#visitors; mr. greenway

[alonggoodbye]

she tries not to watch him too closely (really!), but it's hard not to focus on merc when he's on stage. his persona shifts when he plays with the crypt sleepers; he's letting out pent up feelings, but his shoulders feel more loose. he seems... free in a way she doesn't see when he's at the funeral home. sheri watches from the back of the dive bar with rapt attention, finger tracing along the edges of her drink glass.

He pretends that he hasn't seen her, but the lights are low enough that he can make out her face beyond the crowd. Despite the effort, when Mathias locks eyes with Nick, he is aware the Winters siblings know what (or who) has shaken his concentration. There's no hiding it. They've practised this song for weeks and the intro is now two bars longer than it's supposed to be (for fuck sake)! Another two-bar repeat and the trio cover the mistake well enough that only those who have heard the song before would be aware of the change.

When he finally starts on the lyrics, his voice has a nervous waiver like every fibre of his being shivers at the thought of Sheri's dark eyes focused on him. The sound of his pulse rushes in his head louder than the bass drum and the audience's heavy foot falls as they dance to the beat. He feels flushed, eager to please- Bewitched. Suddenly, his lips feel too close to the cold microphone and too far from the skin he's been dreaming about. The once near-paralyzing thought of her out there takes hold of him, possesses him, pushes him to perform, and his body obeys.

The abrupt punch of enthusiasm elicits a roar of delight from the front of the stage which pulls the corner of his lips up into a crooked, cocky smile.

Whatever you do, keep your eyes on me.

His ears strain for the sound of her voice cheering for them. Mathias knows full well that life will pull them apart again after this set is over- it always does- and he's trying hard to hold her here with him in this moment. He wants, no, needs to know that Sheri's going to be haunted by the thought of him for weeks. Millie's mocking voice rings in his head: 'pshhh... You dog!'

[ulkaralakbarova]

Scientists and US Air Force officials fend off a blood-thirsty alien organism while investigating at a remote arctic outpost. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Captain Patrick Hendry: Kenneth Tobey Nikki: Margaret Sheridan Dr. Arthur Carrington: Robert Cornthwaite Ned ‘Scotty’ Scott: Douglas Spencer Lt. Eddie Dykes: James Young Crew Chief Bob: Dewey Martin Lt. Ken ‘Mac’ Erickson: Robert Nichols Corporal Barnes: William Self Tex Richards: Nicholas Byron Dr. Stern: Eduard Franz Dr. Redding: George Fenneman Prof. Voorhees: Paul Frees Prof. Wilson: Everett Glass Dr. Lorenz: Norbert Schiller Prof. Ambrose: Edmund Breon Dr. Chapman: John Dierkes Mrs. Chapman: Sally Creighton ‘The Thing’: James Arness Gen. Fogarty: David McMahon Bill Stone (uncredited): Bill Neff Film Crew: Stunts: Sol Gorss Production Manager: Walter Daniels Music Director: Dimitri Tiomkin Screenplay: Charles Lederer Director of Photography: Russell Harlan Producer: Howard Hawks Art Direction: Albert S. D’Agostino Set Decoration: Darrell Silvera Sound: Clem Portman Director: Christian Nyby Stunts: Dick Crockett Hairstylist: Larry Germain Costume Designer: Michael Woulfe Editor: Roland Gross Stunts: Leslie Charles Makeup Supervisor: Lee Greenway Set Decoration: William Stevens Stunts: Tom Steele Associate Producer: Edward Lasker Stunts: Duke Taylor Stunts: Bob Morgan Art Direction: John Hughes Stunts: Ken Terrell Special Effects: Linwood G. Dunn Novel: John W. Campbell Jr. Stunts: Teddy Mangean Assistant Director: Arthur Siteman Sound: Phil Brigandi Special Effects: Donald Steward Camera Operator: Landon Arnett Stunts: Russell Saunders Special Effects Technician: Thol Simonson Stunts: Bill Lewin Movie Reviews: John Chard: There are no enemies in science, only phenomena to be studied. The Thing from Another World is set at The North Pole and finds a bunch of U.S. airmen, scientists and a journalist getting more than they bargained for when they investigate a space craft frozen in the ice. What is most striking about the film is the basic human story of team work, the pulling together of mankind during a crisis, this theme is a big shift from the short story by John W Campbell Jr. (Who Goes There?). Where that story and later John Carpenter’s wonderful remake focused on paranoia and mistrust, this film is something of the “polar” opposite (literally) as regards the group in peril. It bears all the hallmarks of producer Howard Hawks, who clearly influenced Nyby’s direction. The script, with its pros and cons of a military and scientific society, is very much of its time, blending po-faced observations with straight backed joviality. But this all works in the film’s favour and helps define it as one of the most important science fiction pictures ever made. Along with the other major sci-fi movie of 1951, “The Day the Earth Stood Still”, “TTFAW” firmly brought the visitor from outer space idea into the public conscious. But where the former film intellectualised the alien visitor, resplendent with a message of worth, the latter is about terror, pushing forward the notion that the visitor here is a monster that wants to drink our blood and attempt World domination. No major effects work is needed here because one of the pic’s highlights is only glimpsing the creature (James Arness) in little snippets, and this after we are made to wait for some time before things really kick off. This begs us to think for ourselves as regards this stalking menace, putting us firmly with this intrepid group of people, and we want to see them survive and we do care if they can or do succeed. The low end budget doesn’t hamper the atmosphere or flow, in fact Nyby, Hawks, cinematographer Russell Harlan and music maestro Dimitri Tiomkin, work wonders to ensure there’s a level of authenticity to the Arctic base and that peril is never far away. Not hindered by many of the clichés that would dominate similar themed genre pieces that followed it, film neatly taps into fears that were to become prevalent as the 1950s wore on. It may not be perf...

[wandereraway]

C.S. Lewis Square

402 A20 Belfast, Northern Ireland United Kingdom

Step into Narnia at this small park featuring statues from "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."

C.S. Lewis Square features over 300 native trees as well as statues by artist Maurice Harron who was inspired by characters from C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

The square is a public space commemorating the Belfast-born author, C.S. Lewis whose beloved Chronicles of Narnia series included the title. The sculptures depict both heroic and villainous characters as well as key props from the book, including Mr. Tumnus, Maugrim, the White Witch, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, the Stone Table, the Robin, and, overlooking them all, Aslan the Lion.

Know Before You Go

C.S. Lewis Square is located at the intersection of the Connswater and Comber Greenways, beside the EastSide Visitor Centre.

(via Atlas Obscura)

Send me some gas money!

[effiethebookworm]

TSE Appreciation Week Day 3!

Hi again! Wow, almost halfway done with TSE Appreciation Week ALREADY? No way. If only it could be TSE Appreciation Month....... *wistful sigh* Here’s the fanfiction for Day Three! This one wasn’t my best one. I started out with a ton of motivation, but quickly lost it. Anyway, I hope you like it.

Idony and Melody

I sit next to the cold window, the smell of smoke wafting from the fireplace in the corner. I touch the windowpane, feel the frost seeping through, and quickly remove my hand. The children are out sledding today, but I decided to stay in. I dislike the cold, and wanted a bit of peace. The door to the room opens, and I hear my mother's boots stepping on the wooden floors.

“Idony, we have a new child with us.” I turn my face towards her, and get up from the window seat. I hear a smaller set of shoes now, coming into the room.

“Hello, what's your name?” I ask. My mother replies.

“This is Melody. Noah found her by the docks.”

“How are you doing, Melody?” Silence.

“Idony, Melody is mute.” I keep my smile on, although I no longer feel happy. Melody will be a new challenge. How will I keep track of her? I grope for my umbrella, and reach in Melody's direction.

“May I feel your face?” A hand grabs mine and squeezes. “I'm blind, you see.” The hand squeezes twice, and I reach up the arm and find the face. It has an upturned nose, long eyelashes that are damp with snow, full lips, and short curly hair.

“Mother, how do you know Melody's name?”

“She wrote it out in the snow for me when I asked.”

“So she knows how to write her name. Melody, can you read?” I ask. Her chin moves up and down.

“Wonderful. Do you know where your parents are?” Her chin moves up and down again.

“Perfect! Are they here in Greenway?” She pauses a moment, and then shakes her head. A moment later, she nods.

“Did you run away from home?” Another head shake.

“Did your parents abandon you?” Head shake.

“Did they die?” A nod. I reach onto her cheeks and feel tears. I grab a handkerchief from my pocket and dry her eyes. “I am very sorry to hear that, Melody.” She sniffles.

“Please take Melody to her room.” My mother says from the doorway.

“Yes, Mother.” Taking my umbrella in one hand and Melody's hand in the other, I take her upstairs to the girl's quarters. I don't really need the umbrella, I know the orphanage halls like I know the sound of my brother's voice, but it makes me feel safer. We get to the room, and I tell Melody,

“This is your new room. Find a bunk with nothing on it, and it's yours.” She lets go of my hand, and walks towards the bunks.

“The bell will ring at five for supper. The girls bathroom is the door to the right.” I point to my right, where I know the bathroom is. “Welcome to the St. Claire Orphanage, Melody.”

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Baysmore! Welcome to the St. Claire Orphanage. You're right on time for your appointment! My name is Idony St. Claire, and my mother owns the orphanage. Are you interested in adopting a child?”

“Yes. May we meet some of the girls?” A deep voice says.

“Certainly. Please follow me.” I lead them upstairs to the girls wing. Most of the girls are downstairs, playing or helping with chores, but a few stay up here and read.

“We have visitors, girls.” I can hear them scrambling into a neat line.

The Baysmores pass me to look at the girls.

“Hello, what's your name?” Mrs. Baysmore says.

Anna speaks up. “That's Melody. She's mute.”

The Baysmores quickly move on to the next girl, and I sigh. Melody has been here for three months now, and she has gotten that response on every single visit. As the Baysmores move down the line, I hear the rejected girls go back to their activities. It doesn't seem to bother them, being rejected so many times. I've talked to a few who actually don't want to be adopted. They want to stay until the age of eighteen and then go out into the world on their own. I know a few who have, and become successful workers and even business owners. I hear the Baysmores walking towards me, along with a girl.

“Miss St. Claire, do you have a foster option? We don't want anything final quite yet.”

“Oh, certainly!” I say. “If you'll just come downstairs with me, you can fill out the paperwork. Also, may I ask which girl you chose?”

“Me!” Rebecca says. The Baysmores sound confused.

“Why did you ask? Don't you know her name?” I laugh a bit.

“Of course I do. Can't you tell that I'm blind?”

“Oh my, I'm so sorry,” Mrs. Baysmore says.

“No reason to apologize.” I say. “Let's go fill out those forms.”

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

“Hello, and welcome to the St. Claire Orphanage. Today is our annual Adoption Fair!”

Claps from the small crowd.

“This year, we decided that instead of having the girls' line on one side and the boys' on the other, they are grouped by age. Remember to look at all ages, not just the babies. All of the children are wonderful, and many would find amazing homes with your families. So, let the annual Adoption Fair begin!” More claps, and a few whistles. A very loud, high frequency squeaking noise.

“Enel, please stop. No one wants to go deaf today.”

The squeaking stops, and I hear giggles. I grab hold of my umbrella, and walk down the wooden ramp of the outdoor stage. The air is warm and at a perfect humidity level, perfect early summer weather. Child voices mingle with adult voices, and I hear laughter and even singing.

“This might be our most successful fair yet,” I hear a familiar voice say from a few paces away.

“Noah!” I rush towards my brother, and his arms envelop me. “How long have you and Papa been back?”

“A few hours. I have great news.”

“You and dad can stay forever?” I touch his face, and feel a slight frown. It disappears quickly when he says,

“Nope. I got accepted into medical school in the East!” I gasp. “That is amazing! Now you'll get to be a doctor, just like you've dreamed!” And maybe help me see again, I think, but don't say.

“The bad news is, I'll have to leave in the fall.”

“Oh, okay. But you usually do leave in the fall.”

“I'll have to stay until next spring.”

My face falls. “So long? Don't you get Christmas off?”

“Yes, but only two weeks. It takes a month to sail from Gallitan to Cedulan, where the school is.”

“Oh.” We are both silent for a while. “Well, I guess I'd better see how the fair is coming.” I say.

“And I ought to go unpack.” Noah squeezes my shoulder, and then lets go. I walk towards the noise of the crowd.

“How are you doing?” I ask a person at the edge of a cluster.

“Pretty well.” She responds very slowly and nasally. It is very hard to understand her.

“That's good!” I say. “Have you met any of the kids yet?” There is a long pause, and then a male voice says, “No, we haven't. I know this is an odd question, but do you have any deaf children here? We specifically want a deaf child.”

I am confused. “No, I'm afraid we don't. Is there any particular reason you want a deaf child?”

The woman speaks again, very slowly, and with a slight stutter.

“When I was a child, until r-recently, I was deaf. I had a surg-g-surgery last year so that I could hear. That is why I s-speak so s-s-slowly. I only learned to talk last year. I have-have been making a kind of speaking, but with hands. I call it S-Sign Language, and I want a child that I can teach it to. I al-also know the hardships of being deaf, so I might be a better mother than someone who has h-heard all her life.

“Oh, my. I am sorry that we don't have any deaf children.” Suddenly, an idea hits me. “We do have a mute girl. She can read and write, but she cannot speak. Do you think that she would work?”

“Yes!” The man says enthusiastically. “May we meet her?”

“Right this way, please.” I tell them. I walk over to a voice I recognise as Kulie, one of Melody's roommates.

“Kulie, do you know where Melody is?” Kulie looks around, at least, that's what it sounds like, and says, “There. 2 o'clock, straight shot.”

“Thank you Kulie.” I lead the couple over to Melody.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

“Melody? Melody! I know you can hear me!” I almost trip over a see-saw, but catch myself with my umbrella just in time.

“Melody! Come out. You need to go home with your new parents. Please, Melody.”

I hear a small whimper from inside the slide tower, about twenty feet away. The orphanage playground is huge, full of nooks and crannies and tiny secret passages perfect for hide-and-go-seek, but terrible for finding kids. I walk slowly over to the tower, carefully sweeping my umbrella in front of me before every step.

“Melody, please. You will love it with your new family, they have a big house, and a cat, and a big yard, and a big family of kids next door who you can play with. The mom used to be deaf and mute, and she can teach you how to speak with your hands. You liked her when you met her, remember?” I use the voice that I use to comfort sick babies. I am at the foot of the slide now, and I can hear Melody whimpering at the top.

“Melody, I know that change is scary, but you need to accept it. It's going to happen whether you like it or not. You need to come down by yourself. It's your choice. You don't have a choice on whether you're adopted or not, but you need to come down on your own. I'll wait for you.” I stand at the bottom of the slide for a moment, and then I hear the squeaky whoosh of Melody coming down the slide. She takes my hand, and squeezes. I take my handkerchief out of the pocket of my pinafore, and use it to wipe her eyes.

“Come on, sweetie. Let's get you to your new home.”

The End

[alonggoodbye]

The moment her eyes grow dull Mathias feels a shudder run up his spine and everything stops. The traffic, the breeze, the noise— everything. It’s as if the whole world is holding its breath in anticipation of something great. Millie holds their wounds together in a vice grip that he’s too shocked to break. However, the true panic sets in when he catches the sight of a seagull that is frozen in the sky mid-flight.

His yelp of surprise is muffled to his own ears and Millie, the only other thing that seemed to be moving, did not stir. Her breathing is steady and he almost thinks he can hear it beat in the quiet; as if it was keeping time.

“Millie?" Her name is less of a question and more of an unnamed plea. He shakes their hands in an attempt to elict some sort of response from her while trying to keep some measure of calm. "Hey!"

The sudden squeeze of her hand catches him off guard and his face twists. Once more, the feeling of dread washes through him and he shudders. He's initially deaf to her words once the world starts moving again.

"Erm..." He takes a long moment to process her question (and everything before that), eyes locking on her fingers tending to her flesh wound. "Yes?"

"Tsh. Of course you know that."

There was a time when his quick consent to such a request would have surprised her, back when they were overgrown teenagers masquerading as adults during the early bloom of their friendship. She found Mathias so intimidating then, serious, burdened by familial obligation and his own young success. Time has since lifted the black veil on the uncompromising lad she met nearly a decade ago, revealing him to possess a glimmer of mischief, a caustic wit, a proclivity for the unusual, and a singular unselfishness like she's never known.

There's no one she'd rather make a blood pact with. Mathias is the only person worth the trouble.

She mirrors the cutting motion on her forearm using a thorn in the center of her palm. Her hand comes away from the laceration red and faintly iridescent like an oil slick.

"You drive a tough bargain, but you're kind of killing it today." Credit where it's due: she wouldn't have done this in traffic if he hadn't already taken the initiative. Millie clasps his hand gently in hers. "I'll sign whatever you want."

As they shake hands, her grip begins to tighten slowly, involuntarily. A boozy sensation sluices into her bloodstream with the sinking bite of prickles into his palm. Her expression slackens into a placid trance as she squeezes. Blood drips from their joined hands onto the lid of her coffee cup. The first twitch of pain flashes suddenly across his face and she jerks back, dropping his hand with a gasp.

"Sorry, Murky. That was — um." She laughs sheepishly. The thought goes unfinished. From the glove compartment, Millie produces a packet of tissues and peels off a few to dab at the punctures. "Are your tendons okay?"

[dipulb3]

Sweet memories of Eddie’s as Witt’s - Forest Hills is known for tennis music and of course ice cream! Eddie’s Sweet Shop at 105-29 Metropolitan Avenue is likely the longest continuously operating ice cream parlor in New York City. In July 1979 art...

New Post has been published on https://appradab.com/sweet-memories-of-eddies-as-witts-forest-hills-is-known-for-tennis-music-and-of-course-ice-cream-eddies-sweet-shop-at-105-29-metropolitan-avenue-is-likely-the-longest-con/

Sweet memories of Eddie’s as Witt’s - Forest Hills is known for tennis music and of course ice cream! Eddie’s Sweet Shop at 105-29 Metropolitan Avenue is likely the longest continuously operating ice cream parlor in New York City. In July 1979 art...

Three generations of the Citrano family.

slideshow

Forest Hills is known for tennis, music and, of course, ice cream! Eddie’s Sweet Shop at 105-29 Metropolitan Avenue is likely the longest continuously operating ice cream parlor in New York City.

In July 1979, artist Randy Jones sketched “The Great Ice Cream Safari” comic strip for The New York Times, which featured an elephant touring ice cream parlors. Eddie’s Sweet Shop was saved for last, and a patron on a stool said “This antique parlor would make a fine trophy in the Smithsonian!”

That is just as true today, as patrons encounter vintage Coca-Cola signs and stained-glass windows reading “Candy” and “Ice Cream.”

Visitors can sit on the same cast-iron swivel stools their great-grandparents sat on and enjoy a sundae or a float at the mahogany-and-marble counter facing one of the first electric Frigidaire freezers.

The authentic ambiance also features a honeycomb-pattern mosaic floor, tin ceiling with rose-stamped molding, leaded glass windows with a sunburst-and-tulip motif, and tapestry appointed woodwork topped off by a wall clock made by the Seth Thomas Clock Company.

Built in 1925, around the mid-1940s the shop was renamed Witt’s Ice Cream & Confectionery after owner William Witt, a German immigrant. When Witt retired in 1968, he sold the shop to the Citrano family.

Giuseppe and his son Vito Citrano and wife Angelina are cherished Forest Hills personalities. Three generations worked alongside one another until Vito’s grandpa, also Vito, passed away in 1995.

“We feel so happy to see that Eddie’s Sweet Shop served generations of customers through the years we have been here,” said the younger Vito. “My father showed me not to be afraid to work hard. When it’s time to make hot fudge, I will keep stirring until it’s right, no matter how late it is or tired I am.”

“We had many proposals at Eddie’s, and the first wedding ceremony in front of our doors a few months ago,” added Angelina. “We were honored!”

Much of the shop’s history prior to 1968 is undocumented, but is being rediscovered thanks to the memories of patrons.

Michael Dillon has lived around the corner on Nansen Street since 1953, and after playing ball in the street with his friends, Witt’s was the go-to place.

“In the mid-60s while working at Associated Food Stores on Metropolitan Avenue, I was fortunate to deliver sugar and get a glimpse of all the wonderful ice cream-making machines,” he said. “The Witts were always such kind and lovely people, who always reminded me of the ideal grandma and grandpa.”

“My father, Joseph proposed to my mother Clara at Witt’s,” said Joe Burchill, who lived on Greenway Terrace. “It was a fine treat for our parents to take my sisters and I on a walk there in the summer, and we always sat in mom and dad’s booth, which was the first towards the back.”

John Mattis lived on Loubet Street and now lives near Tampa.

“I remember watching Mr. Witt pack the containers, really pushing the ice cream into them as hard as he could,” he said. “Later on, when I would get ice cream from other places and watched them pack it gingerly, I realized how much the Witts always did the right thing for their family of customers.”

Northern California resident Nick Covell feels fortunate to have lived in Forest Hills.

“I delivered the Long Island Press there in 1956,” he said. “When I collected for the 40 cents a week bill, Bill Witt used to give me a 35-cent malted for a tip, a big deal for a 13-year-old kid.”

Paul Hettler was raised on Kessel Street.

“My dad and I would walk there every Saturday, and he would buy me a vanilla ice cream soda which cost about a quarter,” he recalled. “A few years later, when I was old enough to walk alone, I would get the ice cream soda and give Mr. Witt a quarter. This went on for several weeks, when finally he quietly told me they haven’t been a quarter for several years.”

Nancy Jeanne O’Connor was raised on Manse Street between 69th and 70th avenues.

“Our Lady of Mercy had processions of the little girls, usually on Holy Thursday and the Feast of Corpus Christi, and many of us went to Witt’s afterward with our friends and parents,” she said. “Now my siblings and I have the pleasure of introducing the next generation to Eddie’s, and it is always a special treat for them.”

Phyllis Pellitteri Cush especially remembers marshmallow sundaes and quality time at Witt’s after swim meets at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs.

“My friends and I used to storm into Witt’s at one time and take over the whole shop,” she said. “Sometimes there weren’t enough seats for us. I cannot forget the icicles in our hair!”

Andrea Stone also recalled swim meets followed by banana splits and chocolate egg creams. Witt’s was also a tradition after middle-school dances at The Community House.

“I told a friend in Colorado that Witt’s is now Eddie’s Sweet Shop, and he said that he can’t wait to try it the next time he goes to New York City,” she said. “I love that it still looks the same.”

[hraunwyf-a]

@monstricidal

The days she comes into town with the bed of the Silverado full of flowers always seem like the best—not only does the entire truck smell wonderful with the breeze sweeping through, but people stop and stare and smile at the bright burst of color she brings carefully through the streets, until she pulls carefully into the parking lot of Greenway Flowers & Gifts. Sure, it's a long drive, and the wind's sure to have taken a few petals with it, but she couldn't abide a cab and suffocate any of her carefully grown blooms like that.

Deliveries are always easy, as well as pleasant. What Loki doesn't need at home for medicine she can spare here, and there's always an excess of queen anne's lace, lilies take to the end of April like flies to honey, as well as tulips and lilacs and freesias and snapdragons. Loki can't deliver quite as much in the way of quantity as actual flower farms do, but her gardens receive the utmost care and dedication, so as far as quality, she knows it's hard to match her—she gets paid well.

It takes a bit of time,however, for the florist to check through all of the flowers himself, and pick and choose what he wants. Of course she's brought them all individually potted by the root system so he can be as choosy as he likes, which takes a bit longer, but in the meantime, Loki amuses herself by perusing his wares, and sometimes by attending the counter in his absence in case a customer comes to call.

The counter doesn't hold that typical appeal today, though—for some reason it's the arrangement accoutrements that catch her eye, and Loki finds herself perusing ribbons and wires and decorative papers by the time the shop bell rings. "Welcome to Greenway," she calls compulsively, turning to see through the display of azaleas behind her who it might be, in case of a frequent visitor. "I'm afraid Mr. Kovarsky is inspecting a delivery right now, but if you have any questions, just ask."

[alonggoodbye]

❛ here. something to take the edge off. ❜ julie punching mercs arm to lighten a mood 👀

"Nefoedd wen! Arghhhhh," Not expecting a punch in his hung-over state, Mathias widens his stance to balance himself and steps into a puddle that engulfs his entire left shoe.

The cotton canvas of his vintage Chuck Taylors does nothing to keep his foot dry, making a pathetic slosh when he steps on the sidewalk again. He can't do much more than mutter and mumble— cythraul uffernol!— as he tries to shake the water out as best he can.

"Yay. I feel so much better!" more grumbling in Welsh, then: "I'm changing. And you're buying lunch."

[go-addison]

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[megagrass]

Landscape Escape: 20 of the Grandest Man-Made Terrains To Fall In Love With

Mother Nature is an artist. Our planet is home to countless natural landscapes that can take anyone’s breath away. It seems as if all the beauty in this world has been poured into these magnificent works of art, so we imitate them--or at least we try, so we can see them anytime we want. After all, who doesn’t like the view?

  Maybe we won’t be able to copy nature in its entirety, but we surely can get close. With a good landscaping team and all the premium materials available, we can all have our own delightful scenery to swoon over!

  1. Kenrokuen Garden, Japan

  Kenrokuen in Kanazawa is one of the finest examples of Japanese gardens. The spacious area used to be the outer garden of the Kanazawa castle. It was constructed by the ruling family at the time—Maeda--for nearly 200 years. It was first opened to the public in 1871. This garden is home to a large variety of flowering trees which provide the garden with a different look for every season change.

  2. Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, Thailand 

  In 1954, Mr. Pisit and Nongnooch purchased a 600-acre land with intentions of developing the land as a fruit plantation. They eventually changed their mind and decided to turn it into a wildlife conservation project filled with tropical plants and flowers. The garden was opened to the public in 1980, and management was transferred to their son Kampon Tansacha in 2001. 500 out of 600 acres are currently vivid with floral colors.

  3. Keukenhof, Netherlands

  Covering nearly 80 acres, Keukenhof (or Kitchen Garden) is easily one of the largest flower gardens in the world. Approximately 7 million bulbs are planted yearly in this park. Keukenhof is open yearly from mid-March to mid-May with the best time for viewing the tulips around mid-April, depending on the weather. You’ll want tulip here!

  4. Gardens of Versailles, France 

  No list of beautiful gardens will ever be complete without mentioning the Gardens of Versailles. Covering nearly 2000 acres of land, this landscape was designed by gardener Andre Le Notre who was commissioned in 1661 by no less than Louis XIV. More than 6 million visitors stroll the gardens yearly.

  5. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, New York

  It’s not every day that you find a 52-acre garden in the very heart of a metropolis. But that’s exactly what you can find in New York--the awe-inspiring Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Known for its 200 cherry trees, it takes center stage during month-long blossom festivals.

  6. Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, United Kingdom

  Kew is more than just a scenic green space, it is also an internationally known research institution that employs hundreds of researchers and scientists. The garden is home to dozens of historic buildings such as the Victorian-era Palm House (image featured) and showcases more than 40000 species of plants.

  7. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, South Africa 

  The grand Kirstenbosch was established in 1913 with the goal to preserve the South African flora. The garden is around 90 acres by itself, but it is actually just one part of a 1300-acre nature reserve. The garden sits on the slopes of Table Mountain.

  8. Jardin Majorelle, Morocco 

  It took French painter Jacques Majorelle around 4 decades to craft this beloved garden around his villa in Marrakech. It is highly noted for the luminous blue paints of its pots, gates, buildings, and more. The garden was eventually purchased by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge in 1980. Currently, the villa complex and the garden is open to the public.

  9. Villa d’Este, Italy

  The 16th-century villa is home to an incredible garden with 51 equally impressive fountains. The main building is a marvel as well as the other fountains that run on gravity alone. This makes it an achievement and thus, the terraced landscape became an inspiration for many Europeans to follow.

  10. Summer Palace, China

  The summer palace is an architectural mix of historic pavilions, bridges, temples, and a hilly natural landscape. It was considered a “masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design” by UNESCO. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1998.

  11. Controlled Garden Chaos, Netherlands

  Landscape designer Piet Oudolf creates garden designs that favor masses of perennial plants and native grasses. He chooses them for their structure over fake grass or flowering plants that only last for a few months. His naturalistic landscapes are often surrounded by concrete, glass, and steel. (link fake grass to the landing page)

  12. The New Zen Garden, New York 

  Marc Peter is a native New Yorker who spent 18 years in Kyoto, Japan. He then returned to the USA to design gardens and teach landscape architecture. He approached this specific landscape project with high respect for Japanese traditions relying on irregularity, simplicity, and poetic symbolism.

  13. Modern Cali Cool, California 

  Terremoto founders David Godshall and Alain Peauroi believed that there was a growing need in California for landscaping that operated at a precise conceptual level. Their installations reflect the desire to bring more thought to the gardening business. They have a penchant for wild and messy gardens that are still inhabitable.

  14. Natural Brutalism, Chile

  There are times where the geography of a landscape is so dominant that the only way to beautify it is to work around it or within it. This was what designer Teresa Moller did when she created a footpath along the endlessly damp coastline of a 27-acre land between Zapallar and Papudo.

  15. High Line, New York

    Created on a former New York Central Railroad on the west side of Manhattan, the High Line is a 1.45 mile long elevated linear park, rail trail, and greenway. This abandoned spur was redesigned to become a “living system” that draws inspiration from multiple disciplines some of which include urban design, ecology, and architecture. The High Line has become a contemporary landscape architecture icon since opening to the public in 2009.

  16. Ranelagh Gardens, Dublin 

  The Ranelagh Gardens are public pleasure gardens located in Chelsea just outside of London. They were called as such because they occupied the site of Ranelagh House. It was built in 1688–89 by the Earl of Ranelagh and it was believed that he designed and built it himself. But the actual builder and owner was one Solomon Rieti, an Italian Jewish immigrant.

  17. Brigit’s Garden, Ireland 

  Brigit’s Garden is considered a sanctuary in the west of Ireland. It takes visitors on a magical journey into the very heart of Celtic heritage and mythology, easily making this a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. Set within 11 acres of wildflower meadows and native woodland, it is one of the most spectacular gardens in Ireland.

  18. Garden of Cosmic Speculation, Dumfries 

  The Garden of Cosmic Speculation is a 30-acre sculpture garden created by theorist and landscape architect Charles Jencks. The garden is inspired by modern cosmology, mathematics, and science. Sculptures and landscaping draw heavy inspiration from themes such as fractals and black holes. Although not as abundant with plants, it elegantly combines natural landscape with artificial symmetry and curves.

  19. Great Dixter, England 

  The Great Dixter is a house found in Northiam, East Sussex, England. Architect Edwin Lutyens combined an existing mid 15th-century house on the site from 1910-1912 with a similar structure brought from Benenden, Kent, and joined it together with his own additions. The garden is widely known for its one-of-a-kind tradition of sophisticated plantsmanship and is listed Grade 1 in the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

  20. Freedom Park, South Africa

  This park is located on a 52-hectare site which also happens to be a vantage point offering visitors a panoramic view of the capital and beyond. The mandate of this park is the creation of a memorial and monument that will narrate a 3.6 billion year story following 7 epochs. The garden of memorial features a list of the names of those killed in the South African Wars, World War I, World War II as well as during the apartheid era.

  There you have it, our top 20 landscapes!

  We’re absolutely sure that there are more architectural wonders out there, we just can’t get over the ones that are on this list! You can use these projects as inspiration for your home or maybe a commercial space you’re working on. What do you think? Which one is your favorite? Whichever you choose, one thing is for certain, we are all lucky to live in a world filled with so much beauty and humans who can recreate the same beauty for everyone else to enjoy.

  That’s why we here at MegaGrass strive to protect the environment through the use of our products. The next time you think about landscaping, replicating or modifying a garden--or even just designing a miniature of a place you like—you can use our products for that no-hassle upkeep and realistic feel!

from MegaGrass - News https://megagrass.com/blogs/news/grandest-man-made-landscapes

[alonggoodbye]

An exaggeratedly pensive hum is offered before Mathias takes another long drag from his ever-shortening smoke.

"No," He replies, genuinely uninterested. "I don't think I will..."

Mathias longs to turn away, to retreat to Nick's van and sit in the safety that is provided by the Winters siblings. However that is not an valid option tonight. While Nick could be frustratingly positive and kind, his guard would immediately be up the moment someone like Kyle entered his younger sister's proximity. And Vivienne herself was the one with a penchant for violence.

The Crypt Sleepers had garnered their first warning from this pub for being rowdy and this annoyance for a man is sure to lead them to their last.

This "chance encounter" is for him and him alone to endure. He, a punk-rock Sisyphus, now shoulders this burden after indulging his hubris at their last gig and starting the feud with Kyle in the first place.

Mathias sighs, flicks the inch of spent cigarette down and tamps the embers out with the bottom of his heavy black boots. His eyes evade Kyle's stare and regard the darkness of the venue's back alley.

"... But I assume you're about to tell me anyway?"

He plucks the cigarette without sparing it a second glance, his smile unwavering as he plugs it between too-white, too-straight, too-many teeth. Then he makes a grabbing gesture until Mathias begrudgingly forfeits the lighter as well, sparks the flint a couple times, and lights up.

"Such a gentleman." The lighter returns to Mathias's hand. Kyle's lingers just a little too long over it. "Thank you kindly."

Man, this takes him back. He hasn't smoked since he was fifteen. That was when he only smoked what he could steal, and all he could get his hands on were his daddy's Cowboy Killers. After his voice started sounding less like the Everly Brothers and more like Tom Waits, he kicked the habit.

Anyhow, it's not about the cigarette, this meeting. It's about having Mathias where he wants him for as long as it takes him to burn through one. It's about fucking with him before he goes on.

"So, I've got good news for you." Beat. "Aren't you going to ask me what the good news is?"

[saleggdbsneakers-blog]

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[globalfilesystem]

The Best Charlotte, NC Travel Tips From Our Readers

“People are much more friendly and polite than they were in NYC,” says reader Jeebs, one of the biggest contributors to our thread of Charlotte, NC travel tips. That might be a low bar, but friendly Charlotte readers (including some redditors from /r/Charlotte) left over 100 comments listing the best of their city. Here are their best tips.

Each Monday on Hack Your City, we ask readers for your best tips on a city: driving tips, restaurant recs, things to do, and any other advice for visitors and locals. Then on Thursday, we present the best comments. We’re working our way around the U.S. and around the globe.

Getting Around “Our metropolitan area is called Uptown, not Downtown. (It’s a thing from the 80s trying to make it sound fancier.)”—Jonathan Carpenter“Prepare to do a lot of driving. Charlotte has a lot to offer but it’s so sprawled out that it’s difficult to get to everything. Pick up a Creative Loafing Paper first chance you have to get an idea of the goings on while you’re in the area. In preparation for a trip, check out their 2017 ‘Best of’ Issue for some good ideas. I can tell you the critics and readers are both on point for the majority of the picks.”—Th3DudeAbides“The 485 loop is referred to the ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ as well as directionally. Just remember that the “inner” loop is the one going clockwise and the ‘outer’ is counter clockwise and you should be set.”—AtomicSnowman“Epicentre [the shopping mall] is very overrated unless you really want to party/club hard. If I were uptown I’d stick around the Latta Arcade area which is close to some cool spots.”—elbbubria2“Avoid Concord Mills like the black plague when it’s NASCAR season. That area gets overcrowded very quickly.”—I-am-Solid-Snake“I stay away from Uptown (bros), South End (yuppies), and University (woo girls). But as always, there are diamonds in each area if you know where to look.”—Amanda“If you are flying in/out of town, be sure to return to the airport early enough to enjoy the rocking chairs on the concourse. The most comfortable airport I’ve ever had a layover in.”—Cheryl K“Be careful about street names changing several times, and at seemingly arbitrary points.”—Zach“The light rail is your best transportation friend when visiting. Start down at New Bern Station to have direct access to Hyde Brewing, Suffolk Punch, Triple C Brewing, Lenny Boy Brewing, and Sycamore Brewing.”—ArchitectQueenBitch Things to Do “Lake Norman is 30 minutes outside of Charlotte and is a great spot for boating but is very popular/oversaturated. Lake Wylie might be about the same or a little further out and is more ideal for kayaking and canoeing. VBGB is a fun spot for volleyball and great beer. Crowders Mountain is 45 minutes outside of Charlotte and is a great spot for a ~2 mile or ~4 mile hike, and a solid view.”—Jeebs“Charlotte is known for the Whitewater Center. Rock climbing (both free and attached), mountain biking, ropes courses, ziplining and white water rafting and kayaking are all available and it’s got a nice walking course. They also have events like live music and movie screenings during the summer and have two restaurants.”—haoleje“Levine Museum of the New South is a must do to learning experience about how the old South became the new South. An off-the-beaten-path gem is the Carolina Aviation Museum near the airport. It has the actual 1549 plane that went down in the Hudson.”—rb314636“The Discovery Science Museum is a cool spot for families with kids, and it’s in the heart of Uptown. Plenty of good food within walking distance.”—VT MikeO“Sleepy Poet Antique Mall, Paper Skyscraper, and Buffalo Exchange if you like to shop/like kitschy shit.”—GobyCow“Carowinds, Karting, Discovery Place and other museums if you have kids.”—cosmicspeed “The Bechtler Museum has one of the best, private modern art collections in the SE. Warhol created portraits of the Bechtler family which hang in the lobby – at least they were there the last time I attended. Plus, the Niki de Saint Phalle Firebird sculpture out front is pretty distinctive. Research their family, very interesting.”—jaygee“The Charlotte Knight’s stadium has a fantastic selection of local breweries and very good food options, with a packed house most games. The view of the city skyline from the ballpark is pretty epic as well.”—ArchitectQueenBitch“We have a number of social sports, including LGBT-oriented (Stonewall Bowling/Kickball/Dodgeball/Volleyball, Charlotte Royals Rugby).”—haoleje“The Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a beautiful system for a walk or a jog. There is a nature museum in the woods in Freedom Park, which the Greenway runs through.”—Aaron B“Drive through the Lazy 5 Ranch and get a chance to feed the animals. Then take some time out to spend with the birds of prey at the Charlotte Raptor Center.”—Jeff“There’s an aviation museum, a large theme park including the 8th fastest roller coaster in the world (95 mph), an NBA team, and the US National Whitewater Center.”—The Waco Kid“While the city has had an influx of arcade bar openings (Lucky’s, Palmer Street, etc.), the only one that matters is Abari.”—Amanda“Go to Salud for hip hop yoga, waffle sammiches, and great beer.”—Senorcoconuts“The Rosedale Plantation is fun to see and you might see a ghost! The Charlotte Paranormal Society offers ghost tours of it in addition to the regular visits.”—haoleje Where to Eat “Soul Gastrolounge (fusion), Carpe Diem (upscale date spot), Midwood Smokehouse (BBQ), Kindred (if you can get to Davidson – constantly gets awards), Bonterra (more upscale, 300+ different kinds of wine), Niko Sushi (young hip sushi place) all great options. Beef and Bottle is a hole in the wall steakhouse that is incredible.”—Jeebs“Go to Gastonia, and hit up Kyle Fletcher’s BBQ, Blacks BBQ, and get you a couple containers of RO’s to bring home with ya.”—TeamplayerTimothy!“It’s not worth going to Charlotte if you don’t eat at BBQ King at least once. Bill Spoon’s is a distant second.”—cmoak“Price’s Chicken Coop (1614 Camden Road) is great fried chicken. Bring cash because they don’t take cards. Also check out Mr. K’s (2107 South Blvd.) for a great burger and milkshake.”—GM3711“There’s a great British pub called Big Ben just south of uptown that serves a real shepherd’s pie with lamb (just tell them no cheese).”—AtomicSnowman“The Shepherd’s pie at Tyber Creek, across the South from Big Ben, is way better, and also made with lamb.”—GregGuy“Lupie’s Cafe is amazing. Go on Thursday for some chicken & dumplings or any other day of the week for a meat and three or some world-famous chili.”—Amanda“Go to Seoul Food! Korean inspired BBQ—not Korean BBQ. If you want Korean BBQ, go to their new restaurant next door, Let’s Meat. All you can eat Korean BBQ.”—allen13uga Where to Drink “Breweries are like bars here. The thing to do is day drink on the weekends and hop around to different breweries. Breweries are also dog heaven!”—allen13uga“Old Mecklenburg, (most popular), Wooden Robot, and Sycamore (most popular) are all great breweries to check out. I’ve also heard good things about Triple-C and Unkown Brewery. Old Meck feels like a beer garden you would see in Munich.”—Jeebs“Spend an afternoon in South End walking to the various breweries. Be sure not to miss Wooden Robot. Sycamore is great, but the vibe can be a little frat-house. Great dining options in that area as well, with Seoul Food being a favorite.”—JJR“Grab a rental bicycle (B-Cycle for docked bikes; Ofo, Lime, Spin for dockless rental bikes) and doing a self-guided brewery tour is a great way to see any of the urban neighborhoods. If you just want to sit in one place with all the options, Craft (in Southend), Helles and Dunkel (Southend) or Flight (in uptown) are great.”—haoleje“Charlotte is also very LGBT friendly. We have a number of bars serving the LGBT community: 316, Boulevard 1820, Chasers (drag and strippers), Sidelines (sports bar), Argon (dance club), Woodshed (leather), Scorpio’s, and more. But most places in Charlotte are so LGBT-friendly that the gay bar is going away.”—haoleje“Hoppin’ is a cool concept bar where the walls are lined with taps and you can pour your own beer by scanning a bracelet.”—allen13uga Where to Coffee “Amelie’s French Bakery, NoDa location: Open 24/7/365 in the artsy district, this coffee shop and bakery has room after quirky room filled with funky decor and varied furniture for individuals and small groups to relax, hang out, or get some work done. They have baked goods and sandwiches and whatnot… the real can’t-miss standout is their caramel covered brownies.”—Saralinda“Cuplux offers an amazing sour cherry espresso on tap in the summer.”—Amanda Getting Out of Town “I recommend driving 15 miles north of the city to the small Lake Norman towns (Davidson, Cornelius and Huntersville). Tons of water sports, beautiful parks and great restaurants (Hello, Sailor and Kindred to just name two favorites). Hello, Sailor should open their tiki bar on the lake soon too.”—TheBobCat1“Asheville and the other towns around the Blue Ridge parkway if you like mountains, trees, and beer. The Triangle area (Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill—‘Raleigh-Durham’ is not a city) for the arts, food, and beer. The Outer Banks for beaches and beer.”—Andy Simmons

And that’s it! Read more tips in the original thread, leave your own below, and come back Monday when we’re going to Ireland.

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The post The Best Charlotte, NC Travel Tips From Our Readers appeared first on Why You Should Take Big Homes For Rent Ln Charlotte NC.

Read full post at: http://www.globalfilesystem.org/the-best-charlotte-nc-travel-tips-from-our-readers/

[alonggoodbye]

@feveredbcnes

Mathias Greenway leaned his head against the cool marble of the chapel's outer wall and surveyed the cemetery through a freshly blown cloud of smoke, his cigarette hung precariously out the side of his mouth as he fidgeted with the lighter in his hand. He rolled his calloused thumb over the flint wheel absentmindedly, igniting the wick before flicking the brass lid shut with a sharp snap.

Snap... snap... snap. Rhythmic, controlled. His shoulders ease. Blue eyes closed slowly as if he were hypnotizing himself. The tired sigh that leaves his lips billows out in front of him— what a week. On top of his regular duties he was stuck with the headache of figuring out staffing issues that arose one right after another.

A grave digger with a back injury, an embalmer about to go on maternity leave, one of the removal boys out on an extended honeymoon, and a cremation tech about to retire... It was all so much. Helping the dead seemed like the easiest thing he had to deal with at this point.

Snap. Fingers fumbled the smooth brass and bright blue eyes flutter open at the feeling of the sudden emptiness in his hand.

"Ah—" He freezes mid-bow, startled at the sight of his lighter landing at a stranger's feet. "I was— ahem. Sorry. Here for a job posting?"

[alonggoodbye]

From under the Night-mare, a gentle voice calls back, muffled by the mass of the hearse. "Ah, don't get your knickers in a bunch, mate. Give your eyes a good squint and you'll catch sight of him."

An anxious moment passes before the mechanic, Nickeline Nias, wriggles himself out from under the beast of a vehicle to join Milliecurie scanning the sands for the Hearse Man. Standing over six and a half feet, he towers over her and most other things in the sandy wastes. He tries not to show concern as his eyes pass over the dunes multiple times to no prevail.

His large hands cup the sides of his mouth and he draws a long breath.

"Don't," a steady voice warns from behind both blonds. "It'll do us no good if we draw their attention. Let the storm have them and we harvest what we can once they're spent."

He nods at the youngest of their trio when their eyes meet. "I know you're keen on returning to the Citadel, but with the trajectory of the storm... I'm sorry but we need to double back."

With that the Hearse Man slaps his kill into Nickeline's middle— a couple of fat rats and a mutated lizard must suffice until he's able to hunt once more. Shrugging off his sun-bleached leathers, he motions them into the Night-Mare.

On the boiling horizon, a storm churns with the wrath of God. Lightning flashes in the angry violet tumult, the occasional silver bolt penetrating the wall of sand and illuminating the desert for miles, making it sparkle, making it diamond, making it chrome.

Every hackle raises at the comparison. A shudder races down her spine. Still another day to go until they reach the Citadel, and already she's hearing War Boys.

The creature known as Millicurie pushes off from the lookout point and slides down the slope of the mesa to rejoin the crew in its cradle. Her right hand drags behind her, tempering her acceleration, as the index finger and thumb of the left form a bit against her tongue and she whistles around it.

From the distance, a cataclysm of thunder. Of crunching metal. Of daily apocalypse.

Millicurie springs to her feet upon reaching the bottom and races to the campsite perimeter, whistling again. Then she wheels around and drops to hands and knees beside the pair of legs sticking out from beneath the hearse's chassis.

To its mechanic, she says, “Feel the static? There's a sandstorm coming our way. I think we should move.”

She pops her head back up and cocks an ear. Frowns. Nothing yet.

"Where'd the other one go? I thought we agreed we wouldn't go too far."

@alonggoodbye

[alonggoodbye]

  “Merc? Do you have a coffin my size?” It’s an odd request, but perhaps less so coming from her. It’s been building up for a while now – there have been several starts and stops to this question in the hours before. The weathered toe of her sneaker nudges lightly at his shoe.      “If you do – do you think I can I try it out? Just for – for laughs.”

“Coffin?” His hands still for a moment, the needle and thread stuck hovering over the fabric of her ripped cardigan. Mathias lowers his gaze to meet her eyes; a normal man would ask what the matter was. “You know, m’dear, caskets are all the rage these days. Either way, since you’re rather lacking on the horizontal axis, I am almost certain I have something for you.”

The mortician returns to his mending, not one to leave such a small task unfinished, before he hums a soft, low note and speaks again even more calmly.

“Give me a minute. No dirty feet though.”

 “Is it not – to-may-to, to-mah-to.” Embarrassment colours her tone; her eyes drop from his face to the needle and thread, and her shoe continues gently tap-tap-tapping against his as he sews. A pain in her lungs momentarily flares up, subsides just as quickly; a cough is perched in her throat waiting to spring but she swallows it down. Tap tap, tap.      “Sounds good.” She likes Merc, strange as he is. Millie wonders if he knows that; if she should say it more. “Thank you, by the way. For – for sewing up my cardigan. Nobody fixes things right like you.”

He hums again at her compliment. He is aware that it’s the truth; he’s god-damn  o b s e s s i v e  over detail when he wants to be— even now, the shoe kicking barely phases him. Mathias bites down on the ‘I know’ that threatens to exit his usually careless mouth and lets out a gentle amused sigh, “No, no. Thank you. It’s always nice to get suture practice.”

When he finishes his mending he snaps the string with his teeth, drapes the fabric over her shoulders and gives Millie a careful pat on the head. An almost intimate exchange, he regrets, meaning for it to be an attempt at brotherly affection rather than anything else.

“All right, so do you have a specific color in mind?”