#there weren’t streaming events and fundraisings for them…

[babieken]

hi, not monsta x related but I went through your tumblr and it has converted me to become a tvxq/max changmin stan lol. I guess I am going back to the roots of kpop. Anyway this is a pointless ask it's all your fault (i'm just kidding, it's a good thing). I feel like 2nd generation kpop was much simpler although there were still the sasengs?? hope your day is going well

HOW KSKDKSKDKSNDKDKKDK

I literally have 10 posts under changmin tag and 3 under tvxq….

[causeiwanttoandican]

They are massive liars and have been planning this all along.

Meghan is definitely doing most of the planning.

Harry and Meghan were in talks with video platform a year before ‘Megxit’

The Telegraph has learned the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had discussions with the now defunct Quibi service from early 2019

By Camilla Tominey, Associate Editor2 April 2021 • 9:00pm

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were discussing projects with a billion-dollar backed US streaming service a year before they stepped down as senior members of the Royal family, it has emerged.

The Sussexes had a series of meetings with Quibi, a now-defunct rival to YouTube, from early 2019 until after they dropped their 'Megxit' bombshell in January last year.

The Duke returned from the so-called Sandringham Summit to meet executives from the short video platform in London as plans for him to provide content apparently reached advanced stages.

In their interview with Oprah Winfrey, the couple said that they “didn’t have a plan” upon leaving the Royal family, but The Telegraph has learnt that they had talks with executives of the £1.3 billion start-up before their son Archie was born in May 2019.

The discussions are understood to have led to tensions with Palace staff fearful they would be accused of “cashing in” on their status, and because the couple were predominantly consulting Meghan’s US-based team of advisers.

A source with knowledge of the situation said: “There were well-developed proposals in place with Quibi from early 2019.”

A royal source added: “A lot of it was orchestrated by Meghan’s people in America. It was a bit of a secret squirrel.”

Sources in the UK and US confirmed there were numerous conversations with Quibi, including its founder Jeffrey Katzenberg, described as “one of Hollywood’s premier political kingmakers”, and Meg Whitman, chief executive, a former president of eBay.

After Quibi drew up a proposal in early 2019, there were conference calls to discuss a plan for their own series of 10-minute videos. There was a meeting in London last January, which the Duke attended with James Holt, the new executive director of Archewell, the couple’s non-profit organisation.

Shortly afterwards, the couple relocated to Los Angeles, and the pandemic put all plans on hold.

Quibi did well on its launch last April, but by September, around the time the Sussexes said they had signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Netflix, it was on the verge of shutting down.

A spokesman for Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

Unfolding events

They told Oprah Winfrey they “didn’t have a plan”. Revealing that they had been “cut off” by the Royal family, Harry, Duke of Sussex, insisted that he and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, only signed deals with Netflix and Spotify out of immediate financial necessity.

As the Duke told the US chat show host: “The Netflix and the Spotify, they’re all . . . that was never part of the plan.”

“Because you didn’t have a plan?” prompted Ms Winfrey. “We didn’t have a plan,” replied the Duchess, with the Duke adding: “We didn’t have a plan. That was suggested by somebody else by the point of where my family literally cut me off financially, and I had to afford . . . afford security for us.”

The Telegraph has now learned that the couple spent more than a year in the lead up to “Megxit” in talks with a now defunct US streaming platform which would have seen them make a series of 10-minute videos.

The story behind their conversations with Quibi, once hailed the next YouTube and backed by £1.3 billion of investment from the likes of Disney, NBC and Goldman Sachs, lays bare some of the apparent tensions between the Sussexes and their staff as they attempted to walk the tightrope between royal duty and potential commercial opportunity.

Throughout 2019, the couple held a series of discussions with senior executives from Quibi including its founder Jeffrey Katzenberg, described as "one of Hollywood's premier political kingmakers” and its CEO Meg Whitman, a former president of eBay and Hewlett Packard.

Worth an estimated £650 million, Mr Katzenberg, a former chairman of Walt Disney Studios, is one of the Democratic Party’s top national fundraisers in the US, having actively supported Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Warren and Barack Obama.

Ms Whitman was a senior member of Mitt Romney's presidential campaigns in both 2008 and 2012 and ran for governor of California as a Republican in 2010, but supported Democrats Mrs Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020.

Both apparently viewed the Duke and Duchess as the key to getting their “mobile-based Netflix” off the ground, actively courting them in the run up to its eagerly-anticipated launch in April 2020.

The couple stated in their “Megxit” statement of January 2020 that they “intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.”

Still working royals

They went on to sign lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, thought to be worth millions of dollars.

But when they were still full-time working royals, palace aides are understood to have long harboured concerns that the couple would be accused of cashing in on their royal status because of their meetings with Quibi, or tarnished by association if it failed to take off.

As one source put it: “Chinese walls were put up and certain amounts of information weren’t shared which just made it difficult to protect the couple from accusations of attempting to monetise their role.

“It was hard for royal aides to be supportive of projects like Quibi because they knew how it might look but the couple kept dismissing these concerns. They didn’t seem to see the pitfalls of any potential conflict of interests.”

Amid much talk of conflict behind the gates of Kensington Palace, with a bullying complaint submitted against the couple in October 2018, it seems one bone of contention for royal aides was the couple's “secretive” conversations with the Duchess's trio of US advisers.

Asked whether she would be giving up her career in their November 2017 engagement interview, the Duchess replied: “I don’t see it as giving anything up. I just see it as a change.”

Sunshine Sachs and sussexroyal.com

Multiple sources in the UK and US have confirmed that the Duchess continued to consult her lawyer Rick Genow, her business manager Andrew Meyer and her talent agent Nick Collins, during her time in the Royal family – with regular conference calls even set up to link both sides of the Atlantic.

Another key figure who remained in her sphere of external advisers throughout was Keleigh Thomas Morgan of PR firm Sunshine Sachs, who helped to broker the Duchess’s first interview about dating the Duke with Vanity Fair in September 2017, before going on to mastermind the couple's first charitable foundation, Sussex Royal.

The quartet are understood to have helped with the registration and development of the couple’s new website, sussexroyal.com, in March 2019.

According to one insider: “Rick, Andrew and Nick came with the territory. So did Keleigh. They were constantly fielding proposals for Meghan and bringing stuff to her.

“But the team in America did pose problems for staff at KP. There was always quite a lot of secrecy surrounding the couple’s conversations with the US.

“Certain people would be in the know about what was going on with things like Quibi, while others wouldn’t have a clue. Discussions that had been quite public would then suddenly go underground, into the 'private' space. It was all quite difficult to manage at times.”

In September 2019, James Holt, now executive director of the couple’s Archewell non-profit organisation, confirmed that Sunshine Sachs had been “supporting us with outreach and coordination in the US.”

The firm helped with the launch of the Duke's sustainable travel initiative, Travlyst.

Mental health initiative

Around the time the Sussexes had received a proposal from Quibi in April 2019, they announced that the Duke would be teaming up with Ms Winfey to create a series of documentaries about mental health. The shows were to air on Apple TV+, Apple’s video streaming service expected to be released that autumn, after Ms Winfrey had signed a multi-year deal to create programmes for the streaming platform.

But the announcement on the Sussexes’ new Instagram page took Buckingham Palace by surprise, with the Queen’s private secretary Sir Edward Young and Prince Charles’s counterpart Clive Alderton both contacting Samantha Cohen, then the couple’s private secretary, requesting more details.

“The Apple TV series was a bit problematic because senior palace staff were given minimal information about it," added a royal source.

“Meghan had insisted it be announced on Instagram because they had just launched the Sussex Royal page and wanted to make all the big announcements on there. But no one had seen the fine print. There was uncertainty over the commercial terms of the deal.”

The palace briefed at the time that the collaboration to “accelerate change for a more compassionate, connected and positive society” was the result of “several months of discussions” with Ms Winfrey, who had attended the couple’s wedding in May 2018.

'Surviving' rather than 'thriving'

Confirming the Duke would be donating his fee to a mental health charity, a spokesman for Kensington Palace said the multi-part documentary series "will focus on both mental illness and mental wellness, inspiring viewers to have an honest conversation about the challenges each of us faces, and how to equip ourselves with the tools to thrive, rather than to simply survive".

The Duchess would later use the same terminology to describe how she was “surviving” rather than “thriving” in the Royal family during an October 2019 interview with ITV’s Tom Bradby.

During the Oprah interview, the Duchess suggested that she went into the Royal family “naively” and that they “only wanted to have the same type of role that exists”.

Citing royals who “earn a living, live on palace grounds, can support the Queen if and when called upon", she said: “We weren’t reinventing the wheel here.”

However, there was no precedent for full-time working royals to earn money outside the institution. Figures like the Earl and Countess of Wessex had to give up successful careers to devote their lives to public service.

While Prince Andrew’s daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, do earn their own living, they are not and never have been full-time working royals.

The royal source added: “There was a constant dialogue from the couple along the lines of: “Why can’t we do this? You can’t stop us from doing what we want to do".

Calling the shots

“They were calling the shots and would be the ones instructing the press office on what line to put out.”

The Duchess suggested in the Oprah interview that the institution did not do enough to defend her against negative press coverage. But insiders on both sides of the Atlantic revealed the Duchess did have a great deal of control over the couple’s PR, writing her own Instagram posts and even selecting the imagery to go with them.

“Meghan was the one controlling the timing of announcements, and doing a lot of the planning,” said one source. “She had a grid and was plotting the cadence and order in which all of their plans would come to fruition. There was a sense that Meghan thought she knew what was best for them.”

Another insider revealed how royal aides were left in a quandary after Meghan attended a baby shower in New York without taking any palace staff with her.

As guests including Serena Williams and Amal Clooney began to arrive at the exclusive Mark Hotel alongside trolleys-full of baby items, staff back in London wondered how they should register the freebies in accordance with the Royal family's strict rules on declaring gifts.

“That was a bit of a headache, not least because no one from the palace was there to oversee what was happening,” said the source. “The American lot were the ones dealing with the baby shower.”

Eyebrows were also raised four months later when the couple attended the Lion King premiere in London, when they met the singer Beyonce and her rapper husband Jay Z.

Voiceover work

Video footage later emerged of the Duke touting the Duchess's skills as a voice over artist to Disney CEO Bob Iger. “You know she does voiceovers, right?” he told the media mogul. “She’s really interested,” to which Mr Iger replied: “We’d love to try”.

In January 2020, it emerged that the Duchess had signed a deal with Disney to do a voiceover for a wildlife charity called Elephants Without Borders, having reportedly recorded it before the couple left for their six-week sabbatical in Canada in November 2019 to consider their future.

The couple said Disney had made a donation to their charity work on the environment and conservation.

Holed up in a multi-million pound mansion on Vancouver Island over Christmas 2019, the couple are understood to have masterminded their departure from the Royal family with the help of Mr Genow, Mr Meyer, Mr Collins and Ms Thomas Morgan.

Around the same time, the Duchess’s company, Frim Fram Inc, was moved out of California and incorporated in Delaware, which tax experts suggested could have been done to avoid being hit with tax liabilities in California.

Corporation filings seen by The Telegraph showed that the move was made on New Year's Eve, while the couple were still in Canada. Mr Meyer and Mr Genow are listed as CEO and secretary of Frim Fram Inc.

With its flexible business laws and low personal income tax rates, Delaware is known for being home to more corporations than people, with almost 65 per cent of Fortune 500 companies incorporated in the state.

A source said at the time that as the Duchess was no longer resident in California it was appropriate for the registration to be moved. It is understood that the company receives payments for work undertaken by the Duchess before she joined the Royal Family, such as residual payments from her acting work.

The company was described by the source as "largely inactive". On March 10 last year, the company’s status changed from “active” to “merged out”.

In January 2020, the Duke had his last meeting with Quibi at Soho Works, a workspace in London’s White City. Previous conversations had taken place while the Duke was at Kensington Palace and at Frogmore, the couple’s Windsor home.

The discussions with Quibi, understood to have been about a sustainable tourism project, never came to anything. Its app fell out of the list of the 50 most-downloaded free iPhone apps in the US a week after it was released in April 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic put the global economy on hold.

In late 2020, the streaming platform shut down after just over seven months of operation due to a lack of interest and profitability. Of the initial £1.3 billion raised, Quibi only returned £250 million.

On October 22, 2020, Mr Katzenberg reportedly told the employees to listen to the song "Get Back Up Again" from the Dreamworks movie Trolls as he announced that they would be fired.

By then, the Duke and Duchess had announced they had signed a multi-million dollar deal to make content for Netflix. Three months later, they announced they had also signed a similarly lucrative deal to make podcasts for Spotify.

[strawberrymilkloadingscreen]

Giving Up the Ghost Chapter 1 (Rise TMNT) (Donnie x Black&Female! Reader)

“Holy shit they’re turtle demons.”

You hadn’t believed April when she said that the demons and ghosts you were obsessed with lived in her tiny apartment. Every time you’d gone over in the last year and a half there hadn’t been that sort of itchy energy that you associated with demons, or the more groggy and cold one that came with ghosts. In fact, she didn’t live in a building considered a hot haunting zone online, her entire block was ghost free, and even the little sub place she was working at didn’t have a lick of phantom energy.  

April O’Neil was as normal as could be.

However, there wasn’t anything you could say to refute the very clear evidence in front of you. Four gigantic turtles with weapons were crowded in your friend’s living room, yellow paint splattered on them, April, and the walls.

April scratched her head and ended up smearing hazard yellow paint through her cherry red curls. “Heeeey. What’re you doing here?”

“Me? Can we start talking about them?”

“Them? Psht! They’re just-“

A turtle in blue set a hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay, April. Talking about secret hobbies is embarrassing, but coming clean will do the body good. Like milk.”

“Leo…”

“The truth is that we’re… cosplaying.”

You rolled your eyes at that. “Seriously? That’s the best thing you can come up with? Even without my token I can practically see the energy coming from you.”

“Human girl say what?”

“She probably means the trace bits of mutagen from the oozsquitos in our blood.” A purple one muttered. “Which, I mean, is fair and accurate. Better question is how she can see anything since looking at her she’s obviously a normal everyday human.”

“WHOOOA!” You leaned back as an orange clad turtle got eye level with your chest. You weren’t sure when he got there, and that part concerned you more than a little. “What’s that!”

“What’s… Oh.” You plucked up the gem that had a perfect hole in the middle of it. “It’s the token. It lets me see ghosts, demons, but not 5’3 turtles dressed in neon orange.”

“It’s a great color. Is that violet or lavender?”

“I dunno? What are you?”

“Well I’m a warm shade of green with-“

The largest turtle plucked the smaller orange one up with one hand, and easily set him with all the others. “We’re mutants that are turtles… And ninjas. So don’t say a thing or we’ll make you disappear.”

“Isn’t that Hypno’s thing?” The one in blue wondered.

“Leo I’m trying to keep her from spilling our secret, annnd she’s fainting.”

You were in fact fainting into a pile of pure excitement and worry onto April’s paint splattered floor. The last thing you saw was April’s baseball bat, and four flinching turtles trying to get out her glitter encrusted door…

_______________________________________________________________

You ended up waking up on your front porch with a bottle of vodka tucked under your arm. You weren’t sure if it was April’s way to say sorry, or if it was to give your landlord and other passerby the idea that you passed out drunk. Either way the booze was welcome as you made your way out of the muggy summer heat and into the ice cold of your apartment. Your roommate’s cat, Xena, meowed at your return and followed you about as you took off your boots at the door. You went to the counter and pushed aside empty Chinese takeout boxes and mail to make room for the vodka.

With that task completed you quickly stripped, and tossed out the paint encrusted clothes in the trash, before cramming yourself in the shower and scrubbing hard. “How was I not robbed and murdered?”

Probably because you looked crazy. A Ouija board shirt and some booze was enough to make a handful of people back away from you; a wonderful lesson that college parties and your small town had taught you. The wet paint was probably another great deterrent. Whatever the case you were thankful enough not to get mad at the splotches that wouldn’t scrub off your dark skin. You quickly hopped out and towel dried before pulling on some comfy clothes and going back into the kitchen.

You paused beside a large tank sitting on top of some stacked books. With a groan you popped down on your knees and peered inside, a soft smile curling on your lips as you watched the turtle sitting on a pastel rock. “Hey Venus. Comfy?”

“Awe, are you talking to your turtle?” Your skin jumped and you quickly stood rod straight. “Hey don’t get jumpy on me now. Just me.”

“I mean it’s normal to get jumpy when around a walking talking garbage disposal.”

“I’d be offended if it wasn’t true.”

You rolled your eyes and grabbed the bottle of vodka. “What are you even doing here, Ricky? Jessie won’t be back for another week.”

“Forgot my phone charger here last night.” He waved the blue device around. “Oh, by the way, there was another haunting out at my Ma’s. Said she saw the pots moving. Think you could take a look?”

Ghosts… Wait, that was why you went to go see April. You’d seen some new ghost documentary on a streaming service, and you’d made plans with her to see it. When you got there…

Turtles.

Well, the red one said they were also ninja. That sounded utterly ridiculous, but you weren’t inclined to argue with demons or ghosts. Not that you had met that many, four in total including the ones today, but you’d read enough materials to know that it would be stupid to do so! Old ladies out in China Town though…

“Sorry Ricky, but I’ve got my plate full. Can you tell her I’ll try to make it some other time?”

“No prob. Pretty sure she’s just lonely and making up stuff to get some visitors. Should really go out there and scrapbook with her again now that I think about it.” He slicked back his blue hair. “Anyway, I’m heading out. If Jessie calls tell them I want some nudes”

“…No.”

“How about ‘I love you’.”

“Better.”

You waited until you heard the soft click of the door and snap of the lock before you went over to the cabinet and popped open a soda. You took a good swig before adding a splash of the vodka, and going back to the living room. Xena decided to take over your legs, but you couldn’t complain as you grabbed your laptop and began to do what you did best. Blogs were examined, newspaper articles scanned, and plenty of folklore was cracked open between sips of your boozy treat.

There were plenty of things for ninja that would come up for New York City. Everything from comic-cons, movie sets, and even a few historical events for museums. You were getting something similar for turtles as well. A new friend donated to the zoo, a fundraiser for conservation, and plenty of art meant to beautify the city.

However, when you entered the terms for humanoid turtles that’s when things were getting sketchy. Strange photos out outlines in a fish and ladder market, far more convincing ones during the hippo turtle meme a few years back, and a shaky video of black blobs ziplining down to a rooftop pool.

The more that you saw them the less you were convinced these things were demons or ghosts. Some type of cryptid maybe? Aliens? However, the term ninja made you lean more towards monsters, to be more specific kappa. Turtles that would drown their victims, rip orbs out of asses, and had a strange love for cucumber. You ended up falling asleep with Xena asleep on your keyboard and the new knowledge armed in your brain.

That was why you found yourself standing outside April’s, now non glittery, door the next morning. You had a basket hanging off your arm, and your cellphone fisted in your free hand. You kicked at the door, and only moments later it was ripped open by a still yellow streaked April.

“Oh it’s you…”

“Don’t get all excited to see me.”

The two of you stood in silence for a long moment, nervous smiles on both your faces and the air thick with tension. You took a deep breath and held out the basket full of sake and kappa.

“Here!”

“What is it?”

You looked away, your teeth sinking into your bottom lip until it stung. “Well, you had kappa in your house, and I wanted to give that as a peace offering. I dunno how you managed to meet kappa of all things in NYC, but I’m not gonna judge… Or tell. Especially that last one.”

April stared at the basket for a long moment, before looking at you with an equally bewildered look. She held up a single finger, before pulling her phone out of her pocket and tapped something out on it. “Wha-? You think they’re monsters from Japanese folklore? Girl, you really went all out with that vodka, huh?”

“I dunno what they were. One minute I was in your house, and the next it’s a mess and you have huge ass turtles in there. Isn’t that just the most interesting thing to ever happen!”

“Ahhhh not really?”

“Well, I guess you’re used to it. That’s fair.”

April gave a soft sigh before opening her door up all the way, and gesturing for you to come inside. “Look, I think the two of us are gonna have to have a long talk. Want some coffee?”

“Only if you’ve got whipped creamer.”

“Don’t you know it.”

You followed her into the apartment and your nervousness melted away. "So how'd you meet them?" "Well it all started when I was a kid thanks to a sad sad trolling attempt..."

[henrik-von-schneeplestein]

Schneeplebro Week Day 1

Prompt: Meet Cute

Word Count: 1627

Warnings: alcohol

Summary: presidential alert: the girls are FLIRTINGGGG

--

Chase wandered the room awkwardly, eyes desperately searching for someone he knew or at least someone who didn’t look busy. This was no small task, considering it was a huge room full of people and he’d only ever spoken to about two or three of them.

To be honest, the only person he’d really interacted with at all had been Layla, a member of the hospital’s accounting department who was in charge of fundraising efforts. They’d gotten in contact when he decided he wanted to do a big charity livestream on his channel benefitting a local children’s hospital, and she’d helped him set up the donation site. She’d also been the one who’d invited him to this event, a party thrown in honor of the top benefactors, after the stream had ended up being a huge success. He didn’t even really want to come, it wasn’t his type of thing and it wasn’t like he raised the money to  get applause, but Layla insisted that she had to thank him in person, and she’d been so nice the whole time they’d worked together, he hadn’t had the heart to say no. 

But as nice as it had been to shake her hand and chat with her a little, she’d eventually had to run off to thank other guests, too, and Chase found himself alone amongst groups of people. It seemed that a lot of the benefactors knew each other. Their clothes implied wealth, and wealth in Los Angeles was big wealth. They presumably attended these sorts of events all the time, a social circle that Chase and his tattoo-and-trickshot vibe simply didn’t fit into.

Some of the hospital staff was in attendance too, or so Chase had been told. They were hard to pick out; they were mostly doctors and dressed just as nicely as the guests of honor.

He couldn’t find Layla, but he did see Richard Spyer, the director of the whole hospital, who had video called in towards the end of the livestream to thank Chase and the viewers for the work they were doing. He’d struck Chase as a bit of a blowhard, or maybe just a little pompous, but nice enough, and more importantly, he was a familiar face, and he was only standing with one other person, a tall man with broad shoulders and a handsome face.

As he got closer, he heard the stranger speaking with a German accent. From what he overheard, they were talking about a project that involved changing the hospital computer system; it sounded like they knew each other. Chase hoped he wasn’t interrupting by walking up, but before he could apologize for the intrusion, Dr. Spyer spotted him and stopped in the middle of the sentence to yell, “Chase! It’s good to see you, so glad you could make it!” and shake his hand so enthusiastically that Chase’s shoulder went up and down along with their hands.

“It’s great to see you, too. I just wanted to thank you for having me tonight. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“Not at all, not at all, let me introduce you two! This is Dr. Schneeplestein. He’s one of our best surgeons.”

“Henrik,” the stranger corrected, waving off the compliment.

“And this is Chase Brody. He works in social media; the fundraiser he ran brought in a huge percentage of our donations this quarter.”

Usually it made Chase a little uncomfortable when someone used vague euphemisms for his job like that; it just reinforced that he was unwelcome and out of place. But he was almost glad that he wasn’t being introduced as a Youtuber to someone as professional (and as gorgeous) as Dr. Schneeplestein. But it seemed like he might have known anyways. He raised his eyebrows as he gave Chase’s hand a firm shake. “I knew I recognized your voice,” he said. “I have an eleven-year-old at home; trust me, I hear your videos all day.”

Chase didn’t know if he should be embarrassed, but Dr. Schneeplestein’s tone was very friendly. More than anything, Chase was surprised that he had an eleven year old. He was definitely older than Chase, probably by somewhere between five and ten years, judging by the gray in his hair, but he still looked relatively young. He also, Chase couldn’t help but notice, wasn’t wearing a wedding ring.

Dr. Spyer excused himself to go greet other guests, and Chase was momentarily panicked about being left alone to make conversation, but thankfully, the doctor didn’t seem to mind. “Thank you, sincerely, for bringing in all those donations. I know Richard can be… well, he’s Richard, but I promise, the money is all well spent.”

“You don’t have to thank me. I’ve always really loved kids and I just want to help in any way I can. I’m glad that my channel’s popular enough to make a real difference, even if my videos are a little dumb.”

“I wouldn’t call them dumb; you have no idea how cool my son thinks you are. I hope it isn’t rude to ask if you’d sign something for him?”

“Not at all; I’d be happy to!”

“You are too kind. Let me buy you a drink,” he said, nodding to the bar.

“Oh, no, you really don’t have to -”

“I insist. We can steal a napkin while we’re over there.” He led the way across the room. “What do you drink?”

Chase didn’t want to ask for anything too expensive so he played it safe. “Just a beer.” He realized he should be more specific, but before he could correct himself, Henrik turned to the bartender and ordered for both of them. 

“So you’re from Germany, right? Does that mean you know good beer?” 

He laughed but kept his voice low when he answered so as not to be overheard. “Yes, but you won’t get it here. They never have real beer at places like these.”

“It’s probably hard to find at all around here. Nothing’s real in L.A.”

“Sometimes it is. If you know where to look.” And right now, he was looking right into Chase’s eyes. Chase didn’t know what to say to that, so the moment lingered until the bartender brought their drinks over. Henrik asked to borrow a pen before she walked away, and handed it to Chase along with a napkin.

“What’s your son’s name?”

“Ben.”

“That’s cute,” he said as he started writing. He didn’t have a ton of space to work with, so he just wrote ‘Ben - thanks for being a part of the channel! Love, Chase’ and doodled the channel symbol next to his name. “Is this enough?” he asked, showing Henrik.

“That’s perfect. He’ll love it.” He slipped it into an inner pocket of his jacket. “Thank you again.”

They sat at the bar a while longer, talking and sipping their beers. Chase asked if it was hard to work in pediatric surgery as a father, and Henrik said it was but that was why he did it. He found out Henrik had a younger son too, and that he’d gone through a divorce about a year and a half ago. Chase told Henrik that he’d actually gone to school to work with kids too, as a teacher, but that the channel he’d started as a hobby had started taking off around the time that he’d graduated and needed a job, and it was nice to be self-employed and set your own hours. Henrik offered to get him another drink, but Chase had driven himself there and didn’t want to deal with Ubering home and then back in the morning for his car.

Eventually, the night was drawing to a close, and Richard, Layla, and a few more of the bigwigs got up on the little platform on one side of the room, where the DJ often set up when this room was rented under less formal circumstances. They gave pretty much the same speech they’d given at the beginning of the party, thanking everyone, talking about how important this all was, and so on. Henrik alternated between watching them and making fun of Richard’s schmoozing, mimicking his big fake grin and always-moving hands to make Chase laugh. Chase, meanwhile, waited for Henrik to turn back towards the stage, and then grabbed the other napkin that had come with their drinks and scrawled something on it.

When they finally wished everyone a goodnight and got offstage, people rushed around getting ready to leave. More than a few people came over to the bar to tip the bartender or get one last drink if they weren’t driving, so Chase and Henrik moved to avoid the crowd.

As they walked towards the door, Chase summoned his courage.

“If you’re ever interested, I’d love to meet your son sometime.” He handed Henrik the other napkin, with his phone number written on it. “You can call me whenever. Text. Doesn’t matter. I’m always on my phone.”

“That would be amazing. And hey, maybe I can show you where to find real beer in this city.”

Chase felt his cheeks flush a little. “I’d like that.”

“Me too. It was great to meet you, Chase. Have a good night - safe drive home, yeah?”

“Yeah. You too.” Henrik smiled, and touched Chase’s shoulder for the briefest moment before he walked away. 

Chase watched him cross the parking lot, feeling a little dazed, like he couldn’t remember why he’d actually come here tonight. He jumped a mile when Layla came up to thank him one last time; he’d almost forgotten that the people around him were real. 

He got into his own car and the second he turned it on and the radio came to life, the most beautiful love song started playing.

[uwunnie]

Let’s Recap: November 4, 2019

Today was a very long and strange day, but with it came hope. Before I get into that, however, I’d like to make a few important announcements.

I know I spent majority of today talking about campaigns and I did so because these projects do make a difference. Not only do they bring us closer together, but they boost morale as well. Everyone continues feeling a sense of hope and they’re also great ways to get involved in something wholesome that will make a positive impact.

When I say Starship and MX are watching and listening to us, I mean Starship and MX are listening and watching us. If they weren’t, they would have never encouraged us to continue supporting their artists, wouldn’t be online in the fan cafes, nor would Changkyun had posted a song that literally has these lyrics:

I know there’s a few discretions and a lot of concerns over the validity of various statements and if what we’re doing is even making a difference, so let me tell you something:

It is.

Look around, loves. Look at the news agencies. Look at the fundraisers. Look at the signs and read in between the lines, maybe even beyond.

What’s happening is legendary and we have the capability of prevailing, but we must keep the faith.

This situation could take a long time - months, maybe even a year or two, I don’t know. Legal battles are always difficult to confine to a specific time frame, so taking that into consideration, we must be prepared for a long journey ahead of us because we’re not cleaning a few months of piled up dirt, but rather years worth of caked-on mud.

What can bring comfort to everyone, though, is remembering that Monbebe are a family and we have seven (7) amazing boys that love us just as much as we love them, as well as the support from all sorts of other fandoms.

-

Stand up for the ones who were so disgustingly trafficked in vile rings built by corrupt and evil figures as if humans are considered currency.

Speak out for the ones who never had a chance to have their voices be heard; for those who were silenced before they could even part their lips.

Remember those who have had their dreams pried from their hands on account of past events, and false rumors. The ones who have given years of their life to higher ups that discarded them into the garbage without a second thought.

Remember the scapegoats.

The ones whose names have wrongly been tainted.

The ones who have been bullied to immeasurable extents, and those that continue to be harassed.

Remember them all.

Demand justice.

Demand justice for those who have been wronged and ensure that these atrocities will no longer continue.

-

So, with that being said, here are the current campaigns:

Messages to MX (created by @wonderlanddragon) has already begun and the official poster is right here:

Seeing as though the deadline is November 8, 2019 - we ask that your submissions be turned in soon if you choose to participate.

Bunnies for Wonho (created by @thoughtsfromaclutteredbrain) officially kicks off tomorrow and the posters are right here:

There is no deadline for this project, but we would like to get a lot out within this first week. Also, please post them with the tag #BunniesforWonho along with the two trending hashtags at the time of publishing.

The Twitter for the project can be found here.

@monxaf suggested we make donations in Monsta X’s honor to Planting Peace, and from this idea, I decided to turn this into a full fledged campaign titled Charitable Monbebes. I made a post about this project’s goal here and an official Twitter here.

There is this project I found on Twitter:

There is also a fan-art campaign and you can take @micmicyoongis absolutely stunning artwork as an example: X.

Additional projects/campaigns include:

Fundraisers

Songs

Ads

Phsyical protests

Pop culture spread

The list goes on and within the next 24 hours, I will make a list of humaniatarian charities and organizations, as well as social causes, we need to shine light upon.

Now, very quickly I will summarize today’s events and end with reminders.

-

Summary:

Changkyun posted to the fan cafe.

Wonho has been seen online.

The Follow mv is currently frozen from the amount of times it’s been streamed.

Starship’s official statement has given Monbebe hope.

Wonho is reportedly with a friend and is safe. It’s been stated that he’s also been watching us which means he more than likely knows about our efforts.

Our Twitter trends are still strong.

At some point, I’m pretty sure we’re going to run out of ideas and resort to using #hiChangkyun and #stonks as hashtags.

The photos involved in 🐻’s controversy have been confirmed to have been manipulated meaning that they are, indeed, fake.

If you see any sort of account offering or asking for the media mentioned above, report them.

The current tags are:

#StillHereForWonho

#절대로_포기는_안

I should also point out that #StillHereForWonho reached the top trend within 10 minutes.

-

Reminders:

Do not interact with *** and ***. Refrain from leaving hate comments on their profiles as well.

When participating in any handwriting project, do not use red ink or paper.

Since our tags have been trending for four days, we’ve received a lot of outside attention. Refrain from interactions and be mindful of potential attempts of people trying to take down our cause.

Beware of fake fundraisers.

Get some rest and drink some water.

-

I love you all - we’ve got this! ❤️

(Posted: Nov. 4, 1:37 AM US Mountain Time)

[sympathyfortheblinderdevil]

All is Fair

Oh, Dear God. I’ve had an idea for a fic. Tommy is bored with his OBE, MP life. In an attempt to cheer him up, Ada invites him to a fundraising soiree she has organized, and Tommy becomes horny intrigued by a bright young thing.

“I’ve lined up Picassos, Muchas, a couple of Lalique glass figures — lots of up and coming artists.” Ada paced back and forth before Tommy, counting on her fingers the artists whose work would be shown at the charity auction she’d helped to organize for the Grace Shelby Institute. “I snapped them up for a song, but with the crowd I’ve invited all trying to outdo one another they will bring in thousands…” Ada stopped mid-step and stared at her brother. He had insisted on meeting her before the start of business, and after summoning her at such an ungodly hour he didn’t seem to be listening to a single word she said.

 “Tommy. Oi, Tommy! Are you listening to me?”

 Tommy had been listening. He absorbed every word spoken in his presence, even while he seemed a million miles away. Smoke from a dwindling cigarette curled in a graceful column before his eyes. He was mentally weighing how much money the auction would bring against the amount in his charity reserve account. Of course, he could singlehandedly fund the Institute with the stroke of a pen and skip this whole event, but that wasn’t the point. Publicity was important, and Ada had arranged for all the right people to be seen at his party. That was the point. He knew the rules of the game, but it weighed heavily on him. He was bored with pretending to care about the issues and opinions of the upper-middle class. He craved the gritty realism of Small Heath; the honest observations of the working class meant more to him than the relentless droning of his new peers.

“Yep, Ada, got it,” he sighed as he stood up from his desk and pulled on his jacket. He crossed the room to where she stood and lit another cigarette, seemingly forgetting the one he left burning in the ashtray on his desk. “It should be a resounding success. Thank you for all of your hard work.”

 In the clear light of day, Ada could see the strain of the last few years playing out on her brother’s face. His pale blue eyes used to snap with electricity, but now they were slower, deeper, and more contemplative. Not quite sad, but worn and weary.  “I know it’s hard for you to go to these things, Tommy, but I’ve invited some bright young people who will make it a bit more bearable. Who knows? You might have fun,” she shrugged and smiled hopefully.    

The energy that it took to keep up the façade of a legitimate businessman and Member of Parliament had sapped every ounce of fun from his life. “That wouldn’t be fair, now would it?” he mumbled as he stepped out into the hall and out the door. 

 ***

“Lia, wake up!” 

Sunlight streamed in through the window, painting the backs of Lia’s eyelids pink and warming her face. She had stayed up late talking with her cousin the night before, catching up on family gossip and getting the lowdown on her new job.

“Five more minutes,” she mumbled and pulled the sheet over her face. Her mind lazily drifted to thoughts of the upcoming day. She was to train as an assistant librarian; a position made possible by her cousin’s connections at City Hall. Even though she was grateful for the job, the temptation of a few more minutes’ sleep was tough to resist.

“Now! It takes a while to get across town. I stuck my neck out to get you this job, and I won’t have you being late on your first day.” 

The rapidly approaching clacking of high heels on hardwood let Lia know that her cousin Jenny meant business, so she threw back the covers and groaned. “I’ll be ready in fifteen minutes.” 

“You’d better be,” Jenny called. “I’ve got fresh scones and tea.” 

Jenny’s two up two down in Small Heath, Birmingham was like all the others in her street, except where the other houses were filled to capacity with large families, hers was all but empty. Her mom and dad had moved back to the country, and her brothers were off with their own families, so in order to stave off loneliness, she wrote to invite her favorite cousin to come live with her in Birmingham. “It will be great fun, and there’s a position coming open at the library. They promised to hold it for you. After receiving the letter, Lia and her family decided that the change would do her good. The country was stifling Lia. If she stayed, she had no prospects for anything other than marriage to a local farmer and a brood of children. Birmingham meant freedom and adventure for the restless young woman, so she went.  

The pale yellow frock Lia wore stood in sharp contrast to the sooty dark patterned wallpaper in the kitchen. At one time it must’ve been green with pink flowers, Lia mused as she sipped her tea which was the approximate color of the flowers on the wall. 

Jenny laid a plate of scones down on the table and eyed her cousin. “You’ll need to get darker dresses, Lia. The mud and soot of Small Heath will make a hash of that.”

Lia rolled her eyes and smiled, “I plan on doing just that with my first paycheck. In the meantime, maybe I should help myself to your closet.” 

“Not with those knockers you won’t,” Jenny teased. It felt good to have her cousin in the house, and despite the early hour, they were both in the mood to laugh. 

Jenny sipped at her tea and flipped through the morning post until one envelope, in particular, caught her attention. Her lips moved as she whispered under her breath, and her eyes read and reread the writing on the heavily embossed card.  

 “What’s that?”

“My boss has forwarded an invitation to me. It’s for an art auction at the Grace Shelby Institute.” Jenny’s eyes were wide. “Oh, my God, I can’t believe I’ve been invited!” 

“That’s great! Wait, do you have to go with your boss?” 

“No, it’s my own invitation, and I get to bring a guest.”  

The name Shelby rang a bell with Lia. Jenny read the look on her face and lowered her voice as if Arthur Shelby himself were lurking just outside her door. “Yeah, those Shelbys. But they’ve gone legit. The leader is even an MP now.” 

Lia arched an eyebrow, “Legit? How exactly does a razor gang go legit?” 

“The Shelbys can bloody well do whatever they want, and we are going to this event. It means a lot to get invited to these things, and I need to show that I can fit in.”  

 ***  

 The pale blue dress that Lia wore had a low cut back and fringe at the knee, not at all the stuff of a librarian’s wardrobe. She had worn it to a formal engagement party the year before and had been pining away for a reason to wear it again. In a room full of tweeds and sensible shoes, she was a flash of blue sky on a stormy day.  Her cousin dressed to blend in with the crowd—perfect for a work event, and Jenny was certainly all business tonight.

While Jenny circulated around the room, Lia availed herself of several glasses of champagne and studied the paintings on offer. As the daughter of a farmer, she had not had many chances to go to museums and galleries, but she loved art and soaked up everything she could read about it. There was an amazing selection of work at the Institute including a cubist piece by Picasso, but what really caught her eye was a group of Art Nouveau paintings by Alphonse Mucha. She stood, sipping her champagne and smiling at a depiction of a woman in a gracefully flowing gown on a backdrop of stars. 

“Spectacular, isn’t it?” A sweet feminine voice with a Brummie lilt drew her out of her reverie. Lia turned around to see a woman with porcelain skin, dark bobbed hair, and piercing blue eyes extend a hand toward her.

 “Ada Thorne, and you are…”

“Lia Montrose,” she managed to answer in a relatively confident manner. Jenny had mentioned the Shelby’s sister on the way there, but Lia never thought she’d end up in a conversation with her.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance. You know, at most of these things people only glance at the paintings and then try to make business deals for the rest of the night. It’s nice to see someone actually appreciate the art for a change.”  

She held up a perfectly manicured finger in the direction of a waiter who immediately brought over a tray of drinks. “Champagne?” She handed Lia a fresh glass without waiting for an answer and then took one for herself. She smiled conspiratorially and raised an eyebrow. “Have you seen the Max Ernst yet?”

“You have an Ernst?” Lia asked, her mouth hanging open for a moment before she realized and closed it. 

“Yeah, it’s in the next room. Come on.” She hooked her arm in Lia’s and led her to the next room where, indeed, the promised painting hung. 

“It’s bloody amazing,” Lia whispered. 

 “I probably shouldn’t say this, but I’m sure you could have it for a song. None of the tossers here will recognize its significance.” Ada gently shook her head, and the rubies around her neck caught the light. Lia blushed and looked down. She had not near enough to even make a starting bid on any of the artwork. Ada led Lia around talking about the various works up for auction. She was genuine and warm. Not at all what Lia imagined a Shelby would be like. When Lia explained that she couldn’t actually buy any of the art because she had just started a job as a librarian, Ada commiserated with her about the low pay.

“I was a librarian myself for a time. If it weren’t for my brother Tommy… well, let’s just say I know what it’s like to live on a librarian’s pay...and much, much less” 

Ada didn’t expand on her role at Shelby Company Limited, except to say she dealt in imports and exports, and Lia didn’t pry. Even though Ada spoke with a candid ebullience, it seemed safer not to ask questions. As they were discussing the merits of public reading rooms a man entered by a side door and motioned for Ada to come over. “Oh, dear. If you’ll excuse me, I should go to make sure that everything is running smoothly.  It was so nice meeting, you Lia.”

“Likewise Mrs. Thorne.” 

“Call me Ada,” she warmly smiled and was on her way. 

Lia was positively buzzing. She had lost track of time and of how much champagne she had quaffed while talking to Ada. She squinted across the hall into the main room and scanned the crowd for Jenny, who was nowhere to be found. Unbeknownst to her, someone had been watching in admiration as she strolled along.  

 Another Picasso caught her eye, and she stood squinting and biting her bottom lip as she looked at it. She was so astonished by the colors and lines that she hardly noticed the gentleman who had come to stand beside her and ask her what she thought of it.

“Vastly overrated. I much prefer his blue period...”  

As she spoke, she turned to find herself under the gaze of the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. He took her in with an intensity that was slightly lessened when he raised one corner of his mouth and tilted his head a bit. His voice was a low, raspy rumble and Lia felt it in her gut when he tutted and spoke again.

“If our Ada were here, she’d tell you all about how it represents the chaos of war and the destruction wrought by the powerful…how mechanization renders people obsolete…turns us into interchangeable parts.”

Lia stared at him as her mind lurched toward the realization that maybe she shouldn’t have been so candid. Our Ada? “Are you…” 

He turned his whole body to face her. “Thomas Shelby. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mrs…”

 As he kissed her hand her breath caught in her throat. She was toe to toe with the most powerful man in Birmingham, and his warm soft lips were currently on her skin. Tommy did not fail to notice the little shiver of electricity that passed between them.

“Miss… Miss Lia Montrose, and the pleasure is all mine.” The heat from his lips on her hand made its way up to her cheeks. She cleared her throat and swirled the champagne in her glass.  “Great party.”

“Party, event, fundraiser, no matter what you call it it’s all about separating this lot from their money. Since my Picasso is shite, tell me, which ones do you like?” There was a hint of mischief in his voice as he spoke.  

Tommy liked that there was something different about her. She was younger than the usual patrons of local charities, but the difference seemed to do more with the light in her eyes as she surveyed the room. Bright. The word Ada had used to describe their special guests sprang to his mind. She was one of those bright young things who Ada invited to try to make him have fun. There was a distinct lack of pretense in the way she carried herself. She had spent the evening looking at and chatting about art instead of business, and her honest reaction to his question did not surprise him in the least. 

Lia giggled a little and apologized. “I didn’t mean to insult your taste in art, Mr. Shelby…” 

“Call me Tommy.” He lazily caressed her body with his eyes.

“…I didn’t know who you were when you asked me.” Lia’s voice quivered, betraying her surprise at the bold way he was looking at her. After all, he was Tommy Shelby, and she was taken aback by the open way in which he was flirting with her.

 He took a step closer and raised his eyebrows. “Had you known, would it have changed your answer?” 

Lia bit her lip and fought back a smile before answering, “Well, no, but I would have used a bit more tact.” She looked up through her lashes at him.

Tommy held her gaze and waited for her to answer what he had asked previously. She seemed a bit dazed, so he repeated the question.  “Which ones do you like?”   

She glanced around the room, gathering her thoughts and began, “I really like the Mucha paintings. They are much more organic in how they reflect the beauty found in nature and…” As she trailed off, she realized that Mr. Shelby was still looking directly at her. His unwavering attention coupled with the champagne made it very hard for her to concentrate. 

Tommy could see that she was having some difficulty in expressing herself, and he was having quite a lot of fun teasing her. He narrowed his eyes and ran his tongue along his lips. “What makes you think the Picasso is shite?” he asked in an exaggeratingly sincere voice.  

She drained her champagne. Liquid courage could only help her current situation. “Personal preference, I suppose. It’s ridiculous,” She leaned closer to him in a conspiratorial manner.  “It’s overwrought and pretentious.”

 As soon as the words left her mouth Jenny came into view. Her eyes were huge as she gingerly approached Lia and Mr. Shelby.

“Oh, Jenny, let me introduce you to Tommy. We’ve been discussing his art collection.”  

Tommy offered a warm greeting to Jenny, who hid her surprise as best she could. “Mr. Shelby, thank you for extending an invitation to my cousin and me.”

“My pleasure. The fine work you’re doing for our city has not gone unnoticed, and I’m happy to show my appreciation. Do you have opinions on art, Miss Montrose? Your cousin is partial to Mucha.”

Lia giggled and smiled up at Tommy, “Well, yeah, of course, I prefer him to Picasso.”

Jenny’s eyes shifted from Lia to Tommy and back again, as she could hardly believe what she was seeing. There was an obvious attraction between them. Lia was fresh from the country and had no way of knowing the gravity of the situation she’d stumbled into. But Jenny did. 

She took the empty champagne glass from her cousin’s hand and placed it on a passing tray, “Thank you so much for your hospitality, Mr. Shelby, but we must be going.” 

Lia frowned, and Tommy’s demeanor cooled as he turned to face Jenny. “Won’t you stay for the auction?”  

“We would love to, but…” Jenny’s excuse was mercifully cut short by an announcement that the auction was beginning. 

Tommy shifted his attention back to Lia and slowly shook his head, “It’s a shame, you know. I could use your expertise to run up the bids.”

Lia looked over her shoulder as she walked toward the door and smiled sweetly, “That wouldn’t be fair, now would it, Mr. Shelby.”      

[thosequeenboys]

Put a Little Love on Me (Joe Mazzello x Reader)

Summary & A/N: This fic was written for @acdeaky​ for the Secret Santa event, based on her request for a ‘homecoming, friends-to-lovers’ story.’  I selected our lovely lovelorn Joe.  The event was expertly planned and organized by @sohoneyspreadyourwings​ - Sabrina, Darling: so appreciate your clever idea and caring efforts to help us celebrate the holiday season!  And, MANY thanks and props to the amazingly creative – and supportive -- @warriorteam1924​ for providing story and title song ideas!  Happy holidays to you all!  

Warnings:  Here at The Fluff and Angst…

There’s no place like home…Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz was right, you mused, as you pulled your suitcase, clutching your purse through Heathrow Airport with one goal in mind:  curling up in your own warm bed in your tiny apartment and falling into a deep sleep tonight.  A museum fundraising consultant, you just wrapped an exciting gig at Tate Modern, rushing out of your last meeting to get to the airport on time.  Security took forever, and once you grabbed your bags and put on your shoes, you felt panicked upon hearing your flight was boarding--you had to go to the bathroom-and of course, the gate was the last one at the end of a long corridor.

As you glanced at your phone to check the time, you saw a message on your screen from your oldest and dearest childhood friend, Joe, an actor, who was taping a new show in LA.  You and Joe had been through all of life’s benchmarks and vicissitudes together: graduations, career ebbs and flows, romantic ups and downs, friend drama -- and every emotion under the sun.  You socialized with each other’s families and knew them all intimately.  As kids you set up intricate stories playing Pirate Ship and House.  Joe always added humor and mischievousness into the pretend games.  As college students, you travelled cross country.  Joe and you could always pick up where you left off, though these days, you often weren’t in the same place for very long.  It had been months since you had seen each other.  Nevertheless, you trusted each other implicitly.  You knew each other’s phone passcodes.  You served as each other’s emergency contacts. You had exchanged home keys in case of emergencies.  

You glanced at Joe’s message:

CHANGE OF PLANS

CHANGE OF PLANS.  You were dying to stop and read more, but you had two literal streams of urgency to address. You tossed your phone into your bag and moved your uncomfortable self as quickly as you could.  After ducking into a bathroom and accomplishing mission one, you tore out of the doorway and resumed your quick clip, eyeing yellow gate signs in your peripheral vision. 

Upon hearing ‘Final boarding, British Airways Flight 1907 to JFK New York’ you sprinted down the corridor and arrived at the gate panting, lining up behind the last few stragglers.  The agent welcomed you and you smiled, handing him your ticket.  You inched your fingers into your purse to grab your phone as you stepped forward down the boarding plank.

Your heart started to flutter as you read the rest of Joe’s messages:

Taping postponed, long story  

Headed back to NY

Catch up when you get back.  

HOT DATE TONITE!!!

You threw your phone back into your bag.

As you proceeded onto the plane, you felt your heart pounding, as those last three words kept repeating in your brain like an uncontrollable tick. HOT. DATE. TONITE.  As you walked down the aisle, you felt tears well up in your eyes. Sad and jealous feelings were kicked up like the autumn leaves that fluttered skyward when you and Joe jumped into the big pile his dad raked up every Autumn.  The emotions cascading through you overtook any rational thought, but you tried.  Of course he has a date. Why wouldn’t he have a date.  He should have a date….you tried to convince yourself.   But the problem was, you admitted as your vision became blurry through your tears, it wasn’t a date…with you.  It never was.  You didn’t let yourself think about it often, but when your guard was down and the thoughts crept in, you rationalized it was for the best, adding all the usual platitudes: you wouldn’t want to risk ruining the friendship; you probably weren’t the best match for each other anyway; you knew each other too well and would drive each other crazy; your careers were too complicated; it just wouldn’t work.  

With shaky hands, you hoisted your suitcase to the overhead bin and crawled into your window seat on the 777. You wiped your eyes and took a deep breath, which hitched as you fought your emotions. The Captain came on, “Uh…sorry folks, we have a bit of a delay.  Looks like we’re about 15th for take-off.”

The entire plane groaned.  Good thing you had an engaging novel to keep you entertained-and distracted.  You read, but your concentration didn’t last.  You finally let yourself think about the offer presented to you in the middle of your trip-a full-time job at The Getty Museum in LA.  You’d be able to settle down and not have to run from gig to gig-and through airports with a full bladder.   You needed to make the decision in the next few days – a scary, fork-in-the-road decision that would shape your career, your future and your home. You closed your eyes and conjured images of a possible West Coast future: I’d be safe and warm if I was in LA. California Dreamin’… (1)

Your thoughts of LA led to images of Joe who had been living there the last few months.  You retrieved your phone and started to type your response to his texts:

On the plane at Heathrow

Due to land JFK 6:00 EST

Let me know when you’re free so we can catch up

Your finger swayed over the phone keyboard.  You would wish any other friend a fun-and successful-date.  Here you were hesitating. Your conflicting feelings were out in full force.  You decided to don your Big Girl Pants.  Seriously though: you were over adulting at the moment.  You quickly typed the final line.

Have Fun!!

You sent the text and shut off your phone just as the plane turned the corner to the take-off runway and picked up speed, sinking you back into the seat. Feeling drowsy as the plane lifted through the clouds, you let sleep take over. You woke several hours later to a neck ache and a meal.   You ordered a glass of wine and settled in with your book.  

Once the wheels touched down in The Big Apple, on the other coast, you turned on your phone.  A few texts from friends and news updates appeared. Nothing from Joe.   Of course not, he must be on his date, you sighed. Perhaps, finally, your separate lives would prevent you from maintaining the relationship and the easiness - and comfort - you always found with each other. 

Your warm bed feeling more tangible, you got yourself through customs and out to a cab, which whisked you toward home as the skyline’s lights flickered outside your window.  Suddenly out of the corner of your eye, you saw a light beaming in your purse. You pulled out your lit phone and saw the message from Joe:

Wrong date.  Sigh.

Wrong lots of things, but now I realize what’s right.

Welcome home. Talk soon.

Wrong date? What the heck did that mean? Did he mix up the day for his date? What else is wrong?  Did something happen with his show?  And what is right? Thinking about it all made you more tired and emotionally overwrought.  You put your phone away and vowed to keep it away for the rest of the night.

The cab stopped with a sudden halt in front of your apartment building. You paid, gathered your bags and walked slowly toward the wrought iron lantern fixtures that adorned the front door and gave off a welcoming glow.  It was after midnight London time, and your body felt ready to fall into bed, the weighty duvet-covered comforter lulling you to sleep.

You dug into your bag for your keys as climbed the steps.  You opened your front door and saw the small light on your entry foyer table on.  That was strange.   But before your tired brain could slip into worry, you heard a familiar voice bellow ‘Hello, Madam’ in a British accent.   And you breathed.   Your face lit up instantly.  Your body relaxed and felt energized all at once, because you realized:  that voice, in your apartment tonight, unexpected, has always, always been the voice to ground you, warm you, soothe you, entertain you….love you. The voice of home.

Joe emerged through the kitchen, with a wide grin, carrying a wood tray with Hunan Delight take-out containers and a few lit votive candles.  You were entranced, but also a bit perplexed.    

“Um, Hi, uh, wow, this is a pleasant surprise.”  You uttered, truly shocked.

He walked past you a few steps into the living-dining area and put the tray down on the dining table, which he had set with placemats, dishes, cloth napkins, wine glasses and silverware. A low bouquet of freesia and tulips in yellows, pinks and purples dipped gracefully over a small glass vase. A bottle of Moscato was breathing.   After unloading the tray and flashing you a wink, he moved over to the stereo, and you followed him.  He pressed the button and the familiar strains of one of your favorite songs filled the air and Joe, ever the showman, able to emote and entertain in any setting, moved his hands in grand gestures as he sang along…

“Put a little love on me, put a little love on me. When the lights come up and there’s no shadows dancing I look around as my heart is collapsing ‘cause you’re the only one I need…to put a little love on me.” (2)

You sank into a chair watching him sing, enjoying his performance and letting the words sink in.  His playfulness and grandiosity turned serious and a bit sullen as the song progressed, and you could tell he was getting emotional.  By the last chorus, he had trouble getting the words out and he stopped singing. The song ended with Niall’s voice framing the moment.

When the track finished, he stared at you and started to speak:

“So, finally, for once, I ended the date tonight- such a bad date - before we finished our drinks. It was just so wrong. And then, afterwards, I had an entire conversation with myself, quite engaging actually, complete with jokes, historical and pop culture references, and a dollop of self-pity, followed by a kick in the ass – the Uber driver must have thought I was high.   And I realized, I admitted, finally – it’s you I was really having the conversation with. I knew just what you’d say.  And it’s you, I wanted the date with.  It’s always been you.  You’ve always been what’s right.  Always.”

You covered your mouth, feeling tears welling again.  “Oh Joe…..I’m so happy.  I…I can’t believe it,” you said as you stood up.  You felt that time and reality were suspended.  You stopped for a moment and replayed the last few minutes over in your mind, testing reality.  Finally, you spoke:  “I have to admit, when you wrote me you had a hot date, I felt really upset …..i finally admitted that I wanted your date to be me.”

“I’m so glad you felt that way. And, hey, thanks for jinxing my date,” Joe huffed, jokingly.  You both laughed.  “I felt it was time to just be honest.  I worried if you’d feel the same, but…I…felt it was better to know. And, I figured wooing you with your favorite song by your favorite celebrity crush, would hopefully seal the deal.” 

You laughed.  “It most certainly did.”

“It was the perfect song, though, I gotta hand it to that dude,” Joe smirked.  “So…will you…will you…put a little love on me?”

 “A lot of love” You smiled, and then more tears started to drip from your eyes.

“Babe…what’s wrong?” Joe touched your arm with concern.

“It’s good actually…I have this job offer from The Getty and…”

“OhmyGod! That’s fantastic!” Joe leaned into you and gave you a hug.  “Are you interested??”

“I am, but it’s hard to picture my life changing so much. Not travelling.  Leaving my family, my home…it’s a lot of change to imagine. And, that California sun will wrinkle me like a raisin.”  You smirked.

“True on all counts.  It’s an adjustment.  Well, LA’s felt like my second home for a while now….so we can create a new home together on ‘the OTHER coast’…. Home could be the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Indiana’s early morning dew, high up in the hills of California.  Home is just another word for you. (3) Let’s celebrate your new job – and our journey - with some Hunan Delight.” Joe kissed you gently on your cheek and pulled the chair out for you, before taking his own seat.  

You sat and poured the wine.  Raising your glass, you said, “Here’s to us-past us, present us, future us.”

Joe raised his glass and clinked yours, “Here’s to love.” (4)

Song Notes

 1.       California Dreamin’ by The Mamas and The Papas

2.       Put a Little Love on Me, by Niall Horan

3.       You’re my Home, by Billy Joel

4.       Here’s to Us, by Halestorm

[darrenhen98]

The Descendants

The Descendants

Book 1:

Genesis

Chapter One:

November 4th, 2024. Edison New Jersey, Earth.

We had done it. The efforts of hundreds, if not thousands of people had come to fruition: a landslide victory for the brand new Equalist Party of America. Diya Anand scanned around the party office, taking in the momentous joy that had suddenly erupted amongst the volunteers and workers.

Just moments ago, the last state still counting their votes finally finished, putting the Equalists well ahead of both the Republicans and Democrats. It was assured, Dominick Moore would be the nation's second African American President, and her the first female Indian American Vice President.

As Diya walked amongst her colleagues, they began congratulating her on a job well done, wishing her the best of luck in the years ahead and most commonly, saying how happy they were to see a new face in the White House. Diya smiled, nodded and thanked all those who came up to her fervently shaking their hands and even shed a tear for one.

What she was really trying to do was transverse the crowd to get to the podium where Dominick was standing, since it is customary and necessary to address the people as their new leaders. As she reached the top, Diya smiled wide,

“Congratulations on your victory, Mr. President” , being sure to emphasize his new won title.

“Congratulations to you too, Madam Vice President” he said, returning the respect with a hint of playfulness which was hard to catch through his thick Nigerian accent. “Are you ready to change the nation for the better?

“I wouldn’t be standing here if I wasn’t Dom you know that” she replied. He began to say something else but just then news reporters pushed through the doors and poured in to stand in front of the podium. Like normal, they started barraging them with a multitude of questions, about how they felt, what would be their first actions and others that were lost in the torrent of sound.

After a few moments, Dominick finally got them to settle down as they needed to soon broadcast their victory speech. The camera’s soon flickered on, streaming their image to every news station in America and world-wide. Both Dominick and Diya were dressed in their cultures traditional attire: a well tailored Dashiki and Sari respectfully. The usual suit and tie and gown and pants had been thrown to the wayside at least for this instance. The American people needed to see the ethnic leaders they had voted for, and the new reality that was about to set in.

Dominick took the mic in hand, pushed his mask to the side and began, “I’d like to begin with stating how overjoyed I am. Not about winning the election but at the resolve of the American people. For the past eight years, we have had to fight countless battle after battle: wildfires in the west, massive storms and earthquakes in the Midwest, hurricanes and flooding in the east and two pandemics that changed the very core of our society. The past administrations had failed us, and we sought out new leaders, a new vision for the country. One that would let us tackle the challenges of climate change and other life changing issues…”

While Dominick kept speaking, Diya stood behind him smiling and nodding to the cameras whenever he said something that fell within the party’s platform. He was a great speaker, unlike her who most of the time did exactly this, stand behind him as he ran the show. But then it was her time to come up next to him and share her thoughts. As she did, as she spoke to millions of people across the world she couldn’t help but remember one thing in the back of her mind. She never even wanted the job in the first place.

As Diya was driven home by her security detail, she began to ponder how she had gotten to where she was now. She had been a judge, the closest she had ever wanted to come to politics. Many questioned her, how being in government meant you weren’t political but to her it was the best place to be apolitical. 

You didn’t have to conscribe to any agreed upon base of actions, when a case reached her desk she went at it with the ethics she cultivated through her life and an understanding of the law she so fervently loved. But it all changed in 2020.

Everyone knew the presidential election was going to be a decisive one, but no one knew just how much. No one could tell who truly won, over a dozen states were flagged as “improper” because of their voting systems. The problems worsened as the incumbent president refused to leave office in a gambit to maintain power and the resulting riots tore through the nation. Every major city was hit, hundreds killed, thousands inquired and billions of dollars in property damage. 

Through it all, Diya had stayed home wanting to weather out the crazy climate with her parents and siblings. She could still remember the fear in her families eyes, how they were utterly convinced this was the end of the life they knew. And as the riots raged, more tragedy struck.

Since so many young and capable people had been out protesting in such large numbers, another massive pandemic swept through the country. And then a super-hurricane hit Florida, an massive earthquake in the four corner states and… A lot of tragedies at once.

The next four years had proven to be one of extreme change and humanity for us. People started to band together like never before. Every place that was hit with something was helped by the very people in it. It was the citizens who helped themselves out of flooded homes and crushed buildings. It was parents and children who constantly made meals and clothes for the hundreds of homeless and sick. We didn’t ask our governments if we could, we just did. 

And so Diya did just that, help all those she could. She quit as a judge and began organizing everything under the sun. Foodbanks, marches, fundraisers, if it was an event she was behind it. It was this type of cross-cultural, apolitical connectivity that the Equalist Party liked. They had formed under the noses of everyone, suddenly popping up around the nation with aid for all those ailed by the tragedies. No one really knows how they formed, but everyone knew how much they helped. In the end, the support they garnered was immense.

By 2022, the amount of support from the polls put them around 20% of the population. The following year, over 50% of the population. The online rallies broke the communication industry, almost every new politician that switches parties immediately gained thousands of followers. Which is where Diya's’ interactions with the Equalists started.

Having to coordinate resources and capabilities from her volunteer organization with the Equalists own outreach efforts, Diya virtually became a superstar overnight. Not that she wanted to in any way shape or form, helping from the shadows was her go to plan for the future. Work hard, help everyone, retire old, die older; that had been the plan.

Diya stepped out of the car waving a farewell to her driver only to be escorted into her home by the home security detail in front of her house. She smiled to the bodyguard as he held the door open and she walked in as the automated lights flickered on. She was about to put down her bag and wind down when her cell phone began to vibrate within.

“Hello?” she answered inquisitively, as she hadn’t known the number.

“Hey Diya, it’s me Leo,” the caller said.

An unexpected but gratuitous call. Diya immediately smiled and perked up a bit at the sound of his voice. Diya had met Leonidas, or Leo, over four years ago during one of the outreaches she had organized. They had immediately taken a liking to each other, having an unexplainable connection from day one. They had stayed in contact over the years, but with so much going on in his and her life, calls became less and less frequent.

“Oh it's great to hear from you, using someone else's sat phone this time? Diya asked, making the conclusion on her own.

“You got it. I hope this is okay, I just wanted to congratulate you on your amazing victory!” Leo exclaimed.

“Haha yea, amaaazing.” Diya groaned, emphasizing the sarcasm. “But you know what’s new with me and I have been talking about it for hours. How’s things on your end, last we spoke you just finished training”

“Yes Ma’am” Leo replied, realizing now that Diya was technically his superior. “I shipped out about about a week ago with the fleet. We’re somewhere in the Bay of Bengal, waiting to meet up with the Indian and Chinese before we make landfall. I called because I’m part of the second wave.”

“I see… well you know I’m not much for words, but I can make the exception for tonight” she mused.

“Haha thanks Diya, there are definitely a few things I want to get off my chest.” Leo continued. Leo and Diya talked things over for the rest of that night, never truly talking about anything important but that didn’t matter. Anything that could distract them from the different realities they now faced, was a blessing they couldn’t interrupt.

[pokemon-inspiration]

Ouisko Region Overview

The Ouisko region lies within the northern reaches of the Pokemon world, which has shaped much of its landscape, culture, and ecology. Its people are warm and friendly, with a love of rich food, festivals, and the surprisingly diverse natural world around them.

Overall, the region can be divided up into four major areas: The Metropolis Coast, the more heavily populated and industrialized region along the coast of Lake Michi-Gami which boasts great cities and picturesque gardens; ; The Driftless Plains, a flat sandy expanse of pines, prairies, and bluffs overlooking the Big Muddy River; The Great Snowy Forest, a massive and ancient forest stretching north to the frigid waters of Lake Gichi-Gami; and the Drumlins, a dynamic landscape bearing the old scars of the glaciers that dominates the center of the region and supports many of its farms. 

Due to its northern location, the Ouisko region was heavily impacted by the glaciers that invaded and retreated through the area during the last Ice Age. The massive walls of ice kneaded and tore at the land as if it were dough, then melted and deposited sediment throughout the region, resulting in much of it being covered in land forms like drumlins, moraines, kettle lakes, iskers, and kames. Even the areas that weren’t glaciated were often lying at the bottoms of great glacial lakes, resulting in great tracts of flat sandy prairies when the glaciers released the dammed up water. To this day, Ground type Pokemon are drawn to the region for its dynamic geography, from the Drumlin Moraines in the east to the Sand Plains in the west, and Ice types still linger in the northern reaches as reminders of colder days gone by.

While Ouisko does not border a true ocean like other regions, it still has plenty of water to boast. The most obvious examples are the two massive freshwater seas that border the region. Lake Gichi-Gami lies to the north, a relatively pristine, untouched lake surrounded by gorgeous pine forests and dotted with clusters of islands. Lake Michi-Gami to the east is more well traveled, and is a haven for fisherfolk and those interested in recreation. Unfortunately it is also a hotbed of invasive Pokemon from other regions like Dressenick, a small Water/Steel type distantly related to Shellder and prone to forming large colonies on whatever it can attach to.

In addition to Gichi-Gami and Michi-Gami, Ouisko has a plethora of lakes left over from the Ice Age, known as kettle lakes, that were formed by large chunks of ice becoming embedded in the ground, as well as a great number of connecting rivers, streams, and wetlands. Along with the freshwater seas, this results in the Ouisko region being a hotbed of activity for Water-type enthusiasts.

While Johto leads the Pokemon world in its famed Moomoo Milk, Ouisko is known for its various products made from Moomoo Milk. Moomoo curds, unaged chunks of cheese, are the snack of choice Ouiskonites across the region that delight in their bright flavor and their squeaky texture. Properly aged cheeses are also a great source of pride for the region, with cheese producers scattered all across the region, even acting as a regional symbol during sporting events. One of the most popular Moomoo Milk products in the Ouisko region, however, is Ouisko Frozen Custard, a silky smooth, delightfully sweet frozen dessert consumed from the Ice Cave Islands to Creamstone City by people and Pokemon alike. One franchise of Moomoo Custard stands, Vanillie’s (named for its Vanillite mascot and inspired by real world custard stand Gillies), is hailed far and wide as serving the finest frozen custard in the land. Other regional foods include Butter Bean Burgers, kringles, dried cranberries, and the creme puff. Needless to say, Ouiskonites love their sweets.

In the field of testing one’s abilities, the Ouisko region has quite a few to choose from. Vanillie’s Ice Plunge Challenge occurs on the shores of Lake Michi-Gami every winter, testing the fortitude of their participants by plunging them into the icy waters. The Mad Mikes Barn Bike Race is an annual charity fundraising bike race that draws bikers from all over the region and beyond. The race, while intense, follows a scenic path through Ouisko’s beautiful farmland, which gives it a somewhat relaxing feel for those who aren’t in it to necessarily win. And, of course, there are plenty of cooking competitions within the many festivals held around Creamstone City in the warmer months. One of the most popular and iconic activities, however, are the lumberjack sporting events that occur throughout the region, pitting the strength and skill of people and Pokemon against nature itself as they scale trees, saw through massive logs, and keep their balance on logs floating on water.

Of course, what tends to attract the most trainers to the region is the Journey of the Nine Councils. Originally formed as bands of like-minded trainers who stood united against those who would completely destroy the natural regions for their own greed, the Nine Councils remain scattered across the Ouisko region to test young trainers and their Pokemon. The tradition exists to recreate the deeds that brought the Councils into being and pass down the history of the region while honing the skills of the trainers and their Pokemon. Each Council elects a Head Councilman or Councilwoman from within their own ranks, usually someone with a keen understanding of their favored element and knowledge in its role in nature.

Those who begin their Pokemon journeys in the Ouisko region have three options for their first parter: Violing, a Grass type Pokemon resembling a fledgeling mourning dove with the leaves of a wood violet for a tail (based on the mourning dove and the wood violet, Wisconsin’s state symbol of peace and state plant respectively); Pupuddle, friendly a canine Water-type Pokemon with blue and white curly fur (based on the American water spaniel, Wisconsin’s state dog breed); and Burnager, a stocky badger-like Fire-type with a penchant for burrowing closer to the Earth’s warm core during the cold winter months (based on the North American badger, Wisconsin’s state animal)

[lsesu]

Your guide to: Extra curricular activities

You asked for more information on extracurricular activities, well buckle up people because there is LOADS that you can get involved in outside of study at LSE! It shouldn’t be all work and no play. You should be spending part of your time at university doing things that are not related to your course – it’s good for your mental health, wellbeing, happiness and your personal or professional development.

No matter what your interests or what you would like to achieve, we are sure that there will be an extracurricular event, project, initiative or “thing” that will take your fancy. Here’s a quick insight into the things that you can get involved in:

Events

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to make the best use of your time outside of lectures. We have tons of events that run every day, every week and every term! Some are run by us, some are run by students and some are run by LSE.

We (your Students’ Union) are the home of all the fun things, so you can expect our events to be ones to remember! In our recent SU Awards, it was the “Sweeney Todd” theatre performance by the Drama Society that won in the Best Event category, with a cultural showcase called “Ablaze” by the African Caribbean Society coming in a close 2nd. To find out more about LSESU events, keep an eye on our What’s on calendar.

The school itself also holds a variety of events throughout the year, these range from public lectures all the way through to fairs and workshops. For some LSE events, you can even catch up on what you missed if you weren’t able to attend with the LSE Player. To find out more about LSE events, keep an eye on the LSE events website.

RAG

Maybe you want to give back to the community? Do your bit for a good cause? Raise money for people in need? We have just the thing!

The LSESU Raising and Giving society (RAG) is a three-times award winning society that raises money every year for amazing causes and allows students to get involved in fun and exciting acts of charitable fundraising.

Getting involved with the RAG society could mean that you are granted with some of the most memorable experiences that you can have while at university. “Jailbreak” is an infamous annual RAG event, that challenges participants to get as far across the globe as possible from their starting point…with absolutely no money. Past winners have ended up in Thailand and Belarus!

What makes these once-in-a-lifetime experiences so great, is knowing that you are giving back to a good cause at the same time (as said by students who have been involved in RAG). Head over to the RAG page on our website to find out more

Oh, and keep an eye on their dedicated Facebook Page, as announcements regarding the 2019 RAG Band (LSE’s official Welcome week events) will be coming soon!

Funding

Have you got a big idea? Think it could really benefit the rest of the students at LSE? Well, you better get reading about our funding pots!

Here at LSESU, we are excited by student ideas and encourage students to develop and implement their own projects. So much so, that we have even set aside pots of money especially for you guys, so that you can make your big ideas happen!

We have a Student Union Fund that grants sums of money to students who have ideas for projects or initiatives, and you can apply for up to £20,000! Funding can be granted to any idea for any project, by any student or any student group…all you have to do is apply!

If there is something missing from your student experience or if there is a project that you’ve always wanted to try out, applying for one of our funding pots­­ is a great way to make it a reality, enhance the lives of your fellow students AND build your CV in the process. You benefit, we benefit, your fellow students benefit – everyone is a winner!

Find out more about the Students’ Union Fund, the criteria and how you can apply for it here.

Fitness classes

Keeping fit doesn’t have to be a chore at university. While we have got our very own LSESU Gym on the 4thfloor of our building, we know that this won’t be everyone’s cup of tea for getting active.

Our fitness class timetable is a great way to get moving in a more social environment, where you can make friends and get fit at the same time. Exercise can often help to clear the mind and promote wellness, and many students have found that getting involved in our weekly classes is a fantastic way to maintain good wellbeing and mental health at LSE.

A class pass can cost you as little as £15 and will grant you unlimited access to all of the fitness classes that run throughout the term! Our class timetable includes Pilates, Self Defence, Yoga, Boxfit, Zumba, Swimming, HIIT and so much more.

Find out more about our Fitness Classes here.

Campaigns Hub

Is there an issue or a cause that you feel passionate about? How would you like the support, guidance and funding to be able to actually act on that particular issue?

At LSESU, we have a dedicated Campaigns Hub, which helps students facilitate, plan and run their own campaigns. In the past, students have seen big wins both at LSE but also in the wider world due to their involvement with Campaigns Hub.

Whether you are an activist to the core or are simply interested in acting on one particular issue, Campaigns Hub will be able to support you in the ways that you need. This is also a way to connect with and meet like-minded individuals, who also share the same passion that you do of making a difference in the world.

What better way to start an interview than by explaining how you had an idea for addressing an issue, you acted on it and it resulted in making a permanent, long lasting and historical change? There’s no reason why this can’t be you!

Elections

If you want to impress your future employer with an application or CV with ample experience, this is the BEST way to do it!

Every year we run Michealmas (1st) term elections and Lent (2nd) term elections. Students will nominate themselves for one of the student officer positions that we have available before campaigning for your votes. Whoever receives the most votes in the count will be elected as the new officer for that category.

Ok, so why are these officer positions so important? Our student officers actually have the power to change policy and decision making among the highest levels of LSE’s management…basically, they get to tell the big dogs at the school what to do. It’s important for the senior leaders at the school to get sign off and agreement from our LSESU Student Officers, which is why these positions hold great amounts of power and authority.

Now, if you haven’t already realised…these Officer roles are incredible leadership opportunities where you can negotiate and persuade the highest levels of management and shape the direction of a multi-million pound organisation. Plus, you’ll be managing massive budgets, project managing your own large scale initiatives, all within a highly politically charged context. If that’s not going to make your CV shine, then we don’t know what is!

We have 5 full time officer positions and 12 part time officer positions, which include Social Mobility & Class Officer, Raising & Giving Officer, International Students’ Officer and LGBT+ Officer. If you want to enrich your skillset and professional experience alongside your studies, then you should definitely consider nominating yourself for one of these officer positions!

But even if you don’t fancy standing for one of these roles, you should familiarise yourself with who your officers are and make sure you voice any concerns you have about LSE directly to them, as they have the power to do something about it! And at the very least, you should vote for your favourite candidate. After all, you don’t want someone who isn’t going to benefit you being put in charge!

Union General Meetings

Guess what! There is this awesome little thing at your Students’ Union called the Union General Meeting. Sounds really clunky, but we’re going to break it down for you:

The Union General Meeting happens every month during term time. It is an opportunity for you guys to submit motions for changes that you want to see at LSE. Previous motions have included the introduction of bean bags in the LSE Library (no, this isn’t a joke) and free menstrual products in the LSESU toilets.

At the meeting, the motion is pitched by the student who has proposed it, which is all captured on live stream so that any student can tune in to see all the action. Students can then vote for or against the motion on our website. If the motion gets more than 250 votes in agreement, then the motion passes and we HAVE to implement your changes!

So, this is why you will see the pre-mentioned beanbags in the library and free menstrual products in LSESU toilets, because the motions passed and we got it done!

Why not make your student life even better for yourself? Put forward your changes, campaign for your fellow students’ votes and make them happen! You can make long lasting changes at LSE, all you have to do is get involved.

Find out more about past motions and the Union General Meeting process here.

LSE Volunteer Centre

Here’s another way that you can give back in your spare time. The LSE Volunteer Centre runs tons of events and programmes where you can get involved in helping out some fantastic causes.

The great thing about the LSE Volunteer Centre is it has a range of flexible initiatives, so no matter what kind of student you are, they should have something to suit you. They run #JustOneHour opportunities, which are ways for those time-strapped students to do their bit for the community in an hour or less. There’s also one off volunteering and ongoing volunteering opportunities that you can sign up to.

Some of the causes that students have gotten involved with in the past include working with dementia patients, food distribution charities as well as NGOs in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Volunteering was a big part of your General Secretary, Zulum’s, experience here at LSE and he says it made his LSE journey so much more rewarding. Find out more about the LSE Volunteer Centre here and keep an eye on their page for new and upcoming opportunities.

AU Sports Clubs & BUCS

And now for the more obvious ones, joining a student group. Joining one of our LSESU Sports Clubs also means that you become part of the Athletics Union. The Athletics Union is a large community of students who are interested in playing sport at any level, and it is a great way to make friends.

We have over 50 Athletics Union Sports Clubs that you can join, read more about them on our website. Most student groups will be running Give it a go sessions in the 1st term, so keep an eye on the Give it a go Calendar to spot any free taster sessions for the clubs that you’re interested in.

Societies

From Debate and united nations to beekeeping and cocktails, we’ve got such a huge range of societies for you to get involved in. No matter what your interests, beliefs or hobbies, we’re sure that you’ll find at least one that takes your fancy (we have over 200!). Or even if you don’t, you can easily start up your own society with the help of our Societies team.

Another great way to make friends and engage in your favourite things or pass times. Check out the full list of societies here. There will also be give it a go sessions for societies, so keep your eyes on the give it a go calendar.

Student Media Groups

Interested in gaining some experience in media? We are lucky to be one of the only student unions in the country with 4 student media groups, which means more opportunities for you guys! You can get involved with The Beaver (student newspaper), LooSE TV (youtube channel), Clare Market Review (journal) and PuLSE (radio station).

Find out more about the Beaver, LooSE TV, Clare Market Review and PuLSE on our website.

Basically, there are tons of activities that you can get involved in outside of study, all you have to do is get stuck in!

[geekns]

The rules are as follows: go to page 7 of your WIP, go to the 7th line, share 7 sentences, and tag 7 more writer-bloggers to continue the challenge.

I was tagged by @grassangel  who specificially inquired about projects that are not PMS but i’m including it since it’s the only thing i’m actively working on. I haven’t even written another words of Princeling!

1 - PMS ch. 14 (ugh this is random and sounds terrible)

She made a sound of disagreement but was rather at his mercy.

“Just while we eat?” he cajoled. She rolled her eyes.

She dozed while he puttered the in the kitchen. She felt warm and safe hearing him cook for her. She wanted to try to feed herself this time.

A few minutes later he was setting food on the table between them.

2 - Tea with the Brig (doesn't have seven pages, only five; this is from page one)

“I say, who are you?” the Brig demanded, jumping to his feet.  “Where have you brought me?”  His chair thumped to the rugged floor, overturned.  The doors behind Missy opened abruptly, and he backed away from the sound.  She heard Seb quietly threatening someone, restraining them from entering the small sitting room.  The Brig was gazing around her tea room in open shock.  Sunshine streaming through curtains, potted plants, an ebony and velvet changing screen, a chaise lounge.

3 - still untitled twissy fic should have finished ages ago (i’m so sorry)

And she felt as if she were being watched.  She scanned her surroundings, pretended to look at a watch--not that she had or needed one--didn't see anything out of the ordinary.  Nothing was out of place, just quiet as death.  She tilted her head back, crossed her ankles, and closed her eyes.

After a long minute there was a quiet rustling and a breath of air.  Missy kept her eyes closed and refrained from crinkling her nose: someone needed to bathe. Small hands touched her knees.

4 - Petrichor sequel that i sometimes return to but may never finish (ugh this is an awkward section, thus why it’s unposted)

But he was willing to try to do this for Donna if she understood the risk to herself.

“Yes,” she said again.

“Lastly, you will not bear these children until they are born, it is...” he didn't want to say impossible, he didn't actually know that for certain.  “advisable that the male carries the eggs after a certain point.”

“Eggs?” Donna confirmed, doubt in her voice.  Humans are mammal, was he trying to tell her that Time Lords weren't?

“There's no word for it in your languages,” he explained.

5 - Epilogue to Something Blue (from page five, again no seventh page)

The temple was nearly fully submerged itself, its marble columns shining beneath the indigo water.  It had an upper level that was still mostly above water that he was headed for.  He cut power and drifted the last bit, pulling up to a balcony.  He leapt over the railing, his feet only partially submerged.  It only took a moment to tie the boat up, and then he was ascending a few stairs into the temple's interior.

There were no plaques or displays or velvet ropes in here.  This part of the temple was typically off limits to the public, though clean enough that perhaps VIP tours or fundraisers were perhaps an event.

6 - Incubus (now read this, i fully intend to delete this scene at a later date but it’s still in the draft)

The Doctor squirmed, resisting the urge to tell Jack what was going to happen next time they met:

“I don't know the details, Jack,” he lied.

“And even if you did, you wouldn't say anything,” he laughed.  “I knew what I was dropping on you when you left me at Torchwood, after that year that never was.  I could have stayed with you, but I knew that it was time to get out.  That's when I decided not to pine after you anymore, start trying to form some new connections.”

“And now?”

7 - Unicorn (Simm!Master regenerates into Missy post-End of Time, now non-canon)

It hurt, it was too warm, but she endured it.  She grabbed a bar of soap and started scrubbing harshly at her pale skin, trying to bring some color to it and get rid of the horrid stench of living rough.  She couldn't even remember the last time she had taken a bath, nor a shower.  Her thoughts started to wander again.  The Doctor had never been rough with her, but she had been rough with him.  A part of him hadn't liked it, but the part of her that had been going mad had wanted it.  She had wanted him to hate her, or to at least act as if he did.

8 - A Thousand More (Simm!Master regenerates post-the Doctor Falls...i have no memory of writing this!!! From page two out of five.)

She gradually regained control of her bodily processes and limbs, and told her body to sit up.

The third thing she noticed was her hair. It was dark, which suited her just fine, but it was everywhere. She had more hair than that bitch River Song. It was at least waist-length and had a mind of its own. Portions of it were damp from her tears, and it was hanging in her face now, wild curls frizzing frightfully and completely out of control. It simply would not do; she would have to tame the mop and quickly.

9 - In Case of Emergency (Ten, Donna, and Martha stick around a bit longer after “the Doctor’s Daughter” and get to see Jenny regenerate)

"Jenny," the Doctor gasped, voice tight with unshed tears.  "Oh, you came back to me, you regenerated."

"Is that what that was?" Jenny asked, reaching to pull Donna into the embrace she was sharing with her father. “I'd never felt pain anything like it, I was so scared."  She buried her face into Donna's chest, turning away from her father entirely.  She was shorter now, just as petite but less developed as a woman, with curlier hair now in a beautiful strawberry blonde. Her eyes searched for Donna's approval, and were brown, the same color as the Doctor's, which was jarring to the extreme, but it was still Jenny looking out at her.

10 - The Doctor’s Backup Plan (mpreg crack, pure crack)

The Doctor blinked at her.

“I suppose,” he allowed.  “I hadn't thought of that.  I guess I'll put on some protection...not that you're likely to be impregnated by me.  I doubt that we're compatible.”

“You don't know for sure?” Donna asked, amazed that he was admitting to a gap in his vast knowledge.  She often wondered if he actually knew half of what he claimed to.

11 - Slap (basically the Doctor gets turned on when Donna slaps him??? Donna’s POV, terribad)

Had he ever done this before?  The pervert probably had, multiple times. But Rose was the name and size of a mere girl, not a real woman. Donna would make sure that he forgot her.  She wagered that Rose had never even considered playing rough like this, no Rose was a porcelain doll for a pedestal, not a woman with deeper needs.  Not a woman capable of fulfilling an old man's darkest fantasies.  And that's what he was, she realized...she had no idea how old this man was, but his eyes were old, and tired, and seen more than even she could imagine.

12 - And Then She Forgot (Donna tries to go back to work at the temp agency after the mindwipe)

Donna blinks at him, stunned, and tries to regroup as quickly as possible. She bursts into tears, laying it on as thick as she dares.  She can feel the eyes of the other employees and potential temps on her as she sobs away.  Kevin sighs, walks around the desk, and offers her a tissue box.

“I suppose you didn't hear about the accident,” she manages to take a tissue between sobs.

“Accident?” he asks dryly, sitting on the edge of his desk with his arms crossed.

13 - Smith, Jones, Noble, and Mott (AU series 3 ep “Smith and Jones”)

“Sarah!” he exclaimed as they hugged each other tightly.  “This is Donna, and this is Martha.  Girls, this is Sarah Jane Smith.”

“Hello.”

“Hi.”

“No Rose or Mickey this time?” Sarah Jane asked, smiling at the two women warmly, albeit a little confused.

“Uh, no, not after...” the Doctor lowered his voice. “...Canary Wharf.”

14 - Desert Fox (original fic, very old)

When I wake the lights have been dimmed, and I no longer have to squint against their harshness.  Logan is seated beside me, his hands clasped around one of mine, his head resting on our hands.  I feel no pain, only relief, comfort, safety.  I realize suddenly that this is why I have chosen to stay with him:  he is the only human I have ever felt safe with.  I lift a hand to brush his hair out of his face.  He had grown it back out, has yet to cut it again.

"How are you feeling, miss...?"

I get lots of ideas but not much traction. I tag @basmathgirl @missysrehabilitation @ellym3lly @perrydowning @emilyweepsforpilfrey @kylorenvevo @xreyoflight and anyone else who may want to take a whack at it

[baadbaadblacksheep]

7 or 6 with LTMR McReyes?

(7 - to shut them up; 6 - on a falling tear)

I wrote this when I was feeling bad and then didn’t feel bad anymore once I was done. Thanks for the prompt anon!

Jesse hadn’t had an episode in months. They were all proud of him; he had finally been returning to his life as usual, granted he was minus half an arm. It had been a slow process but he hadn’t broken down into tears or had a random bout of anger in a while. But if they had learned anything when dealing with Genji’s own issues years before, it was that these things didn’t just suddenly go away.

Sometimes they came back at the most random times. Like in the middle of a fundraising gala, for instance.

Jack had seen it coming first, even standing across the room. He had spotted their boyfriend across the room by chance, looking handsome in his suit and bolo tie, but that glassy, wide-eyed stare into the distance, coupled with a rapidly heaving chest, was a familiar enough sight now.

“Gabe,” he had hissed, smacking the back of his hand against his business partner’s chest beside him and interrupting the conversation he had been having, “Get Jesse.”

Gabe had scanned the room and spotted him, excusing himself to cross the crowded room in long strides and gather Jesse up into him.

That got instant protests, clawing hands, one metal, gripping at Gabe’s suit jacket as they exited the ballroom and found an empty room at the venue to escape to. “I’m fine, Gabi, please,” Jesse was pleading through tears as they left, eyes locked on Gabe’s handsome features as they had been twisted into a very determined ‘don’t get in my way’ look. “I’m not freaking out. Not at your fundraiser. I’m NOT–”

“Jesse, dulcito,” Gabe was murmuring in his ear, holding his boyfriend tight against him, “You need to breathe. Can you do that for me? Breathe with me.”

The short gasping breaths shuddered and rattled in the younger’s lungs until he was finally able to follow along, minutes later.

His face was wet with tears once Gabe managed to get a good look at him, fresh tears that now weren’t getting soaked into Gabe’s suit spilling down his cheeks. “Oh, Jess,” he sighed softly, sitting on a stool next to a vanity in the room and pulling Jesse onto his lap. He took a few tissues from a box on the vanity to soak up the saltwater on Jesse’s face. “You’re okay. You’re safe here with me.”

The room was probably meant to be for wedding purposes; a bride or groom’s room to prepare for the ceremony. There was a large bathroom with a mirror and outlets everywhere near them, a mobile clothes rack in the corner. Jesse idly looked around the dark room, their only light the moonlight streaming in from the big window next to them. He sniffled and allowed Gabe to dry his reddened, ruddy face.

“Do you want to tell me what happened?” Gabe asked softly once the tears stopped their constant stream. Jesse was avoiding eye contact, wanting to just press himself back into his boyfriend’s chest and pretend they were back at home and not in the middle of a fancy event.

“I don’t know. I don’t know. Genji told me he’d be right back. I was fine. And then I saw someone staring at my…” Jesse looks down to his prosthetic hand, flexing the artificial joints with a blank look. Gabe grunted in understanding, cupping Jesse’s face to bring it closer, kissing away a tear threatening to slip down his cheek.

Jesse frowned, only seeming more upset by the tender action. “You’re supposed to be schmoozing those people out there, not fussing over me. You’ve got money to raise and people who want to talk to you and I’m stealing you away with my stupid overreaction and I should be over this stuff by now, I should be stronger than this, I should have–”

He was silenced by a sudden, forceful kiss. It was almost embarrassing how fast he melted into it, feeling his body go lax at the safety he felt in the gesture. When they finally pulled away, Jesse pressed himself into Gabe’s chest immediately, arms sliding under the suit jacket to wrap tightly around the muscled torso there.

“Jack and I started this fundraiser many years ago. It’s charity, for the community. We started it when we wanted to give back but weren’t making enough to give as much as we wanted to. Now we can easily give our original goal every year without this stupid event. But the participants have enjoyed it for years, and expect us to hold it. We don’t need their donations. We don’t need to impress anyone. We don’t even need this gala anymore. It’s not important to us. But you, you are important. More important to us than you will ever know.” Gabe presses a kiss to Jesse’s chocolate brown locks, rubbing his hand along his back. “You’re important to me. I never want you to feel otherwise. Understand?”

There’s a long pause before Jesse finally nods and pulls himself back, blinking up at Gabe. It’s a relief to see the calm on Jesse’s face, even with his cheeks and eyes slightly reddened still.

There’s a few more kisses exchanged before Jesse quietly murmurs that he’s ready to go back. They spend the rest of the gala hand-in-hand, Gabe smiling widely when he gets to introduce his boyfriend to the guests. Jesse’s metal hand is hidden in Gabe’s warm grip the whole night.

[un-enfant-immature]

Stream, whose APIs help product teams build chat and activity feeds fast, just raised a $15 million Series A round

Earlier this year, the founders of Stream,  a five-year-old, 60-person startup with offices in Boulder and Amsterdam, weren’t feeling so great about their prospects. As COVID-19 began its spread in the U.S., some smaller customers of the startup — whose APIs enable product teams to build chat and activity feeds for their applications — began to fold.

“It was really scary when [the virus] initially hit, because a lot of our smaller customers went out of business, which made us worry about what would happen to the larger ones,” recalls Thierry Schellenbach, who started Stream with Tommaso Barbugli, the lead engineer at his last startup.

“One [larger customer] did go bankrupt, which impacted our numbers.” But then a strange thing happened, he says. Companies in education and healthcare and online events and even religious communities began beefing up their online operations, and turning in part to Stream to do it.

Schellenbach understood the impulse  He and Barbugli created Stream to address a pain they felt firsthand at Schellenbach’s first company out of college — a social network that was ultimately acquired for a modest sum by a private equity firm in the Netherlands, says Schellenbach. Though it grew to “millions of users,” he says, its activity feed was routinely failing as the network scaled, given its many moving partners involved, and it took a “ton of engineering resources to keep it working well.” The two knew the world needed more off-the-shelf software and specifically software focused on activity feeds, so they began building it themselves.

But that’s not the only reason the company is gaining traction. Schellenbach attributes Stream’s resiliency in the pandemic to a decision 10 months ago to also begin developing a chat API (after seeing customers trying to build their own atop their activity feeds). Now, not only are schools like Harvard, social media companies like Dubsmash, and the health information site Healthline customers nowbut investors are beginning to take more notice.

Indeed, today the company is announcing it has closed a $15 million Series A round that was led by GGV Capital and included 01 Advisors, Knight, seed round lead investor Arthur Ventures, and other backers, including Datadog CEO Olivier Pomel and GitHub cofounder Tom Preston-Werner. The round brings the company’s total funding to $20.25 million.

It was also raised from many individuals who Schellenbach (based in Boulder), and Barbugli (based in Amsterdam), have never met in person, including the GGV team.

Schellenbach credits GGV for not hewing too closely to old models during these socially distanced days, as did “three or four” VCs with whom he’d spoken and who said he’d have to meet them in San Francisco in order to make a deal happen.

He also credits Stream’s fundraising success to the accelerator program TechStars, which Stream entered when it was just two months old back in 2015. As he explains, his first startup — that social network — was based in the Netherlands, and launching Stream, he and Barbuglihad “no VC connections. So TechStars was important to open up the fundraising side of things.”

Those references have only bred more references — and now, more than ever — it makes a difference, he observes. “We’re lucky,” he says. Stream was introduced to GGV. GGV then introduced the team to Dick Costolo of 01 Advisors.

Meanwhile, for “companies trying to raise a seed round, if you don’t have clear references, right now, it’s tough.”

Photo of Schellenbach and  Barbugli, circa 2015, courtesy of Stream.

[rajucla-blog]

Documentary Observations (including fundraising)

One of the documentaries I’m producing is the upcoming The Reunited States, based on Mark Gerzon’s book of the same name. Working closely with the talented director Ben Rekhi (whose killer film, WATCH LIST opens at the Seattle International Film Festival, or SIFF, in competition this Friday - tickets here, Deadline article here), we’ve been mapping out some of the ways to make the story as emotionally and socially impactful as possible (especially because the subject matter relates directly to civic engagement). As a result, I’ve been ploughing through a bunch of material on fundraising, the social impact potential for documentaries, as well as watching a bunch of award-winning documentaries as well. The below is a summary of my findings in case it is useful for any other budding filmmakers who may be as equally out of their depth as I am right now.

Creating a Social Impact

To begin with, I was led by this LA times article (’Leonardo DiCaprio, Don Cheadle praise the power of social impact entertainment’) to the Doc Society’s Impact Field Guide & Toolkit, a rich set of resources including a template that can be filled out for your own documentary that will help you postulate exactly what kinds of goals you want to set for your doc (and the metrics you’ll want to track in order to ensure progress), a well as a rich database of case studies on documentaries that have successfully made an impact. I found a couple of resources to be particularly helpful:

- Strategic Plan template - filling this out, especially aided by example case studies of well known documentaries (Blackfish & No Fire Zone, amongst others) helped crystallize exactly what the goals were that we were trying to achieve

- The Safe & Secure Checklist, also developed by the Doc Society - outlines some basic legal and insurance hygiene practices that any documentary filmmaker should keep in mind 

Using the strategic plan template, we’ve now crafted a draft of our social impact plan, including a list of more than 100+ NGOs and civic organizations that we’ve been reaching out to in order to create a foundation for the people and tools that we’ll be able to leverage to help us, as well as a list of places we’ll be able to hold screenings

Fundraising

The IDA’s fundraising table is a pretty comprehensive list of all of the grants available globally to filmmakers, and you can filter by region, type of doc, etc. We used this to create a Google spreadsheet of 50+ foundations / grants / film funds that we then began applying to. Having a spreadsheet made it easy to track as we could note down the status, our login details for any apps, and also link to another Google doc that held our Documentary Core Application Checklist materials, a standard that many of these grant-making organizations use in building their applications. A couple of other links that we used as well to create our full fundraising list:

https://www.docsinprogress.org/funding_documentary

http://www.filmdaily.tv/grants/documentary

https://blog.storyhunter.com/25-documentary-filmmaking-grants-you-need-to-apply-for-this-year-6000cfba2600

http://edn.network/nc/resources/docalendar/showevent/rogers-documentary-fund/

https://www.amdoc.org/create/filmmaker-resources/#.Uz8IHqhX-uZ

http://www.impactpartnersfilm.com/sites/impactpartnersfilm/files/SOURCES%20OF%20FINANCING%20FOR%20DOCUMENTARY%20FILM%20--%20FINANCING%20101%20-%20Dan%20Cogan_0.pdf

Once we finish our full fundraising cycle, I’ll post our spreadsheet here so that readers can see the exact mechanics we used to keep on track (frankly, I’m surprised there isn’t a technology product that helps people with this). If you need it sooner or would like to have a conversation about how to optimize this process for our own project, don’t hesitate to reach out at raj@california-films.com. Fundraising can be difficult, and we want to help. 

Festivals

It’s still early in our festival strategy, but we’ve started to build a list of the festivals we’ll be going out to in the fall and the spring. I’ll post more information here as this strategy becomes solidified, but the biggest ones on our radar right now are the prestige circuit (e.g. TIFF, Sundance, Berlindale, SXSW), the doc-centric ones (IDFA, Doc NYC, Melbourne Documentary Film Festival, and DOXA Doc FF in Canada), and especially the doc festivals that also have a market where you could meet potential buyers (Sheffield Doc Fest has MeetMarket, Visions Du Reel in Switzerland has the Doc Outlook International Market, and Hot Docs in Canada has The Doc Shop). Some resources below that we used to build our list, including the list of festivals where your documentary can potentially be nominated for an Oscar (surprisingly, there weren’t any in the US):

https://filmdaily.co/craft/best-documentary-film-festivals-2019/

https://www.oscars.org/sites/oscars/files/92aa_doc_feature_festivals.pdf

http://www.documentaryfilms.net/festivals.htm

The Films

The journey into the depths of the documentary world led me to watch a number of recent classics, especially the ones focused around creating some kind of a social impact. I caught BEFORE THE FLOOD, CHASING ICE, and CHASING CORAL on the streaming platforms, and I caught FRAMING JOHN DeLOREAN at the Roxie Theatre as a part of the SF Indie Documentary festival. Finally, I also managed to watch the wonderful SKID ROW MARATHON at a recent CAAW (Camera as a Witness) event at Stanford, where the movie was screened in association with the United Nations Association Film Festival (another prestigious documentary-centric film festival, which takes place in Palo Alto in October 2019). 

There were some interesting similarities and differences in styles and techniques that I observed, including:

- Central characters -  Every film had a strong, empathetic central character that goes on a transformative journey which allows the audience to better relate to the unfolding events. CHASING ICE and CHASING CORAL were particularly interesting in that their main characters were not necessarily well known celebrities like Leonardo Dicaprio or John DeLorean, but highly specialized scientists who are building specialized equipment in order to be able to capture the time-lapse photography to show the decline of the world’s glaciers or mass coral bleaching events. Fisher Stevens, the Director of BEFORE THE FLOOD, summarizes the impact of having the story track a main character in this State of Impact Entertainment (SIE) report:

Having Leo as our main character meant that he became our tour guide for the issue, and he  was able to take the audience through the narrative as it unfolded, allowing the audience to learn in tandem with him. That made everything far more compelling. It also made it feel less like the film was preaching — and with films like this you can’t preach or you’ll lose people. As a result, we were very careful and if we ever thought that the material was veering in that direction, we’d cut it.

I also believe that you have to make films like this personal. I tried to draw that aspect out of Leo in Before the Flood because that’s what really makes these films resonate. A good example of this is An Inconvenient Truth because Al Gore was going through a period of turmoil and change in his life and was so open about that in the film. It revealed so much about who he is as a person and the audience was able to connect with him and the film because of it.

Judge Mitchell in SKID ROW MARATHON is another compelling example; stoic, hard-working, and an extremely accomplished Los Angeles Superior Court judge, the camera tracks his unflinching style as he both dishes out justice in the court but goes to extreme lengths to try to inspire positive social change in the homeless and ex-cons by building an inspiring running movement.

- Climatic presentation - In CHASING ICE, CHASING CORAL and BEFORE THE FLOOD, all the main characters deliver a climactic, powerful presentation summarizing the findings of their journey in front of a large audience. What was obviously impactful here were the reaction shots of the audience, many of whom wept; you would think a coral bleaching event would be a pretty dry, academic affair, but seeing the emotional reactions of scientists and viewers at the end made the world’s mass bleaching events made it feel like you were losing something close to you 

The most “out there” documentary was probably FRAMING JOHN DeLOREAN. It was shocking to learn about the history behind the pop culture icon of the DeLOREAN car, made famous by the BACK TO THE FUTURE movies. But the directors also used a hilarious, unconventional storytelling narrative in that they combined a traditional journalist re-telling (relying extensively on audio and video footage, including the infamous FBI takedown footage) with re-enactments (with the famous star Alec Baldwin playing DeLOREAN). However, there was a third element I found to be the most irreverent and also illuminating in terms of really understanding the psyche of the subjects - the actors analysis of the characters they were playing, as the actors themselves, while they were on set or in the makeup room getting ready to play the characters themselves. It was hugely beneficial in understanding the complexity of a man like John DeLorean to hear the actor’s assessment of how he would feel on different days based on the events being portrayed, and how he saw the state of mind of the subject even when he may have engaged in nefarious activity. I thought it was a fascinating look behind the curtain of a psyche of a complex person that we rarely get to see, displayed by the experienced actors playing them. 

[mdye]

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Donald Trump passed along sensitive intelligence to Russia’s ambassador, endangering American assets in the exact same way that Barack Obama did when he bowed to that guy. We’re convinced that at this point, Mitch McConnell’s entire family could be eaten by bears but so long as the plan to lower the effective tax rate for corporations were on track, he’d be cool.  And it seems like Trump’s week couldn’t get any worse unless he had a photo-op with an authoritarian ruler like Recep Tayyip Erdog — oh. This is HUFFPOST HILL for Tuesday, May 16th, 2017:

THIS MIGHT BE HOW THE DEMOCRATS BLOW 2018 - Greetings from Georgetown, where everyone knows the reason Trump won in November was because there weren’t enough Beltway gatherings at hotels where a side order of foie gras butter is a reasonable $15. As such, the Center for American Progress and practically the entire Democratic establishment thought it a good idea to to have an “Ideas Conference” at the Four Seasons today. Naturally, this had us wondering whether the setting might undermine the speakers’ messages of economic inclusion (”Concentrated money and concentrated power are corrupting our democracy,” warned Elizabeth Warren; Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said the economic woes of working people in California are “not much different from people in coal country;” “All we do is fight for working families in our country,” claimed Nancy Pelosi, adding that it was imperative that the Democratic Party better communicate its agenda to voters). “CAP’s Ideas Conference isn’t about the venue — it’s about the ideas and energy our speakers are bringing to the day,” said CAP spokeswoman Allison Preiss, who added that the venue was chosen to accommodate unexpected press interest (though the group’s 10th anniversary policy conference in 2013 was held, somewhat suspiciously, at the St. Regis). We asked Senator Jeff Merkley what he thought of the setting. “I did find it kind of ironic as I was walking here from the subway stop that we were moving into elite Georgetown for this conference,” he said. Merkley said he didn’t know enough about the planning to comment at length, but noted, approvingly, “this is a union shop.” Onward to 2018!

This is arguably the GOP’s worst news cycle of the year, and Republicans were giddy to tee off on the conference’s location: “Giving speeches to rich, white, elites inside $800 per night hotels in the toniest section of the most hated city in America only picks up where Hillary Clinton left off,” Ken Spain, the former communications director for the Republican National Campaign Committee, told us. Sam Geduldig, a leading GOP lobbyist and erstwhile aide to former House Speaker John Boehner, picked up on that theme. “I have this vision of wealthy liberals picking at a seafood tower while talking about people they know nothing about,” Geduldig said. “Maybe they can conduct a focus group of the hotel staff, while they have them in one place?”

Taking BernieLand’s temperature: “A tone-deaf luxury bootcamp for CAP-affiliated consultants, operatives, and big money donors accustomed to losing elections means the Democratic party might not get in shape ahead of the 2018 midterm elections,” People for Bernie co-founder Winnie Wong told us.

TRUMP ADMIN STILL DANCING AROUND INTEL LEAK DENIAL - Marina Fang: “President Donald Trump’s administration on Tuesday continued to provide a muddled explanation of reports that the president shared classified information with Russian officials in an Oval Office meeting last week. National security adviser H.R. McMaster, who had said on Monday that The Washington Post’s reporting was false, would not directly confirm or deny that Trump had shared classified information. ‘We don’t say what’s classified, what’s not classified,’ McMaster said at a press briefing Tuesday, before adding that ‘what the president shared was wholly appropriate.’ Trump all but confirmed that he shared classified information in a series of tweets early Tuesday morning, proclaiming that he has ‘the absolute right’ to share any information he wants.” [HuffPost]

Oh: “McMaster’s pushback came just hours after Trump himself acknowledged Tuesday morning in a pair of tweets that he had indeed revealed highly classified information to Russia — a stunning confirmation of the Washington Post story and a move that seemed to contradict his own White House team after it scrambled to deny the report.” [WaPo’s Ashley Parker]

DONALD TRUMP GAVE SENSITIVE INTEL TO THE RUSSIANS AND THE GOP IS ON IT - And by “on it,” we mean, “has the same canned response queued up.” Amanda Terkel: “Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.) said the news was ‘deeply concerning,’ and he will raise it when the House Intelligence Committee meets. ‘I would be concerned anytime we’re discussing sensitive subjects with the Russians,’ said Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.). Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) similarly said the revelations were ‘deeply disturbing,’ while Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) told the White House to get its act together: ‘The White House has got to do something soon to bring itself under control and in order. It’s got to happen.’ House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said he wants a ‘full explanation’ from the administration of what Trump disclosed, while Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) would simply like ‘a little less drama from the White House on a lot of things so that we can focus on our agenda.’” [HuffPost]

Haircuts: Jeffrey Young (h/t Jeffrey Young), Canada’s own Todd Zwillich (h/t Tiger Beat).

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OH GOOD LORD, TRUMP MEETS WITH ERDOGAN - The whole Russian intel leak thing reminded us that Trump will also likely meet with Rodrigo Duterte at some point this year. Can’t wait! Julie Hirschfeld Davis and Mark Landler: “President Trump on Tuesday praised President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey as a stalwart ally in the battle against Islamic extremism, ignoring Mr. Erdogan’s authoritarian crackdown on his own people and brushing aside recent tensions between the United States and Turkey over how to wage the military campaign against the Islamic State. Welcoming Mr. Erdogan to the White House, Mr. Trump said, ‘Today, we face a new enemy in the fight against terrorism, and again we seek to face this threat together.’ … Mr. Erdogan praised Mr. Trump for the ‘legendary triumph’ he had achieved in the election and declared that his first meeting with the new president would be a ‘historical turn of tide’ in the Turkish-American relationship.” [NYT]

Congratulations to Jared Kushner: “Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) took himself out of the running to be the nation’s next FBI director, informing President Donald Trump’s administration that he intends to stay in the Senate instead. In a statement released by his office on Tuesday, Cornyn, the Senate’s majority whip, said the country needs a ‘well-credentialed’ and ‘independent’ FBI director to replace James Comey, who was fired by the president last week.” [HuffPost’s Igor Bobic]

THE 11-DIMENSIONAL CHESS OF FAKE NEWS - True Detective Season 13: The first one starring Tim Allen and Kelsey Grammar and streamed on NewsmaxTV. Alex Seitz-Wald: “The Dallas-based financial adviser, Ed Butowsky, a Fox News contributor who has written articles for Breitbart News, contacted the parents of Seth Rich and urged them to hire a private investigator to look into the death of their 27-year-old son, who was shot and killed last July in what police say was a robbery gone wrong. The Rich family hired the detective who had been recommended, Rod Wheeler, a former D.C. homicide detective who is also a Fox News contributor and who last month tweeted a photo of himself at the White House captioned, ‘Doing my part to Make America Great Again!!’ Wheeler said on Monday there was evidence to support the conspiracy theories, including that Rich had been in contact with WikiLeaks before his death — prompting a quick rebuke from both the police and Rich’s family…. Police say it was a robbery gone wrong, but the death quickly became a fascination of conspiracy theorists, who alleged he was the source of DNC emails published on Wikileaks, even though U.S. intelligence agencies say they actually came from a Russian hacking operation.” [MSNBC]

Condolences to Melissa McCarthy: “As President Donald Trump is reportedly frustrated with his communications team and mulling a major staff shake-up, Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle signaled Tuesday that she could be leaving the president’s favorite channel for the White House. In an interview with the Bay Area News Group, Guilfoyle said she had been in conversations with the Trump administration about becoming White House press secretary or taking on another press role.” [HuffPost’s Michael Calderone]

NC GOV PROMISES EXECUTIVE ORDER ON HB2 - Pretty amazing considering the state legislature stripped Roy Cooper of pretty much every power save for the approval vanity plates. Julia Craven: “North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) vowed Tuesday to issue an executive order ‘pretty soon’ to increase protections for LGBTQ people in the state. The pledge follows the state’s partial repeal of HB2, a law barring local governments from passing any anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay and transgender people. ‘I’m going to issue an executive order pretty soon that is comprehensive, that helps with LGBT protections and we’re going to keep working every day,’ he said during the Center for American Progress’ Ideas Conference. Cooper’s office told HuffPost they could not immediately give additional details about the order.” [HuffPost]

MAN ARRESTED FOR THREATENING CONGRESSWOMAN - McSally, to refresh your memory, represents Gabby Giffords old district. Curt Prendergast: “The FBI arrested a TUSD employee on suspicion of threatening U.S. Rep. Martha McSally. FBI agents arrested Steve Martan, 58, in connection with three messages left on the congressional office voicemail on May 2 and May 10, according to a criminal complaint filed May 12 in U.S. District Court in Tucson. Martan is a campus monitor at Miles Exploratory Learning Center in the Tucson Unified School District. He was placed on home assignment and told not to come into work as the district investigates the allegations. The voicemails contained threats to McSally, including that she should ‘be careful’ when she returns to Tucson and that her days ‘were numbered.’ He threatened to shoot her in one of the expletive-filled messages.” [Arizona Daily Star]

BECAUSE YOU’VE READ THIS FAR - Here is the flyest toddler to ever take to a moonbounce.

COMFORT FOOD

The dopest of elevators.

How to make the carbonara from “Master of None.”

Take a break from this nightmarish newscycle and relax by watching some Japanese joinery.

TWITTERAMA

Thoughts and prayers to all those GOP lawmakers concerned about Trump’s behavior

— Amanda Terkel (@aterkel) May 16, 2017

White House reaction cycle 1 - It never happened 2 - POTUS tweet 3 - It happened; NBD 4 - Nobody cares but you 5 - No more questions on this

— Brad Heath (@bradheath) May 16, 2017

Regular reminder that the entire election turned on fake anger that Clinton had mishandled unmarked material at low-level classification.

— Brian Beutler (@brianbeutler) May 15, 2017

Got something to add? Send tips/quotes/stories/photos/events/fundraisers/job movement/juicy miscellanea to Eliot Nelson (eliot@huffpost.com)

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[aikungfu]

Earlier this year, the founders of Stream,  a five-year-old, 60-person startup with offices in Boulder and Amsterdam, weren’t feeling so great about their prospects. As COVID-19 began its spread in the U.S., some smaller customers of the startup — whose APIs enable product teams to build chat and activity feeds for their applications — began to fold.

“It was really scary when [the virus] initially hit, because a lot of our smaller customers went out of business, which made us worry about what would happen to the larger ones,” recalls Thierry Schellenbach, who started Stream with Tommaso Barbugli, the lead engineer at his last startup.

“One [larger customer] did go bankrupt, which impacted our numbers.” But then a strange thing happened, he says. Companies in education and healthcare and online events and even religious communities began beefing up their online operations, and turning in part to Stream to do it.

Schellenbach understood the impulse  He and Barbugli created Stream to address a pain they felt firsthand at Schellenbach’s first company out of college — a social network that was ultimately acquired for a modest sum by a private equity firm in the Netherlands, says Schellenbach. Though it grew to “millions of users,” he says, its activity feed was routinely failing as the network scaled, given its many moving partners involved, and it took a “ton of engineering resources to keep it working well.” The two knew the world needed more off-the-shelf software and specifically software focused on activity feeds, so they began building it themselves.

But that’s not the only reason the company is gaining traction. Schellenbach attributes Stream’s resiliency in the pandemic to a decision 10 months ago to also begin developing a chat API (after seeing customers trying to build their own atop their activity feeds). Now, not only are schools like Harvard, social media companies like Dubsmash, and the health information site Healthline customers nowbut investors are beginning to take more notice.

Indeed, today the company is announcing it has closed a $15 million Series A round that was led by GGV Capital and included 01 Advisors, Knight, seed round lead investor Arthur Ventures, and other backers, including Datadog CEO Olivier Pomel and GitHub cofounder Tom Preston-Werner. The round brings the company’s total funding to $20.25 million.

It was also raised from many individuals who Schellenbach (based in Boulder), and Barbugli (based in Amsterdam), have never met in person, including the GGV team.

Schellenbach credits GGV for not hewing too closely to old models during these socially distanced days, as did “three or four” VCs with whom he’d spoken and who said he’d have to meet them in San Francisco in order to make a deal happen.

He also credits Stream’s fundraising success to the accelerator program TechStars, which Stream entered when it was just two months old back in 2015. As he explains, his first startup — that social network — was based in the Netherlands, and launching Stream, he and Barbuglihad “no VC connections. So TechStars was important to open up the fundraising side of things.”

Those references have only bred more references — and now, more than ever — it makes a difference, he observes. “We’re lucky,” he says. Stream was introduced to GGV. GGV then introduced the team to Dick Costolo of 01 Advisors.

Meanwhile, for “companies trying to raise a seed round, if you don’t have clear references, right now, it’s tough.”

Photo of Schellenbach and  Barbugli, circa 2015, courtesy of Stream.

from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/33Tt9pa via A.I .Kung Fu