#my current fave michael photo

[caramelcalum]

he ❤️

[ronearoundblindly]

Hello! I’ve never done an “ask” before, but since you’re one of my fave writers I thought I’d give it a go. I love the way you write Your soft Steve. I especially love how cerebral he is; even if he’s not sure how to open up and express himself easily (even to reader), you show us how thoughtful and self-aware he is. So my ask is having him go against type a bit. Have him get a visceral reaction like jealousy, wherein he just ACTS out of a primal urge (like the latest Dignity of his choice where he is at the mercy of his basic instincts). Jealous Steve would be hot. Or angry Steve (like if some guy was hitting on reader aggressively). I know you’re working on a lot of great other stories, but if this idea sparks an interest I’d love to see what you would do with it! ❤️

So IRL, I loathe jealousy but damn if it isn't some of the sexiest. shit. ever. in-fic.

Message Received, over 1.5k b/c there must be plotty plot

Summary: At a diplomatic event, Steve realizes he doesn't like when you have more fun at the function than he does.

Warnings for macho-shit, general possessiveness, but I'll be honest, I still wrote it kinda soft in comparison to other jelly!Steve's I've read. I am incapable of much 'dark' behavior. Also zero editing.

dividers by @firefly-graphics

You wouldn’t categorize these fancy receptions as ‘fun.’ Often times they are long and boring. The worst ones are arduous, ones where you have to hold your tongue and be spoken down to by others, ones where you are Steve’s trophy and assumed to have no opinions of your own.

This is one of the best ones.

Nova Corps has sent a delegation to Earth for some negotiations for support and supplies. The people are fascinating, funny, and intelligent. The absolute best part is that one young-ish man (compared to the others who look 60+ by human standards and you aren’t sure what the equivalent is for them frankly) is knowingly talking to you about your interests. He’s aware of Earth’s current scientific understanding and its limitations. He knows you are studied and, in fact, the lead of your lab at AvIn. He’s just nice about it.

My god, you never get nice people at these things. It’s so freeing.

His name is a variant of Michael, and he says you’re welcome to use that instead of a convoluted native tongue. Michael has blue skin but appears extremely similar to human. There’s pink- and orange-skinned members of the delegation as well. You want to know, scientifically but also as respectfully as possible, what the differences are. Various facial and body features show across them, but none are consistently isolated by color. It’s fascinating.

Michael is so excited that you are fascinated, too.

Steve’s going through the motions. These functions are a chore—but not always—and he has a purpose for being here—but it’s complete now—so he keeps listening to the Nova Prime while she speaks of logistical concerns for the partnership with Earth and yada yada…

Man, Steve is not usually this over these events so early in the evening. It’s probably due to this being the party at the end of five whole days. Ceremony after meeting after photo-op after ceremony after meeting.

His eyes roam around the room for you. If you seem sufficiently ‘done’ as well, he’s ready to make excuses and head home.

But you’re not. You are not ‘done’ at all.

That’s your engrossed face.

That’s your flattered face.

Steve purses his lips and realizes he stopped listening to the Prime.

“I’m so sorry, but do you know who that is over with the woman in—“

“Oh, yes, he was so delighted when we knew your wife would be here.”

Steve wants to be delighted, too, but his jaw simply tightens instead. Nova Prime tells him a name that Steve outright does not know how to repeat before—

“Call him Michael, here. It’s no bother. He’s quite used to it, but his specialty is very similar to hers. He can talk for hours and hours since it is rare he finds a kindred spirit who understands the particulars,” she goes on.

Steve watches as your face lights up and your hand lightly drags down Michael’s arm. That’s fine. You’re talking. You’re animated and using those hand gestures that signify microscopic particles interacting in a way that Steve’s never really gotten a grasp on, and then you lift your hand to your ear and scrunch your nose, struggling to hear Michael’s answer.

That man leans forward, and it’d be fine if he just steadied himself with a touch to your arm. That’d be normal. Acceptable, but no. Michael puts his hand to your neck when he replies very close to your ear.

Steve may as well have swallowed the shield. A lump the size of Mount Rushmore is lodged in his chest. Maybe it’s heartburn from the fancy and foreign food being served for days on end. Maybe Steve needs more water. Maybe Michael needs to take a step back before—

“They seem to be getting along nicely,” the Prime says, smiling.

Tony steps into Steve’s view of your conversation and makes his way toward them.

“All-in-all, I think we’ve had a success, yes?”

“Nova Corp will never forget the generosity of Earth, Mr. Stark.”

A customary bow is exchanged, though Steve knows Tony joked about going in for a hug with the tall blond that is Nova’s Prime, and at some point, Steve cared whether Tony made an interstellar incident out of coping a feel. Not now. Steve has no care for anything Stark does because where did you go?

“Excuse me,” he hurries out after taking a step around Tony.

Steve meanders over to where you were talking with Michael a few seconds ago, grateful for his height so that he can scan the room the whole journey, but he can’t see you or the color of your dress or the blue of Michael’s skin anywhere.

He’s getting hot, and Steve has absolutely no reason to be sweating even in his three-piece suit. The serum makes it so he doesn’t break a sweat or increase his heart rate until the average person would go into cardiac arrest, and seriously, where are you?

He doesn’t want to stop people he knows in their mingling to ask ‘have you seen my wife’ over and over. For some reason that smacks of a desperation that wiggles the lump thumping against Steve’s sternum with every stride around the room.

And then Steve hears your laugh. You’re at the edge of the large ballroom. No. You’re in a hallway off the ballroom. A much quieter hallway that Steve is not at all happy to find is not better lit than the sultry event space.

There’s Michael with his forearm stretched across yours and your hands clasped at each other’s elbows.

“I can feel it,” you giggle again. “That’s amazing.”

Steve thunders down the few feet of hall to get to you, sliding a hand—the full expanse of his broad hand—across your back, between your shoulder blades, where he knows you are sensitive, and threads his fingers to land beneath the strap of your gown for the occasion. He’s delighted to get a small but visible shiver out of you, and your arm unlatches from the boy’s.

“What’s amazing, my beloved Keeper?” He’s sure to cast each syllable in bronze and hurl it in Michael’s direction specifically. Blue Boy knows what it means. Steve’s sure of it, but the bemused smirk never falters.

“Sweetheart,” you chirp, no hint of concern, only your excitement. “His species—that’s appropriate to say, yes?—“ Michael nods politely “—they can control a certain amount of electrical output from their brains in order to reinforce any part of their anatomy.”

Steve’s not an expert, but he’s fairly confident there’s a hard-on joke in there somewhere. You don’t seem to notice. You’re still trying to explain when Michael cuts you off.

“Basically, my bones can’t be broken,” Blue Boy concludes with a bright white smile.

Yeah, but are your teeth safe, Steve wonders.

His hand unhooks from your dress only to land possessively at the swell of your hip. This is the closest thing Steve ever does to actually touching your ass in public, and he gets a shy glancing down from you in return. He even pushes you against his hip which leads to the equivalent pressure of a grope.

You stand up ramrod straight and clear your throat.

“That’s a bold claim. Can’t,” Steve starts. “Maybe it’s a language barrier, but are you saying it’s impossible?”

Blue Boy smiles. “Mr. Rogers, I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure,” and he bows as is customary.

You won’t, Steve almost says but catches himself. “It’s Captain Rogers.” He does not move his hand from your hip but sticks out his other with steel blue eyes fixed on Michael. “And this is traditional here.”

The boy doesn’t hesitate to take Steve’s hand, which is irritating enough, but then Steve grips—and he grips fucking hard—for a very long few seconds.

“This is Michael,” you offer politely, unknowingly, thoughtfully while a minuscule game of chicken is played two feet below your nose, “since we can’t pronounce the native tongue, or at least, I can’t.”

“Pleasure—“ Steve grips “—to meet you—“ he finally feels a small snap beneath his thumb and Blue Boy’s eye twitches while the white of his smile fades “—Michael.”

To his credit, the boy doesn’t make any other show of pain, but he does let the hand fall limp by his side while his face settles back to neutral.

“Captain,” he huffs before nodding at you, “Mrs. Rogers, excuse me. I must be returning to my people.”

Michael leaves without another bow. Steve is very pleased to have broken Michael’s…sense of custom as he turns to you.

“Sweetheart,” Steve breathes, taking your chin in his hand softly, “shall we go?”

You seem surprised. “Already? I thought you’d need to schmooze for at least another—“ but his lips cut you off.

It’s not as heavy-handed as he could be, but Steve pins your hips against him while his tongue dives past your perfect lipstick. He kinda wants to smear it. He really hopes it gets all over him.

“I want—” Steve releases your mouth “—to take you—“ and he spends a little too long dragging his lips across your jaw before finishing breathily in your ear “—home.”

That’s it, he thinks. Melt in my arms, to my touch, at my words.

He relishes every second you need to compose your response.

“Yeah,” you pant, aimlessly unfocused at the ceiling before looking at him again. “Yeah, that sounds good.”

Weeeeeeeeellll, I hope you enjoyed that because 🥵 I got myself again. Hope it made sense because I'm too distracted by Steebness to be coherent. And fuck it. This is within the Fools-verse so I'mma tag the list. (It's not because I'm proud of the hng at all. No way. Nuh-uh.)

@im-a-slut-for-fluff @fangirl-swagg @georgeweaslysgirl @austynparksandpizza @bucky-fricking-barnes-reads @fallinallinmendes

Thank you for the ask! Always welcome and keep them coming!

[tiesandtea]

Simon Gilbert

Simon Says

We interviewed Simon Gilbert, Suede’s drummer, whose book So Young: Suede 1991-1993 is a journal and photographic document of the band’s early years that will be published October 8th. So Young has foreword by journalist Stuart Maconie and a vibrant, lively text by Simon himself, documenting his move from Stratford-on-Avon, his hometown, to London, the audition with Suede, life in the van, the early success years and the many amusing things that come with it. It is one of those rare books that make an outsider feel like they were there, in the van. Or in absurd mansions in L.A. belonging to industry types. Or was it record producer(s)?…

The conversation extended to Coming Up, Suede’s third album that turned 25 this year and drumming. Simon’s witty, often, one-liners contrast with my more elaborate questions, proving an interesting insight into our way of writing/replying.

by Raquel Pinheiro

So Young: Suede 1991-1993

What made you want to realease So Young?

I was searching through my archives when researching for the insatiable ones movies and found lots of old negatives and my diaries. They had to be seen.

When and why did you start your Suede archives?

As you can see from the book, it stared from the very first audition day.

From the concept idea to publishing how long did it took you to put So Young together?

30 years … I’ve always wanted to make a book since I was first in a band.

What was your selection process for which items – diary entries, photos, etc.- would be part of the book?

I wanted to form a story visually with a few bits of info thrown in here and there, also most of the photos tie in with pages from the diaries.

Which methods, storage, preservation, maintenance, if at all, do you employ to keep the various materials in your archives in good shape?

Boxes in an attic … one thing about getting the book out is that I don’t have to worry about the photos getting lost forever. It’s out there in a book!

Other than medium what differences existed between selecting material for The Insatiable Ones documentary and for So Young?

Video and photos … photos don’t translate well on a TV screen.

Do you prefer still or motion pictures and why?

I prefer photos … they capture a particular moment in time … as video does, but there’s a unique atmosphere with a photo.

So Young’s cover photo has a very Caravaggio and ballet feeling to it. Its chiaroscuro also contrasts with the images inside.  Why did you choose it for the cover?

It was a striking shot and I wanted the book to be black and dark …it fitted perfectly.

How many of the photos on So Young were taken by you?

Probably about 3/4 my 3 school friends who were there with me at the beginning Iain, Kathy and Phillip took a load of us onstage, backstage, after  the gig, etc., photos I couldn’t take myself.

So Young can be placed alongside books like Henry Rollins’ Get in The Van and Michael Azerrad’s Our Band Could Be Your Life, that not only chronicle and show the less glamorous, more mundane side of being in a band, but also totally immerse the reader so deep in it that we are there, feeling and going through the same things. Was your selection of materials meant to convey that “band being your(our) life” sensation?

Yes, exactly that. I was fascinated by photos of bands, not on the front cover of a magazine or on TV. The other bits of being in a band are far more interesting.

In the foreword, Stuart Maconie mentions the brevity of your diary entries which, as someone who keeps diaries, I immediately noticed. Do you prefer to tell and record a story and events with images?

I haven’t kept a diary since the end of 1993 … looking back on them they can be a bit cringeful … So, yes, I prefer images.

Contrasting with the diary entries brevity your text  that accompanies So Young is lively, witty, detailed and a good description of the struggles of a coming of age, heading towards success, band. Do you think the text and images reveal too much into what it really is like being in a band, destroying the myth a bit?

I think the myth of being in a band is long gone … Reality is the new myth…

In So Young you write that when you first heard Never Mind The Bollocks by The Sex Pistols music was to be your “future dream”. How has the dream been so far?

Still dreaming … lose your dreams and you will lose your mind … like Jagger said.

Is there a reason why So Young only runs from 1991 to 1993?

Yes, I bought a video camera in 1993. It was so much easier filming everything rather than take a photo, wait 3 weeks to get it developed and find out it was blurred.

So Young has a limited deluxe numbered and signed edition already sold out. The non deluxe edition also seems to be heading the same way. How important is it for you to keep a close relationship with the fans?

So important. I love interacting with the fans and is so easy these days … I had to write replies by hand and post them out in 1993…

Playing Live Again & Coming Up

Before Suede’s concert at Qstock Festival in Oulu, Finland on 31.07.2021 you wrote on your social media “cant fucking wait dosnt come close!!!!!” and Mat [Osman, Suede’s bassist] on his “An honest-to-goodness rehearsal for an honest-to-goodness show. Finally”. How did it feel like going back to play live?

It was great. Heathrow was empty which was amazing. A bit strange to play for the first time after 2 years …., but great to get out again.

Coming Up was released 25 years ago. How does the record sound and seems to you now compared with by then?

I haven’t listened to it for a long time actually … love playing that album live … some great drumming.

Before the release of Coming Up fans and the press were wondering if Suede would be able to pull it off. What was your reaction when you first heard the new songs and realize the album was going in quite a different direction than Dog Man Star?

Far too long ago to remember.

Coming Up become a classic album. It even has its own Classical Albums documentary. Could you see the album becoming a classic by then?

I think so yes .. there was always something to me very special about that album.

Is it different to play Coming Up songs after Suede’s return? Is there a special approach to concerts in which a single album is played?

No … didn’t even need to listen to the songs before we first rehearsed … They’re lodged in my brain.

Which is your Coming Up era favourite song as a listener and which one do you prefer as a drummer?

The Chemistry Between Us.

Will the Coming Up shows consist only of the album or will B-sides be played as well?

Definitely some B-sides and some other stuff too.

Simon & Drumming

If you weren’t a drummer how would your version of “being the bloke singing at the front” be like?

Damned awful … I auditioned as a singer once, before I started drumming … It was awful!

In his book Stephen Morris says that all it takes to be a drummer is a flat surface and know how to count. Do you agree?

No.

Then, what makes a good drummer?

Being in the right band.

Topper Headon of the Clash is one of your role models. Who are the others?

He is, yes … fantastic drummer.

Charlie Watts is the other great …and Rat Scabies … superb.

She opens with drums so does Introducing the band. Your drumming gives the band a distinctive sound. How integral to Suede’s sound are the drums?

Well, what can I say … VERY!

Do you prefer songs that are driven by the drums or songs in which the drums are more in the background?

Bit of both actually … I love in your face stuff like She, Filmstar …, but ikewise, playing softer stuff is very satisfying too.

You’re not a songwriter. How much freedom and input do you have regarding drum parts?

If the songs needs it, I’ll change it.

Do you prefer blankets, towels or a pillow inside the bass drum?

Pillows.

Do you use gaffer tape when recording? If so, just on the snare drum or also on the toms? What about live?

Lots of the stuff … gaffer tape has been my friend both live and in the studio for 30 years.

What is the depth of your standard snare drum and why?

Just got a lovely 7-inch Bog wood snare from Repercussion Drums … sounds amazing. It is a 5000 year old Bog wood snare.

Standard, mallets, rods or brushes?

Standard. I hate mallets and rods are always breaking after one song. Brushes are the worst …no control.

How many drum kits have you owned? Of those, which is your favourite?

5 … my fave is my DW purple.

How long to you manage without playing? Do you play air drums?

7 years 2003 – 2010 … and never.

Can you still assemble and tune your drum kit?

Assemble, yes …tune no …have never been any good at that.

You dislike digital/electronic drum kits, but used one during the pandemic. Did you become more found of them?

Still hate them … unfortunately,  they are a necessary evil.

When you first joined Suede you replaced a drum machine. Would it be fair to say you didn’t mind taking its job?

Fuck him!

Brett [Anderson, Suede’s singer] as described the new album as “nasty, brutish and short”. How does that translates drums wise?

Very nasty brutish and short.

When researching for the interview I come across the statement below on a forum: “If you’re in a band and you’re thinking about how to go about this, get every player to come up with their own track list & have a listening party. I’ve done this, not only is it great fun, it’s also massively insightful when it comes to finding out what actually is going on inside the drummer’s head!”. What actually is going on inside the drummer’s head?

Where’s my fucking lighter!

And what is going on inside the drummer as a documentarist head? How does Simon, the drummer, differs from Simon, the keen observer of his own band, bandmates, fans, himself, etc.?

There is no difference … I’m Simon here there and everywhere…

What would the 16 years old Simon who come to London think of current Simon? What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t smoke so much you fool!

[mr-face-both-ways]

Stex Appreciation Month: CB!

Can’t trust anyone these days, remember I can face both ways!

Ah yes, my url’s namesake, i finally had time to finish and post something lol i’ll post the others soon

Questions answered under the cut! This is extra long because he is my Fave and im Biased 

Fave song: There’s Me hands down, the whole scene including That Was Unfair is just so good in establishing CB’s, Greaseball and Dinah’s characters so well, plus the melody is just*chef’s kiss* and the fact that its technically a villain song?? Love that, plus the parallels of him finding Dinah alone and upset and comforting and supporting her and lending her a hand up and sending her on her way after she’s cheered up, with post race 3 where he’s the reason Rusty’s alone and hurt on the floor, kicking him when he tries to get up (looking at you 1991 boot) and mocks and insults him, leaving him alone with his confidence broken as he leaves laughing. What an absolute bastard!! But when There’s Me is taken out, you don’t properly see his two sides, both the bad and good sides are important to his character! He’s a contrary dude but that’s just him! Plus the actual song has one of my fave melodies of the show, I can and do listen to the intro from the ost on repeat, plus that lil bit in the japan vid?? So cute?? And the contrasting styles to that and Wide Smile?? Amazing, love it

Fave actor: Once again my fave actor list is gonna be like 5 people lol, the great thing about C.B’s material is that his attitude and demeanour can change based on his inflection, movement etc so! Michael Staniforth is a given, his Wide Smile really demonstrates his range which imo not many others have been quite as good, plus what extremely little footage and photos there are of him he was extremely expressive and just fun to watch! I’ll also go with Peter Rees, Andrew Prosser, Hans Johansson, Oliver Rhoe Thornton (and what the heck let’s also go for early Kapa Kitchen and Daniel Ellison)

Fave ship: Ohh boy this is super self indulgent but CBGB honestly (has the fandom given it a nickname? Greaseboose?? idk) I love that in the older scripts him and GB high five (that us boot where cb does a lil jump to hit GB’s high five?? Adorable) and actually talk like friends?? Like Greaseball is a jerk to pretty much everyone and for him to be friendly with him is just sweet. Not to mention its Greaseball who tells his gang that CB’s a “mean machine”, is always calling out to CB in the races and a recent thing that clicked in my brain is that when CB says “what a race, what a team!” and GB’s like “shhh! ohhh you mean me and dinah?” like did he just think that CB was about to out that they were working together during the race to crash the other engines in front of Dinah so he shushed him, then realised he was talking about GB and Dinah?? then just the whole exchange after sabotaging Rusty?? Duet One Rock and Roll? That GB just lifts him up like its nothing then they just kinda sit on eachother?? Those two are in cahoots I tell you!! Plus to me i get the vibe that they’ve been working together for years?? I just love their dynamic haha (and CB’s the only one i think who calls him GB that’s so cute) oh and platonic CB/Dinah is top tier, I feel like Dinah’s a very emotionally honest person so CB would feel like he could actually trust her?? And thanks to the new megamix Canoose/Elektra can have one right, as a treat

Fave thing about him: His independence! All the other characters are very much driven by either winning the races or finding love (or both), and C.B. just...doesn’t care. What you “are” is a big deal in Stex, like the engines, coaches and freight all have their identities shaped by their titles, and that can influence how they feel about the above two subjects “nobody can do it like a steam train”, etc and looking at when C.B. does participate in the races him and his partner tend to take the lead so he is good at racing!! But he chooses not to in order to make his own fun (at the expense of pretty much everyone else). He also seems to have a level of self-awareness, take his verse in Freight for example, he knows that as a brakevan he has to essentially serve the freight train, perceptually at the back of the train. But instead he uses his “purpose” aka his brakes to not do what he’s been told and to disrupt the train, and gets away with it by presenting himself as the innocent helpful brakevan! He’s just doing his own thing, (poor Rusty but,,) good for him!! And of course I have to say again, his two sides, and the ambiguity of it?? Like is he good, bad?? He’s both and neither?? An absolute force of chaos, but it only really works when both sides are present. Plus he a cutie tehe

Random headcanon: I think he’s unnervingly observant, even moreso than Pearl, and has amazing peripheral vision. That and taking notice of things like vibrations on the rails he’s very good at telling whose around before they’ve fully come into vision. He’s always watching everything around him, and isn’t necessarily being creepy, he’s just trying to get as much info on the current situation as possible. I think he likes to have some control and be on top of things?? I also really like the ex-boxcar theory (I first saw this theory on the old bellesdomain forums, rip) and I think that maybe when he was converted it was very difficult for him, having to deal with people, and having the CB radio to control what he hears helps ground him and keep his thoughts less cluttered?? He might’ve also forgotten a lot of his boxcar days, so when he says “you know I’m to blame but you don’t know my name” maybe he doesn’t even remember his original name?? And never got a new one as just the Red Caboose, so he clung onto the CB radio to give himself a sense of identity when his previous identity was stripped from him?? IDK

Unpopular opinion: This wagon can hold so many spicy takes he’s not a murderer lol but at the same time i can see where people can think that considering the lyrics reference several real-life train crashes even if they don’t make sense for CB to be there which tbh I put down to Stilgoe going tehe railway incident reference! I think he’s travelled around a lot and done a lot of questionable things, and maybe he was responsible for those crashes in the stex universe?? or maybe he’s just lying?? he’s definitely responsible for some shit, but considering he crashes 5 (!!!) engines during that one race night and being publicly humiliated after race 4 he doesn’t get in trouble and besides, all those engines are back for light at the end of the tunnel, they’re fine lol. Another thing is that I haaaate how CB has like no agency anymore in the current version like everything he does is for money, he’s basically a henchman for the engines (and everyone knows what his deal is and he isn’t in train jail?? what??) and they got rid of the pre-race 4 bit “just for me, I’m in this just for me” (in that slightly twisted there’s me melody) and Electra desperately pleading “help me caboose, help me caboose” to just the generic “I’ll help you win” at the end and not really its own little bit anymore like he barely has his own motivations anymore, it actually makes me really sad :( it really just doesn’t feel like CB anymore, though his character has been really disjointed since like 2007 when they got rid of there’s me. He’s just kinda bland now, like before he instigated a lot of the conflict, now others tell him to do something and he does it. I could like him more if he had an ounce more depth, like why is he so motivated by money? Maybe go into that old vs new tech theme and bring up that now that there’s new tech that can do the job of a brakevan he’s now antiquated and has to go into crime to get by?? Idk just please give me something, I think CB’s always been a bit of a fan favourite because he had multiple layers to his personality but new boose just has a whole lotta nothing :/ 

Anyway let’s end on a positive note at least we got pride lighting and a solo in the megamix so that’s something I guess XD 

[mscalifornication]

@holyshit thank you for tagging me, this looks fun 💖

[you have to click on each pic to see it in full bc of the different sizes]

PICREW

✨ screenshots

my lockscreen is: a lake in the mountains (I think?)

the last song i listened to: Waterparks - I Felt Younger When We Met

last photo saved: a screenshot of lyrics i found kinda funny [Bilderbuch - Nahuel Huapi] rough translation: me in you, only mother earth is watching us / high waist jeans and exotic restaurants are the things that are important to you

🎶 four songs i’ve heard today:

Waterparks - Numb

Nina Nesbitt - Selfies

Kraftklub - Schöner Tag

One Direction - What A Feeling

🎬 seven comfort films:

I don’t think I have seven but i’ll try...I rarely ever watch movies for comfort tbh

Spider Man: Homecoming

Spider Man: Far From Home

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Notting Hill

Jurassic Park

The Proposal

Mean Girls

🖐 get to know me:

name/nickname: Jessica / Jess, Jessi

star sign: pisces

favourite bands/groups: impossible to mention them all but All Time Low, The Maine, Waterparks, Normandie, Hot Milk, Grayscale, Broadside, Stand Atlantic, Billy Talent, The Faim, The Band CAMINO, girlfriends, 5sos, 1d...

favourite solo artists: solo 1d boys (keeping your answer), Dua Lipa, Nina Nesbitt, Yungblud, Julia Michaels

song stuck in my head: The Maine - Sticky (🎶 sticky just like the song in my head 🎶) but also Niall - Dear Patience cause i’m currently listening to it

last movie: a 1 hour long Natascha Kampusch documentary (I think her case is pretty popular worldwide?)

last show: Criminal Minds

when did i create this blog: 2014 I think

what do i post about: tv shows i’m watching, movies, actors, random stuff, sometimes music related stuff

last thing i googled: I think it was “difference between thin and fine hair” haha i’ve been watching lots of brad mondo videos lately

other blogs: my most active sideblogs are the ones in my bio: aes blog @minblomsterkrans & 1d blog @blue-eyes-tattoos I also have a Waterparks sideblog, a pretty much inactive one with just photos and gifs of h&l looking at each other lmao and a pretty much inactive language blog for resources and some more, mostly urls i’ll never use but i’m too lazy to delete :/

do i get asks: on average maybe once a month if i’m lucky

why did i choose this url: it’s a red hot chili peppers reference, I’ve used variations of it for multiple websites etc

following: ~1500 and i’m pretty sure half of those are dead

followers: a few hundred but i’m also pretty sure at least half of those are dead

average hours of sleep: 6-8

lucky number: don’t really have one, if i had to choose one i’d go with 25 because birthday lmao

instruments: I do have an acoustic guitar and a ukulele but i sadly can’t really play them 😔

what am i wearing: a black waterparks hoodie with three hand grenades on it, grey adidas joggers and black socks with burgers and fries on them <3

dream job: none. the thought of working any job is kinda unappealing to me at the moment 🥴 sorry i wish i had a better answer

dream trip: british columbia/western canada (just the thought almost made me tear up just now why am i like this god), australia, scotland ...

favourite food: anything potato, pizza, bibimbap, the vegan chili sin carne i made tonight haha it was pretty good

nationality: german

favorite song: I don’t have THE ONE fave song but the first one I automatically thought of is Miss You by Blink-182, an all time fave for sure

last book i read: Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall, god I wish I could delete it from my brain and read it for the first time again!!

three fictional universes you’d like to live in: oof this is hard, I rarely watch things that take place in fictional universes. idk maybe The Flash? most fictional universes don’t look like they’re nice to live in sgsgshhs

I have no idea who to tag so...

[blue-eyes-tattoos]

@28finelines and @essercipertuttienonperse tagged me in this louis tag game! 💕

When did you become a Louie? 2015! (i’m a post babygate fan lol)

One thing that drew you in specifically? pretty sure his cuteness and voice / accent, I literally searched my twitter to see what i said about him back then haha. i tweeted about how much i love his part in drag me down several times...

Why did you become a Louie? oh i wish i was as articulate as you two. uhm, see my last answer. but I also feel inspired by his attitude towards life, his positivity, and supportiveness. he just comes across as a really warm and caring but also fun person to be around and it just makes you feel safe somehow. 🤧

Who would you want Louis to collab with? Sam Fender! yes! and i also somehow want him to work with julia michaels, idk if it’s a good fit but yeah

Favorite song on walls? Defenceless, Habit, Always You (and Kill My Mind, Walls, Only The Brave) oops

Favorite hairstyle? 2015 hair was GREAT, but i also loved the peaky blinders and the length after it.

Back to you, just hold on, or miss you? i’m a miss you stan first, human second

Louis in suits or sweaters? suits are nice and all but SWEATERS

Favorite tattoo? the smiley, bus 1, the rope and dagger and the triangle

Favorite Louis photo (currently)? i’m afraid i don’t really have one, i have tons of all time faves though, here are two from my louis folder/louis photo shoots folders i have on my ipad

Random extra? fun fact: in, i think, 2016 i burnt a cd with just audios of louis talking

[glowstickia]

Eight people I’d like to get to know better!

Tagged by @ihopethismakessense :3 thank~

( ALIAS / NAME ) —— Glow

( BIRTHDAY ) —— April 9th bruh

( ZODIAC SIGN ) —— Aries

( HEIGHT ) —— 5′6″

( HOBBIES ) —— Writing is my main hobby haha. I also will like read, tho nowadays its mostly fic adfkjhsd. Sometimes I’ll paint, but typically if I’m either feeling up to it OR if I know my cats won’t try to steal my paintbrush XD

( FAVORITE COLOR ) —— purple~ I’m also a fan of teal, and neons.

( FAVORITE BOOKS ) —— Hmmmm Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero is so damn good. Think Lovecraftian horror meets Scooby Doo. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke still remains one of my top faves to this day. If you’re a bookworm, goddamn its chockfull of love of stories. One of the few books I’ve like...re-read over the years. Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flammel by Michael Scott is one of my fav series growing up. The first book is The Alchemyst and uses a lot of mythology + history and MAGIC ooooo man. Oh yea and lots of immortals lol

( LAST SONG LISTENED TO ) —— Ashes by The Longest Johns....I currently have it on repeat aksdhfdhf I’m in a sea shanties mood again haha

( LAST FILM OR SHOW WATCHED ) —— uh...hmmm... OH It was a documentary on how Ghostbusters was made LOL Netflix documentary series called “The Movies That Made Us” Lemme tell you...shit was wild. Making a movie in 10 months? Goddamn.

( INSPIRATION FOR MUSE ) —— I have...many. Typically its like music, but sometimes its a photo I’ve seen of some place or just indulging in my daydreams a bit haha. My brain is always rolling so lots o things will be like “HEY INSPO!!!”

( STORY BEHIND URL )  —— was in high school and went to a sleepover with two of my best buds (whom I’m still in contact with...known them both for YEARS) and we were like suddenly on the topic of superheroes and what our superhero names would be? I was super obsessed with glowsticks back then haha love em still, but not near the extent as when I was younger XD And thus! Glowstickia was created

Tagging: @potatocrab, @phantoms-lair, @saintdeanthomas, @allislaughter, @achamocha, @nuclear-darling, @kineticallyanywhere, @bigwinged and YOU! IF YOU’RE READING THIS I TAG THEE!!!

[tipsycad147]

The Fiery Wall of Protection

The Fiery Wall of Protection is a folk magick ritual to stop someone from bothering you. Like most spells that have been passed down through oral traditions, it has countless variations. A Fiery Wall can be constructed with just a few household items—and of course, your properly focused will.

Here is a very simple recipe for a Fiery Wall of Protection. (The way I learned it from my teachers, with a few personal notes added.) I call it the quick-and-dirty version. Anybody can do this spell and see positive results almost immediately. You can customise this spell to your individual circumstances, and I’ll tell you how.

What it does:

The Fiery Wall of Protection sends a powerful message to your opponent that you are wise to their crap and you’re not going to take it anymore. It protects your personal energy from intrusion and disruption. It strengthens your aura and home shields with the energy of Fire. It reminds you that you have friends in high places and anyone that wants to mess with you is going to have to work a lot harder from now on. It may be used against any adversary, human or non-human.

What it does not do:

A Fiery Wall of Protection is not a curse, binding, or reversal spell (not really). It does not punish your enemy for past sins, and it does not prevent them from transferring their negative attentions to someone else. It’s also not a substitute for medical or legal services, so please seek help if you are ill or have been a victim of a crime.

Oh, and this probably goes without saying, but the Fiery Wall is a defensive magickal technique. It really only works if someone else is the instigator. If you’re the one trying to cause pain and consternation, look beyond it to more aggressive spells (and watch your back).

You will need:

A white candle (votive, taper, chime, your choice)

A black, grey, or other colour candle (same size)

Something to make the Wall itself (salt, herbs, piece of string)

A statue, picture, amulet, or candle to represent your Helper (more on that later)

Your Candle

The white candle represents you in the current situation, your pure and blameless state. (White is traditionally used this way in candle magick—but if you don't like it, feel free to use another colour that represents purity to you.) This candle will go in the centre of your altar or work space.

Before preparing the central candle, you may want to take a few moments to purify yourself. Take a cleansing bath or shower, do some yoga or meditation, drink water, go for a little walk. Try to let go of all immediate anger and noisy thoughts surrounding the situation. Instead, anticipate how good you’ll feel once the trouble has passed.

On that note, if you're currently doing anything to pester your enemy, knock it off. You're about to magickally claim the moral high ground and seal yourself off from the other party. Any lingering ill will is just going to get in the way.

Carve your name in the candle (but don’t light it yet). If you have a sacred or magickal name, use that instead. You can anoint the candle with Protection Oil, Keep Away Trouble Oil or your favourite all-purpose anointing oil. I like Dragon’s Blood or Frankincense for their powerful Earth/Fire energy.

Enemy Candle

The other candle represents whoever or whatever you need protection from. This can be a person, group of people, or concept—but it’s easier if it’s something you can easily visualise and name. The second candle should be around the same size and shape of the white one (not too much bigger or smaller).

The enemy candle can be any colour except white. I use black if the opponent is purely nasty and grey if their motives are unknown or unclear. Orange can represent a person who's aggressive and self-serving. But it’s really up to you.

If you know your foe's favourite colour or astrological sign, you could use that information to choose the candle colour. Or just pick the ugliest smooshed-up candle in your drawer, the one that smells like cheap perfume and is a colour you hate.

Carve your adversary’s name on the second candle. Some people also like to include a photo of the enemy, or a piece of hair or clothing. That’s great if you have access to those things. You can also include a small token alongside the enemy candle which represents the kind of harm they would try to cause. (A coin if the person is trying to cheat you for money, a nail if they’ve threatened you physically, a thorn if they’re a thorn in your side, etc.)

The Wall

Now you need to find some kind of material to make a barrier. Black salt is a classic choice for a Wall of Protection. Ordinary table salt will do the trick, too. Use the salt alone or blend it with the herbs and oils for your own Fiery Wall mix.

My fave recipe uses Sea Salt, Wormwood and Stinging Nettle. Grind it all up in a cauldron with five drops of Banishing oil. Oh yeah.

But honestly, any material will work for the Wall as long as it has some backbone to it. If you don’t have herbs or salt, you can use a piece of black or red string. Some Witches get all showy with flash paper. Here in Texas, I’ve even seen people collect snips of barbed wire for protection spells. Whatever makes you happy.

Decide on your wall’s “construction material” and keep it handy.

The Helper

The final component of the Fiery Wall of Protection is what I call the Helper, the higher being who will lend their power to help keep your enemy at bay.

Your Helper should be one who knows and sympathises with your case—an ancestor, angel, patron saint or deity. Pick someone who is wise, just, and powerful. St. Michael the Archangel is a very popular and willing helper in protective magick. (And you can get a St. Michael candle at almost any corner store.) Pagans may prefer to invoke a warrior God or Goddess to come to their aid.

I don’t recommend employing demons, elementals, or chaotic gods for this working. Why? Because the Fiery Wall is not about wreaking senseless havoc on people who have wronged you. It’s about maintaining boundaries and preventing future harm. In other words, find a Helper whose alignment is Lawful Neutral to Lawful Good.

If you’re a non-theistic Witch, you could skip the Helper part of the spell, but I really don’t recommend it. Everybody has vulnerabilities and weak moments—that’s how your enemy was able to get under your skin in the first place. Calling on someone or something bigger than yourself lends power to the spell. Call it the Sun, spirit fire, the Genius or Higher Self. I’ve even used the Justice or Adjustment card from the Tarot. Your Helper will stay vigilant for you when you need a break.

You’ll represent the Helper in your spell with a statue, amulet, picture, or other item. You can use a candle, naturally—but if you do so it should be bigger than the two other candles on the altar.

Casting a Fiery Wall of Protection

Here’s how you set up the altar for a Fiery Wall of Protection:

The prepared white candle, representing yourself, goes in the very centre of the altar. The other candle, representing your adversary, goes in front of it, directly across from your physical body. (Any tokens or other items go beside or underneath.) The two candles are positioned in a straight line, almost like you’re confronting your enemy directly from both sides.

Now get a hold of your barrier material, the one you decided on earlier. Using the salt, herbs, string, or what-have-you, build a circle around the white candle. Do this deliberately, making it as perfectly round and complete as possible. Your candle is now enclosed in a circle, with the enemy candle on the outside. Good riddance.

A couple of tips: Using a bag with a hole cut in one corner is a good way to pour out ritual salt. A very small spoon works, too. If you're using string, tie the ends in three knots and place the knots between the two candles. I've heard of people soaking the string in vinegar, chilli oil, or bug repellent. If you’re working outside on the ground, you can even dig a “moat” in the soil and place your barrier items in there. (Not quick, but plenty dirty!)

The item representing your Helper goes just outside the circle, to your left. (Which would be to your right side if you were standing inside the circle and facing your enemy.)

Take a few deep breaths, and begin. You’ll start in the enemy’s corner, because they’re the one who started all this in the first place. (Right?) This is the black or grey or orange candle outside the circle, the one closest to you.

Light the enemy candle. Staring intently at the candle, say,

“[Enemy], I see you. I’m aware of your [summary of past misdeeds] and will no longer tolerate your garbage. Do as you will, but harm me not.”

Or something similar. It’s not poetry, but you get the idea. Let the words you choose fit the circumstances and your intention for this spell.

Now light the white candle, the one within the circle. As it burns, see the light fill the circle and enflame the protective ring.  If you’re mad, now is the time to get really mad. (This is a Fire working, after all.) Let your anger feed the wall, causing it to rise higher and burn brighter, completely shutting out your enemy. Say,

“My body is my own. My mind is my own. My home is my own. No evil can enter this circle of fire. I see those who would harm me, and I laugh at their frustration! I will succeed despite your best efforts to mess me up!”

Finally, call upon your Helper to amplify and maintain your Fiery Wall. Spend a few minutes praying and meditating on the Helper's power. They're bigger than you, and they've got your back. Here are some example prayers:

"Saint Michael Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray."

“Mighty Warrior Athena, my cause is just. Look on me with favour in this struggle. May I prevail over my enemy who wishes me harm, and may [enemy] grow in wisdom and see the error of his ways.”

“O Fire of the Sun, long may you burn. Thou hearest me not, and yet I raise my voice to the sky that my foe might hear these magick words: F--k off eternally, thou son of a dog and camel.”

Blow out the enemy candle, savouring their withering disappointment at not being able to bother you anymore. Place the Helper item on your altar or somewhere you can see it every day. (If it's an amulet, you can wear it.) Dispose of the candles and other ritual items. Go about your business with a smile.

https://www.groveandgrotto.com/blogs/articles/the-fiery-wall-of-protection

[japanessie]

hi! idk if you've heard oor's new album yet but what do you think abt it?

Hello 😊

Sorry for not replying earlier. I went on a holiday and took a long break from Tumblr.

Kept this one in my draft for a long time just hanging.

I need to make clear that I’m not exactly running an OOR blog though 😁. I do MY FIRST STORY and SWANKY DANK here. I do write about Taka or OOR only when it concerns Hiro or MFS 😊.

Anyway, I’m open to any questions 😁.

My Thoughts on ONE OK ROCK’s Eye Of The Storm

I did listen to the Japanese version of Eye Of The Storm at the listening station when I walked into Tower Records during my vacation.

Here’s the funny thing. To prepare myself for EOTS, I actually got myself to listen to some selected Ariana Grande’s stuff on a daily basis. What better way to adapt myself other than listening to arguably the biggest Pop singer in the world at the moment, right?

© Photo by Japanessie

That ONE OK “POP” thing

To me it IS a Pop album. While some OOR fans took issues with some fans calling the band ONE OK POP, I, on the other hand don’t find it offensive as I am personally not opposed to Pop music as long as it’s done well. I grew up listening to lots of great Pop music. But then, the Pop singers in my formative years were Michael Jackson, George Michael, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston etc. High quality Pop there. The 80s was awesome!

I noticed that the fans who were excited over EOTS tend to be those who like the current Pop music. The ones who enjoy putting KPop idols as their profile photos or the ones who discovered the band from 35XXXV onwards. The old rocker fans generally panned it.

Having said that, I find EOTS to have some fine moments but for the most part, it’s …. hmm ….. vapid.

Generic sound

It does sound like it came out from a “hit factory”. I don’t mean that in a good way though. After listening to EOTS, I went over to another booth listening to Avril Lavigne’s new album. Guess what? The music felt the same.

I’m familiar with how the music industry works in America. It’s always been that way. Besides always separating the “star” from the rest of the group, the record execs would always aim for getting as much airplay as possible and sure sales. Thus, getting the “hitmakers” a.k.a outside songwriters to work with preferably the “star”.

To be fair, I’m guilty of “falling” under the “spell” of the hitmakers from my generation myself. Heaven knows how many songs I had faved that had been written or co-written by Diane Warren, Desmond Child, Robert John “Mutt” Lange, John Shanks etc. Oh, for my Backstreet Boys fangirl side, of course there are Max Martin and Andreas Carlsson LOL.

I totally understand why OOR, particularly Taka, is doing what they are doing BUT my main gripe with today’s music production is it doesn’t allow the individuality of the artist to come through. Things are way too cookie cutter now.

The highs and the duds

The title track Eye Of The Storm is the strongest song on this album to me. I don’t have a problem that this is a Pop album but this song is also the one that belongs to the “Power Pop” category. If you want some traces of what OOR used to be, that spirit is here. Oh, bear in mind, I said “spirit” and not “sound”. I mean, that raging feeling OOR used to exude when they wanted to shout out their hearts’ contents to the world back in the days. THAT spirit. The genre is not Rock but Taka’s vocal delivery on this one can bring back that picture of that energetic band with a shaggy-dog-haired singer who commanded the Livehouse stages like they were stadiums.

Change may not be as strong as Eye Of The Storm but it still belongs in that Power Pop category. Though it became the 1st OOR song ever that made me shake my booty when it was first released as a single, I had been accepting this song as a Pop song from the start that I could enjoy it as it is. Booty and all LOL. It sounds like what Michael Jackson would have approved. Regardless of whether you like MJ or not, I find it to be high quality Pop fitting for the King of Pop himself. Except OOR is performing it instead. For the record, I did buy both versions of Change from iTunes.

Head High is also another song I would put as another high point on EOTS. It’s different from anything they had done before but it still turns out strong.

Push Back is pretty interesting. I can see what their intention is with this one. They wanted their take on that “stomp-your-feet-and-sing-along” song like QUEEN’s Radio Ga Ga or We Will Rock You. The drum beats remind me of Def Leppard, which is a good thing.

Generally I’m not turned on much by most of the songs. Some are OK to listen but my world isn’t really missing a thing if they don’t exist either. Like I said, it’s … hmm… vapid. At least to my ears.

In The Stars is the absolute DUD on this album! This song is the epitome of creativity getting sucked out dry in today’s music scene. Taka is a talented songwriter and in the past, he was often able to come up with hook-laden melodies and soaring choruses that stayed in your head from the first listen. But all that this one does is meandering on and on. This song is the opposite of everything OOR was. Again, the genre isn’t the issue to me but the deteriorating quality of the songwriting is. Seriously?? Listen to that chorus! “Up … up …up”. “Down … down … down … ”. LAME. LAME. LAME. Sorry not sorry.

Thankfully the ending track The Last Time isn’t a dud. After going through more than half of the album, I was a bit apprehensive to go all the way, constantly questioning myself what if this ended on a low note? So grateful that didn’t happen. Thank you for putting this song as the last track. At least, EOTS ended with kind of a bang.

© Photo by Japanessie

EOTS has to rely on Taka’s charisma

The thing is, with the rock genre, each member of a band can have their own place to shine but once you switch to this kind of music, with their instruments getting somewhat surpressed behind all the electronics and effects, Toru, Ryota and Tomoya lost their “instrumentalist voices”. Only Taka’s voice and delivery that are left to somewhat differentiate EOTS from what are already out there.

My Verdict

Not something I’m crazy to spend my money on, at least for now. I think I’ll just pick the few songs I like from iTunes but I’m not in a rush for it either. There are many smaller bands out there producing the kind of music that excites me more and they deserve my support. Having said that, who knows I might soften up later on and pick up a physical copy 😊?

[mllemouse]

tag ask meme

tagged by: @b-blushes ^_^ tyty

nickname: LG 

zodiac: sagittarius

height: 5′6″

last movie i saw: i fell asleep like 20 minutes into impromptu (1992) the other night

favourite musician: i don’t have a definitive fave, but have been loving durutti column for the last few months (actually jk tim minchin is prob my favourite)

song stuck in my head: maniac by michael sembello

do i get asks: nope

other blogs: @yourpapertigers has my nice photos on it

favorite song: thank you god by tim minchin

what am i wearing: charcoal wool pleated trousers, a black silk crewneck blouse

dream job: chief curator

favorite food: ice cream, hand pies, mushroom gnocchi

instruments i play: i haven’t played in a loooooong time, but i can play flute, trumpet, and shitty piano 

last book i read: a tale for the time being by ruth ozeki, which was A M A Z I N G

last song i listened to: you give love a bad name by bon jovi

random fact: fred, my 10-month-old kitten, has a 7 foot vertical jump (he is currently demonstrating this to me)

describe yourself as an aesthetic object: a black fountain pen with a gold nib

I tag: @paperbackist and @wiseandfeisty

[ladyknight1512]

I’ve seen this 5SOS ask meme floating around a few times and I don’t do ask memes but I do love me a questionnaire so I decided to just fill it out, not that anyone else will care.

1. When did you first find out about 5sos?

The first time I remember hearing one of their songs was in 2016, but they didn’t properly come onto my radar until early 2018. I know, I know. I was super late to the party.

2. How did you find out about them?

In February/March of 2018 they were guests on the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show, which I listened to because I liked the host, even though I live on literally the other side of the world. I wasn’t familiar with the band at that point, beyond Want You Back, which had been on the radio pretty much every single day, and which I actually really liked. But hearing their interview made me want to look them up and find out more about them. And now I’m here, 8 months later, filling out a 50-question ask meme because apparently I have nothing better to do with my time.

3. What was the first song you heard by them?

She Looks So Perfect, in 2016.

4. Have you ever seen them live?

Yes, in Melbourne for the Meet You There tour. They were great and I would definitely see them again.

5. Have you ever met any of them?

Nope.

6. Who was your fave when you first started to like them? Are they still your fave now?

Ashton has been my fave from the beginning, and he still is now, but I like them all for their own reasons.

7. What is your favorite 5sos song?

Ghost of You.

8. What are your favorite lyrics?

I’ve got a jet black heart and there’s a hurricane underneath it – Jet Black Heart

9. What is your favorite music video?

I don’t really watch the videos much but I think Valentine is the most creative and visually interesting.

10. What is your favorite cover?

As in, song they’ve covered? No Roots, which they did in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge. I made it my ringtone I love it so much. Their cover of Stay for Spotify is fantastic too, though.

11. What is your favorite album/EP?

Youngblood.

12. What is your favorite bromance?

Probably Cashton.

13. What is your favorite livestream/twitcam/keek/interview /etc?

The Zach Sang interview they did in early 2018 is probably the one I’ve watched the most. It’s actually what turned my vague interest into proper obsession.

14. What is your favorite hair color on Michael?

Most of the colours were before my time but I am partial to his galaxy hair.

15. What is your favorite thing each of them has tweeted?

I don’t have fave tweets, but Ashton’s twitter in general is just a place of positivity and love, and I appreciate that.

16. How many of their albums/EPs do you own?

I own all three albums and various songs from the EPs, but none of the EPs in full.

17. Do you have any 5sos merch?

OMG, yes. Too much, considering I’ve only been a fan for 8 months. I think I’ve got 5 t-shirts, plus one more coming, a long-sleeve, a hoodie, the signed Youngblood litho (which I framed), three other posters (one signed – also framed) and the book. Yes, I bought the book, even though it precedes my time in the fandom by about 4 years. There might be other bits and pieces that I’ve forgotten about, but you get the gist.

18. Do you have any 5sos posters on your walls?

Yes, four. See above.

19. When they come on in the car/store/etc, what do you do?

I’ve never heard them in stores, but when they come on the radio I always cheer and get stupidly excited.

20. Who in the band do you think you’re most like and why?

Probably Michael. He likes cats, he’s a gamer, he seems more introverted than the others – all things that I definitely relate to.

21. Who do you think you’d get along with the most? What about the least?

I think Michael is either the one I’d get along with the best or the least. We’d either be too similar in a good way or a bad way.

22. If you could ask them each one question right now, what would you ask?

I’d like to ask Luke if he thinks he was too young when he got into all this. Personally I think he was, and I think we’ve seen the consequences of that, but I’d like to hear his thoughts on it.

I’d probably ask Ashton what his favourite cocktail is.

I’d probably ask Michael something gaming related.

I’m not sure what I’d ask Calum. He’s always been the one I relate to the least, so he’s a bit of an enigma to me.

23. What was you first impression of each of them?

I thought they were all generally pretty funny, but I actually thought at first that Ashton and Michael didn’t like each other. I think I just got a string of interviews and appearances where Ashton was particularly talkative and Michael was particularly quiet, and there seemed to be a lack of eye contact between them. I’ve since watched all these interviews again and I definitely see them differently and I pick up on more of the subtext now, but I was kind of confused initially.

24. How do you feel about the blonde in Calum’s hair?

Again, before my time, but I’m pretty indifferent.

25. How do you feel about the length of Ashton’s hair?

I prefer it short and I love the curls, but whatever he’s happy with is fine with me.

26. If you were trapped on a deserted island and could only bring one member with you, who would it be and why?

Probably Ashton. He seems like he’s got a good head on his shoulders, so he could potentially do something about getting us off the island, but he also likes to have a good time, so I think he could make our time there enjoyable, even as I was growing more and more dehydrated and sunburnt.

27. If you could switch everyone’s instruments, who would play what?

I love Ashton on guitar. It just does something to me. Also, that video of him on guitar when they did Teenage Dream? That was so cute? He was bouncing all over the stage, having the time of his life.

As for the others: Luke on bass, Michael on drums and I guess that leaves Calum with the other guitar.

28. Which Don’t Stop superhero would you prefer to be rescued by and why?

They all look pretty horrendous, but I think I’d laugh the least if I was in a bind and Mike-Ro-Wave showed up.

29. What is one song you really want the band to do a cover of?

I’d love them to do a country song with Ash on vocals, but that’s the most I’ve thought about it.

30. If you had 48 hours with your fave what would you guys do?

Oh god, I don’t know. It would definitely involve Ash and an acoustic guitar. I think I’d really just like him to take me to all his favourite places in LA and hang out with him and listen to him talk. I reckon 48 hours with Ashton would be the most fun and exhausting and exhilarating 48 hours of my life, but I’d be up for it.

31. If your fave were to propose to you right now, would you say yes? How would you want him to do it?

Well, it would depend on if this proposal were just out of the blue or if we’d been in some kind of serious relationship first. If the latter, then yes, probably. As for how: I feel like Ashton is the kind of person who would either go really big, super over the top with a proposal, or be really, really low key and just kind of ask at home while you’re doing something really normal and boring. Either would be fine with me.

32. If you could rename the band, what would you name them?

Luke and the Penguins? That’s literally the first thing I thought of. I’ve never thought about this before in my life. Seriously, though, I like that they seem to have embraced ‘5SOS’ as an identity, rather than just an abbreviation. ‘5 Seconds of Summer’ feels very much of its time and feels out of place in the current music world. ‘5SOS’ feels more true to who they are now.

33. What is your favorite thing about each of them?

I love the tongue thing Luke does. You know what I’m talking about.

I love Ashton’s sense of humour and his passion.

I love how Calum thinks Ashton is the funniest person alive.

I love how excited Michael gets about really nerdy things.

34. If you could change one thing about each of them what would you change?

I’d change Calum’s smoking habit, because it’s unhealthy and I worry for him, but other than that I wouldn’t change anything. They are who they are because of the choices they’ve made, good and bad.

35. What 5 words would you use to describe each of them?

Ashton: funny, passionate, driven, focused, storyteller

Luke: rockstar, vulnerable, electric, dorky, angel

Michael: adorable, quiet, genuine, caring, sweet

Calum: underrated (musically), solid, reliable, thoughtful, dedicated

36. If you could be the lead role in any 5sos music video, existing or not, what song would it be for?

Maybe Talk Fast?

37. If you could steal one thing from each of them (clothes, hats, etc) what would you take?

Ashton’s leather jacket, Luke’s black boots, Calum’s green hoodie and Michael’s necklace (that really long one he always wears).

38. If you were sharing headphones with your fave what song would you put on first?

Worry ‘Bout Nothin’ by Keith Urban.

39. Would you rather meet 4/4 but never get to see them live or see them live but never get to meet any of them?

See them live but never meet them. I’ve only been to one of their shows, but it was amazing and so fun. Plus, if I met them they’d forget about me pretty quickly because they meet fans all the time. If I can’t be special enough to remember, I’d rather have the full experience of a show than a quick hug and photo.

40. Would you rather catch Luke’s guitar pick or Ashton’s drum stick?

I’m an Ashton girl so definitely the drum stick.

41. Would you rather never be able to sing one of their songs again or never watch any of their music videos again?

Never watch their music videos. I don’t watch them much anyway, and half the fun of loving a band is getting to sing along. Honestly, one of the moments I’ve ever felt most alive was singing along to Jet Black Heart with thousands of other people at the MYT show.

42. Would you rather be brought on stage for an entire song or meet only 2 of them in public?

Probably meet 2 of them in public? I think I’d feel super awkward being on stage for an entire song. Everyone would be staring! I wouldn’t know what to do with my hands! Plus Ash would be behind the drums on stage and, therefore, unreachable. At least in public I’ve got a chance for a hug.

43. Would you rather play video games with Michael or go on a road trip with Ashton?

That’s super hard, because I’m a gamer but Ash is my fave. Hmmm… Probably road trip with Ashton, because that’s not something I would normally do anyway, and there would be plenty of time for talking and rocking out to whatever playlist he loads up.

44. Would you rather have Calum give you a tattoo or Luke give you a haircut?

I have more faith in Calum’s tattooing skills than Luke’s haircutting skills, so let’s go with the tattoo.

45. Would you rather date your fave but have the others dislike you or be friends with all of them but not be able to date/hookup with/kiss any of them?

Be friends with all of them. Definitely. I’m not sure dating them would be much fun anyway, in reality. They’d always be gone or going away. And they just seem like the kind of people you would want to be friends with.

46. Would you rather sing a duet with Luke or write a song with Calum?

Sing with Luke. More fun. Plus I’m already getting that tattoo from Calum.

47. Would you rather go to the fair with Malum or go stargazing with Lashton?

Stargazing with Lashton.

48. Would you rather touch Calum’s butt or Ashton’s biceps?

Ashton’s biceps. I am a girl who loves a nice set of arms, and Ashton’s are very nice.

49. Would you rather get high with Michael or drunk with Calum?

Drunk with Calum, but only because I’m not into taking drugs.

50. Would you rather have Luke give you his 'You Complete Mess' shirt or have Michael give you his denim jacket?

Michael’s denim jacket.

[helheimawaitsyou]

What’s your favorite game?

Thank you for your question!! My favorite game right now is definitely Horizon Zero Dawn. It was the reason why I joined tumblr first with my hzd blog, later with this personal one. I love the characters in the game and that it has a strong female lead role. It was the first game I played after switching to PS4 Pro a year ago and it was kinda the same feeling like when I bought a new TV years ago and played Uncharted: Drakes Fortune for the first time :oo. It was really amazing and I love the game. I’m a fan of the story, the imo very good sound design and of course the photo mode. I guess all the videos and photos I took of HZD take up more space than the game itself which is around 50 GB xDBut I want to share some of my ‘old fave’ games too, since Horizon Zero Dawn is pretty new. I bought a PS2 when I was 10 or 11 yo and only played racing games at that time. Need for Speed: Underground was my first favorite game I remember. I played it a lot.. alone, with friends, with my mom :D I’m still into motorsport and like tuned cars. All these interests came from playing that game.The second memorable game which I called my fave was Assassin’s Creed. I was blown away by the concept of Open-World (never played such games before) and it’s still my fave AC game. It opened new doors to all the great genres I play today besides racing games and shooters (not play them anymore besides a few titles). The next game I fell in love with was Uncharted: Drakes Fortune and it’s beautiful story-telling and characters. Only Uncharted: Among Thieves could top that and it did. I haven’t played Uncharted 4 yet - Among Thieves is still my fave Uncharted game. Between Uncharted 1 and 2 I played Mirror’s Edge and it became and still is my kinda fave secret game. I don’t know why because as we know Mirror’s Edge isn’t a groundbreaking good game but I like it very much. Before I changed my icons/avatars and nicknames for social media sites or gaming related stuff to HZD ones, it was Mirror’s Edge everywhere :D In 2012 my favorite shooter and fave game at that time Far Cry 3 released. It probably will be my fave shooter forever (maybe but only Cyberpunk 2077 in the future). And then there is Vaas played by Michael Mando. Yeeeees!! Far Cry 3 Classic Edition just released and I will play it after my exams. Prepare for some FC3 content, haha. After Uncharted 2 Naughty Dog didn’t stop there but The Last of Us became my ‘next’ fave game and I’m looking forward to TLoU Part II. I bought the standard PS4 together with Destiny and liked it for a while until Bungie + Activision fucked it up but it never became one of my fave games. I’ve never completed Witcher 3 (aaargh) but it’s also one of my fave games. Quite easy to tell since I also own a Witcher shirt *cough* :D Life Is Strange is and probably will be my favorite Indie game for a long time. I also like Journey and think it is the most beautiful indie game out there. My current psn avatar is Chloe from Life Is Strange, haha. After that Horizon Zero Dawn released. I bought it a few months after release because I wasn’t that interested when they showed it at E3 and stuff (funny looking back to this since I love HZD now :) and that’s pretty much all the games that were my ‘fave’ game for a while. It’s tough to compete against HZD, but let’s just say there are TLoU Part II and of course Cyberpunk 2077 in the future and I’m looking forward to these games :)

[theseadagiodays]

April 13, 2020

Interstices

Definition: an intervening time or space

Synonym: Aperture - an opening or gap

Gap - a space or pause between two things

Pause - a suspension of movement or activity

Space - a continuous area or expanse which is free and available

Whether our rhythms have slowed or accelerated in this moment, we all currently sit at an interstices.  A place in time between what came before and what comes next.  An uncomfortable spot for most of us, because humans habitually seek certainty.  But this time is also an opening, an opportunity where we can be free to explore new ways of being.  A time to suspend old habits, and invite shifts in perspective.  In some schools of Buddishm, they have a term for such in-between times.  “Bardo is an intermediate, transitional, or liminal state between death andrebirth.  A state of great potential for liberation, since transcendental insight may arise with the direct experience of reality” Wikipedia

But most of us resist making space in our schedules because it gives too much room to look at the bold truth of our lives.  Like the clear expanse of a mirror, this time is revealing much that we need to remember, but also much that we don’t want to see.  The decreased GHG’s from limited transport have clarified our skies and caused animals to rapidly return where humans had previously dominated.  The gardens we’d neglected are being tenderly tilled.  And the friends we’d forgotten for decades are reaching out to reminisce.  But the work that does not feed our souls, or the incessant self-deprecating thoughts, or the spouse who irritates us (speaking generally of course), or the wallpaper we regret having bought, all glare us in the face daily and force us to reflect on our real priorities and desires.  However, all at once, this can be too much for us to take in.

I remember a Vancouver talk, on my birthday in 1998, where the Tibetan monk, Chogyam Trungpa said it amazed him “how much North Americans busied their lives so as not to know themselves”.    If this is true, it strikes me that in order to assuage our fears about looking at the skeletons in our own empty closets, perhaps we can try to look at space entirely differently.

In music, space or silence can be incredibly potent.  Violinist, Isaac Stern describes music itself as “that little bit between each note—the silences which give the music form.”  One of my favorite composers, Arvo Part is a master of silence.  The pauses in many of his halting melodies require the listener to become an active participant - to fill the space with their own interpretations,  just as we can do during this time.   His Psalom for strings is a mesmerizing example of such writing.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-Ssbik_dmY

Visual artists have also created substantive beauty from negative space. The images below play with absence and presence, illustrating that our perception can entirely shape what we choose to see.  Similarly, if we can stretch our understanding of what is currently missing from our lives to recognize the space this allows for other things to present themselves, it may fortify our patience and acceptance with the way things are.

But if none of this brings solace during challenging times, and we still need to cling to hope, we can remember that, invariably, after rest always comes activity.  Bamboo is a prime example of this, as noted in this proverb about the slow but mighty grower, “the first year it sleeps, the second year it creeps, the third year it leaps.”

So, if we emerge from COVID anything like North America emerged from the 1918 flu epidemic, maybe we can finally look forward to an era where flapper dresses come back.  I know that I’d personally find the next Roaring Twenties a welcomed resurgence.  

April 14, 2020

Finding Stillness in Uncertainty

For hours last Tuesday, in a persistent drizzle and strong wind, I wandered my neighborhood aimlessly with a broken umbrella, mourning the shut restaurants, scared faces, and unhugged friends I hadn’t seen in weeks.

But today, the air is still and warm, and the scent of pregnant magnolias saturate my senses while I bathe in birdsong.  

Photo by my friend Cheryl’s 12-year-old son, Noah

Such is the mercurial nature of life in this pandemic.  Still, as best I can, I try to walk my talk.  Be the master of my own attitude.  Contribute where I can.  Live mindfully and gratefully.  But some days this is much harder than others.  However lately, Vancouver’s unseasonable summer weather has made this infinitely easier.  As someone who suffers from seasonal effective disorder, and who’s had a love/hate affair with my rainy though lush city, it makes me realize how important it is to find conditions condusive for optimal living. With the improved weather and a large park right behind my home, I am enticed to greet each morning with a slow, present-minded walk.  A moving meditation.  

I have also been grateful for the opportunity to lead weekly guided meditations for my husband’s work team.  His colleagues are front-line workers of a different sort.  They run our local transit system which is still critically needed by those who must continue to work in public settings, or who do not have the privilege of their own vehicle.  But with covid-fear and enforced social distancing measures, Translink is losing $3 million a day in ridership fees.  So, they are under enormous stress to adjust their service plans, make difficult decisions about lay-offs, and continue to try and plan for a very uncertain future.   However, it heartens me to know that people who find themselves even more work-burdened during this crisis still recognize the need to slow down, even for brief moments, in order to be more productive later. So, I thought I’d share a recording of one of these sessions, which people can follow at home.  It is less than 15 minutes long, just short enough to carve out of any day but still possible to dramatically alter your nervous system.

https://youtu.be/x2fjRvBB6x0

And finally, this poem by Martha Postelwaite speaks to the gifts stillness can bring.

Do not try to save the whole world or do anything grandiose. Instead, create a clearing in the dense forest of your life and wait there patiently, until the song that is your life falls into your own cupped hands and you recognize and greet it. Only then will you know how to give yourself to this world so worth of rescue.                       -   Martha Postlewaite

April 15, 2020

Timely Artists’ Responses

I am normally a minimal social media user.  However, ironically, my Facebook and Instagram feeds have been my saving grace during this period.  This is probably helped by the fact that, over the years, rather than racing to accumulate friends, I have mostly only followed those people in my life who I trust to direct me to moments of grace and beauty.   Consequently, many of the links in this blog have come from my own community of thoughtful, kindness-oriented, arts-minded friends and family to whom I’m hugely grateful.

Some of my friends are the actual creators of these daily doses of inspiration.  Like my Toronto-based buddy, Lorne Bridgman (https://lornebridgman.com), whose in-demand work has graced the covers of En Route (Air Canada’s in-flight magazine), Monocle, and Travel & Leisure.  (A coup for us, since way back in 1997, we were probably the only people who ever landed him as a wedding photographer). Fittingly, his stirring nighttime images of abandoned playgrounds during the pandemic tell a very powerful story.

I have been keeping my own mental ledger of these “never before corona” scenes (like our yellow-taped playgrounds) which I observe every day.  The most striking of these I captured with my iphone just yesterday.  These four beachcombers appear to be metred-out models of social distancing with their perfectly proportioned pose.

Artists the world round are similarly documenting this time through a variety of expressive mediums.  Below, are a few of the most creative that I’ve discovered so far.

The New York Times delivers again, with 17 Artists Capture a Surreal NY from their Windows

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/04/16/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc-illustrators-window.html?action=click&module=Editors%20Picks&pgtype=Homepage

Katherine Lam, Queens, NY

Or this Beijing-based British map artist, who instead of his elaborate filligried-illustrations of sprawling urban areas, now maps what’s between his four walls.

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/gareth-fuller-maps-coronavirus-quarantine/index.html

Globally, graphic designers have also used their talents to advocate, provoke, or amuse: https://www.dezeen.com/2020/03/18/coronavirus-covid-19-graphic-design-illustration/?fbclid=IwAR3bUYBwSkCtlj_yhlDkvUtGOFBDBJGMYXiDl3do74Gqm4JdHbkxTET48H8

Oliver Jeffers, beloved Irish children’s author and illustrator

And for 80’s kids like me, this new release, No Time to Love Like Now, from an old fave, REM’s Michael Stype, sends a sparsely-layered musical message from his home studio that feels highly appropriate for the times:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=MYgpEcXf2S4&feature=emb_logo

Finally, as I’ve stretched my social-media muscles, I confess that I’ve even ventured to Twitter and Tik Tok at times.  Most of us over-30 have probably been oblivious to the phenomena of social-media influencers, like the 15-year-old "reigning queen of TikTok", Charli D’Amelio, whose whether-you-like-it-or-not, down-to-earth appeal and smooth moves have charmed 48 million followers! But, as vacuous as many of her make-up tutorials have been, she is now using her reach for good with her originally choreographed Distance Dance which, for everyone who posts their own #distancedance video, will trigger Proctor & Gamble to donate to one of a variety of non-profits feeding those most vulnerable and hit hard by the virus.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS6913bBVek

April 16, 2020

Home Cooking

I truly believe that we all have an “inner artist” if we just find ways to tap it.  But it saddens me to hear how quickly many people say they have “no talent”.  Creativity is not magic.  It’s what humans have harnessed since time immorial to survive, adapt, and thrive.  Creativity also increases exponentially when there are constraints on our resources. The elegance of a haiku is a pure example of this.  Limited to just 5, 7, & 5 syllables per line, this simple container lends itself to essential and beautiful nuggets of expression accessible to all.  Here’s a timely one from the #quarantinehaikus project that I mentioned earlier:

I’m in quarantine But all my ideas are not. This month, they happen.

Similarly, another creative pursuit that has most given humans a window into their own creativity is the culinary arts.  Sure, for some their adventures as gourmands consist of little more than ramen, canned tuna, a boiled egg and Dijon mustard for a pantry version of Julia Child’s Salad Nicoise.  But quarantined living is certainly inspiring more imagination in the kitchen than usual. Though this expression may be overused, “necessity is the mother of invention” has perhaps never been more universally true.  However, if you’re trying to limit your grocery trips to once per week, and your mind happens to draw a blank when you open your cupboard, here are dozens of recipes that you can try with what you might likely already have on hand:

https://cooking.nytimes.com/topics/self-quarantine-recipes

My own constant culinary muse is my great friend, Belkis, whose Instagram page, Epicurious Travelista (below) is a visual and delectable treat.  Most of her images include recipes.  And while they might look elaborate, and sometimes indeed they are (this is a woman unafraid of churning her own butter, or making her own tortillas from scratch), her resourceful Honduran roots influence many exquisite meals that she makes from only a few simple ingredients.  So, for those wanting to spread their chef’s wings a bit wider, you can check out her page here:

https://www.instagram.com/epicurious_travelista/

April 15, 2020

Zoom Masters

Of course, Zoom has been the victor and the enemy in this digitally-dependent time, both allowing multi-generational families to share seders, while at the same time stealing private details from citizens.  But one can not deny that the extent to which people have exploited this format for good has been inspiring.  I’m biased towards the musical collaborations that the format has spawned.  But don’t be fooled.  This technology, designed for one-speaker-at-a-time, does not render performances like the one below, easily.  Each frame has to be recorded separately (with consistent click tracks, to keep everyone in time), and then carefully edited together in post-production. These are highly stylized efforts. And this one takes it to another level with its choreographic complexity.  So, while I wish everyone to have a weekend where they can Get Down, Stay Down, here’s a treat to enjoy:

https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/8/21213608/coronavirus-zoom-music-video-thao-and-the-get-down-stay-down?fbclid=IwAR3PIGg8lcGMLgQrJGISDcjrRbcy3eQG2XI-sqbc-BOGs5f8s5PNRPf54H4

[anamorales]

Favorite Peloton instructors

Hi friends! I hope you’re having a wonderful morning so far and staying safe and healthy with everything going on. We’re into our second week of self-isolating over here and I’m just trying to keep the kiddos busy and happy in between catching up with work stuff when I get the chance. We’re taking it day by day, and while it’s certainly a time of stress and unknown, I’m trying to focus on the positive things for the girls’ sake and for my sanity.

We’ve been going on walks or to the soccer field once or twice a day for fresh air and it’s been lovely.

Something on my gratitude list: seeing all of these incredible resources and gifts that everyone is sharing online. Each day, I get to pick what activities to do with the kids based on live events that are streaming and work out with beloved studios. It’s also become apparent how much we truly need the arts for quality of life. Music, art, and theatre has really brought me comfort in these crazy times.

My Favorite Peloton Instructors

It’s been so awesome to see different fitness brands offering discounts and freebies for their apps. Since Peloton is currently offering 90 days free, I thought I’d share my favorite instructors! I’ve been using the app for almost three years now (and have had the bike for a year and a half) and it’s become a regular part of my fitness routine. While I gravitate towards the cycling classes, they also have awesome running, yoga, bootcamp, and meditation classes.

Peloton Instructors Ranked

Cody photo source

I’ve taken class from pretty much everyone and Cody remains my #1 fave. He has such an incredible positive energy, he dances on the bike, his catch phrases are amazing, and I like when he calls everyone, “Boo.” His classes aren’t the most challenging, but I gravitate to him because his classes always make me laugh at least once and he truly makes exercise fun. The Live DJ classes with John Michael are #1.

Robin photo source

I feel like Robin is truly living her purpose by working for Peloton. She’s a lawyer and ended up quitting her job in the legal field to teach. I feel inspired that she took such a huge leap for her wellbeing and happiness, and in the process, she’s been able to touch and positively impact so many people. She is the perfect mix of tough and motivational, and a very effective instructor. I feel like I take her classes equally to get a workout from her and also to learn ways to be a better instructor myself. My fave Robin classes: the 45-minute Tabata classes.

Ally photo source

Whenever I take class with Aly, it’s almost like a spiritual experience. She always drops a mantra or bit of wisdom and I take it with me for the rest of the day. She mixes up her playlists with older and more current music and I always enjoy her classes. Which class to take? Sundays with Love.

Denis photo source

Ok so I have to admit I have a little bit of a crush on Denis. He’s SO nice and soooooo good-looking. Sorry not even sorry lol. His playlists are more rock-focused, which I think is a nice way to switch things up and always make me work a bit harder. Favorite Denis classes: any of his 30-minute themed music rides and I also love his yoga classes.

Alex photo source

Alex is amaaaaazing. Whenever I hit a new PR, it’s usually with an Alex or Ally ride. He creates a club vibe in his classes and has such a powerful energy. He encourages me to push myself and I love his playlists. Try the Club Bangers or Tabata rides!

I also love Emma and Olivia’s classes.

So, tell me friends: are you a Peloton fan? Who’s your favorite instructor?

Are there any fave local instructors offering streaming classes right now? Feel free to shout them out in the comments! xoxo

Gina

More Peloton posts:

The Peloton app

Is the Peloton bike worth the money?

How to combine Peloton with other workouts

How to PR on your Peloton bike

The post Favorite Peloton instructors appeared first on The Fitnessista.

Favorite Peloton instructors published first on https://immigrationways.tumblr.com/

[jonasmaurer]

Favorite Peloton instructors

Hi friends! I hope you’re having a wonderful morning so far and staying safe and healthy with everything going on. We’re into our second week of self-isolating over here and I’m just trying to keep the kiddos busy and happy in between catching up with work stuff when I get the chance. We’re taking it day by day, and while it’s certainly a time of stress and unknown, I’m trying to focus on the positive things for the girls’ sake and for my sanity.

We’ve been going on walks or to the soccer field once or twice a day for fresh air and it’s been lovely.

Something on my gratitude list: seeing all of these incredible resources and gifts that everyone is sharing online. Each day, I get to pick what activities to do with the kids based on live events that are streaming and work out with beloved studios. It’s also become apparent how much we truly need the arts for quality of life. Music, art, and theatre has really brought me comfort in these crazy times.

My Favorite Peloton Instructors

It’s been so awesome to see different fitness brands offering discounts and freebies for their apps. Since Peloton is currently offering 90 days free, I thought I’d share my favorite instructors! I’ve been using the app for almost three years now (and have had the bike for a year and a half) and it’s become a regular part of my fitness routine. While I gravitate towards the cycling classes, they also have awesome running, yoga, bootcamp, and meditation classes.

Peloton Instructors Ranked

Cody photo source

I’ve taken class from pretty much everyone and Cody remains my #1 fave. He has such an incredible positive energy, he dances on the bike, his catch phrases are amazing, and I like when he calls everyone, “Boo.” His classes aren’t the most challenging, but I gravitate to him because his classes always make me laugh at least once and he truly makes exercise fun. The Live DJ classes with John Michael are #1.

Robin photo source

I feel like Robin is truly living her purpose by working for Peloton. She’s a lawyer and ended up quitting her job in the legal field to teach. I feel inspired that she took such a huge leap for her wellbeing and happiness, and in the process, she’s been able to touch and positively impact so many people. She is the perfect mix of tough and motivational, and a very effective instructor. I feel like I take her classes equally to get a workout from her and also to learn ways to be a better instructor myself. My fave Robin classes: the 45-minute Tabata classes.

Ally photo source

Whenever I take class with Aly, it’s almost like a spiritual experience. She always drops a mantra or bit of wisdom and I take it with me for the rest of the day. She mixes up her playlists with older and more current music and I always enjoy her classes. Which class to take? Sundays with Love.

Denis photo source

Ok so I have to admit I have a little bit of a crush on Denis. He’s SO nice and soooooo good-looking. Sorry not even sorry lol. His playlists are more rock-focused, which I think is a nice way to switch things up and always make me work a bit harder. Favorite Denis classes: any of his 30-minute themed music rides and I also love his yoga classes.

Alex photo source

Alex is amaaaaazing. Whenever I hit a new PR, it’s usually with an Alex or Ally ride. He creates a club vibe in his classes and has such a powerful energy. He encourages me to push myself and I love his playlists. Try the Club Bangers or Tabata rides!

I also love Emma and Olivia’s classes.

So, tell me friends: are you a Peloton fan? Who’s your favorite instructor?

Are there any fave local instructors offering streaming classes right now? Feel free to shout them out in the comments! xoxo

Gina

More Peloton posts:

The Peloton app

Is the Peloton bike worth the money?

How to combine Peloton with other workouts

How to PR on your Peloton bike

The post Favorite Peloton instructors appeared first on The Fitnessista.

Favorite Peloton instructors published first on https://olimpsportnutritionde.tumblr.com/

[womenofcolor15]

The Fashion Flex At Harper's Bazaar's ICON Party Was REAL - Zendaya, Janelle Monae, Tiffany Haddish, Normani, Kehlani & YG & More!

No fights this year! Just fashion. See looks from Zendaya, Janelle Monae, Tiffany Haddish, Normani, Kehlani and more at Harper's Bazaar's NYFW Party inside...

Harper's Bazaar ICONS party during New York Fashion Week went down without any shoe throwing antics like last year. This year was all about fashion and celebs in attendance really came through with the over-the-top lewks to celebrate the most stylish time of year.

Ditching the usual gown for a red carpet affair, “Euphoria” star Zendaya played up the androgynous vibes, rocking a charcoal grey Berluti printed suit with a tie and black Christian Louboutin pumps with tights to the event. Oh, and get this…

The power suit is from the menswear brand's Winter 2019 collection. So yes, chick can rock menswear just as fierce as she can women’s clothes.

Singer Janelle Monae loves a party look and she always executes her looks stylishly. The Dirty Computer singer hit the carpet in a frilly Alexandre Vauthier couture mini dress with a satin bow ties. She completed her look with sparkly booties, a mini clutch and crystal hairpins to keep her braided ponytail in tact.

The award winning actress brought her WONDALAND crew along with her.

After slaying her performance at this year's MTV Video Music Awards, Normani made her way to the biggest fashion party of the year.

The former Fifth Harmony singer served up thigh action in a couture netted one-shoulder Rami Kai dress that featured a yellow bustier bodysuit. Her hair and makeup was on point rounding out her ensemble.

Tiffany Haddish is never scared to step outside of the box in the name of fashion even if It lands her a spot on the Worst Dressed list. “The Last O.G.” star rolled up to the party in a bridal-like Karen Sabag dress. And well, it’s not our fave.

The Night School actress provided an update on her good friend Kevin Hart following his serious car crash last week.

"He's OK. He's doing fine," Tiffany told Entertainment Tonight during the bash. "As far as I know, from the last I heard, he's fine."

She said he's already making strides in his recovering, revealing, "He's already walking. He's good."

Glad to hear!

Well, show off then Winnie Harlow. The Victoria Secret's model did NOT disappoint in this Zac Posen concotion.

Model Slick Woods, who's currently starring on "Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood," showed off her love for fashion in a green Rami Kadi gown. We feelin' it?

"Orange Is The New Black" star Dascha Polanco posed it up in a Bronx and Banco gun-metal dress topped with a feathered hat.

Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys kept it simple in a Mugle LBD paired with coral sandals for a pop of color on the carpet. The singer - who's featured on the September/ICONS issue of Harper's Bazaar - was tapped to perform at this year's celebration.

New couple Kehlani and YG solidified their coupledom status, making their first red carpet appearance together at the ICONS party during NYFW.

The singer rocked a red Michael Cinco feathered ball gown that looked very similar to the Dolce & Gabbana gown Cardi B wore last year.

The new couple was all smiles in a photo-op with "Power" star Joseph Sikora.

Kehlani also nabbed a cute flick with Normani.

Speaking of couples...

Rapper Quavo got cutesy with his girlfriend Saweetie - styled in a cut-out Roberto Cavalli dress - on the carpet.

Can't front - she looks good.

"Claws" actress Karrueche - who was rumored to be dating Quavo a few years ago - rolled up on the scene with her fashion lover boyfriend/former NFL star Victor Cruz.

They were spotted getting kissy as well.  So cute!

"The Vampire Diaries" actress Kat Graham was all about peek-a-boo skin in this black Farhad Re couture gown.

Victoria's Secret model Cindy Bruna also wore Farhad Re couture at the event, showing off those A1 legs of hers.

Oh, hey Little Red Riding Hood! Model Halima Aden - who became the first model to rock a hijab & burkini on the cover of Sport's Illustrated's swimsuit edition - posed it up in a satin Phuong My hooded coat.

Lionel Richie's daughter Sofia Richie - who celebrated her 21st birthday last month with her boyfriend Scott Disick - sparkled all over the carpet in a LaBourjoisi two piece.

Model Jasmine Sanders - the ex-girlfriend of TV personality Terrence J -  put her best model foot forward in a pink Nedo dress with a Giuseppe Zanotti clutch and Christian Louboutin shoes.

Transgender activist Janet Mock never disappoints! Sis killed this Prada look.

Model Jasmine Tookes wore a white one-shouldered, high slit Paule Ka dress.

Fab model chick Alek Wek worked this colorful number accessorized with Cartier jewelry.

Model Joan Smalls worked the carpet in a Tom Ford dress with Messika jewelry, posing it up alongside her model friends Candice Swanepoel and Doutzen Kroes.

  Fab & fun times!

  Photos: Getty

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