abbygailhitchenphotography2-blog

[trungles]

esteemed trungles, i come with an important question. What is the best romcom to watch in winter?

ESTEEMED omg incredible. I don't think I've ever been esteemed before, so I'll do my best to live up to it.

SO I'm a little late on this question for Holiday rom-coms, but it's still winter here right now, and I love rom-coms. In no particular order:

The Holiday (2006) - Kate Winslet! Jack Black! Cameron Diaz! Jude Law! John Krasinski for some reason (he shows up for like three minutes)! Kathryn Hahn (also in the same scene as John Krasinski)! Also there's a little, itty-bitty A Knight's Tale reunion because Rufus Sewell shows up and so does Shannyn Sossamon, which I find to be very sweet. Jack Black is cute as Christmas and hot as breakfast in this movie, and he somehow did this straightforwardly sweet rom-com AND Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny in the same year. The man has RANGE. You get two romances in this movie, and I think the Kate Winslet one is much more of a high-budget Silver Screen romance while the Cameron Diaz one is much more a Hallmark Channel romance, which I think is great because I love both kinds of romances.

When Harry Met Sally (1989) - This movie is iconic, and I love it to bits. I always have it saved to my phone so I can watch it on literally every plane ride just in case I get stressed out. Meg Ryan is incredible in it as a neurotic and incredibly self-assured woman who develops a friendship with Billy Crystal's character over the course of about a dozen years. Bruno Kirby and Carrie Fisher play some hilarious supporting characters. This movie is also lovely in that the most dramatic character arc belongs to the male love interest. Like, yes, Meg Ryan's character also grows, but there's no change to her world view or her wants and desires because she's not hurting anyone with the way she navigates those things, and Billy Crystal's character grows into someone you could imagine having lunch with, a far cry from when we first meet him. It's also very well-written. I downloaded the script just so I could pick it apart and learn from it.

Single All the Way (2021) - KATHY NAJIMY AND JENNIFER COOLIDGE ARE BOTH IN THIS MOVIE. I don't know what I was expecting, but this holiday rom-com charmed the thermal socks off me. Michael Urie and Philemon Chambers play best friends who fake a relationship so Michael's family will stop badgering him about there being no romance in his life. It's a fake dating movie, and it is also a delightful subversion of the Hallmark romance. Michael Urie escapes his big city life back to his small hometown where he meets an extremely hunky local spinning instructor (lol) played by Luke McFarlane, who is a literal mainstay of many actual, literal Hallmark romance movies. It's great. I enjoyed it immensely.

Moonstruck (1987) - Cher and Nicolas Cage star in this movie, and it's sort of difficult to describe. It's very funny, and it's heightened by how every single actor plays their character with the seriousness of a prestige drama. Olympia Dukakis and John Mahoney are also in this, and they're both delightful. I still occasionally yell, "I lost my hand! I lost my bride!!!" out loud at random intervals in the year. Keeps my loved ones on their toes.

While You Were Sleeping (1995) - This movie is a charmer and a half! Sandra Bullock stars as a lonely woman who works at the L in Chicago who falls in love with one of the passengers. One day, he falls victim to an attempted mugging and falls onto the tracks. Our heroine saves his life, but he winds up in a coma. A series of misunderstandings leads his entire family to believe that she's his fiancée, and polite shenanigans ensue (except in the case of one testicle-inspection, which might be regarded as pretty impolite, but it's very sweet in context). I also find Bill Pullman extremely blandsome and regular-looking to the point of being sincerely erotic. I don't know how this happened.

And I think that covers my wintry rom-coms! I watch all of them year-round, but these ones all vaguely take place in the winter-time and sometimes have a little bit to do with the holidays season.

[nnon-but-cwnancydrew]

Secret Sleuth Exchange (@secretsleuthexchange) for @katmichail13

Merry Sleuthmas Kat! I was honoured to be your Secret Sleuth this year. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas season and I wish a wonderful 2024 for you.

I'm so sorry that the initial fanvid gift fell through. Rest assured I'm still working on it but I'm starting completely from scratch so I wouldn't have had the time to finish before the dateline. Instead, I hope you'll enjoy a Christmassy version of your icon, a playlist, a couple of mood boards depicting AUs of our favorite platonic soulmates, and a few ficlets to go along with it.

And the playlist is here

Without furthur ado, let's begin:

1) Princess and Knight

AU Concept: Nancy "Crown Princess" Drew-Hudson and Ace "First Knight" Hardy  Tropes: Forbidden Romance, Childhood Acquaintances to Lovers, Slow Burn, Princess x Body Guard Dynamic, Royal AU Theme Songs: King (Florence + The Machine), Icarus (The Crane Wives), YOUTH (Troye Sivan), False God (Taylor Swift), Afterglow (Ed Sheeran), Fool's Gold (Niall Horan), King and Lionheart (Monsters and Men), Long Live (Taylor Swift)

Plot: Growing up, Ace's father was King Carson's First Knight until a wartime injury forced him to resign lest he wanted to forfeit his life. Thom started training Ace to become a knight after that, the exercises taking up Ace's time and slowly distancing himself from his friends.

Before Thom's injury, Ace and Nancy would play together with the children inside the palace walls, including George Fan, the cook's apprentice. The children would wreak havoc all around the castle, no one was safe; servants would spring it if their way, nobles would learn to fear when things got too quiet and the kitchens gave up trying to stop them from stealing a bun or ten.

Alas, good things never last and when Thom's injury happened, the group began to disband. Ace was taught in the ways of the sword, the bow and more. When Thom taught him all he could, Ace was gifted his own horse, a dappled brown mare, which he named Florence and was sent off to squirehood.

Nancy was saddled with more responsibilities and lessons, etiquette and diplomacy, languages and conversation, politics and household organisations (who said being a princess was easy?). George worked longer hours at the kitchen to earn better wages, needing to feed three younger sisters at home.

Things started to liven up when Bess Marvin, Marchioness Diana Marvin's long lost niece turned up at their citadel. Then, Duke Ned Nickerson, a distant cousin of Queen Consort Tiffany Hudson, appeared from the far south and started to court Nancy. The crown princess, equally besotted, returned his affection. And for a while, that was enough.

Then Queen Consort Tiffany Hudson was murdered.

Nancy didn't particularly care for her stepmother, but Tiffany was always kind to her. Setting out on a harebrained journey to find Tiffany's murderer, she would soon find a trustworthy band of friends in Sir Ace Hardy, Lady Bess Marvin, Ms George Fan and Duke Ned Nickerson. They'll go in to fight witches, evil within the kingdom and anyone that wishes them harm.

Three years later, she would find something even more precious than friendship in Ace, her heart, her love. When he proposes, it as at their secret glade, hidden from the burdens of Crown Princess and First Knight, becoming just Nancy and just Ace.

"Will you solve this part of the mystery with me?" he asks, the golden light reflecting off the water into his blue eyes, Kate Drew's diamond ring in his hands.

Her voice is watery when she says, "Yes", and she moves him until he's standing again, for she doesn't want him to be kneeling to her for this part. "Always. Forever." And she hugs him and kisses him and it's like the first time all over again but it's better and she can't help but laugh with joy.

Her Ace, His Nancy, together in the song of the afternoon. She couldn't think of anything else that sounded more right.

Other Tidbits of this AU:

Nick and Nancy break it off mutually then he has a whirlwind romance with George that ends in disaster. they both do their own thing for a while as friends before coming back together because they realize there's no one else for them romantically.

Bess falls for a couple of women, including Lisbeth the castle guard (they weren't right for each other), Odette Lamar the foreign businesswoman (before she found out Odette had a wife back home named Mary), and Addy Soctomah the small town of Horseshoe Bay's elected mayor (third time's the charm).

Other Tidbits of this AU: Nick and Nancy break it off mutually then he has a whirlwind romance with George that ends in disaster. they both do their own thing for a while as friends before coming back together because they realize there's no one else for them romantically. Bess falls for a couple of women, including Lisbeth the castle guard (they weren't right for each other), Odette Lamar the foreign businesswoman (before she found out Odette had a wife back home named Mary), and Addy Soctomah the small town of Horseshoe Bay's elected mayor (third time's the charm). Ace never became a physician, but he did invest a lot into their kingdom's medical research, helping the industry prosper and saving them from an unknown plague that other kingdoms fell victim to.

And they all lived happily ever after.

2) Ice Skater and Boxer

AU Concept: Bess "Figure Skater" Marvin and George "Hockey Player" Fan

Tropes: Strangers to Lovers, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Kinda Instalove, (Just a Soft Little Fic)

Theme Songs: Silk Chiffon (MUNA, Phoebe Bridgers), Tis the Damn Season (Taylor Swift), Girls Like Girls (Hayley Kiyoko), Friday I'm in Love (Twenty One Two), Enchanted (Taylor Swift), Slow Dancing (Aly & AJ), Ashes (Celine Dion), Daylight (Taylor Swift)

Plot: Girl I'm sorry I tried but I can't really view them from a romantic lens and so for Georgess I'm just gonna leave you with the vibes. I'm thinking a soft dreamy winter love in the big city.

If anyone wants to take a crack at this AU (or any of the others) please feel free. Just tag and credit me because I would love to read it!

3) CEO and Bodyguard

AU Concept: George "Spy/Bodyguard" Fan and Ned "Businessman/Inventor" Nickerson

Tropes: Strangers to Lovers, Spies AU, Forbidden Romance, Ballroom Scene, Making Out to Avoid Being Caught

Theme Songs: I Can See You (Taylor Swift), Plastic Hearts (Miley Cyrus), Weapon (Against the Current), Teeth (5SOS), Delicate (Taylor Swift), Roman Holiday (Halsey), Perfect (One Direction), New Year's Day (Taylor Swift)

Plot: Ned Nickerson thinks he’s done well in his life. Accepted into MIT on the honors roll, top intern at tech billionaire Tom Swift’s R&D department then branching off to start a very successful tech company of his own with the help of Tom and socialite and rich heiress Tiffany Hudson; all before the age of 28. Sure, his life is a little bland and his assistant Addy Soctomah had a bit of a point when she said that he was the most vanilla Black man she ever met but boring was good in the business world.

Then, the universe remembered he existed and made him the sole witness of Tiffany’s murder (which, was very traumatic, thanks for asking) by some terrorist company called the Road Back. Now, he was on the hit list of said terrorist company and had to be assigned a bodyguard (who very clearly did not want to be his bodyguard) that was maybe sorta cute when she wasn’t ignoring him like crazy. George said it wasn’t personal but it didn’t seem like the case to him when she stared at him unblinkingly when he was trying to close a business deal.

The mantra of ‘Fuck Drew’ was all that ran through George’s head when she had to protect Mr “Call me Nick”, rags to riches wonder boy and media darling, every day. She could be out chasing the Road Back with her team right now if Nancy had pulled the pin on that grenade 5 seconds later. 5 seconds and Owen wouldn’t have died; 5 more seconds and her foot wouldn’t have gotten pinned under all that rubble, and she could have lifted that column off Owen before he suffocated to death while their friends tried to get to them in time. 

The thought that it took four minutes without oxygen for a person to sustain permanent brain damage was all that ran through her brain as she listened to the harsh wheezing from the person underneath the column slowly stop. George had never really seen the fragile process of human to corpse before, never sticking around after her bullets left their chamber, but she could swear that it took hours for Owen to flatline. 

It took three minutes. The brain damage would happen after four minutes. The team took eight minutes to get to them and they were the longest eight minutes of any of their lives. 

The team fell apart: Nancy blamed herself bitterly, Bess mourned her cousin, Ace kicked himself for sending them into a trap and George- George was numb. Then she became angry. Claw Superiors kicked their team into mandatory leave and psych eval after 2 months. Guess Carson didn’t want his only daughter to crack mentally even more than she already had. 

2 weeks in and George begged Carson for any assignment, after barely passing her psych eval. She snatched the first case he held in his hands from him, not even looking into the file and just showing up at Ned Nickerson’s company the next day. Boy did she regret not negotiating more. Turns out Nick witnessed the murder of Tiffany, the woman whose husband cheated on with George years ago, and now he was the Road Back’s No. 1 target. Talk about awkward. 

It took spending 3 days in Nick’s presence to figure out that 1) He had a ridiculously good moral compass, 2) He and Tiffany were super close and 3) Telling him about her past history with Tiffany would make him hate her. So she kept quiet and kept her walls up, not wanting to get close to another person so soon after Owen’s death, not she was just starting to bond with him. 

But it’s difficult to spend day in day out with someone and not get close to them at some point. Nick was gentle and persistent with her, prying personal details from George like she was one of the machines he was experienced with. How she was the eldest of four sisters, how she almost went into law school, how her favourite colour was green. In return, he told her about wanting to help troubled kids find a community, how he was discovered by Tom Swift (and had a brief fling with him), how his mother taught him piano because they couldn’t afford it at the time and for her last birthday he’d bought her a grand piano to play to her heart’s content. It wasn’t her favourite mission by far, but Nick wasn’t bad company, and there was little chance of her PTSD triggering in civilian bodyguard life while the rest of her team recovered. 

Then Nick caught wind of a Road Back operative that was gonna be at a major social function that’s being hosted by Nick’s dickhead rival companies’ CEO: Everett Hudson. George hatched a harebrained dream of capturing the person to win back the grace her team lost at their agency. Nick offered to be her date so she could sneak in and around but she has to help him find dirt on Everett about the Bonny Scott which can bring justice to 12 innocent people and send Everett to jail. George accepts, which was a horrible idea for them both because now they’re catching feelings for a colleague-ish person.

(As long as you save me a dance, Fan.

You're on, Nickerson.)

At the party, there’s a point where they’re in Everett’s office digging through his files and they hear footsteps coming so they panic. There’s nowhere to hide in the office, and George grips Nick’s arm tightly. 

‘Do you trust me?’ she says, urgency coating her words.

There’s a beat of hesitation when they look into each other’s eyes, George begging Nick to say yes. Still, looking, he nods, and she spins him around to pin him against the wall.

‘I’m sorry about this,’ she says quietly, before kissing him. 

For a moment, everything in the world narrows to his back against the wall, the girl he likes pressed up against him, her lips on his, her hands on him. Realising his hands are just hanging dumbly by his side, he moves one to run through her hair and the other to cup her cheek.

‘OI! You’re not supposed to be in here!’ A loud voice cut through the air, and he remembers why he shouldn’t be doing this. They spring apart, and he’s sheepish when he addresses the person who caught them.

‘Sorry sir. Won’t happen again.’

‘Not today anyway.’ George’s coy face and satisfied smirk makes him blush and he finds he can’t look at the security guard for more than a second without looking away in embarrassment.

‘I don’t care what you do and where you do it as long as it isn’t in here. Now get going before I change my mind.'

'Got it, sir.' He blocks George from view as she surreptitiously swipes the hard drive that had finished downloading information in the time they were caught by the guard. He repeats, 'Won't happen again.'

Outside, George apologises and they go home but there's still an air of awkwardness. She hands the drive over to Claw Agency superiors and is called back in the week to pursue Road Back members with her old team. Since the Road Back is disbanded, Nick doesn't need a bodyguard anymore and they part ways, both thinking this is the last time they'll see each other again.

Three months later, they round up the last of the Road Back members, and George hands in her resignation form. She makes her team promise to keep in touch, thanks the Claw superiors for giving her a lifeline back then, and shows up at Nick's house to confess her feelings.

'You know,' she says, after the heavy emotional talk. 'We never did get that dance.'

'Never too late,' says Nick. He holds out his hand. 'May I?'

'But there's no music,' she laughs, taking his hand anyway.

He smiles at the sound. 'Don't need music. Your laugh is the most beautiful sound of all.' And she proves him right by laughing again.

When they have their first dance at the wedding, they're laughing merrily through the whole thing, calling each other Mr Fan and Mrs Nickerson.

Other Tidbits of this AU: Everyone on the team is field cleared but George and Owen were the only true field agents so they were closer because they have to trust each other's back in the field. Ace is the Hacker, Nancy is the scientist with a focus on biochem and Bess is the pilot/driver/etc. George and Nick play chess but George is more logical and Nick is more passionate. They're equally skilled. Bess meets Addy while the team visits George and they start talking and start dating just before Fanson's wedding. Nace dance around each other for years before everyone locks them in a small room and they come with messy hair and red lips to a chorus of "Finally"s

In every universe, the Drew Crew wishes Kat Michail a very Merry Christmas and hopes that she enjoys her gift. In this universe, Shannon wishes Kat a Happy New Year too. I hope you liked your gift Kat!

[denimbex1986]

'It's been almost two years since the final season of Peaky Blinders debuted on BBC One, and news of the long-teased sequel movie continues to be sparse.

However, the show's creator Steven Knight has now revealed that not only is he hard at work on the script, but that the film should begin shooting in the middle of 2024.

Knight was speaking in the Christmas double issue of Radio Times magazine about the Peaky Blinders ballet The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, which will be available to watch at home over the Christmas period, when he gave an update on the film's progress.

Knight said: "I’m just working on the final bits of it at the moment. I just sit down at the keyboard and start. It’s a bit like having a dream, for me. You sit there and all this stuff comes, and then you read it back and think, 'That’s pretty good – but where did it come from?'

"The plan is to start shooting that in the middle of next year."

Ever since the series came to an end, the show's stars have been offering their thoughts on whether they will be returning for the film, with Cillian Murphy saying earlier this year: "I would love to do a movie if there’s more story to tell. I’ll wait and see, but I have no update for you on that."

Meanwhile, Ada Shelby star Sophie Rundle previously said that she hadn't heard anything about the film, but that "the appetite" for it will be "generated by the fans".

Daryl McCormack, who played Isaiah, also said he hadn't heard anything yet, but added that he was "so grateful to be able to be involved in such an iconic show before it finished".

He continued: "And to come back for a second season, as well, really made me feel like I could really own my part within it."

The film is expected to be set during World War II, and Knight has said that it will be "the same but different" to the series, telling viewers to "expect the unexpected".'

[cameronthecryptid]

Hey. As some of you may remember I did a tournament of iconic trios and made polls to see who was the best. Well, I want to do it again just for fun. So along with announcing it ahead of time I also want the list of competitors to be larger. I have a total of 23 right now but I want to try an go bigger so I will say my list and if you want a trio to be added then just comment it and I'll try to add them.

The only criteria is that they must be recognized as a trio and only a trio by most or even their official series. Trios from the same series and franchise are allowed but I will need to consider them first. And they must be fictional With that being said.

Feel free to reblog to spread the word and possibly have more be added.

The list holds: (below the cut)

Marc, Steven, & Jake (Moon Knight) 

Alvin, Simon, & Theodore (Alvin and the Chipmunks)

Sam, Sebastian, Abigail (Stardew Valley)

Hex Girls (Scooby-Doo)

The Plastics (Mean Girls)

The Heathers (Heathers)

Sam, Dean, Castiel (SuperNatural)

Ed, Edd, & Eddy (Ed, Edd, n Eddy)

Huey, Dewey, & Louie (Duck Tales)

Ash, Brock, & Misty (Pokémon)

Flora, Fauna, & Merryweather (Sleeping Beauty)

Blossom, Bubbles, & Buttercup (The Power Puff Girls)

The Dazzlings (MLP: Equestra Girls)

Yakko, Wakko, Dot (Animaniacs)

Charlie’s Angels (Charlie’s Angels)

Shrek, Donkey, & Puss (Shrek Franchise)

Bella, Edward, & Jacob (Twilight)

Peach, Daisy, & Rosalina (Mario Franchise)

Shock, Lock, & Barrel (Nightmare Before Christmas)

Miku, Teto, Neru (Triple Baka)

Jessie, James, Meowth (Pokémon)

Yao, Ling and Chien-Po (Mulan)

Mandy, Billy, & Grim (The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy)

[confettifox-ships]

pinned post🦊

hi, u can call me fox! 🖤

i use they/them + she/her  + he/him pronouns

im okay with sharing my f/os with moots and friends and i love to talk about them :3 (if you're not comfy sharing that's ok!! ily, ur valid and safe here!!!)

slide into my inbox and hang out w me, i luv meeting new people 

icon by @/h0t-p1nk-ch33tah-pr1nt

check out my carrd here

for more me:

spicy version @confettifox-ships-afterdark

writing version @confettifox-ships-library

read more for my main f/os (my current focuses r starred!!!) + the link to my tag masterlist

f/o list

challengers (2024 film)

♡ art donaldson (poly ship)*

♡ patrick zweig (poly ship)*

panic (television series)

♡ dodge mason

stranger things (television series)

♡ steve harrington

daisy jones & the six (television series)

♡ eddie roundtree

modern life is rubbish (2017 film)

♡ liam 

the knight before christmas (2019 film)

♡ sir cole lyons

free guy (2021 film)

♡ walter “keys” mckey

valley girl (2020 remake)

♡ randy phillips

♡ ♡ ♡

tag masterlist

[zahri-melitor]

No Man’s Land

I made it back through! As I said before, my last read through was over 15 years ago, so it was a lot of fun seeing what I remembered and what I didn’t. This really is one of the best Batbook events. The departmental level planning and plotting really stands out; there’s only a couple of times events are repeated between titles (most of the duplicates are actually in Azrael, now I think about it; particularly the Azrael-Catwoman storyline. Clearly they understood they couldn’t trust people to read Azrael) and the story flows with very few contradictions/out of order events/obviously skipped bits . The biggest overall ‘wait what?’ timeline issue is ‘how long was Tim actually IN No Man’s Land and how many times did he sneak back in after being rescued’, because the suggestion he was inside for 2-4 weeks before being airlifted out is hilarious given he then proceeded to spend over a month staking out Pettit and got back in for the Christmas Eve summons quite easily.

Highlights from my read: Bruce Wayne (as opposed to Batman) has some really good stories through Cataclysm-Aftershock-Road to NML. I adore when comics take the time to break out what Bruce can do as a Wayne compared to what he can do as Batman, and both are on show here.

Legends of the Dark Knight #125: the conversation here between Jim and Batman is something that’s been building for over 6 years, since Knightfall. And yeah, the payoff is worth it. They both used their words!

Being a big event, we got multiple 'day in a life' comics for outsider PoVs or minor characters, which are one of my favourite things. I'm a huge sucker for an outsider point of view. Lots of ordinary Gothamites just explaining why they stayed and what community means to them (and also that Gotham talks to you when you have bat rabies). I particularly adore the little red headed agent of Oracle's in SoTB #92 who is so EXASPERATED by Clark Kent ruining her stakeout. She's got a job to do! Stop ruining her report!

Among this is also some of THE defining Leslie characterisation in Chronicles #18, of why she's a doctor and her philosophy on care. Now, the way the story used Zsasz to frame it was irritating (please Leslie, O neg is in such short supply I PROMISE you there are half a dozen people in your hospital camp here right now who need it more than Zsasz), but what can you do. "I will provide treatment to everyone" doesn't have to mean "I'm using an invaluable resource on the least deserving/needy person in this hospital" but it does mean "everyone deserves my care and best effort".

Barbara is at her best, here. Not only does this run highlight her skills as an information broker, troubleshooter and dispatcher, but everyone finally starts turning up regularly to the Clocktower to hang out/have meetings! Early 2000s status quo behaviour has been ACHIEVED. The story would not have worked without her.

Just a BUNCH of Gotham Rogues have really good stories here. What Penguin contributes to the city's dynamics is just so very on display as he runs the entire city's black market. Two-Face's trial of Jim Gordon is some iconic storytelling. Ivy is mostly around via her physical absence - she only appears on page for Fruit of the Earth and in the Harley Quinn intro to set up the Harley & Ivy status quo - but she pins a lot of the territory warfare in place via holding Robinson Park, starts her road to redemption, FINALLY gets rid of those terrible 90s tights (ugh I dislike that costume) and honestly probably helped a lot of people survive NML. And uh Black Mask himself doesn't have the greatest storytelling but his HENCHES do. 

Harley finally gets her promotion to the main universe (and her intro doesn't suck). Joker is fine I guess...ok yes I do actually like Endgame and it's solid Joker storytelling, even as shooting Sarah Essen is the most cheap and lazy angst ever (And then! Jim and Bruce are there in front of Joker who is asking to be arrested after he hurts their family! Again! This story has never been told before oh wait it's the 10 year anniversary edition).

Every Bat vigilante (minus Steph) gets a lot of solid character work and stuff to do. Steph's stuck off in her pregnancy arc having Dixon Lectures On Ethics, but does get that Helena team up during Cataclysm at least. We get Cass and David Cain! JPV remains the saddest wet cat in Gotham and the universe causes terrible things to happen to him (seriously how did you end up getting blown up and in worse shape than HELENA for the finale)! Dick confirms he's back in the family full time and will come if Bruce asks! Tim and Dick have adorable sibling adventures together! There’s an entire Dick/Babs hurt/comfort storyline! Tim Having Parents is actually plot relevant and helps end No Man's Land (also his team up with Wally in Keystone is the funniest thing ever. Wally's like 'HOW DID YOU GET MY PHONE NUMBER...oh yeah you asked Dick')! Helena gets masses of page time even as the plot (and Bruce) does her dirty! Even the LANGSTROMS get page time and character changes (that scene where Man-Bat takes Barbara flying is just beautiful).

[itcamefromthetoybox]

Toys of the Old Republic

Christmas is coming, which means this really isn’t the time to buy things for oneself, but we’re only human. There are weaknesses, temptations, that cannot be resisted, despite our best judgement. And because I was left unsupervised in a GameStop, this week’s review is on “Star Wars: The Black Series Gaming Greats Jedi Knight Revan.”

Now, I gotta warn anyone who hasn’t played the legendary game “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” that this entire paragraph is spoilers. So skip it if you don’t want spoilers. In the original Star Wars expanded universe, from before Disney took over, Revan was a Jedi from the days of the Old Republic, hundreds of years before the prequel movies. They ended a war with the Mandalorians by taking a bunch of Jedi, going Dark Side and becoming a Sith Lord. They then returned to the Jedi after the war, said they did what they had to do and are ready to face the consequences of that, and got their mind wiped, becoming the player character. In the game, you can go either Dark or Light Side, with Light Side being the canon path. Revan was an iconic character and has been referenced in Star Wars media ever since their debut.

This figure represents Revan as a Jedi Knight, as featured in the mobile game “Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes.” They’re clad in a white version of their iconic outfit from “Knights of the Old Republic” and come with a purple lightsaber that fits in either hand.

"Saviour, conqueror, hero, villain. You are all of these things, Revan.”

As this is a figure from the 6 inch Black Series, articulation is a major focus with this toy. Revan is extremely posable, which is exactly what you’d want for a toy of the protagonist of a video game, especially since this toy is meant for display, so you wanna be able to show off the poses. Revan’s hood limits what you can do with their head, since it’s made of a soft plastic and connected to the rest of the soft plastic making up a lot of Revan’s outfit. However, the robe parts around Revan’s legs are cloth, so Revan’s legs have a full range of articulation, which is delightful. Oftentimes, toys make the robes entirely out of plastic, and the articulation suffers, so I am delighted that they avoided that here. Just note that cloth parts can get dirty easily.

Dear Disney, make Revan canon again, you cowards!

Revan’s one accessory, a purple lightsaber, fits very snugly in both hands, which is great, since there’s no way to store it and I don’t wanna lose it. The blade is translucent and the hilt is very detailed. It looks really great. The blade can also be removed, but it’s held into the hilt by a pretty small peg, so I wouldn’t risk accidentally breaking it.

It is an undeniable truth that having a purple lightsaber means you are a massive badass.

Jedi Knight Revan is marketed as being for kids ages 4 and up, but this is a toy that’s meant for collectors and of a character most kids may not know. Definitely save this for older kids or adult Star Wars fanatics who played Knights of the Old Republic. Revan runs for about $25 and up at mass retail and can be hard to find, so grab them if you see them. The price tag does hurt, but in this day and age, toys will only get more expensive, unfortunately, and I feel it’s worth it for this character. This is JS, signing off and wishing you Happy Toy Hunting!

[pinwheelfunhouse]

stimboard masterpost!!

semi-organized list of all the stimboards & icons i've made!

made this because tumblr tags simply will not work sometimes so this is just an easier way to see what characters i've done!

fnaf edition masterpost is here!

the owl house:

luz noceda

hunter

possessed!hunter

the collector

caleb wittebane

hooty

willow park

stringbean

titan!luz

don't hug me i'm scared:

yumpherdinker

1

2

saturdavid

shy imaginary older brother

bubble bath memory

first tooth

red guy

coffin

resident evil:

lucas baker

ethan winters

rose winters

leon kennedy

luis sera

castle crashers:

painter

pink knight

blacksmith

necromancer

frost king

undead cyclops

wizard minion

evil wizard

cuphead:

king dice

faith the unholy trinity:

john ward

michael davies

my faith self insert

team fortress 2:

red scout

night in the woods:

mae borowski

mystery skulls animated

vivi yukino

transformers:

soundwave

soul eater:

crona

dr stein

littlest pet shop:

lps #520 (party ferret)

insidious:

specs and tucker

undertale:

chara

ultrakill:

ferryman

spiderverse:

miles morales

hobie brown

house of ashes:

salim othman

fallout:

benny gecko

cookie run:

gingerbright

black butler:

grell sutcliff

inscryption:

the mycologists

disney:

rubberhose mickey mouse

stranger things:

mike wheeler

awful hospital:

staph

fern

arcane:

jinx

genshin impact:

xiao

invader zim:

dib membrane

professor membrane

the hex:

???

superjail:

techno twins

spooky month:

kevin

dexter

tealerland:

willow

dayshift at freddy's:

blackjack

five nights at candy's:

blank

sonic the hedgehog:

shadow and sonic

stimboard

icons

knuckles

hamtaro:

penelope

the muppets:

gonzo

good omens:

crowley

madness combat:

hank j wimbleton

willy's wonderland:

willy

hazbin hotel:

alastor

the nightmare before christmas:

music:

jack skellington

pet sematary:

pet sematary

2d (gorillaz)

papa emeritus iii / terzo (ghost)

youtube:

ghost files

vanossgaming

people's sonas / oc's:

my sona

@/swordmachine's sona

@/gaypostaldude's sona

greyson (@/professionallydeadinside)

benni (@/sillybakeoven)

guardian star (@/sillybakeoven)

michela (@/rosemary-posts-random-crap)

dante the skunk (@/agirlwithmagicpals)

chroma (@/lowpolyparrot)

miscellaneous:

ferrets

pupgender

el wiwi

dark blue water

stimboard based on the name "ruru"

[ahoy123]

Exploring Prague: The Jewel of Central Europe

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and beauty. Referred to as the "City of Hundred Spires," it’s a place where Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance influences are deeply embedded in the architecture, creating a captivating landscape. Whether you’re exploring its maze of narrow streets or taking in the breathtaking views from its many hills, Prague is a city that surprises at every turn. Here are some of the highlights that make Prague a must-visit destination:

Prague Castle: A Historical Masterpiece

Perched atop a hill overlooking the Vltava River, Prague Castle is a sprawling complex that has stood the test of time. It’s the largest ancient castle in the world, covering more than 70,000 square meters, and is an iconic symbol of Czech heritage. The castle has been the seat of Czech rulers, from kings and emperors to today’s presidents, for over a millennium.

As you enter the castle complex, you are greeted by the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, an architectural marvel and the spiritual heart of the country. The cathedral’s towering spires and intricate stained glass windows are awe-inspiring. Inside, visitors can explore the tombs of Bohemian kings, ornate chapels, and the grand nave that exudes Gothic elegance.

Another gem within the complex is the Old Royal Palace, a place rich in history, where coronations, banquets, and royal ceremonies were held. Don't miss the Vladislav Hall, a grand Renaissance hall used for knight tournaments. Additionally, the Royal Garden offers a peaceful escape with its beautifully manicured landscapes, fountains, and breathtaking views of the city below.

Charles Bridge: A Walk Through History

No visit to Prague is complete without walking across the Charles Bridge, one of the most iconic landmarks in Europe. Completed in the 15th century under King Charles IV, this medieval bridge spans the Vltava River and links the Old Town with Prague Castle.

What makes Charles Bridge so unique is the series of 30 Baroque statues that line its sides, each telling its own story. These statues depict saints and historical figures, adding to the bridge’s mystical atmosphere. As you stroll across the cobbled path, street musicians, painters, and vendors create a lively and vibrant scene, making the experience feel like a journey through time.

The best times to visit Charles Bridge are during the early morning or late evening when it’s less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful and reflective experience. From the bridge, you’ll also have stunning views of Prague’s skyline, including the castle, spires, and the tranquil flow of the river.

Old Town Square: The Heart of Prague

The Old Town Square is the historic center of Prague, where past and present collide in a vibrant blend of architectural grandeur and lively energy. As one of the oldest and most beautiful squares in Europe, this space has witnessed centuries of change, from medieval markets to modern celebrations.

At the heart of the square is the world-famous Astronomical Clock (Orloj), installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest still operating. Every hour, crowds gather to watch the clock’s procession of the Twelve Apostles, as they appear through two small windows. The intricate dials of the clock show not only the time but also astronomical details, such as the position of the sun and moon.

Surrounding the square are stunning examples of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture. Notable buildings include the Church of Our Lady before Týn, a Gothic church with its towering twin spires, and the St. Nicholas Church, a Baroque masterpiece with opulent interiors and beautiful frescoes.

The square also hosts seasonal events, including the famous Prague Christmas Market, where wooden stalls are filled with handmade crafts, mulled wine, and delicious Czech delicacies. The atmosphere is especially magical during the winter months when the entire square is illuminated by festive lights.

Other Must-See Attractions in Prague

While Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square are the most iconic landmarks, the city has much more to offer:

Lennon Wall: This colorful graffiti-covered wall, inspired by John Lennon, has become a symbol of peace and freedom. It’s a constantly changing canvas as visitors leave messages and artwork.

Wenceslas Square: A lively boulevard in the New Town, Wenceslas Square is a hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife. The square is also home to the National Museum, an impressive building housing a vast collection of natural history and art.

Vyšehrad: Slightly off the beaten path, Vyšehrad is a historic fortress that offers serene gardens, ancient churches, and stunning views of the city from its hilltop location.

Prague's Vibrant Culture

Prague isn’t just a city of history—it’s a modern, thriving metropolis with a rich cultural life. Whether you’re into art, music, or theater, Prague has something for everyone. The city is known for its classical music heritage, with famous composers like Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana having deep ties to the city. You can catch performances at prestigious venues like the Rudolfinum and the State Opera.

Cafés and beer gardens are a significant part of local life, offering an authentic taste of Czech culture. The Czech Republic is known for its beer, and Prague has no shortage of pubs where you can enjoy a cold Pilsner or Czech lager.

Conclusion: A City That Captivates

Prague’s allure lies not just in its historic buildings and scenic views but also in the stories these landmarks tell. The city seamlessly merges its rich past with the present, offering visitors a unique experience that’s both educational and enchanting. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Prague will always have something new to reveal. So, take your time to explore, get lost in its streets, and let the city’s magic unfold before you.

[binshad123]

Exploring Prague: The Jewel of Central Europe

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and beauty. Referred to as the "City of Hundred Spires," it’s a place where Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance influences are deeply embedded in the architecture, creating a captivating landscape. Whether you’re exploring its maze of narrow streets or taking in the breathtaking views from its many hills, Prague is a city that surprises at every turn. Here are some of the highlights that make Prague a must-visit destination:

Prague Castle: A Historical Masterpiece

Perched atop a hill overlooking the Vltava River, Prague Castle is a sprawling complex that has stood the test of time. It’s the largest ancient castle in the world, covering more than 70,000 square meters, and is an iconic symbol of Czech heritage. The castle has been the seat of Czech rulers, from kings and emperors to today’s presidents, for over a millennium.

As you enter the castle complex, you are greeted by the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, an architectural marvel and the spiritual heart of the country. The cathedral’s towering spires and intricate stained glass windows are awe-inspiring. Inside, visitors can explore the tombs of Bohemian kings, ornate chapels, and the grand nave that exudes Gothic elegance.

Another gem within the complex is the Old Royal Palace, a place rich in history, where coronations, banquets, and royal ceremonies were held. Don't miss the Vladislav Hall, a grand Renaissance hall used for knight tournaments. Additionally, the Royal Garden offers a peaceful escape with its beautifully manicured landscapes, fountains, and breathtaking views of the city below.

Charles Bridge: A Walk Through History

No visit to Prague is complete without walking across the Charles Bridge, one of the most iconic landmarks in Europe. Completed in the 15th century under King Charles IV, this medieval bridge spans the Vltava River and links the Old Town with Prague Castle.

What makes Charles Bridge so unique is the series of 30 Baroque statues that line its sides, each telling its own story. These statues depict saints and historical figures, adding to the bridge’s mystical atmosphere. As you stroll across the cobbled path, street musicians, painters, and vendors create a lively and vibrant scene, making the experience feel like a journey through time.

The best times to visit Charles Bridge are during the early morning or late evening when it’s less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful and reflective experience. From the bridge, you’ll also have stunning views of Prague’s skyline, including the castle, spires, and the tranquil flow of the river.

Old Town Square: The Heart of Prague

The Old Town Square is the historic center of Prague, where past and present collide in a vibrant blend of architectural grandeur and lively energy. As one of the oldest and most beautiful squares in Europe, this space has witnessed centuries of change, from medieval markets to modern celebrations.

At the heart of the square is the world-famous Astronomical Clock (Orloj), installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest still operating. Every hour, crowds gather to watch the clock’s procession of the Twelve Apostles, as they appear through two small windows. The intricate dials of the clock show not only the time but also astronomical details, such as the position of the sun and moon.

Surrounding the square are stunning examples of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture. Notable buildings include the Church of Our Lady before Týn, a Gothic church with its towering twin spires, and the St. Nicholas Church, a Baroque masterpiece with opulent interiors and beautiful frescoes.

The square also hosts seasonal events, including the famous Prague Christmas Market, where wooden stalls are filled with handmade crafts, mulled wine, and delicious Czech delicacies. The atmosphere is especially magical during the winter months when the entire square is illuminated by festive lights.

Other Must-See Attractions in Prague

While Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square are the most iconic landmarks, the city has much more to offer:

Lennon Wall: This colorful graffiti-covered wall, inspired by John Lennon, has become a symbol of peace and freedom. It’s a constantly changing canvas as visitors leave messages and artwork.

Wenceslas Square: A lively boulevard in the New Town, Wenceslas Square is a hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife. The square is also home to the National Museum, an impressive building housing a vast collection of natural history and art. For more details : https://ahoyconsulting.in/

[squaric-acid]

A Complete Summary of my Thoughts Watching Batman with Michael Keaton for the First Time

It’s been 7 minutes and already I cannot take Michael Keaton’s Batman seriously

Knox is so far endearing in a dorky way

His flirting with Vicki Vale was cute

Also, I low-key want a tailored purple wool suit now. How does Jack Nicholson make it look so good?

Alfred walking behind Bruce and picking stuff up is perhaps peak physical comedy

Is this Harvey Dent also Lando Calrissian?!?!

The VCR rewind in the Bat Cave *Chef’s kiss

Also Bruce Wayne wearing glasses is so charming

The Foley gun fire noise is so classic

Batman looking around nervously before he uses a smoke bomb is hilarious

Bruce and Vicki having dinner with Alfred was such a cute moment

Jack Nicholson’s laugh as the Joker is terrifying

Lol, the hanging upside down is just perfect

The Joker without the white face paint is so unsettling

Bruce leaving roses on the spot his parents died instead of their actual graves is strange but also weirdly on-brand

Jack Nicholson’s Joker is so unhinged, the mimes and the throat stabbing with a quill, his complaint about how Batman gets all the press, the theatricality of it is fantastic

It’s an eighties movie but the vibe is decidedly sixties

The new anchors looking unkempt is a nice touch

The Joker is so camp and so macabre, I love it

Favorite scene so far is the museum scene

Also, is the Batman coming through the glass roof a throughline for all Batman movies cause I’m noticing a pattern

The Batmobile is an oversized HotWheels, it also looks ever so slightly phallic but I’ll ignore it

Batman avoiding Vicki’s gaze highlights how easy for someone who knows both him and Bruce to figure out that they’re the same person

The bat cave is cool

Bruce Wayne trying to tell Vicki the truth was a little painful but it didn’t give me second-hand embarrassment, I think cringe dramatic moments really became a thing in the nineties

What the FUCK does “never rub another man’s rhubarb” mean?!

The turtleneck and dad jeans with the glasses on guys, so iconic yet so under-appreciated

I love the aesthetic of this movie, its very 80’s but reads more like a 60’s translation of the world of the 1940’s (dieselpunk and the original comics)

The Joker killed Bob!

The bat plane in front of the moon is so clever, nice foreshadowing of the bat signal

The comically long revolver is spectacular

Also it’s an interesting take to say Joker killed Bruce’s parents

I was hoping Batman would hit Joker with the glasses

Cheesy but very enjoyable, it’s very different from Tim Burton’s later works, I think I prefer this

I think that Alfred saying he doesn’t want to spend the last few years of his life mourning for old friends or their sons was by far one of the best lines in the movie. So much was meant by it and it was put so eloquently

I enjoyed this movie immensely. It’s a very good comic book movie, and the background of Gotham is much better than the Nolan trilogy. You can tell it’s a Tim Burton movie but it lacks the overt stylistic touch of his that you see in his later movies (Nightmare Before Christmas onwards).

I had my doubts about Michael Keaton (because I’ve only ever seen him in Much Ado About Nothing) but he was a good Batman and a very good Bruce Wayne.

Jack Nicholson is amazing and I think I prefer him to Heath Ledger’s Joker.

I’m new to the Batman fandom so I’m more familiar with The Dark Knight trilogy and The Batman (2022). I saw that latter first so that will probably always be my favorite Batman movie but I think Batman with Michael Keaton is my second favorite.

[mceproductions]

Dancing the Year Away (Countdown Recap)

Before I sum up 2023 We'll look back on the past 30 days Countdown wise.

Best of 2023

Movies

1.  Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning: Part One

2.  Oppenheimer

3.  The Super Mario Bros Movie

4.  Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

5.  Barbie

6.  Suzume

7.  John Wick: Chapter 4

8.  Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

9.  Killers of the Flower Moon

10. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

11. Elemental and The Flash

12. Fast X

13. Wonka

14. M3GAN

15. The Marvels

Runners Up:

A Man Called Otto

Shazam: Fury of the Gods

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

TMNT: Mutant Mayhem

80 For Brady

Worst:

1. Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey

2. Expend4bles

3. Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

Honorable Mention:

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

TV

Best New Show of 2023 Nominee*   Winner^

1.  Star Trek Picard (Paramount+)

2.  The Last of Us (HBO)^

3.  Succession (HBO)

4.  The Daily Show (Comedy Central)

5.  The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)

6.  Yellowstone (Paramount TV)

7.  The Mandalorian (Disney+)

8.  Abbott Elementary (ABC)

9.  Late Night with Seth Meyers (NBC)

10. Loki (Disney+)

11. SNL (NBC)

12. That 90’s Show (NETFLIX)*

13. My Hero Academia (ADULT SWIM)

14. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) and Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)

15. Ahsoka (Disney+)*

16. Attack On Titan: The Final Chapters (Crunchyroll/ADULT SWIM)

17. The Good Doctor (ABC)

18. The Owl House (Disney)

19. TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You (Crunchyroll) and

Outlander (Starz)

20. My Adventures with Superman (ADULT SWIM)*

21. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FXX)

22. 1923 (Paramount+)

23. RWBY (Crunchyroll)

24. One Piece (NETFLIX)*

25. The Simpsons (FOX)

Runners Up:

Tomo-Chan is A Girl (Crunchyroll)

Oshi No Ko (HI-DIVE)

The Walking Dead: Dead City and Daryl Dixon (AMC)

Young Sheldon (CBS)

Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC)

Worst:

1. Velma (MAX)

2. Secret Invasion (Disney+)

3. Gotham Knights (CW)

Honorable Mention:

Star Trek Lower Decks and Strange New Worlds (Paramount+)

Music

1. Dua Lipa “Dance The Night”

2. MindaRyn “Way to Go”

3. Morgan Wallen “Last Night”

4. Jack Black “Peaches”

5. Miley Cyrus “Flowers”

6.  NSYNC “Better Place”

7.  Taylor Swift “Karma”

8.  Radwimps and Toaka “SUZUME”

9.  Ed Sheeran “Eyes Closed”

10. Jason Aldean “Try That in a Small Town”

11. Ludwig Goransson “Can You Hear The Music”

12. Olivia Rodrigo “Vampire”

13. Halle Bailey “Part of Your World”

14. Jimin “Like Crazy”

15. Ryan Gosling “Push”

16. Metro Boomin, Swae Lee, Lil Wayne, and Offset “Annihilate”

17. NBA YoungBoy, Bailey Zimmerman and Dermot Kennedy “Won’t Back Down”

18. Brian Tyler “Level Complete”

19. Neriame “Unmei Kyoudoutai!”

20. Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairva “Naatu Naatu”

21. YOASOBI “IDOL”

22. Ryan Gosling “I’m Just Ken” and Cher “DJ Play A Christmas Song”

23. Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem “Rock and Roll All Nite”

24. Taylor Swift “Cruel Summer”

25. LAUV “Steal The Show”

26. U2 “Walk On (Ukraine)” and Blink 182 “One More Time”

27. Jung Kook “Standing Next to You”

28. Linkin Park “Lost”

29. The Weeknd and Ariana Grande “Die for You”

30. Rachel Zegler “Nothing You Can Take From Me”

Runners Up:

Radwimps “Kanata Haluka”

Chris Pine “This Is the Thanks I Get”

BTS “Take Two”

Casey Lee Williams “Worthy”

Oliver Anthony “Rich Men North of Richmond”

Worst:

1. Awkwafina and Daveed Diggs “The Scuttlebutt”

2. Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice “Barbie World”

3. J6 Prison Choir and Donald Trump “Justice For All”

Honorable Mention:

Taylor Swift and Her Taylor’s Version Remakes

Game of The Year

Nominee* Winner^

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom^

Starfield*

Sony’s Spider-Man 2*

Super Mario Bros Wonder*

Hogwarts Legacy*

Worst:

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum

THE JAW DROPPERS:

1. Damar Hamlin

2. The Enterprise D Returns to the fold

3. Barbenheimer

4. Breakthrough of Bilingual VA’s in Anime

5. Hamas Gives another Salvo

6. Memory of a Flerken Brood

7. The Toymaker Spices Up Our Lives

8.  Looks like ______ is back on the Menu

9.  The Twilight of An Icon

10. The Saga of George Santos

HM: A sport goes Swiftie

[ryansbedroom]

My 2023 in retrospect...

Well, that year is almost over. Here's my story of 2023.

This year marked the 30th Anniversary of my time at the Surrey Downs Child Care Centre which I didn't like a little at first as I felt like a prisoner but I soon got the hang of it later. Also, my first video game, 'Super Mario All-Stars' for the SNES hit store shelves 30 years ago too but didn't get it until Christmas a year later at that time.

In January, I went to the St Kilda Mangrove Boardwalk for the first time in many years. It looked a bit different compared with last time I looked.

In February, I got a Lightburn Zeta coffee mug and saw a show at the Garden Of Unearthly Delights all by myself for the first time in my life! Then later, I saw Luke Million perform music from his first album 'Gina The Synth Cat' on his handy keytar! Then at the end, I got lucky and managed to grab one of his drumsticks! From a shop in Chinatown, I bought a Pikachu-design bathroom spout extension which slides onto most horizontal spouts!

In March, I got my Knight Rider Historians tee-shirt showing the GMC Prime Mover & Trailer which is now currently being restored. Went to the new TK-Maxx store at Churchill Centre in Kilburn and tried both 'Bard' & 'Barbarian' burgers from Carl's Jr who have teamed up with the board game based film, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Theives. After a remarkable 25 Years, Ash Ketchum's quest to become a true Pokemon Master came to an epic conclusion with the callback mini-series, 'Aim To Be A Master'. He and Pikachu came a long, long way together through the low times and the high. We still saluted him, celebrated him and praised him like we should.

In April, I went to a LEGO exhibit at the Museum Of Adelaide, then to a car show at Echunga Oval and then to an Easter carnival on Ridley Reserve. Bought the LEGO Icons 'Land Rover Defender 110' which is considered to be my best one for 2023 with working suspension, steering and the ability to tow! I even built a trailer to go with it!

In May, I took a time-lapse video of a Wisdom 'Sizzler' ride being setup for the first time in my life! Built a LEGO model of the gas heater we used to have in the lounge room until 2007. Went on a few tram rides at the St Kilda Tramway Museum.

In June, went to the Model Railway Exhibition in Angle Park. Then went on a few buses during a 'Farewell Tour' of the MAN NL202 fleet.

In July, I put 'Richard Stevens Hire' decals on my blue LEGO trailer as a nod to the days before Kennards came to South Australia! The old streetlights on our street were upgraded to LED. Saw the 'Barbie' movie at Hoyts. Brixpo was way better than ever, so was AVCon!

In August, The St Kilda Tramway Museum had a showcase of old buses. Then I went to the Gawler Show.

In September, Went to the Royal Adelaide Show and saw a small ex-John Martins semi trailer which was owned by one of the amusement companies. The supposed Masters Home Improvement store in Noarlunga is now being converted to Bunnings after sitting unused for quite some time. My grandmother Ann Smith turned 90 and we celebrated her birthday at the main hall in her aged care village. Took a hike in Cobbler Creek Recreation Park and I was exceptionally lucky to avoid getting bitten by a snake which could've cut my life short. Then I finally advanced onto my full driver's license and had a beer at the Old Spot Hotel in commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of my first 'legal drink'.

In October, The former house of 'The Owens' (i.e. my mother's parents) was put up for sale. Had a discussion with an NDIS employee at the Disabilty, Ageing & Lifestyle Expo at the showgrounds. Then for the first time in almost 13 years, looked around in the Roseworthy Agricultural Museum and went on some rides at the Roseworthy Miniature Railway Club! Went to the Tonsley Hotel in Clovelly Park to have a meal before it closed its doors to be redeveloped for the T2D Infrastructure Project. The former Red Rooster building at Harbor Town in West Beach was finally demolished after TEN YEARS! Then I went to the National Motor Museum for the 'Bay To Birdwood' car showcase!

In November, Went to the first ever Tiny Homes Expo at the Adelaide Showgrounds. Ingle Farm Shopping Centre changed its name to Ingle Farm Plaza and the old 'wind pump' signboards had to be removed and replaced with generic rectangular ones. Went to the Skye Lookout for a lovely view of the city and its surroundings. Bought the new Jazwares 'Train & Play Deluxe Pikachu' from Toyworld! I just couldn't resist it.

In December, I went to the new entertainment complex in the former Harris Scarfe floors of Rundle Place. Received my 1/43 Scale Knight Rider FLAG Rig from a seller in Portugal but was in a few pieces so I had to gorilla-glue them back on. Also did a repair to a LEGO Fabuland plane set as the left-side exhaust pipe was in two pieces when I bought it from a shop in Cowell. Went on Adelaide's first ever BEB (Battery-Electric Bus) on Route 99C for the first time in my life! For Christmas, I got the new LEGO Chevrolet Corvette!

[independentartistbuzz]

Indie 5-0 with Bad Knights: Holiday Edition

Bad Knights is the alternative and soft rock band who writes music from life’s raw, messy, and beautiful tales. In 2020, circa when-the-world-shut-down, serial nomad Stig found himself at the mercy of boredom. But from this time of introspection and experimentation came an overwhelming drive to do something he’d otherwise never have done – to write some unique, personal rock ’n roll songs that tell the real-life stories of people he had encountered along his many journeys. As the months passed, this never before musician had soon built up a collection of songs, and finally decided to record them at the continued insistence of some mates.

We spoke with Stig of Bad Knights about the holidays, holiday music, and the band’s projects in this special holiday Indie 5-0.

Let’s dive in:

What is your favorite holiday song and why?

‘Let it Snow’ by Frank Sinatra. A hard choice to make with the range of choices, but simple for sentimental reasons and ones of nostalgia. 

What were the traditions around the holidays in your house growing up?

My earliest memories of the holidays involved putting up the Christmas tree, decorations, and having great food for days. Holidays for us would rarely be massive extended family affairs, as most relatives, cousins uncles and aunts were strewn across the world. My personal favourite tradition, would be my attempts to hide behind the couch and catch Santa Claus in the act. Needless to say, there were many unsuccessful attempts before i found out the truth.

If you could record your dream holiday duet with anyone dead or alive what would it be?

Dolores O’Riordan of the Cranberries. As a rock artist with deep baritone vocals, i suppose the ideal duet would be with a singer that compliments the style of music, and of course, and artist who’s music I’ve always loved since i was young. Besides, her iconic voice and aura could make most kinds of music- brighter, better and more colourful. 

What is the first holiday track you ever learned?

Although not in my native language, Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano was my first memory of a holiday song and also the first song I learned to sing along to, despite not knowing what any of the words meant. Over the years, and when travelling, I soon discovered how it was a song that had equal appreciation all over the world.  You just released your debut album, Letters to Everybody. What can you share about the album? What has it meant to you?

Our album, Letters to Everybody, is an enigma of a rock album, unique in the sense that it combines styles, sounds, and music that transcends genres and sub-genres. The songs across the album wash you with waves of nostalgia, cigarettes and whiskey vocals, droning synths, angelic backing vocals and pristine rock instrumentation. But perhaps most importantly, these are stories for everybody with pertinent and deep messages that inspire hope. 

Connect with Stig and Bad Knights via: Instagram / Spotify / Soundcloud / Bandcamp

[chrismcshell]

sister came for a visit today and we decided to have a lil family movie night and watch a silly christmas movie on netflix. we ended up watching A Knight Before Christmas (2019). my review: that sure was a silly christmas movie on netflix!!!

and it had an extra layer of silliness with its little bits of canadian-ness. the main setting (aside from the castle scenes in “England”, filmed in Ireland) is “Bracebridge, Ohio” but it was filmed in Bracebridge, Ontario (and also Orillia, Ontario). there’s a scene where they go grocery shopping in a Giant Tiger. and to top it all off, in the end credits theres a song from the iconic Barenaked Ladies holiday album, specifically a song that also features Sarah McLachlan.

this movie is so canadian while also being very american. a delightfully canadian-american film

[grlsedit]

• please, like or reblog if you save ♡