some scented candles and music.

--Is allergic to syrup (it gives her pretty severe, uncomfortable hives that take a long time to go away).

--Is left-handed and very proud of it.

--Is a hardcore Ravenclaw.

Sydney Strange

--She's very Pansexual. She's known ever since she was quite young because whenever she talked to someone and started to like them, she realized how she never cared about or fixated on anyone's gender. All she cared about was if they were a good person or not, and if they could make her laugh. Having a sense of humor is an integral trait for a partner in her eyes.

--She's the adopted daughter of Tad Strange, the joke character from The Stanchurian Candidate. Yes, really.

--Her personality is the polar opposite of Tad's. She's a bit mischievous, is always up for an adventure, and is always prepared for some sort of potential natural disaster. She would be the type to seek out danger and just in general be a lot more reckless if it weren't for him.

--One of her favorite memories was when Tad finally let her take rock climbing lessons. However, she eventually got a bit bored with it because of how many harnesses were used. So, she began free-climbing all of the walls. This led to her falling one day, and she would've been seriously injured or worse if it weren't for the protective mats. She got a big earful about that afterward.

--She's Half-Salvadorian on her birth mother's side, and Half-African American on her birth father's side, which led to her having very dark skin. She also has startlingly green eyes.

--She's actually red-green colorblind but is able to pass as a regularly sighted person very well in her day-to-day life, to the point where almost no one notices unless she tells them. Her favorite color is blue because it's the color she can see and point out the most clearly.

--She has undiagnosed ADHD, which has led to her not doing very well in school, unfortunately. She's incredibly disorganized, forgetful, and hyper-talkative, which made school a huge challenge. And despite being a social butterfly, and being around other kids one of the only aspects of school she liked, she wasn't very popular and didn't have very many friends growing up.

--Despite her bravery, she actually has pretty severe Thalassophobia (fear of the ocean) and doesn't know how to swim. Even thinking about treading really deep water can trigger a mild panic attack. That's because she has a general fear of how vast and seemingly neverending the ocean is and because she got lost while trying to swim in the ocean when she was very young, and almost had a run-in with a shark.

--Despite her fear of the ocean, she's incredibly fascinated by space and the stars. She's the type to enjoy reading about astrological signs, and even used to want to be an astronaut when she was younger. That dream faded over time, though. This fascination with space led to Science Fiction being her favorite genre. She adores movies like The Thing.

--Is very skilled at playing the guitar, but is incredibly shy when people ask her to play. She eventually worked up the courage to play in front of Maggie, who enjoyed it a ton.

--Is Ambidextrous! She favors her left hand, though.

--She's a Gryffindor!

[dan6085]

Top 20 Chinese Movies of All Time:

1. "Raise the Red Lantern" (1991) - Directed by Zhang Yimou, this film is a masterpiece of Chinese cinema and follows the life of a young concubine in the 1920s.

2. "Farewell My Concubine" (1993) - Directed by Chen Kaige, this film tells the story of two Peking Opera performers and their lives over the course of several decades.

3. "To Live" (1994) - Also directed by Zhang Yimou, this film is an epic family drama set against the backdrop of China's tumultuous 20th century.

4. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000) - Directed by Ang Lee, this film is a martial arts masterpiece that tells the story of two warriors in ancient China.

5. "In the Mood for Love" (2000) - Directed by Wong Kar-wai, this film is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful story of love and loss in 1960s Hong Kong.

6. "Hero" (2002) - Directed by Zhang Yimou, this film tells the story of a nameless warrior who is tasked with assassinating the king of a rival kingdom.

7. "House of Flying Daggers" (2004) - Also directed by Zhang Yimou, this film is a romantic martial arts epic set in ancient China.

8. "The Road Home" (1999) - Directed by Zhang Yimou, this film is a simple yet moving love story set in a rural Chinese village.

9. "Red Sorghum" (1987) - Directed by Zhang Yimou, this film is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful tale of love and war set in 1930s China.

10. "To Be a Better Man" (2016) - Directed by Zhang Xiaobo, this TV series tells the story of a successful businessman who undergoes a personal transformation after a health scare.

11. "The Story of Qiu Ju" (1992) - Directed by Zhang Yimou, this film is a satirical look at China's bureaucratic system and follows the story of a woman seeking justice for her husband.

12. "A Touch of Sin" (2013) - Directed by Jia Zhangke, this film is a violent and uncompromising look at contemporary China and the social and economic issues facing its people.

13. "Spring in a Small Town" (1948) - Directed by Fei Mu, this film is a classic Chinese melodrama about a woman caught between her husband and her first love.

14. "The Great Wall" (2016) - Directed by Zhang Yimou, this film is a fantasy epic that tells the story of a group of warriors defending China against monsters.

15. "The Grandmaster" (2013) - Directed by Wong Kar-wai, this film is a biographical drama about the life of legendary martial arts master Ip Man.

16. "The Mermaid" (2016) - Directed by Stephen Chow, this film is a hilarious and heartfelt comedy about a mermaid who falls in love with a businessman.

17. "The Monkey King" (2014) - Directed by Soi Cheang, this film is a fantasy adventure that retells the classic Chinese tale of the Monkey King.

18. "The Wandering Earth" (2019) - Directed by Frant Gwo, this sci-fi film is a thrilling and visually stunning tale of humanity's efforts to save the Earth from destruction.

19. "Ip Man" (2008) - Directed by Wilson Yip, this film is a biographical drama about the life of legendary martial arts master Ip Man, who trained Bruce Lee.

20. "Wolf Warrior 2" (2017) - Directed by Wu Jing, this film is an action-packed thriller about a Chinese soldier who goes on a mission to rescue civilians in an African warzone.

[charlestonbusinessdirectory]

Exploring Charleston's Food Scene: A Culinary Adventure in the South Shop Local Charleston, SC Businesses [ad_1] When it comes to Southern cuisine, Charleston, South Carolina is a veritable treasure trove of delicious dishes and culinary delights. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning waterfront views, it's no wonder that this charming city has become a must-visit destination for food lovers from around the world. The Lowcountry Cuisine Charleston's food scene is best known for its Lowcountry cuisine, a unique blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences that has shaped the region's culinary traditions for centuries. From creamy shrimp and grits to tangy she-crab soup, the dishes you'll find in Charleston are like nowhere else in the world. Must-Try Restaurants For a true taste of Charleston, be sure to visit Husk, a popular restaurant that sources all of its ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. Their ever-changing menu features dishes like fried chicken skins and pork belly with peach glaze that are sure to delight your taste buds. If you're in the mood for some mouth-watering barbecue, head over to Lewis Barbecue, where you can sample their famous brisket, ribs, and sausage, all smoked to perfection using traditional Southern techniques. Food Tours One of the best ways to experience Charleston's culinary scene is by taking a food tour. Whether you prefer a guided walking tour of the city's historic district or a seafood tasting cruise along the Charleston Harbor, there are plenty of options to choose from that will give you a taste of the city's best dishes and drinks. Culinary Festivals If you happen to be in Charleston during one of the city's many culinary festivals, be sure to check it out. From the Charleston Wine + Food Festival to the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, these events are a great way to experience the vibrant food culture of the city and sample dishes from some of its top restaurants. Conclusion Exploring Charleston's food scene is truly a culinary adventure like no other. From its unique blend of flavors to its stunning waterfront views, this charming city has something to offer every food lover. So whether you're a barbecue enthusiast, a seafood aficionado, or just a fan of good old-fashioned Southern cooking, Charleston is the place to be for a taste of the South. [ad_2] EXPLORE MORE: Places to eat in Charleston SC FIND: Things to do in Charleston SC CHARLESTON BUSINESS OWNERS: Get a Free Business Profile FIND BUSINESSES: Charleston Business Directory BE SEEN: Advertise Your Business Here #PLACES_TO_EAT

[chsthrive]

Exploring Charleston's Food Scene: A Culinary Adventure in the South Shop Local Charleston, SC Businesses [ad_1] When it comes to Southern cuisine, Charleston, South Carolina is a veritable treasure trove of delicious dishes and culinary delights. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning waterfront views, it's no wonder that this charming city has become a must-visit destination for food lovers from around the world. The Lowcountry Cuisine Charleston's food scene is best known for its Lowcountry cuisine, a unique blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences that has shaped the region's culinary traditions for centuries. From creamy shrimp and grits to tangy she-crab soup, the dishes you'll find in Charleston are like nowhere else in the world. Must-Try Restaurants For a true taste of Charleston, be sure to visit Husk, a popular restaurant that sources all of its ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. Their ever-changing menu features dishes like fried chicken skins and pork belly with peach glaze that are sure to delight your taste buds. If you're in the mood for some mouth-watering barbecue, head over to Lewis Barbecue, where you can sample their famous brisket, ribs, and sausage, all smoked to perfection using traditional Southern techniques. Food Tours One of the best ways to experience Charleston's culinary scene is by taking a food tour. Whether you prefer a guided walking tour of the city's historic district or a seafood tasting cruise along the Charleston Harbor, there are plenty of options to choose from that will give you a taste of the city's best dishes and drinks. Culinary Festivals If you happen to be in Charleston during one of the city's many culinary festivals, be sure to check it out. From the Charleston Wine + Food Festival to the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, these events are a great way to experience the vibrant food culture of the city and sample dishes from some of its top restaurants. Conclusion Exploring Charleston's food scene is truly a culinary adventure like no other. From its unique blend of flavors to its stunning waterfront views, this charming city has something to offer every food lover. So whether you're a barbecue enthusiast, a seafood aficionado, or just a fan of good old-fashioned Southern cooking, Charleston is the place to be for a taste of the South. [ad_2] EXPLORE MORE: Places to eat in Charleston SC FIND: Things to do in Charleston SC CHARLESTON BUSINESS OWNERS: Get a Free Business Profile FIND BUSINESSES: Charleston Business Directory BE SEEN: Advertise Your Business Here #PLACES_TO_EAT

[themovieblogonline]

Real Estate Sisters: A Witty Look at Love, Luxury, and Life

Calling all international movie buffs! Real Estate Sisters (2024) has landed, and it's a Cape Town joyride packed with laughs, drama, and enough stunning South African scenery to make you book a flight. This movie centers on the fabulous Maseko sisters, Lerato (played by the incredible Galaletsang Koffman) and Malebo (Leera Mthethwa). These queens are slaying the Cape Town real estate game, but let's be honest, they're also dodging their hilarious momma's side-eye for living with their boyfriends without that ring on their finger. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mYMk0PCP8c he Good: Sisterhood, Sass, and Scenery Real Estate Sisters shines brightest in its portrayal of sisterhood. Koffman and Mthethwa deliver stellar performances, showcasing a relatable bond that transcends mere blood. These sisters fight, support each other fiercely, and navigate life's craziness together, just like real sisters (except maybe with a few less hair-pulling arguments). The film also throws major shade at cultural clashes in the most hilarious way possible. We see Lerato fall for the smooth-talking Stone (whose charm could melt glaciers), but then bam! There's a dead body chilling in his wine cellar (talk about a mood killer!). Meanwhile, Malebo's beau Boike needs to cough up a hefty R20,000 to make her his wife. These moments are laugh-out-loud funny and spark conversations about traditions and modern love in a lighthearted way. But Real Estate Sisters isn't just about the laughs. The cinematography is breathtaking, showcasing the beauty of South Africa from the bustling cityscapes of Johannesburg to the vibrant energy of underprivileged neighborhoods. It's a visual feast that celebrates the country's rich culture and stunning landscapes. Let's not forget the soundtrack. It subtly elevates each scene, making you bop your head along as the story unfolds. Plus, the cast is incredibly diverse and talented, rocking outfits that would make Harlem take notes. Seriously, the fashion game in this movie is on point! The Bad: A Confusing Conclusion Now, no movie is perfect, and Real Estate Sisters has a few bumps in the road. The ending throws a bit of a curveball. One minute Lerato's freaking out about a dead dude in the basement, the next, everything's wrapped up in a happy bow. We're left wondering how the sisters suddenly achieve their dreams and how the whole murder situation gets resolved so quickly. Overall: A Fun Escape with Flawed Charm Despite the plot holes, "Real Estate Sisters" is a thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming ride. It's a celebration of sisterhood, South African culture, and the hustle it takes to chase your dreams – even if those dreams involve dodging suspicious dead bodies and navigating the cutthroat world of real estate. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be charmed by the Maseko sisters and their Johannesburg adventure. Read the full article

[blackfictional]

ch • bini

born into a family of jewellery makers and gem cutters, she is ambitious and will inherit her parents workshop.

[world-cinema-research]

"Bonnie and Clyde" Review Blog

By Nathan Gruber

The film review this week is for the film, “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967) because it is such a classic film to many. After watching this film for the first time, the history of these criminals comes to life with the same adventure and excitement felt with the real story. This film offers an unusual retelling of the story about the lives of the most famous bandits in American history. The story covers from the moment Bonnie and Clyde met to the point they were caught. When this film came out, it made $50,700,000 and took $2.5 million to create. With these numbers, it’s no wonder why this film was a massive success to Warner Bros. Pictures. Many movies and TV shows are similar to “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967) including “Hidden Figures” (2016) because of how the historical events and conversations are written for an audience that is unacquainted with the historical material. The way in which these movies write in these facts is to create conversations and utilize realistic newspapers and photographs to educate the audience on the subject matter. However, this means that the conversations are more than likely historically inaccurate, but there is no great way to work around this issue. Especially when the events took place decades before the film was written. 

When critics reviewed the film, they were far from impressed, Variety claimed it to have “conflicting moods, racing from crime to comedy.” However, today when critics reviewed this film, they say that the film has a “punch whose power continues to reverberate through thrillers decades later” (Rotten Tomatoes). Rotten Tomatoes’ consensus best leads the audience's perspective today than Variety’s claim over fifty-five years ago due to most audiences considering the film a classic. 

During the release of “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967), the nation was in chaos due to riots over, primarily, the Vietnam War and Civil Rights. The photo above displays one of the most famous Vietnam War riots; The Pentagon Riot of October 21, 1967. This particular protest highlights the political and economic stance of the people at this time as the protestors wanted “to get national visibility for the anti-war movement” (U.S. Marshals Service). The protestors goal was to show that they didn’t support the Vietnam War because of the amount of money and resources being sent to fight in it. The photo below is another example of the political and economic stance of the people because of the injustice of the treatment of different races led to “the systematic denial of employment opportunities by white-owned businesses” (Britannica). This denial led to specific ethnicities, specifically African Americans, gaining little money through work even when granted a job. This unstable time could have led to people wanting to go to the theater even if the movies received poor reviews. Which could be why “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967) was such a massive success. 

The film carries two prominent feelings throughout: the first of which is a soft, warm feeling with comedic undertones which explore the main characters’ personal lives. The second feeling is a dramatic exhibition of the fighting the characters did. These two feelings allow the audience to get emotionally attached to the main characters as the main characters struggle with the idea that they will never have a normal life. Bonnie particularly struggles with this idea as seen when she turns to poetry. Her most famous poem “The Story of Bonnie and Clyde” was used in the film to perfectly replicate her feelings for her lifestyle. In this clip, Bonnie feels as though their destiny has been written for them to die because the Law always wins. This is foreshadowing the ending as Bonnie and Clyde were ambushed and killed at the end of the film. Not many movies kill off the main characters, but this one made sure that their death tied into the feeling Bonnie had when reading her own poem. Her poem gives an insight into their lives as struggling gang members and how they are really kind-hearted people stuck in the life of crime. This is how the movie connects the audience to Bonnie and Clyde. Although highly criticized at first, the music gives the film a hillbilly feeling to aid in the idea that Bonnie and Clyde were always in an unstable lifestyle from their source of money and transportation. The music shines best when used whenever Bonnie and Clyde flee a battle with police because those scenes especially show how delicate their lifestyle is. These scenes draw our attention to the film simply because most of them start suddenly and last for quite a few minutes and all utilize different geographical features from a stream to a meadow. 

As the film is based in 1930s America during the Great Depression, this film had the responsibility to represent struggling Americans as accurately as possible because when the film premiered, only about thirty years had passed since the actual events the film is based on took place. This meant the film had to be specific to the events and align with the 1930s culture because many of the people who lived in the 1930s were around to see the film in theaters. According to Hofstde’s cultural model, the culture of America in the 1930s included collectivism, indulgence, and femininity. These dimensions are apparent in the attitude of the 1930s as the families always stayed together (collectivism), many people did things that made their life more fun (indulgence), and people cared for one another more than money (femininity). All of these dimensions are shown in the relationship between Bonnie and Clyde: their group always ended up staying together, they did all the things that were fun, and they all cared more about each other than the money they stole. This dynamic is seen all around the world because it is truly a family dynamic rather than a coworker dynamic. This makes the characters even more relatable around the world as the audience would see the character’s close-knit bond to each other. With this in mind, even if the dimensions given by Hofstede changed to be my family’s dimensions. There would be no change to the dynamics between the characters because the dimensions are the same. This highlights just how relatable Bonnie and Clyde are from the film to family dynamics today.

“Bonnie and Clyde” (1967) was an unusual, but conventional film based on real events and people. The characters in the film were portrayed by some stars of Hollywood such as Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway.The story is clear from the start as to what is happening as the beginning features real photos of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow along with captions describing who they are at a cursory glance. Then, the details emerge as soon as the film properly begins. The ending of the film ties itself together just as neatly as it can with all pieces included in the conclusion to the film. The film was similar to Netflix’s “The Crown” (2016-2023) with the way in which it handled the conversations between characters whilst wrapping the real events of the story in a manner that is close to historically accurate and gives the audience context to the events similarly to the poem mentioned earlier. That is unquestionably what makes “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967) a brilliant film.

[islandspiceus]

Island Spice: A Perfect Caribbean Restaurant to Taste Best Caribbean Food in Houston

Houston is a thriving city with a diversified food scene. African, European, and Indian culinary traditions have all affected the rich tapestry of flavors that is Caribbean food. It offers an array of delectable foods that entice the senses, beyond the traditional jerk chicken. Finding the Best Caribbean Food Houston, however, may be a fascinating journey for people who are yearning for the flavors of the Caribbean blended with sunlight. 

There are several real Caribbean restaurants in Houston that give patrons a taste of island living in the middle of the metropolis. For those looking for a true taste of the Caribbean, there are plenty of alternatives, from lively food trucks along the streets to family-run eateries hidden away in strip malls. Whether you're in the mood for comfort cuisine that's substantial or want to wow your palate with tastes that are strong and unique, Houston has something for everyone.  

At Island Spice, we replicate the classic flavor characteristics of many Caribbean islands using only the freshest, finest ingredients. Indulge in a bowl of hot, flavorful oxtail stew that is brimming with soft meat. Every meal, from fiery jerk meats to flavorful stews, is a culinary marvel that has been lovingly prepared and steeped in history.

Island Spice: A Best Restaurant to Get Caribbean Food in Houston

Caribbean gastronomy, which uses items like black beans, plantains, and okra, is largely influenced by West African culinary customs. Spices like nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon were brought by European colonists, who also added depth to the flavor profiles. Our restaurants at Island Spice are known for serving a wide variety of food that is influenced by the colorful and unique culinary customs of the Caribbean islands. 

Bold tastes, fresh ingredients, and a combination of influences from Africa, Europe, Asia, and indigenous Caribbean cultures are often highlighted on the menus of these eateries. Jerk chicken, maybe one of the most well-known meals from the Caribbean, is marinated in a hot mixture of garlic, thyme, allspice, and Scotch bonnet peppers before being expertly grilled or smoked. 

Depending on the desired taste profile, we served them green and savory or ripe and caramelized. These and many other delicacies add to the distinctive and lively culinary experience that Caribbean restaurants provide, enticing patrons to enjoy the depth of flavor and diversity of culture of the islands. In order to satisfy your requirement for the top restaurant in Houston, Island Spice is a great option.

Island Spice Caribbean Restaurant: A Taste of the Islands

Are you yearning for the bright tapestry of island delicacies and the warmth of the Caribbean sun? Island Spice Caribbean Restaurant is the only place to search! Our traditional Caribbean food tantalizes your taste buds and excites your senses, taking you to a world of sunshine on a platter. Island Spice is more than simply a restaurant—it's an interactive culinary adventure that explores the wide range of Caribbean cuisines. 

We honor the area's rich history by incorporating flavors from several islands into a cuisine that is both comforting and novel. We think that using fresh foods has great power. Our meals are full of taste and will take you to a tropical paradise. From colorful island veggies to exquisite cuts of meat and the freshest seafood of the day, they are sure to please. Every taste of Island Spice's cuisine reveals a tale of custom, history, and the enduring appeal of Caribbean food, drawing customers on a voyage of discovery and enjoyment. 

The restaurant is known for its vivid flavors, friendly service, and genuine atmosphere. Our mission at Island Spice is to spread the love of Caribbean food throughout our community. We cordially welcome you to partake in a gastronomic journey, relish the genuine tastes of the islands, and feel the warmth of island hospitality. Come experience a taste-bud vacation with Island Spice when you visit us today!

[rohitmarri]

MUSIC: THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE THAT BINDS US ALL

Music the universal language that binds us all Music speaks to you in a way that transcends words. We all have that song that reminds us of our first love, the soundtrack of our youth, the tune that gets us energized. In this series we’ll explore different genres of music from around the world. You’ll travel with me on a journey through cultural traditions, experiencing diverse sounds, rhythms and instruments. Music tells stories, expresses joy and sorrow, and brings people together. My hope is that through this musical adventure, you’ll gain an appreciation for the role of music in human culture and its ability to foster connections across borders. So grab your headphones and let the melodies begin.

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The soundtrack of our lives is one of the most powerful influences on our memories and moods. Songs have a way of transporting us back in time, stirring up emotions we felt during important moments. Music also has a way of elevating our moods and shifting our mindsets. An energetic pop song can lift our spirits when we’re feeling down, while a mellow classical piece helps us unwind after a stressful day. The link between music and memory is so strong because multiple parts of our brain are activated when we listen to music, including areas involved in emotion, memory, and reward processing. A song can instantly transport us back in time, allowing us to recall where we were and how we felt.

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Music is a universal language that transcends borders and brings people together. Throughout history, harmonies and melodies have been used to build connections between different groups.

#Shared Emotional Experiences

Listening to music triggers the same parts of our brain that are involved in emotion, memory, and reward processing. When we listen to a song, our brains synchronized with the music and with each other. This shared experience creates social bonding and empathy. Think of crowds singing along at a concert or coming together to mourn the loss of a musical icon. Music provides a shared emotional experience that can unite those with different backgrounds.

#Cultural Expression

Every culture has its own unique musical traditions that are passed down through generations. Exploring different music genres is a great way to gain insight into cultures from around the world. You can discover everything from ceremonial music to pop songs that capture the current experiences of people in a given society. Appreciating music from diverse cultures promotes cross-cultural understanding and brings us together in celebration of our shared humanity.

The road to discovering music is filled with many exciting genres that can transport you to different times and places. Here are a few that may pique your interest for the musical adventures that await.

Folk Music

Folk music, with simple melodies and lyrics, aims to capture cultural traditions through storytelling. Artists like Bob Dylan, Simon & Garnett, and The Lumineers have helped bring folk rock and Americana into the mainstream. Listening to folk music is like sitting around a campfire under a starry sky, connecting with others through shared experiences.

World Music

World music encompasses many genres from all over the planet. You could find yourself dancing to West African highlife music, meditating to Indian classical ragas, or swaying to Brazilian bossa nova. Artists such as, Ravi Shankar, and Bebel Gilberto are iconic ambassadors of world music. Losing yourself in world music is a chance to gain exposure to different cultures and gain new perspectives.

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Music has a profound effect on our emotions and mental well-being. Listening to music can lift your mood, reduce stress, and ease anxiety. Music is medicine for the mind and soul.

#Stress Relief.

Put on your favorite calming playlist when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Slow instrumentals, classical music, ambient electronica – whatever works for you. Close your eyes, focus on your breathing, and get lost in the melodies. Your heart rate and blood pressure will decrease as your stress levels drop.

#Improve Mood.

Need an instant mood booster? Crank up the tunes that make you happy. Upbeat pop, reggae, or dance music can release endorphins that improve your mood and boost positive feelings. Singing or dancing along provides an even bigger mood enhancing boost.

#Ease Anxiety

Soft piano, gentle guitar, ocean waves – peaceful, wordless music can help calm feelings of anxiety. Slow instrumentals, nature sounds or ambient music are very soothing for an anxious mind. Focusing on the rhythms and textures of calming music helps shift your mind from worried thoughts, allowing your anxiety to fade into the background.

#Better Sleep

Music is a simple remedy that can work wonders for your well-being. Next time you need an emotional pick-me-up or calming time-out, put on your favorite feel-good playlist. Let the melodies move you and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of song. Music really is the best medicine.

Conclusion

Music is something we all share as humans, no matter our differences. The melodies and rhythms that move us are a universal language, one that transcends borders and brings us together. So next time you have the chance, share your favorite song with someone new. Strike up a conversation about music, and see how quickly you form a connection. There’s a whole world of musical discovery out there, so keep exploring. You never know what new artist or genre might speak to your soul. Music has been bring

[femdomliterature]

FemLit 0238 - The allure of interracial cuckoldry

FemLit 0238 - The allure of interracial cuckoldry

A lot of my followers are (presumably) white men who enjoy interracial love between white women and black men; often this coincides with a desire to be the cuckold husband or boyfriend in such an arrangement. It’s a curious wish to have, this longing for sexual denial in the context of an interracialized relationship, but I think it makes a great deal of sense.

For starters, male sexuality in its purest form is kind of a bummer. See hot girl, dong grows; apply friction, spill seed; the end. Unless your cum somehow consists of liquid cocaine, no woman is going to be impressed by that. Even a regular guy with no cuck aspirations will have to rein in his orgasm for a while to make sure his partner gets some enjoyment out of their sex life, too. Cucks just take that commitment to the next level and learn to derive pleasure from denial in order to enhance their girl’s enjoyment. It’s quite progressive, really!

It’s useful for their partners, too. They technically don’t need a cuck to have an adventurous sex life, but men can be uncomfortable to deal with sometimes, especially if you’re trapped in their apartment. They can also be very underwhelming hosts once they’ve relieved themselves; see paragraph above.

Much better to have a dutiful cuckold around to make sure his queen’s beaus behave themselves and to give her all the emotional satisfaction that her bedfellows cannot.

The interracial aspect gives this an even more potent twist. Judging by how many cuck relationships seem to go from experimenting with interracial to black only, the feminine desire to turn bedrooms into African pleasure dens is definitely there. Alas, so is the social disapproval that these noble trailblazers still face.

Even if it’s just a minority of annoying family members or coworkers who bitch and moan about coalburners, it’s enough to sour your mood. How convenient then to have a white cuck at hand to shut up all the haters while you get to enjoy your personal Africanization without any prying eyes on your sex life.

There is also something deeply satisfying about blacking white relationships from the inside. It’s still a regular white coupling in form and appearance, but its contents have been thoroughly Africanized. Much like an innocuous white body and a thoroughly interracialized white mind make for a great pair, a nominally white relationship whose partners are both committed to Eurafrika is not just sexy, it’s beautiful.