#rogers centre countdown

[kechiwrites]

property lines

dark!steve rogers x neighbour!reader

kinktober countdown: day two (facefucking).

synopsis: your neighbour is inappropriate, and you aren’t quite sure how to broach the subject.

wc: 2.2k

cw: dark content, non con, oral (male receiving), femme language + afab!reader, pet names, internal victim blaming, pet names (sweetheart), a touch of misogyny

author’s note: day 2 brings us more dark!steve, i fear i may be incapable of writing him sincerely. he’s just a little too perfect. I like to take off a bit of the shine. thank you @katsukikitten u r my muse.

Your neighbour is inappropriate, and you aren’t quite sure how to broach the subject. Mostly because you can’t be sure if he’s doing it on purpose or if he’s just overly friendly. Maybe it’s the signals you give off, bringing a plate of thick, sweet, cheesecake brownies over to the recently sold house next door, hoping to make a new connection. Suburbia can be isolating, and with all of your friends shaking ass in the city, you need to branch out. It really isn’t the kind of home you figured a single man like Steven Grant Rogers would buy, but then again, you lived in your suburban palace alone, willed to you by your late grandmother and only in need of a few renovations.

He’d been so bright, when you first met him, with a perfect white smile and twinkling blue eyes. He’d been happy to accept the desserts, even happier to return the plate a day later, extolling the praise he and his poker buddies lauded on you over the taste. You’d shrugged it off, “The least I could do for a neighbour. I’m just glad you all liked them.” 

Secretly though, the compliments had thrilled you, especially once you’d gotten a glimpse at the aforementioned “poker buddies”, the whole lot of them, handsome, built, big. All too happy to fix leaky pipes and paint fences in exchange for chocolate cream pie or a dish of homemade lasagna. But Steven  - “Steve, please”  -  was your most loyal customer, always lending a hand, pausing during his early morning jog to check up on you while you watered your flower beds, asking how your book is going, what you do in that “big old house all by yourself” when you aren’t working on “the next great American novel”, of course (his words, not yours).

It’s fine at first, a little disarming to be at the centre of his white hot attention, burning your flesh like he had you under a magnifying glass on a perfect sunny day. But eventually it’s not fine, eventually Steve Rogers takes more and more steps over the property line of overly friendly and into the front yard of wildly overbearing. Eventually, Mr. Rogers insists on weekly visits, popping into your house by using the spare key under the mat he shouldn’t even know about. Slinging his muscled arm over you during the neighbourhood block party, and your neighbour’s son’s 5th birthday party, and the Fourth of July barbeque. He fixes your car without you asking, brings in your groceries when he sees you unloading them in your driveway, brings your mail to you during his daily jog. It’s helpful sometimes, yes, but it’s also suffocating. And you were going to set him straight. You were! But it’s hard, hard to stare into the face of a suburban god, the literal king of the neighbourhood and tell him no. It’s hard to tell him that he’s making you uncomfortable, that you’d like for him to stop being so goddamn friendly all the time. 

So maybe a little of it is your fault. Maybe you should’ve been clearer on your boundaries. Maybe, when handsome, strapping Mr. Rogers came to your front door to ask you to essentially cater one of his poker nights, you shouldn’t have stayed to serve the food, playing happy little housewife in front of Steve’s friends, bringing them cold beers from the fridge and sitting next to Steve, playfully making faces at his hand, then plating up dessert when he asked you to. But it felt good to have his attention. His favour. So when “the boys” start to head home, laying praise and amazement at your feet, you’re sufficiently buttered up for Steve to ask yet another favour of you. It’s not much, of course. Just a little help with cleanup. Then he’ll escort you home himself. After all, there are some real sickos out there.

So you agree. What’s the harm, right?

The harm, it just so happens, comes quickly after you finish drying the dishes Steve washes. You slide the last plate, towel dried as best you could, into his cabinets, sighing in contentment at a job well done. The harm is when Steve turns you around and presses you against the sink, water soaking into the back of your blouse, making the fabric cling to your skin. You stay there for a minute, not processing what’s happening, ready to laugh off another inappropriate joke from Steve. 

You don’t really get the chance.

Two heavy hands clap down on your shoulders, exerting pressure on you until you crumple to the floor, knees hitting the tile of Steve's kitchen painfully. You yelp, struggling against him, pressing, then beating your fist against his tree trunk legs. 

"Stev-" you choke on his name when your neighbour unzips his trousers before you, undoes the fly of the pair you helped him pick out, with him bent over your shoulder while you held his phone, his front pressed close to your back. Pulls his half hard dick out of pants starched and pressed with the iron he'd borrowed from you because his was "on the fritz" again. 

"Open up." He cajoles, and you pin him with an incredulous, confused stare. No. No. This is all wrong. He doesn’t act like that. Steve Rogers isn’t like that.

The hand he doesn't use to stroke himself grabs your jaw, squeezing until you open your mouth, squeezing til it hurts. A sharp, purposeful punch of his hips is all it takes for him to make use of the opening. All it takes to put every little joke, boundary crossing, and stray touch into startling, horrifying perspective.

“It was the baking.” He whispers above you. “Peggy never baked, which was fine.” He sighs above you like he isn’t pistoning his cock deep into your throat with reckless abandon. “But I missed it, y’know? And you, you bake how angels ought to, sweetheart.” 

Tears stream down your face while Steve uses you, dragging your dazed, crying face back and forth on his hard-on. On a particularly strong thrust, he broaches your throat. Your eyes roll up, until he can barely see the perimeter of your irises, and you warble out a miserable moan, begging, all while wrapped around his dick, for a reprieve. Your head is pinned to the counter behind you, and even though you shove against the muscle of his thighs, Steve brooks no quarter.

“Just take it,” he coos, like he wants you to swallow cough syrup, “it’ll be over soon.” his breath stutters when your lips brush against his balls. Steve moves one of his hands to cup the back of your head, keeping you as close as possible when he comes down your throat, groaning in pleasure while you struggle to swallow stream after bitter stream of his seed, lest you choke on it or fucking drown. 

He finally releases you, and you pull back so fast you bang the back of your head on his pristine white counters. The pain radiates through your scalp, grounding you in the moment, cementing you to the spotless linoleum floor of Steve Rogers’ kitchen. You’re both panting, eager to fill your lungs with gulps of air. 

“Whew.” He sighs, hands on his hips, like that took a lot out of him. “I didn’t mean to get so rough with you, just didn’t expect the struggle.” He chuckles, patting you on the head. “But you settled down quick, didn’t ya?” His tone takes on…contentment? Happiness? 

No. That’s not quite right. 

It’s pride. Steve is looking down at you, your spit and cum slick mouth, the weepy, watery state of your eyes, and the disarray of the hair he’d used as a handle, with pride.

Your stomach roils.

He bends low and you flinch away from him, smacking your head on the countertop again. He cocks his head at the involuntary movement, and smiles at you. A familiar, warm thing. One that made your heart flutter with pleasure, beat fast with your own surge of pride when he accepted a pie, or offered a compliment. Now it does the same, your heart speeds up, your palms itch curiously, and your brain doesn’t know if you’re happy or sad. Doesn’t know if it craves those smiles anymore. 

“Just wanna set you on your feet. C’mon.” He speaks quietly, like he’s soothing a frightened animal, and hooks his hand under your armpits, heaving you up with the same startling strength he'd used to face fuck the fight out of you.

“It’s okay.” You bleat, voice as wobbly and unstable as the pair of legs struggling to keep you upright. And it’s not, it’s far from okay, the taste of him lingers in the back of your throat and if you think about it for even a second more you’ll throw up all over his shiny floors, on those godforsaken pants.

“I admit,” he laughs, ducks his head with that small town charm he does so well, “I wanted to last longer. But you were too good.” He winks at you, like you share a secret. Like you’re in league with each other.

He staring, waiting for you to say something, arches a brow like it’s your line and you’re fucking up the show.

But there it is again, that smile, sunny and open, and so pristine.

“Let’s get you home.” He herds you towards his front door, hand glued to the small of your back, his pinky finger stroking the skin exposed by the riding up of your still wet shirt. The two of you walk into the balmy summer air, and the spaces in between the black night, punctuated with the occasional white streetlight, designate your path home. Some of your neighbours’ houses are still illuminated, their warm yellow windows denoting the presence of life. You wonder what goes on behind their doors, you wonder if someone is having a good night somewhere close to you.

You come across your door faster than you were prepared for, the cheery yellow paint job Steve and James had done for caramel apple pie, mocks you. The way he’d smiled in your face, touched you, laughed. Steve shifts next to you, holding onto your extensive tower of pyrex and tupperware, for an instant your blood runs cold at the prospect of Steve inviting himself in, like he’s done so many times before. Not to bring in groceries or put together a dresser, but to pin you prone to the carpet of your bedroom and smile at you.

“So!” He turns, “Same time next week?” You gawk at him, and when you don’t say or do anything, he stoops and slides your extra keys out from under your Garfield emblazoned doormat. The jingle of two, simple metal keys against the little bell shaped key-chain makes your head pound, your blood boil. He unlocks the door, and gestures for you to take a step indoors. You raise both hands, palms upturned so he can give the keys back, so you can hide them, or melt them, or flush them down the toilet. Instead, you get to watch him slip the key-ring into his pocket, before he places your dishes into your uplifted open palms. “I gotta say, the lemon bars were a hit.” He tweaks your nose between his thumb and forefinger, his compliment tempered by the greedy shine in his eyes. You nearly scratch your own eyes out when you get that pleased, soft tingle in your chest.

He smiles and you salivate. He compliments you and your heart responds. He’s proud and your brain tells you ‘I’m happy’.

Why hasn’t it gone away? Will it ever go away?

“Maybe those brownies again, the cream cheese ones?” His voice is hopeful, soft and pliant, like he’s worried you’ll say ‘no’.

Like there’s a world where he’d take no for an answer.

You nod, a jerky, quick gesture that rattles your brain around in your skull. “Sure. Yeah.” You answer, sweaty hands slipping against tempered glass and plastic lids. “Yes. Brownies.” Steve beams, clapping his hands together, once, loud, drawing your eyes to the brutish width of them.

“Fantastic. I can’t wait.” He jogs down your front steps, and the fist secured around your lungs loosens with every step he takes away from you. He pauses at the side walk, one foot still on your property, the other poised to leave it.

“We make a great team. Don’t we?” He turns to you, and this time, he isn’t smiling. This time, his eyes cut through the night and the streetlight and the foggy haze of misfortune clouding your brain.

And the fear finally comes.

You kick your door closed, and you lock your door, and you drop your pyrex and tupperwear and serving spoons in the sink and you lock your windows and you get into bed, still dressed for a poker night you had no business being at, and you pull the covers up and up and over your face.

But the fear doesn’t go away.

And neither will your neighbour.

god i want him so bad. tomorrow, captain soap.

find the rest of the masterlist here.

support city girls who bought $50 of baked cheesecake today, reblog what you like.

[waitonmedarling]

#7 His MF'n thighs 🦵🏻🙀🥵

His quads are so defined that it makes me sweat. Check out that first pic again if you don't believe me

@getwaytooinvolved @justanotherfangurl272

[loverhymeswith]

Happy New Year | Rick Flag x F!Reader

Pairing: Rick Flag x Nurse!Reader

Summary: A follow up to Lonely This Christmas? and basically just lots more seasonal fluff!

Warnings: Descriptions of injury and medical procedures, lots of fluff, TSS 2021 spoilers

Word Count: 3,232 words

A/N: Thank you to the lovely @a-reader-and-a-writer for beta reading this!

Taglist: @reysorigins

Masterlist | One | Three

When you pull into the hospital parking lot one week later your stomach is swarming with butterflies. Under normal circumstances you would be looking forward to getting back to work, but with nothing to do other than watch television and shovel food into your face for the last six days, you’ve had far too much time to overthink your last encounter with Rick.

Cookies. Seriously, what were you thinking?

He’d been polite, of course. Had spared your feelings. Even pretended to like them. But you are painfully aware of how pathetic - not to mention inappropriate - the gift must have seemed. Especially following the excitement of having his first visitors.

Walking through the doors of the hospital, it’s no longer quite such an overwhelming experience. Now that Christmas is over, the decorations have been toned down somewhat. There’s still a Christmas tree and too many fairy lights, but a large flashing countdown timer has also been tacked to the wall, declaring that only thirteen hours of this year remain.

At least you don’t have to wade through a sea of staff and visitors to get to your department today. The building is markedly quieter than Christmas Eve. It does mean, however, that you are still cringing by the time you arrive on the ward.

As usual you leave Rick until the end of your rounds, hoping that this lingering awkwardness will fade before you see him. If anything though, you find yourself taking longer with the other patients. Just delaying the inevitable, as your mother would say.

When you’ve finally finished fussing over Mr. Rogers, you begin to make your way over to Rick, heart thumping in your chest. Before you can reach his bed though, someone stops you with a gentle hand to the shoulder. You spin around to find the head surgeon smiling back at you. She’s holding a patient file between her slender fingers.

“Colonel Flag’s discharge date has been set for next week. Thought you might like to give him the good news.” She hands over the file with a knowing grin and walks away before you can respond, leaving you to stand slack-jawed in the centre of the room.

Next week?

But that’s so soon.

Your heart stutters as you watch her return to the office. You’d rather foolishly assumed you would have at least a few more weeks together before he was ready to leave. It’s a horrible, selfish thought, and one that takes you quite by surprise. You should be over the moon for him, not begrudging him an early discharge.

Rick’s face stretches into a brilliant smile when he spots you finally approaching. “Hey you. How was Christmas?” He looks good, you have to admit. Better than ever, really. The colour has returned to his cheeks and there’s a sparkle in his hazel eyes that you’ve only ever caught a glimpse of until now.

“I think I ate my own body weight in chocolate”, you smile, dropping his file onto the chair and picking up the clipboard instead. “How was the Christmas dinner?”

“Edible”, he shrugs, watching you with that same smile. He seems… perky?

“An improvement on last year then.” The hospital cafeteria is not exactly known for its fine cuisine. You curse the day you forget to bring a packed lunch to work.

“Makes a change from mission rations.”

You nod along to what he’s saying, even though you really have no clue as to what mission rations consist of. Your mind is still preoccupied with the news you’ve just received and the jarring realisation that in a matter of days this bed will be occupied by someone else.

“You ok? You seem a little… distracted?”

You look up to find Rick still watching you, his smile has been replaced by concern. It’s startling how easily he can read you. “I’m fine. I’ve- uh- got some good news for you, actually.” You blurt out, fingers drifting over his arm as you fix the cuff of the blood pressure monitor.

His eyes light up again. “You brought more cookies?”

You raise an eyebrow as you inflate the cuff, your apprehension temporarily forgotten. “You really liked them?”

“Darlin’, they were the best.” There’s nothing but sincerity in his voice. “Need to get that recipe off you before I get outta here.”

You flash him an incredulous look. “You bake?”

“Not in the slightest.” He laughs deeply. “Was hopin’ you might take pity and make another batch.”

A smile tugs at your lips as you slip the cuff over his broad forearm. “Speaking of you getting out of here, that is the good news. As of next week, you’re a free man.”

Rick’s eyes dart to yours, searching for any hint that you might be teasing. His voice, when he finds it, is rough. “Seriously?”

“Yep.” You indicate the folder on the chair. “There’ll be a few forms for you to sign, but other than that you’ll be good to go. Great news, right?” It’s a miracle you’re able to keep your voice so light and steady when inside you feel like something is breaking.

“Right”, Rick agrees hesitantly, but the sparkle in his eye has faded. For the first time since you met him, you can’t get a read on how he’s feeling.

Willing your hands not to shake, you pull up the hem of his t-shirt and set about quietly changing his dressing, terrified he’ll be able to hear the evidence of your own emotions should you speak again. Of course, you probably ought to be teaching him how to do this now, but he’s fallen silent as well.

You sneak a glance up at him as you work, only to find he’s not watching you anymore. His expression has clouded over as he stares off into the near distance. It’s not quite the reaction you had been expecting. Then again, you’ve never truly given much thought to this - to Rick finally leaving. It’s always felt so far away, so intangible when you consider the state in which he arrived. Bloodied, broken, fighting for his life. A world away from the man sitting in front of you now.

You administer Rick’s antibiotics in the same stilted silence waiting for him to speak first, but he doesn’t and you know better than to push him. Only once you’ve lingered by his side for as long as possible do you tuck the file back under your arm and move away. A whispered, “I’ll be back”, hangs in the air between you.

At the end of your shift, you decide to check on Rick again. Even before you reach his bedside you can tell something is wrong. Deep in the clutches of sleep, his brow is creased and he clenches his jaw. Sweat beads across his temple. Bad dreams again. You slip into the chair by his side and reach for his hand, hot and clammy. Murmuring his name softly under your breath so as not to startle him, you can’t help but wonder what will happen when he’s released. The nightmares aren’t just going to stop…

He wakes with a gasp, eyes shooting open and darting around wildly until they land on your face. You lean forwards in your seat so he can see you better. “It’s ok, it’s just me. You’re ok.”

Rick whispers your name hoarsely and squeezes your hand tightly – painfully - but you don’t pull away. Experience has taught you that it will take a minute or two for him to settle, to remember where he is, that the danger is only in his head.

Sure enough when he realises what he’s doing he quickly releases your hand. “Sorry”, he mutters. “Didn’t hurt you, did I?”

You shake your head. “It’s fine.” It’s not fine, not really. The way his past continues to haunt him like this. You’d give anything to take away the pain and self-loathing you can see lingering behind his eyes.

What happened to you, Rick? What did they do to you?

“Sorry”, he repeats looking embarrassed. “Thought I’d got a hold on them - the nightmares.”

“You don’t need to apologise.”

After a beat of silence, Rick notes the blue zip-up hoodie now concealing your uniform, the bag slung over your shoulder. “You clocked off already?”

You nod. “Just wanted to stop by before I left. To wish you a Happy New Year, I guess.”

His gaze trails from your uniform back to your face, the tension in his jaw easing. “Any big plans?”

“Not unless you count a date with the TV.”

“Me neither”, he smiles weakly, a certain vulnerability still hiding behind those hazel eyes. “Was gonna ask you earlier, but – uh – would you maybe wanna hang around with me for a bit? I do realise how lame that sounds, considerin’ I’m stuck in a hospital bed, but I thought…. Well, I - uh - thought maybe we could see in the new year together? That is … unless you’re tryin’ to spare my feelin’s, and you really do have a hot date?”

The thundering of your heart returns as you find him watching you nervously, waiting for your answer. “I’d love to, Rick.” Really, there’s no place you’d rather be.

The corners of his mouth turn up into the slightest of grins before he glances around the room. “You think there’s any chance we could slip out of here?”

“I think I know somewhere we can go.”

Discarding your bag on the chair, you help Rick out of bed and wonder why you never thought of this before. With the exception of his physiotherapy appointments, Rick rarely gets to leave the ward. Perhaps a change of scenery will do him some good. You push the needling reminder that he’ll soon be leaving permanently out of your mind.

Rick stands unsteadily at first. He’s wearing the soft grey sweatpants you brought him when he first arrived. With the lack of friends and family to provide him with clean clothes, it was left for you to step in or leave him wearing a hideous hospital gown for the last three months. The clothes he was wearing when he was brought in having likely been incinerated a long time ago.

You can’t fail to notice that through weeks of being bed bound, he’s lost a lot of muscle. His t-shirt no longer clings to his broad frame and the pants – you’d only guessed his size - now hang loosely around narrow hips. You look away as he fumbles with the drawstring, searching through his bedside cupboard for the matching sweatshirt instead.

Once Rick is suitably dressed, you make a quick survey of his body, looking out for any sign he might be in pain. Most of the injuries he came in with have long since healed, the countless cuts and bruises, broken bones. It’s just his heart that’s taken longer to mend. “You want me to get a chair? Or crutches?”

He shakes his head firmly. “I can manage.”

Using the elevator, you take Rick to the top floor of the hospital, where he heads straight for the floor to ceiling window, pressing his nose against the glass. “Front row seats?” The east wing looks out over one of the city’s parks and as tonight is New Year’s Eve there will be a firework display at midnight.

You catch his eye in the reflection. “I was thinking of something slightly better.” When he turns around you gesture towards the fire escape that leads onto the hospital roof. Some of the other nurses creep out here to smoke during their breaks, but personally you’ve never been brave enough. Until now. It seems like the best place to watch the city’s celebrations.

Rick raises an eyebrow, simultaneously surprised and impressed. “Really? Won’t you get in trouble?”

You grab an armful of clean blankets from an unattended housekeeping trolley before reaching for his hand. “Come on, I’ll just say it was your idea.”

It’s a mild night but a gentle breeze ripples through the air and the last thing you want is for Rick to catch a fever, so once he’s seated in an uncomfortable looking plastic chair, a safe distance from the roof’s edge, you wrap a blanket over his shoulders and place another one over his lap.

“You’re fussin’ again”, he teases, eyes following you as you eventually pull a second chair over to join him.

You shoot him a sheepish smile and adjust your own blanket. “It’s kind of my job.” Besides, you won’t be able to do it for much longer.

You glance down at your watch, anxiety bubbling in your throat, as if the small silver timepiece might somehow reveal a countdown to when he leaves. Not that you require a reminder; it’s imprinted on your mind. There’s a little over thirty minutes until midnight and therefore less than seven days remaining before Rick goes home.

“Sorry if I was kinda distant earlier.” Rick’s deep voice drags you out of your melancholy. “Just came as a shock, you know. Gettin’ discharged so soon.” He’s looking out over the horizon, to the city lights and beyond. You take the opportunity to sneak a glimpse up at his handsome profile. His lips are drawn into a thin line, but he’s no longer frowning, a contemplative expression has fallen across his face instead.

“I can understand that. You’ve been here for over three months. It’s a long time.” You’re hoping the fresh air and the view might do him some good, might remind him there’s a world out there, away from his hospital bed, and it’s time for him to return to it.

“Is it wrong if I say I’ll miss this place? Kinda got used to … havin’ normal people around.”

“You’ll have Harley and Boomer though, won’t you?” you ask. Rick laughs loudly and suddenly and it’s like music to your ears, but you’re also confused. “What’s so funny?”

“Harley and Harkness, well they aren’t exactly normal people, and they certainly won’t be in any hurry to go back to Louisiana.”

Louisiana. It’s a three-hour flight from here. Your chances of bumping into Rick in the street after he’s discharged are slim to none. “Who are they?” You ask, before remembering his redacted file. “Wait – never mind. You don’t have to tell me.”

Rick gives you a soft smile. “I can tell you. Maybe just… don’t repeat anythin’ I’m about to say. Not that anyone would believe you...”

You’re on the edge of your seat, barely able to breathe as Rick tells you everything. About who he really is, what he really does, who he works for… and how exactly he ended up in your hospital in the first place.

When he’s finished, you’re speechless, stunned, but he’s looking at you in what can only be described as relief. “God, do you know how good it feels to get that off my chest.”

“I – I really don’t know what to say to that”, you laugh a little breathlessly. Because after all, what is the correct response to finding out one of your patients saves the world with a team of super-villains on a regular basis?

“You don’t have to say anythin’ just… thank you for listen’.” He reaches over and squeezes your hand.

“Well, my life seems so much more boring in comparison now.” You slump back in your seat, mind whirling with this terrifying information. It certainly explains the nightmares but if anything, it makes it harder to understand how Rick is so decent and down to earth, considering everything he’s seen and done.

“Borin’s good”, he assures you. “Need to get me some borin’.” His eyes flicker to yours before he looks away. “Not that I’m sayin’ you are borin’. You save lives – you saved mine. That’s really somethin’.”

It might be a stretch, but you take the compliment. “Why – why did you share all this with me?” You have to know. Because like being up here on the roof with him, you’re confident that he’s not supposed to do this, not supposed to tell normal people like you the truth.

“Because I trust you.” The words slip out into the still and silent night, but before you can dwell on them, he continues. “Always preferred New Year to Christmas”, he muses. “Somethin’ about the promise of a fresh start, you know?”

You hum in agreement. “So, are you making any New Year’s resolutions, Colonel?”

He tilts his head down to look at you, a playful smirk crossing his face, so at odds with his earlier distress. “I guess you could say that. Might’a decided to quit my job.”

“Seriously?” You spin in your seat to face him. “Rick, that’s huge. Are you sure? When? Why?”

He laughs at your reaction and puts a hand over his chest. “Guess you could say this was a wakeup call. Maybe I don’t wanna spend the rest of whatever life I have left bein’ a puppet. Soon as I get back to Louisiana I’m handin’ in my notice.”

“What will you do instead?”

He shrugs, but there’s something carefree about the movement, as if a weight truly has been lifted from his shoulders. “I have no idea. Anyway, what about you? You got anythin’ you wanna do this year?”

“Oh, nothing as life-changing as that”, you tell him casually. “Just the usual. Join the gym, lose a few pounds. Maybe try one of those dating sites.” As wonderful as it has been spending this holiday season with Rick, it would be nice if you had someone of your own to spend Christmas with next year.

His eyes widen. “What the hell do you need a datin’ site for?”

“Um - how else do you meet someone these days?”

“Fair point”, he concedes. “I don’t exactly have the best track record when it comes to meetin’ women. But you work in a hospital”, he gestures around the roof. “You must meet hundreds of people every day.”

“Sure, but they’re mostly patients and even if that wasn’t frowned upon…” You pause for a second, finding his attention is fixed on you entirely. “You’re the first person under fifty I’ve treated in a long time.”

“What about when they’re not your patients anymore?” You feel the weight of his gaze upon you, but you’re not sure what it is he’s really asking.

“I don’t know. I mean, it’s never happened before. I guess there’s nothing wrong with it.”

A sudden explosion has you flinching until you remember where you are, what night it is. Looking out at the skyline you see the first fireworks exploding in the distance. “Huh, I guess that’s midnight.” With all this evening’s revelations, you’d completely lost track of the time. “Happy new year, Rick.”

Rick doesn’t know what comes over him. It must be the fresh air, or perhaps the freedom of getting all that history off his chest. Maybe it’s the knowledge that this time next week he’ll be back in his crappy one bed apartment, but he finds himself leaning over, his arm brushing against yours before he presses the lightest of kisses to your cheek. “Happy New Year, darlin’”.

[iliveiloveiwrite]

for the night is long, and I am weary // d.m.

Summary: A long day runs into a longer night. It’s okay though. He’s got you by his side through it all.

A/N: A short, sweet, soft Draco fic. Healer!Draco at that as well. I hope you all enjoy!

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Fem!Reader

Warnings: lots of fluff, it’s very soft, draco is tired.

Word count: 1.3k

Their home is silent as he slides the key into the lock, turning until it clicks. The very sound is music to his ears as he pushes the door open and sighs happily. The comforting, fragrant scent of sandalwood and pomegranate washes over him; your favourite candle that is burnt first thing in the morning and immediately relit upon you arriving home from work. After so long, the fragrance became one with their home – becoming their home. Now, Draco cannot smell either scent without thinking of you.

Weariness clings to his clothes, to his skin, to his bones. It makes him sluggish as he closes the door behind him, waiting for that tell-tale click of the lock before shrugging off his jacket and toeing off his shoes.

If he was smart, he would head to the bedroom, crawl under the covers and not resurface for years to come. His exhaustion grows heavier with every step, but despite having clocked off from the hospital, he still has hours of studying left to complete.

He wanders through the home; taking note of your absence before checking the clock. It would be hours until you would be home; spending your time hounding ministry officials for a centre dedicated to magical history. Draco thinks of you fondly as drops his bag onto the table, wincing at the thud it makes on the wooden surface.

The kettle all but screams to the blonde haired man. Draco gives in fairly easily, filling it up and placing it on the stove to heat before reaching for one of the many mugs you have bought in your time together.

As he leans against the kitchen counter, Draco crosses his arms and focuses his gaze to the floor. It had been a long day, and an even longer night was waiting for him. He had chosen this path; the dream of becoming a Healer too intoxicating for him to simply give up on it. His parents hadn’t wanted it, but it was first time that Draco had stuck to his guns about something other than you.

The training was intense, that much could be said. He had a newfound respect for the magical medical service he was now working for; seeing their devotion to the work made the long hours and painful cases worth it. He had found the job he wanted to dedicate his life to, but even he had to admit, he was struggling with the workload.

By the time he finishes at the hospital, he has over three hours of studying left to do when he gets home. He spends his lunch (when he gets his lunch) with a textbook in his lap or quizzing one of the senior Healers about procedures, potions and spells. Draco wanted to be the best he could be, and he was going to achieve that.

But sometimes, he simply wanted to crawl into bed and sleep off the cases he had covered.

His tea is poured; the teabag steeping as he takes a seat at the small kitchen table. With a worn out sigh, Draco drags the first textbook in front of him.

Draco doesn’t hear the click of the lock; he doesn’t hear your tired sigh, nor does he hear your soft footsteps padding through the flat. He remains focused on the textbook in front of him, reading and rereading the spells he would need in a trauma situation.

“Darling,” You call from the door of the kitchen, finding Draco once again hunched over a medical textbook. He hadn’t taken a day off since starting his training

“You scared me,” He whispers, a strained smile crossing his face.

“How long have you been studying?” You ask, frowning at the sight of the dark circles under his eyes.

Draco frowns; his eyebrows furrowing as he glances at the clock. “Since I got home,” He murmurs, sounding far away, “A few hours at least.”

“And have you slept at all?”

Draco shakes his head. He hadn’t even finished drinking his tea; the liquid now stone cold in his mug. He makes a mental note to get rid of the drink; there was no greater crime on this earth than that of cold tea. “Haven’t had the time,” He offers in explanation, gesturing to the numerous textbooks in front of him.

All of a sudden, he’s close to tears, burying his face in your stomach. Your arms wrap around his shoulders, rubbing at the tense muscles. You haven’t felt him relax in weeks; the countdown to his exams surprising the both of you by arriving so quickly.

Draco shudders in your arms; inhaling the familiar smell of your floral perfume. He had watched you dab it on your pulse points this morning, it was a wonder that the scent had remained strong all day.

He was so tired; so tired that he didn’t think he could sleep it off. He’s passed the point of over-exhaustion.

“Get up,” You command gently, tapping Draco’s shoulder. “You’re done for the night. You have tomorrow off right?”

Draco nods; still confused over what you’re asking him to do. Reaching over the man, you close the textbooks sprawled across the kitchen table. “You’re taking the night off. You can spend all of tomorrow studying if you want to, but you’re having tonight off.”

“I can’t,” Draco protests weakly, “I have to learn these spells.”

“Darling,” You hum softly, running a hand through the growing locks of the love of your life. Draco pushes his head further into your hand, humming happily at the feel of your fingers running over his scalp. “You need to sleep,” You murmur quietly.

Draco sighs; his shoulders drooping as he accepts your words. Silently, he nods, letting you pull him from kitchen table and lead him to your shared bedroom.

Warm light fills the room as you flick the switch. The room screams comfort; the bed large enough for the both of you with a thick quilt covering it. You lead him to the bed, nudging him slightly to take a seat on the edge. Draco feels close to tears when the mattress sinks comfortably under his body; the soft blankets inviting him to slip under their covers and dream the hours away.

Draco glances up at you, finding you already watching him with a fond look on your face. Draco responds by smiling at you. He wouldn’t be getting through these months without you by his side. You had accepted the hecticness of the Healer training programme, understanding perfectly how important it was for Draco. He doesn’t think he could love you anymore as you brush a hand against his cheek, running your fingers through the growing stubble there, and Draco is reminded that there isn’t a limit on his love for you – it’s utterly endless.

“Arms,” You whisper to which Draco responds by lifting his arms as much as he can. He hadn’t realised how dog-tired he was; didn’t think much of anything as he sat at the table with his books.

Working together, you get Draco dressed for bed. He thanks you with a slow, tired kiss, unable to manage much more. You smile, kissing his cheek lightly as he lies back against the pillows.

You turn to leave, wanting to turn the light off before you leave. At the last moment, Draco reaches out, grabbing your hand. “Stay with me,” He pleads, not wanting to be separated from your just yet. Your schedules being so busy that time like this was rare; he wanted to hold you, to reacquaint himself with his love for you.

There’s no argument to be had. You change for bed quickly, enjoying the feel of Draco’s eyes on you. It isn’t long before you’re shuffling into bed next to the man, eager to feel him pressed against you – getting the sleep he so desperately needs. You’re drawn to the man just as he is drawn to you, your bodies entwining together in a natural rhythm. Draco’s heart beats strongly against your cheek; his breathing getting slower and slower as his hand strokes up and down your arm.

“Thank you,” are his last words before he succumbs to the sleep that has hung over him since he arrived home.

****

Harry Potter taglist: @chaotic-fae-queen @harrypotter289 @kalimagik @heloisedaphnebrightmore @nebulablakemurphy @figlia--della--luna @big-galaxy-chaos @imboredandneedalife @levylovegood @awritingtree @haphazardhufflepuff @chaoticgirl04 @accio-rogers @dreaming-about-fanfictions @lestersglitterglue @msmimimerton @obx-beach @izzytheninja @slytherinprincess03 @bbeauttyybbx @breadqueen95 @kashishwrites @slytherinsunrise @remmyswritings @they-write-once-in-a-blue-moon @ria-rests-here @superbturtlemakerathlete @inglourious-imagines @ithilwen-lionheart @now-its-time-for-a-breakdown @ilovejjmaybank @theweasleysredhair @theonly1outof-a-billion @phuvioqhile @moatsnow @storyisnotover @himooonlight @missmulti @amourtentiaa @pandaxnienke

Draco Malfoy taglist: @the--queen-of-hell @obx-beach @obxmxybxnk @sycathorn-slush @dracomalfoyswifey @kashishwrites @justmesadgirl​ @detroitobsessed​ @aspiringsloth20​ @just-a-belgian-girl​ @lahoete​ @minty-malfoy​ @fallinallinmendes​ @ravenclawbitch426​ @ochrythum​ @beiahadid​ @gryffindors-weasley​ @dracosathenaeum​ @belladaises​

[natromanxoff]

Queen live at Entertainment Centre in Sydney, Australia - April 25, 1985

(x)

A 13 minute TV spot on the band was done on the popular music program Countdown shortly after this concert, the first of four nights in Sydney. The host, Ian "Molly" Meldrum, spoke about the band for a few minutes backstage (Crazy Little Thing Called Love and Bohemian Rhapsody can be heard in the background). They showed a great bit of footage of the band walking through the corridor as they were heading on stage (while the Machines tape was playing), followed by the first few bars of Tear It Up. Radio Ga Ga was then shown in its entirety - a fan recalls the audience was asked (presumably by Freddie) before the song to "stay seated and refrain from shouting because it was to be televised." Some of this song would be later seen on the 1989 "Rare Live" VHS release. It is rumoured that more of the show was filmed.

While in Australia, Brian, Roger, and John were guest hosts on another episode of Countdown. Meldrum cheerfully referenced Queen’s 1974 show at the Sunbury Festival. (x)

The first set of pictures were submitted by Alessio Rizzitelli.

(x)

[thespectralvision]

Twelve Days - 2. Secret Santa

Happy Holidays! This is my Wanda x Vision holiday countdown consisting of twelve interconnected stories exploring their changing and evolving relationship and family at Christmas time. It starts with the first holiday after Age of Ultron and will go through the post-WandaVision domestic setting found in my Flufftober series featuring Tommy, Billy, and Viv.  

You can also read this on Ao3 HERE

Rating: G/All Audiences

Pairing: The Vision x Wanda Maximoff

Characters: The Vision, Wanda Maximoff, Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Clint Barton, Natasha Romanoff, Sam Wilson, James “Rhodey��� Rhodes

Warnings: N/A

Other: This story takes place in 2015, a few months after Age of Ultron.

Summary: Each year at the Avengers Holiday Party the team participates in a Secret Santa inspired gift exchange. Wanda is stuck trying to find a gift for Tony and Vision tries to help her find something.

*- *- *- *- *- *- *- *- *- *- *- *- *- *- *- *- *- *- *- *- *- *- *-*

December 17, 2015 – Up-state New York

“Ugh of all the people why did I have to get Tony.” Wanda moans as they step onto the escalator of the festively decorated but crowded shopping centre. “I could have gotten Clint – he’s easy. Or Nat, or Sam. Hell, even Steve is easy. But no, I got Tony who is the worst. He has too much money to need anything and he still hates me.”

“Tony does not hate you, Wanda. He’s been trying to get along with you, just like you have with him. Besides, I believe the point of this exercise is for fun, not necessity.” Vision replies as he takes in the scene around them. Their SHIELD escort, a capable young man named Zack who has been their security detail in the past, laughs softly as he follows behind them. Even after the success of the recent holiday parade public opinion of the team, specifically the two of them, is tenuous at best. Vision knows Wanda dislikes the feeling of having a ‘baby sitter’ but he does not mind if it means they get to spend time in town instead of being locked away in the Compound.

The other Avengers are somewhere nearby with similar tasks of their own. It was apparently another ‘Avenger Holiday Tradition’ to exchange ‘Secret Santa gifts’ with one another at the annual holiday party. Neither he nor Wanda had been familiar with the concept but it sounded like fun. After having it explained and a number of internet searches Vision is still not entirely sure he understands, but hopefully he and Wanda can come up with something. The purpose of the exchange was more of a party game than an actual gift giving. Names had been drawn at random and they had each been assigned a teammate to purchase a prank gift for, with a price limit of around $25. They would have the afternoon in town to acquire their gift before the exchange at the holiday party tomorrow night.

It was not the same as the gift exchange the team would be partaking in before everyone went their separate ways for the holidays in a few days. Vision had already acquired everything needed for that, at least. He was quickly learning that he was far better at determining a good heartfelt gift than a teasing one. He and Wanda had already visited a number of stores and the first hour and a half of their afternoon has been a waste.

“Ugh. Fine, Tony still dislikes me greatly. I don’t want to make him more angry over a stupid gift.” Vision squeezes her hand gently in what he hopes is a comforting gesture before they step off the moving stairway. He understands the tension between his partner and his creator and understands both of their positions on the matter. Understanding, however, does not mean that he does not wish for both parties to find a way to move beyond their stubbornness and find a middle ground. The past months have seen marked improvement in both Wanda and Tony’s demeanour towards one another, and when Vision had learned that Wanda would be procuring a gift for the man he had thought it may be another good way for his best friend to extend another metaphorical olive branch. Wanda however sees the situation in the opposite light, despite his insistence that Tony Stark has a good sense of humour and understands that these gifts are meant to be odd.

“He is the one who told us to participate in this game, Wanda. I am certain he understands the rules well enough. I accessed files from JARVIS’s cloud last night to see what types of gifts were given in previous years and all were received with laughs and good natured roasting. I’m certain we can find something together that will work.”

Wanda just shrugs and starts to lead him in the direction of a store that seems to feature more gift items. “Who are you looking for again?”

“Clint. And I must confess I am just as uncertain what to purchase for him. I know the situations are not entirely the same but the relationship between Agent Barton and myself has been somewhat strained of late.” Vision knows that Clint does not exactly approve of the relationship that has developed between himself and Wanda. It’s not his business – they are both technically adults and capable of making their own decisions. The archer’s decision to semi-retire and spend more time away from the Compound with his family has kept him distant from watching their relationship unfold in real time like the others, so he understands that it may have seemed rather fast to him. Vision also suspects that Clint still holds a great deal of guilt for what happened to Wanda’s twin and is afraid she may be hurt again. It’s a valid fear that Vision has done everything in his power to assuage. The last thing Vision wishes for is to cause Wanda more pain. His best friend has been through enough.

Vision feels better when Wanda rolls her eyes at his mention of Clint’s displeasure at catching them being perhaps a little too handsy in the common area the other afternoon. As much as he tries to curb these behaviours, Vision is learning that young love and even synthetic hormones are sometimes a combination that are hard to ignore. He’s glad that Wanda at least made it very clear that she does not care what anyone else thinks about the two of them being a rather odd couple.

“Well he’s always getting hurt. Get him a first aid kit. Useful but still kind of funny.” Wanda says after a moment of thinking. Vision considers this – it’s not a bad idea. The gift will still be poking fun at their friend yet it is not mean-spirited. It’s also rather thoughtful for someone as accident and injury prone as Clint. Additionally, a first aid kit is also something they can easily find within the budget of the game and in the limited time they have left.

“That just leaves something for Tony then.” Wanda sighs as they make it to the store and step in. The walls are lined with various items that one could use as gifts – most silly, some sincere, and in the back corner is a section that sends Wanda into a fit of giggles when Vision is caught off guard by the very adult themes. It isn’t that he’s a prude – he’s had enough world experience now to understand the innuendoes but he had not expected such items to be so blatantly displayed where children might happen upon them.

Once they’ve stopped laughing, Vision spots a display labelled as ‘Gifts for Coworkers’ and points. “Perhaps we should try there?”

Wanda’s shrug is answer enough and they head over to see what is on offer. The selection is similar to what they’ve seen in other stores – laptop cases, travel cups and mugs, gift baskets with various food items, coffees, teas and hot cocoa mixes. Vision suspects it will be another failed attempt until Wanda starts to laugh, picking up one of the gift baskets.

“Vision, what do you think?”

He inspects the basket in her hands and joins in her laughter. It contains an assortment of speciality coffees, some fancy chocolates and a nice looking mug with humorous text that seems appropriate for the situation. It’s cheeky but he thinks Tony will understand the sentiment once he knows who chose it for him.

“I think we may have found a winner.” Vision replies with a grin and Wanda takes it to the counter to pay.

*-*-*-*-*

“Wow, ‘World’s Okay-est Coworker?’ You’d think the guy paying for all of this,” Tony gestures to the room around them, pointing out the top of the line appliances and modern furnishings as he speaks, “Would be more than OK.” He holds up his gift, the coffee mug and assorted items artfully displayed in the basket they came in. “Who got me this?”

It’s been a fun evening, Vision has to admit. There has been food and plenty to drink passed around the room to help boost the light hearted atmosphere. While Vision himself has not partaken much, some of the others are multiple drinks in, and if it means Wanda is perhaps cuddling against him closer than usual as the gifts are passed around he is not going to complain. The common space feels comfortable and festive. The decorators Tony had hired did a great job. As far as a first holiday party goes, Vision thinks this has been a very good experience.

Wanda is giggling into his shoulder as Tony tries to determine who his gift-giver was. Some of the other Avengers have had far better poker faces. Unsurprisingly Natasha has given nothing away as she quietly sips her drink, glancing around the room just as curious as Tony. Clint on the other hand is laughing, his own gift already opened and in his lap. Vision had been pleased by the response – as predicted he’d taken mock offence at the implication he was the one most likely to need first aid only to require it just moments later. He’d managed to slice his finger while attempting to cut a piece of cheese from the charcuterie platter on the counter nearby and Vision’s gift had been on hand for a quick recovery. The event had left the team, even those still sober like Vision, laughing at the timing that could not have been perfect. When Tony had reminded the team of the gift opened by Steve earlier in the evening everyone had been sent into another fit of hysterics, the odd kitchen appliance at the Captain’s feet now even more appropriate.

So far about half of the team have opened their gifts. Numbers were drawn to see who would go first. Steve had been selected, ironic considering his status as the oldest and technically the first Avenger. He had opened the professionally wrapped box to pull out a what appeared to be a cheese grater with a look of confusion Tony had given himself away. “I thought I would introduce you to some modern technology, Cap.”

“It’s a cheese grater.” Steve had answered lamely.

“Not just any cheese grater. This one was featured on TV – see, it’s got a sticker and everything.” Vision had glanced at the box and as promised a bright ‘As Seen on TV’ sticker stands out. “You see, Steve, I spoke with the nicest sales rep at the mall the other day. Bernard, or was it Berry? Something with a B. Doesn’t matter. What does matter is he gave me a great demonstration about all the things this bad boy can do. It’s far safer than a run of the mill cheese grater and he assured me it was great for elderly relatives.” Tony had smirked as he leaned back in his chair, taking another drink.

The Captain had simply rolled his eyes at the jab about his age as they all laughed about it. “Well thank you Tony. I’m sure we’ll find a use for it.”

Wanda had been the next in line to open her gift and had laughed when her festive gift bag contained a rather cute plush toy shaped like a robot. “Very funny, whoever got this. Honestly though, I love it. He’s adorable!” She had grinned, placing a silly kiss to the top of the plushie’s head and glancing up at Vision as she hugged it close. “Sorry Vizh, I think I’m going to replace you.” Her teasing had inspired another round of laughter. Despite her words Wanda had leaned in closer to Vision and he’d been happy to put his arm around her. He knew it was all in good fun – and the toy was very cute, even he had to admit. As the attention had shifted to the next gift he’d been gifted a kiss far better than the toy had gotten anyway.

Clint had followed with his first aid kit, and that had led to Tony opening Wanda’s gift. Vision’s creator seems to have caught on to Wanda’s giggling despite her efforts to hide it by burying her face in Vision’s shoulder and holding her recently acquired robot plush up to hide her flushed face. Vision suspects whatever drink Natasha had given her must have contained far more booze than he’d previously assumed to get his girlfriend to react in such a way. When they pause again he’ll get up to get Wanda some water, just in case.

“Wanda. Was this you?” Tony narrows his eyes through his tinted glasses, putting her on the spot. His tone says he knows it was and Wanda reveals her face knowing she’s been found out.

With a nod of her head she answers, “You caught me. It’s a compliment, Stark. You’ve graduated from ‘worst coworker’ to ‘okayest.’”

Tony considers it for a moment, then breaks into a smile of his own. “Alright, coming from you Maximoff, I’ll take it. Maybe by next year we’ll have made it up a few more rungs to ‘not that bad coworker’. Thanks.” He puts the gift aside to keep it safe and looks around expectantly. “Who’s next?”

“I believe it is me.” Vision holds up the little slip of paper with the number 5 written on it that he had drawn earlier in the evening. He reaches for the package on the table with his name and gently shakes it in the same way he’s observed the others do. It gives him no answers – whatever the small box contains seems to have been carefully wrapped to muffle any sound. He carefully undoes the tape and pulls the decorative paper away to reveal a rather plain brown box. Opening that reveals tissue paper wrapping whatever Vision assumes the actual gift is. A few of the team members are already snickering, clearly in on whatever joke Vision is about to stumble across.

He makes quick work of unrolling the tissue paper to reveal what appears to be a small metal photo frame with a hook attached to hang it from a Christmas tree. Curious. When Vision turns it over in his hand he immediately understands the laughter. It is indeed a photo frame style tree ornament that has been artfully engraved with an apt if mildly offensive epitaph. Baby’s 1st Christmas. A photo of himself has been included that looks suspiciously like his ID photo in the SHIELD archive, taken within the first days of his life after the team had returned to America.

“Very funny.” Vision looks around the room, his tone remaining even in the way he knows makes the others vaguely uncomfortable. It’s a trick he’s learned to utilize with Wanda’s help over the past several months. Most people, even the other Avengers, still struggle to understand just how complex the emotions Vision feels actually are. It’s helped more than once – occasionally on a mission he is assumed to be a dumb machine rather than a human-like being allowing him an opportunity to turn the tides. It’s also come in handy at pulling pranks on their friends.

Vision lets the odd silence go on for just a beat too long before breaking into a cool smile as Wanda breaks it with another laugh. She takes the gift from his hands to look it over and holds it up. “Who did this? You should have asked me for a better photo. I’ve got far more embarrassing ones.”

“Thank you, Wanda. And thank you as well to whomever purchased this. I am well aware that I am technically less than a year old. Now we can always commemorate my first holiday.” He tries to keep his face and tone neutral but now that Wanda is laughing, Vision finds it impossible and breaks into a smile of his own. Seeing her so happy is worth the small amount of embarrassment the gift brings him.

“Ok, I gotta know who’s idea that was even if Vis doesn’t.” Clint asks, looking around, his own face red from his own laughter and drink. “That’s one of the funniest gifts we’ve done.”

“It wasn’t me.” Natasha shrugs, looking around as well. Vision glances at everyone only to find blank stares until he reaches Steve. Captain Rogers is beaming, clearly pleased with himself. “You’re welcome, Vision. Merry Christmas.”

“Steve? No.” Wanda gasps, eyes going wide. “Who would have thought.”

“He came up with it on his own too.” Nat adds. “We walked by it and he just started laughing in the store and I had no idea why.”

“Nice one, Rogers.” Tony joins in. “I should have thought of that, honestly.”

Vision is pleased his gift has put everyone in such a good mood. It’s been fun, experiencing this. Each day since the parade on Thanksgiving has given him further insight into the odd and beautifully human behaviours that make up the holiday season. Participating in a gift giving, even a prank one like this, makes him feel included among them. Wanda’s warmth against him and her hand reaching for his as the next gift is grabbed by Rhodey has him looking forward to the next year already. He hopes he may end up with Steve to enact the perfect revenge with a year of planning ahead of him.

[cinomar]

My top 10 movies of 2017

As December draws to a close, and year-end lists dominate social-media feeds, I thought I’d share my own views on the crème de la crème of what has been an extraordinary 12 months for motion pictures.

Full disclosure: I have not yet seen a lot of the heavy-hitting Oscar contenders (The Post, Phantom Thread, All the Money in the World, I, Tonya...), so my favourites will be limited to the movies I’ve managed to watch so far.

Without further ado, let the countdown begin!

10. Mother!

Perhaps the most polarising movie this year, Mother! is a toe-curling exercise in endurance cinema that recasts parables from the Old Testament. Within a suffocatingly claustrophobic house, whose creaking groans and seeping blood only augment the sinister storyline, this nightmarish scenario plays out before reaching a harrowing symbol-crash of a crescendo. There were moments in Mother! when I looked down at my hands and they were convulsively shaking. Is it my favourite Darren Aronofsky? No. Will I be watching it again? Absolutely. 

9. Get Me Roger Stone

“I revel in your hatred, because if I weren’t effective you wouldn’t hate me.” So says Roger Stone, the polemical political strategist who has been getting rich off his moral bankruptcy since his involvement in the Watergate scandal. This Netflix documentary traces the life of the self-defined agent provocateur, from his encouraging Donald Trump to run for office in the 1980s to his intentional thwarting of the Florida-election recount in 2000. Guaranteed to make your blood boil, this film offers maddening insight into the extent of corruption in Washington.     

8. Baby Driver

Baby Driver is a triumph, resplendent in its tyre-screeching glory. By seamlessly embedding music into the film’s narrative, Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) delivers a startlingly original heist movie that marches to the beat of its own drum. Boasting an eye-watering rating of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, a hyper-stylised sensory richness and adrenalin-inducing car chases, Baby Driver is a cinephile’s film par excellence.

7. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

They say people cope with grief in different ways, and this certainly seems to be true of Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) who takes her local police (led by Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell) to task after the rape and murder of her teenage daughter. The expletive-spewing Hayes plasters accusatory messages on billboards challenging the town’s law enforcers to reopen her daughter’s unresolved case. She is a reckless firecracker of an anti-heroine. Whether she’s kicking a schoolchild in the crotch or flinging a petrol bomb at a police station, Mildred has an infectious desire to put these killers behind bars that makes her a treat to watch.

6. Good Time

Robert Pattinson is unrecognisable in the Safdie brothers’ nerve-shredding thriller Good Time, turning in a career-best performance as a petty criminal hustling his way through a colour-leached Queens to save his mentally ill brother. Since he earned a six-minute standing ovation at Cannes, it’s unsurprising the actor is being compared to De Niro in Taxi Driver.    

5. BPM

Set in Nineties Paris, BPM (beats per minute) provides a brutally heart-wrenching take on the AIDS crisis without sinking into sentimentality. The movie, which scooped up the Grand Prix at Cannes, centres on the LGBTQIA activist group Act Up. Through heated, strategy-focused meetings – where the blood-hurling advocates clash with the big-pharma sympathisers – the campaigners raise awareness of the epidemic, forging relationships along the way. I’m thoroughly disappointed that the Oscars snubbed this defiant, sincere film in the foreign-language category. 

4. The Disaster Artist

The Disaster Artist is a hysterical behind-the-scenes exposé tracing the making of Tommy Wiseau’s self-financed vanity project, The Room (widely regarded as the worst film ever made). James Franco – who also directed The Disaster Artist – has earned plaudits for his sensitive, yet hilarious, impersonation of the filmmaker. I was so intrigued by the trailer that I fought my way into a (massively oversubscribed) advanced screening at the BFI, where I full-on cried with laughter, then collapsed on a Tube platform when my sister quoted a line to me on the way home. Funniest film of the year without a shadow of a doubt. 

3. Get Out

The flash of a camera. The clinking of a teaspoon. The humming of crickets in a suburban street. Get Out’s accumulation of seemingly banal details makes it so masterfully unsettling. The movie is something of a modern-day Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? that sees an African-American (Daniel Kaluuya) visit the parents of his white girlfriend (Allison Williams) and gradually discover an unsettling truth brewing beneath mind games and micro-aggressions. The film marks the sketch comedian Jordan Peele’s first foray into cinema as a writer-director, and has already established him as one to watch. Get Out is a sucker punch to the status quo that is impossible to forget.

2. Lady Bird

Lady Bird is an astounding addition to the coming-of-age canon, a feel-good film exuding a sincerity and warmth that quickly confirms its status as one of the cinematic highlights of 2017. Raw and relatable, the movie is a show-stopping masterpiece that ushers the actress-turned-director Greta Gerwig into the pantheon of blossoming auteurs. The film faithfully captures the essence of what it’s like to grow up female; the awkwardness of that disconcerting stage of adolescence in which you are unceremoniously prised from the familiar embrace of girlhood and thrust towards womanhood. In the tradition of great cinema, Lady Bird takes a profoundly personal story and transposes it with such dexterity that it feels universal. 

1. Call Me by Your Name 

“Call me by your name and I’ll call you by mine,” whispers Oliver (Armie Hammer) as he gently caresses the cheek of his lover Elio (Timothée Chalamet) in the soft darkness. The blossoming romance between these two men, that unfurls over six sun-dappled weeks in northern Italy, is utterly ravishing. The director Luca Guadagnino creates a sensory masterpiece by lingering over the finer details of their relationship: peach juice trickling down a chin, bicycle pedals whirring into action. Call Me by Your Name is a shining beacon of tolerance and acceptance, with a heartbreaking ending that will bring tears to your eyes.

[dietsauthority]

Diary of a hip replacement: week 1

The countdown to my hip replacement

My ideal leg that has actually had actually the hip replaced is my stronger leg and taking a great deal of the stress, as is my back. In my evaluation, the specialist creates in the notes sent out to my GP and also myself that there is a 3cm distinction in leg size. No surprise my back is harming. He keeps in mind that the un-operated leg is 'perished'.

Walking any kind of range causes substantial pain in my lower and also center back, so before the op I am doing 10 swimming pool sizes at the local recreation centre as well as a series of workouts to maintain myself mobile. I could put it off no more. I should get this hip replaced to even up the disparity in height and to reduce the pain.

At my pre-assessment a week prior to the surgery, a nurse takes my high blood pressure, asks me a series of concerns regarding my way of living, weighs as well as gauges me, takes pee as well as blood examinations, and offers me an ECG heart test.

Coping with anxiety before my hip substitute operation

But probably my most significant concern regarding the hip procedure was going under basic anaesthetic. I have no idea why. I have had lots of hip ops over the years - 7 major operations before the age of six. Some surgery in my twenties then, in 2000, the right hip replaced.

I had never even thought of the general anaesthetic prior to, but this time, it is a significant problem that towers above me. I am 54, not 24 or 14 or 4. Would I make it through the anaesthetic?

I know it sounds absurd, yet it was definitely actual for me for about a fortnight prior to the day. Ultimately I located the ideal means to deal with this irrational fear (I am menopausal) was to deep take a breath whenever the stress and anxiety hit as well as keep active, disturbance being a coping method. That's why I went swimming the night prior to the procedure, because it soothed me down.

When I did fulfill the anaesthetist, I stated to him, 'I am extremely nervous'. 'Of course, you are' he responded. And naturally, the op was mosting likely to happen. Exactly how else was I to be knocked out? With a Roger Rabbit- style animation mallet as well as chirruping cartoon bluebirds circling around over me?

Day 1: the day of my hip replacement operation

A week later on I go to the hospital where I fulfill the expert and also the anaesthetist.

The anaesthetist informs me that I will certainly have an overall basic anaesthetic, asks me if I have any type of loosened or incorrect teeth as well as asks me to move my neck from entrusted to right.

The time has actually come. After not consuming or consuming alcohol from twelve o'clock at night I am asked to place on a gown and also some paper pants. They are prepared for me.

Wheeled to operating theatre, the anaesthetist asks me what I provide for a work (15 years ago it was a '10, 9, 8 ...' countdown), while inserting a cannula right into my hand, as he infuses a solution we bid farewell to each various other and ...

I am woken up by a man stating my name and also telling me that it is around. I have actually felt nothing in all and had no aware knowledge of anything being done to me, or memory, I am impressed and soothed.

I am pressed back as much as my room I am lifted from the trolley to the bed. The specialist enters into the space as well as tells me that my hip was really tight, and that I hemorrhaged a great deal and also have a drainpipe with a container of blood connected to me. The nursing team take my blood stress frequently and also give me an anti-sickness medicine into the cannula in my hand.

The opening night passes, I need to request for a bed pan twice. The staff check on me consistently. I am linked to a set of electric 'socks' that pump as well as grind throughout the evening, as well as carry a set of limited knee-high elastic socks, both to avoid blood clots. I am also provided a shot right into the stomach.

Day 2: my post-hip-replacement physio begins

The adhering to early morning I fulfill the physiotherapist for the very first time and also given a strolling structure so I can rise to go the toilet.

I must rest on the bathroom as well as any type of chair carefully, placing my operated leg out directly. I must not go past a 45 degree knee-leg posture. When my right hip was changed in 2000, I was issued with an elevated seat to put into to the commode itself now the physio tells me that just stretching my operated leg out in front of me will certainly do the trick.

I should not flex over, or exist on my side, as there is a threat of placing the round as well as outlet out. I must not cross my legs. Gingerly, does it, I could stagnate anywhere quickly.

Pain alleviation is a box including morphine with a switch that I could press if I feel I need discomfort relief, I additionally have an oxygen nose pipe.

Later, I opt for my initial stroll with the physio therapist, out and also up as well as down the hallway outside, there is a bar along the wall like in a dancing college. I do some small bends as well as aim to lift the knee of the operated leg. This is tough as the leg still feels swollen and numb from the surgery.

Day 3: the physio encourages me to get out of bed

The physio comes back as well as we pace again and do some even more simple exercises, she speaks with me about waking the muscular tissues up, and also worries the value of obtaining the surrounding tissue relocating once again, also while the new joint is bed linens itself in my body. She also motivates me to get clothed as well as sit out in a chair instead of just maintain climbing back into bed. I admit that I really feel extremely tired in those initial two days as well as spend a great deal of time sleeping in and out of sleep.

Day 4: my morphine pump is removed as well as I practice fluctuating the stairs

The morphine pump is gotten rid of in addition to the oxygen mask makings me cost-free to move around. Two registered nurses come as well as remove the drain that is inside my leg and also the bottle of blood that goes along with it. They inform me to take a deep breath as they draw the drain out, there is a small tugging experience. It is not unbearable.

I am secured by a physio as well as we do the stairways. One step each time: 'Great boost to heaven, poor leg to hell', which implies increasing the staircases you put your unoperated foot on the action first, on the descending trip your freshly run leg goes first. This is sluggish progress as you raise one leg then up with the crutches and also carry up the other one, pigeon design, 15 years back, you were not enabled to do stairs, today you are encouraged to be as mobile as possible.

Day 5: going home after the hip replacement

I'm going home today. A nurse evacuates my bag for me, I am not enabled to flex, and also takes me through the medicines I will certainly take home with me.

The pain alleviation now recommended is 2 paracetamol as well as 2 ibroprofen every 4 hours.

I proposal farewell to the team, who have actually been terrific, as well as my sibling drives me home, in the front guest seat. It is advised that you put a strong plastic bag on the seat, to make sure that you could pivot right into the seat without removaling the brand-new hip joint. It does really feel unusual sitting in the safety seat and I could really feel that something has actually happened in that hip joint.

Home finally (my birthday) but we keep cake and candle lights to a minimum. I need to work out the staircases as well as do my exercises, some standing up holding into a strong chair, as well as some resting in bed, each set needs to be done 4 times a day.

You must sleep on your back, handing over might cause the hip joint to dislodge, not a great situation as you would definitely discover yourself back in hospital.

I am delighted to be home without the noises of the active ward, and also calm down right into my brand-new regimen. I am using two elbow joint assistance props, some medical facilities allow you entrust to walking sticks, it depends from hospital depend healthcare facility trust.

Day 6: sleeping on my back and doing the bed and standing exercises

After an evening obtaining utilized to resting only on my back, in my bed at residence, I rise with aid from my partner, I have little cravings and have the ability to take care of some fruit as well as among those little yoghurt drinks.

We choose that I would certainly do both the bed as well as the standing works out four times a day, with an established day-to-day timetable, for these, though it tends to slip every now and then. The bed workouts contain Deep Breathing to begin, Ankle Pumps (increasing my feet and also doing foot 'circles'), Quadriceps and also Gluteal Contractions (elevating my knees and also calf bones, feet an inch or more and also holding it for 2 secs, Heel Slides (bending both knees no even more than 45 levels), and Hib Kidnappings relocating the operated leg out to the side as much a comfy). This exercise is the hardest and also I require my other half to relocate the leg as I discover it practically difficult to move it under my very own heavy steam.

Surprisingly, the standing exercises are a great deal easier. Hanging on throughout of the bedstead or dining room table or chair, I comply with a series of knee bends, unoperated-leg swings sideways and also to the back, hamstring curls, mini crouches as well as heel raises.

Day 7: obtaining used to moving the house after my hip replacement

I obtain utilized to walking around your home, slowly, I proceed my workouts. I consume hardly any, though it's thought that you could be prone to weight gain while in recovery, due to absence of activity. My little girl chefs a spaghetti dish in the evening which I take pleasure in, the very first dish I've actually enjoyed considering that the op.

I am taking medicines every 4 hours, and as I rise the staircases for the umpteenth time, I remind myself that my 80-year-old mom has in the last few years had both her knees replaced as well as managed it. If she could do it at 80, so can I. I am very worried, nevertheless, that the upper leg of my run leg has swollen to two times the dimension of the other one.

After 2 full days in your home, I appreciate the very straightforward 'precautions' around your home. We have hand grasps all over the house. These are so beneficial, as my crutches are up to the floor whatever I relax them versus. The developer of gravity defying crutches will succeed. I have my mobile phone in my clothing dress pocket when I'm around your home. I have to keep in mind to put on a jacket with pockets.

We have actually additionally gotten a second-hand, straight-backed wooden chair for me to sit in the living space. Low seat, soft pillow sofas and elbow chairs are a rigorous no for the following couple of weeks.

[techcrunchappcom]

New Post has been published on https://techcrunchapp.com/is-arsenals-new-look-defence-already-secured-football-news/

Is Arsenal's 'new-look' defence already secured? | Football News

In William Saliba, Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding and co, Arsenal may already have a ready-made defence

Last Updated: 30/06/20 11:05am

Is Arsenal’s ‘new-look’ defence already at the club?

Is Arsenal’s new and improved defence already under their nose? After weeks of concern, there are positives for the Gunners if you look hard enough.

Download the Football Weekend Review Podcast on: Spotify | Apple | Castbox | Spreaker

Arsenal bounced back from two straight defeats upon football’s restart with credible away victories at Southampton and Sheffield United, with some impressive defensive performances from Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney.

With William Saliba also hotly tipped to make an impact for Arsenal from next season following his £27m move from Saint-Etienne, and Hector Bellerin first-choice right-back, Mikel Arteta may not require the defensive overhaul some had assumed.

Arsenal have also secured David Luiz for another year, and completed the permanent signings of centre-back Pablo Mari and full-back Cedric Soares last week.

The Sky Sports Football Weekend Review podcast discuss Arsenal’s defensive options, along with the thoughts of Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal striker Alan Smith…

‘Holding, Tierney… the positives are there’

Rob Holding (left) and Kieran Tierney (right) may have a bright future at Arsenal

Gerard Brand on the Sky Sports Football Weekend Review podcast:

“Against Sheffield United there were still some scary moments that may have gone punished from a side with more confidence, but there are some positives emerging from the Arsenal defence.

“Rob Holding was MOTM against Saints; he did the simple things simply, which may seem basic but is still an improvement, and what really impressed me was the way he commanded the defence and pushed them up when Arsenal attacked, which reduces that gap between midfield and defence we’ve seen so often. I also think he’s a decent passer into midfield and gets the game going quickly.

“Kieran Tierney was also impressive against Sheffield United, so the positives are there, but there is a long, long way to go. There’s no doubt there is plenty of work to be done.”

‘Early signs suggest little defensive spending’

Arsenal’s defence have come under huge scrutiny this season

Roger Clarke on the Sky Sports Football Weekend Review podcast:

“The message from Arsenal for the last few transfer windows has been: ‘We’re not spending big… there isn’t much money around,’ and when you look at what they’ve done already, securing David Luiz’s contract, Pablo Mari is injured, but they’ve secured him too, and Cedric Soares has come in on a free, so there doesn’t seem to be a huge amount of money around.

“Are they going to go out and spend big money on a new centre-half? A new full-back? Are they going to do that when they’ve already made three permanent signings?

“Arsenal fans will be hoping they do, but with everything we’ve seen and heard of Arsenal over the years, it doesn’t feel like there is going to be a lot of money thrown around.”

‘Arsenal can’t buy ready-made talent’

Rob Holding was man-of-the-match against Southampton

Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith was full of praise for Holding after his man-of-the-match display at Southampton, and the former Arsenal man believes Arteta’s job is to improve what he already has…

“I gave Holding man of the match against Southampton, and I think longer term he is someone Mikel Arteta can work with. He’s young, has a good attitude, and has the good makings of a centre-half. He used three at the back again, which seems to give him some stability.

“Tierney is the big plus point; he’s been unlucky with injury since arriving at the club, but he strikes me as an old-school type defender, a young lad that will only get better.

“There’s obviously loads to do at Arsenal, a great deal to do, but as with any good team you have to start from the back, and that’s what Arteta will be trying to do to give them some stability in results. I think under Arteta they have shown a bit more steel and backbone at times, but it’s a long old job.

“Of course Saliba is going to arrive at the club before too long, and from what I hear, scouts at Europe’s biggest clubs can’t believe he escaped the net, they can’t believe they didn’t get him instead of Arsenal, so that bodes well. He’s been excellent for St Etienne in the [Virgil] van Dijk mold, in terms of his ability on the ball.

William Saliba will be available for Arsenal from next season

“I think it’s the way forward for Arsenal; they can’t buy ready-made talent, they need to nurture players and improve them on the training field, which I believe Arteta can do.

“Players with potential like Saliba, Tierney, Holding, plus Bellerin can get better, so they are the back four as well as those other characters you’ve got; Luiz, Sokratis [Papastathopoulos], [Shkodran] Mustafi, so there is something to go on there. You just want them to have a free run now, without injury problems.”

Back-to-back Super 6 winners?

Do not miss your chance to land the £250,000 jackpot for a sixth time this season on Saturday. Play for free.

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[fifiweihao-blog]

That Was the Year That Was – 2006

whale swimming in the River Thames

On 20th January 2006, people in London thought they were hallucinating when they could’ve sworn they’d seen a whale swimming in the River Thames. Their hallucinations were confirmed to be, in fact, reality when TV cameras captured a juvenile female Northern bottlenose whale who was five metres long and weighed about seven tonnes. Her normal habitat would have been near the coasts of the far north of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and in the seas around the Arctic Ocean but she appeared to have lost her way. Rescue teams attempted to get the whale (affectionately named Diana) back into the Atlantic but she later died from convulsions as she was being rescued at around 19:00 GMT on 21 January.

Saddam Hussein, was found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death by hanging

On 5 November 2006 Iraq’s leader, Saddam Hussein, was found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death by hanging. On 30 December 2006, the first day of Eid-ul-Adha, Saddam was hanged. Mobile phones captured the execution and the video was leaked to the media and posted on the Internet within hours, becoming the subject controversy across the globe. Prior to his execution he was captured by Americans in 2003 after they invaded Iraq. During this period Saddam was held in a Baghdad detention facility and was interrogated by FBI agent George Piro. In 2004 he was charged with crimes committed against residents of Dujail in 1982, following a failed assassination attempt on his life. This included the murder of 148 people, torture of women and children and the illegal arrest of 399 others. Following the execution, Saddam’s body was buried in his birthplace of Al-Awja in Tikrit, Iraq on 31 December 2006.

world’s first partial face transplant on a living human

While the world’s first partial face transplant on a living human happened on 27 November 2005, the patient, Isabelle Dinoire, appeared in public in early 2006 for a media conference with her new face. She underwent surgery to replace her nose, mouth and chin, which had been mauled by her dog. The operation on Isabelle’s face was carried out by Professor Bernard Devauchelle, assisted by Professor Jean-Michel Dubernard at the Centre hospitalier Universitaire Nord in Amiens, France. The surgery requires the patient to take the drugs for the rest of her life so that her body doesn’t reject her new face. Isabelle later bought another dog to help in her recovery after the surgery.

another year of hurt for England

It was another year of hurt for England (and it still is in 2016) when Italy came, saw and conquered the 2006 FIFA World Cup. England’s shot at the World Cup ended in quarter-finals when they lost on penalties (what a surprise) to Portugal after a goalless match. Italy won the tournament on 9th July 2006 after they defeated France 5–3 in a penalty shootout when extra time had finished in a 1–1 draw. Germany defeated Portugal 3–1 to finish in third place. It was also Italy’s first world title in 24 years, and their fourth world title overall. This made them the second most successful World Cup team ever.

Google, bought video streaming site, YouTube

In October 2006 tech giant, Google, bought video streaming site, YouTube, in 2006 for $1.65 billion. The price tag would’ve seemed massive at the time – especially as YouTube only started up in 2005 but YouTube continued to grow year after year. At that time it was Google’s second largest buy. YouTube now has 1 billion unique users using the service every month. Starting from 2010 Alexa (a commercial web traffic data and analytics service) ranked YouTube as the third most visited website on the Internet after Google and Facebook – this still continues today.

Suffolk Strangler Steve Wright: A real Jekyll and Hyde

Sick Steve Wright carried out the “fastest serial killing spree in British history” when he murdered five prostitutes in just 10 days.

The forklift truck driver strangled his victims before stripping and dumping their bodies in rural spots near Ipswich in 2006.

Wright was jailed for life in 2008 for the murders of Tania Nicol, 19, Gemma Adams, 24, Anneli Alderton, 24, Annette Nicholls, 29 and Paula Clennell, 24.

To his fellow golfers at Seckford golf club near Ipswich, he was “the most boring bloke in the world”, but Steve Wright had for years hidden a secret life of domestic violence, cross-dressing, petty theft, failed suicide bids and an obsession with prostitutes.

He had even tried to strangle an ex-wife on several occasions during a turbulent relationship 20 years before he went on to murder five women in the space of six weeks.

2006 UK Timeline

January

1 January – BBC One airs The Queen by Rolf, a documentary following artist Rolf Harris as he paints a portrait of the Queen.

3 January – Channel 4 quiz show Countdown celebrates its 4000th edition.

6 January – ITV debuts Soapstar Superstar, a singing talent contest in which soap actors compete to become series champion.

7 January – Charles Kennedy, resigns as leader of the Liberal Democrats, admitting that he has a drinking problem.

14 January – Coronation Street actor Richard Fleeshman wins the first series of ITV’s Soapstar Superstar.

15 January – The BBC announces details of Just the Two of Us, a singing contest following the Strictly Come Dancing format that will air in February and March. Vernon Kay and Tess Daly will present the series which will pair celebrities with professional singers, who will then compete to become series champion.

Debut of ITV’s Dancing on Ice.

20 January – River Thames whale: a whale is discovered swimming in the River Thames in London.

24 January – Sven-Göran Eriksson announces that he will quit as manager of the England national football team after this summer’s World Cup in Germany. Eriksson, 57, has been in charge of the England team for five years and, as a Swede, is the first non-English manager of the England team.

27 January – Chantelle Houghton, a model from Essex wins the fourth series of Celebrity Big Brother after entering the series as a "fake" celebrity. In order to remain as a contestant she was required to convince the other participants that she was a famous singer.

February

3 February – Islamist demonstration outside Danish Embassy in London in response to the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy.

8 February – Channel 4 confirms that its pay-per-view movie channel FilmFour will go Free-to-air from July, when it will launch on Freeview.

9 February – Dunfermline and West Fife by-election: Willie Rennie of the Liberal Democrats wins the seat from Labour.

The Government announces that the Child Support Agency is to be abolished.

10–26 February – Great Britain competes at the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, and wins one silver medal (Shelley Rudman for women’s skeleton).

14 February – Coronation Street bosses defend their decision to film a storyline involving a car breaking down on Saddleworth Moor, scene of the 1960s Moors murders, saying the plot has nothing to do with the events that occurred there.

15 February – BBC One debuts Davina, a chat show presented by Davina McCall. Guests on the first edition include Charlotte Church, Tess Daly and Vernon Kay. The show proves to be a disaster, with The Guardian’s Gareth Maclean noting that McCall "found herself floundering and foundering, struggling through the interviews, and exposing herself in a way from which even the hardiest flasher would recoil", while Jonathan Ross blames a poor guest line up. The 8 March edition gives BBC One its worst ever peak time ratings of 2.75 million. By the time the show ends on 12 April ratings have fallen to below 2.5 million. It is axed shortly afterwards.

16 February – the BRIT Awards take place.

18 February – The Rolling Stones give a free concert to two million people in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

19 February – the BAFTA awards take place in London.

22 February – The one billionth song is downloaded on iTunes; the song is "Speed of Sound" by Coldplay.

22 February – Securitas depot robbery: around £53 million (US$92 million) is stolen from a Securitas depot at Tonbridge, Kent, in the largest cash robbery in British crime history.

The Prince of Wales’s court case continues in the High Court against The Mail on Sunday as he tries to prevent the publication of his journals. Various revelations have been made such as that he considers himself to be a dissident, and his opinion of government officials in People’s Republic of China whom he described as "appalling old waxworks".

23 February – Just the Two of Us debuts on BBC One.

27 February – writers Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh sue Random House in the High Court of Justice claiming that the best selling novel The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown contains ideas stolen from their 1982 book The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail.

28 February – L!VE TV is moved to the adult section of Sky’s EPG, and is rebranded as "Babeworld" two days later. This is because the channel has moved to broadcasting an increasingly adult themed content.

March

1 March – the Senedd, debating chamber of the National Assembly for Wales on Cardiff Bay, designed by Richard Rogers is opened by the Queen.

2 March – Sir Menzies Campbell is elected leader of the Liberal Democrats following an election caused by the resignation of previous leader, Charles Kennedy.

Four people are injured in an explosion in a GlaxoSmithKline factory in Irvine, North Ayrshire.

3 March – Disgraced glam rock singer Gary Glitter is convicted of sexually abusing two young girls at his villa in Vietnam and is sentenced to three years in jail.

4 March – Actress Gaynor Faye and professional skating partner Daniel Whiston win the first series of Dancing on ice.

5 March – Siân Reeves and Russell Watson win the first series of Just the Two of Us.

7 March – the President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, makes a state visit to the UK.

10 March – David Gilmour begins his first world tour since Pink Floyd’s 1994 world tour, in support of his On an Island album.

11 March – James Blunt, with his single "You’re Beautiful", becomes the first British artist to top the US Billboard Hot 100 chart since Elton John with "Candle In The Wind 1997".

11 March – ITV launches a CITV channel, which broadcasts during the downtime hours of ITV4, replacing the ITV News Channel.

13 March – six men taking part in a clinical trial for a new anti-inflammatory drug TGN1412 are placed in intensive care, some in a life-threatening condition, after suffering adverse side-effects.

18 March – Christopher Napier, performing as George Formby wins the fourth and final junior series of Stars in Their Eyes. The programme continues with a number of special editions during 2006, before a final celebrity special on 23 December.

19 March – the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall begin a two-week foreign tour to Egypt, Saudi Arabia and India.

20 March – the British Press Awards are held at The Dorchester, Park Lane, London.

21 March – Labour’s hopes of a unique fourth successive term in office at the next general election (by which time Tony Blair says he will have resigned as prime minister) are given a boost when an Ipsos MORI opinion poll puts them 11 points ahead of the Conservatives on 42%.

23 March – 2005-2006 Christian Peacemaker hostage crisis: British peacemaker, Norman Kember, and three Canadians rescued by SAS troops.

23 March – Coronation Street bosses dismiss as untrue media reports that the child actress who plays the soap’s Amy Barlow is being replaced because her parents felt her storylines were "too harrowing", and her workload too heavy.

24 March – ITV announces plans to air World of Chat, a show on ITV2 featuring the best from chatshows around the world.

25–26 March – UKTV Gold presents its Mitchells Weekend to coincide with the return of Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) to EastEnders. The weekend includes The Mitchells – The Full Story, a documentary about the soap family presented by actress Kim Medcalf.

28 March – Council workers across the UK strike over pension rights.

Royal Regiment of Scotland created.

April

3 April – Graham Norton will present How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, a TV talent search for an actress to play Maria in a stage production of The Sound of Music, it is announced.

7 April – 12.6 million viewers watch long-running Coronation Street character Mike Baldwin die in the arms of his long-time rival, Ken Barlow. Baldwin, played by Johnny Briggs, had been in the show for 30 years.

17 April – Peter Bayless wins the 2006 series of MasterChef Goes Large.

19 April – ITV launch ITV Play, a new 24/7 participation TV channel, on Freeview in the United Kingdom. It will launch on other platforms later in the year.

21 April – The Queen celebrates her 80th birthday at Windsor. The Prince of Wales makes a televised address in tribute.

Denis Norden announces his retirement from his two ongoing ITV shows It’ll Be Alright on the Night and spin-off show Denis Norden’s Laughter File, after 30 years with ITV.

ITV secures the terrestrial television screening rights to Casino Royale, the new James Bond film that will be released in November. The film receives its terrestrial television premiere on 19 September 2009.

24 April – Cartoon Network Too and Nick Jr. 2 are launched in the UK.

25 AprilThe BBC announces that Grandstand, its flagship sports TV programme, will be phased out within the next year after nearly 50 years on air.

5 April – discovery of a swan with avian influenza in Scotland.

7 April – Mr Justice Peter Smith delivers judgment in the copyright case over The Da Vinci Code finding that Dan Brown had not breached the copyright of Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh. The judgment itself contained a coded message on the whim of the judge.

12 April – Prince Harry passed out as a commissioned officer during the Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

18 April – Peugeot announces plans to close the 60-year-old car factory at Ryton near Coventry, which it bought from Chrysler in 1979, within the next year.

21 April – Elizabeth II celebrates her 80th birthday at Windsor. The Prince of Wales makes a televised address in tribute.

25 April – the BBC announces that Grandstand, its flagship sports TV programme, will be phased out within the next year after nearly 50 years on air.

26 April – the Duke of Edinburgh visits the Republic of Ireland.

27 April – by-election in the Moray constituency of the Scottish Parliament. Richard Lochhead holds the seat for the Scottish National Party.

May

4 May – Local government elections take place in some areas of England.

Steve McClaren, manager of Middlesbrough F.C., agrees to become the next manager of the England national football team after the World Cup.

5 May – The BBC’s local election coverage goes off air shortly before 3:00 am, due to a power failure at their Millbank studios. For the next hour coverage relocates to The Counting House pub, with results being read out using handwritten pieces of paper.

5 May – Tony Blair reshuffles his cabinet. Charles Clarke is dismissed as Home Secretary. Jack Straw is replaced as the Foreign Secretary by Margaret Beckett. John Prescott remains as Deputy Prime Minister, but loses responsibility for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

8 May – Guy Goma, a graduate from the Congo who went to the BBC to attend a job interview, appears on BBC News 24 in place of an IT expert after a mix-up. Guy Kewney had been scheduled to comment on the subject of Apple Computer’s court case with The Beatles’ record label, Apple Corps, but a producer collected the wrong man from the wrong reception at BBC Television Centre.

10 May – Former supermarket cashier Michelle Dewberry wins the second series of The Apprentice and a £100,000 a year job working for Sir Alan Sugar.

14 May – Producers of Coronation Street confirm that Debra Stephenson, who plays Frankie Baldwin, will be leaving the soap at the end of the year.

15 May – BBC High Definition Television Trial commences.

20 May – Just minutes before the live Eurovision Song Contest final begins, BBC One’s live National Lottery draw is invaded by Fathers 4 Justice protestors. The show is temporarily taken off air, leaving just a programme logo and announcer Alan Dedicoat’s voice until the problems are resolved.

20 May – Finnish monster rock band Lordi win the Eurovision Song Contest 2006. The UK entry, "Teenage Life" by Daz Sampson, finishes in 19th place with 25 points.

20 May – campaigners "Fathers 4 Justice" invade the set of the National Lottery.

Finland’s Lordi win the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest with "Hard Rock Hallelujah".

22 May – BSkyB launch High-definition television in the UK under the brand Sky HD.

27 May – The BBC’s first scheduled HDTV broadcast on BBC HD.

30 May – Scottish and Grampian are rebranded as STV Central and STV North respectively.

30 May – an Ipsos MORI opinion poll shows the Conservatives back in the lead with 36% of the vote, two points ahead of Labour.

June

4 June – Coronation Street confirms that Richard Fleeshman, who plays Craig Harris, will be leaving the soap to follow a singing career.

5 June – Actress Lucy Benjamin wins The X Factor: Battle of the Stars, a celebrity version of the ITV music talent contest.

6 June – ITV announces that Central News South’s existence as a news region will end after 17 years when the eastern half of the region (the area served by the Oxford transmitter) merges its operations with Meridian West’s output, forming a new news region named ITV Thames Valley.

9 June–9 July – Live coverage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup is aired by the BBC and ITV.

9–11 June – the British Grand Prix is held at the Silverstone Circuit and is won by reigning world champion Fernando Alonso ahead of Michael Schumacher and Kimi Räikkönen, while local hero Jenson Button retired earlier in the race with an engine oil leak.

10 June – the England football team’s World Cup campaign begins with a 1–0 win over Paraguay.

15 June – The BBC announces that Billie Piper will leave her role as Rose Tyler on Doctor Who at the end of the second series the following month.

15 June – England beat Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 in their second World Cup group game.

19 June – BBC One Controller Peter Fincham announces that They Think It’s All Over will not be recommissioned for a new series, ending a run of eleven years on air.

20 June – The BBC announces that Top of the Pops will be axed, the final show airing on 30 July.

18.46 million watch England vs Sweden in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the highest rated programme of the year.

20 June – England go through to the knockout stages of the World Cup with a 2–2 draw against Sweden in their final group game.

23 June – An interview with Conservative leader David Cameron on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross causes controversy when presenter Ross asks Cameron whether he ever had sexual fantasies about former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as a teenager. The BBC later bans repeats of the interview.

25 June – Children’s Party at the Palace held in honour of The Queen’s 80th birthday.

The Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, rejects calls from families of murder victims for all convicted murderers to be sentenced to no less than a minimum of 25 years in prison.

England go through to the World Cup quarter-finals for the second tournament in succession by beating Ecuador 1–0 with a goal from captain David Beckham.

29 June – Blaenau Gwent by-elections: independent candidates defeat Labour Party in parliamentary and Welsh Assembly by-elections.

Bromley and Chislehurst by-election won by Bob Neill for the Conservative Party.

July

July – European heat wave affects the UK, resulting in July 1983’s record for the hottest month in the CET series being beaten with a mean monthly CET of 19.7 °C or 67.5 °F.

1 July – CITV broadcasts its last Saturday morning regular-based show Holly and Stephens Saturday Showdown for the last time after 40 years of broadcasting Saturday morning shows on ITV until Scrambled was broadcast in 2014.

1 July – England’s World Cup quest ends in the quarter-finals when they lose on penalties to Portugal after a goalless draw.

4 July – Sheridan v News International: Scottish Socialist Party MSP, Tommy Sheridan begins legal action against the News of the World for libel at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

5 July – Actress Freema Agyeman is announced as the new Doctor Who companion Martha Jones replacing Billie Piper’s Rose Tyler.

11 July – It is announced that actress Wendy Richard will leave EastEnders at Christmas. She is one of the only remaining cast members from the show’s 1985 launch.

16 July – Sarah Lang wins one million pounds in the final of the ITV1 gameshow PokerFace. As she had also won £32,500 on the BBC One gameshow In It to Win It the previous year, this makes her the biggest known female gameshow winner in UK television history, and second overall behind Ian Woodley.

17 July – George W. Bush greets Tony Blair with the phrase “Yo, Blair”.

18 July – 180 British citizens evacuated from the Lebanon due to growing crisis between Hizbollah militants and Israel.

20 July – HMS Bulwark prepares to evacuate British nationals from the Lebanon.

21 July – James Dreyfus takes over from Ardal O’Hanlon as George Sunday AKA Thermoman in the sixth and final series of My Hero the series ended in September due to low viewing figures.

22 July – Arsenal F.C. move into the Emirates Stadium, named after the airline company as part of a 15-year sponsorship deal, after 93 years at nearby Highbury. The 60,000-seat stadium is the largest club stadium to have been built in English football since Maine Road, which was home of Manchester City from 1923 to 2003.

23 July – FilmFour is relaunched as a free-to-air channel. It had originally been a subscription service, but this had ended four days previously.

29 July – Debut of How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? on BBC One.

30 July – Top of the Pops airs its final regular edition after being axed earlier in the year. However, the show returns for a Christmas special.

30 July – The last ever weekly edition of the British television chart show, Top of the Pops, is broadcast.

August

1 August – Steve McClaren is officially appointed as manager of the England national football team.

6 August – While anchoring from Israel during the Israel-Lebanon war, Sky News presenter Anna Botting famously interviews the British MP, George Galloway about the conflict. During the nine-minute heated discussion Galloway criticises Sky News, News Corporation, and even Botting herself for being biased towards Israel.

10 August – police make many arrests in relation to a transatlantic aircraft plot, and tight security measures are instigated at airports.

14 August – The One Show first broadcasts on BBC One.

18 August – Pete Bennett wins series seven of Big Brother.

23 August – ITV secures a deal to sell its 45% stake in Ireland’s TV3 for £70m.

Central Tonight presenter Joanne Malin apologises after swearing during a live broadcast from Trentham Gardens in Stoke-on-Trent. Central subsequently claims to have received no viewer complaints as a result of her description of the inclement weather, but Trentham says several people contact them offering the presenter their support.

28 August – Bianca Gascoigne and model Calum Best win the second and final series of Love Island.

August – the first modern solely Gaelic-medium school to offer secondary education, Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu, is opened at Woodside in Glasgow.

September

1 September – BBC Entertainment replaces BBC Prime in global markets.

2 September – Royal Air Force Nimrod crash in Afghanistan: fourteen personnel are killed in Britain’s worst single military loss since the Falklands war.

9 September – Helen Mirren awarded best actress at the Venice Film Festival for her role in The Queen, portraying Elizabeth II following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

13 September – Ingram Wilcox, a civil servant and quiz show fanatic, has become the fifth person to win the £1 million prize on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, it is reported. The episode showing his win, the first in two and a half years, is aired on 16 September.

16 September – Connie Fisher wins BBC One’s How Do You Solve a Problems Like Maria?. She will make her debut in the role in a revival of The Sound of Music at London’s Palladium Theatre on 14 November.

20 September – television presenter Richard Hammond suffers a serious brain injury when he crashes a jet-powered car whilst filming for Top Gear.

20 September – BBC One’s daytime soap Doctors celebrates its 1000th episode with a one-hour special.

25 September – Copmanthorpe rail crash: One man dies when the 14:25 from Plymouth to Edinburgh operated by Virgin Trains hits a car at about 20:55.

25 September – Lianna Fowler wins Cycle 2 of Britain’s Next Top Model.

29 September – Matt Dawson wins the 2006 series of Celebrity MasterChef.

30 September – It is announced that Des Lynam will leave Countdown at the end of 2006.

October

1 October – regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 comes into effect, requiring a Fire Risk Assessment for all non-domestic premises in England and Wales.

5 October – Rt. Hon. Elish Angiolini, QC, appointed as Lord Advocate in Scotland. She is the first woman and the first solicitor to be appointed to the post.

5 October – QI publishes its first book: The Book of General Ignorance. The book becomes a No. 1 best-seller for amazon.co.uk.

6 October – The BBC defends presenter Graham Norton after he admits to having taken recreational drugs, including ecstasy in an interview for Marie Claire magazine. Of Norton’s revelation the broadcaster says: "The issues that Graham discusses in this interview are aimed at an adult audience and reflect the frank and open nature of his personality".

7 October – After four and a half years, the BBC ‘Rhythm & Movement’ idents are shown for the final time on BBC One at 1:10 am, as part of a special montage (2:55 am on BBC One Northern Ireland). Their replacements, the ‘Circle’ idents, debut at 10 am.

9 October – opening of the Beetham Tower, Manchester, a landmark 168-metre 47-storey skyscraper with oversailing upper floors designed by Ian Simpson of SimpsonHaugh and Partners, the tallest building in the UK outside London, and with its penthouse apartments (above the Hilton Hotel) being the highest residential addresses in the country.

10 October – Justin Hawkins, lead singer of The Darkness announces he is leaving the band.

12 October – ITV announce that Where the Heart Is will not be commissioned for a new series.

13 October: European Home Retail plc and its subsidiary Farepak go into administration, leaving tens of thousands of people out of pocket for Christmas 2006.

15 October – Five Life is launched.

16 October – Five US is launched.

25 October – Guitarist Brian May announces on his website that Queen is returning to the studio for recording sessions. The new lineup, Queen + Paul Rodgers, features May, Paul Rodgers (the former lead vocalist of Free) and former Queen drummer Roger Taylor.

26 October – Duran Duran lead guitarist Andy Taylor once again leaves the band after a series of disagreements surrounding their latest album, which was still incomplete by the year’s end. Reasons given are his disapproval of the usage of both Timbaland and Justin Timberlake in the creation of the band’s album. The band hires an interim guitarist to supplant Taylor, with no real replacement being announced.

26 October – the Duke of Edinburgh officially opens Arsenal’s new stadium.

26 October – ITV confirms the axing of its prison drama, Bad Girls after eight series.

29 October – After a six-year absence from television, The Royle Family returns for what is billed as its final episode, an hour-long show titled "The Queen of Sheba".

30 October – the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change is published by the UK government.

31 October – The Who release Endless Wire, their first studio album for 24 years.

November

5 November – 53 year old Ronald Castree arrested in connection with the murder of eleven year old Lesley Molseed in 1975. He was convicted in November 2007.

7 November – Dhiren Barot sentenced to life imprisonment for plotting large scale terrorist attacks in Britain and abroad. The Court of Appeal noted that Barot’s "businesslike" plans would have caused carnage on a "colossal and unprecedented scale" if they had been successful.

8 November – three men of Pakistani origin sentenced to life imprisonment for the racist murder of Kriss Donald in Glasgow.

13 November – BBC Parliament broadcasts in full screen format for the first time on the Freeview service, having previously only been available in quarter screen format. The BBC eventually found the bandwidth to make the channel full-screen after receiving "thousands of angry and perplexed e-mails and letters", not to mention questions asked by MPs in the Houses of Parliament itself.

14 November – Cadbury announces its intention to end its £10m a year sponsorship deal with Coronation Street after a decade. The current sponsorship contract is due to expire at the end of 2007, but Cadbury says it would end the deal earlier if another sponsor is found.

16 November – the 21st James Bond film – Casino Royale – is released in British cinemas. Daniel Craig makes his debut as Bond in the film.

16 November – Snow Patrol become the first British rock band in 13 years to reach the top five of the US Billboard Hot 100.

19 November – Home Secretary John Reid attacks the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown for being ‘presumptuous’ and ‘disloyal’ for openly campaigning to replace Tony Blair as Prime Minister.

23 November – Alexander Litvinenko dies in London having been poisoned by Polonium-210.

24 November – Loyalist Michael Stone attempts to bomb the Northern Ireland Assembly on the day nominations for first and deputy first minister are to be made. Ian Paisley indicates his willingness to serve as First Minister.

December

1 December – Matt Willis, a former member of boy band Busted wins the sixth series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!.

2 December – a young woman’s body is found in a brook near Ipswich; her death is initially treated as "unexplained".

3 December – The last edition of Central News South is aired. From tomorrow the Central South region will cease to exist. The east of the region including Oxford becomes part of ITV Thames Valley, the west half of the region, covering Cheltenham and Gloucester is absorbed into the ITV West region, while Herefordshire rejoins the Central West region.

4 December – The ITV Thames Valley region, a composite of the old Meridian West and eastern part of the Central South regions, goes on air with a new regional news programme Thames Valley Tonight.

4 December – the woman whose corpse was found in Ipswich two days ago is identified as Gemma Adams, a 25-year-old local prostitute. Her death is reported to be suspicious and police launch a murder inquiry. There are also concerns about another Ipswich prostitute, 19-year-old Tania Nicol, who went missing on 30 October.

7 December – a tornado hits London.

8 December – the body of missing Ipswich prostitute Tania Nicol is found on the outskirts of the town.

9 December – police in Ipswich launch a murder investigation into the death of Tania Nicol and admit that it is likely she met her death at the hands of the same person or people who killed Gemma Adams.

10 December – a third prostitute’s body is found in the Ipswich area.

10 December – Equestrian Zara Phillips is named as this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year, following her mother, Anne, Princess Royal, who won the title in 1971.

14 December – two more women are found dead in Ipswich and it is confirmed that both are prostitutes, meaning that the police are now investigating five murders.

12 December – the Ryton car factory closes and Peugeot 206 production is transferred to Slovakia, several months ahead of the scheduled closure date. 2,300 jobs are lost.

16 December – Leona Lewis wins the third series of The X Factor, becoming the ITV show’s first female winner.

18 December – a man is arrested near Felixstowe on suspicion of murdering the five Ipswich prostitutes. He is named as Tom Stephens, a 37-year-old Tesco supermarket worker.

19 December – a second man, 48-year-old Forklift truck driver Steve Wright, is arrested in connection with the Ipswich serial murders, while police are given more time to question the first suspect.

19 December – Following the success of How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, BBC One announces plans for Any Dream Will Do, a follow up series that will search for someone to play Joseph in the West End musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

21 December – Steve Wright is charged with the Ipswich prostitute murders, while Tom Stephens is released on bail pending further inquiries.

23 December – Cricketer Mark Ramprakash and his dancing partner Karen Hardy win the fourth series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Stars in Their Eyes is axed after the last special episode.

25 December – Actress Wendy Richard makes her final appearance in EastEnders after her character, Pauline Fowler, is killed off in a dramatic storyline. She had been in the show since its inception in 1985.

Launch of Emmerdale’s whodunit storyline involving the murder of Tom King (played by Ken Farrington). Tom is hit over the head and falls through a window to his death on his wedding day.

29 December – the British government pays off the Anglo-American loan made in 1946.

31 December – Hogmanay celebrations in Glasgow and Edinburgh are cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

Football in England – Season 2005–06

Premier League Chelsea Championship Reading League One: Southend United League Two: Carlisle United Conference Premier: Accrington Stanley FA Cup: Liverpool League Cup: Manchester United Community Shield: Chelsea

Posted by brizzle born and bred on 2018-04-20 15:52:40

Tagged: , That Was the Year That Was – 2006

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Tennis: Players must withstand test of time at U.S. Open

Rafael Nadal’s elaborate pre-serve routine will be put to the ultimate test at next week’s U.S. Open when a countdown clock makes its Grand Slam debut to help speed up play.

FILE PHOTO: Aug 12, 2018; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Rafael Nadal (ESP) returns a ball to Stefanos Tsitsipas (not pictured) during the championship in the Rogers Cup tennis tournament at Aviva Centre. John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Nadal is a creature of habit and as he prepares to serve the Spaniard bounces the ball a few times, tugs at his shorts, pulls at the shirt on his shoulders, touches his nose and tucks his hair behind his ears before having a few more bounces.

But at the Aug. 27-Sept. 9 U.S. Open in New York the world number one will not have time to add more moves to his lengthy repertoire as a 25-second clock will tick down immediately after the chair umpire announces the score.

Nadal showed he was not bothered by the shot clock during a U.S. Open tune-up in Toronto where he lost only one set en route to collecting a record-extending 33rd Masters title.

The 32-year-old is not a fan of the new measure, although not due to concerns about receiving a time violation but rather because he feels it will diminish the quality of play.

FILE PHOTO: Aug 19, 2018; Mason, OH, USA; Novak Djokovic (SRB) returns a shot against Roger Federer (SUI) during the finals in the Western and Southern tennis open at Lindner Family Tennis Center. Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

“My experience in the world of tennis at the matches that became part of the history of our sport are not matches where the duration… is one hour thirty, you know?” said Nadal.

“The matches that the people remember are matches that are epic, the matches that the people get involved (in).

“My experience is I don’t see people get crazy and involved in the match when the ball, all it goes (is) two or three times over the net every time,” he added.

“I see the people go crazy and enjoy and feel the passion for the sport when you have rallies of 15, 20 balls.

“…that’s my feeling. And when you have continuous rallies of that kind, you can’t be ready physically to play another point like this in 25 seconds. That’s my point of view.”

FILE PHOTO: Aug 16, 2018; Mason, OH, USA; Sloane Stephens USA) returns a shot against Elise Mertens (BEL) in the Western and Southern tennis open at Lindner Family Tennis Center. Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

MORE TIME

Novak Djokovic has also taken tennis idiosyncrasy to another level with a pre-serve routine in which he bounces the ball with his racket before shifting it to his left hand and bouncing it sometimes over 30 times before finally tossing it into the air.

The Wimbledon champion, who won last week’s U.S. Open tune-up in Cincinnati, said he was comfortable with the shot clock and did not feel it affected him negatively.

“On the contrary, I actually feel like there is more time now than before because the shot clock starts counting down once the chair umpire calls the score,” said the Serb.

“Sometimes it takes several seconds before the chair umpire calls the score if it’s a long exchange or a good point and the crowd gets in.”

If a player has not started the service motion at the completion of the 25-second countdown, the chair umpire will issue a time violation.

U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens said the shot clock will not change the way she plays but felt it could add another level of distraction when you are awaiting serves from an opponent.

“It’s a lot of… can I say human error? If the umpire doesn’t start it right away, you think, ‘If they started it five seconds earlier, the person you’re playing would have got a serve warning’,” said Stephens.

“It’s things like that you don’t really want to be thinking about. It just adds another element if something goes wrong, it can go terribly wrong.”

Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Ken Ferris

Our Standards:The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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The post Tennis: Players must withstand test of time at U.S. Open appeared first on Today News Stories.

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[waitonmedarling]

#11 The White Henley

Gif credit: @esoltis280

Gif credit: @esoltis280

Shawn in white is always a yes. The henley just makes it heavenly 🙀😍🥵

@getwaytooinvolved @justanotherfangurl272

[newsintoday-net-blog]

Tennis: Players must withstand test of time at U.S. Open

Tennis: Players must withstand test of time at U.S. Open

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Rafael Nadal’s elaborate pre-serve routine will be put to the ultimate test at next week’s U.S. Open when a countdown clock makes its Grand Slam debut to help speed up play.

FILE PHOTO: Aug 12, 2018; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Rafael Nadal (ESP) returns a ball to Stefanos Tsitsipas (not pictured) during the championship in the Rogers Cup tennis tournament at Aviva Centre. John E.…

[netunleashed-blog]

Daniele Rugani to Chelsea: Classy defender faces Premier League test | Football News

http://www.internetunleashed.co.uk/?p=18717 Daniele Rugani to Chelsea: Classy defender faces Premier League test | Football News - http://www.internetunleashed.co.uk/?p=18717 Adam Bate Comment and Analysis @ghostgoal Last Updated: 25/07/18 6:18am Daniele Rugani could be the man to help usher in the new era at Chelsea How good is Chelsea target Daniele Rugani? Adam Bate assesses the defender’s credentials with the help of those who know him well. It is no surprise that Maurizio Sarri has turned his attention to Daniele Rugani. The pair were together at Empoli and the young centre-back has the qualities that Sarri demands in his defenders. Once seen as the heir to the late great Juventus icon Gaetano Scirea, Rugani is still regarded by many as Italian defending's next big thing. Chelsea fans can be encouraged.But the Premier League will be a test. The demands of the division do not necessarily play to the strengths of a cerebral defender who, unusually for his age, handles the mental side of it more easily than the physical. "My main strength is my capacity to stay 100 per cent focused during the match," claims Rugani himself. Sarri says he thinks like a 30-year-old. 0:57 Maurizio Sarri says his priority is getting to know his squad during pre-season Maurizio Sarri says his priority is getting to know his squad during pre-season Speaking to Sky Sports, Alessio Orsini, a former fitness trainer at Empoli, recalls a boy who "worked very hard for the team" even as a teenager. Orsini now coaches tennis, a sport that Rugani plays himself. He cites Roger Federer as a hero and he shares his calm nature. "I'm less impetuous than others, more rational," he has said. "I try to read the situation." Transfer Talk: Can Sarri lure Martial? The Transfer Talk podcast discusses whether Manchester United will lose Anthony Martial to Chelsea and whether signing Alexis Sanchez was worth it. Rugani has good support from his family and remains friends with the same group of lads in his hometown, the walled city of Lucca in Tuscany. Even in his youth, there was no junk food or Coca-Cola. Right from the start of his career, he watched his performances back on the computer thanks to a USB stick. "It's the details that make the difference," he said. Rugani has a maturity that belies his years and is already an Italy international Gianluca Oddenino, a Turin-based journalist with La Stampa, has interviewed Rugani one-on-one and remembers a "humble, quiet and intelligent" young man, but one whose career has had its challenges. "He has not played much at Juve over the past three seasons," Oddenino tells Sky Sports. "Of course, it is not easy to be a starter in that defence."That is a slight concern for Chelsea supporters expecting Rugani to make a big impact. Adapting to life at Juventus was hard enough. Indeed, he was unable to oust 2006 World Cup winner Andrea Barzagli from Massimilano Allegri's starting line-up, the veteran who has just been awarded a new deal at the age of 37.That Rugani once went 53 games without a booking is an indication that he is a defender who prefers to stay on his feet, but it has also been used as a criticism - proof of the need to toughen up. When he finally picked up yellow cards in consecutive games, he admitted that gnarly old team-mate Giorgio Chiellini saw it as a sign that he was making progress. Rugani was made to wait for his opportunities in three years at Juventus Allegri had been expected to give Rugani opportunities in the wake of Leonardo Bonucci's exit last summer but while he did get plenty of minutes, they did not necessarily come in the biggest games. Mehdi Benatia moved ahead of him and while there were 22 appearances in Serie A, he was not trusted too often in the Champions League.The statistics show that Rugani has not made a single error directly leading to a goal in any of his three Serie A seasons at Juventus, but that has not been enough to convince the doubters. He is seen as too tentative, a body language issue rather than a matter of mistakes. Appearing to flinch when Crotone equalised in April was a prime example.Perhaps he just needs a manager that will show some faith in him. He finds that in Sarri, the coach who gave him his big chance in senior football. Rugani was a regular in Empoli's promotion-winning campaign in 2013/14 and he went on to play every single minute of the following season in Serie A as the club finished a respectable fifteenth. 0:41 Cesc Fabregas reveals his first impressions of the new Chelsea head coach Cesc Fabregas reveals his first impressions of the new Chelsea head coach He also ranked among the top 10 players in Italy for passing accuracy that year - 88.6 per cent - and completed 1391 short passes, a figure that put him among the top six defenders. The other five were all at top-half teams, something which suggested even back then that Rugani plays a style of football that is naturally suited to the step up."Sarri was a real mentor to him," explains Oddenino. "He was the coach who launched his career at Empoli and he wanted to take him to Napoli as well. Now he wants him at Chelsea too because he knows him well and knows that he can still grow a lot." As Empoli president Fabrizio Corsi puts it, Rugani is "perfect" for Sarri's football and that will be a key attraction.The new Chelsea boss has limited time to introduce his ideas and Rugani's acquisition, alongside that of Jorginho, presents the opportunity to transform the team quickly. "He is the future of the national team," adds Oddenino. "And under Sarri, he can make another leap in quality." There is plenty yet to prove but every reason to hope that he can do so. Fantasy Football is back! Fantasy just got real. Pick your Sky Sports Fantasy Football team for free here. 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[gunboatbaylodge]

Things to Do in Vancouver This Weekend: Dec. 29, 2017

Roll your post-holiday cheese and cookie-filled self on out to enjoy the last weekend of the year! There are a lot of chill things to do during the day with family, as well as opportunities to wear that glitzy garb and champagne yourself rosy until until the first hours of 2018.

Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Ongoing

Friday December 29

Ballet BC Presents The Nutcracker

Ballet BC Presents The Nutcracker Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre What: Alberta Ballet’s production with choreography by Edmund Stripe and sets and costumes designed by Emmy Awardwinning designer Zack Brown, “sparkles like a Fabergé egg…” says the Vancouver Sun.

Vancouver TheatreSports Year in Review

Vancouver TheatreSports Year in Review Where: The Improv Centre What: Vancouver’s lack of affordable housing, hurricanes, false news, Russian hacking, and celebrity scandals are just a few of the stories that grabbed the headlines in 2017. Some were confusing (bike lanes…again), some trivial (almost any celebrity breakup) and others scary (it snowed in Vancouver). Regardless, all will provide fodder for Vancouver TheatreSports (VTSL) quick-witted improvisers as they journey back through the headlines this past year Runs until: Sunday December 31, 2017

Family Sleepover at the Vancouver Aquarium

Family Sleepover at the Vancouver Aquarium Where: Vancouver Aquarium What: Learn more about marine mammals before going to bed with the Steller Sea Lions in the underwater viewing gallery.

Little Women

Little Women Where: Kay Meek Centre What: Set in 1860’s New England, Little Women follows four sisters – hopeless romantic Meg, aspiring novelist Jo, kind-hearted Beth and the self-centered Amy March –  on their journey from childhood to maturity during the American Civil War. Runs until: Saturday December 30, 2017

Community Skate

Community Skate Where: PNE Agrodome What: Bring your own skates and the family to this run around the rink.

Maurice

Maurice Where: VanCity Theatre What: Set against the stifling conformity of pre-World War I English society, EM Forster’s Maurice is a story of coming to terms with one’s sexuality and identity in the face of disapproval and misunderstanding.

  Saturday December 30

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Vancouver Canucks vs. LA Kings

Vancouver Canucks vs. LA Kings Where: Rogers Arena What: It’s pine trees vs. palm trees, rain vs. shine, dare I say substance vs. style? I have my bias. Anyways, this is hockey, so the players are actually from everywhere, and you just pick a favourite based on whatever you want.

Harlem Globetrotters World Tour

Harlem Globetrotters World Tour Where: Pacific Colosseum What: A star-studded roster for fans to experience the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that thrills fans of all ages. Prepare to be amazed as the Globetrotters showcase basketball’s first 4-point line, located 30 feet from the basket – 6 feet, 3 inches beyond the top of the NBA’s current 3-point line.

Ballet BC Presents The Nutcracker Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre What: Alberta Ballet’s production with choreography by Edmund Stripe and sets and costumes designed by Emmy Awardwinning designer Zack Brown, “sparkles like a Fabergé egg…” says the Vancouver Sun.

I am Not Your Negro

I am Not Your Negro Where: VanCity Theatre What: A journey into black history that connects the past of the Civil Rights movement to the present of #BlackLivesMatter. It is a film that questions black representation in Hollywood and beyond.

  New Years Eve: Sunday December 31

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Concord’s NYE Vancouver | Image by Jen Chan

Concord’s NYE Vancouver Where: Canada Place What: Ring in the new year with an evening full of live music, entertainment and, of course, a yell-along countdown to 2016 complete with colourful blasts of midnight fireworks that will light up the sky and echo off the mountains. Younger children are invited to take part in a smaller, calmer, earlier countdown that will be celebrated at 9:00pm. (It’s like counting down to the New Year with Saskatchewan, Manitoba, many of USA’s red states, and most of Mexico!)

NYE Waterfront Gala Where: Fairmont Waterfront What: Celebrate in style in this upscale and mature environment with well-prepared appetizer stations and a champagne toast at midnight.

NYE at Science World Where: Science World What: This year’s party will feature 5 fully licensed bars, 1,100 person capacity, 2 rooms of music on 2 floors, 8 of the city’s top DJs & performers  and one of the biggest countdowns to bring in 2018.

NYE at the Pacific Colosseum Where: Pacific Colosseum What: With DJs Axwell Λ Ingrosso, Andrew Rayel, DJ Isaac, DubVision and DAIJO.

Gatsby’s Yacht Where: Magic Spirit Yacht What: This speakeasy prohibition-style party cruise will be the bee’s knees.

NYElectric Where: Mariott Pinnacle What: Two rooms, three DJs.

NYE Traditional Dinner Cruise Where: Spirit Cruises What: Dancing, a dinner buffet, and a countdown, all on the water.

New Years Eve with Queer as Funk and DJ Slade

New Years Eve with Queer as Funk and DJ Slade Where: The Wise Hall What: Two live sets, a DJ, dancing, drinking, counting down, gender-neutral washrooms, and a champagne toast.

Cirque NYE Gala Where: The Imperial What: The event will feature some of the city’s best EDM, top 40, and hip hop DJs, stunning cirque performance artists, 2 rooms of music plus an exclusive VIP mezzanine level.

NYE Carnivale Where: Lux Lounge What: A Latin-American themed celebration.

Man Up + Queers and Beers NYE Where: The Cobalt What: Chill beer hangouts followed by gender blending drag, dancing, and partying in an atmosphere dedicated to inclusivity and safety for all.

NYE Extravaganza Pub Crawl Where: Various locations What: A wild ride hopping to 4 clubs with no added cover charge or line-ups. The dance floors will be packed and party hosts will be stationed on each bus to keep the mobile party going.

Metropolis Noir New Year’s Eve: An Evening of The Tragically Hip Songs

Metropolis Noir New Year’s Eve: An Evening of The Tragically Hip Songs Where: The Rickshaw What: An evening of The Tragically Hip songs performed by members of local bands such as Bison, Sevens Nines and Tens, STREETS and more.

The Roxy Presents Raise ‘Em Up New Years Party Where: The Vogue What: Country rock band Blackjack Billy rings in the new year.

The Snow Ball Where: The Biltmore What: A classic gymnasium prom with snow cones and a photo booth.

New Years Eve Pig Roast Where: Maime Taylor’s What: Eat drink, and be reminded of the fleeting and tragic nature of mortality with the roast of an entire animal.

  Ongoing

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Karaoke Christmas Lights

Karaoke Christmas Lights Where: The Vancouver Trolley Company What: Get on a festive Vancouver Trolley and ready your singing voice – this tour is for the most enthusiastic spirits of the winter holidays! Equipped with a TV and a karaoke machine loaded with Christmas music favorites, you’ll be toured around the city to take in some of Vancouver’s most dazzling light displays. Runs until: Friday December 29, 2017

A Fort Langley Christmas

A Fort Langley Christmas Where: Fort Langley What: Hear Kwantlen stories, taste a chestnut roasted over the fire, make a beautiful cedar ornament and admire the giant outdoor Christmas tree. Runs until: Saturday December 30, 2017

Glow Christmas

Glow Christmas Where: Langley, BC What: Take a stroll through a musical light tunnel, where you’ll feel the warmth and wonder of the Christmas season under the glow of over 500,000 lights. Runs until: Saturday December 30, 2017

City Lights

City Lights Where: The Cinematheque What: Albert Einstein is said to have cried with laughter at the world premiere of Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights in Los Angeles in 1931. Described by Chaplin himself as “a comedy romance in pantomime,” this winning mix of slapstick, sentiment, and social criticism has Chaplin’s beloved Little Tramp falling in love with a blind flower girl. Runs until: Saturday December 30, 2017

Little Women

Little Women Where: Kay Meek Centre What: Set in 1860’s New England, Little Women follows four sisters – hopeless romantic Meg, aspiring novelist Jo, kind-hearted Beth and the self-centered Amy March –  on their journey from childhood to maturity during the American Civil War. Runs until: Saturday December 30, 2017

Cirque du Soleil: Kurios Where: Under the tents, Downtown Vancouver What: Step into the curio cabinet of an ambitious inventor who defies the laws of time, space and dimension in order to reinvent everything around him. Suddenly, the visible becomes invisible, perspectives are transformed, and the world is literally turned upside down. Runs until: Sunday December 31, 2017

Onegin Where: Arts Club Theatre What: When Evgeni Onegin visits the Larin family estate, his romantic charms stir passions long forgotten by its residents. Poet Vladimir Lensky’s romantic ideals are challenged (a duel!) after Onegin flirts with his fiancée Olga Larin, and even the sensible Tatyana Larin falls for the handsome rogue. The hit musical moves, shakes, and wakes audiences with its sweeping score. Runs until: Sunday December 31, 2017

Vancouver TheatreSports Year in Review

Vancouver TheatreSports Year in Review Where: The Improv Centre What: Vancouver’s lack of affordable housing, hurricanes, false news, Russian hacking, and celebrity scandals are just a few of the stories that grabbed the headlines in 2017. Some were confusing (bike lanes…again), some trivial (almost any celebrity breakup) and others scary (it snowed in Vancouver). Regardless, all will provide fodder for Vancouver TheatreSports (VTSL) quick-witted improvisers as they journey back through the headlines this past year Runs until: Sunday December 31, 2017

Site for Still Life

Site for Still Life Where: Contemporary Art Gallery What: Andrew Dadson’s practice engages with the notion of boundaries in relation to space and time, primarily through investigations with materials, process and abstraction. Comprising new, ambitious large-scale paintings, film and installation, this exhibition presents a major statement by this young artist of propositions core to his practice. Runs until: Sunday December 31, 2017

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe | Image by Tim Matheson

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe Where: The Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island What: Four siblings step through a wardrobe into an enchanted land filled with mythical creatures, talking animals, quests and dangerous secrets. Featuring Sereana Malani as the White Witch and Ian Butcher as Aslan, with Tim Carlson, Chris Lam, Adele Noronha and Kaitlynn Yott as the Pevensie siblings. The first installment in C. S. Lewis’ epic Chronicles of Narnia series, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is one of the best-loved books in children’s literature. Runs until: Sunday December 31, 2017

Entangled: Two Views on Contemporary Canadian Painting | John Kissick burning the houses of cool man, yeah No.5 (hang the DJ), 2016 (cropped)

Entangled: Two Views on Contemporary Canadian Painting Where: Vancouver Art Gallery What: An insight into two distinctly different modes of painting that have come to dominate contemporary painting in this country. The origins of both can be effectively traced back to the 1970s, to a moment when the continued existence of painting was hotly debated. Runs until: Monday January 1, 2018

Math Moves

Math Moves Where: Science World What: Visitors will investigate ratios and proportions, using their bodies, gestures, and words to set up, measure, describe and compare ratios and proportions. The exhibition encourages a collaborative approach to problem-solving, with open-ended activities that provide opportunities for visitors to talk about solutions to the challenges presented in the exhibition. Runs until: Monday January 1, 2018

Heritage Christmas

Heritage Christmas Where: Burnaby Village Museum What: Stroll through the streets of the Village to see wreaths, cedar swags and vintage-themed displays will. At the bandstand, visitors can create their own magical holiday show with lights that change colours to sound. Runs until: Friday January 5, 2017

East Van Panto: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

East Van Panto: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Where: York Theatre What: In this East Van tale, our hero flees the Queen of North Vancouver across the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge and lands straight into the madness of the PNE, where she dances with SuperDogs, hops a ride on the Wooden Roller Coaster, and befriends washed-up 80s rock stars “The Seven Dwarves”. Runs until: Saturday January 6, 2017

Bright Nights at Stanley Park Where: Stanley Park What: Take a train ride along a route filled with lights, displays and live performers with the whole family. Donations and a portion of ticket sales go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. Runs until: Saturday January 6, 2017

VanDusen Festival of Lights

VanDusen Festival of Lights Where: VanDusen Botanical Gardens What: Experience a winter wonderland with over one million lights. Stroll with friends and family through interactive themed areas, enjoy the famous Dancing Lights show on Livingstone Lake, look for roving Scandinavian gnomes and reindeer in the garden, light a candle at the Make-A-Wish candle grotto, take a photo with Santa, enjoy tasty treats and take a carousel ride. Runs until: Sunday January 7, 2017

Peak of Christmas

Peak of Christmas Where: Grouse Mountain What: Sleigh bells ring, choirs sing! Grouse Mountain presents a magical celebration and a multitude of festivities. Bring your family to Santa’s workshop and meet reindeer, or take a sleigh-ride through a mystical alpine forest. You can also experience the tranquil beauty of skating on an 8,000 square foot mountaintop ice skating pond, surrounded by snow-topped trees or wander through an outdoor holiday lights display. Runs until: Sunday January 7, 2017

Christmas at FlyOver Canada

Christmas at FlyOver Canada Where: FlyOver Canada What: Fly with Santa and his elves on a magical flight across Canada and on to the North Pole! Join two elves as they take flight across Canada looking for their friends. You may even get a sneak peek of Santa’s workshop. Runs until: Sunday January 7, 2018

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Where: Arts Club Theatre What: “Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme.” Follow Belle behind the castle walls in this adaptation of the Academy Award–winning animated film. Runs until: January 13, 2018

Chinese Lantern Festival

Chinese Lantern Festival Where: Hastings Park What: As the largest festival of its kind in Canada will feature 35 illuminated displays transforming over 14 acres. Lantern festivals started during the Han Dynasty, about 2,000 years ago. This festival will be embracing traditions with elaborate new lanterns featuring Dragon, White Pagoda, Kylin, and Huabiao Column, each symbolizing a Chinese sage or legend. There will also be two nightly performances in the PNE Amphitheatre featuring acts such as face changing, acrobatics, and folk dance. Runs until: Sunday January 21, 2018

Amazonia: The Rights of Nature

Amazonia: The Rights of Nature Where: UBC Museum of Anthropology What: MOA will showcase its Amazonian collections in a significant exploration of socially and environmentally-conscious notions intrinsic to indigenous South American cultures, which have recently become innovations in International Law. These are foundational to the notions of Rights of Nature, and they have been consolidating in the nine countries that share responsibilities over the Amazonian basin. Runs until: January 28, 2018

Canyon Lights

Canyon Lights Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park What: Re-capture the feeling of wonder and excitement of the holiday season and be amazed by the hundreds of thousands of lights throughout the park. The suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon are transformed into a world of festive lights and visual enchantment. See the world’s tallest living Christmas tree (153 feet !) go on a Snowy Owl Prowl, decorate gingerbread cookies and make your own Christmas card in the Winter Pavilion, and sing-along with the holiday band. Runs until: January 28, 2018

True Nordic: How Scandinavia Influenced Design in Canada

True Nordic: How Scandinavia Influenced Design in Canada Where: Vancouver Art Gallery What: This ground-breaking exhibition examines the significant influence of Scandinavian craft and industrial design on the development of Canadian culture. Spanning more than seven decades, True Nordic reveals how Scandinavian design was introduced in Canada and how its aesthetics and material forms were adopted, revised and transformed. Runs until: Sunday January 28, 2018

Tin and Gold: A 10 Year Anniversary Show Where: The Fall What: Celebrate 10 years of alternative music, tattoo artistry, and multimedia events. The art show includes artists Megan Majewski, Jenn Brisson, Alison Woodward and more. Runs until: February 1, 2018

Robson Street Outdoor Ice Rink

Robson Street Outdoor Ice Rink Where: Robson Square What: Bring your skates, hold hands for balance, and circle the rink for free right in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. Skate rentals are also available, and for that you’ll need to bring cash. Runs until: February 2018

Portrait of the Artist

Portrait of the Artist Where: Vancouver Art Gallery What: This exhibition brings together The Royal Collection’s paintings depicting self-portraits, portraits of artists and artists at work. Encompassing over eighty works, Portrait of the Artist is a rich survey of how artists have seen themselves and the role of the artist within society. Runs until: February 4, 2018

Gordon Smith: The Black Paintings

Gordon Smith: The Black Paintings Where: Vancouver Art Gallery What: The exhibition features a body of work described as black paintings that Gordon Smith began producing in 1990. These densely painted, darkly abstracted paintings—punctuated with occasional colour, text and collaged elements—sometimes refer explicitly to this wartime experience. Smith was deployed with the Allied invasion at Pachino Beach, Sicily (code name Husky), in July 1943, when he was twenty-four. Runs until: February 4, 2018

Carol Sawyer: The Natalie Brettschneider Archive

Carol Sawyer: The Natalie Brettschneider Archive Where: Vancouver Art Gallery What: Sawyer’s ongoing project that reconstructs the life and work of the genre-defying, fictional singer and artist Natalie Brettschneider. The works on view will connect Brettschneider to a community of mid-twentieth century artists and musicians in British Columbia. Runs until: February 4, 2018

City on the Edge: A Century of Vancouver Activism Where: Museum of Vancouver What: A photo-based exhibition exploring how protest demonstrations have shaped Vancouver’s identity from the Vancouver Sun and The Province newspapers’ photo collection. These photographs are exceptional historical records of intense and transformative moments in the lives of Vancouverites. Runs until: February 18, 2017

N. Vancouver

N. Vancouver Where: The Polygon Gallery What: The show in the newly-opened gallery will pay tribute to the evolution of North Vancouver and will feature commissioned works by more than 10 artists, including Andrew Dadson, Gabrielle Hill, Althea Thauberger, Stephen Waddell and Tracy Williams, paired with existing work by Stan Douglas, Greg Girard, Fred Herzog, Curt Lang, and Jeff Wall, among others. Runs until: Spring 2018

Tasting History: The Traveling Tales of Tea Where: Roedde House Museum What: Tea is one of the most consumed liquids in the world, second only to water. But the beverage that brings much pleasure and calm to our 21st century senses is steeped in a turbulent history of politics and society. The exhibit will also feature stories from Vancouver’s modern-day tea community. Runs until: March 2018

Emily Carr: Into the Forest

Emily Carr: Into the Forest Where: Vancouver Art Gallery What: Far from feeling that the forests of the West Coast were a difficult subject matter, Carr exulted in the symphonies of greens and browns found in the natural world. With oil on paper as her primary medium, Carr was free to work outdoors in close proximity to the landscape. She went into the forest to paint and saw nature in ways unlike her fellow British Columbians, who perceived it as either untamed wilderness or a plentiful source of lumber. Runs until: March 4, 2018

The Lost Fleet Exhibit Where: Vancouver Maritime Museum What: On December 7, 1941 the world was shocked when Japan bombed Pearl Harbour, launching the United States into the war. This action also resulted in the confiscation of nearly 1,200 Japanese-Canadian owned fishing boats by Canadian officials on the British Columbia coast, which were eventually sold off to canneries and other non-Japanese fishermen. The Lost Fleet looks at the world of the Japanese-Canadian fishermen in BC and how deep-seated racism played a major role in the seizure, and sale, of Japanese-Canadian property and the internment of an entire people. Runs until: March 25, 2018

Chief Dan George: Actor and Activist Where: North Vancouver Museum What: An exhibition exploring the life and legacy of Tsleil-Waututh Chief Dan George (1899- 1981) and his influence as an Indigenous rights advocate and his career as an actor. The exhibition was developed in close collaboration with the George family. Runs until: April 2018

空 / Emptiness: Emily Carr and Lui Shou Kwan

空 / Emptiness: Emily Carr and Lui Shou Kwan Where: Vancouver Art Gallery What: The exhibition pairs Canadian modernist Emily Carr with the founder of the New Ink Movement in Hong Kong Lui Shou Kwan. Looking across culture, geography and time to explore expressions of the sublime in landscape painting, the exhibition draws connections by exploring how each artist experimented with abstraction and spirituality in their respective depictions of nature. Runs until: April 8, 2018

The Fabric of Our Land: Salish Weaving

The Fabric of Our Land: Salish Weaving Where: UBC Museum of Anthropology What: For generations Salish peoples have been harvesting the resources of their territories, transforming them into robes of rare beauty and power. Symbols of identity, they acted as legal documents and were visible signifiers of the presence of knowledge holders and respected people. Now mostly stored away in museums these masterworks are rarely seen. They have much knowledge to share and many stories to tell. Musqueam asked the Museum to bring these weavings to inspire weavers and share part of this rich legacy with all of us. Runs until: April 15, 2018

Public Artwork by New Delhi-Based Artist Asim Waqif

Public Artwork by New Delhi-Based Artist Asim Waqif Where: Vancouver Art Gallery What: Inspired by environmental concerns and the pace of human consumption, Waqif will construct an immersive architectural experience from materials collected at re-purpose stores, transfer stations and landfills in the metro Vancouver area. Waqif’s architectural structure will also incorporate an interactive acoustic system using microphones, effects pedals and speakers. Visitors are encouraged to move through the installation maze allowing them to actively experience the architecture instead of passively observing it. Runs until: April 15, 2017

Winter Farmers’ Market

Winter Farmers Market Where: Nat Bailey Stadium What: Each week you can look forward to finding locally grown vegetables and fruit, meat and seafood from local ranchers and fishermen, artisan cheese and bread, herbs and seasonal nursery items, baked goods, prepared foods and artisanal craft. Runs until: April 21, 2018 (Saturdays)

In a Different Light

In a Different Light Where: Museum of Anthropology What: More than 110 historical Indigenous artworks and marks the return of many important works to British Columbia. These objects are amazing artistic achievements. Yet they also transcend the idea of ‘art’ or ‘artifact’. Through the voices of contemporary First Nations artists and community members, this exhibition reflects on the roles historical artworks have today. Featuring immersive storytelling and innovative design, it explores what we can learn from these works and how they relate to Indigenous peoples’ relationships to their lands. Runs until: Spring 2019

What are you up to this weekend? Tell me and the rest of Vancouver in the comments below.

  Inside Vancouver Blog

[whatsfilming]

The Hallmark Channel has been keeping the British Columbia film crews busy since last winter in preparation for their Countdown to Christmas 2017 lineup. In total, 15 of the 21 movies filmed in the province. Although we don’t get Hallmark Channel here in Canada, many of the network’s movies eventually show up on W Network, Netflix or elsewhere, so keep an eye out!

RELATED: Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas 2016 – Movies filmed in BC

In addition to the Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas 2017 movies, several more filmed in BC and set to air on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel as part of its Most Wonderful Movies of Christmas 2017.

Marry Me at Christmas

Countdown to Christmas 2017 officially kicks off with Marry Me at Christmas starring Rachel Skarsten (Fifty Shades of Grey) and Trevor Donovan (Texas Rising). The movie filmed in BC from March 27th to April 13th, and with several filming locations around the downtown of Revelstoke as well as Langley – including Everything But The Groom Bridal Boutique. Hallmark fans will recognize Langley for sure; at least some part of it appears in nearly every the network’s BC-filmed movies. Revelstoke on the other hand, is rarely used as a filming location, so it’ll be refreshing to see it throughout Marry Me at Christmas.

The story is centred around Rachel Skarsten’s character, Madeline (Maddie) Krug. As a bridal boutique owner, Maddie is passionate about finding just the right dress for her clients and being part of the whole event. This year, she has a special opportunity to organize a perfect Christmas wedding. When the bride’s movie star brother, Jonny Blaze (Trevor Donovan), comes to town, Madeline begins to have a crush on him. Likewise, to Jonny, Maddie is the most amazing woman he’s ever met. Candlelit dinners and walks along the small town’s snowy streets eventually spark a true romance between the pair.

Marry Me at Christmas also stars Crystal Lowe (Signed, Sealed, Delivered), Emily Tennant (Cedar Cove) and Camille Mitchell (Smallville).

Check out the trailer for Marry Me at Christmas here:

Marry Me at Christmas premieres Saturday, October 28th at 8pm on Hallmark Channel in the US.

All the Countdown to Christmas 2017 Movies Filmed in Vancouver / British Columbia

Miss Christmas

Cast: Brooke D’Orsay, Marc Blucas, Erin Boyes, Fiona Vroom, Greg Rogers, Luke Roessler Air Date: November 5th at 8pm Read more in our full article about Miss Christmas.

The Sweetest Christmas

Cast: Lacey Chabert, Lea Coco, Jonathan Adams, Ava Grace Cooper Air Date: November 11th at 8pm Read more in our full article about The Sweetest Christmas.

Coming Home For Christmas

Cast: Danica McKellar, Neal Bledsoe, Lindsay Maxwell, Rebecca Staab, Brenda Crichlow, Andrew Francis, Christian Convery, Chelan Simmons, Scott Perrie, Paula Shaw, Beckham Skodje Air Date: November 18th at 8pm Read more in our full article about Coming Home for Christmas.

A Gift to Remember

Cast: Ali Liebert, Peter Porte, Mark Milburn, Vincent Dangerfield, Ricky He Air Date: November 19th at 8pm Read more in our full article about A Gift to Remember.

With Love, Christmas

Cast: Emilie Ullerup, Aaron O’Connell, Rebecca Davis, Jett Klyne Air Date: November 22nd at 8pm Read more in our full article about With Love, Christmas.

The Mistletoe Inn

Cast: Alicia Witt, Casey Manderson, Lucie Guest, David Alpay, Natalie von Rotsburg Air Date: November 23rd at 8pm Read more in our full article about The Mistletoe Inn.

Finding Santa

Cast: Jodie Sweetin, Eric Winter Air Date: November 24th at 8pm Read more in our full article about Finding Santa.

The Christmas Train

Cast: Dermot Mulroney, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Joan Cusack, Danny Glover, Kirsten Prout, Anthony Konechny Air Date: November 25th at 8pm Read more in our full article about The Christmas Train.

Christmas in Evergreen

Cast: Ashley Williams, Teddy Sears, Barbara Niven, Jaeda Lily Miller, Holly Robinson Peete, Rukiya Bernard, Daryl Shuttleworth Air Date: December 2nd at 8pm Read more in our full article about Christmas in Evergreen.

Christmas at Holly Lodge

Cast: Alison Sweeney, Jordan Bridges, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Arpad Balogh, Crystal Lowe, Christian Convery, Toby Levins, Adrian Hough, Audrey Smallman, Alison Wandzura Air Date: December 3rd at 8pm Read more in our full article about Christmas at Holly Lodge.

Christmas Getaway

Cast: Bridget Regan, Travis Van Winkle, Dan Payne Air Date: December 23rd at 8pm

When Calls the Heart: The Christmas Wishing Tree

Cast: Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing, Lori Loughlin, Martin Cummins, Jack Wagner, Pascale Hutton, and Kavan Smith Air Date: December 25th at 8pm

A Royal New Year’s Eve

Cast: Stay tuned! Air Date: December 30th at 8pm

Don’t forget to check out the kickoff of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas 2017 start with Marry Me at Christmas on October 28th at 8pm.

The post Countdown to Christmas 2017: Marry Me at Christmas & More Movies Filmed in BC appeared first on What's Filming?.