#winter 2021 sr

[alyygx]

Easy Company Members Sorted Between Surviving and Not Surviving WWII:

Died During the War:

Company Commanders:

First Lieutenant Thomas Meehan III (July 8th, 1921 - June 6th, 1944)

Non-commissioned Officers:

Sergeant Warren Harold "Skip" Muck (January 31st, 1922 - January 10th, 1945)

Enlisted Men:

Corporal Donald B. "Hoob" Hoobler (June 28th, 1922 - January 3rd, 1945)

Private First Class Alex Mike Penkala (August 30th, 1924 - January 10th, 1945)

Survived the War:

Company Commanders:

Captain Herbert Maxwell Sobel (January 26th, 1912 - September 30th, 1987)

Major Richard Davis "Dick" Winters (January 21st, 1918 - January 2nd, 2011)

First Lieutenant Frederick Theodore "Moose" Heyliger (June 23rd, 1916 - November 3rd, 2001)

First Lieutenant Norman Staunton "Foxhole Norman" Dike Jr. (May 19th, 1918 - June 23rd, 1989)

Captain Ronald Charles Speirs (April 20th, 1920 - April 11th, 2007)

Junior Officers:

Captain Lewis Nixon (September 30th, 1918 - January 11th, 1995)

First Lieutenant Lynn Davis "Buck" Compton (December 31st, 1921 - February 25th, 2012)

First Lieutenant Edward David "Ed" Shames (June 13th, 1922 - December 3rd, 2021)

Second Lieutenant Robert Burnham "Bob" Brewer (January 31st, 1924 - December 5th, 1996)

Second Lieutenant Clifford Carwood "Lip" Lipton (January 30th, 1920 - December 16th, 2001)

Non-commissioned Officers:

Technical Sergeant Donald George "Don" Malarkey (July 30th, 1920 - September 30th, 2017)

Staff Sergeant William J. "Wild Bill" Guarnere Sr. (April 28th, 1923 - March 8th, 2014)

Staff Sergeant Herman "Hank, Hack" Hanson (January 3rd, 1918 - May 15th, 1971)

Staff Sergeant Denver "Bull" Randleman (November 20th, 1920 - June 26th, 2003)

Staff Sergeant Darrell Cecil "Shifty" Powers (March 13th, 1923 - June 17th, 2009)

Staff Sergeant John W. "Johnny" Martin (December 8th, 1921 - December 31st, 2012)

Staff Sergeant Floyd "Tab" Talbert (August 26th, 1923 - October 10th, 1982)

Staff Sergeant Charles E. "Chuck" Grant (March 1922 - October 12th, 1982)

Staff Sergeant Joseph John "Joe" Toye (March 14th, 1919 - September 3rd, 1995)

Sergeant Robert Emory "Popeye" Wynn Jr. (July 10th, 1921 - March 18th, 2000)

Sergeant James H. "Moe" Alley (July 20th, 1922 - March 14th, 2008)

Sergeant Wayne "Skinny" Sisk (March 4th, 1922 - July 13th, 1999)

Corporal Walter Scott "Smokey" Gordon Jr. (April 15th, 1920 - April 19th, 1997)

Enlisted Men:

Technician Fourth Grade George Luz (June 17th, 1921 - October 15th, 1998)

Technician Fourth Grade Eugene Gilbert "Doc" Roe Sr. (October 17th, 1922 - December 30th, 1998)

Technician Fifth Grade Joseph David "Joe" Liebgott (May 17th, 1915 - June 28th, 1992)

Private First Class Edward James "Babe" Heffron (May 16th, 1923 - December 1st, 2013)

Private First Class Edward Joseph "Tip" Tipper (August 3rd, 1921 - February 1st, 2017)

Private First Class David Kenyon Webster (June 2nd, 1922 - September 9th, 1961)

*This is not all of Easy Co. just some of the more recognizable names. If I missed anyone that you would like to see listed please message me and I would be glad to add him.

**I was also thinking about adding more info to this list and/or making a separate post with additional details like awards/medals, how and where they were wounded (if at all), and maybe some personal details like where they were born/died, their family (parents, siblings, spouse, children), what they did after the war (if they survived) stuff like that (though that might be a separate list idk yet). I would love to hear your opinion and if you'd like to see something like this. Basically just one large masterpost! Message me and tell me your thoughts!!!! I'm open to ideas!

[heavenboy09]

Happy Belated Birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁 🎊 To You

The New Captain America 🇺🇸 Of The MCU

He was born on September 23, 1978, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of Martha (née Gordon) and Willie Mackie Sr., a carpenter who owned a roofing business, Mackie Roofing. His brother, Calvin Mackie, is a former associate professor of engineering at Tulane University who now works at the Louisiana Recovery Authority.

He is an American actor. He made his film debut starring in the semi-biographical drama film 8 Mile (2002). He was later nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Actor for his performance in the LGBT drama Brother to Brother (2004), and in the same year, appeared in psychological thriller The Manchurian Candidate, the Spike Lee TV film Sucker Free City, and the sports film Million Dollar Baby. He starred in Half Nelson (2006); in 2008, Mackie both appeared in the action thriller Eagle Eye and was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in The Hurt Locker. He portrayed Tupac Shakur in Notorious (2009) and later starred in Night Catches Us (2010), and The Adjustment Bureau and Real Steel (both 2011).

He achieved global recognition for portraying Sam Wilson / Falcon / Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with the film Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), and most recently starring in the Disney+ miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021); he is set to lead his own film titled Captain America: Brave New World (2024). During this period, He also starred in the period crime film Detroit (2017), The Hate U Give (2018), the horror film Synchronic (2019), and The Banker (2020).

Happy Birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁 🎊 To You The New Captain America 🇺🇸 Of The MCU From New Orleans

You Know Him, You Love Him

& Well He Was Once A Falcon 🦅& Now He's Black Captain America 🇺🇸 Right Now So you know you can't live without him

The 1 & Only

MR. ANTHONY MACKIE AKA SAM WILSON AKA CAPTAIN AMERICA 🇺🇸 OF THE MCU

HAPPY BELATED 45TH BIRTHDAY 🎂 TO YOU MR. MACKIE & HERE'S TO MANY MORE YEARS TO COME. #AnthonyMackie #SamWilson #TheFalcon #CaptainAmerica

[taruchisguide]

[A3! 6TH ANNIVERSARY: REVIVAL TOKEN CHOICES]

A visual and text chart of all the cards available in this year's anniversary revival token pool. Earned tokens can be used up until February 17 13:59 JST. Huge thanks to Fal, who helped double check all of this again.

Twitter Version Here

↓↓↓ Text version below!  ↓↓↓    

🌸 Spring Troupe Revival Token Cards 🌸

Sakuya Sakuma: Beast's Beloved Child (Ayakashi Midnight Three), No SR, Lighting the Guiding Lantern (LANTERN NIGHT)

Masumi Usui: No SSR, Cool×Rocker (69'n' Roll 4ever!), Sinking in the Abyss of Longing (Fated Battle)

Tsuzuru Minagi: Holding up a Hollyhock (SUMMER YUKATA COLLECTION), No SR, Run around the field. (Us Back Then)

Itaru Chigasaki: No SSR, Rabbit Hatter (The Dreams that Eggs See), Thankful Pink Rose (POETIC ROSE)

Citron: Midnight Shootout (AGENT NEON), No SR, Royal Style (Beautiful Country)

Chikage Utsuki: No SSR, A Capable Man’s Morning Preparations (Morning Routine), Emerald Palette (Beautiful eyes)

△△△

🌻 Summer Troupe Revival Token Cards 🌻

Tenma Sumeragi: My Glittering LIVE! (Our 1st LIVE), No SR, Laundry Incident! (WASH & DRY)

Yuki Rurikawa: No SSR, Proud Purple Rose (POETIC ROSE), Big Heart Balloon (Today's Special)

Muku Sakisaka: Yearning for Adulthood (FAVORITE SHOES COLLECTION), No SR, First Crush Baseball (First Crush Baseball (Second Half))

Misumi Ikaruga: No SSR, Dahlia Aloha (SPF50+/PA+++), Sleepy-eyed Morning (Morning Routine)

Kazunari Miyoshi: Welcome to Miyoshi Farm ♪ (YABATAN VEGETABLE), No SR, Summer Vacay Memory (Midsummer Paradise)

Kumon Hyodo: No SSR, First, Let Me See Your Ticket (All aboard!), Enjoy My Finest Work! (SUSHI KUINĒ!)

△△△

🍁 Autumn Troupe Revival Token Cards 🍁

Banri Settsu: Sweet Addiction (99％ CACAO:HOLIC), No SR, MANKAI☆New Year (New Year's Bonus 2020)

Juza Hyodo: No SSR, Relaxing Slow Life (The Place Where the Animals Live), The Ideal Part-timer (Graceful tailor)

Taichi Nanao: Scarlet Fantasy (Beautiful eyes), No SR, A Story I Want You to Hear (BROWN WEAR COLLECTION)

Omi Fushimi: No SSR, Thoughtful Gift (MY FAVORITE FRAGRANCE), Lively Dhol Player (FOOL'S PARADISE)

Sakyo Furuichi: Wishing You a Pleasant Trip (All aboard!), No SR, The Satisfaction of Being a Mechanic (Have a good flight!)

Azami Izumida: No SSR, Lucky Bag - Cosmetics (VELUDO WINTER COLLECTION), Vitamin Fruits Ice Cream (Toppings of Your Choice)

△△△

❄️ Winter Troupe Revival Token Cards ❄️

Tsumugi Tsukioka: Kind Postman (My dear postman), No SR, An Angel Who Knew Love (The MANKAI Dorm in Those Days: Autumn-Winter Edition)

Tasuku Takato: No SSR, Called by Someone (BROWN WEAR COLLECTION), Threatening Arnold (PULL THE TRIGGER!)

Hisoka Mikage: Tempting Wedding Cake (June Tuxedo), No SR, Gourmand Note (MY FAVORITE FRAGRANCE)

Homare Arisugawa: No SSR, Encounter with the Unknown (Jurassic Memoir), The Assassin Who Was Sent (Lawless District)

Azuma Yukishiro: Elegant Ankh (FOOL'S PARADISE), No SR, Bewitching Veteran Dancer (Welcome to BURLESQUE)

Guy: No SSR, Handling the Scattered Red Leaves (Fated Battle), A Heartfelt Hymn (Gloria!)

△△△

🎭 Other Revival Token Cards 🎭

Isuke Matsukawa: No SSR, No SR, The Prince of April 1st (April Fool's 2017)

Ken Sakoda: The Newcomer Host of April 1st (April Fool's 2018), No SR, No R

Yuzo Kashima: The Champion of April 1st (April Fool's 2019), No SR, No R

Tetsuro Iwai: April Fool's Carpenter (April Fool's 2020), No SR, No R

Kaya Mizuno: The Company President of April 1st (April Fool's 2021), No SR, No R

Madoka Ikaruga: Wizard of April First (April Fool's 2022), No SR, No R

[akaikami-cherryblossom]

Hehehe Spring Troupe is going live tomorrow so it’s prediction/excited rambling time :3

-CHIKAITA DUET NOW

-I want. Tonooka duet with Itaru similar to “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Monogatari”

-I’m so excited to see Tangerine with Harugumi and all the cute family moments I’m not okay

-And stoic Citron!!!! I loved it in Winter ‘23 I can’t wait to see more of it

-I’m just excited to see Tangerine have more time on stage he’s my fave side character

-This one’s more wishful thinking than anything, but it would be cool if we actually had the actors learn at least the basics of their instruments to play them on stage like in the event story

-though given the performance of “Muscle Rhapsody” it’s unlikely(it was. Something.)

-ohhhhh I’m so excited to see what they do for all the magic in Kniroun!!!

-Mordred my beloved<3

-oh!!! Set thing!!!

-So, there were two sets last year, so I’m curious to see if they’ll keep them the same but swap, with Spring/Autumn using the set that was used for Summer/Winter and vice versa

-Another Tsuzuru “oof ouch playwriting is hard” song??? Please????🥺🥺🥺

-I want Tsumu and Tasuku to walk in on a scene of all of Haru playing Kniroun and them to be like “oh god the virus is spreading…”

-and maybe song about it??? I also want a ballad of Itaru explaining his love for the game, possibly a song form of the letter he sends to Hoshii

-speaking of Hoshii I think he’ll either get the Citron’s dad or Masumi’s grandma treatment. Citron’s dad in the way that he’s played by an ensemble member and goes largely uncredited, or Masumi’s grandma, where he doesn’t appear at all and the actors just speak to the audience

-and I think we need a new Tsumu song. As a treat. Bc I’m still wary of him for some reason

-I want a song in similar vain to “True Feelings” where it’s just sweet scenes of Tangerine meeting/getting to properly know the Spring Troupe bc he owns my heart

-This is also unlikely but I hope we get new finale costumes. The bromides only show the first anni ones but I think it would be cool though considering the fact that they kept the initial SR costumes as finale costumes from 2018-2021 I doubt it.

-I think that’s it? I’m excited to hear the new opening and ending songs :D

[wutbju]

James Franklin Kautz, Sr. - was born on July 24,1946, passed into our Lord’s hands, receiving his eternal reward on October 19, 2022.

James was the first born son of John and Pearl Kautz, Jr. Boy, you know John and Pearl were elated when their son made his debut into this world, but they had no idea that he would be sent home with instructions, which read, “James is on a demand feeding schedule”. Throughout his growing up he took to his parents teachings of how important it is to have a relationship with the Lord, and followed in his father’s footsteps of being a great craftsman and Mr. Fix it!

Jim loved his younger brother, John, dearly. Of course, as any older brother, you know he gave John a run for his money at times, but he always enjoyed their time together whether it be an outdoor adventure, sharing a meal or over the phone, Jim was one proud big brother.

Following the call the Lord had placed upon him, Jim attended Bob Jones University in 1964 for half a semester, and then transferring to Central Bible College in the winter of, 1964, where he met the love of his life, Esther. Jim and Esther knew two things, that God had a call on both of their lives and that he had undeniably brought them together. They married on August 20, 1966. After marrying both returned to school and graduated in 1968. They shared 56 wonderful years together.

The two welcomed their first born, Deborah Ann on November 3, 1969. Debbie was the apple of her father’s eye. Joined at the hip was almost an understatement. The commonalities these two shared, truly wrapped his daughter around his finger. Later, Jim and Esther welcomed their son, James Franklin, Jr. into the family, and as the baby usually does, he stole the show. A quiet and peaceful baby, thought by his parents, but to his sister, he was a real live baby doll. Without question Jim couldn’t have been more proud of the two who called him “Dad”.

Jim honorably held the role of husband and father with much dedication and love, but allowed his heart to grow as the family grew with marriage and grandkids. He would burst in loving pride and joy when talking about Aaron, Luke, Kayden and Isabella. Boy, a proud grandpa was he!

Not only was Jim a loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather, there was another name he was called, Pastor. Jim’s ministry road began in Vero Beach in 1968 and eventually lead them to Fort Lauderdale in 1972, where he and Esther have faithfully pastored Evangel Church for 50+ years. Last year, 2021, Jim was honored by the Assemblies of God for faithfully ministering unto the Lord for 50 years. There was no denying Jim’s love of the Lord, and his love for people.

Jim never claimed to be perfect, however, what was evident throughout his life is that he truly grasped

Matthew 22:37, “And Jesus replied to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’”

Jim was preceded in death by his father, John Kautz, Jr.

He is survived by his mother, Pearl, brother, John, III, his loving wife, Esther, daughter, Debbie (son in law, Terry), son, Jim,Jr. (wife, Melissa), grandsons, Aaron Meitz (wife, Samantha) and Luke Meitz, granddaughters, Kayden Kautz and Isabella Kautz, many nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 7-8:30 p.m., Thursday, October 27, 2022, at Fred Hunter’s Hollywood, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, FL 33024.

[msgrandpre]

The NEXT Conference

I started working on this on 11/08/2022 Tuesday.

Hello, everyone. This short story will be the sequel to this one below.

also, look at this.

I hope you enjoyed these, too.

As of today, 11/08/2022, I'm still suffering sleep deprivation from over a week's worth of lack of adequate sleep. I slept for about 7 hours last night. The previous nights, I got very little sleep. That's not going to stop me from writing. If my writing is bad today, it can always be improved & edited at a later date. Thanks for reading, & thanks for the support.

Consider this YouTube video for reference. PLEASE watch it!

Mind Control Made Easy. Become a cult leader today.

Timberwood: Short Stories Edition - Vol. 26

Ever since some of the former Timberwood cult members found out the truth, they've been doing whatever they could, to defy the cult. The cult wanted everyone to believe that they're in it for life, & that there's no escape. Some people didn't have a say-so in refusing to join. Unfortunately, they were abused, bullied & coerced to join. Some were brought up in it as babies & children. Born into it.

Kristina was trying to let everyone know that yes, there IS a way out. That the cult just wants to trap you in order to set you up to go to hell when you die. The cult brainwashes their members to believe that being sex trafficked for money & being physically pretty is their earthly "salvation". But the members don't realize that until after they've awakened from their MK Ultra mind control trance.

Some additional members left Timberwood, after rejecting the truth for over a decade. Mr. Earl Price, Sr. had an idea for a Counter Conference. That is, a conference that defies the fake Timberwood cult traditions. He regrets rejecting the truth for so long, & is finally ready to come into his acceptance. He even renounced his freemasonry membership. He urged his family members to leave. His son, Earl, Jr. ("Kurl" AKA Kurlicious) was already out of the cult & suffering as a homeless targeted individual, right along with his best friend, Carlos Sanchez. Kristina warned everyone to EXPECT to be surveilled, sabotaged & gang stalked for leaving the cult.

[Author's Note: Even in the 1st "conference" short story, some of the members who were present in the cult at that moment defied the rules, but had to pay DEARLY for it!]

1 of Mr. Earl's nieces, Trenise, teamed up with Jessica to help me, Nola Bordelon, to get my own hotel room, by myself. This time, it was in the Winter. We settled with going to stay at a ski resort in Colorado. It was just before the so-called "Christmas" holidays.

Taschika was jokingly telling her sister, Kristina, "Hey, activity planner! Let's whip up an itinerary."

After that, everyone joked & laughed about how Kristina's supposed "role" or "job title" in the cult was the "Activity Coordinator", but she never really got to plan or coordinate any leisure activities because she was so busy trying to fight against being sex trafficked & trying to get out of that trapped maze of being a cult sex slave. When she was in Timberwood, all of her plans were unsuccessful because of sabotage. It was all orchestrated & planned. She was tricked into thinking that she was going to get a job as an Activity Coordinator, since she has a Master's degree in psychology & also a Master's in Mathematics & Applied Engineering. Now, here's her chance to be the Activity Coordinator AWAY FROM Timberwood. Yep. Remember those Fruit Fest events?

Mr. Earl's nephew, Kendall & also his niece, Trenise, joined in & helped Kristina plan this trip out. The trip was like a 2-week long retreat with post-cult support group meetings 2 hours a day, 5 days a week. We gave ourselves the weekends off, for leisure activities. Timberwood didn't like what we were doing, so they planted fake "agents" who pretended like they wanted out, as usual. But they weren't successful in their plans to destroy us.

Each 2-hour meeting day was a different topic. Sometimes, there was even that open talk "venting". Everyone surely missed Mr. Tharen, Sr. hosting the meetings. They would wonder up what would things be like, if he wasn't murdered off for attempting to self-publish his tell-all book on how the Timberwood cult ruined his family. Instead, his baby brother, Mr. Tim (the youngest) took his place & started hosting all the meetings. The former Timberwood cult members wonder whether or not Mr. Tim will write his own version of a tell-all book, exposing the cult. Mr. Tim would also be risking his life. He's already risking his life, hosting the meetings.

Mr. Earl, Sr. felt deep sorrow for his mistakes & his wrongs. He had enough money to treat & house everyone who wanted to come & learn the truth. He supplied the finances, while Kristina, her husband, Tharen, Jr. & also Trenise & her brother Kendall helped plan out the trip.

Kendall rented out 5 charter buses for everyone, to take us wherever we wanted. We mostly stayed at Vail Ski Resort. Mr. Earl, Sr. paid for everyone's hotel rooms, while a guy, named Chancey, paid for everyone's food & excess spending. We did a little bit of shopping & got a few souvenirs, but not too much, because we learned the truth about materialism & consumerism. Trying not to be covetous.

Trenise's nephew, Tremarcus, whom they call "Spidey-Cat", is her sister, Tracie's son. Spidey-Cat, along with Mrs. Jacqueline Smith's son, Jacob, teamed up with Tracie's new boyfriend, Freddy (Kristina's childhood friend), Jamaal & the Latin Boys, as well as me, to go around different neighborhoods in Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arizona, Utah and Wyoming to go pass out flyers (gospel tracts) that warn people against joining cults, while simultaneously sharing & spreading the Gospel & educating people about Timberwood. We did 1 state a day, for 4 days, each week. 3 days off. Lol! Mrs. Jackie was the van driver. She didn't mind. She loved it.

Some former Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Scientologists & other former cult members from other cult groups joined us on our retreat, as the days went by. Even a few Hollywood celebrities. That made Timberwood even MORE mad! More people were waking up to the truth, leaving Timberwood & other cults & turning to Jesus Christ. Timberwood HATED it!

On our chill days, on weekends, we would go to visit different lakes, hot springs, amusement parks, museums, etc. The guys went hunting & fishing. We made sure there was no drama or fighting. Everything was peaceful. No rebellion against our group because the infiltrators were spotted, called out & ejected at the 1st offense. There was that reminder that there's strength in numbers.

At the end, there was even a farewell fruit fest party, just before we left Vail Ski Resort. The trip was broadcasted Live on every social media platform you can think of. Timberwood was defenseless & couldn't do anything about it. How's THAT for showing the devil who's boss?

THE END

Edited & finished on 11/21/2022.

I probably might re-edit, amend & add more during a time when I'm less sleep deprived.

[ledenews]

African Nun in Moundsville Strives to Help Needy in Appalachia

Sr. Agatha Munyanyi, 69, has spent her life helping others. That’s how she ended up in, of all places, Moundsville, West Virginia, a town of 8,000 on the Ohio River that is the subject of our PBS documentary Moundsville, but before telling that story, let’s go backward. Sr. Agatha was born in Zimbabwe (current pop. 15.1 million) in southern African in the middle of the 20th century at a time when it was called Rhodesia, part of the mighty British Empire. She felt a calling to Catholic religious life. That’s why she entered the novitiate of her order, the Sisters of the Child Jesus, at age 18. “And when you enter religious life, you must be prepared to be posted anywhere in the world where you are needed,” she said. In 2007, Sr. Agatha moved to the U.S. to pursue a PhD in biochemistry at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. She then got a private sector job at an environmental consultancy. That was a private sector job, and her salary went to her order. Nun takes vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. But in 2021, during Covid-19, like many people, Sr. Agatha was laid off. Because her order has a presence in West Virginia, it made her available there, and St. Francis Xavier, Moundsville’s only Catholic church, saw a need. In the summer of 2021, Sr. Agatha moved to Moundsville. She spends her time making home visits to ailing and aging parishioners, and to prisoners, among others. In short, she’s in Moundsville to love and serve people. I met Sr. Agatha in the basement of St. Francis Xavier, Moundsville’s only Catholic church. She was busy doing laundry. It was election day, Nov. 8, and I was walking around Moundsville taking the pulse. “I like the hills,” she said of West Virginia. “It’s like the Switzerland of the U.S.” American Realities The poverty and inequality in America, especially in Appalachia, are shocking to her. “I can’t believe there are people who can’t pay their energy bills,” she said. “When I tell that to people back home, they say, ‘no, that can’t be happening in a country as rich as America.’” She noted a difference in how poverty plays out in Zimbabwe and West Virginia. “A poor person in Africa can survive all seasons of the year,” she said. “But in America, you have to have shelter.” In Africa, she added, “a poor person worries more about food, whereas in America, food is more plentiful but housing is harder to find”, especially because of the price of energy in winter. In addition, she said, “in Africa, you are never homeless because you’re always part of a larger, extended family.” But at the end of the day, West Virginia is Sr. Agatha’s home for now, and she loves America. “America has always been the best country,” she said. “And there is hope for Christianity here, unlike in Europe. In Europe, Christianity is finished.” What did she make of U.S. politics? “Well, it’s very divided,” she said. As somebody who admires American democracy, she finds that heartbreaking. “I cried the night” of Jan. 6, 2021, when insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol building, she said. “I could not believe this was happening in America.” On a recent visit to an old woman’s home in Moundsville, the woman, aged around 90, asked her to pray for her favorite political party to win the election. Sr. Agatha said she replied: “How about instead we pray for wise leaders who respect the office and the power they’ve been given, and who want to be servants with the right heart?” The woman said that was fine and so that’s what they prayed for. Read the full article

[animebw]

Short Reflection: Cells at Work Black

So, here’s a question: How does one make Cells at Work... good?

I say this because I’m of the opinion that Cells at Work is not good. At best, it’s a harmless, disposable piece of educational anime that plays like every cringey video your seventh grade science teacher put on when he couldn’t be bothered to teach himself. The only novelty it has is seeing how various cells and bodily functions are realized as generic anime stock characters, and once that novelty wears off, there’s nothing in the way of actual character, emotional weight, or even just visual imagination to keep you coming back. The first season was an unremarkable 5/10, saved from sheer boredom solely thanks to the obvious fun all the voice actors were having hamming it up. And the second season makes the baffling decision to sideline Kana Hanazawa’s genki doofus Red Blood Cell- easily the show’s most entertaining character- and spend five episodes focusing instead on a pointless Normal Cell who says nothing interesting, does nothing interesting, has no good jokes (or really, any jokes), and has no good reason to take RBC’s protagonist spot from her. It’s one of the most misguided choices I’ve seen in a long time, and it drags season 2 down to a dull 4/10 (and that’s me being generous). At this point, the franchise is little more than a black void of personality, and I can’t see it ever turning into anything worthwhile.

But if that’s the case, then why did I like Cells at Work Black so damn much?

Cause on paper, CAW Black sounds like a surefire recipe for disaster. An edgy spinoff that explores the more mature aspects of biology that regular Cells at Work didn’t touch? Sex and disease and all manner of gross, ugly bodily functions? With a gender-swapped protagonist duo including a while blood cell with big honkin titties spilling out of her unzipped army jacket? And the original manga was written by a guy best known for horny comedies like Ore Tama? Yeah, there is no way this should’ve worked. This should have been the most puerile, easily mockable laughingstock of the season. This should have been nothing but gross-out jokes, dumb fanservice, and superficial trappings of “maturity” that are only mature to dumb 14-year-old edgelords who’ve just discovered sex and violence for the first time. There is no universe in which Black should have turned out good.

And yet... it is good. In fact, in some respects, it’s really good. Sure, it’s still no masterpiece, and Lidenfilms’ production is decidedly weaker than DavidPro’s instantly striking designs and slick moments of sakuga, but this is the first time that Cells at Work actually, well, worked for me. Why? Because unlike its vanilla counterpart, Black isn’t just a lame recitation of biology facts loosely held together by empty anime archetypes. No, Black is an actual story, with actual characters and themes it’s exploring through the lens of its educational aspects. This isn’t just a rote science lesson cheaply disguised as an anime, this actually is an anime. And it’s one of the shows I found myself most looking forward to in this very stacked anime season.

See, for those of you who don’t know, Cells at Work Black gets its name from the concept of a “Black Company.” In Japan, these are companies that severely mistreat their workers, pushing them to the breaking point for the sake of profit and staying afloat. They’re exploitative, life-destroying organizations that speak to the worst excesses of corporate greed. And if the body in original Cells at Work was a functioning company where everyone did their jobs happily and without complaint, the body in Black is a black company for the poor cells working within it. It’s constantly breaking down, its immune system is compromised, it’s overworked and overstressed, it gorges on unhealthy food, alcohol and cigarettes to cope, and it’s afflicted with all sorts of conditions. Amusingly, this implies that the person this body belongs to is also working in a black company environment, and the toxicity of that environment has turned them into an equally toxic work environment for the cells keeping them alive. But whatever the reason this body is breaking down, it’s turned the cells’ jobs into a living hell. They’re understaffed and overworked, they barely get a chance to breathe, and they’re constantly being pushed to sacrifice more and more for the sake of a company that doesn’t seem to care much if they live or die.

In other words, CAW Black isn’t just a story about a failing body; it uses that failing body as a metaphor to comment on the horrors of late stage capitalism. And it is not subtle about pushing that metaphor. Basically every episode takes some bodily function or condition and turns it into commentary on what this kind of work culture does to people. Episode 2 portrays the liver as a night district full of hostess clubs where cells come to detox, which is used to basically say “Hey, don’t be shitty to sex workers just because it looks like they’re living the high life, we’re all suffering under this garbage system.” Episode 5 tackles over-work head-on when the body’s T cells go berserk from overwork, which also doubles as commentary on how toxic masculinity reinforces dangerous, self-destructive tendencies in men who work themselves to exhaustion out of pride. Episode 6 takes us to the kidneys, a silent, Shinto-esque shrine, and uses it to say that forcing yourself not to process your emotions- to just “power through” a bad situation because you don’t want to make a fuss- is a bad idea, and you should really let yourself cry when you’re feeling stressed out. Even the weird detour into STD tentacle rape monsters in episode 4 (which is greatly toned down from the manga, I should add) still finds meaning in asking us to respect garbage men, service workers and other people with dirty and unsanitary jobs, because the fact they’re willing to get so dirty is proof of their courage and dedication to doing something that makes people’s lives better. It’s all really well thought out.

And yes, there are actual characters leading us through this journey. Our protagonist is fresh-faced red blood cell who quickly learns that the happy working life he was promised was a lie, and through his eyes, we see the human cost enacted by exploitative company practices. RBC faces so many horrible ways this body is failing its cells, but he refuses to give into despair like so many of his colleagues. He fights against the pressure to shut down, to bottle up his emotions and turn into a corporate zombie, to work mindlessly with no regard for who- or what- needs to be sacrificed. He’s just a single worker in a massive, sprawling system, but his small voice is a beacon of hope that this body isn’t done for yet. There’s a welcome acknowledgement that at the end of the day, workers can only do so much to improve their conditions when they’re this shitty. If things are gonna get better under capitalism, it’s gonna have to come from the top down, by completely reforming our systems until they’re no longer so destructive and predatory. Much in the same way, a body’s cells can’t save a body from self-destructing all on their own; the person has to be willing to change whatever unhealthy habits are dragging them down and make their body a healthier environment. But it’s the refusal of the little guy to give up- the Red Blood Cells of the real world who refuse to crack under the pressure of thinking things will never get better- that gives us that chance to reach that revolution in the first place. And all this from a show that started as a way to teach kids about what’s happening in their body.

But that’s the magic of Cells at Work Black. It takes a premise that should have been an instant failure, from a franchise that’s never really succeeded to begin with, and turns out something with genuine merit. It’s got actual endearing characters who go through arcs and struggle with complicated emotions. It’s got consistently great commentary on the nature of capitalism and the fight against it. It works both as education and entertainment, never sacrificing one for the other. It’s also a fantastic adaptation; I read a couple chapters of the CAW Black manga, and most of the choices that make the anime work so well- from toning down the tasteless fanservice to re-ordering chapters into a more coherent arc and even adding new characters- are a result of the anime team adding on what was already there, not being content simply copying and pasting the pages onto screen. That, more than anything, is proof of why this works so well while the original Cells at Work was such a snore. This show is a product of people who really cared about what they were making, who took a questionable source material and made it their own, who didn’t settle for a safe bet when there was something far more valuable they could achieve. Cells at Work Black may not be the best show of the season, but it’s a show I find myself respecting more and more every time I think about it. And I’m more than happy to give it a score of:

7.5/10

What an unexpected treat this turned out to be. See you next time!

[for-yoongi0309]

SG: the long day is finally over, I feel a little weird now that I was able to remove the brace, but I got to take photos today. I think it was fun! It’s been a long time since I’ve came to Gangwon. I was on a diet but I ate makguksu today and it’s been a while since I’ve had a shooting. So I will continue to have fun while shooting

Trans © Borajae at @for-yoongi0309

Please do not remove credits when use

[classicsinga]

Rowvember 2021 - 28. Winter

Velvet remembers Vice King lieutenant, Tanya Winters.

[kth1]

2021 Year in Review: kimtaehyunq

firstly and foremostly, i have been tagged --> @min-boongie​ @hobeah​ @taehyungq​ @minieggukie​ @gimbapchefs​ @jeonjcngkook​ & i think @kithtaehyung​ ?? i think that’s all? for right now? i’m sorry. thank you all for thinking of me and mentioning me among the hundreds of awesome creators out there! 

this is the Best of 2021 game // post your favorite or most popular posts from each month this year! 

unfortunately in my case, i reblog and sr far too often that i exceed a lot in each month. so seeking out “most popular” is very difficult for me and i refuse to do it. however, i managed to take the time and pick random favorites in each month to just briefly talk about them. 

one thing i noticed as i scavenged throughout my archive is that... i hadn’t realized how many works i actually have done. which is quite a lot! im surprised at myself for even committing so much time into content making, but i enjoy doing it. it’s something that currently makes me very happy even when this site sometimes makes me very frustrated. personally, i don’t think of my work as anything better than others. i just really enjoy creating. i know i offer a little bit of everything when it comes to content, and i fully appreciate all of the likes, reblogs, and follows that come because of it. i don’t think i ever expected to be here, indulging myself with bts content and giving out my own twist of things... but here i am!

i’m most grateful for just the overall community of bts, who i’ve had the honor of getting to meet and/or admire. gained friendships with mutual interests, shared works and thoughts over creating, and just the amazing support the majority of this community (and fandom) offers! it’s honestly closer than anything i have every been apart of (fan-wise) and that is quite special to me.

so enough of the chitchat, time for some works under the cut!

January

BBC GOGO Jimin Focus - 1.2k // this gifset honestly surprised me because i wasn’t able to get great quality for the frames. i really enjoy this song and i still remember how evil jimin was making a fun song into something... so deadly in the matter of his first verse. 

February

Comedy King Taehyung on BTS RUN Tennis - 1.2k // i remember how annoying coloring this gifset was because of all the greens. but the scene was hilarious -- still is imo! how did he of all people manage to get the ball stuck between the racket? please lol

March

Winter Package 2021 Taehyung looking as boyfriend as ever - 1.5k // the winter package 2021 content is filled with so many heart warming moments. this gifset hopefully captured the soft love that radiated from mr. taehyung. he’s just so fluffy here too. 

April

Black Ravens Fic - 1.1k // listen, i don’t think i need to even comment on this fic. it was an idea that has been eating at the back of my mind for some time and it eventually came out into words. to see so many supportive friends fall for this fic actually has made me so happy. i honestly never expected to have the reactions i gained from putting this fic out into the world. 

May

The Wings Tour: The Final behind the scenes Hobi - 482 // i really enjoyed this gifset and the colors. hobi has such pretty orangey hair and the arrows around him just look pretty. i wish i was able to gain more love for this gifset but it’s ok! hobi is loved by the many millions in the world! 

June

Maknae Line Airplane pt 2 gifset - 470 // this one actually sort of upset me. i’ve been vocal to a few friends about this gifset because of a certain situation in the past. i’ve moved on from it, accept the fate of it not getting the attention it deserves. but this gifset is still very pretty to me and i worked hard on it. so therefore it is my favorite post i did in june!

July

Remake One of your Old Gifsets | Tony Montana - 946 // this was actually a game where i needed to tag other giffers. i didn’t realize that it was going to blow up how it did, but im grateful for it! i really enjoy tony montana yoongi, his song and fit. when i remade this gifset i was so stunned with my growth from before to after. and even now, my giffing tactics have changed! (hopefully better)

August

Gifwar | Taekook edition - 1.2k // over time i started doing a little gifwar of taekook content with @/jeonjcngkook. it’s hilarious to do and always fun to gif a random piece of content. ofc i adore this set so much because of grammys 2020 taehyung and that blasted shirt!!! i love grammys 2020 tae so much that it’s the reason for my url to be my url! :D

September

Red Hair Taehyung - 962 // golly. i was inspired by @/jiminslight and their pink jimin gifset; so much that i made a red hair gifset of tae. i love how it came out and i started discovering that making larger gifsets are 1) quite hard but 2) very enjoyable! 

October

PTD on stage VMINKOOK - 1.5k // i just very much like this set. i think they performed wonderfully even though it was still an online concert, im sure they were missing ARMY so much. 

November

Blonde Taehyung - 992 // this was another set i had made @/kimtaegis because i felt like i failed misribly on the first gifset. i wanted to make it up to her. so as a surprise, i created this one in hopes to be better! also this was a time where i tried making the gifs a little bit more darker than i usually go and it turned out pretty imo! 

December

Boyfriend Vibes Yoongi - 1.4k // honestly, have no clue how so many people enjoyed this gifset so fast. when i saw this scenes in the behind the scenes content i was like “oh wow, i need to gif yoongi and look at him right here! he’s so cool!” and just went ahead and giffed it. i really enjoy seeing the love people have to all the members, but especially seeing the love for mr. min. <3

ok, that took a lot. And hopefully tumblr doesn’t mess up my tags or formatting... because this site is dying :( anyways. thank you all who have supported me and supported bts! i will tag a few other creators down below if they wish to participate! and if you already did this game, i apologize in advance!

tagging: @honsool​ @jung-koook​ @taeyungie​ @taee​ @amourtae​ @kkulmoon​ @y93​ @sopev​ @taeunwoo​ @sugajimin​ @suga-ssi​ @jimimn​ @rainycle​ @filmsout​ @jiminswn​ @hyunsung​ @taetheists​ @chopper​ @blooodsweatandtears​ @loverjimin​ @tcehyungs​ @scokjinkim​ 

[cheri-carnival]

Artem’s Private Messages - Choice

🍒 Warning: Contains detailed spoilers for content not yet released in EN 🍒

These private messages accompany the 【抉择】 SR

Recommended to follow along with the video!

Release date in CN: 26 February 2021

Ripples on the Heart - 心池涟漪 

[ Swimming noises and Artem’s panting ]

Looks like I was a step ahead.

But you already have a very good grasp of the butterfly stroke, so have faith in yourself. 

It’s getting late. After this round, we should go back-

Huh? 

[ MC struggles in the water ]

What’s wrong?!

…are you okay?

You have a leg cramp? How about now? Does it still hurt?

…that’s good. Let’s get out quickly.

I’ll carry you.

[ Artem carries MC ]

…listen to me. You can’t move around in your current state.

[ Artem carries MC out of the water ]

It might be a little cold when we first leave the water. Endure it for a while.

Huh? No, I’m not tired at all.

I’m breathing heavily because we just swam. It’s nothing, don’t mind it.

[ Heartbeat noises ]

Are you still feeling afraid about what happened? I can hear your heart beating really quickly.

Don’t be afraid. Everything’s okay now. Just rest for a while and you’ll be fine. 

A proper massage could help with the recovery. I know a little about it. If you don’t mind…

Okay, I’ll give it a try.

[ Massaging noises ]

How is it? Do you feel much better?

Mm. With me around, there’s nothing you need to worry about.

Company on a Winter Day - 冬日守护 

Here, hold it properly. The sweet potato’s really hot, so be careful not to get scalded.

Your hands should feel a little warmer while carrying it.

The weather is cold. Even if you’re heading out for a short while, remember to wear gloves.

Or... I could carry a pair along with me, so it’s fine even if you forget.

It’s something I should do. There’s no need to be so polite with me.

[ MC rubs her hands together ]

Do you still feel cold? …give me your hands.

As expected, they’re really cold. They’ve turned red from the cold.

Come, hold my hand.

It should feel a little more comfortable in the pocket of my coat.

The wind is blowing from the back. Stand in front of me so you won’t get blown easily.

Be careful not to catch a cold. You could… stand a little closer to me.

Lean against my shoulder? Mm, of course it isn’t a problem.

You feel slightly better now, don’t you? Endure it for a little longer. We’ll get back to the car very soon, and it’s warm there.

This is nothing. Aside from blocking the wind, I can do even more for you.

…I’ll always protect you from behind.

[imasallstars]

SR/SR+ 「Secret Winter Preparations」Anastasia

availability: Secret Winter Preparations Dream Limited Gacha (2021/11/28~2021/12/05 14:59 JST)

[orangecatty-shiningnikki]

【 Shining Nikki TW+CN 】 Recharge

【 Shining Nikki TW+CN 】 Recharge

The golden snowflakes fell gently, embellishing lace on the fluffy skirt.

Like all the dreams expected at Christmas, they will be shining brightly under the firelight of the fireplace.

Suit Display ::

Original Suit :: Warm Winter Wish Song (暖冬願曲)

Recolor Suit :: Snow Night Wish Song (雪夜願曲)

Collection :: ​Federal Style

Designer :: Lilith (莉莉斯)

Rarity :: SR

Attribute :: Sweet

Type :: Recharge

Date :: 21/12/2021—03/01/2022

.

[acrispyapple]

MLQC: Snow Wish Winterland Karma

Schedule: 2021/12/24 05:00-2022/01/03 23:59 PST’

SSR [Victor: Winter Wish Melody]

"There's another troublemaker tonight."

Perfect Date This is the perfect Christmas you post to your Moments page. Also with Pudding messing around, creating little accidents... Even the air shared with him becomes sweeter.

——"Here hides the perfect Christmas inside a dummy's heart."

SR [Gavin: Snowy Night Voyage]

"I'll cherish this heartbeat."

Racing Heart Date He accompanies you to the small town of Northern Europe to have a fascinated Christmas. A quaint little reindeer carriage with a prepared gift brings a smile to your face. Ancient Christmas tree gives you the biggest blessing.

——"Then I hit an even bigger one. Because you're a part of my jackpot."

SR [Lucien: Snowfall Shadow]

"I'm happy you thought of me at that moment."

Stall Date The card carries expectations, and the wishing room will be officially opened. Familiar handwriting tells the secret that only you know. Will you realize this wish for him?

——"For me, the meaning of this wish was a secret I hold in the depths of my heart."

SSR [Kiro: Golden Snowkiss]

"No matter what, I'll always go to you."

Echo Date Maybe Santa Claus does exist. He is probably running around, making little kids' dreams come true. Accepting the last gift from Santa, he has something only want to tell you.

——"I'm here to bring the unique like to you."

poor shaw ｡ﾟ(TヮT)ﾟ｡

[hpdestress]

Destress December

Mid-Month Round Up - Ao3 Posts | December 1-15, 2021

A bit late (sorry!), but here are all the lovely items that have been created so far this month! **Edit: We have split this into 2 posts, 1 for Ao3 and 1 for Tumblr just to make it easier to scroll through. :) 

Notes

Word counts, ratings, and ships are not included for Tumblr-posted items unless they were labeled with the information or it was easily discernable from the blog.

If a post was added to the Ao3 Collection and also tagged us on Tumblr, we have included the Ao3 link, with the author’s information going to their tumblr where possible. We haven’t duplicated the pieces in both the Ao3 and Tumblr list just to avoid confusion. 

I think I’ve gotten everything, but since this collection isn’t going by a posting schedule, I may have missed something. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you think I missed one! - @withgreatelan

If you have any questions, send us an ask or contact one of the hosts, @manixzen and @withgreatelan, on Discord.

Ao3 Works

'Tis the Season by @mooncat457writing (NR, 870)

Hermione Granger/Fred Weasley

Summary: Thirty-one winter moments over the years between Fred and Hermione.

Endless Winter Nights by @phantomato (E, 3.2k)

Tom Riddle/Thoros Nott (Nott Sr.)

Summary: Tom Riddle and Thoros Nott get caught under enchanted mistletoe and Tom can’t stop thinking about it.

Hogsmeade Christmas Bulletin by @TreewriterReads (G, 5.4k)

Gen Fic

Summary: Advertisements, PSAs, and notices as posted to Hogsmeade residents, inspired by the prompts of HP De-stress December; secular as much as it is possible to be when discussing Christmas. Each will be very short, and represent different ways magic could impact ordinary life not shown in the Harry Potter canon.

Harry plays cupid in this one by @asiwhine (G. 1.4k)

Hermione Granger/Ron Weasley

Summary: Prompt 14#: Mistletoe

Scotch Holidays by @EllieL (G, 303)

Gen Fic

Summary: A series of Minerva McGonagall focused holiday drabbles, written for De-Stress December 2021.

Pansy goes shopping in this one by @asiwhine (G, 1.4k)

Hermione Granger/Pansy Parkinson

Summary: Prompt 12# - Diagon Alley

Ron and Pansy host Christmas in this one by @asiwhine (G, 1.3k)

Pansy Parkinson/Ron Weasley

Summary: Prompt 10#: Holiday parties

Boxes & Baubles by @danni-the-puff (T, 2.7k)

Harry Potter/Severus Snape, Regulus Black/Severus Snape, Lily Evans & Severus Snape

Summary: Christmas trees over the first four (and a half) decades of Severus’ life.

Harry owns a bookstore in this one by @asiwhine (G, 1.3k)

Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Summary: Prompt 9#: Christmas tree

In The Wings by @cavendishbutterfly (T, 1.6k)

Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Summary: Ballet has been a path to healing for Draco after the war. Now, it's his final performance in the starring role, and his boyfriend is in the audience for the first time. For the hpdestress prompt, "Christmas Tree"

A Cosy Evening by @Champagne_SupernOva (G, 431)

Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Summary: Draco had an awful day at work and Harry is an awesome husband and cheers him up.

All I Want For Christmas Is You by @Champagne_SupernOva (G, 681)

Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Summary: Draco didn’t think that he’d ever heard so much longing in a voice. Draco has a crush on Harry and Harry sings karaoke.

Any Song by @chuckalart (G, Art)

Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Summary: Any excuse to hold each other, to feel their magic and the music floating around them. They love the holidays.

Grooves by @amayadette (M, 384)

Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Summary: Butterbeer had always been one of Potter's favorite drinks.

First Date by @Champagne_SupernOva (G, 899)

Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Summary: It's Draco and Harry's first date and Harry is a nervous wreck. Luckily Draco can reassure him and they have a fabulous day.

Lightweight by @softmoonlight (T, 2k)

Harry Potter/Charlie Weasley

Summary: Butterbeer made Harry cuddly.

Good Enough by @chuckalart (G, Art)

Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Summary: The boys attempt to decorate the flat for Christmas. Draco falls asleep. Their cat falls asleep. Harry decorates their cat and Draco, and watches the moon rise.

Christmas Lights by @Champagne_SupernOva (G, 187)

Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Summary: Harry introduces Draco to Christmas Lights

Baby, Please Come Home by @manixzen (T, 1.3k)

Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Summary: Draco tries to bring home a surprise for Harry for the holidays, but it doesn't go quite as planned.

Mess is Mine by @softmoonlight (T, 3.1k)

Harry Potter/Oliver Wood

Summary: Oliver thinks something’s wrong; Harry just wants to surprise him.

Ours by @amayadette (T, 900)

Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy

Summary: Hermione expected to see Draco when she came home. She’d given him a set of keys to her flat just last month—something that had been long overdue, seeing as for the past six months he’d spent every night there anyway. So it was no surprise to see his blonde head and tall frame when she walked through the front door. What she did not expect to see was her flat in utter shambles.

The Pink Prank by @danni-the-puff (G, 979)

Draco Malfoy & The Weasleys, Draco Malfoy & Molly Weasley, Molly Weasleys & The Weasleys (other background ships mentioned in tags)

Summary: Molly knits Draco a sweater for Christmas. It almost doesn’t go well.