#two characters who have an opposite personality like Daniel and Simon

[norringtondeservestheworld]

Detroit: Become Human -> Daniel & Emma

[aconites]

happy 2024! as it's a new year, i thought this was the perfect time to post a plotting call for those who might be interested in writing with me!  if you want to do threads with someone who will message you at the crack of dawn with random headcanons, musings and create graphics (manips, gifs manips, crackships, etc​ )  for our characters — look no further. i also have no triggers, am sm.ut friendly and i love to do multiple plots with the same partner. bellow the cut you’ll find a list of wanted faceclaims, opposites, ships and plots that i would love to do and if anything catches your interest please give this post a like and i’ll message you. this is for mutuals & non mutuals, so feel free to like this even if we have threads/plots happening already!

faceclaims i’d love to play! * melissa barrera** * greta onieogou* * ana de armas* * phoebe tonkin* * margot robbie* * camila queiroz** * sydney sweeney* * ayca aysin turan * hande ercel * alycia debnam-carey* * simone ashley * melisa pamuk* * adria arjona * anya chalotra * olivia cooke * kristine froseth * grace van dien * grace van patten * jessica alexander* * madelyn cline* * madison bailey * priscilla quintana* * meghann fahy * benedetta porcaroli * camila morrone * riley keough * suki waterhouse* * adelaide kane* * florence pugh* * crystal reed * sophia bush * ester exposito * lily james * lily collins * gabriella wilde* * sofia carson * josephine langford * danielle rose russell * danielle campbell * abigail cowen* * halston sage * camila mendes * brianne howey * gemma chan * eiza gonzalez * lindsey morgan * zendaya * sabrina carpenter * candice swanepoel * elsa hosk * jasmine tookes * emily ratajkowski

faceclaims i’d love to play against!

* all the ladies above * pedro pascal** * ben barnes** * joseph quinn* * joe keery* *christopher briney* * henry cavill * ricky whittle * casey deidrick* * jd pardo * jamie dornan * adam demos * richard madden * sam clafflin * carlos miranda * scott eastwood * garrett hedlund * drew starkey * clayton cardenas * jonathan bailey * jeffrey dean morgan * rudy pankow * felix mallard * dj cotrona* * charlie hunnam** * sebastian stan* * alex fitzalan * dylan o’brien* * nick robinson * manny montana  * chris evans* * harry styles * jacob elordi * boyd holbrook

some ships i’d love to do! * any of the above fcs combined tbh. ( m/f or f/f ) * click here for full list since tumblr has a text limit.

plots id love to do! * this unhappily married dad/babysitter plot. * * this angsty/fluffy my best friend is having my baby plot. * * this zombie apocalypse/last of us inspired plot* but also any za plot. * celeb plots! especially this one. something like two super famous actors hiding their relationship or famous person/non famous plots?* * single dad/nanny plots! give me something cute and angsty. * * escort/client plot where she breaks the most important rule… don’t fall for your client* * grumpy ceo/soft assistant plots.* * royal plots! bridgerton esqued plots! * * f/f socialites plot… blair/selena/upper east side inspired muses but make it gay* * college professor/teacher’s assistant plot.  * college professor/student plot. * crimey plots? sons of anarchy inspired? or maybe m.afia/m.ob/gang stuff?* * bodyguard/client plots bc i’m a sucker for them* * soulmates plot. i have a whole lore i’ve been wanting to write out for ages so * sugar b.aby / sugar d.addy plots *  * best friends to lovers plots ( gimme angst) * WHEN THE M.OB PRINCESS MEETS THE M.OB PRINCE: forbidden love is always angsty so why not do that and add rival g.angs to the mix?  muse a is the daughter of the head boss of the local g.ang and is sick and tired of having her life controlled by her overprotective father. so, to rebel against his wishes after an argument, muse a decides to go to a nightclub that her father had always forbidden her to attend. unknown to her, the club is run by the rival g.ang’s boss’ son, muse b, and not knowing who she is, can’t stop looking at her on the dance floor. they eventually bump into each other and after having a few drinks, end up at muse a’s apartment and they hook up. i was thinking they both never brought up their families and their true professions and maybe start to hang out/go on dates and then bam, the truth comes out and drama begins. especially when they can’t stay away from each other.

* MY BEST FRIEND IS A ROCKSTAR: (tw: death) muse a & muse b have been best friends since they were kids and grew up together. throughout their childhood, muse b had always told muse a about his plans to become a famous musician and as he grew older, became more and more determined to make those dreams come true. when they both hit their teen years, feelings eventually grew and the two were head over heels for each other but neither of them was ever able to admit it. they were both terrified that the feelings would be unrequited or that it would ruin their friendships so just imagine the angst of them seeing each other with other people and FGHDFG. anyway, when muse b finally turns twenty-one, he decides to move to hollywood to make his dreams come true, and muse a stays in their small hometown. they keep in contact with one another but as time went on, muse b becomes a huge rockstar with his band and their contact start to drift but they always had each other in their thoughts, wishing they were closer to one another. a few years pass and they still speak but it’s not like before. muse b was hugely successful and enjoyed the life he was now living but always felt like something was missing. that someone was missing… it’s not until he gets a distraught call from muse a telling him that her mother died does he rush on a private jet and comes home to her. after helping her arrange the funeral and being there for her through her grief, he suggests that she comes on tour with him and the band. wanting to run away from everything and everyone in her small town, she agrees. queue cute ass moments on the tour bus, traveling the world and falling in love like they did when they were young. add drama, angst ( because they’re both still dumb and won’t admit to their feels) stadium tours, TENSION!!!, groupies, etc, etc. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE BC TUMBLR HAS A TEXT LIMIT.

[dameronology]

tea & whiskey {jack daniels x reader} - 1

part one: an insight into how microwaving tea should be a capital crime (fem! reader) 

song for this chapter - ldn by lily allen

summary: you’re Percival; reigning queen of the Kingsman, certified bad-ass and one of the most self-sufficient women to have ever graced the City of London. A mission with the Statesmen is a chance to further your career and tighten your grip on international success - it’s a shame that Jack Daniels already has his eyes on the throne. He also has his eyes on you, and it proves to be a problem for you both. {series masterlist}

this has all the kingsman characters but doesn’t follow the canon of golden circle. eggsy, tequila, champ, merlin etc all crop up throughout the series as well! if u want to be tagged, gimme a shout 

- jazz

You didn’t usually answer the door when someone knocked after 11PM. 

It was just common sense, really. Only serial killers, creeps and people who had the wrong address would knock that late. You could have taken on any of those three regardless - you were a bad-ass after all - but you were also busy. You’d been tirelessly working all day at the office, and the grind didn’t stop just because you’d got home. The stack of paperwork beside your computer felt like it was never ending and you simply didn’t have the time to answer the door. Working as Kingsman was more of a lifestyle than it was a job.

‘Oi!’

You almost jumped out your seat when the banging moved to the window beside your desk. It overlooked your front lawn and the quiet street you lived on - well, as quiet as a street in central London could be. Classic to the city, rain was lashing down on the glass, obscuring your view of whoever your visitor was. 

Right, you could add Eggsy Unwin to the list of people who knocked this late. 

‘What the hell, Eggsy?!’ You sighed, opening the front door. Your colleague quickly rushed from where he was standing by the window, elbowing past you and into the dry warmth of your house. ‘It’s almost midnight-’

‘- I’ve been calling you for hours!’ The agent exclaimed. 

‘I’ve been working all day.’ You replied. 

It wasn’t the first time he’d turned up at your doorstep at a stupid hour. Eggsy was your colleague, but first and foremost, he was your best friend. He had a tendency to drive you up the fucking wall and right back down again, and had done since you were in your school years, but he’d always been a little dependent on you. Whether it had been letting him crash on your sofa when his stepfather became too much, or giving him a lift home from the police station at 2AM after he’d been arrested, you always had his back. He had yours too, but you rarely needed it. Even after becoming a member of the Kingsman and essentially saving the world, you were still the first person he came too. 

After wrapping Eggsy up in a towel and escorting him to the kitchen, you placed a mug of warm tea on the table and sat beside him. Work could wait - for an hour or so at least. Chasing an internationally-reclaimed terrorist certainly took precedence over whatever your friend’s problems were, but if he needed you, he needed you. Bros before hoes might not have been the perfect saying for the situation, but the sentiment was definitely there. 

‘What’s happened now?’ You quirked an eyebrow. ‘I know it ain’t an arrest because you would have called from the station otherwise.’

Eggsy thinned his eyes at you. ‘I haven’t been arrested in two years.’

‘So what was it?’

‘I had a fight with Tilde.’ He admitted. ‘I don’t know what happened, but she’s mad at me.’

‘Were you talking before she got mad?’

‘Yeah.’

You raised your mug in the air. ‘That’s probably it then.’

‘Y/N!’ He swatted your hand away, causing tea to spill out onto the table. 

You sighed. ‘D’you wanna talk about it?’

‘No, I just need a place to crash.’

You stood up, leaning over the table to give his shoulder a squeeze. ‘You know where the spare room is, right?’

‘That’s it?’ He pouted. ‘Tea and a squeeze on the shoulder? My life is falling apart!’

‘Don’t be a drama queen.’ You replied. ‘I have to work - and you should be too. We’re close to getting Calahan.’

Calahan was the codename for the terrorist you’d been tracking - at least his current one. The man had worked under several aliases, jumping from country to country before finally falling under the jurisdiction of the British secret services. The MI5 and Scotland Yard were too well known to work such a sensitive case; the location of their offices were publicly known, making it easier for Calahan to slip in double agents. The civilians, however, had no knowledge on the Kingsmen. A tailor’s shop was a perfectly good front for a place to set up base and track the man down. 

Thanks to your success on your previous missions, Arthur had put you in charge of finding him, with Eggsy assigned as your partner. He was just as good an agent as you, but you had little sympathy for his domestic issues. 

‘I was working on it all day.’ Eggsy held his hands up in surrender. ‘But with all due respect, Percival, I don’t work into the late hours of the night. I know how to switch off.’

‘That’s because you’re a man, Eggsy.’ You reminded him. ‘I am one of three women at Kingsman.’

‘That’s still three more than there used to be.’ 

‘You’ve already pissed off one extremely patient woman tonight.’ You warned him, referring to Tilde. ‘Do you want to go two for two?’

‘No.’ He huffed. ‘Women are just complicated.’

‘Or maybe men are just dumb.’ You smiled sweetly, before brushing a hand through his hair. ‘You should get some rest.’

‘So should you.’

‘I’m fine.’ You shook your head. ‘I’ve got a meeting with Merlin in the morning. We’ll have to leave at eight.’

‘Do I have to go? Merlin hasn’t said anything to me-’

‘- yes.’

‘Why?’

‘Because I said so.’

He couldn’t argue with that. 

--

The following morning, you were headed for the Kingsman headquarters by 9AM. Having filled Eggsy with some coffee and half a bacon-sandwich, he had cheered up considerably. You did feel for him - he had been right when he said that women were confusing - but your attention was still very much on work. That was the norm, really. You lived and breathed for your job. It wasn’t your whole identity but it was certainly your whole life. You were recruited at eighteen and now, it was all you knew. The other agents were your family. 

‘C’mon, Eggsy!’ You demanded, practically leaping out your car. Your arms were piled high with files, keys dangling from your fingers as you kicked the door to the Mustang shut. It had been a present from Kingsmen for a particularly successful mission. 

‘There’s no rush.’ Eggsy chided from behind you. ‘You should enjoy a little leisurely stroll once in a while. It might do that vein on your forehead some good.’ 

Whilst you were decked out in a blazer and black jeans, Eggsy was in his usual snapback and sports jacket. He trailed beside you, hands stuffed in his pockets as you both slipped inside the shop. It was quiet inside, the only sounds coming from the bell on the door and the sound of your heels on the polished wooden floors. You didn’t just wear them because they made your legs look endless - they doubled up as weapons too. Merlin hadn’t done anything special to them, it was just that anything was a blade if you tried hard enough. Your five inch Christian Louboutins were no different. The fact the bottoms were already red was purely a convenient coincidence. 

‘She still hasn’t called me.’ Eggsy murmured. 

‘I’m sure she will.’ You gave his arm a light squeeze. ‘Tilde loves you, Egghead.’ 

‘Fucking ‘ell.’ He let out a snort. ‘You haven’t called me that in years.’

The two of you made your way down the hall and towards the meeting room. Merlin was already sitting at the table, pens and notepads laid out in front of him. Considering that you’d worked together for years, you hardly knew the man. He was always working, always building new gadgets or arranging missions. Did he ever sleep? You wouldn’t have been surprised if it turned out that he’d been a droid this whole time. Someone had mentioned his name being Hamish once, but he didn’t seem like a Hamish. You always pegged him as more of a...Simon. Or a Mark. 

‘You two are late.’ He greeted you. 

‘It’s nine o’clock.’ You shot back, dropping into the seat opposite him. 

‘Early is on time.’ Merlin folded his arms across his chest. ‘On time is late.’

You rolled your eyes at the agent. ‘You know how London traffic can be.’

Choosing to ignore your comment, the Scotsman hit a few buttons on the table in front of him. The whiteboard in front of you jumped to life, lighting up with a picture of New York City - specifically, Midtown. You’d been to the city several times for work, usually to do recon or on protection details for British politicians before diplomatic visits. Outside of that, any missions in North America were outside of the Kingmen’s authority. That was when it fell to the USA’s secret services - a bunch of people you weren’t particularly fond of working with. 

‘Calahan slipped out of the country.’ Merlin stated. ‘He’s been spotted in Manhattan by several of our contacts at the Bureau.’ 

‘What?!’ You guffawed. ‘I thought we had tabs on him. You told me we had tabs on him-’

‘- let me finish, Percival.’ He cut you off. ‘We let him.’

‘You…’ you scoffed in disbelief. ‘You let a known terrorist escape the borders?! You know that I’ve had tabs on him for months! Are you trying to waste my time?’

‘Calm down, agent!’ Merlin repeated, this time in a more firm tone. It was easy to let your temper get the best of you - but at the same time, it was the very thing that had allowed you to force your colleagues into submission. ‘He has more charges on his back in American jurisdiction. We have a better chance of convicting him over there.’

‘You could have told me that before I spent six months tailing him.’ You dropped back in your chair, folding your arms tightly across your chest. 

‘Your mission isn’t over.’ Merlin replied. ‘You know more about Calahan than any men here or across the pond. I want you posted in New York for a few months.’

‘Oh?’ You sat up, interest peaked. 

Working internationally was usually the first step to becoming a senior agent. It was one thing to commandeer the respect of your colleagues but to throw your name into the ring on a global scale? That was how you made it big time - and big time meant big time. Your work would go from being based in London, to taking you all over the world. Kingsman who worked on an international level could be in Moscow one day and Bogota the next. Once they retired, they were legends. It was the kind of success you’d dreamed of your whole life.

And New York was the first stepping stone. 

‘It’s only if you want it, of course.’ Merlin pulled you from your thoughts. ‘The Statesman have agreed to accommodate you, should you choose to accept.’

‘Statesmen?’ You tried to hide the displeasement in your face. ‘Like...the cowboys?’

‘Is there a problem, Percival?’

‘No!’ You quickly replied. ‘It’s just...I worked with one of them once. It wasn’t great.’

‘Here we go.’ Eggsy murmured from beside you. ‘She witnessed Agent Tequila make tea in the microwave.’

‘And I swore never to work with them again.’ You hissed under your breath, fists clenching.

‘I can see how that would be disturbing.’ Merlin agreed. ‘Though I’m not entirely sure it’s enough reason to turn down a potentially career changing mission.’

‘No, you’re right.’ You nodded. ‘But I can bring my own kettle, right?’

--

‘I can’t believe you brought your own fucking kettle.’

‘And I can’t believe that Merlin is making me drag you along-’

‘- it’s only for a week.’ Eggsy held his hands up in defense.

Eggsy, who had momentarily forgotten his relationship woes, had been posted out in the city with you for the first five or six days. Merlin and Arthur had been pretty insistent on him joining you - something about making sure you didn’t blow your lid at a cowboy. It was funny, because you were usually the one babysitting him. That being said, deep down you were glad to have him there with you. It would have made settling in a little easier. 

You were moving faster than him, the sound of your heels clicking on the marble floors of the Statesman headquarters as you floated towards the front desk. The building was right in central Manhattan, bang in the middle of all the beautiful things New York had to offer. Not that you were going to experience many of them - you were here to work, after all. 

‘Percival!’ Agent Tequila was posted by the front desk, a grin spread across his face as your eyes met. ‘And...I know they told me your name, but I’ve forgotten.’

‘He’s Galahad 2.0.’ You stuck your hand out to Tequila, offering him the kettle. ‘This is for you.’

‘A...a kettle?’ The agent gave you an odd look. 

‘If I’m going to be working with you for the next few months, I cannot witness you making tea in a microwave.’ You explained. ‘I may murder you in your sleep otherwise.’

‘Jeez, lady.’ He muttered. He would have argued, but if there was one thing he’d learnt from your last collaboration, it was that nobody entered into a fight with you and won. ‘But it’s okay, you’re not with me this time.’

‘Oh?’ You quirked an eyebrow. Tequila began to make his way to the lift, signalling for you and Eggsy to follow. 

‘No, you’re with Whiskey this time.’ He explained, pressing the button for the top floor. ‘He’s a little more senior than me.’

‘Whiskey and Tequila?’ Eggsy muttered in your ear. ‘What’s their boss called? Pale ale?’

‘Champagne.’ You replied. 

‘Good one.’ He snorted.

‘No, Eggsy.’ You whispered back. ‘He’s actually called Champagne.’

‘Fucking hell.’ 

Yeah, you thought, that kinda sums it up.

The three of you stepped out the lift and onto the top floor. The views from the windows were almost breath-taking; it wasn’t often that you got to see 360 degree views of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The skyscrapers stretched out further than the eye could see, eventually melting together in the distance where the sky met the land. It was almost breath-taking just to think about - the people, the opportunities, the magic that New York had to offer. London was your home, and you couldn’t even begin to dream of leaving, but your mind did wander off a little. 

‘Whiskey! I got your girl!’ Tequila yelled, pressing a button on an intercom outside one of the offices. He gave Eggsy a quick glance. . ‘And...the other one.’

‘Sweet Jesus, Tequila!’ A strong Southern accent came back. ‘You don’t gotta yell every time you use the fucking thing! I’m gonna be deaf as a goddamn doornail before I’m fifty.’

A moment later, the door to the office opened and Agent Whiskey stepped out. He was about the same height as Tequila, but a little older. He was wearing a cow-boy hat and there was a...was it a swagger? A spring in his step? Either way, the temptation to stick your foot out and stop him in his tracks was overwhelming. 

‘Well hello, pretty lady.’ Whiskey greeted you with a shit-eating grin. ‘I hear that you’re the little birdy who’s gonna give me Calahan?’

‘I prefer Percival.’ You monotonously replied. ‘And if I’m the little birdy that’s gonna give you Calahan, then you must be the yankee who stole him from me.’

‘Girl’s gotta bite.’ He gave your hand a shake. ‘I like that.’

‘This is Galahad.’ You pointed to Eggsy, who was inwardly holding his breath at the whole exchange. He was mentally counting down the minutes before you smacked off Whiskey’s cowboy hat. ‘Let’s see if you can acknowledge his gender three times in one breath-’

‘- okay, that’ll do!’ Your best friend pulled you back, taking Whiskey’s hand in place of yours. ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Whiskey.’

‘Please, call me Jack.’ The cowboy replied. 

‘Whiskey. Jack.’ Eggsy murmured under his breath. ‘Oh my days! Imagine if your surname was Daniels.’

After a brief conversation with Jack about his surname - during which you had seen Eggsy Unwin more entertained than ever before - you were taken down the hall to the agent’s office. Meanwhile, Eggsy and Tequila were escorted off to exchange some files that you’d both gathered. 

Whiskey’s office was exactly as you could have predicted; a mixture of dark wood furniture and red tones. The air smelt of his aftershave, with a hint of brandy and earth.

‘Your desk is that one there.’ Whiskey gestured to a slightly smaller set-up in the corner. 

‘I don’t get my own office?’

‘Since we’re gonna be working in close proximity, Champ figured it was best we double up.’ He explained. ‘Saves us doing a whole revolving door movement when we gotta talk to one another.’

‘Makes sense.’ You placed your bag on the desk, admiring the view for a moment. All of your files on Calahan had been uploaded to the Statesmen’s online cloud, whilst your other belongings had been delivered to the apartment you were staying in. ‘Nice view.’

‘It ain’t bad.’ Whiskey nodded. ‘You been to this neck of the woods before?’ 

‘Only when British diplomats need a babysitter.’ You replied.

‘Babysitting?’ He raised an eyebrow. ‘That’s what you Kingsmen do? You babysit?’

‘Why d’you think Eggsy is here?’ You shot back. ‘To babysit me.’

‘Now why would a well-mannered redcoat such as yourself need a babysitter?’ He could barely hide the grin in his voice, leaning back against the window as he peered at you over his glasses.

‘How would I put it in your terms?’ You pondered for a moment, offering Whiskey a sweet smile. ‘Is there a Southern term for I eat cowboys alive?’ 

He gulped. ‘I...I don’t think we got one for that yet.’ 

You nodded, turning your attention back to staring at the view in front of you. ‘You should come up with one. It might be useful.’ 

[archadianskies]

croissant aux amandes

→ on Ao3

@dbhrarepairs​ Saturday Day 6: Meet the Family •  Reverse AU; Mob AU RK900/Simon

Ronan supposes he should be thankful his mother is keeping this particular meeting just between them. He’d rather be uncomfortable in private than openly humiliated though he thinks there’s a degree of humiliation regardless.

“We could do with a connection to the DPD,” Amanda swipes up on her tablet and the screen fills with a detailed profile. “Gavin Reed, former detective, freshly made Lieutenant as of two months ago. Negligible age gap, questionable morals but gets the job done. He likes cats, which is in your favour.”

“With all due respect, mother,” Ronan makes a face, “I’d rather be disowned.”

“Duly noted,” she nods, swiping a new profile onto the screen. “David Allen is your senior by thirteen years, Captain of SWAT Unit 32 and wields immense influence. His team is loyal to him, and he is known to be a kind, honorable man. He likes dogs which isn’t to your favour, though he is not against cats.”

Ronan studies the profile for a few moments- it wouldn’t be a bad match but it still didn’t feel right. “Perhaps in another life?”

“I will put Captain Allen as a ‘maybe’,” Amanda notes. “If not the DPD, then we could accept Carl Manfred’s offer.” The screen populates with a new profile, lengthier and more detailed. “Markus Manfred is an excellent candidate: no age gap, powerful family, powerful connections. Kind, thoughtful, charitable, and very well educated. Not sure where he stands about cats, but he’d be cordial about it I’m sure.”

“I find the older brother far more tolerable company,” Ronan scoffs, turning away.

“Leo?” Amanda says incredulously. “Leo Manfred has nothing to offer, that son squandered his inheritance and spent half a decade high on red ice, disgracing his family.”

“He’s gotten clean and is redeeming himself. He’d be a far better companion than his pretentious, insufferable -”

“Enough,” his mother commands, and Ronan cuts himself off. “There is of course Elijah Kamski, since he is unmarried and of similar age to his cousin Reed. We already have the Kamski connection through your brother, though.”

He tries again. “Are they the only options?”

“They are the best options we have researched,” Amanda turns the screen off. “There are female candidates as a backup but you said you prefer men so these are the male candidates. The gender is of course irrelevant; your fiance must be the one who brings the most to the table.”

“Mother,” Ronan sighs miserably, and Amanda sits beside him. She rests her hand over his, and knowing she is not an overly physically affectionate person only makes the gesture more meaningful. 

“You have submitted no candidates yourself, Ronan, these men are just the ones my team have found,” she reminds him carefully. “I want you to be happy with your choice, whether it be genuine affection, or an amicable arrangement like your brother.”

He knows it could be worse. He knows she could force an arrangement and there would be nothing he could do about it. The Stern family controls this city and it isn’t out of character for his mother to want an advantageous match now he’s turned thirty and declared no intentions to marry yet. It is a kindness, doing all this for him when he has been dragging his feet the past year, knowing this was to come. 

“I can postpone the luncheon, if you would like more time,” she says gently, squeezing his hand. 

“I’ll have an answer by then, I promise,” Ronan vows, because he does not want to disappoint her and delaying it will only prolong this particular brand of suffering. 

 *

Connor finds him under his favourite tree by the pond, and Ronan scoots over to make room on the blanket.

“That bad huh?” His older brother teases, though his smile is apologetic.

“It wasn’t...bad,” he concedes with a wince, “just awkward. And uncomfortable. She suggested Reed at the DPD.”

“Oh, yikes!” Connor laughs and Ronan manages a brief smile. His expression softens as he shifts to wrap an arm around Ronan’s shoulders. “Hey, it doesn’t have to be The One, you know? I don’t- I’m not... inclined romantically or sexually. Chloe is a wonderful friend, and I treasure her company. Our marriage provides her power and influence and security, and safety to nurture her relationship with North under the guise of a bodyguard.”

“You are...happy?” Ronan asks curiously, and Connor smiles.

“I’m very happy,” he nods. “It might not be romantic love, but there’s love in our friendship. You can have that too, brother, if you want.”

 *

It’s a lot to think about. It’s too much to think about, really, and so after too many hours of being stuck in his own head, Ronan escapes to his favourite spot in the whole city: Jericho. 

The cafe is somehow in the heart of town but so hidden it feels like stepping into an entirely different world, and he’s been escaping to its bare brick walls and cosy interior for years now. It’s owned by the Lambert twins, Daniel and Simon. Though the older twin is abrasive and curt, the younger is shy and gentle and always has time for Ronan.

“You look like you’ve had quite the day,” Simon laughs, already reaching for a mug and starting to make him coffee. “Take a seat, I saved an almond croissant for you.”

“You’re an angel, thank you,” Ronan takes the corner booth and watches as Simon goes through the familiar, well practiced motions. It’s close to closing and there’s only one other patron, so Simon decides to sit opposite him with his own mug of coffee.

“What’s got you looking like you’re carrying the whole world on your shoulders, hm?” The blond prods, and Ronan delays answering in favour of sipping the perfectly brewed mug of coffee in his hands. 

“My mother was being a little...overbearing this morning,” Ronan says hesitantly, leaving out the big details. “With the best of intentions, of course. She means well, but I still feel like I’m being slowly backed into a corner.” 

“I’m sorry to hear that, it must be difficult,” Simon frowns empathetically, earnestly, because he is a good and kind friend. Ronan thinks if he weren’t the son of a crime family, he would marry Simon. 

They would have a soft, quiet life full of love and be entirely uneventful and Ronan would manage the business side of things for the cafe so Simon would never have to worry. Maybe they could adopt a cat or two. He wouldn’t even mind a dog, honestly. He’s partial to german shepherds. 

But that’s never going to happen, and it’s with a sinking feeling Ronan realises once he marries he may have to cut ties with Simon completely as he takes on more and more of their family’s work in the criminal underworld. 

“I… am to be married,” he says no louder than a whisper but Simon hears it, Simon’s lovely blue eyes widen at those words. “Well, in the future I mean. My mother is trying to matchmake me with- with certain friends’ sons.”

“In 2038?” Simon asks in disbelief. “Your mother is trying to matchmake you in the year 2038?”

“She means well,” Ronan repeats, sighing tiredly. “She just wants me to marry ‘the one who brings the most to the table’.” He echoes her words with the same regal air and Simon laughs though not unkindly.

“Sounds intense.”

“I have a luncheon next weekend with all of our extended family and friends, and she expects me to announce an answer then.” He picks at the almond croissant, and it’s as perfect as always- buttery, flaky and fresh. The layers are light, the almond slivers paper thin, and the sweetness just right. It feels like a last supper, knowing he probably won’t be able to return. He’d never want to drag Simon into his world of blood. 

 *~*

Danny arrives in time to help him sweep and mop up. His brother is a warm, comforting presence in his peripheral, and Simon soaks it up like warmth from a blanket.

“Saw one of those supervillain black cars the Sterns use on the way here, was it Ronan again?” Danny asks as they’re putting the mops away. “You know he’s getting engaged next weekend, right?”

“How did you know that?” Simon blinks in surprise as he hangs up his apron.

“Leo told me,” Danny shrugs. “The old man said he’s pushing for Markus to marry him.”

“Oh,” Simon tries not to sound so disappointed, and he’s not even sure what for- that Markus is to be married, or that Ronan is the one marrying him. 

“Yeah, I know right? Ugh, gross,” his twin makes a disgusted face. “Poor Ronan, imagine having to marry Mr Perfect and run the criminal underworld.”

“They’re a respectable family!” Simon argues, feeling a twinge of indignant anger on Ronan’s behalf. “The Sterns have transformed the educational landscape of the city- Kara was able to open a kindergarten because of their philanthropy! Imagine having that influence- I’d- I’d completely revamp child services and open shelters and proper mental health centers for abused children and adolescents. I’d make sure no one ever had to go through what we went through.”

“You sweet sweet child,” Danny snorts back a laugh, though it isn’t mocking in the least. “They’re a necessary evil for this city because the senator is an incompetent but dangerous fuckwit. Don’t get me wrong, I like them- they get things done. It’s just the thought of the Manfreds joining that circle that gives me bad indigestion.”

“Markus Manfred is- he’s an amazing man, Danny. Ronan and he would be perfectly matched,” Simon chews his lip, feeling his chest ache. “He certainly would bring the most to the table.”

“What?”

“Oh, it’s just something Ronan said,” Simon flashes an apologetic smile. “He said he has to marry ‘the one who brings the most to the table’.”

“Brings the most to the table ,” Danny repeats, stressing the start and end of the sentence. Simon looks at him, eyes wide. “You don’t think-”

“Oh I do think,” his brother’s grin falters slightly, “But only if you want to, Simon. It’s a pretty crazy idea and uh, we might mysteriously disappear only for our bodies to be found in an underpass somewhere in a couple of weeks.”

It’s a ridiculously crazy idea, Simon knows this for a fact, but it’s so crazy it might just work.

* 

The Stern estate is beautiful, even from the other side of the huge wrought-iron gates. 

“You boys must be lost,” a guard drawls, sauntering over to the driver’s side. “Best you head back down the driveway and forget you ever came this way.”

“We're catering for the luncheon you dumbass,” Danny rolls his eyes. “So best you step aside and let us through so we can set up.”

The guard falters, frowning heavily. “There’s no mention of-” he looks at the side of the delivery van, “Jericho Cafe on the guest list.”

“Because we’re not guests,” Simon tries to mimic Danny’s impatient, snappy tone. “We’re catering for the guests.”

“Hey, listen, honest mistake,” Danny shakes his head. “No harm done. Let us in and we’ll do our job and you can do yours.”

“I-I’ll run it by the boss,” the guard fumbles for his phone.

“Ask Ronan,” Simon says firmly. “He’s the one who booked us, not- not the boss.”

The stretch of time as they wait for an answer feels like an eternity, like Simon is awaiting sentencing where the outcome could very well be execution. Is he signing his own hit? Is dragging his twin into this the worst mistake of his life?

“Alright, sorry about that,” the guard apologises, pocketing his phone and waving at someone up ahead. The gates part, and Simon doesn’t know whether to feel relieved or even more fear. “Go on through, the service entrance is on the right-hand side.”

“Thanks buddy,” Danny salutes lazily before driving through the now opened gates. He’s gripping the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles are white.

“Danny-”

“No, shut up, we’re doing this. He ran it by Ronan and Ronan okayed us to come through,” Danny exhales slowly as he brings the van to the service entrance. A couple of confused kitchen staff come out to see them. 

“Alright,” Simon swallows thickly. “We’re doing this.”

* 

They unload and designate whole delivery trays laden with baked goods to be carried by the staff. Simon leads the way, trying to will his hands not to shake as he carries the feast he and Danny spent all yesterday prepping for, and all this morning from the crack of dawn baking so it would be as fresh as fresh can be for this very moment. 

He enters the dining room and there is Amanda Stern, matriarch of the Stern family. There is Ronan Stern, handsome as can be in a sharp tailored suit, and beside him are a couple- his brother Connor Stern, given the resemblance, and a lovely blonde lady in a periwinkle blue dress.

“Simon-”

“Madam, I have come to ask for your son’s hand in marriage,” Simon commends his voice for not trembling as he sets down the tray on the long dining table. Behind him, Daniel places his tray down and soon the staff follow, more and more until the table is absolutely brimming with food. “This is what I bring to the table.”

Amanda looks at him, expression unreadable and Simon thinks oh, he’s absolutely about to be executed. “You’re the Lambert boy,” she looks him over as if taking him apart atom by atom. “That cafe in Capitol Park.” “Yes ma’am,” Simon nods, clasping his hands behind his back so she won’t see how badly he’s shaking now he isn’t holding anything. She turns her eyes to the spread on the table.

“What is Ronan’s favourite?”

“The almond croissants,” Simon answers immediately, gesturing at them. Amanda nods and he picks one up using a pair of tongs, serving it to her on one of the bread plates. He risks a glance at Ronan who still seems frozen in shock, and it’s as if everyone is waiting with baited breath as Amanda bites into the croissant. Chewing thoughtfully, she sets the plate down and looks over at him. 

“I prefer blueberry danishes, but I can see why he likes these,” she’s smiling now, an amused matronly smile. “Is he your chosen fiance, Ronan?”

“If he would have me,” Ronan replies softly, reaching for Simon’s hands. “If a life with me is what he wants.”

“Yes,” Simon smiles, “I do.”

~*~*~

{ Inspired by [this tumblr post] about the intricacies and formalities of the 'Bride Price'.}

[askamydaily]

This year -- put a Book on EVERY Bed

This year: put a Book on EVERY Bed

By “Ask Amy” advice columnist Amy Dickinson

10 December, 2020

Dear Readers: Every year at Christmastime, I delight in promoting a Book on Every Bed. I do so in memory of my mother, Jane, who raised her children to understand that if you have a book, you are never alone.

The idea originally came from historian David McCollough, who recounted the Christmas mornings of his youth, when the very first thing he woke up to was a wrapped book at the base of his bed, left there by Santa.

The most important part is what happens next: Family members reading together.

That’s it! That’s the whole idea!

Over the last ten years, working with my local literacy partner Children’s Reading Connection (childrensreadingconnection.org), this campaign has grown to include schools, libraries and bookstores, who have donated scores of books to families that might not have access to them. The goal – and our dream – is that families will experience the intimate and personal connection of diving into and sharing stories, the way my mother and I did throughout her life.

Over the years, important literacy advocates, such as the Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden and LeVar Burton, and bestselling children’s authors Brad Meltzer and Peter Reynolds, have endorsed and helped to spread the good word.

This year is different. So many of us are alone, hurting, and separated from family and familiar holiday routines.

All of us – not just children – need a good book on our beds.

I have broadened the scope to include specific recommendations for books spanning all ages. I’ve reached out to some of my favorite writers, literacy advocates, and independent booksellers across the country for their special picks.

Whether you purchase a book or share an old favorite, I hope you will be inspired to put A Book on Every Bed this year. It is not necessary to make a Christmas deadline – this idea is one to sustain people throughout what might shape up to be a very long winter.

Following are recommendations for all age groups.

Baby and Toddlers: From Brigid Hubberman, Children’s Reading Connection, Ithaca, NY (childrensreadingconnection.org):

“Words are the language of love for babies.  The best books for infants should be about the world they know. Parents should choose books to surround babies with an abundance of loving and delightful words.”

Baby Cakes, by Karma Wilson and Sam Williams

Haiku Baby, by Betsy E. Snyder

Shine Baby Shine, by Leslie Staub and Lori Nichols

Ages 3-5: From Lisa Swaze, Buffalo Street Books, Ithaca, NY (Buffalostreetbooks.com)

“If You Come to Earth,” by Sophie Blackall is one of my favorite picture books of 2020. This book is beautiful both visually and lyrically, and it will feel like a warm hug to any child or family who receives it.

“You Matter,” by Christian Robinson is a bright and elegant book that takes children on a journey around the world to make it clear that everyone matters, and perhaps more importantly, reassure them that they matter, no matter what they look like or where they are from.

Early Readers: From Sandra Dear, owner of The Little Boho Bookshop, in Bayonne, NJ (thelittlebohobookshop.com)

“The Suitcase,” by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros: This beautiful story about immigration, is full of heart and humanity as it teaches our littlest ones about hope, tolerance and kindness.

“Home in the Woods,” by Eliza Wheeler: This stunningly beautiful picture book has fast become a customer favorite. A story about starting over, of overcoming! A story of family, love and joy of being and growing together.

Middle Grade Readers: From Becky Anderson, co-owner of Anderson’s Bookshop, in Naperville, Illinois (andersonsbookshops.com):

“Ways to Make Sunshine,” by Renee Watson: Watson writes her own version of Ramona Quimby, one starring a Black girl and her family, in this start to a charming new middle grade series about spirit, kindness, and sunshine.  Ryan, a fourth grader, finds the positive in difficult situations and when trouble strikes. She is that character to love and bring in the sunshine!  Grades 3-6

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Jon Klassen: Winnie-the-Pooh and Frog and Toad meet in a fresh take on a classic odd-couple friendship.  Klassen’s illustrations add much to a story of an unlikely friendship that proves that opposites can see the good in one another. The first in a series.  Grades 3-7

“The Silver Arrow,” by Lev Grossman: Kate’s humdrum life is transformed when her eccentric Uncle Herbert brings her a colossal locomotive train, the Silver Arrow, as her eleventh birthday gift, leading her and her younger brother on a mysterious journey.  The train will remind readers of the Hogwart’s Express. A story that is environmentally aware and calls readers to action. Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl and The Chronicles of Narnia.  Grades 3-7

YA Readers: Danielle Kreger, Blue Bunny Books, Dedham, MA (bluebunnybooks.com):  "One of Us is Lying" by Karen M McManus: An edge of your seat mystery that takes place in Bayview High school during detention. Simon, a so-called "outcast," never makes it out of detention alive. What follows is a tale of twists and turns that has the reader questioning the reliability of the characters, and the secrets they keep.

"Burn" by Patrick Ness: A fast-paced young adult fantasy that begins with fifteen-year-old Sarah, who meets Kazimir – a dragon who has been hired to help on her family's farm. Still reeling from the death of her mother, Sarah finds herself feeling an intense and unusual connection with Kazimir. As the story unfolds secrets, dangers and Kazimir's true purpose are revealed.

"The New Kid" by Jerry Craft: A spot-on graphic novel about navigating a new school, new friends and identity. Jordan Banks is in seventh grade when he is sent to a rigorous private school and grapples with staying true to himself- his love for creating cartoons, how to maintain his old friends and how he fits in in a less than diverse new school. A totally lovable and relatable character!

Adult Non-fiction: From Alex George, the author, most recently, of The Paris Hours, founder and director of the Unbound Book Festival, and the owner of Skylark Bookshop, in Columbia, MO (skylarkbookshop.com)

“Wintering,” by Katherine May: This is a deeply personal, quietly beautiful book, written with grace and immense thoughtfulness. We all go through difficult times; by mulling over her responses to her own misfortunes, the author offers insight as to how we might think differently about low points in our lives. Instructive, inspiring, and ultimately profoundly hopeful.

“The Book of Delights,” by Ross Gay: This utterly charming book of micro-essays by Ross Gay, a beloved and renowned poet, is a perfect gift for – well, just about anyone. Gay set himself the challenge of finding one thing that delighted him each day for a year, and then writing about it. The result is a quirky, brilliant book that you can dip in and out of, always finding something to make you smile, and think. A guaranteed lifter of spirits.

“Intimations: Six Essays,” by Zadie Smith: I’ve always loved Zadie Smith’s nonfiction work, and this small but powerful book shows her talents at their finest. Written during the pandemic, these six pieces are sharp, and funny, and thought-provoking. Smith’s deeply personal reflections on this strangest of years is essential reading. If ever there was a book for these strange times, it’s this one.

Adult Fiction: Mark LaFramboise, Senior Book Buyer at Politics and Prose in Washington, DC (politics-prose.com)

“The Butterfly Lampshade,” by Aimee Bender: This is a beautiful story of mental illness, the bonds of sisterhood, and the liveliness of a child's imagination.  Francie is 8 years old when the book begins, the daughter of a single mom.  This is the story of her odyssey after her mother is committed to a mental hospital, and she is sent to be raised by an aunt and uncle.

“Luster,” by Raven Leilani: Edie, the young protagonist in Luster, Raven Leilani's debut novel, is daring, sexy, hilarious, super smart, and drop dead beautiful.  Her affair with a married man takes a turn for the strange when she meets and befriends the man's wife and daughter.  Edie is whip smart because Raven Leilani is whip smart and her voice propels this beguiling novel.

“What Are You Going Through,” by Sigrid Nunez: Sigrid Nunez writes so beautifully that plot feels irrelevant.  The writer's confidence and authority are apparent from the first page.  Ultimately, it's the story of a woman who is asked by an old college acquaintance to be with her when she takes her life, after a cancer diagnosis.  But, like her previous book The Friend (about a woman who inherits a large Great Dane), it doesn't matter what story she tells because her words bristle with life.

Elders: Gayle Shanks, Changing Hands Bookstore, in Tempe and Phoenix, AZ

(changinghands.com)

“Apeirogon,” by Colum McCann: Two fathers, one Palestinian and one Israeli have both lost their young daughters to violence but have decided that reconciliation, not revenge, is what they needed to seek. In the process, they became best friends. McCann describes the insanity and senseless violence bred in the Middle East, the Occupation under which the Palestinians are forced to live, but also the beauty of the country, the migration of birds, the many ways humans overcome adversity and find solace in the natural world and each other. In a series of 1001 fragments, McCann walks us through his imaginary polygon, the Apeirogon of the title, containing an infinite number of sides, an infinite number of gorgeous sentences, and ultimately an infinite number of ways to view the human condition.  

“All the Way to the Tigers,” by Mary Morris: Travel writer Mary Morris’ book, written in small chapters, was in some ways similar to reading Colum McCann's, Aperagon, also written in small bits (in his case 1001, in Mary's -- 112 chapters). Morris travels to India in search of the elusive Bengal tiger, but in so many ways she is searching for herself and her place in the world as she recovers from a serious ankle injury that leaves her debilitated but determined.  

In her short vignettes, she quotes Rilke, Wendell Berry, other writers she admires and reminds us how important it is to listen intently to others as in active listening we are rewarded with deeper understanding.

“The Chair Rocks,” by Ashton Applewhite: From childhood on, we’re barraged by messages that it’s sad to be old. That wrinkles are embarrassing, and old people useless. Author and activist Ashton Applewhite believed them too—until she realized where this prejudice comes from and the damage it does. Lively, funny, and deeply researched, This Chair Rocks traces Applewhite’s journey from apprehensive boomer to pro-aging radical, and in the process debunks myth after myth about late life. The book explains the roots of ageism—in history and in our own age denial. Whether you’re older or hoping to get there, this book will shake you by the shoulders, cheer you up, make you mad, and change the way you see the rest of your life. Age pride!  

[travllingbunny]

The 100 6x05 The Gospel of Josephine

While we’re still on the hiatus, waiting two weeks for the next episode, at least I have more time to finally put my thoughts on episode 6x05 in one place and post the belated review.

I appreciated this episode better on my second watch, because, the first time, I found it a bit hard to believe that no one besides Bellamy was suspicious of „Clarke“’s new, decidedly non-Clarke-like behavior, even though they all noticed at least some of it, and that they didn’t put two and two together after they had already found out about bodysnatching. However, putting it into perspective, it all happened over a very short period of time – and besides, it is such a huge thing to accept. Most people wouldn’t even want to believe it.  

Still, while everyone seems to have caught the small blunders, like calling Murphy „John“, I do wonder if anyone except Bellamy was alerted by the fact that „Clarke“ was OK with bodysnatching and arguing that it’s OK because it doesn’t affect them. Could it be that their idea of her is a bit skewed? The funny thing is how much others (well, mostly Raven and Murphy) were bashing Clarke this season as the Worst Person Ever, and now her body is possessed by an actual villain, who is the polar opposite of Clarke: selfish, egotistical, immoral, arrogant, devoid of compassion and caring, allergic to children, and convinced that she is better than everyone and that she can just walk over the lesser, disposable people. There are even some people in the fandom who somehow imagine Clarke to be the Bad Guy, in spite of all the evidence to the contrary, which is a really incredible misunderstanding of the story and characters. Well, if people wanted to see a real villain in Clarke’s body? They got her now.

I expected the reveal about Clarke not being dead (surprise, surprise) but dormant, to happen at the end of this episode. It turns out it will probably happen in the next one.. Even though I can’t wait to see real Clarke again, watching JosephineClarke (JC) try and fail to pretend to be her was a lot of fun. To be fair, JC knows very little about Clarke, so of course she wouldn’t be able to guess how she’s supposed to act, but her hubris also got in the way. Thinking that, just because she was once in a famous play, she would be able to pretend to be a person she’s never met, is perfectly in character for JC, with her dismissive attitude towards „disposable“ people, which made her blunders so much more enjoyable to watch. Eliza Taylor did a great job giving JC completely different voice inflections and mannerisms from Clarke, at times just as playful and carefree as Sara Thompson’s original Josephine we saw in 6x02, but also more evil and scheming. Her „Clarke“ act went from basically just being JC herself in new situations, to doing something of a caricature of Clarke, in her „These people are happy, their world works“ speech in her final scene with Bellamy. But, she’s certainly smart, so she ended up deciding there’s no point of pretending with some people, namely Bellamy, and that she needs a better ’coach“ to teach her how to play Clarke and manipulate the one person who, as it turns out, matters to the Primes’ plan, Abby, so it will be interesting to see her doing her best after getting some pointers on how Clarke would act.

We also learned about something called Offering Grove – apparently, the Sanctum community doesn’t just sacrifice people to their ’gods“, the Primes, so they could live forever – they also do the classic human sacrifice, in this case – to the meat-eating trees. Lovely. And we see another weird thing specific to this planet – the strange green storm that seems to destroy or age or suck the life out of living beings. I’m hoping for more info on that in the following episodes.

One of the great things about this season is the amazing cinematography. Metaphorically, season 6 has been dark AF, but, fortunately, it’s not literally dark, as so many shows are these days when they try to be „dark and gritty“, so everyone wears black and grey and you can’t see a damn thing on screen due to poor lighting. No – The 100 season 6 has incredibly bright colors, with a planet that looks beautiful, with Sanctum looking like Renaissance Fair and with people in all sorts of rich, colorful clothes – and it’s all incredibly weird and disturbing.

Josephine’s first actions after waking up in a new body? Kill her „best friend“ Kaylee, after calling her out on the fact that Kaylee killed her in her previous body; paint a portrait of herself, while dancing and singing along to „Alors on dance“; take a shower and change clothes.

So, Josephine thinks that Kaylee and her family were running away because they were scared Russell would find out that Kaylee killed Josephine VII. But how were they supposed to find out? The only new ’naming’ was Priya. The next one was to be in 14 years, when Rose turns 21, and that was supposed to be Jasmine (someone Miranda loved, but we don’t get info what she was to her). There wouldn’t be a new Josephine for a long time. This doesn’t really make sense, unless there was another reason why they were eager to get away from Sanctum.

It’s been fun piecing the info about the identities and relationships of the Primes. So far, we know for sure that there were 13 people in the Eligius 3 mission = four families, plus Dr Gabriel Santiago, the geneticist. Those were:

Russell, Simone and Josephine Lightbourne;

Priya Desai and her teenage son Ryker (we learn her last name from her plaque in this episode)

Kaylee („Leelee“ as Josephine calls her), her mother (Faye), father and brother (I currently think the father was called Victor and the brother Daniel).

Miranda and her family, which consisted of Jasmine and a man we saw on the portraits of the Primes on the walls of Sanctum in 6x02 (some say that his name on the plaque in high resolution reads as Caleb Mason). We still don’t know for sure what the relations within that family are. I initially assumed Jasmine was her daughter, but from the way the portraits were lined up (parents above, kids below – and only Caleb was above, with two portraits below), it seems more likely they were sisters. (Or, who knows,, maybe one is his daughter and another is her wife.)

Although Josephine and Kaylee were apparently ’best friends“ (weird friendship, that one), that relationship had to develop that way only after their first lifetime, because the age difference between them seemed to be at least 10 years. Josie doesn’t seem to have much use for children, and Kaylee and her brother were pre-adolescent children during the original mission – the same ones that Josie used to test the unknown plants that, for all she knew, could have killed them. „I didn’t try it. I gave it to the kids. Leelee loved it. If it was poisonous, they’d be dead by now!“

The backstory is that Kaylee killed Josie, after Josie killed someone called Isaac, and non-Prime that Kaylee loved, possibly a boyfriend, though Josie claimed he volunteered to be sacrificed in the Offering Grove. I guess murder is a bit less seriously taken if it just means you get to wait for a few decades to be put in another body. So, basically, Josie decommissioned Kaylee, so, right now, there are just 6 active Primes: Russell, Simone, Miranda, Priya, Ryker, and Josie, but the other Primes don’t know about her yet. They wouldn’t be happy to know Russell and Simone skipped the line for their daughter – Miranda, in particular, would be pissed. They also don’t want the others to know about the whole killing thing, which is why all the sneaking had to happen. The Primes need the Earth people because they hope several of them are Nightbloods. It’s a reasonable assumption, but an incorrect one – but that’s not going to be important after what JC learns later about Abby’s ability to make Nightblood in the lab.

JC and Russell are kind of like Cage and Dante: Russell really likes to think of himself as a moral, noble guy, in spite of the horrible things he’s been doing for 236 years, so he has moral boundaries, such as, no bodyshatching without the hosts’ consent (it’s OK if you first brainwash people into worshipping you so that they will willingly sacrifice themselves and believe they’re becoming „one“ with the deity and that it’s a great honor), though he broke that rule for Josie; and no eugenics, which Josephine has been arguing for, even to the point that she wrote a book about it. From the immoral sociopathic POV, selective breeding really is the best and most obvious way to ensure the birth of new Nightbloods, but Russell insists he won’t treat human beings as cattle. (Even though he already does in many other ways?)  As in season 2, you find yourself wondering: should I be more on the side of the immoral sociopath, or the huge hypocrite? Answer: f*ck both of them.

I really hope Josephine’s science books contain the driest, most straightforward prose possible, because, while she’s brilliant in many ways, literary talent is certainly not one of her strength. „This Ferrari I’m wearing“? Fun line, but what a mixed metaphor.

So, yeah, as we all know Josephine finds Murphy cute rather than Bellamy, which was obviously thrown there to subvert viewer expectations, and stress once more how completely different she is from Clarke etc.… but „he’s cute“?! She’s 200 years old and she talks like a pre-teen? There’s been some discussion over whether the Primes ever really emotionally mature over their many lifetimes. Josephine doesn’t sound any more mature than she was in the flashback in 6x02, and come to think of it, Ryker kind of has an attitude that could fit a teenager. But I don’t think it has anything to do with brain maturity, they are in adult brains, and they certainly have experiences of multiple lifetimes and centuries. I think it’s a consequence of they way of life (similar to how people who, due to circumstances, still live with their parents and are supported by them way into adulthood tend to act younger than people who have adult responsibilities early in life): all the Primes are locked into the past (even with the way JC can’t stop using 21st century slang and references), and even new relationships they develop cannot last beyond one lifetime, while their relationships with each other can go on indefinitely. Kaylee acts like an adult, not a little girl, but her primary relationships are always going to be with her parents and brother, and, as we saw in 6x02, those familial relationships didn’t change at all: during the hijacking, the dad („younger man“) seemed to be telling the son/brother („handsome older gentleman“) what to do, and Momma Faye (the „younger woman“) was definitely in charge and ordering Kaylee around („Just push the damn buttons, Kaylee!“) and telling her with her dying breath that she has to save the heads, though Kaylee already knew that.

Speaking of all the time in the world that the Primes have had – couldn’t Russell and Simone have made an effort to learn Mandarin in all that time? You live so long and you never care to learn new skills and expand knowledge? What do they even do with their time? At least Josephine has been writing books.

I wonder when Gabriel decided to leave and became the enemy of the Primes. He must have had an attack of conscience, after having done such awful things. Of course, people who were developed by Gabriel from embryos they brought from Earth were the ones used as hosts for the Primes, and are also obviously where the entire human population of Sanctum came from. We also learned that 45 or 46 of little embryo girls (I don’t remember the exact number) died in his experiments before he managed to successfully implant Josephine’s mind into one of them, after realizing that the host has to have a fully developed, adult brain. (Was this also the case with the minds of Prime children – if Kaylee, her brother and Ryker were also killed during Russell’s killing spree?) And „consent is key“ wasn’t something Russell cared at the time, since he had no problem with Josie’s mind being implanted in the body of the obviously unwilling and horrified Brooke, who was fighting and screaming until Gabriel injected her with the paralyzing serum (now we know why it was initially developed). Apart from the effect of loneliness and isolation after so many (all?) of the other people in the mission were killed, Russell’s guilt over it, Gabriel’s obsession with Josephine, finding out at some point that Earth was no more (7 years after they came to the planet), another factor could have been that they had the same attitude towards clones as many people seem to have in real life – that they are somehow not „real people“ because they didn’t get conceived and born the regular way (what’s with all the talk of cloning as a way to harvest organs?!).

How did the Primes choose Jade to be the bodyguard of the hosts (and now JC, who doesn’t seem to need someone to protect her anyway)? Did they go „Let’s find the smallest person in this compound!“ But I have a feeling that „bodyguard“ is not exactly the best description of Jade’s job. It’s just what Diyoza called her, and it seemed like the closest term.  

In spite of all the new info about the Primes, this was an episode with strong character moments for Murphy, Abby (with important character revelations about both, about things that make them potentially most vulnerable to Josie’s manipulation), Octavia, Diyoza, Gaia, even some for Jackson, certainly for Jordan (it’s his best episode so far), and Bellamy had some good scenes, but in his case, this episode was a calm before the storm, leading up to the moment when realizes the horrible truth about JC.

Bellamy also deserves points for making plans to explore the planet (and pointing out how weird it is that the Sanctum people haven’t explored much of the planet for 236 years… really, what have they been doing? They’re content to stay locked in their small, narrow space and old habits), and go and found their own community somewhere, away from Sanctum, after learning the important things from them. Someone had to finally mention all these things, and those 400 people still on the ship. To be fair, they’ve only been in Sanctum for a few days and were mostly distracted by other things, including trying to get Sanctum people to accept them and teach them to survive.

Jordan has been fleshed out a lot in the last couple of episodes. We knew him as a sweet, optimistic manboy, and we learned of his brilliant scientific knowledge in the premiere, and sure, he could be naive and trusting, but in 6x04, we saw his sadness and feelings of guilt as he talked about his upbringing and his parents, and now we’ve seen him make the right conclusions and be the first person to pay attention to the suspicious things in Sanctum (which, I think, the others would have also noticed earlier if they hadn’t been so eager to see the Sanctum people as good and to find peace), and determined to investigate what’s going on, after realizing that his girlfriend really isn’t the same person anymore, literally. He had to face obstacles such as, others not taking him seriously (and dismissing him as just a naive guy who’s dealing with being dumped) and the extremely brainwashed Sanctum citizens, including even Delilah’s mother. Priya VII even tried to pacify him by claiming Delilah was happy, which sounds like BS, since we know that the Primes believe that the hosts are ’dead’, which means they have no clue what, if anything, the host is feeling.

However, I didn’t like Jordan’s line about „Heart Bellamy“ – that was too much like breaking the fourth wall, like Jordan was the stand-in for the fandom and the things they say about Bellamy pre- and post-Praimfaya (which I’ve been pretty fed up with, to the point I’m almost starting to hate all the „Head“ and „Heart“ mentions, since they’re used to ridiculously oversimplify the characters of both Bellamy and Clarke). I guess I can imagine Monty and Harper telling them that Bellamy told them on the ring he had to use his head more, to honor Clarke’s memory, because she told him to do that – but it’s still jarring.

When Jordan, Gaia, Bellamy and Murphy broke into the lab and found the videos, it may seem like it was way too easy and that all the info was just lying there waiting, but the fact that the Primes didn’t think they needed anyone to guard it shows how complacent they are, how much they’re used to everyone in Sanctum supporting them, except for a rare Child of Gabriel – and everyone including CoG knows what and who they are, so there’s no reason to guard the information, only to guard the Nightbloods/future hosts.

It was satisfying to see Gaia go from her attitude that every religion should be respected (which is, on one hand, nice in general in terms of tolerance, but also absurd if taken too far, like including cults, created by people who made themselves gods so they can oppress others), to being horrified by bodysnatching and the way the Primes have brainwashed an entire community to worship them and sacrifice people to them. She made the same points about the difference between the Flame and the mind drives that I talked about in my review of 6x04, including the fact that the former was created to help future generations with accumulated knowledge and advice (as it does not take over the host, who is still in control of their body), rather than to let people live forever. (Which was presumably Becca’s intention and the initial purpose for the mind drives, too – before Gabriel modified them so they could store the entire consciousness of a Prime, allowing them to live as the same person in a new body.)

But I also enjoyed Murphy’s snarky but truthful comments about the Grounder religion – the fact that they made children fight to the death for the right to become Commanders is incredibly messed up, too. And Becca was also not a god but a scientist who made herself Nightblood in the lab – although that would have been more relevant to the plot of 4x09 (where the Grounders were shocked by the „blasphemy“ of Clarke trying to pass her scientifically created Nightblood as the same thing as the Nightblood of the Commanders… which also came from a lab).

The reactions were interesting - Jordan was the voice of morality and humanity, but I think  almost everyone agreed with him, except for Murphy. He was the only one – other than Josephine – to defend the Primes and their way of life – and it kind of feels realistic that at least someone would be tempted by immortality as an option. It makes sense it’s Murphy, especially after his recent brush with death that made him think he saw what hell was like, and it also makes sense he would say that openly.

While Bellamy didn’t speak much during those scenes where the group was discussing their shocking discovery, he was, of course, agreeing with Jordan (as confirmed with his later comments to „Clarke“) – but he was, instead, focused on watching „Clarke’s“ surprising reactions. I think he was getting more and more suspicious of her throughout the episode, and since finding out about bodysnatching, he was starting to realize the horrible truth.

Let’s see how many times JC screwed up while playing Clarke:

She was uncomfortable when hugged by Madi, and then told her she can go to school, contrary to what Clarke told Madi in the previous episode. But Madi was just being a child and was happy to get what she wanted.

JC also, naturally, didn’t understand a word of what Gaia said in  Trig (to make it impossible for Jade to understand what she was saying), but she covered it reasonably well.

Saying „Chill out“ (21st century slang is not something people from the Ark are familiar with) was what caught Bellamy’s attention.

Then he asked her about her happy demeanour and the „fun“ she had with the doctor, referring to seeing her dance with Cillian at the club. Bellamy asking about these things isn’t exactly typical of him, either, but it’s interesting. He may not have even been fully aware where it came from, but to me, it sounded like he needed to know more: „So, uh, I’m glad you look happy, but is it because of the doc? Are you really into him? It’s not serious, is it? Please tell me it’s not? I’m just curious for… reasons“. But JC immediately assumed it was about sex, confirmed Clarke had sex with Cillian and was basically like „I banged him and I’m an animal in bed“. Which was one of the most non-Clarke things imaginable: talking openly about her sex life, and bragging about it, and to Bellamy of all people (the two of them have always avoided any talk about each other’s love life or sex life or each other’s love interests). But JC walked out thinking „Nailed it“!“ Bellamy seemed too busy being surprised, confused and dealing with all sorts of feelings and images in his head caused by her comment, so he probably didn’t suspect anything at this point.

JC made more blunders with Abby – including writing with her right hand, which Abby noticed; making a comment that Josephine was a „visionary“ when Abby calls her a monster, and having new knowledge that Clarke didn’t have. A lot of people are harsh on Abby because she didn’t figure it out. However, I think that’s unfair – she didn’t know about the bodysnatching, so she couldn’t put two and two together. The human mind tends to rationalize things it can’t make sense of. She was also very tired, after not having gotten any sleep (reading books from the library instead), and distracted.

Bellamy was getting suspicious when „Clarke“ argued that bodysnatching is „not murder if they go willingly“ and that the Sanctum people are not a danger to them (in spite of herself and Madi being Nightbloods). JC was at that point worried about being found out, so she made sure to take a vial of the paralyzing serum if she is found out. After she left, everyone focused on stopping Jordan from making trouble publicly, as he went to openly confront Priya.

The group talk in the bar was when I think Bellamy definitely had clear suspicions about „Clarke“. First she called Murphy „John“, which weirded out everyone, including Murphy and Jordan. But I think it was her arguments that they should just be OK with what the Primes were doing, and look away – that from „I want to save everyone“ Clarke – that sealed the deal. That and the „Eureka“ look on her face when she heard about Abby being able to make Nightbloods in the lab.

It would have been safer if Bellamy hadn’t confronted „Clarke“ on his own, but I think he desparately wanted his suspicion to not be true. He tested her with Trig – which is a good test, as it’s the one language no Sanctum person could know – and she guessed some of the meaning from the context the first time, but the second time, it was too specific even for her to figure it out (no matter how good with picking up languages she is). So JC was like, my cover is blown, why even pretend anymore, and started taunting him instead. Bellamy’s reaction, the shock and horror on his face, especially as JC confirmed her identity after paralyzing him, was heartbreaking, and made this the best scene in the episode. I cannot even imagine what reactions we’ll see from him in the following episodes. He already went through losing Clarke and believing her dead once before – but that was her heroic sacrifice. This was awful and done against her will. He is going to raise hell, and do everything to fight the Primes and get Clarke back – once he realizes that she is not completely gone.

Murphy naturally had to go along with Josephine for the time being, but is he really going to be on Josie’s side, or play a double agent and help his friends? I believe he will do the latter – he does care about Clarke, and the group, he wants to be a part of the family, and we’ve seen how much he’s changed and that he was willing to die and let the others save themselves in the season 5 finale. I think that he will be tempted for a while to accept the offer, because of his fear of death and hell, but will eventually choose his friends over immortality.

Another character who may be tempted in the next episode is Abby – as JC, pretending to be Clarke, will no doubt play on her desire to save Kane. However, that won’t work when Abby realizes that JC took Clarke’s body – and I doubt JC can keep up the ruse too long.

Many fans tend to talk about and judge Abby only in terms of her role as Clarke’s mother, but she is a character by herself, with her own trauma and issues that are not about being a mom. For the last two seasons, she has been struggling with the trauma and guilt from the Dark Year and her role in Blodreina’s rule. Her comment to Jackson, where she compared both him and herself to war criminals, made a good point: „I was just doing my job“/“I was just listening to orders“ is a poor excuse when you participate in crimes. And her desire to save Kane isn’t just because of romantic love, but also a reaction to that guilt, and on top of that, the guilt of failing Kane multiple times due to her addiction, and indirectly causing his injuries by indulging Vinson (a symbolic embodiment of her addiction and guilt over cannibalism). Kane and Abby have switched roles since season 1, and he has become her moral center. It’s because Kane’s response to feeling guilty was a healthy one: he decided to change his worldview completely and to start doing better. He tried to redeem himself through sacrifice in season 1, but he was never suicidal for the sake of it. But Abby doesn’t know how to deal with guilt, and gets crushed by it. When she feels she’s failed her own moral standards, she starts hating herself.  Her death wish at the time of Praimfaya was a result of guilt over the things she did trying to find a solution to save everyone, and her addiction in season 5 was also response to guilt. Now she’s come to the point where she thinks that she doesn’t deserve to survive, but Kane does. She’s made him a symbol of all that’s good in the world.

I’m really enjoying the scenes with Diyoza and Octavia. The two main enemies/villain leaders of season 5 are now on a rogue buddy trip. Diyoza has been amazing this season, but now I’m starting to be afraid she’s doing to die, after we get her backstory and she gives birth. And we really need to get her full backstory. She’s almost playing a mentor to Octavia now, because she had gone through similar things and understands where Octavia’s behavior comes from, maybe better than anyone else, but she’s rational and pragmatic where Octavia is impulsive and self-destructive. The different ways Diyoza and Octavia dealt with the live sand is the best example of the contrast between them. It was funny when Octavia said „At least I’m trying“ – she really didn’t get how the whole ’The harder you fight, the faster you die“ thing works! But Octavia has shown some of her old humanity, again – this time, by telling Diyoza to save herself and her baby – and, for the first time in a while, a desire to live, since she saved herself from the wave. Nothing like the danger of death to make you realize you don’t really want to die.

Interesting: the Children of Gabriel calling that live sand thing „The Crucible“ – another reference to Miller’s play (Gabriel’s favorite play! Banned by the Primes!). Do CoG identify with the unfairly accused people from that play?

Xavier’s motivations are becoming clearer – he is a rational, no-nonsense guy, just like Diyoza, and wants to get info from them rather than kill them.

I don’t know what the weird green wave is. A lot of people seem to think it has something to do with the Anomaly, but it could just be another phenomenon. I couldn’t even make out what exactly messed up thing it did to Octavia’s hand – did it age it up, suck out some of its life, or what.

Raven, Emori, Echo and Miller were MIA this episode since they were away – Ryker is showing Raven how to build a radiation shield, and the others are protecting them. Next episode, I hope to see more Emori (and Memori interaction). We know from the promo there will be Echo and Jade interaction (they could bond and compare notes on being the follower/servant who follows orders and doesn’t question them) there will also probably be more Raven and Ryker interaction; JC will try to manipulate Abby with Murphy’s help, but I doubt she’ll be able to fool her for a long time, and everyone should find out that she is not Clarke. And I’m sure we’ll learn that Clarke’s mind is really dormant rather than destroyed, and it will be interesting to see how she fights back inside her own mind and her friends and family try to save her, and hopefully kick JC’s and the Primes’ asses.

Rating: 8.5/10

[jaskiersbard]

Freddie Highmore Appreciation post

So I’ve been a fan of his since I was about five or six, and I just want to share some love for him because he’s awesome.

He’s British but can do a near-perfect American accent

Freddie worked twice with Johnny Depp, who he said was his favourite actor: the first time was in ‘Finding Neverland’ and then the second was ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

Following on from that, Depp was the one who recommended Freddie to Tim Burton for ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, and he said he’s always been impressed by Freddie’s acting at such a young age

He was an adorable kid I mean:

I swear to God, he was that kid who was in EVERYTHING. If you look at his filmography between 2000-2010 (so when he was 8-18 years old), it’s amazing.

To add, even though he was in so many films, he still managed to ace all of his exams. He got 10 A*s in his GCSEs and 4 A* grades in his A-Levels - so he got TOP GRADES IN EVERYTHING HOLY FU-

He studied at Cambridge University

He played two roles in ‘The Spiderwick Chronicles’ - he played twins called Jared and Simon, acting opposite himself and creating two distinct characters so it was easy to tell who was who (even the voices sound a bit different!)

He speaks fluent French, Spanish and Arabic.

He’s barely aged a day - he’s 26 now and still looks like he could be a teenager tbh

A number of the films he was in had video-games, and he would reprise his roles in those video games every time: The Golden Compass, Spiderwick Chronicles (he did BOTH twins and still sounded different), Arthur and the Invisibles, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory etc.

His performance on ‘Bates Motel’ as Norman Bates was simply amazing; to this day, I think he’s the only person who’s done Anthony Perkins’ performance any justice. He also directed an episode of ‘Bates Motel’

Not only did he play Norman pre-”Psycho”, but he also had to play Norma (Norman Bates’ mother) because she’s Norman Bates’ split personality - and he was PERFECT. It’s obvious he studied Vera’s performance long and hard because the detail/little body language movements were spot on

He’s now on a show called “The Good Doctor” where he plays a surgeon with high functioning autism; I’ve seen so many people say that his performance is, for the most part, extremely accurate as to what having autism is like.

He’s close to ‘Bates Motel’ star, Vera Farmiga, and is even the godfather to her son Fynn. There was a cute video that Vera filmed a while ago of him and Fynn play-fighting with plastic swords.

Also, there’s a picture of him reading to Vera’s kids:

He’s friends with Skandar Keynes, who played Edmund in the Narnia films

His full name is Alfred Thomas Highmore though omg

Learned how to play a bit of guitar for his role in ‘August Rush’

If you watch him in any film, he’s so painfully talented

I mean, have you seen that scene in ‘Finding Neverland’ where he destroys the playhouse? They filmed that scene at the beginning of filming because the director wanted the older actors (Depp and Kate Winslet) to change their attitude towards working with him (i.e. Instead of “oh he’s a little kid” it was “holy crap he’s talented”) and treat him like an adult actor (bearing in mind he was about 12)

He wore a #TimesUp pin at an event (I think it was the Golden Globes) which I know doesn’t really count for anything but still

He has a sense of humour and is able to joke about himself (just search “Bates Motel Comic Con skit” - there’s two videos that will make your day, I promise)

Freddie is honestly such a lovely guy - not only is he handsome (imho) but he also comes across as very down-to-earth and grounded too. He’s even said multiple times that he had a rather normal childhood despite being in movies, and that could be because his mother was his agent (she’s also Daniel Radcliffe’s agent). But he’s honestly so sweet and not full of himself at all.

In short, love for Freddie Highmore!

[kiwisimie]

𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐌𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐠 !! 

RULES: Post a pic of your simself with your traits and answer the questions!

TRAITS: loner, music lover, clumsy

tagged by: the great @honeybeqr

✩ QUESTIONS 1. WHAT IS YOUR FULL NAME? um just esther is fine 2. WHAT IS YOUR NICKNAME? mum, wife, goldfish, and esti 3. BIRTHDAY? 3rd july 4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK SERIES? um I don’t really read series but princess diaries and dork diaries are pretty fun 5.  DO YOU BELIEVE IN ALIENS OR GHOSTS? honestly idk like I believe in the after life and there kinda has to something out there 6. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR? rainbow rowell 7. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RADIO STATION? I always force my dad to play capital when i’m in his car sooooo I guess its capital (?) 8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLAVOR OF ANYTHING? vanilla and chocolate ( cant go wrong with the classics ) 9. WHAT WORD OR PHRASE WOULD YOU USE OFTEN TO DESCRIBE SOMETHING GREAT OR WONDERFUL? cool, good, um great as you can see my vocabulary isn’t that advanced 10. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE SONG? japanese denim - Daniel Caesar, closely followed by broke - samm hemshaw 11. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WORD? pueblo, it means village/town in spanish 12. WHAT WAS THE LAST SONG YOU LISTENED TO? i’m listening to the schuyler sisters as I write this 13. WHAT TV SHOW WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR EVERYBODY TO WATCH? modern family and the simspons 14. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE TO WATCH WHEN YOU’RE FEELING DOWN? the princess and the frog, it has good songs 15. DO YOU PLAY VIDEO GAMES? not really i’m more of a lets play watcher 16. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR? disappointing people and death 17.  WHAT IS YOUR BEST QUALITY, IN YOUR OPINION? i’m very empathetic/sympathetic, I try to see things from the person’s perspective 18. WHAT IS YOUR WORST QUALITY, IN YOUR OPINION? I tend to shut down a lot and just hide away suddenly 19. DO YOU LIKE CATS OR DOGS BETTER? I guess dogs but i’m not really an animal person 20. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON? summer for sure 21. ARE YOU IN A RELATIONSHIP? with stress? yes 22. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU MISS FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD? being able to fluently speak french 23. WHO IS YOUR BEST FRIEND? um next 24. WHAT IS YOUR EYE COLOR? dark brown 25. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR? its really dark brown so it just looks black 26. WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOVE? my family 27. WHO IS SOMEONE YOU TRUST? once again me family 28. WHO IS SOMEONE YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN? my friends 29. ARE YOU CURRENTLY EXCITED ABOUT/FOR SOMETHING? the half term 30. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST OBSESSION? fanfics, kpop, bullet journals and stationary ( an odd combo of things I know ) 31. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW AS A CHILD? totally spies, les zinzins de l'espace, and ratz 32. WHO OF THE OPPOSITE GENDER CAN YOU TELL ANYTHING TO, IF ANYONE? my brother, he’s a real g 33. ARE YOU SUPERSTITIOUS? not really 34. DO YOU HAVE ANY UNUSUAL PHOBIAS? I cant with butterflies I panic a bit when they fly near me 35. DO YOU PREFER TO BE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA OR BEHIND IT? I like having the memories when i’m in front of it but I do like being behind it 36. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY? playing instruments, reading and making sims 37. WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? fangirl by rainbow rowell thoroughly enjoyed it 38. WHAT WAS THE LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? the greatest showman I think 39. WHAT MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS DO YOU PLAY, IF ANY? piano, some chords on ukulele and guitar, i’ve been taking violin lessons, and I have a clarinet from school that I have yet to play seriously 40. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL? any baby animal is my favourite animal 41. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 5 FAVORITE TUMBLR BLOGS THAT YOU FOLLOW? anyone that posts is amazing 42. WHAT SUPERPOWER DO YOU WISH YOU HAD? teleportation because i’m a lazy bugger 43. WHEN AND WHERE DO YOU FEEL MOST AT PEACE? in bed listening to music or reading 44. WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE? memes that my friends send me and being with people 45. WHAT SPORTS DO YOU PLAY, IF ANY? I play for my school’s football and netball team and we do loads of different sports during lessons 46. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DRINK? orange juice 47. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WROTE A HAND-WRITTEN LETTER OR NOTE TO SOMEBODY? I wrote little messages in all the Christmas cards I gave out last year 48. ARE YOU AFRAID OF HEIGHTS? I don’t think so, ooo do I love the feeling when you’re in a plane and your stomach does that thing when it goes down a bit ( I probably sound crazy ) 49. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE? ermmm slow walkers and being late for no reason 50. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO A CONCERT? no :( I really wanted to go to love yourself tour but I couldn’t get a ticket 51. ARE YOU VEGAN/VEGETARIAN? I don’t think I could ever 52. WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? an Olympian, still lowkey want to be one 53. WHAT FICTIONAL WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE IN?  all of them 54. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WORRY ABOUT? exams and nearing everything I say and do ( I am a very anxious child ) 55. ARE YOU SCARED OF THE DARK? kinda 56. DO YOU LIKE TO SING? yes but i’m definitely not talented so you’re not hearing that any time soon 57. HAVE YOU EVER SKIPPED SCHOOL? not without informing the school because i’m a good child 58. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE ON THE PLANET? good question 59. WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE? in a city that’s maybe in another country 60. DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? no and i’ve never had one 61. ARE YOU MORE OF AN EARLY BIRD OR A NIGHT OWL?  a bit of both I think 62. DO YOU LIKE SUNRISES OR SUNSETS BETTER? sunrise, gotta love golden hour 63. DO YOU KNOW HOW TO DRIVE? no as I am underaged 64. DO YOU PREFER EARBUDS OR HEADPHONES? depends on where I am and what i’m doing 65. HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES? no but like all of my friends have 66. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GENRE OF MUSIC? there is a wide variety 67. WHO IS YOUR HERO? mi madre 68. DO YOU READ COMIC BOOKS? do webtoons and mangas count? 69. WHAT MAKES YOU THE MOST ANGRY? how ignorant someone people are 70. DO YOU PREFER TO READ ON AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE OR WITH A REAL BOOK? definitely real books, I have brought a couple 71. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL? music and maths 72. DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? yeah I have an older sister, two older brothers and a little sister 73. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT? tipp-ex, a clip-on light and a new moisturiser 74. HOW TALL ARE YOU? 169cm whatever that is in inches 75. CAN YOU COOK? only like the basic things 76. WHAT ARE THREE THINGS THAT YOU LOVE? family, friends and clothes 77. WHAT ARE THREE THINGS THAT YOU HATE? CUCUMBERS and AVOCADOS 78. DO YOU HAVE MORE FEMALE FRIENDS OR MORE MALE FRIENDS? my closer friends are basically all female 79. WHAT IS YOUR SEXUAL ORIENTATION? i’m your everyday heterosexual 80. WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY LIVE? in the east of england 81. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TEXTED? my mum 82. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? a few days when I went to went to watch the curious incident of the dog in the night-time ( that show was a lot to handle ) 83. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE YOUTUBER? bestdressed I love her personality and her sense of style 84. DO YOU LIKE TO TAKE SELFIES? occasionally 85. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE APP? tumblr, youtube, google keep and huji 86. WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PARENT(S) LIKE? we are get along nicely 87. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOREIGN ACCENT? I don’t really have a favourite I find them all pretty entertaining 88. WHAT IS A PLACE THAT YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO, BUT YOU WANT TO VISIT? italy 89. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NUMBER? 6 and 3 90. CAN YOU JUGGLE? unfortunately I am not that talented 91. ARE YOU RELIGIOUS? yes 92. DO YOU FIND OUTER SPACE OF THE DEEP OCEAN TO BE MORE INTERESTING? we always watch documentaries about the deep ocean in science lessons and that’s always interesting 93. DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF TO BE A DAREDEVIL? hecc no 94. ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO ANYTHING? i’m like 99% i’m not 95. CAN YOU CURL YOUR TONGUE? yes 96. CAN YOU WIGGLE YOUR EARS? when I raise my eyebrows they move 97. HOW OFTEN DO YOU ADMIT THAT YOU WERE WRONG ABOUT SOMETHING? more often then I would like 98. DO YOU PREFER THE FOREST OR THE BEACH? forests 99. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF ADVICE THAT ANYONE HAS EVER GIVEN YOU? ‘if you mess up no one’s going to notice unless you allow them to notice it’ my music teachers always say that for performances 100. ARE YOU A GOOD LIAR? I think I can be pretty convincing 101. WHAT IS YOUR HOGWARTS HOUSE? Hufflepuff! 102. DO YOU TALK TO YOURSELF? all the time, it helps me sort out my thoughts and explain things to myself 103. ARE YOU AN INTROVERT OR AN EXTROVERT? I am an introvert ( big surprise there ) and my personality type is isfj 104. DO YOU KEEP A JOURNAL/DIARY? yes but i’ve always been inconsistent with it 105. DO YOU BELIEVE IN SECOND CHANCES? yes 106. IF YOU FOUND A WALLET FULL OF MONEY ON THE GROUND, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? give it to some sort of authority ( like a teacher or the police ) 107. DO YOU BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE ARE CAPABLE OF CHANGE? sure 108. ARE YOU TICKLISH? very 109. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON A PLANE? yes and I love them 110. DO YOU HAVE ANY PIERCINGS? just my ears 111. WHAT FICTIONAL CHARACTER DO YOU WISH WAS REAL? baz and simon ( that’s two I know ) 112. DO YOU HAVE ANY TATTOOS? no 113. WHAT IS THE BEST DECISION THAT YOU’VE MADE IN YOUR LIFE SO FAR? applying for literally everything 114. DO YOU BELIEVE IN KARMA? not really 115. DO YOU WEAR GLASSES OR CONTACTS? I have glasses and I want contacts for when I do sports 116. DO YOU WANT CHILDREN? at some point in my life, yes 117. WHO IS THE SMARTEST PERSON YOU KNOW? I know a lot of people that are smart in different areas of life 118. WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MEMORY? don’t really want that  on the internet 119. HAVE YOU EVER PULLED AN ALL-NIGHTER?  I always end up falling asleep 120. WHAT COLOR ARE MOST OF YOUR CLOTHES? white, black, a lot of yellow, and red ( I have a lot more colour then I used to ) 121. DO YOU LIKE ADVENTURES? yes 122. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON TV? no but my school has been 123. HOW OLD ARE YOU? 14 124. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE? ’ good-night, helen’ the only part of jane eyre I liked 125. DO YOU PREFER SWEET OR SAVORY FOODS? depends on my mood I encourage anyone how wants to do this to go for it :)

[gadgetgirl71]

August 2020 Reading List

Again this month, most of the books I’ve chosen to read are from my ARC list. If I manage to read these books then I will then pick something off my GoodReads TBR list again.

Don’t forget to pop by again on the 6 August to see what book I pull out of the Random Jar of the Month.

August’s Books

Born for Leaving by Jude Munro, Pages: 238, Publication Date: 1 July 2020

The Last Piece by Imogen Clark, Pages: 251, Publication Date: 28 July 2020

The Secret of You and Me by Melissa Lenhardt, Pages: 374, Publication Date: 4 August 2020

Ashes by Christopher de Vinck, Pages: 352, Publication Date: 20 August 2020

The Gin O’clock Club by Rosie Blake, Pages: 400, Publication Date: 20 August

Imperfect Women by Araminta Hall, Narrated by Helen Keeley

Synopsis: “A Match Made in a Want Ad” When they say be careful what you wish for, do you pay attention? Neither did Oliver Tunstead. Oliver wishes for nothing more than to get his mind off his crappy bartending job, pile of debt big enough to swallow him whole, and playboy ex-boyfriend/boss who refuses to back off. Too bad distractions, like the hot little convertible he has his eye on, cost megabucks. And Oliver is flat broke. Renting the spare bedroom in his rundown beachfront cottage is his only option to pick up the cash he needs–a risky proposition, as Oliver is the polar opposite of a people-person. When he responds to a bizarre ad in the Waterfront Gazette seeking summer housing, he gets more than he bargained for. But Oliver can cope… After all, how much harm can a single quirky tenant do to his tightly guarded life in three short months? Where Oliver is a loner by design, urban cowboy Bodie is a loner by necessity. A family dispute long ago dropkicked him onto the path of a lifelong wanderer. This changes when Bodie moves into the tiny beachfront cottage and starts working the door at Oliver’s bar. Despite Oliver and Bodie’s nearly paralyzing instinct to avoid commitment, they fall into a wary romance. And to their surprise, life as a couple is sweetly satisfying; that is, until their jealous boss devises a cruel plan to destroy the tentative bond they’ve built. True to form, Bodie hits the road, leaving Oliver to lick his wounds alone. Can these wounded souls defy their urge to flee and fight for love? **Trigger Warning: discussion of childhood sexual molestation of adult character, graphic physical violence, off-page coerced sexual relationship**

Synopsis: A sudden departure. A story decades in the making.

The chaotic but happy equilibrium of the Nightingale family is thrown into disarray when Cecily—whose children can’t remember her ever being remotely spontaneous—disappears to a Greek island with no warning or explanation.

Her reasons for doing something so out of character are a total mystery to her three daughters, high-powered executive Felicity, unfulfilled GP Julia and organised mother-of-five Lily. What connection could she possibly have with Kefalonia?

But Cecily has gone to continue a story she thought ended decades ago—one that could have a huge impact on her family. And when she returns, she’ll have to tell them the truth.

Will Cecily be able to hold her family together once she reveals her big secret? And might she discover that she’s not the only one with a story to tell?

Synopsis: Nora hasn’t looked back. Not since she left home, and her broken heart, far behind her. But now tragedy calls her back, where she must finally come face to face with ex-boyfriend Charlie, and best friend Sophie. Only now will she be able to confront her past—and reconcile her future.

Sophie seems to have everything. Married to Charlie, with a wonderful daughter and a successful career. Yet underneath that perfection lies an explosive secret. A secret that ripped through their town and destroyed her friendship with Nora. So when Sophie finds out that Nora has returned, she hopes Nora’s stay is short. The life she has built depends on it.

But first love doesn’t fade easily. Memories come to light, passion ignites and old feelings resurface. As the forces that once tore them apart begin to re-emerge, both Nora and Sophie must accept that true love is something worth fighting for.

Synopsis: A deeply touching novel about two young women whose differences, which once united them, will tear them apart forever, during Hitler’s Nazi occupation of Belgium and France. Based on true events.

For fans of All The Light We Cannot See and Tattooist of Auschwitz.

Belgium, July 1939: Simone Lyon is the daughter of a Belgium national hero, the famous General Joseph Lyon. Her best friend Hava Daniels, is the eldest daughter of a devout Jewish family. Despite growing up in different worlds, they are inseparable.

But when, in the spring of 1940, Nazi planes and tanks begin bombing Brussels, their resilience and strength are tested. Hava and Simone find themselves caught in the advancing onslaught and are forced to flee.

In an emotionally-charged race for survival, even the most harrowing horrors cannot break their bonds of love and friendship. The two teenage girls, will see their innocence fall, against the ugly backdrop of a war dictating that theirs was a friendship that should never have been.

Synopsis: Bring the sparkle and fizz back into your life with the help of The Gin O’Clock Club Lottie is always in a hurry, rushing through her days ticking tasks off her to-do lists. Teddy is worried about his granddaughter – and he knows that his late wife, Lily, would have known exactly what to say to make things better. Now that Lily has gone, it’s up to Teddy to talk some sense into Lottie. With the help of Arjun, Geoffrey and Howard, the elderly reprobates who make up his Gin O’Clock Club, Teddy makes a plan to help Lottie find her way back to the things that really matter – family, friendship and love. But as Lottie balances a high-powered job with her reluctant attendance at whist drives, ballroom dances and bingo, Teddy wonders if she’s really ready to open up her heart to the possibility of true happiness… Laugh, cry and fall in love with this colourful cast of characters in THE feel-good novel of the year.

Synopsis: From the author of Our Kind of Cruelty comes an enthralling, irresistible novel of psychological suspense about three women and the destructive power of buried secrets.

When Nancy Hennessy is murdered, she leaves behind two best friends, an adoring husband and daughter, and a secret lover whose identity she took to the grave. Nancy was gorgeous, wealthy, and cherished by those who knew her—from the outside, her life was perfect. But as the investigation into her death flounders and her friends Eleanor and Mary wrestle with their grief, dark details surface that reveal how little they knew their friend, each other, and maybe even themselves.

A gripping, immersive novel about impossible expectations and secrets that fester and become lethal, Imperfect Women unfolds through the perspectives of three fascinating women. Their enduring, complex friendship is the knot the listener must untangle to answer the question Who killed Nancy?

Imperfect Women explores guilt and retribution, love and betrayal, and the compromises we make that alter our lives irrevocably. With the wickedly sharp insights and finely tuned suspense that has drawn comparisons to Patricia Highsmith and Paula Hawkins, Araminta Hall returns with another thought-provoking tour de force.

Let me know if you’ve read or reviewed any of these book, and tell me what you think of them. Or just let me know what books are on your reading list for August.

#ARC, #Audiobooks, #August2020, #August2020ReadingList, #BookBlogger, #Books, #Bookshelf, #GoodReads, #NetGalley, #NetGalleyuk, #ReadingChallenge, #ReadingList

[mrmichaelchadler]

Bright Wall/Dark Room July 2018: A Room with a View

We are pleased to offer an excerpt from the latest edition of the online magazine, Bright Wall/Dark Room. The theme for our July issue is "Heat," and in addition to Fran Hoepfner's piece below about "A Room with a View," they also have new essays on "Miami Blues," "The Lost City of Z," "Thelma & Louise," "Kiss Me Deadly," "Rebecca," "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," "Fahrenheit 451," "Jezebel," "Rango," Oliver Stone, and a piece exploring how heat functions in the screen adaptations of Tennessee Williams' plays. 

You can read previous excerpts from the magazine by clicking here. To subscribe to Bright Wall/Dark Room, or purchase a copy of their current issue, click here. 

i.

Summer is restless and stupid and hot. I have written about this before (and before that) and I’ll write about it again. The season itself is bad, I think, and yet, year after year, I cannot help but set wildly high expectations for myself. I’ll go to the beach every weekend. I’ll run 10 miles. I’ll shave my head. I’ll have a passionate, short-lived affair with someone I’ll never see again. What do I expect? It’s always the same, and it’s always lackluster. I get sunburned, I get sick of running, I’m growing out my hair. An old girlfriend peels herself away from me—this is before I got my AC unit and we stuck to each other if we embraced for even a second—“We should really make a summer bucket list,” she suggests. I can’t even make that happen. Anyway: I’m really making the most of my July so far, can’t you tell?

This summer, I’ve already turned down minor league baseball games and park outings and even just going for a walk around the block, in favor of lying on my stomach and curating my FilmStruck watchlist. OK, fine, I’ll stop bragging. What I will say is that I added A Room With a View to my watchlist because I thought, “Is this The Age Of Innocence?” And you know those memes that are like, “EXPECTATIONS VS. REALITY”? One is me running 10 miles; one is me sleeping all hours of the day. One is The Age Of Innocence; one is A Room With a View. The answer, of course, is that it was not The Age Of Innocence. It was A Room With a View. Insert meme here.

ii.

So if A Room With a View is not The Age Of Innocence—and for what it’s worth, when you’re expecting a Scorsese and wind up with an Ivory, that might be one of the only expectation vs. reality situations in which you’re not settling—I will tell you what it is: A 1985 period drama directed by James Ivory, based on a novel of the same name by E. M. Forster. “Ivory?” you might ask, “as in Merchant and?” to which I would say, yes, of course. And maybe, if you are between the ages of 19-22, you might instead ask, “Ivory? As in the guy who wore a Timothée Chalamet dress shirt to the Oscars this year? The screenwriter of Call Me By Your Name?” To which I would say, yes, it’s the same guy. The script, in turn, was written by longtime Merchant/Ivory collaborator Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, who captures, in Helena Bonham Carter’s Lucy Honeychurch, the elegant moodiness and confusion that is often part of being a young woman. Lucy has come to Florence with her cousin and chaperone, Charlotte Bartlett (Maggie Smith), whose first line in the film notably summarizes my entire summer thus far: “This is not at all what we were led to expect.”

iii.

This summer hasn’t even had the decency to have consistently good weather. Rain one day, hot rain the next day; 90 degrees and sweltering the day after, only to be followed by a dip in temperature so baffling I find myself wearing a jacket to take out the trash. I can’t predict it. I can’t control it. So you see, another thing about curating my FilmStruck watchlist: it is perhaps the only thing I have in my life right now that gives me any remote sense of stability. I put what I want on there, and no one can say or do otherwise.

In the past month of my life, I have moved not once but twice, quit my job, endured a breakup, and watched a half-dozen friends move to the opposite side of the country. This is fine; I am fine. I mean, there are 28 films on my watchlist and I occasionally spiral, unsure of what to watch, shut off my laptop in a fit of indecision and stare at the ceiling until 3 in the morning, but again, I am fine. Today, rain; tomorrow, sun. The day after, who has any idea? I brazenly entered my late 20s earlier in the year with the confidence of, I don’t know, two women looking to enjoy a nice vacation to Florence and, say it with me now: “This is not at all what we were led to expect.”

iv.

Charlotte, and in turn Lucy, are not talking about my wayward late 20s, though; they are discussing their room in an Italian pensione (fake word) in Florence. It was meant to have a view, you see. (A room with a—you get it.) A view of the Arno, a river I know about mainly from the daily crossword. But they don’t have a view. Charlotte audibly complains about this at dinner that night, well within earshot of the pensione’s other inhabitants: Eleanor Lavish (Judi Dench), a bawdy female novelist (literally can you imagine); the kind, gossipy spinsters, the Misses Alans (Fabia Drake and Joan Henley); the amiable Reverend Mr. Beebe (Simon Callow—ICONIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!); and the Emersons, an oddball father (Denholm Elliott) and his brooding but hot as hell son, George (Julian Sands).

And here’s where the magic happens: the Emerson boys have a view, and they’re willing to give it up to Charlotte and Lucy––free of charge. What they wanted (which was not what they got) could be what they get, if only they accept a gracious favor. Charlotte, obviously, says no.

Though Charlotte’s reasons to refuse can easily be traced to a British rigidity, there’s an emotional self-punishment here that feels recognizable. When someone does a good thing because you’ve more or less asked for it, it feels correct to say no. To stay the course, keep carrying the burden, and so on and so forth. The face reddens, the jaw clenches. “Women like looking at a view,” Mr. Emerson generalizes, in a way that both offends and humors me, “Men don’t.” To accept feels wrong, it feels like stepping outside of oneself and bridging a gap. Charlotte does not want something owed to two men she has never met. Later, after the dinner, the Reverend Mr. Beebe and Lucy convince her she ought to accept. It’s what they all want, as indelicate as it is. A Miss Alan says: “But things that are indelicate can sometimes be beautiful.” Touché.

v.

Lucy and George make out in a field of barley. This is scandalous, insane, beautiful.

vi.

If there’s one thing that rarely lives up to expectations, it’s the comfort of returning home after a vacation. For Lucy, going home is a punishment. There is no relief in the distance between her and Charlotte, or her and George, for that matter. Not only is it summer in England, the heat pooling in the crevasses of their long-sleeved linen clothing, but at home, there is Cecil Vyse (Daniel Day-Lewis). 

Cecil is a nightmare. He’s the worst possible amalgamation of what every person who describes themselves as a nerd on dating apps is like in real life: loud, boastful, pretentious, chaste, rude, and stuffy. He doesn’t like being outside. He hoards Lucy like a possession to be trotted out. He loves to read aloud from a book, the Victorian era version of making someone watch an eight-minute long video. He has never had fun and he’s not interested in the idea of it whatsoever. At one point, he mentions the concept of a joke, and I know he’s never even heard one before.

Cecil is reality to a tee. Nothing you want but everything you deserve. I hate him. He’s my favorite character. In keeping with this month’s theme, it’s funny to think I thought A Room With a View would be a traditional period piece, when in actuality it’s a very dressed up jocks vs. nerds narrative. The more you know, etc.

Because summer is hell, and hell is always finding new ways of making itself worse, Cecil does the worst possible thing imaginable: he invites the Emerson father and son to stay in a home for lease in their village. Why the fuck does he do this? According to Cecil, as a prank (Author’s note: this is not a prank). On who? Uh, the landlord? Rich people should not be allowed to ever think they are funny. This is borderline life-ruining for Lucy, who was hoping she could use the time at home to get over her crush. No such luck! For now she is home for the summer with both a fiancé and a crush and a wayward younger brother, and everyone looking to her to do the right thing. Whatever the hell that’s supposed to be.

Vii.

My worst opinion on A Room With a View is that I wondered for many weeks after seeing it if Helena Bonham Carter was miscast. It’s strange to watch her at only 19, when she has occupied a certain witchy middle age for the entire time I’ve known her on screen. Lucy, to me, was so passive and formal and rigid. “Don’t you know Helena Bonham Carter is a total freak?” I wanted to ask. (Again: “This is not at all what we were led to expect.”) It wasn’t until I started my rewatch that I finally got it. There is a moment in which Lucy excuses herself after an odd conversation with Mr. Emerson, saying Charlotte will want her back. “Poor girl,” he notes. She takes offense. “Poor girl? I think of myself as a very fortunate girl. I’m thoroughly happy and having a splendid time,” she tells him. I’m thoroughly happy, she says, no trace of a smile on her face, and having a splendid time, she adds, every muscle frozen into the utmost perfect posture.

This was not, in my assumption, a passive and formal and rigid girl; this was a weirdo trapped in the social norms of turn of the century England. “Mother doesn’t like me playing Beethoven—she says I’m always peevish afterwards,” Lucy tells Mr. Beebe at one point. Has a more goth sentence ever been uttered? In a documentary produced 30 years after the film’s release, Bonham Carter herself says she imagines she got the part because she came in looking so disinterested, slumped over, and moody. Lucy Honeychurch is a young woman burdened by the rigorous expectations thrust upon her from every side. She ought to marry Cecil. She ought to stay at home. She ought not to travel alone or live in London or be by herself or anything that exerts any type of independent thought. No wonder she’s in a bad fucking mood all the time! Maybe that’s why the Emersons seem so appealing. They answer to no one. 

In an act of desperation, she lies. (When a description of a book or a movie tells you it is about repression in society, that is code for lying.) Even in the opening moments, the milliseconds before “This is not at all what we were led to expect,” Lucy opens and closes her mouth. She wants to say something. She wants to express her disappointment. But she shuts it before Charlotte says something. There isn’t supposed to be anything wrong. Everything is precisely as it’s meant to be, even if it’s a lie.

viii.

I did not expect there would be an extended scene of full frontal male nudity but what can you do!

On a warm summer’s afternoon, George, Mr. Beebe, and Lucy’s brother Freddy (Rupert Graves—a crush!) go for a naked swim in what the Honeychurch siblings refer to as their sacred pond. The scene is miraculous: playful and happy and free. It’s everything Lucy isn’t. Earlier in the film, she mentions to Cecil that she used to swim there until she was caught.

I don’t want to go so far as to say that it’s the act of stumbling upon these naked men running around with their flaccid dicks that breaks Lucy, jumpstarting what is essentially a nervous breakdown causing her to lie to everyone she knows including herself about what she wants to do with herself and her life and her engagement and whatever the fuck George wants, but…it certainly doesn’t help.

ix.

Summers end. Heat abides. “Is it even the longest day yet?” is asked quietly on an outing to the beach. No, but it comes quicker than you realize and then it’s cold before you know it. Maybe it’s the not knowing about the weather that’s the only constant we have right now (extremely right now). As the days get darker and colder and windier, Lucy goes to see Mr. Emerson and speaks, almost plainly, about how abominable George has behaved towards her.

“He only tried when he should not have tried,” Mr. Emerson says, sympathetically. George’s sin was acting in his self-interest, and what he believed (correctly) to be the self-interest of Lucy. Isn’t it stupid, doing what you want sometimes? In spite of everything else, including the whole world? Feels like the most summer action you could take. Mr. Emerson goes one step further, and he breaks the news to Lucy: he and George are leaving and heading back to London. And it is only when faced with something truly unexpected—a surprise, a change, an abrupt action for which she is the direct catalyst—that Lucy cries. It’s the storm at the end of a hot summer day. These are not delicate, poised tears streaming one by one down the side of her face. They are heavy, hurtful sobs. She can’t control it. She’s free.

Because none of it is fair. The summer is long and awful. Unfair. She can’t love who she wants to love. Unfair. She’s forced to love someone she can’t stand. Unfair. She has to wear, like, a long-sleeved dress in the summertime! UNFAIR! Summer ought to stand for a specific type of freedom—emotional, physical, let those bellies hang out, etc.—and yet it’s unnaturally burdensome. It’s repressive. It forces us back within ourselves, questioning and nervous and moody as all fuck. And so, to cry—to full-on heave, honestly, at this particular misery, both an over- and an underreaction—is quite possibly the most liberating thing Lucy can do. This is the sacred pond, renewing and refreshing and horrible, baptizing her in something new.

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Gender-Bending Stars: Your Favourite Celebs Dressed In Drag

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Gender-Bending Stars: Your Favourite Celebs Dressed In Drag

There are a selection of celebrities who’ve dressed up as the other intercourse, whether or not for a job, occasion, or picture shoot. Whereas typically it’s for comedic functions or shock worth, different occasions it’s to make a heartfelt assertion. regardless of the case, it’s at all times enjoyable to see a few of our favourite stars wearing drag. Which of them do you assume nailed it?

There’s little doubt that the 1993 comedy Mrs. Doubtfire was a smash hit due to Robin Williams’ hilarious portrayal of a feminine housekeeper who infiltrates the house of his ex-wife so as to spend time together with his youngsters. He could not have made probably the most enticing lady, however he nonetheless managed to be plausible, and extra importantly, lovable. Followers fell in love with the character. Whereas it was not the primary mainstream movie to painting a person in drag, it was one of many first hit household movies to take action and paved the best way for a lot of movies to comply with.

Do you keep in mind Angelina Jolie’s transformation in Salt?

It was tough to even acknowledge Neil Patrick Harris throughout his portrayal of Hedwig, an East German transgender glam rock singer, in off-Broadway’s Hedwig and the Offended Inch. The choice to play Hedwig was not a straightforward one for Harris. He’d come out eight years prior, and dressing in drag was one thing he’d by no means even thought of. “I’m not a brilliant effete particular person, and I’ve to show into that, and in doing so it brings up a variety of homophobic insecurities inside myself,” says Harris. These insecurities gave the impression to be fully masked throughout the exhibits, and each followers and critics alike praised Harris’ efficiency.

The 1982 movie Tootsie is taken into account the primary tremendous profitable, mainstream “feminist movie,” and is accredited with having an impression on the best way the opposites sexes view one another. The position additionally had a serious impression on Dustin Hoffman, who performed Tootsie. He was nominated for an Oscar and was praised for his comedic efficiency, however for Hoffman, the movie wasn’t a comedy. He was shocked by the truth that as soon as he was all made up in drag, he was not a lovely lady as a result of he anticipated he could be. This made him understand simply how a lot girls are judged solely primarily based on their bodily look.

Whereas Johnny Depp could have solely been onscreen for a couple of minutes in Earlier than Evening Falls, his portrayal because the flamboyant transvestite Bon Bon, in pink lipstick and excessive heels, is among the highlights of the movie. Many critics and followers had been mesmerized by his efficiency, and referred to as his moments within the movie “scene-stealing.” He performs a jail warden within the movie as nicely, however his performing chops run so deep that your mind barely registers that it’s the identical particular person. To not point out he doesn’t look half dangerous as a girl.

Jared Leto gained an Oscar for his portrayal of a transvestite identified with HIV within the movie Dallas Patrons Membership. Sweet Journal, the world’s “first transversal fashion journal” then featured Leto on the duvet… in drag. He seemed wonderful and fairly comfy each onscreen and within the photoshoot. After his win, he revealed that he was severely contemplating carrying drag to the Oscars, however ultimately, determined towards it. Based on Leto, “It’s lots, what girls must do to themselves. However ultimately, while you put that last sprint of lipstick on and your look all comes collectively, it truly is a wonderful reward.”

When Brad Pitt went to go to his then-wife, Angelina Jolie, on the set of her movie Salt, he occurred to reach whereas she was halfway into her drag transformation as a army officer. He was completely creeped out by her half-man-half-woman look. As soon as in full transformation, the gorgeous actress was nearly unrecognizable and seemed identical to an actual man. Her look was so convincing that she even determined to prank her son Maddox, who was eight on the time. She confirmed up at house dressed just like the character, and he at first didn’t even understand it was her till she used her actual voice.

Wait till you learn what John Travolta discovered about being a girl on the set of Hairspray.

In 1993, earlier than Goerge Clooney was the A-list heartthrob he’s in the present day, he starred in a movie referred to as The Harvest. Clooney appeared within the movie very briefly as a lip-synching transvestite in a membership scene, carrying a blonde Farah Faucet fashion wig, a glowing gold sequin bra, and sizzling pants. If you happen to didn’t already know that it was him within the position, you might not even acknowledge the actor. The jawline and bushy abdomen don’t make him probably the most conventionally enticing of girls, however he undoubtedly will get into the position. His cousin, Miguel Ferrer, directed the movie, so maybe that’s why Clooney agreed to do it.

Lee Tempo nailed the position of Calpernia Addams, a transgender performer who falls in love with a soldier, within the true-story movie Soldier’s Woman. He seemed so plausible that folks began to invest if the silicone prosthetics had been really actual breasts. The true Calpernia has even said that Tempo’s efficiency was very correct. Tempo admitted that going into the position was a bit scary, however he was fascinated with the story and up for the problem. He was, nevertheless, nervous about what his father would assume on the time. Contemplating he was nominated for a Golden Globe for his first ever movie, he was in all probability proud.

James Bond actor Daniel Craig determined to point out his assist for equality between the sexes by dressing in drag. In celebration of Worldwide Ladies’s Day 2011, Craig determined to place himself in girls’s footwear, actually. Throughout a brief two-minute movie commissioned by EQUALS, which options the voice of Dame Judi Dench because the character M, Craig seems as Bond, and M asks him whether or not or not they’re equals. She then lists all of the discrimination and hardships girls expertise and asks if he’s ever thought of what it’s wish to be one. Craig then reappears onscreen as a girl, with an extended blonde wig, gown, make-up and excessive heels.

In Albert Nobbs, Glenn Shut performs a girl who pretends to be a person so as to be a part of Eire’s workforce within the 1800s. Shut donned drag almost 30 years prior, in the identical position, for an off-Broadway manufacturing of the story. For years she had been working in the direction of making the story a function movie, She was so completely happy it was coming to fruition that she cried when she first noticed herself dressed because the character. Other than her clothes and hair, she’s plausible as a person due to her mannerisms and physique language. Shut admitted that taking part in Hobbs was the problem of her profession.

Together with his extraordinarily masculine options, it’s exhausting to image actor Sean Bean in drag, however he manages to blow it out of the park because the transvestite trainer Tracie/Simon in BBC’ collection The Accused. Followers and critics alike had been floored by his efficiency, regardless of the actual fact he wasn’t probably the most bodily enticing lady. Bean was nervous taking part in the position, as he by no means even imagined he’d play a transvestite character. Based on Bean, “Psychologically, it was fairly a leap. A giant leap. That takes a while to get to – it wasn’t simply… bang, change it on. You’ll be able to’t simply immediately flip your self into a personality like that.”

John Travolta’s profession has been full of a big selection of characters, from a dancing teen heartthrob to an motion hero, and he’s picked up two Oscars alongside the best way. So it wasn’t too stunning to see him play Edna Turnblad, an chubby, overprotective mom, in 2007’s Hairspray, although it took him two months to conform to do it. He then spent 5 hours a day encased in a 30-pound physique go well with. He joked concerning the consideration he bought on set, “Males had been flirting with me and I used to be being given energy I by no means had earlier than. I discovered it fascinating. Ladies have energy I didn’t know they’d.”

Maintain studying to see why Jude Regulation is enticing it doesn’t matter what he does.

“It was exhilaratingly humiliating,” is how Liev Schreiber describes his position of an ex-Marine transvestite in Taking Woodstock. At first, he feltself-conscious, wishing that his abdomen was flatter and he had extra enticing legs. Regardless of his insecurities, followers and critics felt he was plausible. His spouse Naomi Watts, then again, was initially horrified when she first noticed him. Schreiber admitted that shaving his physique was terrible and that he had a extremely exhausting time strolling in stilettos. However this wasn’t the primary time he wearing drag…he dressed as a girl for the 1994 comedy Combined Nuts.

James Franco has overtly explored his sexual identification by means of his roles and has no downside embracing the homosexual and transgender tradition. So when Sweet journal approached him about doing a canopy and unfold of their fall-winter 2010-2011 challenge, he fortunately went for it, full with cherry pink lipstick, heavy eyeshadow, and faux eyelashes. He seems to be fully relaxed, posing fiercely in all his photographs, and makes a fairly good trying lady. His actions have sparked a variety of controversy to his sexual orientation, however Franco claims he has chosen his sexuality bending roles as a result of they’re extra fascinating.

Annie Lennox was fairly brave by dressing in drag throughout a time that it was nonetheless very taboo. She carried out on the 1984 Grammy Awards dressed as a really plausible man. She explains, “There had been fairly an issue about my gender and so simply to essentially push the envelope I took it on myself to shake them up a bit. I bought a person’s go well with and I had make-up stubble. After I bought to the stage to carry out, the stage supervisor was completely freaked out as a result of he couldn’t see me. He didn’t understand who I used to be. When the curtain got here up, you may nearly hear the viewers inhale.”

Within the 1995 movie To Wong Foo, Thanks for Every thing! Julie Newmar,two very masculine actors dressed up as drag queens for the main roles: Patrick Swayze and Wesley Snipes. John Leguizamo was the third major character and was a fairly plausible lady. Whereas Snipes’ efficiency was nice, visually, him as a girl was fairly jarring. Swayze, then again, gave the impression to be pure, evident within the opening scene. the scene begins with Swayze as a person, after which he elegantly transforms into his alter ego. It was a fairly stunning transfer for him, contemplating the occasions, and his filmography as much as that time.

Hilary Swank gained an Oscar for her portrayal of Brandon Teena in 1999’s Boys Don’t Cry. It advised the real-life story of Teena, a transgender man who was raped and murdered by his male acquaintances after they found he was born a feminine. To arrange, Swank spent a month dwelling as a person in her non-public life, even convincing her neighbors that she was really her brother visiting. Other than them, she discovered most individuals’s response to her fairly disturbing. ”Individuals don’t wish to have something to do with you, and it put me in a state of actual hopelessness. I cried lots for days.”

Jude Regulation seems superbly female as a transgender Japanese European supermodel named Minx within the 2009 movie Rage. His efficiency was intense and intensely plausible. The primary time he reworked, it took a couple of hours as a result of he needed to take away all of his hair. “I’m a little bit of a coward,” stated Regulation. “I didn’t go for the waxing. I simply shaved it.” Make-up had for use to cowl his tattoos and stubble. We all know Jude Regulation is fairly as a person, however as a girl, he’s so enticing that’s he’s completely convincing as a brilliant profitable runway mannequin.

Throughout a time when trans characters had been simply not being portrayed on common TV exhibits, David Duchovny pushed boundaries by showing because the transgender character Dennise Bryson in Twin Peaks. Denise emphasised to those that knew her previous to her transformation to name her by the suitable pronoun, she, a subject that was not as overtly mentioned on the time as it’s now. They approached the entire challenge of acceptance fairly sensitively for the time. Although his look is now outdated, it was very era-appropriate, and Duchovny was wonderful within the position.

Showtime’s Vacation Coronary heart is a miserable story of a drag queen with a coronary heart of gold who rescues a younger woman and her junkie mother. Ving Rhames, a normally macho main man, performs the primary character, Vacation. Whereas he’s normally recognized for his performing abilities, critics had been torn about Rhames’ efficiency. Some felt that it got here throughout as compelled and ingenuinewhile others had been fully gained over. Followers, then again, fell in love with Vacation. Rhames’ inspiration for desirous to play a drag queen? “I’d by no means considered what it could be wish to be a triple minority,”

[aconites]

hello!  i’m loving all the threads i have going on right now and i would love to add more to the mix so this is a plotting call for those who might be interested in writing with me!  if you want to do threads with someone who will literally message you at 3am with random headcanons, musings and create graphics ( manips, gifs manips, crackships, etc​ )  for our characters — look no further. i also have no triggers, am sm.ut friendly and i love to do multiple plots with the same partner. bellow the cut you’ll find a list of wanted faceclaims, opposites, ships and plots that i would love to do and if anything catches your interest please give this post a like and i’ll message you. this is for mutuals & non mutuals, so feel free to like this even if we have threads/plots happening already!

faceclaims i’d love to play!

ana de armas*

greta onieogou*

melissa barrera*

phoebe tonkin*

margot robbie

camila queiroz*

ayca aysin turan*

hande ercel

simone ashley

melisa pamuk*

adria arjona*

olivia cooke

madelyn cline

madison bailey

priscilla quintana

meghann fahy*

camila morrone*

riley keough

suki waterhouse*

adelaide kane

florence pugh*

crystal reed

margot robbie

lily james

gabriella wilde*

sofia carson

josephine langford

danielle rose russell

abigail cowen*

halston sage

camila mendes

faceclaims i’d love to play against!

all the ladies above

pedro pascal**

ben barnes*

joseph quinn*

joe keery*

henry cavill

ricky whittle

casey deidrick*

jd pardo

adam demos

drew starkey

clayton cardenas

jonathan bailey

rudy pankow

felix mallard

dj cotrona*

charlie hunnam*

sebastian stan

alex fitzalan

dylan o’brien*

nick robinson

manny montana 

chris evans*

harry styles

jacob elordi

giuseppe maggio

some ships i’d love to do!

any of the above fcs combined tbh. ( m/f or f/f )

pedro pascal & ana de armas

pedro pascal & phoebe tonkin* ( bonus points for an apocalypse plot )

ben barnes & phoebe tonkin*

ben barnes & crystal reed

ben barnes & lily collins

drew starkey & josephine langford

manny montana & camila queiroz  ( especially in a crime based plot )

dylan o’brien & danielle rose russell

dylan o’brien & camila queiroz ( especially in a crime based plot )

ana de armas & margot robbie*

suki waterhouse & camila morrone 

casey deidrick & danielle campbell

casey deidrick & priscilla quintana

casey deidrick & ana de armas

manny montana & camila mendes

camila mendes & dj cotrona

lily james & charlie hunnam

charlie hunnam & margot robbie

chris evans & ana de armas

chris evans & margot robbie

ben barnes & adelaide kane ( royal/bridgerton era plot )

ben barnes & bruna marquezine  ( royal/bridgerton era plot )

ben barnes & anya chalotra  ( royal/bridgerton era plot )

rege jean-page & simone ashley   ( royal/bridgerton era plot )

rege jean-page  & anya taylor joy  ( royal/bridgerton era plot )

jonathan bailey & simone ashley*  ( royal/bridgerton era plot )

jonathan bailey & lily james  ( royal/bridgerton era plot )*

henry cavill & adelaide kane  ( royal/bridgerton era plot )*

henry cavill & jodie comer  ( royal/bridgerton era plot )

daniel charman & adelaide kane  ( royal/bridgerton era plot )

daniel sharman & jodie comer  ( royal/bridgerton era plot )

plots id love to do!

single dad/nanny plots! give me something cute and angsty.

escort/client plot where she breaks the most important rule... don’t fall for your client*

this unhappily married dad/babysitter plot. *

grumpy ceo/soft assistant plots.*

royal plots! bridgerton esqued plots!

f/f socialites plot... blair/selena/upper east side inspired muses but make it gayy

college professor/teacher’s assistant plot.  ( everyone 25+ tho ) *

this zombie apocalypse/last of us inspired plot* but also any za plot.

celeb plots! especially this one. something like two super famous actors hiding their relationship or famous person/non famous plots?*

something based on lexie & mark from greys anatomy because… yes.

crimey plots? sons of anarchy inspired? or maybe m.afia/m.ob/gang stuff?*

bodyguard/client plots bc i’m a sucker for them*

soulmates plot. i have a whole lore i’ve been wanting to write out for ages so…

sugar b.aby / sugar d.addy plots ( everyone 25+ tho ) * 

best friends to lovers plots ( gimme angsty )

bellow are copy pasted from my wishlist.

someone give me a thread where this rich dude falls for the normal down to earth girl nd introduces her to his world full of private jets nd yachts nd all that stuff and yes please *

during a bank rob.bery you’re surprised when the criminals seem to recognize you and retreat in fear. only later do you learn that your high school sweet-heart now runs a global crim.e syndicate and has you placed on a “no harm” list. you decide to pay them a visit after all these years.*

Someone give me an angsty plot of “I’m pregnant and your mistress. What do you mean you won’t leave your wife?? You said you love me.” Imagine the angst when she cuts all ties with him for months and then he runs into her and she’s got this big belly. He just stands there like f.uck I do love her. I gotta win her back.

idk why but it’s hella cute to me to think about a plot of a pop star and her backup guitarist/tour manager/opening act/some sort of somebody that would be on tour. cute flirtation during rehearsals. tour bus antics. late night kisses on the balcony of a hotel room under the moonlight. paparazzi catching the loving gazes. rumors starting to swirl. just yes.

a fu.cked up modern day marriage plot where a rival m.ob boss marries his daughter, muse a, off to muse b to calm the tension between the families. at first they hate each other, but once forced to live together, they start warming up to each other, too stubborn to let it show. then one night he comes back from an important deal gone wrong, his face is f.ucked up and he’s feverish and she takes care of him all night and etc etc etc…i need it?

since i’m on a s.ugar baby phase imagine a plot where a college student is absolutely PAMPERED by annoymous guy. all he asks in return is to be remained mysterious, occasion nudes, & all the attention he craves. she’s all too willing to give it for the pretty penny he’s offering. but her birthday comes around & he surprises her with a trip to see her favorite singer / actor with vip access / meet & oh hold a second, how does he know my name ?? OH MY GOD YOU’RE MY SU.GAR DADDY !!

god i just got an imagine of a trophy wife who is way younger than her husband. as in she’s in her second year of college and he’s in his thirties. she is absolutely spoiled by him and she’s all too eager to please him in & out of bed. for all intends and purposes he seems like he’s in charge. he’s older. he has the money. yet he is so weak for her and wanting to give her the world. yet when they’re in the bedroom he f.ucks her like he doesn’t love her and she’s too into it. someone let me play this out. *

plot: you’re my best friend in the whole world and we’re saying goodbye. i sold my house, quit my job, and was supposed to move across the country for my new, dream job. but after you dropped me off at the airport i showed up at your house with all my luggage and kissed you and want to stay*

can i please have a precious lil broke girl who’s working herself to the bone as a waitress or something to put herself through college, meeting a wealthy older man who becomes totally smitten with her and wants to take care of her but she’s not used to not doing everything herself and he does stuff like renting out her entire restaurant on days she’s supposed to work bc he wants to see her, and taking her shopping so she has stuff to wear to his super fancy business galas, and constantly buying her fancy sparkly gifts, and there’s angst bc all the rich ladies are like ‘oh shes just his s.ugar baby/midlife crisis’ and she’s all ‘i don’t belong in your world’ and just please give me this xoxo *

okay so um i need a plot where this like young precious innocent lil cinnamon roll of a girl somehow stumbles upon some kinda se.xy chatroom thing (that may or may not be p.rison/inm.ate related) and starts chatting with this older guy who’s in prison (bc he was in a ga.ng or dr.ug ring or something, nothing too crazy ok) and they spend like months chatting pretty soon he convinces her to send him pictures and he gives her like d.irty little ‘missions’ (like wear vib,rating panti.es to college and take nud.es in public places and stuff like that) and then he eventually gets out of pri.son and they meet but she’s still a vi.rgin and he’s spent months not getting any and like can i please just have this debauchery

i really want a plot where a son of a dangerous and feared m.obster is put in charge of managing his father’s stri.p club and falls for one of the dancers.

i NEED a ‘we’re just about ready to sign off on our divorce papers but oh s.hit wait i think i’m pregnant and i’m a hundred percent certain it’s yours because i’m haven’t been ready to move on inti.mately just yet so maybe…, i guess, maybe we could give this another shot and try falling in love all over again’ plot, pls !

what about a s.ugar baby plot where she used to be st.ripper/ca.ll girl that is given the opportunity to drop that job in order to be full time for her high paying client. she goes from living pay check to pay check to going on vacations in ex.otic places and drinking the finest of champagne. the lifestyle is almost addicting to her so when he asks her to be his girlfriend she doesn’t think twice?? it isn’t until other girls flirt with him that she realize that feelings might be involved :))

can i pls have a plot where the guy is like a street figh.ter but he’s rly rly good and he’s trying to make an actual career out of it and actually joins a boxing gym to train and fight professional boxers but in comes the worried ex-girlfriend who’s trying to talk him out of everything and they still have feelings for each other but he’s always trying to convince her that he’s no good for her and like pushes her away constantly but he also knows he can’t live without her and she can’t live without him so she eventually decides to support him even though she’s still lowkey against it all so she goes to his fights and stuff and makes him his breakfast and does his laundry and takes care of him but there can be like arguments and lots of crying when he comes home every night with fresh w.ounds and b.ruises!!!!! imagine the angst and tears and kissing and s.ex and yelling pls gimme gimme

someone should give me a plot with this big bad ga.ng leader and his super soft and cute girlfriend that has him wrapped around her finger. like he’s a feared man, which she doesn’t really care about. and she’s there to patch him up and while he usually tries to hide her away from the cruel world he’s in whenever he isn’t there with her, she just patiently waits for him when he’s out and about doing his business and he’s so fascinated by her and no matter how much of a bad guy he is, he’s just so soft for her and he’d do anything for her!!! and then his most precious possession gets k.dnaped and shit goes down snsnsns

but like imagine you and best friend luke are just on his bed tickling each other and play fighting and then suddenly he flips you over onto your back and pins your arms above your head and he’s all smirking because he knows you wont be able to get away and your tshirt is after riding up and he gives you this wicked grin and starts blowing raspberries on your tummy and you’re giggling and squealing telling him to stop because it tickles but he just continues, but soon his raspberries turn into kisses that trail down your stomach towards the hem of your sweatpants and he looks up at you through his eyelashes as if looking for approval and you just nod your head and he starts tugging your sweats down and let’s just say you’re not exactly just friends after**

an actor or musician who kno.cks up a one night s.tand/fling while he’s shooting on location/on tour and they decide to keep the baby and co-parent platonically but she wants their kid to have a normal life so they keep their baby a secret from the press. they manage this for years, him flying out to visit when he can but he starts to get more famous and people start digging into his past and they’re exposed and have to deal with the fall out and also!! possible!! feelings!! for each other!!

please an arranged marriage between two socilaite families/ big names in their city. but like she’s still stuck in the party stage and f.ucking up because she’s upset with her parents or unhappy with her life and he’s dealing with a lot of pressure and stress from his family to take over the family bussiness and it’s just two polar opposites but it could be super cute sometimes when she gets super d.runk and he picks her up and hold her hair back when she thro.ws up and stays up to give her a glass of water and make sure she sleeps well even though he has a huge meeting in the morning that he should be resting for. but also the angst and the fights and the ‘i didnt ask for this’ and making each other jealous and se..xual tension and fcuk pls

okay so i read a fanfic with this plot and i can’t stop thinking about it and i really would love to do it with someone if anyone is interested!  basically, muse a and muse b have been best friends their entire life, they were always that duo everyone thought would end up together but things never went in a romantic route ( other than a few drunk kisses they never talked about throughout their late teens ) and now muse a has been dating his girlfriend for the last two years but was still just as close with muse b despite his girlfriend’s hidden jealousy. they’re now in their mid-twenties and muse a really wants to have a child and to start a family but his girlfriend is unable to carry them due to medical reasons. the topic of surrogates is brought up when he and muse b are hanging out one night and since she would do anything to make her best friend happy, she offers to carry his baby. after a sperm donation and a visit to the clinic, muse b finds out two weeks later that she’s pregnant and muse a couldn’t be happier and believes his girlfriend is just as over the moon as he is. unfortunately, she isn’t. it’s not until muse b is over four months pregnant that his girlfriend drops a bombshell – she doesn’t want to be a mother and she thought that she’d change her mind as things went further along but she can’t. the break up comes next and overwhelmed by the turn of events, muse b starts to panic and wonder what the hell she’s going to do. even though half of the baby’s dna is her own, she hadn’t been prepared to actually raise it but luckily muse a doesn’t bring up his expectations on the matter. he still wants to be a dad but doesn’t want to make muse b feel any pressure to be by his side when the baby is born. they don’t talk about it for the next few weeks and as time goes on, they get closer. muse a is super supportive and involved with the pregnancy, making sure to go to the doctor appointments with her and prenatal classes. he brushes off her mood swings and when she’s craving chocolate cupcakes at two in the morning, he doesn’t think twice about getting up and going to the store to get them for her. feelings start to develop and muse b comes to the conclusion that she’s inlove with him and thinks she always has been, despite wanting to push those feelings away when they were growing up. muse b also realizes that she wants to raise the baby with him and after an emotional conversation and mutual confessions come to light, they end up sleeping together and all seems like it’s falling into place. it’s not until the morning after that muse a gets a phone call from his ex, who suddenly has a change of heart and wants to get back together. to be a mother like they had originally planned… drama ensues.

when the m.ob princess meets the m.ob prince: forbi.dden love is always angsty so why not do that and add rival g.angs to the mix?  muse a is the daughter of the head boss of the local g.ang and is sick and tired of having her life controlled by her overprotective father. so, to rebel against his wishes after an argument, muse a decides to go to a nightclub that her father had always f.orbidden her to attend. unknown to her, the club is run by the rival ga.ng’s boss’ son, muse b, and not knowing who she is, can’t stop looking at her on the dance floor. they eventually bump into each other and after having a few drinks, end up at muse a’s apartment and they ho.ok up. i was thinking they both never brought up their families and their true professions and maybe start to hang out/go on dates and then bam, the truth comes out and drama begins. especially when they can’t stay away from each other.

i need a famous ship where they’re both insanely busy with album recordings & red carpets & tours & they’re trying to make this whole long distance relationship work but with the time differences & going months without seeing each other it’s difficult, not to mention all the rumors & shit. but then there’s all the cute things like showing up on tour to surprise each other & going to award shows together & just finally seeing each other again after going so long with only facetime dates, missed calls, & late night texts to get them by. honestly idek where i’m going with this i just know that i really want it ??? but like this or message me & we can figure everything out k cool  

[footyplusau]

Leigh Matthews fears Adam Goodes-like booing of Bachar Houli

Bachar Houli’s perceived special treatment by the AFL tribunal could prompt booing of the Richmond star comparable to that which marred the late stages of Adam Goodes’ career, according to Leigh Matthews.

AFL legend Matthews has backed the league’s decision to appeal the defender’s two-match ban for knocking out Carlton’s Jed Lamb, suggesting increasing his penalty could save him from a harsh on-field crowd backlash.

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World Cup scandal linked to Australia and UK

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Waleed Aly defends role in Houli tribunal …

Waleed Aly defends role in Houli tribunal row

Onslaught of criticism forces The Project host to explain why he got involved in an AFL disciplinary hearing for embattled Richmond midfielder Bachar Houli.

World Cup scandal linked to Australia and UK

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World Cup scandal linked to Australia and …

World Cup scandal linked to Australia and UK

Prince William, former British Prime Minister David Cameron, and senior figures in Australia 2022 World Cup bid are all named in a long-awaited FIFA report.

Watson threatens legal action over pay dispute

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Watson threatens legal action over pay …

Watson threatens legal action over pay dispute

Former Test allrounder Shane Watson is concerned over his eligibility in the future to play in overseas tournaments.

Team New Zealand reclaims America’s Cup

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Team New Zealand reclaims America’s Cup

Team New Zealand reclaims America’s Cup

Team New Zealand has once again won international sport’s oldest trophy by defeating Team USA 7-1 in Bermuda’s Great Sound.

Australia hammers West Indies

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Australia hammers West Indies

Australia hammers West Indies

Australia have opened their Women’s Cricket World Cup defence in ruthless fashion, cruising to an eight-wicket win over the West Indies at Taunton.

Ricciardo makes Stroll drink a shoey

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Ricciardo makes Stroll drink a shoey

Ricciardo makes Stroll drink a shoey

Daniel Ricciardo was more than happy to share his post match celebration with fellow podium finisher Lance Stroll.

Spieth sinks bunker shot to win playoff

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Spieth sinks bunker shot to win playoff

Spieth sinks bunker shot to win playoff

Jordan Spieth again showed his class at the right moment, sinking a bunker chip to win the Travelers Championship in Connecticut.

Waleed Aly defends role in Houli tribunal row

Onslaught of criticism forces The Project host to explain why he got involved in an AFL disciplinary hearing for embattled Richmond midfielder Bachar Houli.

The AFL argued on Wednesday Houli’s ban was inadequate after its lawyers pushed for a four-match suspension at the previous evening’s hearing.

After receiving references from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and television personality Waleed Aly, the tribunal cited Houli’s exemplary character in banning him for two matches.

That was despite deeming his strike on Lamb was intentional and of high impact to the head.

Matthews said the AFL failing to appeal could have put Houli in a difficult position.

“If nothing happened, poor old Bachar Houli – people hate anyone seemingly having preferential treatment,” Matthews told Adelaide’s 5AA radio station.

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“I reckon the poor bugger will get booed mercilessly by the fans who say, ‘he just got preferential treatment’ because he got the character reference from the PM and Waleed Aly.”

Richmond’s Bachar Houli’s two-match ban for knocking out Jed Lamb will be reviewed. Photo: Michael Dodge

AFL football operations manager Simon Lethlean said on Wednesday the appeal would not be based on Houli’s character.

Matthews raised the booing of retired Sydney champion Goodes by opposition fans during his final seasons as the kind of situation the AFL would want to avoid.

“I reckon Adam Goodes originally got booed a little bit because people thought he got a bit of preferential treatment off the authorities,” Matthew said.

“That is why the AFL, to me, had to appeal – to make sure any thought that there’s any preferential treatment by the system is completely nipped in the bud.”

The appeal will be heard on Thursday evening.

– AAP 

The post Leigh Matthews fears Adam Goodes-like booing of Bachar Houli appeared first on Footy Plus.

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New Post has been published on Bestnewsmag

New Post has been published on https://bestnewsmag.com/fans-to-the-front-how-internet-fandoms-are-gaming-the-music-industry/

Fans to the Front: How Internet Fandoms Are Gaming the Music Industry

How Does Online Gaming Work?

  On line gaming affords spirited or supportive video games on laptop with diverse customers, via Net or a nearby vicinity network. Now, a query arises, why it’s miles required to play in opposition to a PC as soon as you have choice to play with a individual? The solution for this question is that On-line gaming hyperlinks you with various gamers of the globe and creates such an ecosystem for you in which you could take care of every other and experience like a actual scenario.

through On-line gaming, you may subjugate a rival of this sort of nature who would not yet live in this world. The action among players is controlled through servers in internet games whilst pictures and sound are handled along with your pc. There are mass styles of Net games to pick out with. you can play complex video games directly with the assist of a rapid Net connection.

On-line gaming requires a network that includes solitary or more computer systems to paintings as servers fandoms. The computer systems of the gamers are termed as customers. clients link to the server via the Internet or a nearby community.

The server acts like a company of the internet gaming that keeps tune with selected game of the player, keeps statistics of a participant and additionally provides gossip between players.

The server acts like a company of the internet gaming that keeps tune with selected game of the player, keeps statistics of a participant and additionally provides gossip between players.

At the time of playing recreation, the server helps the movements of every participant. As members shift, play a card or blaze a weapon, the “country of the world” messages is despatched to the server by way of their computer systems then after receiving the signals server transmits these alerts to the alternative patron computer systems without delay. Any movements which you make At the time of recreation emerge on different customers’ computers. The consumer laptop then transmits the sounds and graphics hence affords the visual results for all players.

Net video games may be categorised into organizations. One organization this is on hand via centralized servers even as different group that runs through disbursed servers. Federal servers typically host the games that permit variety of customers to play simultaneously At the same time as is required in huge players video games like Ever Quest. The significant server enclosed with numerous information regarding the state of affairs for those games. the arena of game runs non-prevent around the clock, subsequently the sport keeps both you play or now not. Internet video games by no means sincerely ends, you may preserve play as in line with your choice. To start play person desires to open the patron software that connects to the grasp server of the sport.

even as in a distributed device, server software stores several excited recreation servers on clients’ Desktops. Immediately approach is utilized in video games inclusive of Fable and 3D shooters like Quake III Area and many others. these video games want very set off updates referred to as “state of the arena”. distributed servers increase the % of communique out; a solitary server hardly ever maintains up with numerous Quake players.

the game servers talk alerts to grasp server in each minute and the master server shows the addresses of each dynamic game servers. In case you need to play then you want to get the listing of lively recreation servers to be had with the grasp server. gamers can inquiry individual servers, from the records listing, regarding the category of sport exist on that server; the “ding time” and what number of players are gambling or length calls for for communicating of commands between the server and the player. players commonly choose a server of the much less ping time before they link straight to the sport server.

Top Ten List of Fandom Hottness

    This text is going out especially for my fellow female gamers, geeks, and nerds. I have taken it upon myself to make my first Top Ten Listing of Fandom Hotness. However, this List isn’t always only for the chicks. No, the boys can take a lesson from it as nicely. (Trace: that is what we say we like our men.)

Now, before I even without a doubt gets commenced, allow me to say that understand I left off you’re all time favorite. I, and also you, have to accept that. But that is my Listing. You may make your own, However, it may not be as correct, or humorous, as mine, so apprehend and read on.

To start, I have consulted several assets in the studies section of this task, and in doing so found out that there had to be some type of criteria by way of which I needed to then be capable of fairly weigh and stability my selections.

Rule One: No Limits. It’s right, aside from film and Tv indicates, I’m including some ebook and video game characters. I am now not ashamed to admit that my first real crush was on Jason from War of the Planets.

Rule Two: No actor names. It is unfair that during movies Antonio Banderas is a hottie, But in real life, he’s a gitty performing twit. And the way is it viable that the same guy who is the silky easy and dreamy voice of Puss is likewise the voice of the bee in the Nasonex advertisements? There has to be some separation, a line desires to be drawn. And except, I have no idea what humans’ names are. I know Jason Bourne, now not the actor’s name, what’s-his-face.

Rule Three: Chatter. There must be a certain amount of swooning when the call become stated to my gal friends. If eyes didn’t roll returned, the knees buckle, and a grin slide across their face at the same time as pronouncing “Oh Lord” (or there about) the man did not make the Listing.

Rule 4: The go-phase. To be as equitable as viable, and utilizing the sources and the time I had to be had, I pooled as the fairly extensive style of girls as I had access to.

Ages: from 22 to 78

Marital Status: Complete variety – Dating, Engaged, Married, Divorced (one amiable and a pair of sour), and Widowed

Orientation: This is not the Navy, I requested. 3 “Complete time” bi’s (their phrases), one “energetic” bi-curious (whatever the hell meaning), Two lesbians, Three homosexual men; and an easy dozen instantly girls rounding out the organization. 21 wonderful minds in overall, if my math is right. Optimistically, I wouldn’t believe it, upload it up once more for your self.

Rule 5: Most critical rule of all, each and each one of the ladies whose responses were considered is fans of the genera we adore and keep dear. Our fandom maybe is random, But we like our men.

However just to get you warmed up, here’s a List entitled “Additionally Ran.” There were in all likelihood 100 of them on the start, However I wittled it down taking into consideration time ans area. once more, in case your imaginary boyfriend did not make the Listing, e-me his stats and he’s going to be eligible for my next Listing of Fandom Hotness. So, without in addition ado, right here is But a sampling of quality men who for what ever motives 21 chicks could not unanimously agree on their making the Pinnacle 10:

Angel (David Boreanaz) from the Tv indicates Angel and Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen)from the film Lord of the Rings

Boromir (Sean Bean) from the movie Lord of the Rings

Davey Rice from the novels and the film Jumper (Hayden Christensen)

Dr. Yuri Zhivago from the movie Dr. Zhivago (Omar Sharif)

Hector from the film Troy (Eric Bana)

Henry”Indiana” Jones from the Indian Jones film franchise (Harrison Ford)

J.D. Of the film Thelma and Louise (Brad Pitt)

James Bond from the film Casino Royal (Daniel Craig)

Jason Bourne from novels and movie franchise (Matt Damion)

King Leonidas from the photo novel and the movie 300 (Gerard Butler)

Package “the Phantom” Walker from the movie The Phantom (Billy Zane)

Lando from the movie Star Wars: The Empire Strikes returned (Billy Dee Williams)

Logan, aka Wolverine of comedian e book, cool animated film, video game, and the X-guys film franchise (Hugh Jackman)

Nathaniel “Hawkeye” Poe from the film Remaining of the Mohicans (Daniel Day Lewis)

Nick Freeman from the film Silver Dream Racer (David Essex)

Odysseus from the made for Tv movie The Odyssey (Armand Assante)

Ouncesfrom Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Seth Inexperienced)

Private Ride from the film Glory (Denzel Washington)

Riley from the film Land of the Lifeless (Simon Baker)

Robert “Rob” Roy Mac Greggeror from the film Rob Roy (Liam Neeson

Sir William Thatcher, aka Sir Ulrich von Lichtenstein of Gelderland from the film A Knight’s Tale (Heath Ledger)

Sky Captain from the film Sky Captain and the world of The next day (Jude Regulation)

Uncas, from the film Last of the Mohicans (Eric Schweig)

Wesley, aka The Dread Pirate Roberts from the e-book and movie The Princess Bride (Cary Elwes)

Winchester Brothers, Sam and Dean from the Tv display Supernatural (Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles)

Now which you saw who did not make the Listing, here are the real winners, those lucky warm dogs who made it to the Listing entitled:

Pinnacle Ten List of Fandom Hotness 10. Lacroix, from the Forever Knight Tv collection (Nigel Bennett). He was our first study a real platinum blond vampire, and truly, who has finished it better considering that? He was a devilish cad, unreliable, unpredictable, and changed into down right evil. But we girls love his velvety clean voice that he used at his job as a radio disk jockey to send threats, bits of recommendation, or the occasional caution out to whomever turned into listening. Viva Lacroix!

nine. Richard D. Riddick, from the books, cool animated film, video video games, and the movies (Vin Disel). The bald horrific boy we like regardless of how he is supplied to us! Is there any media that this hunk of “dare now not to like me or you may get hurt like all the rest” has not yet conquered? he’s got a rock tough frame and a deep, attractive, gravely voice. He is a man looking for simplest his non-public freedom, However by no means on the cost of others. He’s alone and the Ultimate of his type, However unwilling to wallow in his unhappiness or accept your pity. He fears nothing and will press on irrespective of the risk concerned. excellent to have as a pal, no in which is safe if he is you’re enemy. Bonus Points, actor Vin Disel is a die tough, antique college, conventional pen and paper gamer.

eight. Raistlin, from the Dragonlance e-book collection and currently of an adequate lively for directly to DVD film. As a traveling associate, he became no longer the nice, who prefer to be alone and examine his spell book instead of speak at the nightly camp fireplace. His temperament ran hot and bloodless and he was continually short to factor out the failings in the whole thing. His fitness turned into chronically bad and he turned into not capable of travel rapid, pressure march, or fight lengthy. But he changed into really effective and really worth gaining knowledge of if you can hack your manner to his heart. He became devoted to his brothers and went above and beyond for his or her sake. Unlike Elrick, Raistlin is a keeper. Regrettably, authors Wise and Hickman will now not ever bring our dearly cherished lower back to life, But we are able to usually dream and hope the financial system turns in this sort of way that they really want the cash.

7. Richard “Rick” O’Connell of the mummy film franchise (Brandon Fraiser). A die difficult adventurer with a tuff as nails outside, Rick has a smooth, romantic, gooie middle. He has a boyish face and starlight in his smile. He’s taking to strain in a realistic and prudent style, screaming while empting his clip at the problem or charging it blindly with a slashing sword. Rick’s basically no longer a criminal, even though he has devoted some questionalbe acts. However, once he’s committed to a project, he’s locked heading in the right direction until the activity is completed. From lovable scamp, to committed husband, to defensive father, Rick O’Connell is a win win deal!

6. Ahmad ibn Fadlan ibn al-Abbas ibn Rashid ibn Hamad, or undeniable vintage “Ibn” to his newfound Viking companions, this darkish eyed Arab Pupil is Top drawer (Antonio Banderas). He turned into a poet with the aid of career who became banished from the lady he cherished handiest to find himself taking part in a completely real and really risky journey. He is among human beings he can not relate to, customs he can not recognize, slightly speaking a language He is forced to examine-all this in a land absolutely In contrast to any he has ever traveled to. despite the fact that the book (Eater’s of the Flesh) is superb in its own proper, seeing our main man up there on the massive screen (thirteenth Warrior), struggling via adversity and making his very own manner against the odds adhears his gentle and prone soul to us all the extra.

five. Roy Batty, from the film Blade Runner and the e-book Do Androids Dream Of electrical Sheep? (Rutger Hauer) He changed into younger, platinum blond, cleanly bare cheated, and so Complete of heat and desire and a lust for lifestyles that not anything turned into going to preserve him returned. He cared deeply for his female, Pris, and wanted for his kind, replicates, what every person wishes: a chance to live. He turned into a freedom fighter, and prefer such a lot of others, died for what he believed in. However he knew that going into it, did not he?

four. Tyr Anasazi, from the Tv show Gene Rodenberry’s: Andromada (Keith Hamilton Cobb). O.M.G. “warm” does not even begin to cowl it. he’s stoic, passionate, a brooder, and has a hard and fast of powerfully constructed fingers that wouldn’t hug you a lot as they they could envelope your quivering frame. Mmmmmm.

3. Spike, from the Tv display Buffy the Vampire Slayer (James Marsters). Josh Wheaton did “darkish” justice. He’s quite notable simply in meting out the ache on the characters you like. Spike has had extra than his truthful percentage of pain and heart ache. A poet and doting mamma’s boy in existence, negative William have become “William the Bloody” whilst he have become a vampire, and then later earned himself the nickname “Spike.” he’s got a tapered British accent, swept returned platinum blond hair, devilish Green eyes, and a smirk greater than a grin whilst he flashes his pearly whites. Spike was a piece in progress, a attempted and real unique terrible guy who over the direction of years have become now not most effective a relied on friend and allie However lover to the very lady otherwise sworn to spoil his kind. He’s the dwelling example that the terrible boy can alternate and still hold his horrific ass Status. Even when left bloodless by the girl he cherished, the very identical girl he set out to be a better guy for, he stood his ground, did now not slink back into his past, But as an alternative rose above it all and have become a better character for it.

2. Leon Scott Kennedy, of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4, video games. This dreamy, perfectly drawn hunk become simply short of becoming the unanimous hands down favored. poor, cute Leon he does not get the hazard to talk often in this first person shooter, But his voice is as intimate because the russle of bedsheets. In RE: 2 he has simply joind the Raccoon Metropolis’s Police Branch. It’s his first day at the job and moments after he clock’s in there is an infectious zombi breakout that is going from horrific to worse rather fast. Later in RE: four Leon returns as a hardened veteran authorities agent now operating in a Top secret, excessive paying, authorities role. First day in this task He’s despatched off to rescue the Presiden’t daughter who turned into Remaining visible in some far off Latavian usa. And son-of-a-gun, wouldn’t ya know it, zombies and worse are roaming the hills right here too. Fortunatly Leon is nothing if not driven, devoted, and working off an limitless reserve of patience. Makes you surprise exactly how unlimitless that patience of his his really is.

And finally, the Freshest of the new, the Most Perfect and wanted guy in all of Fandom is:

1. Thomas Wraith, of the Dresden Documents series of books. Thomas started off as a walk on character who worked his manner into the hearts of the fanatics of the books. In recent times Thomas is now about as popular as the main person, Harry Dresden. Thomas is a Vampire of the White Court docket, or extra essentially, an Incubus. However as opposed to gaining his sustenance off of hapless sufferers he mindlessly pleasures to loss of life, he’s accountable. See, Thomas is in love with a girl he can not be with and yet remains devoted too. rather than draining lady after woman dry of their lifestyles giving essences through acts of mind bending ardour, He is taking only a nip right here and there as a hairdresser in which He’s called the eccentric, adorable homosexual Frenchman, Toe’mass. whilst now not washing women’s hair or LARPing as a vampire in a vampire LARP, Thomas is out with brother Harry Dresden thwarting the forces of evil. And when not combating again the encroaching tied of darkness with Harry, he is out on his personal, fighting in a Shadow Conflict against an entire ‘nuther layer of evil. An upcoming novella explains all and with a bit of luck it will be the catalyst for an upcoming spin-off of his very own ebook series. (permit’s get that letter writing marketing campaign commenced women!)

well, That’s it, my Top Ten Selections of Fandom Hotness. I have noticed a startling fashion in what we fan girls pass for – the Vampiric, Byronic Movement Hero, essentially blond, properly muscled, a little dangerous, But in the end dedicated to his woman love.

The Best Internet Business

  What’s the Best Net Commercial enterprise?

There are several Web Host giants on the Internet that offer non-public label rebranding to small Business owners. This might be the Fine opportunity to “piggyback” on properly-set up agencies if you are just beginning out in Net advertising. This gateway for unlimited wealth is made viable due to the growing demand for virtual advertising in areas which might be outside the scope of these large corporations.

On the way to gain a share of the marketplace, those corporate Web groups provide reseller plans to small businesses which take their services and products, rebrand them and sell to Enterprise owners at an income. these merchandises consist of area name offerings, Web web hosting, online garage, Business productiveness software program, and gear.

There’s pretty an advantage in being a small Commercial enterprise store due to the fact one is capable of customizing their Commercial enterprise at the nearby degree and meet the demands in their developing market on the arena Extensive Internet. Let’s look at the definition of virtual marketing to understand why the call for has grown drastically over the past many years.

What is digital advertising

digital marketing involves all features that are geared towards promoting on line Business sports. This includes but isn’t restricted to services and products in subcategories along with area name registration, Net web hosting, email marketing, Internet layout and development, software program applications, sales and advertising, social media marketing and session, and all medium thru which companies and individuals put it on the market and market their products on-line.

Retail advertising and marketing

Retail advertising refers to sports geared towards stop customers of a web-based totally Commercial enterprise solution which include domain names registration, Net design offerings, software apps for Enterprise and personal use, social media control, Net website hosting and other activities that promote on-line conversation.

As the need for Business answers intensifies, Enterprise persons come to be more and more worried about meeting the needs of the web industry, and consequently, the pros and Cons of the Internet Enterprise come to be relevant.

The Cons of virtual advertising and marketing

One might assume that the extra clients you have got, is the more earnings you are in all likelihood to acquire however the truth be informed, the extra the Commercial enterprise turns into greater challenged because of competition, need for online bandwidth, Net creativity, specialty, and need for customer support because of growth in client queries and the need for technical aid.

the professionals of digital marketing

Luckily, a few Web hosting reseller marketing strategy come with unbiased customer support crew that manages issues and queries of customers on their behalf. Another effective element approximately being a website reseller is the dealing with of bills and processing of income. As an internet hosting reseller, you’re given the opportunity to re-price your products to earn commissions from your personal Commercial enterprise.

Any other seasoned for being a reseller is the fact that beginning your virtual marketing Enterprise does no longer require an exorbitant startup price nor excessive overhead fees to perform successfully, nor initial products, compared to different on-line ventures. merchandise are sold through the distributors but your non-public label is displayed discreetly inside the income operation and therefore your Enterprise receives the credit!

[zayzaycom]

On Digital HD, and on Blu-ray April 4th 

Fans go behind the scenes with filmmakers and cast for a revealing look at the stories behind the first Star Wars standalone film

BURBANK, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2017) — Lucasfilm’s “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” the first of the Star Wars standalone films, has established its place within the Star Wars universe and the hearts of moviegoers, becoming the seventh highest-grossing film of all time in the U.S. Fans can own the epic action-adventure thriller — nominated for two Academy Awards® — early on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on March 24, and on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and On-Demand on April 4.

Never-before-seen “Rogue One” bonus material will take fans behind the scenes with the movie’s diverse, dynamic cast and inspired team of filmmakers. An intimate collection of stories reveals how the film came to life, as well as hidden Easter Eggs and film facts that audiences may have missed in the theater.

Bonus features include*:

A Rogue Idea – Hear how ILM’s legendary VFX wizard John Knoll came up with the movie’s concept and pitched it to producer Kathleen Kennedy – and why it’s the right film to launch the Star Wars standalone films.

Jyn: The Rebel – Get to know the defiant, resourceful survivor at the heart of “Rogue One,” and find out what it was like for actor Felicity Jones to bring her to life on-screen.

Cassian: The Spy – Actor Diego Luna shares insights into his complex, driven character, who rises to heroic action through selflessness, perseverance and passion.

K-2SO: The Droid – Explore the development of this reprogrammed Imperial enforcer droid, from initial pitch and character design to the scene-stealing personality and humor that actor Alan Tudyk brings.

Baze & Chirrut: Guardians of the Whills – Go deeper into the relationship between these two very different characters, and examine their essential contribution to the team, with Chinese superstars Jiang Wen and Donnie Yen.

Bodhi & Saw: The Pilot & The Revolutionary – Actors Forest Whitaker and Riz Ahmed reflect on Saw Gerrera, broken leader of the rebellion’s extremist faction, and Bodhi Rook, the Imperial cargo pilot whose defection sets the story in motion.

The Empire – Meet a dangerous new adversary, the Director of Advanced Weapons Research for the Imperial Military … and cross paths once more with the most iconic villain of all time.

Visions of Hope: The Look of “Rogue One” – The filmmakers describe the challenges and thrills of developing a bold new look for the movie that can fit within the world of the original trilogy.

The Princess & The Governor – See what it took to bring the vibrant young princess of “Star Wars: A New Hope” – as well as one of her most memorable foes­ – back to the screen.

Epilogue: The Story Continues – Filmmakers and cast celebrate the premiere of “Rogue One” – and look forward into the future, to the Star Wars stories yet to be told.

Rogue Connections – Uncover Easter eggs and film facts hidden throughout the movie that connect “Rogue One” to the Star Wars universe.

  “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is directed by Gareth Edwards (“Godzilla,” “Monsters”) and produced by Kathleen Kennedy, p.g.a., Allison Shearmur, p.g.a. (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “Cinderella”) and Simon Emanuel, p.g.a. (“The Dark Knight Rises”). Veteran ILM visual effects supervisor John Knoll, (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest) whom shares a long history with the Star Wars films, is executive producer alongside Jason McGatlin (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “War of the Worlds”). The story is by John Knoll and Gary Whitta (“The Book of Eli,” “After Earth”), and the screenplay was written by Chris Weitz (“The Golden Compass,” “About a Boy”) and Tony Gilroy (“The Bourne Legacy,” “Michael Clayton”).

Felicity Jones (“The Theory of Everything,” “Like Crazy”) heads up the cast and stars opposite Diego Luna (“Milk,” “Elysium”). Joining them are Ben Mendelsohn (“Bloodline,” “Animal Kingdom”), Mads Mikkelsen (“Casino Royale,” TV’s “Hannibal”), Alan Tudyk (“Frozen,” “I, Robot”), Riz Ahmed (“Nightcrawler,” “Jason Bourne”) and Forest Whitaker (“The Last King of Scotland,” “The Butler”). The film also welcomes two of China’s biggest stars, Donnie Yen (“Ip Man,” “Blade II”) and Jiang Wen (“Let the Bullets Fly,” “The Sun Also Rises”). In addition, Anthony Daniels (“Star Wars: A New Hope,” “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”) reprises his role of C-3PO, marking his eighth appearance in a Star Wars film.

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To create the distinctive and contemporary look of the film, Edwards chose revered cinematographer Greig Fraser (“Zero Dark Thirty,” “Foxcatcher”). Visual effects supervisors John Knoll and Mohen Leo (Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man,” “The Martian”) team up with special effects supervisor Neil Corbould (“Black Hawk Down,” “Saving Private Ryan”) and ILM animation supervisor Hal Hickel (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” “Iron Man”). Star Wars veteran Doug Chiang (Star Wars Episodes I and II, “Forrest Gump”) and Neil Lamont (supervising art director on “The Force Awakens” and the “Harry Potter” film series) join forces as production designers, and Neal Scanlan (“Prometheus”) returns to do special creature effects, having recently worked on “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Additional key crew include costume designers Dave Crossman (costume supervisor on The Force Awakens and the “Harry Potter” film series) and Glyn Dillon (“The Force Awakens” and “Kingsman: The Secret Service” costume concept artist), as well as stunt coordinator Rob Inch (“The Force Awakens,” “World War Z”).

The music is by composer Michael Giacchino (“Star Trek Beyond,” “Zootopia”), with original Star Wars music by John Williams. The editors for the film are John Gilroy, ACE (“Nightcrawler,” “The Bourne Legacy”), Jabez Olssen (“The Hobbit” trilogy) and Colin Goudie (“Monsters”).

Website: http://www.starwars.com/rogue-one Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StarWarsMovies Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWars Instagram: http://instagram.com/StarWarsMovies YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/starwars

The Mission Comes Home Get “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” Early On March 24th On Digital HD, and on Blu-ray April 4th  Fans go behind the scenes with filmmakers and cast for a revealing look…

[furynewsnetwork]

Milo Yiannopoulos is a man who needs no introduction.  In fact, he is the kind of man whose persona precedes him.  Before people have actually seen Milo’s talks or read his work, they’ve already been informed of precisely the kind of person he is. This prejudgment of Milo has served as his greatest foil, effectively creating an entire mythos with which to rebuff.  Milo, the man, is brave, intelligent, iconoclastic, and a born rebel.  Milo, the myth, is cruel, petty, ill-informed, and a degenerate.  This tale of two Milo’s can be understood as an inability to comprehend the persuasive power of provocation.  Provocation is vital to Milo’ communication style and a key component to his success.  However, the failure of journalists, celebrities, and intelligentsia to understand this strategy has allowed Milo’s greatest strength to be weaponized against him.

Milo’s provocateur persona requires a level of bombast, or truthful-hyperbole as President Trump would call it.  By adopting an extreme position, or employing strong language, an argument is transformed into a lightning rod for discussion.  This is particularly true of critically important social issues such as equality between the races (a common topic at Milo’s lectures), where resolutions are mired by obfuscating rhetoric and political posturing.  Provocation triggers strong emotional reactions.  These emotional reactions then trigger ever more reactions in an exponential fashion.  Given these effects, provocation is highly effective as a tool for reaching an audience and generating discussion.

In both his verbal and written communications, Milo delivers his perspective with an acerbic tongue, slicing through the quagmire called political discourse.  He eschews the decorum and etiquette of polite political conversation with caustic tone, taking aim at a wide array of protected social targets.  As a provocateur, Milo impolitely exposes failed political policies, destructive social conventions, and outright falsehoods masquerading as obvious truths.  While on his college tour, Milo exposed dictatorial professors (West Virginia University professor Daniel Brewster), dishonest journalists (Shaun King, now a contributor to The Young Turks network), and hate-crime hoaxers (of which Milo chronicled over a hundred instances of faked hate crimes since 2007).  Unsurprisingly, this tactic has created a frothing, and largely hysterical opposition eager to hurt Milo’s reputation, checking account, and whenever possible, his person.

At times Milo’s aplomb is his undoing.  The blade of the provocateur can cut both ways, a fact evidenced by the recent ‘pedophilia’ controversy which cost Milo a spot at CPAC, his book deal with Simon and Schuster, and potentially his job as Technology Editor at Breitbart.  In his perpetual attempt to be shocking and edgy, Milo creates opportunities to be victimized by his cultural and political enemies.  In a Shakespearean way, Milo has been hoisted by his own petard.  Ultimately, this is the fatal position all provocateurs eventually find themselves in.  There are taboos (such as the sexual conduct of minors) that is so emotionally charged as to be too intractable, and therefore unresponsive to the persuasive language of the provocateur.  While it is the job of the provocateur to push back against the eminent taboos of their culture, some taboos prove too monolithic to be moved by mere words.  As an aside, It should be observed by the reader that if Milo’s critics cannot even spell the word ‘pedophile’, then it probably is not reasonable to expect they can process the nuanced language and coy dismissal of the subject as displayed by Milo in the embedded video above.

The reporting of Milo’s ‘Dangerous Faggot’ college tour, his journalistic work, and interviews intentionally sidestep the performance aspect of Milo’s presentation.  Taken at face value, Milo’s speech can be shocking, crude, and even inflammatory.  By his own admission, innate to the ‘Yiannopolous’ character (Milo’s birthname is actually Hanrahan) is the spirit of a stand-up comedian.  Aside from being an effective strategy for communication, provocation is also essential to comedy.  Provocateurs are social gad-fly’s.  Ultimately the point of provocation isn’t necessarily truth-seeking, but agitating.  The provocateur travels to the edge of what is socially permissible, showing us a new and previously unimaginable linguistic terrain.  Through their speech, provocateurs invite us to experiment with these exhilaratingly fresh intellectual paradigms.  True and lasting social change lies in that new terrain, but we must embrace risk to realize that potential.  To be a provocateur is to openly and enthusiastically court danger, and we as a community must rally around our provocateurs.  The essence of provocation is free thought and free speech; people like Milo serve to remind us what exactly that looks like.

The post In Defense of Milo: An argument for provocation appeared first on The Libertarian Republic.

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