#rhoda's real life

[beautification-tales]

Rhoda vs. Stella

As Rhoda sat in front of her small television set, the news anchor's voice droned on and on about the heroic feats from the amazing Stella. She'd saved a bunch of people from a collapsing building, apparently. Rhoda couldn't help but let out a little sigh. "Another day, another news segment all about Stella," she muttered to herself, her voice barely audible even to her own ears. The room was dark and dank, the only light filtering in through the curtain-covered window, and the air smelled stale, like old socks and cheap perfume. It was the kind of place you'd expect to find a character in a particularly depressing Russian novel, not a twenty-seven-year-old woman like Rhoda.

She flipped through the channels, hoping to find something else to watch, anything else, but it was as if Stella had taken over the entire television network. Every channel was showing replays of her latest heroic exploits, interviews with people who had met her, or experts discussing her superpowers. Rhoda scowled, growing increasingly frustrated. "Come on," she grumbled, "there's got to be something else going on in the world besides that self-centered brat."

Just then, the news anchor switched to a live feed from the scene of the rescue. There was the Superheroine Stella herself, perched atop a pile of rubble, a group of grateful citizens crowding around her. Beside her, an attractive male witness was raving about how beautiful she was, how her every move was grace under pressure, how she'd saved his life and the lives of countless others. The camera lingered on her perfect features, her sculpted physique, her glowing skin. Rhoda gritted her teeth, feeling a familiar mix of anger and envy rise up inside her.

As the male witness continued to gush, Stella winked at him coyly before taking flight, soaring effortlessly into the sky, leaving the stunned crowd in her wake. Rhoda turned off the television, unable to stand another second of the nauseating spectacle. She rose from the dusty old couch, stretching her stiff limbs, and glanced around the room, taking in the clutter and the peeling paint. There was a time when she'd thought this was all she'd ever have, but now, hearing about Stella everyday just made her feel worse.

With a sigh, she headed down the narrow hallway to the bathroom, her movements listless and slow. As she reached the bathroom door, she paused, taking a deep breath and steeling herself. She hated the bathroom, with its small, dingy mirror and its drab, institutional colors. It made her feel even more invisible than she already did. But there was no avoiding it; she needed to wash her face.

Rhoda splashed her face with cold water, trying to wake herself up. She scrubbed her face vigorously, wishing she could scrub away the feelings of inadequacy and self-pity that seemed to cling to her like a second skin. Finally, she reached up and put on her glasses, taking a step back to survey herself in the mirror. Her short brown hair looked dull, her face framed by the round, wire-rimmed spectacles. She looked... ordinary.

Her thoughts drifted back to Tim, her cute coworker at the local coffee shop. They'd worked together for over a year now, and she'd been harboring a secret crush on him for almost as long. He was tall and handsome, with a killer smile and a witty sense of humor. He was always nice to her, but she suspected he didn't see her as anything more than a friend. It didn't help that every time she'd tried to make a move, she'd chickened out at the last minute, leaving her feeling even more pathetic than usual.

"You're just jealous," she muttered to herself, trying to convince herself it was true. Maybe she could learn to be more like Stella, to be more confident, more outgoing. Maybe then Tim would notice her. But then again, maybe that wasn't such a good idea. After all, Stella was a superhero, not a real person. It was one thing to admire her from afar, but trying to emulate her was setting herself up for disappointment.

She sighed, running her hands through her damp hair. There had to be another way. Maybe if she could find some kind of outlet for her own unique talents, something that made her feel special. Something that didn't involve trying to be someone she wasn't. She glanced back at the mirror, hoping for some sort of inspiration, some glimmer of an idea. But all she saw was her own reflection, looking back at her with tired, resigned eyes.

And then, suddenly, there she was. Stella. Not the news anchor, not the image on the television screen, but the real Stella, standing beside her in the mirror. Her perfect features were marred by a frown, and there was a curious expression in her eyes. "Why are you so jealous of me?" she asked softly.

Rhoda started, then turned to face Stella. "I'm not jealous," she said defensively. "I just wish people would see me for who I am, not just some stupid superhero."

Stella raised an eyebrow. "And who do you think you are?" she asked, her voice soft but steady. "You're just a shy quiet invisible girl. You can’t possibly compete with me. And maybe people would notice you if you weren’t so pathetic."

Rhoda felt a sting of hurt at Stella's words, but she knew there was some truth to them. She took a deep breath and tried to steady her voice. "I know I'm not perfect," she said, "but I have my own strengths. I can be kind, and caring, and I'm good at my job. I just wish people would see that."

Stella studied her for a moment before speaking. "You know what they say about nice girls?" she asked quietly. "They finish last. You have to stand up for yourself, Rhoda. You can't keep playing the victim, waiting for someone to notice you. You saw the news! Everyone is talking about me…about us!”

Rhoda felt a spark of anger ignite in her chest. "Us?" she asked incredulously. "You mean me and you? I'm not like you, Stella. I don't have powers. I don’t wear a white leotard.I'm just an ordinary girl trying to make her way through life."

Stella stepped closer, her expression softening. "But you do have a power, Rhoda. You have the power to make a difference. You have the power to choose how you want to use your gifts. You could be me, using your abilities to help people. Or you could keep hiding behind your glasses and your shyness, content to be invisible."

Rhoda felt her resolve wavering. She knew that Stella was right, that she did have a choice. But it was so much easier to just go along with things, to be the quiet one in the background. "I don't know if I could ever be like you," she admitted, her voice barely audible. "I mean, did you see how you flirted with that guy on the news?”

Stella smiled, a small, wistful expression. "Yes, I did," she replied. "And I enjoyed it. I like having the power to make men swoon.” Stella flexed her right arm bicep triumphantly. “You’re such a prude Rhoda. Did you see how tall he was? Did you see how… big he was?”

Rhoda felt her cheeks flush crimson, but she didn't back down. "Well, I'm not interested in using my abilities like that," she said, her voice steady. "I want to use them for something more important."

Stella raised an eyebrow. "Like what?" she asked, her tone challenging. "You think you can change the world, Rhoda? You're just one person. And even if you could, so what? You'd still be stuck in this life, living in the shadow of someone like me. Stop fighting what you are! What you’re meant to be just let me out. Let me play!”

Rhoda felt a surge of determination rise within her. "I can make a difference," she insisted, her voice firm. "I don't have to be like you to matter. I can be plain old me to help people without showboating." She paused, meeting Stella's gaze unflinchingly. "And I won't let you control me anymore. I'm going to be who I want to be."

With renewed confidence, Rhoda turned and strode back into the living room. She took a deep breath, steadying her nerves, and began to pace around the room. Her thoughts raced as she tried to formulate a plan. She knew that she couldn't continue to live in Stella's shadow, but she also didn't want to give in to her dark desires that Stella represented.

She stopped in front of the TV, her eyes glued to the screen as she watched the news. Another building was ablaze, and she could feel Stella's energy coursing through her veins, begging to be let loose. The reporter spoke of the destruction and the chaos, but Rhoda couldn't help but focus on the people.

Rhoda could hear Stella within her screaming for release. Rhoda felt as if she had no choice as she took the gold ring off her necklace and placed it on her ring finger.

The change was instantaneous. Her body began to stretch and contort, her bones popping and cracking as her muscles grew and her skin stretched. Her height increased as her spine lengthened, her hands and feet elongated to fit her new larger frame. Her hair turned long and blond and her eyes glowed with an ethereal light. The large sweater and sweatpants disappeared as a white leotard and white gloves appeared on her body. The old sneakers replaced with white matching boots as her impressive legs and arms were bare.

Stella's arrogant grin spread across Rhoda's face as she stepped out from behind the couch. She flexed her bicep enjoying the show, her muscles rippling with power. Her voice was deep and confident as she spoke, "Oh, don't worry, Rhoda. I'll take it from here."

She walked gracefully towards the burning building, her long strides effortlessly carrying her across the distance. People gasped in awe as they beheld her stunning beauty and unearthly strength. Stella reached the building and without hesitation, ripped the burning doors off their hinges. The flames licked at her skin, but she seemed unbothered.

With her enhanced senses, she could see inside the building, feel the heat and sense the panic of the trapped people. She moved through the smoke like a ghost, rescuing one person after another with ease. Her gloved hands were gentle yet firm as she helped the terrified occupants out of the inferno. The firefighters, impressed by her abilities, watched in silence as she worked.

The fire grew more intense as she continued her rescue efforts, but she seemed unbothered. She could feel the flames licking at her skin, but they did not harm her. She was in control. She was unstoppable. She was Stella.

“That is everyone in the building chief!” Stella proclaimed as she flashed her gorgeous smile.

The firefighters rushed forward to help her tend to the last of the survivors, their expressions a mix of awe and respect. They had never seen anything like it. A woman, a mere mortal, who had single-handedly saved everyone in that building without even breaking a sweat.

As they worked together, the crowd around them began to swell. News crews rushed to the scene, their cameras capturing every moment of Stella's heroics. She was a goddess among mortals, a beacon of hope in the midst of chaos.

The reporter from earlier pushed his way through the throng, microphone in hand. "Stella!" he exclaimed, his voice full of awe. "Is it true? Were these attacks on the buildings meant to draw you out?"

Stella's eyes narrowed, her expression growing cold. "I cannot speak for those who would commit such heinous acts," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "All I know is that when I heard the cries for help, I could not turn a blind eye. I had to do something." She turned back to the firefighters, her expression softening. "You all have my gratitude for your bravery and your service."

Stella walked away as she levitated off the ground about to fly home. Stella hovered in the clouds as she refused to give Rhoda control again. She was free and she wanted to have fun. “It’s time to show Rhoda that it’s more fun being me.”

She flew to the coffee shop where Tim was closing up. She slowly landed giving Tim an amazing view of her body.

"Oh my god, is that Stella? She's here?" Tim asked one of his coworkers.

"Yeah, it's her," the coworker replied, eyes wide with surprise and admiration. "So you think she wants coffee? ."

Stella looked at Tim with a playful grin, "Why yes, I wanted a cup but it looks like you’re just closing." She glided over to Tim, her movements graceful and fluid.

"Oh, uh, hi Stella," Tim stammered, his heart racing. "I mean, we're not really supposed to have anyone in here after hours, but I could, I mean, make you a cup really quick if you'd like."

Stella smiled at his nervousness, her emerald eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, that's so sweet of you, Tim. But don't worry about it. You've got to close up, right?" She glanced over her shoulder at the coworker, who had been watching the exchange with wide eyes.

“You… you know my name?” Tim asked in shock, feeling even more flustered.

Stella laughed, the sound melodic and pleasant. "Of course I do, silly. You still have your nameplate on.” Stella was relieved at how quickly she covered for herself.

Tim turned a shade of red that was almost as vibrant as Stella's hair. "Oh... uh... right. Well, you know, if you change your mind..." he trailed off, not quite sure how to continue.

Stella gently grabbed Tim’s shirt as she lowered his head slightly into a kiss. She could feel his heart pounding in his chest as she pushed her powerful frame into his body. She could feel Tim melting into her as she pushed her tongue into his mouth. Stella felt his stiffness in his crotch as she slowly broke off the embrace.

"That's for being such a cutie," she whispered huskily, running her fingers through his hair.

Stella took a step back, giving Tim a moment to catch his breath. "I'm serious, Tim. If you ever need anything, just call me, okay?" She leaned in close, their noses almost touching. "And if you ever want another kiss like that... just find me. I'll be waiting."

With one final wink, Stella lifted off the ground, her arms spreading wide as she glided gracefully out of the street and into the night. The coworker stared after her, his mouth hanging open.

Back in the apartment, Stella floated to the bathroom mirror. She stared at her reflection, admiring the yellow fire in her eyes. She had never felt so alive, so free. It was as if she had shed a layer of skin, revealing the confident, powerful woman she was meant to be.

"Hello, Stella," Rhoda's voice said softly, her tone devoid of any of the condescension it once held. "You had your fun, now give me my body back."

Stella turned around slowly, her eyes narrowing as she studied her former self. "And why would I do that?" she purred, her voice a sultry purr. "I'm having too much fun being me." She lifted her chin defiantly, a tiny smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Rhoda's eyes widened in surprise. She had never expected Stella to react like this. "But you don't understand, Stella. I need my body back. I have things I need to do, people who depend on me."

Stella's yellow eyes glinted with mischief. "Oh really? And what about me, Rhoda? Don't I deserve to enjoy being in this body for a little while longer? After all, it's not like you were using it to its full potential." She stepped closer, invading Rhoda's personal space. "I can promise you, Rhoda. If you let me keep being you... well, you might just find that you like it."

With that, Stella slipped her hands under her top, cupping her breasts in her hands. She closed her eyes, feeling the weight of them, the softness against her palms. She gently massaged her nipples, watching with satisfaction as they hardened under her touch. Then, slowly, she lowered her hand to feel her warm wet slit.

Rhoda watched, shocked and aroused, as Stella began to explore her own body. She felt a wave of desire course through her, an urgency that she hadn't experienced in years. She had forgotten what it was like to feel so alive, so present in her own skin.

As Stella's fingers found their way to her clit, Rhoda gasped, arching her back involuntarily. The sensation was almost too much to bear. She felt herself growing wetter, hotter, more and more eager for release. "Oh god, Stella," she breathed, her voice shaking. "What are you doing?”

Stella looked up at her, a wicked grin spreading across her face. "What does it look like I'm doing?" She gave her a sultry wink. "I'm enjoying myself." And with that, she circled her finger around her clit, harder and faster, until they were moaning in unison.

“Just give in Rhoda. Let me finally be your true self. I can give you everything you want. Tim practically came in his pants just from kissing us.” Rhoda gasped at the thought. “No more being invisible, no more boring routine. Please Rhoda … fuck it feels so good.”

Stella's words reverberated in Rhoda's mind as she felt Stella's fingers expertly tease her body. She had never experienced such pleasure, such raw desire. It was as if a dam had been broken, releasing a torrent of emotion and lust that she hadn't known was there. She wanted this, she needed this.

Rhoda moaned in ecstasy as she screamed in unison with her superhuman side “I am Stella!”

[haggishlyhagging]

The eviction of TV's single women repeats a pattern established in television's last backlash. Early television actually offered quite a number of single-woman shows, although most featured hapless schoolmarms, maids, and typists in such fare as "Private Secretary," "Ella Miss," "My Friend Irma," "Our Miss Brooks," and "Meet Millie." By the mid-1950s, however, every program with a single woman in the lead had been canceled. And the unwed heroine would remain out of sight throughout the early and mid-1960s, appearing only as an incidental character, a reminder to female viewers of the woes of unwed life. On "The Dick Van Dyke Show," single Sally Rogers served to throw into relief the good fortunes and greater femininity of Van Dyke's doted-upon housewife—played by Mary Tyler Moore. In the many doctor and hospital shows of the '60s, single women surfaced only as patients, their illnesses typically caused by some "selfish" act—getting an abortion, having an affair or, most popular, disobeying a doctor's orders.

But in 1970, Mary Tyler Moore traded in the Van Dyke dollhouse for her own apartment and show. Moore's Mary Richards was not only unwed, she was more than thirty years old. Marriage panic did not afflict her. She had real male and female friends, enjoyed a healthy sex life, turned down men who didn't appeal to her, and even took the pill—without winding up on a hospital bed in the final scene. (She was, however, still the subordinated pseudo-schoolgirl to her boss; while her officemates called their chief "Lou," she always said "Mr. Grant.") Female viewers adored her. The program maintained top ratings for its entire run, won twenty-five Emmys, and it spun off two other successful sitcoms with independent female leads. Meanwhile, other programmers got the message and drafted their own shows about strong and independent unmarried women, from the realistic in "One Day at a Time" to the superhuman in "The Bionic Woman."

In 1986, a decade after her previous triumph, the networks returned Mary Tyler Moore to prime time—as a burned-out scowling divorcée whose career is only an object of derision. In "Mary," she writes the consumer Help Line column for a trashy tabloid. She has no confidantes on or off the job, a fact that heightens an already bleakly drawn existence. Next door, her earthy best friend Rhoda is replaced by a narcissistic single career woman, an ad executive who is desperate for a ring from any man. In one episode, the neighbor meets a mobster and announces her engagement the same day.

Moore's neighbor was not the only single television woman willing to lower her expectations in the quest for a marriage license. Under pressure from the network, the creators of "Kate and Allie" married off divorced mother Allie to a colorless suitor she had known only a short while. That same season on "Moonlighting," a pregnant Maddie Hayes got hitched to a dishwater-dull accountant right after they met on a train. Cybill Shepherd, who played Maddie, was adamantly opposed to this plot twist, and viewers were similarly disgusted. The show, in fact, was swamped with so many outraged letters that the producers finally had to annul the marriage.

Maddie's coerced matrimony was only the latest development in a long-running campaign to cow this independent female figure. David Addison, a carefree bachelor and Maddie's employee, ultimately tames his "queen bee" boss the old-fashioned way; he slaps her, and she surrenders to his advances. Still not satisfied, the series' producers later have her grovel before the preening David, literally on her knees. The shaming of Maddie Hayes was no idle writing exercise. It mirrored a behind-the-scenes campaign, conducted by both executive producer Glenn Caron and actor Bruce Willis (who played David), to curb the single Shepherd's "aggressive" personality. They told the press they didn't like how she was always voicing her opinion when she disagreed with the show's direction. At Caron's behest, the network sent Shepherd a disciplinary letter. The memo ordered her, on penalty of suit or the show's cancellation, to follow the director's orders, submit to timed breaks, and ask for permission before leaving the set. "I felt ill when I received it," Shepherd said at the time. "It was like reform school."

-Susan Faludi, Backlash: the Undeclared War Against American Women

[imrodolforeli]

Jersey No. 09

Written by Rhoda Chapter II

Chapter II 

I couldn’t imagine that I was already a third-year college student. Whenever I look back or reminisce about the struggles and dilemmas I have encountered and surpassed just to be here in this moment of my life, I am really, really proud of myself. And, of course, I am prouder, and I salute myself for doing my best in my academic undertakings. I could say that all of my efforts in prioritizing my studies had paid off. My general weighted averages (GWAs) for the previous two semesters of my sophomore year were twice as big as my GWAs during my freshman year.

I'm not the brightest student in the class. But I would say that I am competitive enough for a mediocre or average student. Maybe the reason for this competitive spirit I have—aside from, of course, embodying the university’s mission and vision that I am studying at—is because I feel like studying is the only thing that I know and feel like I am good at. I don’t have talents to show the world. That’s why I try to work harder and better in my studies—the only thing that makes me feel like I belong in this world. I get that sense of validation whenever I see that my GPAs are good and when someone praises me for having those good grades.

My sophomore year was filled not just by good things about my grades or academics. I must say that it was also a roller coaster. So, last year, during the second semester, there were irregular students who became our classmates in some of our courses and whom we eventually became friends with.

There was this only guy from those irregular students with whom I became very close. His name is Neil Labrusca. A guy who is supposed to be a third-year student during that time. However, he decided to drop some of his courses in his second (sophomore) year because of the difficulties he had encountered during online classes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Neil is probably 5’8 feet tall. He has a not-so-dark complexion and is quite physically masculine. In terms of his demeanor, he is carefree, nonchalant, and a good, sweet talker. He is also friendly and respectful to everyone. All of those qualities he possessed are what other people call ‘green flags’. And yes, personally, those are my green flags. That was probably the very reason why we became so close and became best friends. I like that about him so much. These are the qualities that I really want a guy to have. And because of those qualities, I started to like him romantically but secretly.

I don’t want him to feel uncomfortable around me, which is why I decided to hide what I truly feel towards him. For some reason, I'm kind of certain that he will not judge me for having these feelings for him because he’s a good man. However, I was still scared that if I confessed my feelings to him, he would change how he usually treats me as his best friend. I was scared of the thought of losing him.

I had been in this exact situation many times before. When I confessed how I truly feel towards the straight guy I like, it all ended up being strangers! It really sucks. It crashes and shatters my heart into pieces. I don’t like that feeling. It was depressing and self-deprecating. And I certainly don’t want that to happen to me and Neil again. So, I tried my utmost best to conceal my feelings for him. But I failed!

When I like someone, I can’t help but express it intentionally and unintentionally. It seems like the person becomes the center of my world. I do things that I don’t regularly do to my close friends. I started to always look for them whenever they were out of my sight or when they were absent. I always make myself available for them. I offer help even though they are not asking about it. I become clingy around them. I always want to talk to them; in real time or through chats. I give them stuff that they don’t usually ask. And, I feel jealous when they are talking or being close with other gays. I feel jealous when they make themselves available for others but not for me. I feel hurt when they don’t respond to my chats and calls. Sadly, this was exactly what happened to me and Neil. When I confessed how deeply in love I am with him. Everything changed just as I anticipated it.

          Frankly, it was all my fault. I am the one to blame for my carelessness. If I had tried harder to conceal my feelings and stay cool about it this would not have happened to me. Maybe I am still enjoying his company and showering myself with his sweet words and gestures. Maybe I am still feeling what they call “butterflies inside my stomach”, not a broken and bleeding heart.

          I was grateful enough that it happened during the finals of second semester because it means that there will be vacation and I can make use of that to avoid Neil and of course, move on. So, I made use of that vacation to contemplate, rest and recharge and rejuvenate my heart, soul and my peace of mind. Hoping that when I go back to school for another school year, my heart is already healed and that I learned my lesson. Fortunately, by God’s grace I was able to heal my heart and moved on.

          My heart is now happy again. And, I am certain that I already moved on because whenever I see him again. I am no longer hurt nor affected by his presence. As always, I realized maybe it’s not yet my time to have a boyfriend. Maybe I should be focused on pampering myself first with self-love and prioritizing something important which is my studies.

[spiteful-in-a-million-ways]

Y'all while I was searching for some ANB content I found this REALLY good analysis of the musical, this guy makes some really good points that I either wasn't able to form into words and some things I didn't even realize!

You can read the whole thing here, but here are a few of my favourite points he made :)

(NOTE: This analysis is about the original play, not the 2015 version so some things might not line up if you haven't listened to or watched the original musical)

"It’s interesting to note that the score takes off, pretty much from the start, at a manic pace, and it doesn’t really stop to breathe until Roger shows up to sing “Sailing,” the first relaxed song in the show after a succession of frantic, neurotic, relentlessly driving, dissonant numbers. The music tells us that Gordon’s life is crazy (presumably even when he’s not being rushed to the hospital) and only Roger can bring a calmness to that craziness. We see that influence throughout the entire show – Roger’s patience, his humor, his deep understanding love , and his calm."

"The joke of Roger naming his boat Cutty Hunk is obviously a gay man’s parody of the famous clipper ship Cutty Sark (and its namesake whiskey), and it carries with it all the hyper-masculine, gay-appropriated imagery of an all-male crew of sailors on long sea voyages. The famous Cutty Sark was so named because of the ship’s figurehead, a woman wearing a short chemise or nightshirt (called a cutty sark in Scottish). Also, Cuttyhunk is an island off of Massachusetts, where Roger likes to sail (notice the other place names in the song – Nantucket, Cape Cod, Newport). But the joke goes even further. Other definitions of cutty include irritable, short-tempered, and impatient (its literal meaning in Scottish is short), which makes it that much funnier that Gordon, Roger’s irritable (hunky?) lover, is aboard the Cutty Hunk and is complaining endlessly. "

"it’s both funny and disturbing how condescending the doctor and the nurse Nancy are to Gordon, how much they treat him like a child (or is that just his perception because he knows he’s acting like a child?). In one of the funnier fantasy moments, Nancy begins explaining his arterial venous malformation and segues into a weird children’s song about veins in brains bursting. Has Gordon melded together all the authority figures in his life into some collective Super Bungee, all singing to him in condescending children’s songs?"

"We have to ask, since Gordon lost his own father, is Bungee a (creepy, twisted) replacement? Gordon keeps looking for Bungee’s approval, but also constantly fighting with him, challenging him, rebelling against him, just like a real, adolescent son. Is this one more clue that Gordon has a lot of growing up to do (like Finn’s other famous character, Marvin, in the Falsettos trilogy)? It’s funny (and typical) that Gordon says he hates Bungee but is then distressed to hear from Rhoda that Bungee hates him too. And what does it mean when Bungee threatens to replace Gordon with his own son?"

"It’s interesting to notice how Gordon sees – or, more accurately, how he hears – each of the people in his life. In Gordon’s head, in his ears, the doctor, and Nancy the nurse get that driving, relentless, dissonant, staccato sound (as in “911 Emergency”) ... Gordon’s mother and Rhoda both get frantic, disjointed, dissonant music (“Throw It Out,” for example). Mr. Bungee gets music with playful but bizarre rhythms, unusual intervals in the melody line, and an almost circus-like sound, a kind of music that is somewhat child-like but also “wrong” in subtle ways. In contrast, Richard, the other nurse, and Lisa the homeless woman, get a warmer, funkier, jazz sound and Roger gets the mellowest sound of all, a full, rich, romantic sound that no one else in the show shares – until the end of the show, when Gordon finds his real musical voice."

[adamwatchesmovies]

Cinderella (1950)

Sumptuously animated, with iconic images and memorable songs, Cinderella exemplifies the golden age of Disney Animation. Adults will be filled with warm nostalgia while watching - even if they didn’t grow up with the film. Kids will be delighted. Smart choices throughout make it an old-fashioned picture with lasting appeal

Orphaned and now living with her cruel stepmother (voiced by Eleanor Audley) and two wicked stepsisters (voiced by Helene Stanley and Rhoda Williams), Cinderella (voiced by Ilene Woods) is now a servant in her own home. Though forced to perform endless chores and suffer unjust punishments, Cinderella never loses hope that someday her dreams will come true. When the King (voiced by Luis van Rooten) organizes a royal ball to find a suitable wife for his son, Lady Tremaine becomes determined to prevent Cinderella from attending.

Cinderella is very much a classic fairy tale. The story is timeless and easy to latch onto. It’s also very much a product of its time. The protagonist is not an active participant in their own story. Today, a strong female character might use her wits to get herself out of a jam or just punch the bad guy in the face. It’s no spoiler to tell you that Cinderella’s salvation is kind of just served to her on a platter through the magic of her fairy godmother (voiced by Verna Felton)… but that's oversimplifying it. The story’s message is that even if others treat you like dirt, you shouldn’t hold a grudge and remain kind. The moral is taken to an extreme but it’s a good lesson to teach - far more applicable to real life than you'd think.

This is a rather straightforward retelling of the fairytale by Charles Perrault but key additions and choices make it stand out. First, the animated medium. Every frame of Cinderella is so crisp it looks like it was made yesterday. The colours are wonderful. The characters are delightfully expressive. The movements are smooth, everyone is always on-model and it’s a delight to simply watch the story play out. The chateau is filled with all sorts of details that make it feel like it used to be majestic but is slowly rotting away, like the huge mouse population that moves through its corridors through endless - and varied - secret passages. You can tell the artists had a blast coming up with new ways for Jaq, Gus (voice by Jimmy MacDonald) and the other mice to make their way from one room to another.

Another memorable aspect of Cinderella is the musical numbers. Ask anyone. They’ll tell you Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo is the best piece but over the years So This is Love has grown on me as much as A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes. Special attention should also be given to Oh Sing Sweet Nightengale, in which Cinderella sings harmony with herself in a clever manner that also utilizes the animated medium to its full potential.

Cinderella is a lovely person. She’s meek but kind and patient, with neverending empathy for those around her. Seeing her constantly beaten down breaks your heart. While she could be described as a bit bland as far as heroines go, the same can’t be said about the film's chief villain, Lady Tremaine. Modeled after and voiced by the same woman who would later bring Maleficent to life, she steals every scene she’s in. You hate her but wouldn't dare look away for a moment.

There is one scene, in particular, that stood out to me during this viewing. It’s not a big memorable moment but it exemplifies the care that was put into the film. In it, Cinderella walks up a flight of stairs with a tea set on a tray. She's being followed by Lady Tremaine’s cat, Lucifer, who knows a mouse is hiding beneath one of the cups. The cat is about to get his prey when Cinderella’s shoe suddenly slips off. She turns around to put it back on, spinning the tray and making Lucifer grab the wrong cup in the process. His bewilderment makes us laugh and the scene also foreshadows the famous slipper that will be left behind later in the film.

Cinderella is what you picture when you hear the words “Classic Disney”. it’s gorgeous, contains plenty of laughs, and offers just enough heartbreaks to keep you in suspense until the happy ending you've been promised. The songs are memorable, as are the characters - even if sometimes they’re little more than archetypes. Not every movie should be like Cinderella but if you want to tell an old fairytale, do it like this. (On Blu-ray, March 12, 2021

[bilbobagginshome]

A Deadbeat’s Journal 24

A Jotaro kujo x black reader fic!

Jotaro’s POV.

Leaving Samosa is almost equally as painful as leaving Y/n and I mean it because I’m her favourite. When Mom Faith invited me for dinner, I sensed that she knew something because as much as she cares about me, she cares more about her daughter’s well-being. And I was right.

“So, How’ve you been coping alone now that y/n is gone?” Mom Faith asks while cutting through her plate of lasagna.

“It's been sad, I can’t lie. I call her every day but I guess having a housemate as chaotic as she is bound to fill a hole when she’s gone.”I calmly reply though honestly, I keep reviewing my sentences like an editing app.

“I mean it should be, your girlfriend is gone.” Grandma Rhoda adds with a knowing chuckle. Well, at least we aren’t beating around the bush and honestly, It’s a hefty weight lifted off my chest.

“That was fast. Y/n did anticipate this but honestly, I still underestimated how quickly you’d find out.” I chuckle back. The less they think I’m phased, the better.

“I mean, walking around with matching rings is definitely a mark,” Grandma replies with a smirk whilst pointing at my koi. At this point, I’m avoiding heavy eye contact with Mom Faith who's staring me down with the most expressionless face I’ve seen. Do I look like that when other people are around me?

“So what are your intentions with y/n?”She questions. Isn’t that a tough one? Well definitely saying that I want to marry her within the year would turn her neutral face to a scowl in an instant. My intrusive thoughts want me to say a dirty joke but that will end with thrashing from them.

“I want to be with her for as long as she’ll let me,” I say while looking at her. She likes assertiveness, this would make her see that I’m serious.

She nods with a small smile. Jackpot. 

“I’d ask that we keep this conversation between us. I don’t want y/n think I’m prying too much into her business.” She requests. It seems fair, considering she’s been a bit of a peeping tom throughout y/n’s life. Plus I’m grateful she did not request more information.

“Though I am very happy she ended up with you. She needs someone to keep her happy and you may be what she was missing.” She ends with a wider smile, her tone now much more softer despite its seeming monotony. What a surprise, it seems my charms have even been able to win her over and I simply nod in response. After serving French vanilla and a wonderfully made salted caramel cake made by Grandma, we head to the backyard and talk.

I was genuinely enjoying my time listening to Granny’s to the point that I never realised how late it was. And when they insisted on me staying, I decided that my cold, loveless home would be better than their warm, jovial household. Besides, I need to put some things in order like turning the house into either an Airbnb or simply placing a caretaker.

* * *

The house is very lonely. Even as I gave the real estate agent, courtesy of Mom Faith, the house keys, he could tell that I didn’t want to be there anymore. I see the couch and remember countless Netflix marathons. The kitchen shared multiple times we’d cook beside one another. Colourful ceramic pots, throw blankets, and artwork littered around the area after she saw the apartment for the first time and described it as ‘the place where all life dies’ seemed even less saturated. It would be best if I let a travel agent handle the AirBnB business.

The yacht is decently sized. At first, I thought buying such a large yacht was useless but after staying in it for a few days, I realise now that the seller wasn’t trying to get a cash grab. The kitchen faced the ocean, but to be fair almost all parts of the yacht now face the ocean and come fully equipped with an oven, cooker, and microwave plus a booth on the wall on the side that could comfortably have a sleeping Y/n. The bedroom too has a wide window that sees the ocean and the bed that comes alongside it can comfortably sleep, me, y/n, and Samosa. Though the room is a tight fit and only has a 24-inch smart TV, It's better as you have access to a shower and toilet.

I always find myself reading some of her books. She gave me the hobbit and said that I’ll heavily relate to Bilbo Baggins and no one outside my mom has made an accurate prediction of how I enjoy my hobbit lifestyle. I mean I bought a yacht because I couldn’t stand the thought of going around the coasts with a backpack and a dream. Like, imagine how tiring that would be. Gandalf should have just let Bilbo stay home.

Occasionally I’d check my bearings, ensure I’m not going astray and sometimes when I’m really bored I stop to fish. It's been three days and when I see the inklings of Zanzibar I almost jumped for joy like a stranded cruiser. They say the first three days are tough on your own but this was intense. I almost thought I got my bearings wrong and kept checking my compass. The signal out here is horrible at times and can’t use google maps for that . Besides, who uses google maps in the middle of the ocean. I quickly park my yacht where all the others are and take my backpack. 

The host left the keys in the flower pot besides the gate, which was appreciated and thus I began surveying the one bedroomed household. Its cute, with furniture that doesn’t stary from cream and brown with a large bookshelf that I’m slightly envious of. By tomorrow I should have recouped and headed to the research group based nearby.

Third person Narration.

When Jotaro arrived at the research centre , which was bigger and definitely busier given the space, he slightly clammed up as he got off the Tuktuk. The building was beautifully designed with glass floor to ceiling walls despite being only a single story and the top was crafted to replicate the blue tides of the oceanside nearby. Definitely a far cry from the wooden box back home .

After clearing his throat , he approached the receptionist inside and after stating his business, was given a visitors pass and redirected to an acquaintance he began conversing through in email while back home. After politely greeting a few people who cared to acknowledge his presence, he knocked at Dr, AbdulSwahib’s door.

“Oh welcome, here I have a seat , would you like some tea or perhaps coffee?” AbdulSwahib greeted with a smile and a warm handshake to which he gladly accepted a cup of tea.

AbdulSwahib or as he would simply like to be referred as Swahib is a short man with greying hair and a prominent  bald spot that reflects the well lit room like a polished silver saucer. He keeps his beard well trimmed and always dons a buttoned white  lab coat  and trousers with black loafers which complement his light brown skin. His round face shows little of his ageing body aside from crow marks at the sides of his eyes and the thick, silver framed glasses.

After sipping a nice masala tea with cookies which Swahib insisted he should try courtesy of his wife , they got to business.

“I read your research on the natural cleansing methods of the ocean and their various misconceptions that arose from that and I ‘d like to say your solution is one of the most practical, cost effective measures on preventing the increasing issues of climate change and pollution of the ocean.” He began with a congratulatory note. Jotaro returns with a small smile in appreciation and slight embarrassment over his work for the past 2 years.

“I appreciate that , however I’m more interested to hear your dispute over my first thesis of the starfish, you said you had come across groundbreaking discoveries that may affect the dating of my work.” He responds. A while back , the biologists at Zanzibar claimed that the discovery of a seemingly extinct starfish had been found and thus after research, they questioned whether the new information provided with Jotaro’s ideas of  starfish evolution can be disputed . Mind you , this won him his first award on marine research at a time he was still considered a rookie.

“Well , yes , see , I think that it's best for you to see this for yourself. We have captured only one but the rest of the colony is reachable, though further .” He says as he stands up. Jotaro finishes his tea and rises alongside him and while getting to the aquarium within the end of the hall, Jotaro simply earns curious glances while Swahib is warmly greeted . When they arrive , they see a group of white coat individuals, most likely students given their hold on their notepads and pens as they all try to get a look at the starfish that has hidden within one of the makeshift caves of the large semi circular aquarium. Jotaro , however, is stunned by the variety of fish and other sea creatures and plants and due to the aquarium’s size and dim lighting, the cream walls seem to reflect the blue waters of the aquarium .

“I should at least acknowledge how stunning the display is.” He compliments.

“Thank you, though it seems a bit vain to keep  them here, we try as much as possible to keep them from experiencing little. That’s why we only have very little fish.” He says before kindly requesting the students for some space to see the starfish .

Jotaro is led to see a simply ugly creature to say the least. It most certainly seems like an ancient species , with a dirt grey colour but larger than anything he’s ever seen . Its stubs look like tiny wounds poking around its body and despite the ame, this starfish has an irregular star shape that looks more like a splutter of dirt on a clean surface, Yet , Jotaro was fascinated, asking radio fire questions of its origin , feeding habits , its breathing method and what not . After a full lecture of what they have found of the starfish which leads to an almost hour-long lecture where Jotaro and students write down almost every detail the short man shared, they are advised by the cleaning crew to leave the aquarium for its daily cleaning. 

“That was a wonderful talk despite how impromptu it was.” Jotaro says in a fascinated tone after Swahib disperses the group of aspiring marine biologists to their mentor.

“Well, this old man should be good for something now that I’m almost retiring .” He politely responds . As Swahib shows him around the rest of the building , Joatro seems more at ease , chuckling whenever he makes a pun and attentively listening to Swahib’s theories on the nature of the elusive starfish. Soon, he is led to the canteen , where lunch is currently taking place. They are served mashed potatoes, a kale-spinach fried dish and steak lathered with gravy sauce. The lunch lady cuts him a larger  portion because ‘He seems to have the appetite of two grown men’ and they sit next to Swahib’s much younger colleagues, similar to age with Jotaro,

“This is Jotaro Kujo,  a humble young man who has come to see the grey baby.” He introduces Jotaro as they sit down .

“Oh, Pleasure.” One of the only two women seated at the table of seven says before biting into her mashed potatoes and gravy.

The others simply respond the same with a smile and Jotaro returns the pleasantries.

“So , Jotaro, I read that you are receiving another award for your recent research.”One of the male colleagues, Hassan, inquires.

“Really ? I know nothing of the sort.” He responds calmly , while cutting his steak up to smaller portions.

“Haven’t you received an email for the upcoming marine appreciation gala held next year?” Suleiman curiously asks.

“I am yet to check my email, I haven’t been really accessible for a while.” He responds ,while he enjoys eating the food before him.

“He’s circumnavigating Africa on his own , on a personal research tour. How dedicated.” Swahib interjets with a tone Jotaro could only detect as proud.

He is greeted with praise and admiration for his job and after finishing their lunch , he explains to them his goal and ambitions once he reaches the final destination. This thus sprouts of further discussions on him writing an introductory textbook for aspiring marine biologists or  just enthusiasts of the subject . Afterwards , they excuse themselves back to their duties, promising to cheer him on when he receives his new award. 

Swahib leads him back to the entrance of the building and says 

“I’ve never met a biologist willing to navigate his faults on a  subject he  perceived as an expert in.”

“I enjoy learning , and I feel like this career is filled with daily new revelations that break our current ideas . I find  that even more exciting.” He replies while rubbing the back of his head.

“It's comforting knowing that the next generation has such an open minded perspective in being wrong. I’m glad I met you before I retired.” Swahib calmly says with a smile.

“I’m also glad I met you. I read an article of yours way back when in a barbershop and it influenced me on becoming a marine biologist. I could feel your enthusiasm for orcas through simple texts and felt that marine biology may be a worthwhile pursuit.” Jotaro admitted in a nostalgic tone.

“Well I’m glad you liked it . I remember very little of what I wrote but remember how my colleagues teased that it seemed like a love letter to those majestic beasts.” Swahib says with a wide smile that shows off his father’s smile.

Swahib lightly hugs Jotaro in appreciation for ‘Seeing a washed up old man’ and calls a tuktuk for him,

By the time Jotaro reaches home, he is called by his mom 

“How is your first destination going?”She questions after usual telephone pleasantries

“Surprisingly enjoyable, I might have even found a new research project to write about.” He says while lying on the reclining couch.

“That was fast , Hold on, your dad wants to talk to you .” She responds while handing the phone to Sadao

“Good evening Jotaro, I hope you had a pleasant day.” He lowly says with his usual blase tone.

“Good evening dad, It seems you are home more often.” He calmly replies.

“I’m growing older , can’t do the same thing you youthful ones are constantly doing ,” He responds.

“So what’s up,” He asks while drinking a cup of water.

“I heard you got with the l/n girl . I wanted to say congratulations for that .”

“Does everyone already know we are dating? No wonder y/n seemed reserved on telling anyone.” He mutters in slight annoyance.

“Well, you told Rhoda , who told Joestar, who told Holly , who excitedly told  me.” He replays the stream of gossip with a slight chuckle.

“Though she does seem like a handful so you better tie the knot soon. I remember her being a bit flighty when younger.” He adds

“Dad, she’s not a possession.” He says in a warning tone.

“Of course , I didn’t mean it like that . I ‘m just happy you found someone after years of solitude and hope you don’t lose her through a long distance relationship.” He responds lightly despite the slight tension.

“I won’t.” He reassures.

“So how’s work?” Sadao changes topic.

And after a thirty minute talk discussing the day alongside his dad and mom, he cuts the call and heads for a well reserved shower and makes a small salad to eat with his ordered smoked salmon. After the energy boost , he goes over his notes and begins formulating a new research project based on the starfish who has been affectionately named Kanzu for its shape.

Then he calls y/n when comfortably on his bed which is way softer than the one in the yacht and calls y/n.

* * *

Y/n spends the first of her free time outside work attempting to create a schedule. Her mom’s counsel “Aingiaye mwituni, atarejea na kuni.” (The person who goes to the forest will come back with firewood.) echoes loudly at the back of her mind and she spends the entire time cooking , cleaning and basically making herself busy. When Patience and Abdul get back they find a freshly cooked meal, the aroma of the simmering dish still floating around the house and a bored to death Y/n watching tv once again.

“You’ve got to get out of your boring ass funk. You’re in a whole new country and rather than explore the culture you sit around watching Portuguese dubbed content rather than going out there , conversing with actual Brazillians and internalising their culture.” Patience muses as they finishes up their broth, their sides of the mouth oily from drinking it straight from the bowl.Ahmed simply looks down at their friends table mannerisms before adding to the thought with a smile

“Yep, so that’s why you should go for an in-class Portuguese lesson.” 

“No and be surrounded by white people who only know ‘oi’ and say how much they love Brazilian culture.” She responds, nose scrunched simply at the thought.

“Pot calling kettle black. Don’t knock them out because they go a step further and admit their failings and learn when all you’ve done since quitting is attempt at conversing google translated portuguese.”Patience muses with a smirk as they rise to help Abdul wash the dishes.Abdul simply laughs at the call out and Y/n , slightly embarrassed stays silent

* * *

“Good morning class. My name is Ramirez and I will be teaching you the intermediate course of the CELPE-Bras Intermediate course certification. Since this is an immersive course throughout class I do not expect anyone to speak english throughout the lesson. Failure to do so would be a strike. Consider it like football, and if you get to the red cut, consider yourself expelled and your deposit non refundable.Now let's get to it.” He said with a blinding white smile. 

Y/n , though dating, is well aware that her teacher is attractive with his golden brown eyes that sparkle when the sun bounces off their reflection just right, 6 '0 foot with an eye for more delicate wear like his current wear, a  linen shirt and khaki shorts. Tanned, light skinned with diamond studded earrings and with a buzzcut that if you know, you know. Overall, Y/n’s type down to his Nike Jordans and when he catches her , smiles at her and all she thinks is “I need a wallet sized photo of Jotaro within my vicinity”

The first class goes on well, she almost stumbles a bit and yet he’s the most attentive teacher, guiding her calmly when she’s unable to articulate her questions well and seems to enjoy her more introspective questions, After the three hour session, she is entirely content and despite her worksheet assignment and the presentation due date on Friday , she’s happy with the lesson.

One of her classmates a blue eyed American with blonde curls that make her look like a barbie doll says,

“Isn't he dreamy? Dear lord when I saw him walk in, I almost fainted. Completely forgot I had a man till the end of the lesson.”She says in a very classic Southern accent.

“He sure is handsome.” Y/n responds with a slight smile as they walk out of the building. 

“Handsome? he’s the kind of guy that is straight from a wattpad fanfic.” She sighs out.

“I don’t think your man would like to hear that from you.” Y/n responds with a chuckle.

“He’s bi, he’d ask for a photo of Mcdreamy instead.”She responds with a smile . Y/n laughs at that and as they converse in the parking lot about small details in her life , they spot their stunning professor walking out of the building,briefcase in one hand to his Aston Martin.

Britney wolf-whistles in acknowledgement and as he looks back , notices them and heads to their direction.

“Good afternoon ladies. I hope you enjoyed today’s lesson.”He says with a smile.

“Was a lot more bearable with you as a teacher.” Britney says flirtatiously and he simply gives a close smile and turns to Y/n.

“What about you Mrs Y/n , did you enjoy it?”

“Yes I did . I appreciate your attentiveness to me despite my many questions. And it’s Miss not Mrs.”She says with a small smile.

“Oh , I noticed  the ring and just assumed . I’m sorry for misinterpreting.” He says with a bigger smile.

“No, it's fine.”

“Would you, you both I mean, like a lift?He questions while looking straight at Y/n.

“I’ll be dropping this pretty little minx home.” Britney responds with a smirk.

“Anyway , see you ladies tomorrow. And Mrs Britney. Tone down the flirting in the middle of class.” Ramirez warns light-heartedly.

“Will consider!” She cheerfully shouts back as he walks into his car.

Once the swoosh of his car leaves the sparsely parked lot ,she turns to Y/n and says with a knowing smirk,

“I think wonder boy has a thing for you.”

“Girl please just take me home.”

A shorter chapter. This one I’m not really liking it but whatevs. 

                                prev   masterlist  next

[nityarawal]

12/16/2023

I Miss You More

Morning Songs

I Miss You Kyan

I Miss You Anjali

It Keeps Occuring

To Me

That You Might

Miss Me

I Heard Harmony

And Joy

Can Heal You

From Wordsworth

And Dr. Rhoda Orme

Johnson

I Worry You're

Caged For AI

I Worry Airforce

Captured You

Like Vultures

From Divorce

Illuminating

Your Minds

In Ways

I Wish They Wouldn't

Don't We Have A

Right To Worship

In The Countryside

As We Want To 

Safe

Not Worried

About Rape

Or Kidnappings

If There Was 

A Place

In My Heart

For Us

I'd Say

There Was

My Life Is Sparse

Sleeping On The Floor

Got 2 Weeks

Back On The Road

Leaky Tires

Windshield Wipers

Don't Work

Lexi's Down

We're All On Our

Last Threads

"Hunger Games,"

Please Be Over

We Never Wanted

To Be Haunted

By Gruesome

Grimesz

Or Songs

That Hurt Our Eyes

Rocket's Tears

We Never

Wanted To Be

Haunted

Just Present

For A Moment

With Eternity

Kids Sing

For Blessings

If Mom

Is There

If I Could

Fly Her Home

Send A Cybertruck

To Ease My

Worrisome

Love

We'd Appreciate

If You Help

Mankind Rise

We Can Write

A New Josh Bond

Elon Bond

Ali Bond

Don't Need To Cancel

Anyone

Krishna Bond

Lots Of Bonds

To Go Around

Joanna Bond

But Please

Don't Take My

Littles Down

Always A Co-Parent First

For My Angel's

Don't Forget Me

If You Think

No One Heard

I Did

I Tried

They Lied

And We Begged

For Sovereignty

Don't Think

No One Heard

China Might Not Be

Here

But There's

A Telephone Train

I'm Sure

Across Asia

Africa

Europe

Everywhere

To All Remote

Corners

Of The Universe

And All Those Loved

Ones Starved

Through The Holidays

So Some Can

Bean Count

Please Let's Undo

Their Sins

Be A Bigger I

An Eye

For

Humanity

And Pray

For Kings

Devotion

Undeterred

Globally

Again

Sovereign

Nations

Bring Back

Our Queen's

And Gold

Real Stuff

Our Families

United

Our Grace

To Glide

In Eternity

Rest In Infinitude

Imagine

Dreams

Again

Eternally

For

Visionaries

Because 

We Love You

More 

Peace,

Nitya Nella Azam Davigo Moezzi Huntley Rawal 

[zeemczed-blog]

I wanna know about the wizard Sarah setting. It sounds interesting. I am always up for fantasy AUs.

Alright, lemme run through this quickly. You can see glimpses of it in my fics "In Comic Veritas" and "Goonicon", but here's a more detailed version.

-It's Sarah's webcomic. She talked about it in an early NP strip, but probably didn't actually post it in canon.

-Most of the headcanons are drawn from Sarah's imagination from the Magic Card Game Tournament arc.

-Sarah is THE WIZARD SARAH, mighty protagonist. She's a damn good wizard, and basically just looks like a taller, bustier Sarah. This is because of protective enchantments that also change her appearance.

-Susan is her werewolf best friend and lover. They fall apart for plot reasons (and because Sarah didn't want her self-inserts to be exactly like real life) and then slowly get back together again.

-There are two Elliots (Elliot And Elliott), twins. Also werewolves. They're VERY involved with Sexy Vampire Justin and are mostly there for himbo jokes and fanservice.

-Nanase (also a werewolf) is a recurring rival/villain. At first this was Sarah pouring her jealousy for Nanase into a character, and then it turned into her wanting to separate the characters from the real people and the real Nanase really LIKING the understandable-yet-bastardly comic Nanase.

-Ellen is, like the Elliots, primarily a comic relief character, a bard of amazing talent and silly lyrics.

-Rhoda is a sorceress, and Sarah's arch-rival. This is 100% based off pinup art, granted...

-Diane is one of the fae. There was a great war between the mortals and fairies before the comic started, and the story of the comic is mostly about the aftermath of that war. This makes for... very tense dealings with any of the fair folk and their courts.

-...even more tense when the weres discover that werewolves were CREATED by fairies as a servitor race and they went native on reaching our world.

-Tedd is the Archmage Tess, Sarah's mentor. She spends a third of the comic locked in a parallel dimension.

-Grace is THE SQUIRRELY ONE, squirrel-folk druid and embedded protector of the forests. Her real name is a lot of squirrel chittering noises.

[90363462]

Kendrick Lamar’s Harrowing Song ‘We Cry Together’ Has a History Far Deeper Than Eminem’s ‘Kim’

Jem AswadMay 17, 2022 12:07pm PT

Popular on Variety

“We Cry Together” is probably the most conversation-stopping song on Kendrick Lamar’s brilliant and challenging fifth album “Mr. Morale & the High Steppers” — a horrifyingly realistic recreation of an argument in an abusive relationship that finds Lamar and actress Taylour Paige saying absolutely horrible things to each other, with her delivering an entire verse while sobbing, and apparently culminates with the two of them having sex.

The most commonly cited precedent for “We Cry Together” is Eminem’s 2000 song “Kim,” an even more horrifying scenario in which he murders his real-life ex-wife. It’s plenty upsetting but in many ways is more like a horror film, with Eminem voicing both characters. But what is most unsettling about “We Cry Together” is the anguish and anger in its delivery, conveyed so powerfully by Lamar — who is the only credited lyricist — and Paige. While there’s no shortage of yelling or violent lyrics in the annals of popular music, particularly heavy metal and hip-hop, that kind of deeply upsetting screaming and crying has few precedents in major songs.

One particularly harrowing example is “The Boiler,” a single released 40 years ago by the Special A.K.A., a group assembled from the extended musical family around pioneering British ska legends the Specials after that group split in 1981. Set over increasingly ominous ska-jazz music, the song is a narration by vocalist Rhoda Dakar about an evening that culminates in a date-rape. Centered around a story about a lonely woman (a “boiler” is  a British slang term) on a date with a man she gradually realizes is dangerous, it’s anchored by a pummeling beat, Jerry Dammers’ demented-calliope organ and Dick Cuthell’s braying trumpet, all of which grow more and more threatening as Dakar’s narrative gets increasingly uneasy and frightened, until the song concludes with 90 straight seconds of her horrifying screaming — the kind of oh-my-god-call-911-right-now shrieking that triggers the amygdala, the area of the brain that generates a fear response. It’s a deeply powerful and disturbing song that you can’t un-hear — we can’t put enough trigger warnings on it — which was presumably the point. (There’s no indication that Lamar is aware of the song.)

A sad irony of the Specials’ career is how many of the group’s madly skanking fans were completely oblivious to the deeply political meanings behind many of their bouncy, cheerful-sounding songs: Nearly every one had a socially relevant point and perspective, whether it was racism, the stupidity of unplanned parenthood or simply feeling alienated on a Friday night. The group’s final single, “Ghost Town,” was a stinging indictment of the race riots that plagued Britain in the summer of 1981 and reached No. 1 on the country’s singles charts as the group imploded, with the three singers forming Fun Boy 3 and Dammers and others continuing with singers Dakar (previously with British ska outfit the Bodysnatchers) and Stan Campbell under the Special A.K.A. moniker.

“The Boiler,” released in January of 1982, certainly continued the group’s socially relevant messaging, but it removed virtually every vestige of the pop and fun that made the Specials’ music go down so easily. The song somehow reached No. 35 on the British singles chart, and Dakar even sang it on the BBC’s “Oxford Road Show,” a performance that is surreal enough in itself, as she dances through the first verses and then becomes far more serious as it progresses. The Special A.K.A. ultimately would release just one album (which did not include “The Boiler”), but made an indelible mark on the world with their galvanizing song “Free Nelson Mandela” in 1984. Dakar picked up her solo career in 2007 and has continued to tour and record ever since, with an album called “Version Girl” comprised of reggae covers of songs like the Pretenders’ “Stop Your Sobbing,” Tim Buckley’s “Song to the Siren” and Patsy Cline’s “Walking After Midnight” due later in the year.

Speaking with Variety over Zoom on Monday night, Dakar had mixed feelings about “We Cry Together.”

“It’s kind of disappointing, because she caves at the end, doesn’t she?,” she says. “It’s like, ‘Oh no, she’s gonna go back to him!’ And at the end, where she caves and says, ‘fuck me,’ I was really disappointed: I’m reading it as an abusive relationship where she is essentially colluding in the abuse. That’s something women don’t get taught not to do, in a sense. You know, ‘He may be abusive, but at least I’ve got a man.’ It made me annoyed.”

Dakar is quick to acknowledge that although she is a big fan of the British rap hybrid grime — “because it’s about where I come from” — and felt a connection to ’80s rap pioneers like Public Enemy and N.W.A, contemporary American hip-hop doesn’t really speak to her, although her kids are fans.

Looking at Lamar’s larger discography and lyrics, “His life experience has been so different from mine that I can’t relate,” she says. “If you’re Black in the U.K., you can’t relate to the level of the level of racism that he will have come up against, because it’s not as blatant. Racism here is very different; I suppose it’s more sort of nuanced. You know how English people talk to each other, all nuance and inference: An American will just come up and say, ‘Hey, you’ve got some green shit on your face!’ but an English person would never tell you that. (Laughter) They would be mortified to say it, and just let you walk around with this thing on your face all day.”

She is also surprising low-key about the creation of “The Boiler” and any musical or societal impact it might have had. “I wasn’t trying to do anything,” she says. “We’d just decided to be in a band — [the Bodysnatchers] didn’t know how to play our instruments or how to write songs, and we had our first gig in a month.” The original idea for the song came about during a Bodysnatchers rehearsal. “I had been in youth theater and I wanted to be an actress,” she says “but then you realize that you will only ever play nurses and prostitutes for the rest of your life, because that’s all there was for Black women in the ‘70s and ‘80s. But that’s where my experience in storytelling came from.

“Anyway, one day in rehearsal I just started to do what was an improvisation from a story [about an incident] that somebody had told me not long before, so it was essentially a piece of theatre. And because I was completely wrapped up in the idea of the actors’ studio and Stanislavski and emotional memory and all of that, that’s how I was able to make it real: You use the emotional memory technique, which can trigger you into appearing as if you’re reliving something had happened to you, but you’re just telling a story.

The song, later recorded with the Special A.K.A., “was [written] before we really had a term to describe it: Now we call that date rape.”

Responding to an observation that she’s downplaying how powerful and impactful the song is, she says, “Well, thank you. But obviously, I have no idea how it lands because I’m entirely the other side of it. It’s a piece of theatre: How it lands to you is whatever you make of it.

“People sometimes say to me, ‘Why don’t you do sing “The Boiler” [at concerts] now?,’ because it’s kind of culturally appropriate. It’s because the character was a young girl in her 20s, and I don’t know that I could pull that off now. A woman of my age wouldn’t get sucked into that [kind of situation] — at least I’d like to think she wouldn’t — so the story would have to be different. Actually, it would be probably be something like more like the Kendrick Lamar song [‘We Cry Together’], about domestic violence.”

Which, in a way, brings the discussion full circle. “People will probably shoot me down in flames for saying this,” she concludes, “but I’d say to Kendrick Lamar: If you want to know what a woman thinks about domestic violence, don’t write the words for her!”

Read More About:

Ksndrick Lamar,

Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers

[hawks-gender]

here's the original 2009 article where DOS comes out as gay! source link and full article under the cut, interview with DOS is the second half of the article

GOSSIP BOY EXCLUSIVE! TELEVISION ICON DAVID OGDEN STIERS OFFICIALLY COMES OUT

By Wayne Fuller March 11, 2009

BACKSTORY: DAVID OGDEN STIERS

Few would believe that the stodgy appearing actor David Ogden Stiers (DOS to many friends) is a flower child at heart. From his work and general appearance most would describe him as uptight, humorless, conservative, religious, cold, and judgmental. 

Now replace those adjectives with their opposite and you have the real DOS – fun loving, witty, liberal, atheistic, warm and accepting.

Abandoning a harsh Illinois farm boy life, Stiers migrated to Oregon where he flunked out of the University of Oregon and then headed to San Francisco. There he entered the world 1960’s world of Bay Area hippies and began acting with local improv group The Committee with Rob Reiner and Howard Hesseman.

Eventually he became intimate with an Academy-award winning director, who saw Stiers’ budding talent and after a few strings were pulled the Midwesterner found himself on another coast; this time in New York City as a student at Juilliard where he began to be mentored by the prestigious actor John Houseman. Soon after, he started making appearances on shows like Mary Tyler Moore, Rhoda, and the pilot for Charlie’s Angels. Yet in 1977 it was the fortuitous departure of leading character Major Frank Burns in the top program M*A*S*H that would make DOS a star and television legend, as he was brought in to play antagonist to the show’s stars.  

For his role as Major Charles Emerson Winchester THE III, a pompous Bostonian aristocratic surgeon, Stiers obtained two best supporting actor Emmy nominations in one of television’s most critically acclaimed and honored shows. He continued with M*A*S*H for seven seasons and brought new dimensions to his character, who had been written strictly as a foil for Alan Alda’s Hawkeye, but grew into a beloved television icon himself. 

In addition to his acting DOS is a professional conductor and magician. He has been a guest conductor for over 75 orchestras nationwide; often donating his services for a charitable event. If you see him on stage with longtime friend Patty Duke doing the play Love Letters or Together Again for the First Time it will be for the benefit of a local theater needing operational funds or just because they can’t wait to work together again.

Gal pal Patty is most famous for her TV stint playing identical cousins in The Patty Duke Show of the 1960s and her Oscar-winning role as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker.  Duke, the mother of actor Sean Astin, now does a lot of stage work after a prolonged battle with bipolar disorder. In 2002 she did the part of Aunt Eller in a Broadway revival of Oklahoma!. Starting this month she will be seen as Madame Morrible in the San Francisco production of Wicked.

The esteemed actor, who is known as much for his voice as his face, has never been married, which has led many in Hollywood to assume he is gay. Stiers is now ready to lay those rumors to rest.

Due to professional fears, mostly relating to a substantial body of voice work for a less-gay-friendly-environment-than-you-thought Walt Disney and various children’s programs, DOS has spent his entire life residing in the closet. He’s never been to a gay bar, participated in a Pride event, or any thing that would raise questions about his sexuality. That’s about to change.

INTERVIEW

GB: First thing David we need to let the readers know why you chose Gossip Boy to come out.

DOS: Gossip Boy? I thought you were with the Advocate!

GB: Now.

DOS: Well, you certainly are aware of my lengthy friendship with your associate James. We’ve had a long time conversation over my sexuality and how I’ve kept it close to my chest. There have been questions over the years and I now feel a tad more comfortable in discussing my personal life.

GB: You are gay. Right, David?

DOS: Yes, I am. Very proud to be so.

GB: You are over 66 years old, so why have you waited so long to confirm what many in Hollywood always knew about you?

DOS: There are two reasons really. One is that I enjoy working and even though many have this idealistic belief that the entertainment industry and studios like Walt Disney are gay friendly. For the most part they are, but that doesn’t mean for them that business does not come first. It’s a matter of economics. Most of my more notable work in the last two decades has been as a voice actor. Certainly, I’ve done television appearances, be they recurring or guest roles, and numerous motion picture and documentary stints, but a lot of my income has been derived from voicing Disney and family programming. What they might allow in a more known actor, they prefer not having to deal with in minor players.

GB: Could you name some of the studios and execs who made you fear coming out?

DOS: I won’t. There is no animosity between us and I don’t wish to create any. Simply, they were protecting their business interests. I should say in regards to this that many of my fears were in modern times self-invented. I’ve been working internally on whether they were the problem or if I just continued using them as an excuse long after the call for conservative private lives passed. In that, I mean from the late 1980’s until about seven or eight years ago, you would find certain individuals coming up to you, me, and advocating the position that since we were doing family fare that it would be best were the actors to maintain a certain palatability to parents. These parties likely had heard rumors or harbored suspicions about me and wanted to make sure no embarrassing incidents were forthcoming. Cogsworth, the character I did on Beauty and the Beast could be a bit flamboyant on screen, because basically he is a cartoon, but they didn’t want Cogsworth to become Disney’s gay character, because it got around a gay man was playing him. I haven’t witnessed such things occurring in a long, long time.

GB: Is this why you’re now willing to come out?

DOS: In part. Likely, the biggest part. Yet I wish to spend my life’s twilight being just who I am. I could claim noble reasons as coming out in order to move gay rights forward, but I must admit it is for far more selfish reasons. Now is the time I wish to find someone and I do not desire to force any potential partner to live a life of extreme discretion with me.

GB: Do you feel that even with things better for gays that you could lose work for coming out? There’s been a recent controversy about Australian Olympian Matthew Mitcham not getting product endorsement spots, because of the gay perception. Might this happen to you?

DOS: Admittedly, I do have those nagging worries, but when I set back with a glass of rich cuvée and reason with my fears, I conclude that the work I do now no longer comes attached to once popular discriminations. Too, I don’t do commercials as a habit, so that concern is never prominent in my decision making.

GB: So you’re looking for a potential partner. Any one in mind or do you have a general description?

DOS: Someone both mature and youthful. Who has a good sense of who they are and where they are heading. They need to appreciate the finer things in life, as over the years I’ve developed certain tastes. The more lusty side of me seeks a man with developed arms, as that has always appealed to me. 

GB: While you were in the closet, you avoided most things associated with a wilder gay lifestyle. Any plans to change that?

DOS: I have a very fulfilling and established life and rarely do I find time to add something new to the mix. This doesn’t mean that I am against gay-related activities, but that I am of an age where everything fits comfortably, be it intimate conversations, wine tasting with my many dear friends, driving adventures into the beautiful Oregon countryside, composing, or working on a narrative. I would not be against some of the more serene gatherings of course, but doing a club circuit at my age and with these feet is a tad beyond my means. Most certainly, clubs aren’t always the only indicator of one’s being gay and I don’t wish to convey that idea, I just have the life I live and the cherished friends, both gay and not, and that’s enough.

[dozydawn]

vintage bridal fashion: 1970s portrayals

some portrayed 70s weddings missed or overlooked in previous posts.

candice bergen in the adventurers (1970) designed by ronald paterson. the style of embellishment feels very ahead of its time, and i adore the heavy beaded collar.

valerie harper in rhoda (1974).

janice lynde in the young and the restless (1975). fur cuffs!

karen gorney in all my children (1976).

mary frann in days of our lives (1976). the gibson girl lives.

kate mulgrew in ryan’s hope (1976). love the green ribbon detail.

susan seaforth hayes in days of our lives (1976). pink! and a hairstyle vaguely reminiscent of regency to match that waistline.

dominique sanda in 1900 (1976). designed by gitt magrini.

on the left, a dress worn by georgia engel in mork and mindy (1979). on the right, a dress worn by an actual bride in 1977.

i’m so excited to have found my first dress reappearance! even better that one is portrayed and one is from a real-life wedding.

[feluka]

Calisto Yew is truly the only character in the Investigations games that makes sense. All the women in this game are like “omg... Mr. Edgeworth... so refined and proper... so hot haha... I think I’m in love...” while her immediate reaction to him is “what the fuck are you wearing and why do you talk like that. what the fuck.” and that’s incredibly valid of her. Truly the only realistic and believable reaction to being exposed to Miles Edgeworth. If a man spoke to me in real life wearing a frilly cravat and tsk tsked at me and said some shit like “checkmate” I would simply shove him into a locker. Maybe also take his lunch money but apparently the butterfly effect of doing that spawns lovesick lawyers into the Ace Attorney universe. rip to Rhoda Teneiro and Lauren Paups but I’m different.

[forthegothicheroine]

I rewatched the original episode of It’s A Good Life, and ended up thinking about Anthony from that vs Rhoda from The Bad Seed. He’s got the edge on her with powers, but I think she’d be perfectly capable of sneaking up on him with a rock or something while thinking “It’s good that I have this rock, it’s a real good thing I’m about to do!”

[gojira007]

AU: Magical Girl Sally (but good this time)

Hoo boy, so part of the reason it took me so long to answer this is because I had so many ideas about what direction to take it. But after a lot of thought, this is what I came up with. It's pretty lengthy, so you can find it under the cut.

Feel free to send your own AU asks for this meme yourself, if you'd like! 8D

1.) THE STORY: Sally Atkins was just an ordinary High School girl living in Station Square…until the day the Golden River came to the city, flooding the area and plunging the world into chaos. From its shimmering depths emerged The Cursed Kingdom Of Mobotropolis and its rulers, The Court of the Metarex. They began an invasion of the city, seeking to trap its citizens in suits of Cursed Armors that would force them to do their bidding. It was only thanks to the aid of a mysterious lynx-spirit named Ellidy that Sally was able to make her escape. Ellidy explained that she and the Metarex came from another universe, a magical world known as The Mobian Realm, once a peaceful world until the Golden River which gave it its magic became corrupted by an unknown evil that drove its king to violence. Now the King seeks to expand the Mobian Realm into the human world, and only Sally can stop him, for she is the reincarnation of the king’s daughter, The Acorn Princess, reborn into this world after she perished trying to stop her father’s actions in the Mobian Realm. By taking up the Acorn Princess’ enchanted sword, the Emerald Blade, Sally can reawaken the power of the six Chaos Emeralds which, once they are wielded by champions of their own, will help her fight back against the Metarex and save both her world and the Mobian Realm.

2.) OUR HEROES:

* Sally Atkins, Princess of Light: Sally never knew her real parents; they died when she was very young, but they left her in the care of their good friend Julayla, who raised Sally as her own. She might’ve grown up to be a shy, withdrawn girl, but by chance she made friends with a boy who called himself Sonic (because even to this day he refuses to use his actual name) and, growing up side by side, the two formed a friendship so strong that it helped Sally to begin to come out of her shell…so when Sonic was one of the first to be captured by the Metarex, she knew she would do everything in her power to save him. She isn’t sure she entirely believes Ellidy’s story that she is the reincarnation of The Acorn Princess, but she does know that the power of her Golden Emerald Blade helps her to fight back against the Metarex’s forces, and so she marches towards her Destiny in hopes that it will bring about peace.

* Amy Rose, Champion of Love: A friend of Sonic’s (and Sally’s, eventually), Amy is a bright-eyed younger student who loves Tarot Readings and playing Arcade Games (Whack-a-mole is her favorite). When the Metarex came, in fact, she risked her life to help guide citizens to the Twinkle Park Arcade to try and keep them safe, an act which almost saw her captured by the Cursed Armors until Sally intervened to save her. Her Emerald Blade, however, told her that Amy was the one who could wield the power of the Silver Emerald, and so Amy became Sally’s first new ally, the Champion of Love!

* Nicole Ellison, Champion of Wisdom: Nicole is something like the girl Sally would have been if she’d never met Sonic: bookish, withdrawn, shy, soft-spoken. But that suits her fine; she’s happy that way, especially after she and Sally became close friends back in Grade School. She’s happy to spend time with Sally and Sonic, but she’s even more happy studying science or reading books in the library; it was Sally’s trust in Nicole’s knowledge that led her to seek her out in finding out more about the Metarex, which in turn led to them discovering that Nicole was the one to wield the Violet Emerald, becoming the second Champion. Like Sally, she isn’t sure she believes in the story of the Acorn Princess, but she can’t help but notice that she and Ellidy have similar sounding voices…similar looking eyes….

* Bonnie “Bunnie” Rabbaeu, Champion of Strength: After Sonic, Bunnie (her preferred nickname) is Sally’s oldest, most trusted friend…which was what made it all the more tragic when she was one of the first to be captured by the Metarex, who trapped her in the Cursed Armor of Black Narcissus. It took Sally, Amy, and Nicole all working together to free her, and even then some of the Armor remained attached to Bunnie. But her mind is now free, and, wielding the Jade Emerald, she fights with the strengths of Light AND Darkness together as the fourth Champion. An astute fighter and an intensely loyal friend, Bunnie hopes for the day she’ll be fully free of her Curse, but she keeps a strong smile on for the sake of her friends.

* Cristine “Cream” Vanille, Champion of Joy: A cheerful young girl who delights in hanging out with Amy when her mother allows it, Cristine (or “Cream”, as her mother sometimes calls her affectionately) can always be found with her favorite plush-toy Cheese The Chao, ready for a new game of her own making…until the day she was separated from her mother by the Metarex. Terrified and alone, it looked like she might become the next victim of the Cursed Armor, until Sally and the Champions came to her rescue. To their shock, Cream was revealed by the Emerald Blade to be the one to wield the Sky-Blue Emerald, making her the fifth Champion, despite the others’ hesitance at involving a child in their fight….

* Julia Suder, Champion of Courage: Julia might’ve attended the same school as Sally, Sonic, Amy, and Bonnie; she might’ve even spent time hanging out with them on occasion. But she doesn’t like to think of herself as a friend, or someone who HAS friends. Growing up homeless, abandoned by her parents, taught her that it was foolish to trust others. Or at least that’s what she kept telling herself, until the day she found a wounded Bonnie following a bad run-in with a Cursed Armor. Fighting the Armor herself to keep Bonnie safe, Julia realized she wanted to learn how to be a real friend…and once Sally met her and learned that she would wield the Violet Emerald as the sixth Champion, she just might get that chance.

* Rhoda “Rouge” Bailey, Champion of Guile: A drifter who had only recently come to Station Square when the Golden River appeared, Rhoda never intended to get involved with any of this Metarex nonsense; she had much better things to do, like trying to take advantage of the disorder to get her hands on all the lovely jewelry the city had to offer. That’s what led her to steal Amy’s Emerald, which in turn forced a three-way confrontation between her, Sally and the Champions, and a Cursed Armor seeking to take the Emerald for itself. Impressed with Amy’s abilities (and those of the other Champions), she agreed to return her Emerald, leading to the shocking discovery that she was the one meant to wield the Blue Emerald as the seventh and final Champion!

* Blaze, Princess of Flames: Blaze the Cat, like the Metarex, hails from the Mobian Realm, the Princess and sole survivor of the Sol Empire, a rival kingdom that had been one of many destroyed or conquered by the Metarex. Wielding an Emerald Blade of her own, the Sol Emerald Blade, she seeks vengeance against the Metarex, and though her mission makes her an ally to Sally and the others, her cold attitude and vengeful disposition often makes it a difficult partnership. Perhaps, however, the protective instinct she feels toward Cristine, and Amy’s increasingly-affectionate attitude toward her, might help soften her spirit….

3.) OUR VILLAINS:

* Dark Oak, The Cursed King: Once he was Maximillian the Acorn King, leader of Mobotropolis in a time of peace, guided by the Divine wisdom of the Golden River…until one day, the River grew corrupt, and Maximillian along with it (or was it Maximillian who corrupted the River?). Forged directly from the Golden River’s mysterious substance, he ordered the creation of the Cursed Armors, and became Dark Oak, leader of the Metarex, and laid waste to the many kingdoms of the Mobian Realm. But his conquest was not unopposed; his own daughter led a rebellion against him, and though he struck her down in the end, she was able to injure him so grievously that he dares not leave his Castle, for fear of dying should he be out of direct contact with the Golden River for too long. His heart too was broken by her death, and he now believes that Sally could be the key to bringing his daughter back to life….

* Yellow Zelkova, The Cursed Prince: Once he was Elias the Acorn Prince, second-born and only son of the King; he had always resented how little love his father showed him, and initially joined his sister in her rebellion against him. But upon her death, his heart grew cold and bitter, allowing him to be overtaken by the Cursed Armor of Yellow Zelkova, twisting his anger toward his father into a fire that motivates him to prove his worth as a member of the Metarex Court. After all, how better to get close enough to his father to kill him and take control for himself?

* Pale Bayleaf, Knight of the Wind: Once he was Sonic Maurice, Sally’s dearest friend since the days of their childhood. But when the Metarex came, he laid down his life to save hers, and was taken prisoner. Realizing his bond with Sally, and believing it could prove key in defeating her, Dark Oak chose to trap Sonic within the Cursed Armor of Pale Bayleaf, swiftest and deadliest knight of the Metarex Court. Now he leads the Metarex’s forces, his once-heroic spirit corrupted into an all-consuming Ego that leaves no room for others. Can Sally free him before the curse consumes him completely?

* Red Pine, Knight of Stone: Once he was Knuckles the Guardian Prince, leader of a rival kingdom that was among the first to be conquered by the Metarex in the Mobian Realm. To show others who might try to defy him the fate that befell his enemies, Dark Oak placed Knuckles within the Cursed Armor of Red Pine, the strongest of the knights of the Metarex Court. Unlike the others, however, Red Pine shows no corrupted personality: Knuckles’ spirit is so strong, fighting against the curse so fiercely, that Red Pine shows no personality of any kind, acting solely on instinct and aggression as a result. It makes him uniquely dangerous, but it also means he might be uniquely able to be set free of the curse….

* Naugus, The Witch-Crafter: Once he was the King’s Royal Adviser, whose gift with wizardry made him an invaluable asset to the Kingdom. But when Maximillian became corrupted, he saw a unique opportunity to expand his power, and the power of the Kingdom. And so he continued to serve Maximillian, and offered his magical abilities to the King’s corrupt cause: using his magic in combination with the Golden River, he now forges the Cursed Armors that allow the Metarex to achieve their aims, all the while secretly plotting to harness the full power of the Golden River for himself….

4.) THE MISSION: With the Golden River having flowed into the human world, the Metarex seek to use their Cursed Armors to turn all of its people into their servants. When an Armor finds a victim, it taps into the darkest most parts of their heart, using that power to bind its victim to its Curse, transforming them into a deadly enemy who serves Dark Oak. When the Armor is defeated in battle, however, its Impurities are exposed, allowing Sally and the Champions to use the power of the Emeralds to break the Curse, destroy the armor, and free its victim. This is the fight Sally and the Champions fight each and every day as new Armors attempt to expand the hold of the Metarex across Station Square, but their ultimate goal is to find a way into the Castle Mobotropolis. That is where the source of the Golden River resides, it is where Dark Oak dwells, and only by defeating both do Sally and the Champions have any hope of stopping the Metarex and restoring balance between the two worlds. Entering the Castle is no easy feat, however; not only is it heavily fortified, but its gates are locked by an ancient spell that not even Ellidy knows how to break. However, if the full power of the Golden Emerald Blade can be unlocked, it might grant Sally access to the wisdom of the Acorn Princess, which may reveal the way to break the spell and enter the Castle. With each battle, Sally draws closer to unlocking this power…

5.) THE SECRET: …but at what cost? Is Ellidy right? Is Sally, in fact, the reincarnation of the Acorn Princess? Or could the bond between the two worlds be very different? And what about the source of Corruption in the Golden River? Was it the river who cursed the King, or the other way around? As their quest continues and deepens, Sally and the Champions will be forced to confront these secrets if they have any hope of victory….

[zacs-of-rwby]

I apologise for this absolute info dump, but I have so many ideas for these characters, they have to go somewhere! This whole team will be getting character bios soon, but for now, please take these random thoughts about an AU team for Oscar called

Team ORCD

Context: in this AU, Oscar was adopted by Oz and Qrow after a very different version of the Fall of Beacon in which Qrow went with Oz to the vault, preventing Cinder from getting the Fall Maiden powers, thus saving Oz’s life. These are my headcanons for Oscar’s time at Beacon in this AU with his own team XD

- First things first, all four of these disasters are socially awkward (for different reasons)

- Rhoda "Rho" Debdron was raised isolated in the forests of Mistral and if they ever went out in public, they were with their mom who did most of the talking

- Cereus Agave was raised by criminals and was taught to listen and obey rather than interact and communicate. He really only knows how to talk to his little brother.

- Dryas Avens was a sheltered rich kid from Atlas and, unless he’s talking about himself, he doesn’t know how to relate to others

- And Oscar is just… shy and awkward (think v4 and v5)

- Because of this, the first few months, he will randomly go to Oz’s office to talk to him. He makes up weak excuses at first, but Oz sees through it.

- After a while, Oz finally asks where his team is and why he’s always visiting (I mean, obviously he loves seeing his son all the time, but also, he is confusion)

- Oscar says he can’t relate to his team and he doesn’t know how to help them communicate and relate to each other so he gave up

*Cue teachable moment*

- Oz tells him that as team leader, it’s his job to make an effort to bring them together. If they're leader has no interest in building a relationship with them, why should they?

- Oscar rolls his eyes and huffs out a “whatever” but he does take Oz’s advice into consideration.

- He’s able to bond with Rho and Dryas over a love of reading and telling stories, but Cereus is a tougher nut to crack

- He’s quiet, often giving one word answers to questions, if he answers them at all. He’s always disappearing and the slightest question about where he’s been is met with a hostile response every time

More context: in this AU, Oscar’s semblance is the ability to instantly disappear and reappear within a certain radius

- Because of this, he can follow people very easily without being noticed (he used to do it to his friends at Signal all the time to fuck with them)

- One day, ORD hatches a plan to have Oscar track Cereus to his mystery location. What does Oscar find?

- For the whole year, Cereus has been sneaking off to a previously abandoned dorm room in another building. A room now being occupied by Cereus’ little brother

- Oscar is absolutely floored by this. It is, in no way, what he expected to find. His teammate has been keeping his brother here because they don’t have a real home or means of paying for housing. He brings his brother extra food and keeps him company every day

Oscar: “Cereus, why didn’t you tell us?”

Cereus: “And risk getting thrown out of school? Hell no! Becoming a huntsman is the only chance we have to survive.”

Oscar: “I promise you that the headmaster is not going to kick you out over this.”

Cereus: “Oh yeah? How the hell can you be so sure?”

Oscar: “You’ll just have to trust me.”

Cereus: “I don’t have to trust shit.”

Oscar: “Do you want my help or not?”

Cereus thinks about it

Cereus: “You’re gonna tell Ozpin whether I agree or not, huh?”

Oscar: “Most definitely.”

He shakes his head and laughs, “Fuck you.”

- Begrudgingly, Cereus, his brother, and Oscar walk through campus and into Oz’s office

(Oz thought he was confused before)

- As soon as Oscar explains the situation, Oz goes into full on Dad Mode™

- He immediately gets Cereus’ brother essentially pseudo enrolled as a student. He’s not taking classes for another two years, but he gets fed, housed, and clothed like a student for now

Cereus: “How did you know that would go so well?”

Oscar: “You have your secrets, I have mine.”

Cereus: “You know my secret now, small stuff.”

Oscar: “You really wanna know?”

A small nod

Oscar, smirking: “The headmaster’s my dad.”

Cereus: “What??”

- Hehe. Oscar tells Cereus a little about his childhood while also making him promise not to tell anyone else. He’s at Beacon on his own, not as a legacy student. Since Oscar helped him, Cereus agrees.

- After that day, the Team ORCD dorm becomes a much more comfortable and friendly place 🤗

[aion-rsa]

From Bridgerton to Sanditon—Putting Island Queen in a Period Drama Context

https://ift.tt/3dpMXo9

This article contains book spoilers for Island Queen and a trigger warning for racism and sexual assault.

Caribbean history is often ignored in US discussions of the era, despite myself and many other Americans having ancestry from this part of the world. Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park has extended references to Caribbean slavery but many adaptations sidestep these implications or briefly address them before moving back to the white main characters. In addition, the focus is often on male leaders of rebellions such as Toussaint L’Overture leading the Haitian rebellion, or on women with island ancestry such as Dido Elizabeth from the movie Belle living in England. All are written by white novelists and screenwriters who miss cultural nuances and are unaware of subconscious bias. Island Queen, Vanessa Riley’s latest foray into Black historical fiction reveals a hidden figure of Caribbean history. Dorothy Kirwan was born into slavery in Montserrat, but secured her own freedom by becoming an astute businesswoman. 

Riley’s novel takes readers on a complex but emotionally fufilling journey which brings up serious historical questions on slavery, class, gender, and business ethics during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Riley’s novel is the answer for fans who feel recent historical dramas prioritize varying levels of whitewashing or escapism over featuring real Black history. 

Kirwan’s story has incredible relevance today as many look to understand the enduring legacies of British colonialism and the slave trade in the late 18th and early 19th Century. Her diary does not exist but Riley assembled birth records and other primary sources to trace her life. This is in contrast to sources such as the anonymously published novel The Woman Of Colour which historians are still looking to corroborate authorship and connections to real Caribbean figures.   Kirwan at times the mirror image of the fictionalized story of July from The Long Song, but there are also flash points of difference along class and timeframe context. July was born roughly 50 years later than Kirwan in Jamaica.  In addition, Dorothy’s life journey takes the reader from Montserrat to Demerara (off the coast of modern day Guyana), Grenada, and Dominica. Most importantly, Riley is an Caribbean-American writer while Andrea Levy wrote The Long Song for Black British readers. 

Dorothy’s in-character first person narration is the glue that holds the story together through frequent flashbacks to her childhood and young adulthood to her life in 1824 as a grandmother. The main theme of self-determination in a world where rich white men decide the rules everyone must play keeps the reader engaged even when it is not clear where the plot is heading. In the present plot, Dorothy has returned to London after many years away to petition colonial leaders to retain hard-won rights for Black and biracial women in Demerara. These unequal laws threaten Dorothy’s children and grandchildren and could even take away the freedom and inheritance she has spent her whole life to build. 

Bridgerton’s critics will find solace in Island Queen. Those who wanted the Black aristocracy of Haiti and other Caribbean islands featured in the series will find this history at the center. Kirwan navigates a world with inherent inequality, despite how much she has achieved in property ownership and savings. When she interacts with British and colonial elites, they never treat her as if she has power over them. The racial caste system in existence influences all of her interactions. After a breakup, she takes up an offer from Prince William (Queen Victoria’s uncle who died with no legitimate heirs) to travel with him on his ship. In Dorothy’s story, he provides a temporary emotional distraction but also a recognition that she would never fit into the British elite because of her skin color and island background. Unlike Queen Charlotte in Bridgerton, the real prejudices of the era held Dorothy back from ascending completely into the highest levels of royal society. Riley’s narrative, especially, ignores what could have been and shows readers the truth. 

These rich white men who placed artificial limits on Dorothy were also the source for young Alexander Hamilton’s childhood poverty. However, his solution as featured in the opening song of Hamilton was to leave the islands to pursue his education in America. This was an option steeped in male and to an extent white privilege as women at this point in history were not allowed to attend college. In addition, American society had already enacted severe restrictions in the rights of free people of color. Hamilton also was an orphan. Dorothy’s parents and her children kept her rooted to the Caribbean. 

The road to Dorothy acquiring a thriving business and heirs was lengthy and arduous, and Riley does not sugar coat the dynamics at play in her life. Kirwan’s mother was a slave and her father owned a plantation. The more percentage of white ancestry you have in your blood, the more freedom and rights you have. In her teenage years, Dorothy’s white half-brother Nicholas rapes her and she ends up giving birth to a daughter. Dorothy is forced to run away with a trusted friend to another island and has to leave her daughter behind. This is the beginning of many sacrifices she makes in order to protect her family. 

Although many readers may object to Riley portraying incest and sexual assault, the historical research makes this clear that this was the reality for women in slave societies. Dorothy’s narration is carefully crafted to show not only the trauma of the event, but her processing the trauma. For Dorothy, healing comes in the form of survival. The objective isn’t exploitation or the male gaze, but to illuminate ignored history and the intersection of race and gender in sexual power dynamics. Dorothy has to repeatedly establish consent and trust in a world where her partners can and will refuse to agree to those terms. The debate over rape culture in historical fiction revolves around characters that are fictional facing fictionalized situations, especially in the TV adaptations of Outlander and Bridgerton. Additionally, Outlander has sidestepped any serious contemplation of exploitation dynamics in slave societies despite plots featuring 8th Century Jamaica and North Carolina.  It is difficult to apply this same critique to Riley’s novel as her intention is historical recreation and reconstruction of Kirwan’s life story. 

Riley’s explanation and contextualization of race and gender dynamics is something many viewers wanted the first season of British historical drama Sanditon to address, past the show alluding to Georgiana’s ancestry and £100,000 inheritance. In fact, Riley explains in the Author’s Note that the journey to finding Dorothy Kirwan began with figuring out who the real Miss Lambe could have been over a decade ago. For Georgiana to have that kind of wealth, she would have had to have a white male ancestor willing and able to use the law to secure her freedom. Sidney’s connection to Georgiana as her legal ward isn’t clear, representing a missed opportunity that erodes the story’s worldbuilding. Dorothy’s explanation of social rankings and her own background means it is highly likely Georgiana is the product of a relationship between a white planter and an enslaved or indentured woman. Georgiana isn’t the only example of an fictional heir from the islands around this time period. Rhoda Swartz from Vanity Fair has Black and Jewish ancestry along with thousands of pounds. Island Queen has the space and interest to completely center the story of women like Georgiana and Rhoda position from the perspective of a Black writer and historian. 

Dorothy also reveals through her life experiences that interracial relationships with unequal power dynamics were often one of the only ways enslaved Black and biracial women could gain their freedom. In stark contrast to America during the late 18th Century, interracial relationships were never officially outlawed, but it was very rare for white men to officially marry women of color. More often, these women were mistresses and concubines, and any children from these relationships legally belonged to the father. Any relationship an enslaved woman undertook carried the risk of losing her children, with her past often used as a weapon of misogynoir, or simultaneous racist and sexist discrimination.  

One plot line unites Island Queen and The Long Song: both July and Dorothy lose a daughter to their white slave holding father who wanted to raise them in England. This trauma drives July to poverty while Dorothy had to wrestle the trauma alongside her mission to to fight to secure manumission papers for her children and also to develop a source of income that cannot be controlled by the men in her life. 

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At one point, she engages in survival sex work, then finds work as a housekeeper. Eventually, she is able to start her own housekeeping and domestic worker agency. She was well aware that some of her employees would choose to have relations with their bosses, but she made sure that she was not seen as a brothel owner for legal reasons. This is in stark contrast to some of the characters from Harlots on Hulu where brothel ownership or their sex worker status was an open secret.This is another area where Black women would suffer worse consequences for perceived immorality in society compared to white women. In fact, rumors of sex work follow her  Dorothy doesn’t intefere if her housekeepers decide to engage in sex work but she insists on mutual consent.  Riley does not apply any modern notions of slut-shaming or anti-sex-worker rhetoric. The reader understands that options for women’s employment outside of domestic service in these island colonies were severely limited. 

Dorothy’s narrative exposes both vulnerability in her relationships with her children and her significant others and also in her resolve to maintain her status. Far too often, Black women in historical fiction are reduced to tropes such as the “strong Black woman” that are not realistic to historical or modern readers. Or even worse, authors who completely erase the presence of Black women in the late Georgian and Regency Era by only featuring white women. 

The challenge in reading Island Queen for those uninitiated in Caribbean history of this era is to separate our modern historical knowledge from the reality Dorothy faces. Although Riley’s narrative does not make excuses for her questionable decisions, the narration makes clear that Dortothy is navigating a racist, sexist and classist society. Part of Dorothy’s later wealth comes from owning slaves. This was not a decision based on wanting to inflict cruelty, but due to the power dynamics in colonial society which punished those who refused to participate in the slave trade. Dorothy opposes slavery but also realize that open rebellion will cost her life or the lives of those around her. She is not isolated from the violence of slave rebellions and of the consequences of suppression. Riley in the Author’s Note says Kirwan freed all of her slaves in 1833 when slavery in Demerara was officially outlawed.

Dorothy’s narrative may have the background makings of a tragedy, but Riley reveals that her life was ultimately a success. Kirwan built her business and eventually reunited most members of her family. She even saw her children marry successfully and met several of her grandchildren. None of her children lived in poverty and she prevented all of them from working as slaves. While some may wish her various relationships could have created a permanent happy ever after, the real satisfaction comes from seeing Kirwan preserve her legacy for the next generation. Real Black historical stories such as Kirwan’s are incredibly rare in US and UK media as wholly fictional composite characters dominate existing period dramas and historical fiction novels. Island Queen, if enough people read it, could become a TV or movie adaptation that would give viewers the real truths of late 18th Century/Regency Era Caribbean history. The genre is overdue for a biography adaptation led by Black writers without the white gaze. 

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Island Queen will be available in bookstores July 6th. You can order the book here.

The post From Bridgerton to Sanditon—Putting Island Queen in a Period Drama Context appeared first on Den of Geek.

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