#wow chill aston

[skitskatdacat63]

2023 Brazilian Grand Prix - Podium - Fernando Alonso

[papaya-twinks]

italian blood - l.n - p.2

Warnings: Angst, public shaming (idk what it’s called)

Pairing: Lando Norris x antonelli!fem!reader

Summary: Y/N gets closer with Lando, but that comes with a lot of criticism

part 1

And so you waited at the start of the line, your car placed firmly in the third position, behind Charles, the vibrant green of Alonso’s Aston Martin flashing behind you. Five lights. Out. Your foot slammed on the accelerator, your car jolting into life as you raced forwards, the dash of green behind you closing in further and further and then…back, as you slammed on the brakes, darting forwards. 

Your eyes flickered to your wing mirrors, watching as the Aston Martin fell back behind the orange McLaren, the large four plastered onto the front. “Fuck,” you cursed to yourself, speeding ever forward. DRS - active. Together, your DRA from Charles and Lando’s from you cancelled each other out, pure skill and speed from you and the car could only push this, 

“Y/N, lets manage tyres,” your engineer snapped you out of your rushing thoughts. “I am! I’m trying to keep Norris behind,” you said, edging your car forwards. “No, Y/N, our fight is with the Astons,” you groaned at the words. “Leave me to it,”. You could tell that might annoy Fred, but you had it all planned and laid out in your head. 

You weren’t here to let him past because your engineers told you to. Your fight was and always would be with the leader, and when you beat him, your opponent was the stopwatch. “Box, Box,” the engineer said, your car swerving into the pit lane, hitting down to your limited speed, your pit box illuminated with the flash of red engineers. 

“Y/N, you are 6th, no one in front has pitted,” your engineer confirmed as you sped up, out of the pit lane. “Optimise,”. Those words sent you forwards, your car behind the Mercedes of George Russell, your DRS activating. “Right, we have Piastri, Norris and Verstappen boxing,” you watched as you sped past them, the papaya McLaren of Lando coming behind you, his car accelerating. 

And the course of your undercut worked, you car finishing second behind that of Verstappen’s, Norris behind you. “Fuck yeah!” you grinned, smiling into the radio as you slid into Parc Ferme, your bright red Ferrari standing out alongside the McLaren. “Hey, hey,” a voice said, making you turn around, seeing Lando behind you, “nice one Antonelli,” he winked. 

You smiled at his words, “Weren’t too shabby yourself,” you said with a small laugh. “Aw, thanks,” he punched your arm jokingly. “Wow, Y/N and Lando seem to be getting on well,” you heard th voice of the commentator. You’d experienced this before, the second you showed any sign of friendliness, the media would make it seem like a relationship. 

You followed the other two into the cool down room, Max nodding to you. “Good job, Antonelli,” he said approvingly, as you grinned. “Only a matter of time before I’m the one wearing that,” you pointed at the first place hat on his head. “Yeah? Not if I get it first,” Lando snorted. 

By association, you knew Daniel through Charles, and you were moderately surprised to find yourself reading a message from the Aussie, asking if you wished to join playing paddle with him, Max and Lando. Who were you to say no, right? You were close with Daniel, relatively chill with Max and Lando seemed alright. 

“Hey,” you walked into the court, seeing the three men standing, waiting for you. They were each wearing plain shirts of some sort, and shorts, contrasting your tennis skirt and top, your hair tied back. “Looking ready, Antonelli,” Daniel nodded approvingly as you rolled your eyes, assessing all their outfits. Your eyes landed on Lando’s shirt, relatively loose around the waist and abdomen, but the shirt almost tearing round the biceps. 

You almost had to mentally kick yourself to look away. “Anyways,” you muttered, “teams?”. Instantly, Max stepped towards Daniel, leaving Lando with an offended scoff. “I’m not that bad!” he groaned, rolling his eyes as you laughed. “Maybe I can compensate,” you joked, picking up your racket, a lot smaller than the others, and took your position. 

“Proper tennis stance?” Lando raised an eyebrow at your positioning. “You’re gonna make me look pathetic,” he groaned. “Don’t worry,” you laughed at his words, taking the ball in your hand and serving it. Instantly, Daniel hit it back, onto the edge of Lqndo’s court, luckily, the Brit returning it. “Nice!” you smiled, as Max sent it to you, your wrist flicking it away. 

“Cheers!” he called, the Dutch man sending the object into the middle of your court, your body darting to hit it…exactly what Lando did. You shrieked, feeling your body collide straight into his, your shoulder raised defensively against his chest as you fell back onto your ass. “Aww, someone have a little fall?” Lando cooed, holding his hand out as he smirked at you, 

“Ha ha,” you rolled your eyes, shaking your head as Max and Daniel cackled at the pair of you. You stood up, taking his hand as he yanked you up, surprisingly easily.  “Jesus, you don’t weigh a thing,” he muttered, taking his racket again. “Stay on your side this time!” you huffed, the small ghost of a smile jumping to your face. ?Yes ma’am,” he nodded. 

Lando 🍑: sorry for knocking u over 🥶

Y/N: u should be 🫵😡

Lando 🍑: 😢😢

Y/N: yeah u deserve to cry 😨

Almost everything you how did as a Formula One driver was practically monitored, by fans or the media - so when you followed Lando and he followed you back on instagram, the media went wild, dating allegations thrown around. And you were hardly surprised by the email you found on your phone as you sat in your Monaco apartment, your brother busying round the kitchen. 

To Y/N Antonelli, 

Hey, this is your media team. We’ve decided it’s best you leave your following with Lando alone, but maybe not interact as much as you have been with him. We also need you to release a statement about it. 

Thanks,

Your PR Team 

You rolled your eyes, half groaning at the email. Wow, the second you got along with anyone, it changed the course of peoples LIVES, it seemed. You didn’t want to drop Lando as a friend, but it seemed you were forced to. You published the statement as you were told to, almost begrudgingly as you groaned, ignoring Lando’s messages. 

Lando 🍑: y/n 

Lando 🍑: what’s ur statement thing about?

Lando 🍑: y/n?

Lando 🍑: is it about me? don’t ignore me 

Y/N: it’s best we don’t talk for a while.

You hated sending that, the entire 15 seconds it took to type that, was like pure hell to you. Pushing Lando away wasn’t something you wanted to do, you didn’t want to leave him or drop him as a friend. But that was the life of a Formula One driver. It wasn’t your own life. And you could hardly live either yourself. 

Hey, I’ve been seeing a few posts about some dating rumours. I would just like to say, I’ve been following every other driver since my contract was revealed - and I followed Lando due to a paddle game we had. Creating rumours because you’re bored is pretty time wasting. 

[sidcrosbybro]

Pittsburgh Penguins 2018/19: Explained

Since we're about to kick off with the playoffs, I figured I'd do an updated silly explanation of the Penguins. So here goes...

Players

Kris "Tanger" Letang - a fashion icon who loves to tweet about how much he loves his team. Incredible two way defenseman. Loves to yell at the refs. It's not Tanger if he's not arguing.

Evgeni "Geno" Malkin - fashion disaster. NHL101. One of the best, if not the best, players in the league but constantly overlooked. Shouldn't be able to skate as gracefully as he does on such long legs. Has the softest hands. Would kill a man for Sidney Crosby.

Sidney "Sid the kid" Crosby - Captain Dad. Takes on rookies like it's his job and ninety percent of the comments from players about him is that he's great at making newbies feel welcome. Has adopted so many sons. Really likes candy. Is already a legend and isn't slowing down. Will probably take over the world at some point. Loves his teammates, especially the rest of the core. Has specially commissioned paintings of him and the boys hanging in his house. President of the Evgeni Malkin fan club.

Jake "Guentz" Guentzel - young but mighty. Really put all his heart into playing and came out from under Sid's wing like a champ. Won't stop scoring. Likes golf. Wrote a book report on Sid once.

Justin "Jultz" Schultz - Also known as Jeff. Amazing defenseman, literally don't know what we'd do without him. Missed a bunch of this season with a broken leg but thank God he came back. Has a fake tooth he just carries around with him for interviews. Best friends with Olli Maatta.

Olli Maatta - for a long time we all thought he was super quiet and shy and then at the 2016/17 cup parade we turned out to be very very wrong. Boy went buckwild and passed out on his own balcony. Soft and fluffy. We love him. Best friends with Justin Schultz.

Brian "Dumo" Dumoulin - looks like your typical frat boy but actually doubles as one of the best/most underrated defensemen in the league and the Ultimate Wine Connoisseur. Loves his wife and his dog more than anything. Team DJ but doesn't know what indie music is.

Matt "Cully" Cullen - (A.K.A Dad) Was with us for a few years, left us for a season and was meant to retire in Minnesota but then came back for 18/19 because he Missed Us Too Much. Not convinced he'll ever stop playing tbh. Has the funniest kids and loves his family.

Phil 'The Thrill' Kessel - ...Is a Stanley Cup Champion. Shy boy who doesn't like cameras. Plays like a God. Really loves his dog, Stella. Super Supportive Brother of Amanda Kessel. We are so blessed to have this man on our team.

Patric "Horny" Hornqvist - resident Swedish Viking. Was part of the iconic duo of Horny and Hags but this season stole that from us. Very shouty and very happy. A net-pest who upsets most goalies in the league. Allergic to wearing clothes.

Bryan "Rusty" Rust - soft boy. Great at breakaways and his job in general. Went through a period of time where empty nets just really weren't working for him to the point it became a team meme. Works really hard and deserves nice things.

Matt "Muzz" Murray - elite!!! Crazy good at his job and is going to be a complete legend one day. Has two giant Newfoundlands who are adorable. Was a mentee to Flower and It Shows. Works with charity a lot and is so humble. We love this boy.

Tristan Jarry - eyebrows!!! Also very good at his job. Sully once had to tell him to be LESS calm because he's so chill. He doesn't even break a sweat making insane saves. Fantastic dude.

Zach Aston-Reese - "ZAR" - looks like he should be in the wilderness chopping wood. Looks AMAZING when he gets into fights. Soft and lovely, works really hard for this team and deserves his place here. Poor boy won't stop getting injured though. Half of the iconic nose & eyebrows squad.

Garrett "Willy" Wilson - other half of the nose and eyebrows squad. Has freckles for days. Captain of WBS and it shows. BIG, looks like he could Kill, but is actually very soft spoken and has a little bit of a lisp. Loves kids and loves Pittsburgh. Deserves only the best.

Dominik "Domino" Simon - people can personally fight me about Dom, I love him. Had a bit of an up and down season but he'll be okay!!! Underrated two way player and trusted by Sully. Looks like a chick that just hatched for Easter.

Chad "Roo" Ruhwedel - used to play roller hockey a lot! We don't see him much but he's a good guy. Works hard and gets along with Sid a lot.

Jack Johnson, A.K.A. "JJ" - was Sid's roommate in school. Has a lot of stories about him he either can't or won't share about him. Had a questionable start but has been really really helpful to the whole team as of late. So big.

Theodore "Teddy" Blueger - somebody please let this boy get some rest. Looks like he has a cold 90% of the time but definitely doesn't play like it. He's going to have an amazing career. Jesus Christ.

Marcus "The Dragon" Pettersson - acquired him from the Ducks this season and it was definitely worth it. He's tall, young and has a play similar to Dumo's. Who knows, maybe in a few years he'll be just as unstoppable as him?

Jared "Canner" McCann - along with Bjuggy, Canner experienced maybe the most stressful move from his old team to the Penguins. Left Florida and showed up for their first game two minutes before the anthem started. Looks a bit like Guentz when he has his helmet on. Insanely good addition to this team, could not be more grateful for him.

Nick "Bjuggy" Bjugstad - like Canner, has been an incredible acquisition. You will hear his name pop up about 100 times a game because he never stops working for it. Just wow.

Erik Gudbranson - Large Man. He can really steamroll them. He's too new for me to know That Much about him but boy can he send opposing players flying.

Zach Trotman - called up from WBS recently. Looks a bit lost sometimes like he's not 100% sure where he is or what he's doing but he's a good guy.

Head & Assistant Coaches

Mike "Sully" Sullivan - Head Coach. Angry Bird. Loves his team, expresses his pride in the guys constantly, but is not afraid to yell. Has a good relationship with his players and makes good decisions most of the time. Unless it's an empty net. He really likes them. The fans wish he didn't.

Mark "Rex" Recchi - Assistant Coach. A kind guy who works hard and backs Sully most of the time. Looks after his players. Top notch dude.

Sergei "Gonch" Gonchar - Assistant Coach. Basically a second father to Geno, housed him when he first came to Pittsburgh. Played with him and Sid for a little while. Is permanently done with the whole team. Absolutely beloved.

Jacques Martin - Assistant Coach. Responsible for 'Jacques Squad' which was an incredible penalty team group the last few seasons.

[disposedserenity]

BTS in Singapore #LoveYourselfSG

I don’t know who would even wanna read about a concert that happened A MONTH AGO. But if you are still keen, hey ho.

*I’m gonna recount the entire day in great detail, so please feel free to skip any details if you don’t care about it.*

disclaimer: all pics & videos are not mine unless stated, credit goes to bts/bighit/fansites/fans

For reference, I was at yellow 1 (left side of the extended stage)

On the night before the concert, it still felt unreal. I was surprisingly calm and I was even watching 聲林之王 with glenn (who stayed over) 😂 I thought I wouldn’t be able to sleep but I ended up falling asleep at around 3 am.

19 January, 6.00am: My eyes opened and I was sooooo effing tired LOL. I swear I was in a daze all the way till the actual concert. We got ready and proceeded to leave the house at 8 am. Once I arrived at the stadium, there were fans everywhere. The group of us (carol, mingyou, glenn and I) decided to grab a cup of tea/coffee to wake ourselves up and I don’t know how, but it was already past 9 am by the time we bought our drinks. Glenn and I went to collect the various fansupport items (a cool thing about kpop concerts is the amount of free stuff given out by fans) and we went to find glenn’s roommate who had been queuing for merch since 6am.

At 10.30 am, glenn and I went to register for soundcheck. The place we were at (outdoor area outside astons) had various dance cover groups, which was actually a pretty good form of entertainment to pass the time. After we were done with registration, glenn had to pick up an item she had ordered from a fansite, which we had a hell of a difficult time trying to find because the stadium is so freaking big. We had to speed walk to queue for soundcheck right after, as we were already late (queueing started at 12.30pm and it was almost 1pm)

SOUNDCHECK:

That was basically my reaction when BTS walked out.

Even though they were in casual clothes and had no makeup on, (Jhope even tweeted about it!!!), in my mind they looked like this as they were walking over to us HAHAHA:

They performed three songs in total: mic drop, dna and run. I went in assuming they would each be rehearsing their solos, so I wasn’t expecting those three songs to be chosen. But, it makes total sense because these are the more hype songs. My memory is slowly fading so I’ll let drake illustrate how I felt during the soundcheck.

When they all stood in one line right in front of me:

When I heard the opening note of mic drop:

KIM NAMJOON, KIM SEOKJIN, MIN YOONGI, JUNG HOSEOK, PARK JIMIN, KIM TAEHYUNG, JEON JUNGKOOK, BTS!!!!!!!

**when I heard the whistling in DNA**

*run plays* me: YAAAAAAAAS BICTH

me realising midway that bts is real and I’m actually seeing them like wtaf-

armys after the soundcheck:

I don’t know how I ever got so lucky winning soundcheck passes, but I wanna thank all the lords and the universe for awarding BOTH glenn and I this opportunity. Soundcheck is truly such an intimate experience because you get to experience bts in all their natural glory. Even though this was just a rehearsal, it felt like a mini concert and I even told glenn that I’d be fine if I didn’t go for their concert and I can die happy lmaoooo.

Brief soundcheck tidbits (you can read the rest here):

1) Jin looks THE best without makeup, he has such good skin and I swear this man is really really handsome in person. I’ll admit I never bought into the worldwide handsome hype before, but I’m a convert now.

2) Jin kept looking at glenn and I several times and he was FULL ON staring. It wasn’t even a brief glance, it was as if I owed him money and he was waiting for me to return it to him (yes jin i owe u my money and life). I kept wondering if I was delusional (aren’t we all, tbh). To be fair, I think jin was also looking at the barricades behind us and/or staring into space, but this man definitely looked me straight in the eye. How did I survive? I didn’t, I’m typing from my grave

3) hobi glows in person, and he’s really not called the sun for nothing. He was the first one to walk out on stage and he had the biggest smile plastered on his face the entire time. Sunshine radiates from this man with every move he makes. Alongside joon, he was the one speaking the most and leading the members.

Ok, so storytime. There were supposed to be 1000 soundcheck winners but when we entered, there was NO way that there were 1000 of us. Our area had probably around 100 - 150 people max and the same goes for the other side. During the concert ment time,  jungkook mentioned that there were only 200++ fans at soundcheck. The moment he said that, glenn and I turned to each other and went “HUH?” and we clowned him because we thought he couldn’t math... (sorry jk bro for doubting you oops). As it turns out, about 800 soundcheck passes were cancelled because they were obtained through special means and connections. AND, the reason they looked really tired/sad at soundcheck was because they were expecting 1000 fans and they probably thought they couldn’t even fill up that amount. :( fuck you scalpers, fuck you snakes staff, but I’m glad bighit decided to cancel all those tickets because those fools dont deserve it and also more space for us soundcheck winners muahahaha.

Before I delve into the concert experience, I need to vent about my stupidity and anger at myself. **CAUTION: RANT AHEAD** So, the standing ticket holders were let in to the venue from 4 pm onwards, and we happily found a spot to settle in and chill. (it was definitely NOT chill in our pit, but that’s another story) At around 6.30pm, everyone decided to stand up officially. Fast forward 15 minutes, I went into full panic mode because I needed to pee. Usually, I’ll just hold it in but my stomach was feeling quite queasy (I’ve been having a lot of stomach issues since november). I also didn’t wanna watch the entire concert with the constant urge to pee because that’s so fun, right? It just SO happened that mingyou and carol were talking about going to the back to watch the concert so I said fuck it, I’ll just go to the toilet and stand at the back too. Went to the toilet to pee and ta-da, ONLY TWO FREAKING DROPS OF PEE CAME OUT. I was so pissed at myself (my body really) because it made me leave my front spot for nothing. But, what’s done was done. I told myself that hey, at least you can finally breathe now (while internally cursing). **RANT OVER**

CONCERT:

Even though I’ve watched so many fancams from their concert, NOTHING will ever beat the experience of watching it in person. I got GOOSEBUMPS when the first note of idol played and they all rose from the platform. Till this day, I STILL get goosebumps rewatching any idol fancams because of that exact moment.

me watching the IDOL opening stage for the 94919994th time:

I was watching IDOL from the back with carol and mingyou, and I was truly thankful that I had the space to dance and go wild. But, that feeling lasted briefly because I realised I was so damn far from the stage. BTS was performing most of their choreographed songs at the purple main stage so even if I was at my original spot, I still wouldn’t be able to see them. The huge led screens existed for that very reason, but my stubborn ass was adamant on watching them on the stage instead of seeing them through a screen.

me deciding to squeeze my way back in again:

After IDOL, it was time for their intro ment (introducing themselves, saying a few comments the usual stuff). Immediately after, they performed save me/I’m fine. I don’t know why my idiotic ass thought this was a good time to squeeze my way in when I should have been FOCUSED on my boys. I was basically half watching them, half saying sorry excuse me to strangers. *bows head deeply and slaps self*

Ok moving on.... I really freaking love how they created the transition from save me to I’m fine. The part where tae gets up into a bridge position was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. For some reason, he looked particularly breathtaking doing this move at this very concert. The beauty of live performances, indeed.

Personally, tae stood out in save me/I’m fine the most.

Magic Shop was next, which surprised me because I forgot that it was so early in the setlist. Hence, I was NOT ready for the incoming wave of emotions.

“so show me, I’ll show you” will forever remain one of the most iconic lines in the fandom 😭😭😭 I think I would have cried if this song was played towards the end of the concert. 

As per tradition, a subunit vcr is played before each members solos. So the order goes hopekook, minjoon, tae and yoonjin (yoonjin was too!! much!! to handle because it was 2 separate screens and I didn’t know where to look at???)

Jungkook: Euphoria

(aiyooo look at them cheeks *pinch*)

I love how this has now become our official fanchant (for context). Euphoria is one of my fave intros after seesaw and my ears were in for a treat that night. (It was also at this point I decided to just stay in my current spot instead of trying to find glenn). Jungkook sounds amazing live and this made me realise that wow, he really deserves the main vocalist title.

As most fans would have known, Jungkook was so exhausted at the seoul music awards, which was a mere few days before the concert. Naturally, I was worried that kook would push himself too much in sg. I could tell he was definitely a little worn out, but he still gave it his all (bcos its jungkook) and delivered an impressive performance. I’m truly happy I’ve witnessed euphoria live 😍

J-Hope: Just Dance

JUNG HO SEOK, YOU GOOD??? J-hope showed me what the term bias wrecker really meant that night. I think EVERYONE left the stadium that night rethinking their bias list (if you didn’t, you’re lying). His stage presence and charisma is out of this world. Everyone knows he’s a good dancer, but seeing him executing those moves in person is REALLY something else. 

my face during the entire performance

when he walked over to the extended stage, I was like

WHO IS HE? HE’S J-HOOOOOOOOPE! LOUDER!

I Need U + Run

I honestly don’t remember much from this except for THE vmon moment because they were kinda all over the place. They started at the main stage, then came over to the extended stage and were just dancing their hearts out freely. The members were all splashing water (Idk how they do it so nicely, I’ll probably just hit someone’s head with the bottle) and there was a water cannon. The water cannon was SOOOO strong, I and the people around me were caught off guard (rip my hair & makeup). Bighit probably knew mosh pit fans were sweaty as hell so they wanted us to take a bath. How nice of them.

I loooooveee the outfits they wore here. I’m not a fan of all white ensembles but on bts, I’ll make an exception. They look like ethereal angels who've descended down to earth for one day to grace us with their presence. I’M HERE FOR IT.

look at all da sparkles (and jimin’s messy hair uwu)

Jimin: Serendipity

Till this day, jimin remains my favourite performer in bts. Whenever I watch a bts performance, my eyes automatically go straight to jimin. As a contemp dancer trained in ballet, you can see how that has shaped his performances. Fluidity is the term I would use to describe his style, because he moves like he’s gliding through water. I often find myself rewatching his fancams the most because he has so much adaptibility, its crazy. He knows when to go hard and when to reel it back in. Jimin has such pretty dance lines as well. He stands out because he really pays attention to the little details (the turn of a foot, the hand placement, arch of a back)

Out of all the solos, serendipity is really the prettiest. The combination of jimin’s glitter shirt + pastel hair + bubbles really was a feast for the eyes 😍

See what I mean? Jimin looks so picturesque even in motion.

Trivia: Love

As glenn pointed out, Joon looks so much softer in person (he’s a real life koya 😭). In person, his features are much softer and ‘rounder’. While he may have soft features (how many times can I use the word soft), his stage presence is a huge contrast. I’ve often noticed that out of everyone, joon is the most focused member during performances. While the others will interact with fans/try to incorporate some kind of fan service, rm concentrates solely on carrying out what he’s supposed to do. I can respect that.

Ugh!!! This man!!! Honestly, I was a little worried joon wouldn’t get the hype and cheers he rightfully deserves but Singapore impressed me. Well done, my fellow countrymen (and foreign fans). There was a girl beside me who screamed super loud and kept yelling “KIM NAMJOON!!!!!” so I was like HELLLL YEAH OKAY FINALLY SOMEONE AS HYPED AS ME LEGGO. Jungkook making a heart at the end with namjoon was so cute uwu. Everyone collectively lost their shit when joon slid his jacket off over one shoulder. King of giving the people what they want, I see you.

**another thing to note is how he always looks SOOO happy performing love. You can see the genuine happiness radiating off this man. It makes me happy too 🤗

DNA

The main talking point of this performance was that jimin fell. I actually missed it, because I could only see their side view and jimin was blocked from my pov. By the time I looked at the screen, jimin was already on the floor (still smiling bcos he’s jimin) and I was like oh nooooooo. Apparently after that, they coordinated among themselves mid song to tell each other not to do the ending choreo. A PLUS TEAMWORK, RIGHT THERE! tae even went to wipe the floor after the performance, bless his precious soul.

sidenote: I love love their dna outfits, especially the jackets!! They had different ones for the america and europe concerts, but I do love the asia tour ones just a little more.

Medley

The other highlight of the concert happened here because I was reunited with glenn!!!!!!! I found her just when they launched into fire and we were like OOOOOMMMMGGGG YAS. I actually gave up on ever finding her, but I suddenly saw her blouse from the corner of my eye (THANK YOU GLENN FOR WEARING A PINK DAISY TOP). During the medley, everyone kept following wherever the boys went because the boys were on the moving stage. I felt like I was at a wave pool getting pushed without even moving. They were right at the back at the small diamond stage, so I couldn’t really see much. I had no choice but to watch from the screen. 

funny moments: tae doing pubg dances LOOOL , rm’s legendary hip thrust (you’re welcome)

Airplane Pt. 2

I.. actually forgot that this song was on the setlist. It felt really anti climatic and I wish they would have arranged this to be after DNA or something. 

*airplane pt 2 comes on me:

Jokes aside, I do love this song. It was even one of my top songs in 2018 according to spotify.

V: Singularity

For the first and only time during the concert, this made me speechless. Normally, I’d be cheering and singing along to all of the songs. BUT man oh man, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from tae. While jimin is my favourite performer to watch, I believe that tae is the most expressive performer in bts. Whenever I watch him, I realise that wow that’s really a celebrity right there. Its easy to dress up and put on a show, but not everyone can really perform. What separates a regular person from a star is the x factor, and taehyung is the perfect embodiment of that.

Look

at

that

duality

Fake Love

First off, how did I not notice jhope was wearing leather gloves???? Fake love is still that bitch, no matter what anyone says. It gave us goth bangtan and that’s all I could ever ask for.

I wasn’t expecting them to perform the rock version, and I LOVE IT. I’ve probably watched all of their fake love performances, but seeing it live just solidified it as my fave title track from the love yourself series. Funny anecdote: jungkook didn’t lift his shirt up like he usually does and I swear the people around me were disappointed. They didn’t outrightly say anything, but I could feel the sadness 😂

Suga: Seesaw

ALRIGHT, SHE DROPPED THE CHEESECAKE TIME. Seesaw is my fave solo so you bet your sweet ass this bitch was excited AF!

Singapore did good for the seesaw fanchants, I’m so proud of us *wipes away tear* yoongi definitely noticed our efforts and smiled so freaking wide when he heard us (he absolutely has THE cutest gummy smile).

I remember the entire fandom (me included) got shookt to the core when yoongi first debuted the seesaw performance. We were like ‘suga dancing??’ Seesaw as a song itself was already a pretty unconventional fit for yoongi. We were all used to his hard hitting rap songs (agust d says hi) so we were really surprised. But, you can see how much fun yoongi always has whenever he’s performing seesaw and I’m thankful that he reversed our expectations with this song.

Jin: Epiphany

THIS MAN, yes I am suing. His name is Kim Seok Jin. How dare he make me feel all of the feels when I specifically told him not to? Hearing 50,000 people singing “I’m the one I should love in this world” together was truly a historical moment (just hear how it sounds from OUTSIDE the stadium). Seeing Jin channel all of his emotions into this song was heartbreaking, yet cathartic at the same itme. I would have full on ugly cried but all the screaming probably killed the mood.

the gaze of a man who knows the power he holds, ugh I stan

Epiphany is such a perfect song, 10/10. I don’t know what else to say because nothing I ever say will compare to the experience of actually watching it live. I love you, jin (no hetero)

The Truth Untold

v, jimin, jungkook, jin are the nation’s vocalists thank you for coming to my ted talk

I could barely hear tae at the start because of his mic, which was a shame :( Aside from that, everyone sounded really great. TTU is a song that can strain your voice if not done properly. There were definitely some concerts where some of them struggled to reach the high notes or the correct key. One thing’s for sure though - Jin has CONSISTENTLY been singing in perfect pitch and ALWAYS delivers a fantastic performance. Jin’s singing is so stable, it deserves more recognition. I love tae’s ad lib here and how he made everyone lose their marbles after.

Outro: Tear

HANDS DOWN, FAVE PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT!!!!! I walked out of the concert still thinking about tear, because it was THAT powerful. I’m glad glenn was beside me for this because she’s the only other tear enthusiast I know (TEAM SENN ✊🏼). BTS individually have amazing stage charisma, but put the three rappers together and you get AN UNDENIABLE FORCE. I’ll always stan rap line till the day I die. The three of them have such different rapping styles, yet nothing sounds out of place when they work together.

yoongi in headbands is so hot, no one fight me on this

Mic Drop

Second fave performance of the night! (okay I might be slightly biased, since it was right after tear) Even though this was nearing the end of the concert, I was actually way more energetic than I was at the start. It was like I was saving all my energy stores for this very moment. When joon mentioned it was their last song, I was like NOOOOOOOOO WAIT WHAT YOU CAN’T LEAVE YET. Then, I remembered that there was an encore segment and the world was all right again.

I see you stylists with the second white ensemble of the night, and I raise you one. Mic drop is the song that can get anyone hyped up anywhere. I feel like this is the song that you can play at clubs / festivals and it wont feel out of place. Fun story: the dj at dpr live’s show played mic drop and everyone was lowkey jamming to it (also shout out to all the armys there)

Please watch jhope’s fancam!!! I’ve always felt that mic drop is one of the few songs that allows him to really shine as a dancer. As a hip hop dancer, he doesn’t get many opportunities to showcase it because he has to ‘tone down’ for bts choreos. If you have the time, do check out all of his hopeonthestreet videos to really see dancer hoseok in his element!

mandatory iconic yoongi mic drop

Encore Stage (So What & Anpanman)

All of the cutest and funniest interactions took place right here!!! Before the concert, I was going back and forth between getting purple or yellow tickets but I definitely do NOT regret getting yellow tickets! The extended stage is where you can see their goofy selves come out to play.

joon + jimin’s cheeks: an untold love story

p.s. joon was casually applying lip balm before this moment, lol

me whenever minjoon minjoons

this is peak joon at his final form

jimin got to start anpanman this time!!

cosmo and wanda (I mean vmin) being the absolute cutest

chaotic duo taejin back at it again

vmon was being very very cute during anpanman & so what!! There were so many vmon moments throughout the concert, THANK YOU UNIVERSE for blessing me with the most underrated ship.

noteworthy moments during the encore stage:

-sope freaking looked at glenn and I, and we almost combusted right there. Both of them came over to our side at one point, and stepped down onto this black box platform just below (no wonder they felt so close). Almost everyone else were on their phones, so naturally they noticed us because we were the only two crazy bitches cheering by ourselves. I MADE EYE CONTACT AND THAT’S ALL THAT MATTERS. suga smiled so hard when he saw us going all out, and that’s when I knew: I was yoongi’s bitch for life. jhope was looking at us with a sort of approval *stands at attention* YES SIR ARMY REPORTING FOR DUTY

-jungkook came over to our side of the stage and was just in right front of me. I took this time to really look at his face (HAHA) because I felt like I didn’t see him enough during the concert. He was doing body rolls (looked a little something like this) and everyone around me was busy trying to get his attention. Upon closer ‘inspection’ of jungkook, I have concluded that he is a 5 year old trapped in a 20 year old ripped body. His body proportions are reeeealllyy crazily good - with his tiny waist and long legs (and veiny arms). I can see why people lose their mind over him, but he’ll always remain an adorable bunny to me.

-I got blessed by yoongi’s holy water during so what. I didn’t think I was gonna be close enough to get the water but I GUESS NOT! I’ve never been happier getting splashed with water in my life. I swear, yoongi was so cute bouncing around and just smiling the whole time (I can’t stop talking about yoongi, SO SUE ME)

this is what jungkook looks like in person, can you believe? Fansite pictures are always heavily edited (especially jungkook’s for some reason) so sometimes they can come across as quite ‘fake looking’ when you look at images. Lemme tell you, they look a thousand times better in person. The melanin, the glow, the messy hair, their natural skin - can we get a hallelujah

Final Ment

Their final ment before we parted ways :((( I do enjoy hearing them speak even if its in korean, because you get to listen to their thoughts and feelings. I also really appreciate their attempt in speaking english, because it shows that they care. They might have memorised what to say, but effort goes a long way!

- tae saying we are part of his story, memory and scenery 😭😭😭 who knew it would be a teaser for his song! that sly kid. give it a listen over here, you won’t regret it.

- jungkook saying that the fans at soundcheck (*raises hands* YES IT ME) cheered crazily good. yasss thank you kook for acknowledging us and trust me, you could have just ten armys and we’ll still cheer like 10,000 people!

yoongi was being so freaking cute and for what?? that little pout before he launched into his speech.... HERE TAKE MY HEART

the best part was yoongi correcting the translator (not good night, GREAT night) man’s fluent in english but never shows it off, I approve of this slytherin move. yoongi even mentioned that he thought there was a day 2 concert. live nation, what are you doing??? I was so looking forward to a day 2 concert too. Is minstradamus predicting a 2 day concert in Singapore in the future??  👀

jin is a sagittarius in every sense of the word. the way he waited for his close up before slowly removing his shades.....I’m honestly not surprised anymore. I’m too used to having so many sagittarius in my life LOL. he even attempted to speak singlish not once, but twice. I sincerely applaud the effort, though my greedy self wished every member tried too (I’m still waiting for jimin to say ‘ zuo mo ni jiang bad de’)

speaking of jimin, he sang promise!! for the first time!! live!! singapore was truly blessed :)))))

thank you God for spending a little more time on this fine specimen, jung hoseok. hoseok is fine, but with his forehead exposed? FINE FINE. *cue me singing I’m fine* everyone was chanting “J Hope! J Hope! J Hope!’ even before he spoke and he was like oooooh, me? while pointing at himself like pls hobi ITS ALL FOR YOU BBY.

yes, you have stolen my heart jung hoseok

I can’t believe this man even bothered to count the days and meals for his speech..... (I like how bts pretends music bank didnt exist LMAO) this man can honestly sell you a trash bag with how eloquent he is. english is his second/third language yet he can construct better sentences in english than I ever will. in Jeon Jungkook’s words “Kim Namjoon, you dangerous man”

Answer: Love Myself (aka THE END CRIES)

At last, the final song dawned upon us. This is it, the moment reality hits you. That we’re all gonna return to our sad little lives after the concert. I was expecting myself to cry, but I actually felt... at peace? Hearing them sing “I should love myself” also served as a final reminder that that is also the title of their world tour, and the key message to take away from the love yourself series. At the end of the day, bts are also 7 young men in their 20s struggling alongside the rest of us. They have their own battles to fight too, but at least we’re all in this together. BTS may be there to provide us with happiness and love, but we must never forget to look inward first. 💜

Welcome, first time experiencing singapore’s humidity?

Singapore air’s just that powerful huh

I got chills, they’re multiplying!

Ngl, Singapore really impressed me. Every member’s solo got the same deserving amount of screams and we even got seesaw’s part down! (yoongi was really happy huhu) I don’t think they nor us fans expected such an enthusiastic response, but I hope this lifted their spirits up. Touring non stop for months is no easy feat, and I hope our passion made them less weary for one night. I still feel extremely blessed that I got to see them so quickly after I became a full-fledged fan. Hope to see you boys real soon! 😁😁😁

p.s. I recommend reading glenn’s experience here, because it is MUCH more detailed and well articulated

p.p.s link to jimin fancams, link to j-hope fancams, link to rm tear fancam

To end off, here are some random/cute pics for your enjoyment ~

me shaking off all the sweat, filth and water out of my hair after the concert

grandpa over flowers

hello glenn, this is for you

LOOK at jungkook’s forearms.... he can literally kill us all

The cameraman was WHIPPED for tae that night, it kept focusing on tae for a good chunk of time (I can’t blame him/her, we were all in awe too)

Singapore is officially J-hope land now. Can he run for president next?

Thank you for giving me a night I will never forget 190119 will forever be etched in my memory 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[rosyandraw]

WHITE LEATHER PANTS!!!!!!! That's my new name🍦 Hi, how are you? holy shit you blew my mind with this one 🤯🤯🤯🤯 Ancel would look regal in the most slutty sexy way ever but if you are doubting between black or white.... Why not both? Hahaha

I have sooo much to say... but lets start with the easy part 😝 and thank you for your kind and lovely words about my silly instagrams Haha so I'm happy you liked it 💖 I made Auguste's and few post more but I didn't want to look crazy the other day 🙈 but here it is if you would like to see it.

Having say that now I'm like should keeping giving here my Berancel headcanons or should I scream at ger about the new chapter? Well It's not like I have so much to say you left me speechless.... I'm beyond words, actually I'm already calling the ambulance 🚑 because the angst that I feel It's about to come 💀💀💀 wish me luck so I don't die. I can't even gossip with you about how hot and cute they are after what happen. HOLY SHIIT!! DAMEN you better have a reason or I'm taking that big dick off 🔪

And It's not like I can start to talk about Berry and Ancel to chill out because after what you told me about Berenger being "very particular" and that their sex isn't going to be what Ancel and us would expect? Pffff I can't wait. 🥺

My new hc for them are: Of course we know they all came from rich families and I love how you keep them as part of their royal country but that you changed Damen and Auguste so they are not futures kings, it's so original and also probable after so many generations but what if Berenger still is the Lord of Varenne? Like the only one who keeps his canon title.. I can see him telling Parsins that "It's 2021 he doesn't have to call him my Lord anymore and Parsins being like of course my Lord...." Haha okay all of this was because I feel like Berry has this old money vibe but Ancel had only see his ugly clothes so he's completely blind to all that big 'I am a Lord' energy 🤣😂

I think he has like his original family mansion 🏰 in Varenne and he drives an Aston Martin 🇬🇧(all of this beacuse I feel like while in canon Vere is kinda France and Akielos is kinda Greece/Rome, Varenne and Berenger were very British/English.. what do you think?) That's why I give him a classic fancy car but a very "practical" one? Like I imagine he has a car collection but he doesn't drive his Ferraris or a Jaguar to work because that's impractical. And an Aston Martin sound more old money to me than idk an Audi or a Tesla? 🤣 Okay enough about cars.

For Ancel I keep forgeting to ask you if he uses "women" clothes? I totally imagine him thinking clothes has no gender so he's using high heels 👠 boots, dresses 👗 skirts, long painted nails💅 lipsticks💄💋 make up, handbags👜 LINGERIE!! all the time... And of course he likes his hair to be really long, shiny and silky 🚨 I'm gonna get kinky I'm sorry people 🚨 what if he descorvers he has a lil feminization kink ? Maybe sometimes Berenger calls Ancel his beautiful wife, or ask him if his pussy is wet 🙈👀🥵🤭😏😈🔥💦👉🏼👈🏼 Uhuh and I think he watchs the horniest kinkiest anime hahaha but in secret

Ps: NMFY is soooo amazing 💞💞 I'm loving it more and more with every chapter you post.. their dynamic and the plot are so good, fun, sexy and now intriguing... So please write all the fics you want I definetely would be here. All of this without mentioning that I just found out Deliver is also yours and WOW that's one Is one of my fandom favorite 😳 you bet I'm reading it again right now so I can come later to gossip all about it with you 😍😍😍😍😍

TRUE both will probably make an appearance at some point tbh!

I’m good my lovely, hanging out my arse today because I’m too old for mid-week drinking 🙃 How are you? (I got long too so soz for the cut)

No thank YOU for them, honestly, I love them so much and I really appreciate you taking the time to do it, and I LOVE Auguste’s insta… it’s actually perfect!! And the Damen one LMAO so Damen. Thirst trap all day long that boy 😂😂

Haha thanks lovely! I’m glad you liked it? Yeah, ngl there is a bit of angst ahead, I think. LMAO I don’t even blame you, if he doesn’t have a good explanation I think a lot of people will be coming for him so… best starting digging his way out of that hole

Yes! I am quite excited because no lie I didn’t intend for what is happening with Berencel but it just kind of did and now I can’t undo it in my head so that’s how it’s going to be.

I love that so much! But Berenger isn’t a lord, he’s very rich and its old money but he’s not titled because Ancel and Laurent would know him if he was. It’s a very close circle so I don’t think he’s going to have a title. Because that also plays into it later, I promise haha I have a point with it!

Honestly in this particular AU it’s all based on the English gentry because I am English and lazy and also a historian so I just stuck with what I knew and bent what I needed to haha. So yes to the English thing hahaha. Honestly I like Bentley or a Rolls Royce, something that says old old. Berenger is absolutely not cool enough or arsed enough for a Ferrari or Tesla lmao… but Ancel is… if only someone would buy him one 👀👀👀

I LOVE THIS! Yes! Absolutely! Ancel is very androgynous, he uses he/him but he’s very fluid, I’m thinking lingerie, panties, heels for sure, all of his jeans are marketed at women, crop tops until the sun goes down. His wardrobe is a mix for sure! Yes love the feminisation kink 🔥🔥 that’ll have to make an appearance because i have a soft spot for the whole princess thing i WILL NOT LIE (i have a new fic coming and that features quite heavily lmao so if you're into that haha)

THANK YOU SO MUCH 💕. I love our little chats, they honestly make my day and I appreciate you talking Berencel with me! OMG yes that was me haha, might have to do a Christmas sequel to Deliver hahaha

💕💕💕

[flameaurasphere]

020318 (初十五) & 030318

Dear Diary,

Spent the last day of the lunar new year at my classmates’ birthday party at D’Resort Downtown East. Half of the time I was chilling in the room watching MTV and STIHL timbersports (idk why I was amused by men cutting wood with various axes), and the other half was spent at the barbecue pit, using eye power to cook the food. There were grey herons (couldn’t tell if they were storks/herons/egrets, so I had to Google lmao) flying above us. I’ve always been fascinated by peaceful avians gliding across setting skies, but they were the opposite of peaceful cos they wouldn’t stop squawking lol. We had chicken wings, sausages & satay, and even traded our chicken for a piece of corn with a Malay family at the barbecue pit on our right. On our left was my school’s Kickboxing CCA barbecue party, and istg they were rowdy & high af even in broad daylight, spewing vulgarities like nobody’s business. I didn’t realise my kindergarten friend was there until dusk lmao. I call this fate. :”)

The cake was so fking aesthetic -- it was covered in magnolia white cream and crowned with roses, macaroons & passion fruits & shizz in pastel tones. I swear there were gold flakes speckled on the cake. There were layers of fluffy vanilla cake, berries, & lavender-flavoured cream that were light on the taste palate. 👌👌

We played a short game of “Never Have I Ever” with cider, whereby everytime someone says “I Have”, they have to take a sip from the cider (and non-drinking friends had to pop a balloon, which was hilarious af). Our friend with the bottle opener had promptly left, so one of the birthday girls and I had to go next door and I asked my kindergarten friend for help lol. I was shooked that they didn’t have one either, and had been using the corner of tables or teeth to open bottles. She called upon a few dudes by screaming, “EH, HELP CHIOBU (pretty girl) OPEN BOTTLE.” Gosh, I wanted to fking slap her for attracting unnecessary attention HAHAHA.

I gotta admit, my friend’s pretty (she was the first girl that caught my eye during freshmen orientation), but I don’t fancy being the “ugly friend” all the time. My friends repeatedly reassure me that I’m not ugly, yet sometimes I can’t help but feel like I’m being indirectly compared & inadequate. Personality-wise, I’m not that attractive either, (sorta explains my stagnant love life) but oh well, that’s life. :”) Waiting to meet an equally shitty personality to wholeheartedly love me.

Throughout the whole duration of the game, I only took a sip, which shows what a law-abiding & boring citizen I am lmao. I’m not complaining though, cos I could feel my stomach churning from all the food & cider I drank earlier. Nevertheless, I had a good laugh hearing everyone’s stories behind their “I Have”s. Truly, they showed me how to smile again after my meltdown on Monday (260218), and I swear to keep these people close to my heart. 🤗 The moon was lit, and so was my fam. 🌝

It’s officially been a month since I moved into my new place. For once, I felt sad to wake up to a Saturday, because it meant my family is home, thus there’s a lot of restrictions on the things I could do. Gosh, I miss the luscious taste of pear cider already. 👅🍐🥂

Was on a losing streak in Vainglory, so I lent my account to someone to push my rank bc I’m too frustrated to play. He was so shooketh at all the hero skins I owned. xD He’s really like a brother to me -- it reminded me of when I used to lend my PSP to my brother when I couldn’t beat a game. I’m so mad he actually had a winning streak lmao.

Had Aston’s for dinner with my mother. I was carrying a giant bag of groceries from Giant supermarket (pun?) and a girl around my age politely smiled at me let me alight the bus before her. Wow, someone smiled at me. I nodded at her and quickly left the bus.

Here’s my classmates’ vlog on yesterday’s birthday party, which I thought was really well done 😋: 

~Flameaura

[kkrazy256]

Transformers The Last Knight spoiler thoughts

Here are my notes for the movie. I have to go back soon to watch it again for technical details/film minor purposes. But these are my super unprofessional opinions. Mostly me screaming about my robot children.

Enjoy? :’D

  -entire beginning (the random kids, Izabella and Mark’s appearance) was a bit weak. Starting in medias res without explaining. 

- Though watching Bee drag Santiago’s ass around while he was shrieking was A+ 

- Hyped up Izabella yet after first part of movie, she was barely in it. Moner’s an amazing actress, she’s gonna go places. I hope to see her around some more. She’s adorable, I get slight TFP Miko feels from her, sneaky child (especially towards the end when she sneaks aboard and is like yeah idk how I got here lol)

- Sqweeks the new BB8, a good child. 

- nice team Prime exposition in the junkyard. I wish there was more of this type of interaction , showing that the robots are more than just bloodthirsty walking metal. 

- Man the fucking tension between BB and Crosshairs, just rolling around in the dust, fucking make out already. 

- Drift is my temperamental son and I love him.

- Baby dinobots are literal puppies and Cade sorta just adopted a ragtag team of jittery orphans and I’m emotional.

-STARSCREAM MY DARLING *SOBS*

- BUDLIGHT HARHAR

- nice Tessa and Cade family moment 

- Hound is mah boi, a gentle giant 

- Military is like “that voice…it’s Megatron” but this is Welker’s first time voicing Megatron (not counting Galvatron) so XD but yes to Frank Welker finally getting the job as Megatron.

- wtf is megatron doing, did they really give back a few criminal decepticons for two CIA agents. Him on his throne was YES. The lawyer scene was pretty funny. But they don’t explain how he turned from galvatron to megatron again. When did he contact Quintessa?

- DECEPTICON SQUADDD GOOD SHIT GOALS

- My treacherous friend- GOD DAMN Megatron should’ve kept starscream’s head and just had fun commentary all throughout the movie. Imagine tho ((SHIT WHAT WOULD  STARSCREAM DO…FUCK UP THAT’S WHAT… STORECREAM THIS IS YOUR FAULT OH WAIT YOU DEAD…SCRIMSCRAM YOURE USELESS)) 

- DRIFT’S ALT MODE IS FUCKING GORGEOUS LORD HAVE MERCY

- Cogman is already badass, rip Crosshair’s fingers.

- It felt like two separate movies the moment Cade left for London. The joys of Bayverse script quality

- Anthony Hopkins sure travels fast

 - they totally put Simmons in for the hell of it, he wasn’t necessarily needed. But who cares Easter eggs, it’s been a while buddy, how’ve you been.

-UNICRON??? OHHHHHHHHHH

- Vivian’s clothes and boyfriend problems, enough with the forced romance already. At least her mother and gaggle of old ladies wouldn’t have minded if she chose a girlfriend apparently? Wow wouldn’t that have been nice. She’s going to date that one cute gal on her polo game team and Cade’s saving himself for OP CLEARLY

- The watch that killed Hitler - international treasure

- is that an Aston Martin?? all of Anthony Hopkins cars made me super fucking jealous. That was pure car porn and I loved it

- Cogman is MVP

 - MOVE BITCH GET OUT THE WAY

- Optimus got turned real quick. He has less screentime than Megatron rip my father- almost every moment of him and Quintessa was already in the trailer. And they kept pushing his storyline aside in favor of the humans like honey no. Show me more conflict and torture on his side, so there’s progression in him being “brainwashed”, that seemed almost too easy, it’s insulting. Quintessa got so little screentime, it made her seem less intimidating. 

- She slapped the evil red paint into him hell yeah. Clearly she did the same to Megatron. I wanted to see that lmao. Why the hell was megatron working for her in the first place. How do you have so much shit happen yet give us nothing

- Wait so…does Cybertron have rocket boosters how is it moving towards Earth so fast…cool

- they under used all the robot characters, pushing so much history and exposition on the audience through human perspective when they had a plethora of robot characters that could’ve explained their past. So much potential but no steps are taken. Like Bee was around WWII but he doesn’t say anything when they’re discussing it like hello? Could’ve used Hot Rod better too. He’s a good boy, let him do more.

- drift and crosshairs have basically no role towards the end except to play pilot and they’re barely on screen even then. Whyyyy. They shined the most during the junkyard scene in the beginning.

 - Andd we have to watch Vivian stare at Cade’s nipnops for a full minute and listen to cringe-y forced romance

 - Cogman I love you. He ain’t having none of Cade and Vivian’s romance bullshit. I want him to be my sushi chef.

- Its like the TRF can’t fucking decide what their goal is. They’re too afraid to shoot Cade. Half the time they’re the “bad guys” half the time they just go along with what’s happening with a huge question mark on their face. No real explanation on why Lennox and Epps are there.

- Nemeis Optimus doesn’t even sound that different from regular Optimus lmaoo, it’s just rah I will kill you all!! Just a regular old day in the life of bayverse OP. *Puts on sunglasses* just chill, sit down, relax, stop screaming.

- Puts staff in boobs subspace. TIT POCKETS GOOD SHIT

- Wow Optimus snapped out of it real quick. But his scene with bumblebee was one of the most heart warming in this movie. Bee’s voice asdfghjkl;

- I am your oldest friend, BITCH YOU HIS SON

 - Every time he said nemesis prime, I cringed and laughed

 - WOW Megatron stole the staff from OP’s TITS 

- Optimus getting his ass kicked by the knights and megatron was the highlight of my day. He’s so small compared to them and just fuck yeah my sadistic needs

- yes he stabbed/ripped a face again, we need to talk about your face ripping fetish

- OPTIMUS RUNNING HOLY SHIT LOL I WANT THAT GIF'ED I WANT ALL THE ROBOT RUNNING TO BE IMMORTALIZED

 - Megatron uses HEADBUTT. Effectiveness? To be determined.

- megatron is once again playing secondary villain, interacts with Prime for a total of thirty seconds before blasting off again. Wow nice seeing these two ex husbands interact 30 seconds out of a three hour movie wow. You know what they could’ve done? Shown more of Quintessa Optimus and Megatron interaction like how would Megs and Op treat each other when they thought they were on the same side like WOW THAT WOULDVE BEEN COOL YKNOW

- When will Megatron get to be the main villain again. Let the old man be dramatic. 

- SAY HELLO TO MY FRIEND BUMBLEBEE. HAH. SAY HELLO TO MY SON BUMBLEBEE. This is the corny shit i come to see!!

- quintessa also went down real quick but she’s got some cool shit planned. She’s Asian!!?? I love her she’s beautiful.

- So there was less action/explosions this movie. Most of it came from the humans/car chases and their poor Ospreys getting murdered. There was really only the decepticons squad attack and the final battle which I felt was pretty underwhelming compared to the usually drawn out fights in the other four movies. Don’t know if this was a plus or a negative.

- every time they mentioned unicron I was screaming. 

- now Unicron and Primus are literal neighbors hey wassup this will only end well.

- it was a shit show from beginning to end but a decent blockbuster mind numbing experience I guess. Did I enjoy it tho? The first time I watched it, I was in the moment. The second time? Oh my god did it fucking suck so hard. The story-telling was absolutely terrible and inconsistent.

- they gave me 3D glasses but there was barely a difference from watching without. I watched it without the glasses. Waste of an extra 10 bucks.

- I need to be more professional in note taking OTL

Final Movie Rankings

1. Transformers 1

2. Dark of the Moon

3. Age of Extinction

4. The Last Knight 

5. Revenge of the Fallen 

[sportticketexchange]

Euro 2021: Chelsea star has briefly played alongside Rashford for England

Tammy Abraham says he'd love to play alongside Marcus Rashford in attack for England Euro 2021. Euro 2021 fans can book England Vs Croatia Tickets on our website on exclusively discounted prices.

But it is alert that he'll have to get past the best striker in the world to make that occur. Chelsea forward Abraham has rewarded Frank Lampard's faith in his ability this season, returning from a successful loan spell at Aston Villa to score 15 goals for the Blues in all competitions.

The 22-year-old also managed to net his first goal for his country when he scored in England Euro 2021 7-0 win over Montenegro at Wembley in November. Euro 2021 fans can book England Euro Cup Tickets on our website on exclusively discounted prices.

With Kane and Rashford both out injured just before football's suspension, Abraham had seemed set for a place in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 squad before the tournament was put back a year by UEFA.

And in a Copa 90 chat with Rio Ferdinand and the Tottenham youngster Ryan Sessegnon, Abraham said Rashford impressed him when they trained together for their country. The way he strikes a ball his skills his good feet the way he strokes players. He's just a joy to watch said, Abraham.

Ferdinand then suggested that Rashford could make a perfect partner for Abraham in attack and asked the Chelsea man if he'd like to play with him to which Abraham replied I'd love to.

The forward also reserved special praise for Kane, who he says often wows him in training. The best striker in the world said, Abraham. Training with Harry is crazy. Drill after drill after drill.

Even when we just have little things like set-pieces before a game the ball would come into him in the box and everyone's just chilling, relaxing. Harry Kane just bangs it top corner.

We are offering Euro Cup Tickets so Football fans can get Euro 2021 Tickets through our trusted online ticketing market place. SportTicketExchange.com is the most reliable source to book Euro Cup 2021 tickets.

[privateplates4u]

11 Events Jonny Lieberman is Planning on Attending at Pebble Beach Car Week

Pebble Beach. If you like cars, those words should send tingly signals down your spine. If you love cars, then you’ve already booked your plane ticket and hotel. I’ve been to a good chunk of the major car events around the globe, and I can tell you that with the exception of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, nothing holds a candle to Pebble Beach Car Week. As with any weeklong event, it’s hard to know exactly where to be and when to be there. In order to maximize your fun and enjoyment—should you choose to go—I’ve put together what I consider to be the 11 essential PBCW activities. Or at least 11 activities I plan on attending this year. How do I know they’re any good? After nine years in a row, you tend to learn a thing or two. Final caveat: should you only make it to a single one of these events, you’ll still be bathed in pure car guy/gal goodness. Ready? Read on. McCall’s Motorworks Revival Most people consider this the official Pebble Beach Car Week kickoff event. Truth be told, it takes place Wednesday evening, a day before everything else begins. McCall’s is stuffed with cars, and because it takes place at the Monterey Jet Center, there are airplanes, too. My fondest memory is from a few years back when the oldest Bentley in existence drove onto the tarmac. A great start to great week. Tour d’Elegance It’s a bit of a “pinch me, I’m dreaming” event, even if you’re only watching from the sidelines. Long story short, the amazing cars that will be on the Concours lawn on Sunday, spend Thursday morning driving down a 17-mile drive and then down California’s glorious Pacific Coast Highway before stopping for lunch in downtown Carmel. Best of all, this event is totally free. The only tricky part is deciding where exactly to stand and watch. My advice? Get as close to Bixby Creek Bridge as possible. You want to see these beauties in motion. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering A fantastic event, the Quail is focused on sports cars. Really terrific ones, at that. You’re just as likely to see a perfectly patina’d barn find Porsche 356 as you are to see 25 Lamborghini Miuras. Yes, 25. Usually something like seven Bugati Veyrons. as well. Amazing race cars, too. Oh yeah, the carmakers themselves have discovered how great the Quail is and have started having new cars make their at the party. Last year Lamborghini showed off the $2 million+ Centenario Roadster. Now, I need to warn you that tickets to the Quail cost $600 a pop. But hey, in addition to the groovy cars, you get all the oysters and caviar you can eat, plus all the champagne you can drink. One of my top three events, for sure. The Quail Parking Lot OK, so you don’t have $600 to spend on a ticket. No worries. Because the people who do have the scratch to drop $600 on a ticket to a car show tend to drive amazing cars. And, there ain’t nothing stopping you from checking ‘em out. It really ought to be an official event. Last year I saw a Ferrari LaFerrari parked next to Citroën SM parked next to a Shelby Cobra 289. Think I’m kidding? The Quail parking lot has gained such a reputation for WOW automobiles that this year marks the Inaugural Car Park d’Quailegance award. Yes, they will be handing out an award for the best car in the parking lot! Be warned: just like the actual Quail, getting in and out is a traffic-clogged nightmare. Also, the parking lot has moved down the hill a bit to save wear and tear on the links. Regardless, plan your escape! Shown above is an image from our 2015 feature, The Incredible Cars of Pebble Beach Parking Lots. Check out the full story here. The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Have you ever wanted to see a $50 million Ferrari 250 GTO go door to door with a $25 million Aston Martin DBR1? Better get yourself to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for two days of the most eye-popping, jaw-dropping classic car racing there is. I’ll never forget the first time I went and heard the Trans-Am cars roar past me into turn four. I can still feel the noise! Then, just a few laps later I witnessed a Bugatti Type 35 show its nose to a Delahaye 145 GP. It was crazy and wonderful at the same time. The only tricky part is figuring out what corner to watch from. Pro tip: everyone’s already at the Corkscrew. A must-attend event. Concorso Italiano True, there are several German-themed car events happening during Car Week—such as Legends of the Autobahn—but I just think the Italian event is more fun. I also think Italians are more fun than Germans in general, but that’s a different story. Yes, viewing the 30th red Ferrari 308 GTS in a row can get tiresome, but Panteras, vintage Maseratis, and oddball Lamborginis (Jalpa, anyone?) never do. Like the Quail, this is another event with a parking lot that’s worth looking into. Concours d’LeMons This is the antidote to all the inherent pretension that goes along with thousands of million dollar cars. Will the Yugo beat out the Valiant? Will the Peugeot start? All I no is that several years ago I entered a $300,000 dollar Bentley Mulsanne in the Rueful Britannia category and wound up taking Second Worst in Show to a Pontiac Aztek complete with the pop-out tent. I’ve missed the last couple of years due to scheduling conflicts, but this year I’m a judge, so I simply have to attend. You should, too. The Fire Pits at Spanish Bay This is as close as you can come to respite during Car Week. It’s not the center of the action the way The Lodge at Pebble Beach is. Instead, Spanish Bay is where you come to just chill out. Not only is it just a quick car ride from the Lodge, but I’ve also bumped into both Michael Strahan and Jerry Seinfeld at the rather legendary valet lot. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy listening to distant bagpipes as the sun sets into the Pacific while you enjoy a great cigar and some fine drinks? Plus, you never know whom you will run into. Last year my two buddies and I ran into Jochen Mass, who immediately began telling us the kind of James Hunt stories I can’t print here. Sometimes, remembering to breathe is key. Gooding & Company: The Pebble Beach Auctions True, there are several other auctions that take place during Pebble Beach Car Week. However, I’ve long only attended the Gooding & Company auctions for a variety of reasons. They just seem more fun, especially with Charlie Ross as auctioneer. As fate would have it, I just got to ride around in a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB with none other than David Gooding, so now I really like Gooding & Company. Honestly, all the auctions are great because what’s more fun than watching a bunch of rich folks tossing crazy sums of money at fabulous cars? Very little. Dawn Patrol Starting at around 5:45 Sunday morning, all the cars that will be featured in the Concours d’Elegance begin rolling onto the lawn. Seeing some of the greatest cars the world has ever seen in motion is enticement enough, but if you get there early enough you might get a free hat. Or even part of a donut. Truth be told, I’ve done Dawn Patrol once. That’s plenty for me. Concours d’Elegance   The reason why. For my money, nothing even comes close to Car Week’s big event, the Concours d’Elegance. Two hundred and fifty or so of the most important, historic, lovely, and best-curated cars on Earth are just sitting there, waiting for you to check them out. The scope of the Lawn is too much to adequately explain in this piece, but I implore you to make the pilgrimage. Put it like this: one year they had 12 of the 16 Jaguar XKSSs on display. No, really. If you’re a car guy or girl, this is on your bucket list. See you there!The post 11 Events Jonny Lieberman is Planning on Attending at Pebble Beach Car Week appeared first on Motor Trend.

http://www.motortrend.com/news/11-events-jonny-lieberman-at-pebble-beach-car-week/

[jonathanbelloblog]

11 Events Jonny Lieberman is Planning on Attending at Pebble Beach Car Week

Pebble Beach. If you like cars, those words should send tingly signals down your spine. If you love cars, then you’ve already booked your plane ticket and hotel. I’ve been to a good chunk of the major car events around the globe, and I can tell you that with the exception of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, nothing holds a candle to Pebble Beach Car Week.

As with any weeklong event, it’s hard to know exactly where to be and when to be there. In order to maximize your fun and enjoyment—should you choose to go—I’ve put together what I consider to be the 11 essential PBCW activities. Or at least 11 activities I plan on attending this year. How do I know they’re any good? After nine years in a row, you tend to learn a thing or two. Final caveat: should you only make it to a single one of these events, you’ll still be bathed in pure car guy/gal goodness. Ready? Read on.

McCall’s Motorworks Revival

Most people consider this the official Pebble Beach Car Week kickoff event. Truth be told, it takes place Wednesday evening, a day before everything else begins. McCall’s is stuffed with cars, and because it takes place at the Monterey Jet Center, there are airplanes, too. My fondest memory is from a few years back when the oldest Bentley in existence drove onto the tarmac. A great start to great week.

Tour d’Elegance

It’s a bit of a “pinch me, I’m dreaming” event, even if you’re only watching from the sidelines. Long story short, the amazing cars that will be on the Concours lawn on Sunday, spend Thursday morning driving down a 17-mile drive and then down California’s glorious Pacific Coast Highway before stopping for lunch in downtown Carmel. Best of all, this event is totally free. The only tricky part is deciding where exactly to stand and watch. My advice? Get as close to Bixby Creek Bridge as possible. You want to see these beauties in motion.

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

A fantastic event, the Quail is focused on sports cars. Really terrific ones, at that. You’re just as likely to see a perfectly patina’d barn find Porsche 356 as you are to see 25 Lamborghini Miuras. Yes, 25. Usually something like seven Bugati Veyrons. as well. Amazing race cars, too. Oh yeah, the carmakers themselves have discovered how great the Quail is and have started having new cars make their at the party. Last year Lamborghini showed off the $2 million+ Centenario Roadster. Now, I need to warn you that tickets to the Quail cost $600 a pop. But hey, in addition to the groovy cars, you get all the oysters and caviar you can eat, plus all the champagne you can drink. One of my top three events, for sure.

The Quail Parking Lot

OK, so you don’t have $600 to spend on a ticket. No worries. Because the people who do have the scratch to drop $600 on a ticket to a car show tend to drive amazing cars. And, there ain’t nothing stopping you from checking ‘em out. It really ought to be an official event. Last year I saw a Ferrari LaFerrari parked next to Citroën SM parked next to a Shelby Cobra 289. Think I’m kidding? The Quail parking lot has gained such a reputation for WOW automobiles that this year marks the Inaugural Car Park d’Quailegance award. Yes, they will be handing out an award for the best car in the parking lot! Be warned: just like the actual Quail, getting in and out is a traffic-clogged nightmare. Also, the parking lot has moved down the hill a bit to save wear and tear on the links. Regardless, plan your escape!

Shown above is an image from our 2015 feature, The Incredible Cars of Pebble Beach Parking Lots. Check out the full story here.

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Have you ever wanted to see a $50 million Ferrari 250 GTO go door to door with a $25 million Aston Martin DBR1? Better get yourself to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for two days of the most eye-popping, jaw-dropping classic car racing there is. I’ll never forget the first time I went and heard the Trans-Am cars roar past me into turn four. I can still feel the noise! Then, just a few laps later I witnessed a Bugatti Type 35 show its nose to a Delahaye 145 GP. It was crazy and wonderful at the same time. The only tricky part is figuring out what corner to watch from. Pro tip: everyone’s already at the Corkscrew. A must-attend event.

Concorso Italiano

True, there are several German-themed car events happening during Car Week—such as Legends of the Autobahn—but I just think the Italian event is more fun. I also think Italians are more fun than Germans in general, but that’s a different story. Yes, viewing the 30th red Ferrari 308 GTS in a row can get tiresome, but Panteras, vintage Maseratis, and oddball Lamborginis (Jalpa, anyone?) never do. Like the Quail, this is another event with a parking lot that’s worth looking into.

Concours d’LeMons

This is the antidote to all the inherent pretension that goes along with thousands of million dollar cars. Will the Yugo beat out the Valiant? Will the Peugeot start? All I no is that several years ago I entered a $300,000 dollar Bentley Mulsanne in the Rueful Britannia category and wound up taking Second Worst in Show to a Pontiac Aztek complete with the pop-out tent. I’ve missed the last couple of years due to scheduling conflicts, but this year I’m a judge, so I simply have to attend. You should, too.

The Fire Pits at Spanish Bay

This is as close as you can come to respite during Car Week. It’s not the center of the action the way The Lodge at Pebble Beach is. Instead, Spanish Bay is where you come to just chill out. Not only is it just a quick car ride from the Lodge, but I’ve also bumped into both Michael Strahan and Jerry Seinfeld at the rather legendary valet lot. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy listening to distant bagpipes as the sun sets into the Pacific while you enjoy a great cigar and some fine drinks? Plus, you never know whom you will run into. Last year my two buddies and I ran into Jochen Mass, who immediately began telling us the kind of James Hunt stories I can’t print here. Sometimes, remembering to breathe is key.

Gooding & Company: The Pebble Beach Auctions

True, there are several other auctions that take place during Pebble Beach Car Week. However, I’ve long only attended the Gooding & Company auctions for a variety of reasons. They just seem more fun, especially with Charlie Ross as auctioneer. As fate would have it, I just got to ride around in a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB with none other than David Gooding, so now I really like Gooding & Company. Honestly, all the auctions are great because what’s more fun than watching a bunch of rich folks tossing crazy sums of money at fabulous cars? Very little.

Dawn Patrol

Starting at around 5:45 Sunday morning, all the cars that will be featured in the Concours d’Elegance begin rolling onto the lawn. Seeing some of the greatest cars the world has ever seen in motion is enticement enough, but if you get there early enough you might get a free hat. Or even part of a donut. Truth be told, I’ve done Dawn Patrol once. That’s plenty for me.

Concours d’Elegance

 The reason why. For my money, nothing even comes close to Car Week’s big event, the Concours d’Elegance. Two hundred and fifty or so of the most important, historic, lovely, and best-curated cars on Earth are just sitting there, waiting for you to check them out. The scope of the Lawn is too much to adequately explain in this piece, but I implore you to make the pilgrimage. Put it like this: one year they had 12 of the 16 Jaguar XKSSs on display. No, really. If you’re a car guy or girl, this is on your bucket list. See you there!

The post 11 Events Jonny Lieberman is Planning on Attending at Pebble Beach Car Week appeared first on Motor Trend.

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[robertkstone]

11 Events Jonny Lieberman is Planning on Attending at Pebble Beach Car Week

Pebble Beach. If you like cars, those words should send tingly signals down your spine. If you love cars, then you’ve already booked your plane ticket and hotel. I’ve been to a good chunk of the major car events around the globe, and I can tell you that with the exception of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, nothing holds a candle to Pebble Beach Car Week.

As with any weeklong event, it’s hard to know exactly where to be and when to be there. In order to maximize your fun and enjoyment—should you choose to go—I’ve put together what I consider to be the 11 essential PBCW activities. Or at least 11 activities I plan on attending this year. How do I know they’re any good? After nine years in a row, you tend to learn a thing or two. Final caveat: should you only make it to a single one of these events, you’ll still be bathed in pure car guy/gal goodness. Ready? Read on.

McCall’s Motorworks Revival

Most people consider this the official Pebble Beach Car Week kickoff event. Truth be told, it takes place Wednesday evening, a day before everything else begins. McCall’s is stuffed with cars, and because it takes place at the Monterey Jet Center, there are airplanes, too. My fondest memory is from a few years back when the oldest Bentley in existence drove onto the tarmac. A great start to great week.

Tour d’Elegance

It’s a bit of a “pinch me, I’m dreaming” event, even if you’re only watching from the sidelines. Long story short, the amazing cars that will be on the Concours lawn on Sunday, spend Thursday morning driving down a 17-mile drive and then down California’s glorious Pacific Coast Highway before stopping for lunch in downtown Carmel. Best of all, this event is totally free. The only tricky part is deciding where exactly to stand and watch. My advice? Get as close to Bixby Creek Bridge as possible. You want to see these beauties in motion.

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

A fantastic event, the Quail is focused on sports cars. Really terrific ones, at that. You’re just as likely to see a perfectly patina’d barn find Porsche 356 as you are to see 25 Lamborghini Miuras. Yes, 25. Usually something like seven Bugati Veyrons. as well. Amazing race cars, too. Oh yeah, the carmakers themselves have discovered how great the Quail is and have started having new cars make their at the party. Last year Lamborghini showed off the $2 million+ Centenario Roadster. Now, I need to warn you that tickets to the Quail cost $600 a pop. But hey, in addition to the groovy cars, you get all the oysters and caviar you can eat, plus all the champagne you can drink. One of my top three events, for sure.

The Quail Parking Lot

OK, so you don’t have $600 to spend on a ticket. No worries. Because the people who do have the scratch to drop $600 on a ticket to a car show tend to drive amazing cars. And, there ain’t nothing stopping you from checking ‘em out. It really ought to be an official event. Last year I saw a Ferrari LaFerrari parked next to Citroën SM parked next to a Shelby Cobra 289. Think I’m kidding? The Quail parking lot has gained such a reputation for WOW automobiles that this year marks the Inaugural Car Park d’Quailegance award. Yes, they will be handing out an award for the best car in the parking lot! Be warned: just like the actual Quail, getting in and out is a traffic-clogged nightmare. Also, the parking lot has moved down the hill a bit to save wear and tear on the links. Regardless, plan your escape!

Shown above is an image from our 2015 feature, The Incredible Cars of Pebble Beach Parking Lots. Check out the full story here.

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Have you ever wanted to see a $50 million Ferrari 250 GTO go door to door with a $25 million Aston Martin DBR1? Better get yourself to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for two days of the most eye-popping, jaw-dropping classic car racing there is. I’ll never forget the first time I went and heard the Trans-Am cars roar past me into turn four. I can still feel the noise! Then, just a few laps later I witnessed a Bugatti Type 35 show its nose to a Delahaye 145 GP. It was crazy and wonderful at the same time. The only tricky part is figuring out what corner to watch from. Pro tip: everyone’s already at the Corkscrew. A must-attend event.

Concorso Italiano

True, there are several German-themed car events happening during Car Week—such as Legends of the Autobahn—but I just think the Italian event is more fun. I also think Italians are more fun than Germans in general, but that’s a different story. Yes, viewing the 30th red Ferrari 308 GTS in a row can get tiresome, but Panteras, vintage Maseratis, and oddball Lamborginis (Jalpa, anyone?) never do. Like the Quail, this is another event with a parking lot that’s worth looking into.

Concours d’LeMons

This is the antidote to all the inherent pretension that goes along with thousands of million dollar cars. Will the Yugo beat out the Valiant? Will the Peugeot start? All I no is that several years ago I entered a $300,000 dollar Bentley Mulsanne in the Rueful Britannia category and wound up taking Second Worst in Show to a Pontiac Aztek complete with the pop-out tent. I’ve missed the last couple of years due to scheduling conflicts, but this year I’m a judge, so I simply have to attend. You should, too.

The Fire Pits at Spanish Bay

This is as close as you can come to respite during Car Week. It’s not the center of the action the way The Lodge at Pebble Beach is. Instead, Spanish Bay is where you come to just chill out. Not only is it just a quick car ride from the Lodge, but I’ve also bumped into both Michael Strahan and Jerry Seinfeld at the rather legendary valet lot. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy listening to distant bagpipes as the sun sets into the Pacific while you enjoy a great cigar and some fine drinks? Plus, you never know whom you will run into. Last year my two buddies and I ran into Jochen Mass, who immediately began telling us the kind of James Hunt stories I can’t print here. Sometimes, remembering to breathe is key.

Gooding & Company: The Pebble Beach Auctions

True, there are several other auctions that take place during Pebble Beach Car Week. However, I’ve long only attended the Gooding & Company auctions for a variety of reasons. They just seem more fun, especially with Charlie Ross as auctioneer. As fate would have it, I just got to ride around in a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB with none other than David Gooding, so now I really like Gooding & Company. Honestly, all the auctions are great because what’s more fun than watching a bunch of rich folks tossing crazy sums of money at fabulous cars? Very little.

Dawn Patrol

Starting at around 5:45 Sunday morning, all the cars that will be featured in the Concours d’Elegance begin rolling onto the lawn. Seeing some of the greatest cars the world has ever seen in motion is enticement enough, but if you get there early enough you might get a free hat. Or even part of a donut. Truth be told, I’ve done Dawn Patrol once. That’s plenty for me.

Concours d’Elegance

  The reason why. For my money, nothing even comes close to Car Week’s big event, the Concours d’Elegance. Two hundred and fifty or so of the most important, historic, lovely, and best-curated cars on Earth are just sitting there, waiting for you to check them out. The scope of the Lawn is too much to adequately explain in this piece, but I implore you to make the pilgrimage. Put it like this: one year they had 12 of the 16 Jaguar XKSSs on display. No, really. If you’re a car guy or girl, this is on your bucket list. See you there!

The post 11 Events Jonny Lieberman is Planning on Attending at Pebble Beach Car Week appeared first on Motor Trend.

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[jesusvasser]

11 Events Jonny Lieberman is Planning on Attending at Pebble Beach Car Week

Pebble Beach. If you like cars, those words should send tingly signals down your spine. If you love cars, then you’ve already booked your plane ticket and hotel. I’ve been to a good chunk of the major car events around the globe, and I can tell you that with the exception of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, nothing holds a candle to Pebble Beach Car Week.

As with any weeklong event, it’s hard to know exactly where to be and when to be there. In order to maximize your fun and enjoyment—should you choose to go—I’ve put together what I consider to be the 11 essential PBCW activities. Or at least 11 activities I plan on attending this year. How do I know they’re any good? After nine years in a row, you tend to learn a thing or two. Final caveat: should you only make it to a single one of these events, you’ll still be bathed in pure car guy/gal goodness. Ready? Read on.

McCall’s Motorworks Revival

Most people consider this the official Pebble Beach Car Week kickoff event. Truth be told, it takes place Wednesday evening, a day before everything else begins. McCall’s is stuffed with cars, and because it takes place at the Monterey Jet Center, there are airplanes, too. My fondest memory is from a few years back when the oldest Bentley in existence drove onto the tarmac. A great start to great week.

Tour d’Elegance

It’s a bit of a “pinch me, I’m dreaming” event, even if you’re only watching from the sidelines. Long story short, the amazing cars that will be on the Concours lawn on Sunday, spend Thursday morning driving down a 17-mile drive and then down California’s glorious Pacific Coast Highway before stopping for lunch in downtown Carmel. Best of all, this event is totally free. The only tricky part is deciding where exactly to stand and watch. My advice? Get as close to Bixby Creek Bridge as possible. You want to see these beauties in motion.

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

A fantastic event, the Quail is focused on sports cars. Really terrific ones, at that. You’re just as likely to see a perfectly patina’d barn find Porsche 356 as you are to see 25 Lamborghini Miuras. Yes, 25. Usually something like seven Bugati Veyrons. as well. Amazing race cars, too. Oh yeah, the carmakers themselves have discovered how great the Quail is and have started having new cars make their at the party. Last year Lamborghini showed off the $2 million+ Centenario Roadster. Now, I need to warn you that tickets to the Quail cost $600 a pop. But hey, in addition to the groovy cars, you get all the oysters and caviar you can eat, plus all the champagne you can drink. One of my top three events, for sure.

The Quail Parking Lot

OK, so you don’t have $600 to spend on a ticket. No worries. Because the people who do have the scratch to drop $600 on a ticket to a car show tend to drive amazing cars. And, there ain’t nothing stopping you from checking ‘em out. It really ought to be an official event. Last year I saw a Ferrari LaFerrari parked next to Citroën SM parked next to a Shelby Cobra 289. Think I’m kidding? The Quail parking lot has gained such a reputation for WOW automobiles that this year marks the Inaugural Car Park d’Quailegance award. Yes, they will be handing out an award for the best car in the parking lot! Be warned: just like the actual Quail, getting in and out is a traffic-clogged nightmare. Also, the parking lot has moved down the hill a bit to save wear and tear on the links. Regardless, plan your escape!

Shown above is an image from our 2015 feature, The Incredible Cars of Pebble Beach Parking Lots. Check out the full story here.

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Have you ever wanted to see a $50 million Ferrari 250 GTO go door to door with a $25 million Aston Martin DBR1? Better get yourself to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for two days of the most eye-popping, jaw-dropping classic car racing there is. I’ll never forget the first time I went and heard the Trans-Am cars roar past me into turn four. I can still feel the noise! Then, just a few laps later I witnessed a Bugatti Type 35 show its nose to a Delahaye 145 GP. It was crazy and wonderful at the same time. The only tricky part is figuring out what corner to watch from. Pro tip: everyone’s already at the Corkscrew. A must-attend event.

Concorso Italiano

True, there are several German-themed car events happening during Car Week—such as Legends of the Autobahn—but I just think the Italian event is more fun. I also think Italians are more fun than Germans in general, but that’s a different story. Yes, viewing the 30th red Ferrari 308 GTS in a row can get tiresome, but Panteras, vintage Maseratis, and oddball Lamborginis (Jalpa, anyone?) never do. Like the Quail, this is another event with a parking lot that’s worth looking into.

Concours d’LeMons

This is the antidote to all the inherent pretension that goes along with thousands of million dollar cars. Will the Yugo beat out the Valiant? Will the Peugeot start? All I no is that several years ago I entered a $300,000 dollar Bentley Mulsanne in the Rueful Britannia category and wound up taking Second Worst in Show to a Pontiac Aztek complete with the pop-out tent. I’ve missed the last couple of years due to scheduling conflicts, but this year I’m a judge, so I simply have to attend. You should, too.

The Fire Pits at Spanish Bay

This is as close as you can come to respite during Car Week. It’s not the center of the action the way The Lodge at Pebble Beach is. Instead, Spanish Bay is where you come to just chill out. Not only is it just a quick car ride from the Lodge, but I’ve also bumped into both Michael Strahan and Jerry Seinfeld at the rather legendary valet lot. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy listening to distant bagpipes as the sun sets into the Pacific while you enjoy a great cigar and some fine drinks? Plus, you never know whom you will run into. Last year my two buddies and I ran into Jochen Mass, who immediately began telling us the kind of James Hunt stories I can’t print here. Sometimes, remembering to breathe is key.

Gooding & Company: The Pebble Beach Auctions

True, there are several other auctions that take place during Pebble Beach Car Week. However, I’ve long only attended the Gooding & Company auctions for a variety of reasons. They just seem more fun, especially with Charlie Ross as auctioneer. As fate would have it, I just got to ride around in a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB with none other than David Gooding, so now I really like Gooding & Company. Honestly, all the auctions are great because what’s more fun than watching a bunch of rich folks tossing crazy sums of money at fabulous cars? Very little.

Dawn Patrol

Starting at around 5:45 Sunday morning, all the cars that will be featured in the Concours d’Elegance begin rolling onto the lawn. Seeing some of the greatest cars the world has ever seen in motion is enticement enough, but if you get there early enough you might get a free hat. Or even part of a donut. Truth be told, I’ve done Dawn Patrol once. That’s plenty for me.

Concours d’Elegance

  The reason why. For my money, nothing even comes close to Car Week’s big event, the Concours d’Elegance. Two hundred and fifty or so of the most important, historic, lovely, and best-curated cars on Earth are just sitting there, waiting for you to check them out. The scope of the Lawn is too much to adequately explain in this piece, but I implore you to make the pilgrimage. Put it like this: one year they had 12 of the 16 Jaguar XKSSs on display. No, really. If you’re a car guy or girl, this is on your bucket list. See you there!

The post 11 Events Jonny Lieberman is Planning on Attending at Pebble Beach Car Week appeared first on Motor Trend.

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[thespoonfamilyrobinson]

What can a city like Coventry REALLY do in a year of culture?

You can’t get away from people these daysbanging on about how we are going to beat 10 other cities to the title of UK City of Culture in 2021. We all know Coventry doesn’t have culture right? I see people saying that all the time on Facebook and the bottom half of the internet of the Coventry Telegraph site. Paisley is going to win coz we need to keep Scotland sweet, St David’s NEED £1,600 of investment PER resident, Coventry is boring…all that kind of guff.

So I thought I’d see just what culture (if any) the Family Spoon had stumbled across in just the last 12 months. Using only Google Photos as my guide and looking what I’ve taken photos of since 5th March 2016. Probably only a few snaps of a manky park or a broken fountain right?

Let’s go…you won’t be here long. 

Apparently we spent the last twelve months:

Partying for my daughter’s 8th birthday and having a treasure hunt around the magnificent Memorial Park

Swaying at one of many acoustic gigs at the Big Comfy Bookshop

Watching Ian Cook make jaw dropping art with remote control cars at his Pop Bang Colour HQ at Fargo Village

Travelling round the world at Theatre Absolute with one of a bundle of shows as part of a festival (so many happen I can’t remember the name)

Watching Nick Barker blow up some balloons with a Chemistry family lecture to raise money for Warwick in Africa

Enjoying Tilly performing at Sprungsters - Highly Sprung’s weekend physical theatre classes

Racing on Mario Kart whilst supping a world’s best Bubble Tea at Bubble Boba at Fargo

Taking on the yoof at the skate park in Memorial Park

Making glow in the dark structures with carrots at the Transport Museum

Munching on the special kid’s afternoon teas at Mocha Lounge in Allesley Park (soon to reopen)

Being wowed by a group of local amateurs performing live Romeo & Juliet in Broadgate, what was made by BBC Coventry & Warwickshire and me wife

Enjoying the smiling faces at the Looked After Children open air cinema organised by the amazing Fiona Linton

Watching many street performers that pop up in town including a slacklining violin player and a junk drummer

Going on our yearly pilgrimage to Earlsdon Festival which mainly involves eating amazing street food

Recording a pot pourri of Big Comfy Sessions with talented musicians from across the globe

Stuffing more food in our faces at Digbeth Dining Club in the cathedral ruins

Played at pretty much every park in the city, but still some to discover

Staring for hours at the Grayson Perry tapestries in The Herbert

Geeking out at Board Game Night at the Big Comfy Bookshop

Watching the Honey Badgers amateur ice hockey team slam another opponent at the Sky Dome

Getting blown away by the sublime Ry X at Warwick Arts Centre

Getting hunted by aliens amongst 1,001 other activities at Warwick Arts Centre Family Weekend

Staring at tiny dioramas in an abandoned container outside Coventry University

Petrolheading at the world premiere of the Aston Martin Vulcan and stock cars racing round the ring road at Motofest

Being delightfully baffled by art rock band Swoomptheeng as part of Ludic Rooms’ Random String Festival

Politicising with Eddie Izzard at a free Brexit gig at Warwick Arts Centre

Sailing and singing with Son of Town Hall at The Tin

Drowning whilst supporting the Aviva Women’s Tour as they cycled through the University of Warwick

Hunting for fairy doors in Allesley Park

Hanging out at the fabulous Allesley Park Library, not just books but tunnels and activities!

Watching dancing JCBs, and listening to tales in a caravan at the launch of the 2021 bid during Godiva Festival

Rocking out with the Boomtown Rats and Space at the Godiva Festival proper, slurping down sno-cones and chilling with the cop’s cop Kerry Blakeman

Ice skating at the Sky Dome with the kids and the penguins

Attending the red carpet showing of the BFG at Warwick Arts Centre complete with snozzcumber sandwiches and frobscottle

Playing with our favourite blocks at The Herbert and the room of delight stuffed with explorable constructions every school holiday

Marvelling at the amazing Lego Brick Wonders exhibition (FOR FREE!!) at The Herbert

Animating at an inspiring Animate This workshop at Fargo Village

Finding and hiding one of hundreds of Geocaches in our little city

Riding the perfectly unchanged roundabout in the market

Touring the Charterhouse and Lunt Roman Fort during Heritage Open Weekend

Stumbling across the New York Brass Band in Broadgate as part of no event whatsoever…just because

Staring slack-jawed at the beautiful Urban Astronaut flying around cathedral square

Sauntering during my lunch hour and discovering new sculptures around the Warwick campus

Dancing like loons to the incredible Hope & Social and local star Shanade at The Tin

Getting the Masterji treatment at the first exhibition by 94 year local photographer in the Box at Fargo Village

Thinking and drinking at one of the 4 Pecha Kucha nights at The Tin

Watching out for giant owls and mustached devils in Broadgate during the celebrations of Dia de los Muertes

Saxing with Fleur East at the heaving Christmas Lights switch on party

More Chemistry fun at the University of Warwick Christmas Lectures

Feeding the swans and running the grounds at Coombe Abbey, more than once

Learning amazing knife skills and being shown I can cook fish and LIKE it by Will at the 75 Company in Earlsdon

Sailing away with the Owl and the Pussycat at the Belgrade Theatre

and that’s just within the city walls (ish), let alone jaunts to other amazing gigs, exhibitions and events in nearby Leamington, Compton Verney and even Birmingham, and JUST what my Google Photos tell me we did...even I don’t snap everything so bet there is MUCH MORE.

[thespoondrawer]

What culture can you REALLY fit into one year...in Coventry?

You can’t get away from people these daysbanging on about how we are going to beat 10 other cities to the title of UK City of Culture in 2021. We all know Coventry doesn’t have culture right? I see people saying that all the time on Facebook and the bottom half of the internet of the Coventry Telegraph site. Paisley is going to win coz we need to keep Scotland sweet, St David’s NEED £1,600 of investment PER resident, Coventry is shite…all that kind of guff.

So I thought I’d see just what culture (if any) the Family Spoon had stumbled across in just the last 12 months. Using only Google Photos as my guide and looking what I’ve taken photos of since 5th March 2016. Probably only a few snaps of a manky park or a broken fountain right?

Let’s go…you won’t be here long. 

Apparently we spent the last twelve months:

Partying for Matilda’s 8th birthday and having a treasure hunt around the magnificent Memorial Park

Swaying at one of many acoustic gigs at the Big Comfy Bookshop

Watching Ian Cook make jaw dropping art with remote control cars at his Pop Bang Colour HQ at Fargo Village

Travelling round the world at Theatre Absolute with one of a bundle of shows as part of a festival (so many happen I can’t remember the name)

Watching Nick Barker blow up some balloons with a Chemistry family lecture to raise money for Warwick in Africa

Enjoying Tilly performing at Sprungsters - Highly Sprung’s weekend physical theatre classes

Racing on Mario Kart whilst supping a Bubble Boba at Fargo

Taking on the yoof at the skate park in Memorial Park

Making glow in the dark structures with carrots at the Transport Museum

Munching on the special kid’s afternoon teas at Mocha Lounge in Allesley Park (soon to reopen)

Being wowed by a group of local amateurs performing live Romeo & Juliet in Broadgate

Enjoying the smiling faces at the Looked After Children open air cinema organised by the amazing Fiona Linton

Watching many street performers that pop up in town including a slacklining violin player and a junk drummer

Going on our yearly pilgrimage to Earlsdon Festival which mainly involves eating amazing street food

Recording a pot pourri of Big Comfy Sessions with talented musicians from across the globe

Stuffing more food in our faces at Digbeth Dining Club in the cathedral ruins

Played at pretty much every park in the city, but still some to discover

Staring for hours at the Grayson Perry tapestries in the Herbert

Geeking out at Board Game Night at the Big Comfy Bookshop

Watching the Honey Badgers amateur ice hockey team slam another opponent at the Sky Dome

Getting blown away by the sublime Ry X at Warwick Arts Centre

Getting hunted by aliens amongst 1,001 other activities at Warwick Arts Centre Family Weekend

Staring at tiny dioramas in an abandoned container outside Coventry University

Petrolheading at the world premiere of the Aston Martin Vulcan and stock cars racing round the ring road at Motofest

Being delightfully baffled by art rock band Swoompthang as part of Ludic Rooms’ Random String Festival

Politicising with Eddie Izzard at a free Brexit gig at Warwick Arts Centre

Sailing and singing with Son of Town Hall at The Tin

Drowning whilst supporting the Aviva Women’s Tour as they cycled through the University of Warwick

Hunting for fairy doors in Allesley Park

Hanging out at the fabulous Allesley Park Library, not just books but tunnels and activities!

Watching dancing JCBs, and listening to tales in a caravan at the launch of the 2021 bid during Godiva Festival

Rocking out with the Boomtown Rats and Space at the Godiva Festival proper, slurping down sno-cones and chilling with the cop’s cop Kerry Blakeman

Ice skating at the Sky Dome with the kids and the penguins

Attending the red carpet showing of the BFG at Warwick Arts Centre complete with snozzcumber sandwiches and frobscottle

Playing with our favourite blocks at The Herbert and the room of delight stuffed with explorable constructions every school holiday

Marvelling at the amazing Lego Brick Wonders exhibition (FOR FREE!!) at The Herbert

Animating at an inspiring workshop at Fargo Village

Finding and hiding one of hundreds of Geocaches in our little city

Riding the perfectly unchanged roundabout in the market

Touring the Charterhouse and Lunt Roman Fort during Heritage Open Weekend

Stumbling across the New York Brass Band in Broadgate as part of no event whatsoever…just because

Staring slack-jawed at the beautiful Urban Astronaut flying around cathedral square

Sauntering during my lunch hour and discovering new sculptures around the Warwick campus

Dancing like loons to the incredible Hope & Social and local star Shanade at the Tin

Getting the Masterji treatment at the first exhibition by 94 year local photographer in the Box at Fargo Village

Thinking and drinking at one of the 4 Pecha Kucha nights at The Tin

Watching out for giant owls and mustached devils in Broadgate during the celebrations of Dia de los Muertes

Saxing with Fleur East at the heaving Christmas Lights switch on party

More Chemistry fun at the University of Warwick Christmas Lectures

Feeding the swans and running the grounds at Coombe Abbey, more than once

Learning amazing knife skills and being shown I can cook fish and LIKE it by Will at the 75 Company in Earlsdon

Sailing away with the Owl and the Pussycat at the Belgrade Theatre

and that’s just within the city walls (ish), let alone jaunts to other amazing gigs, exhibitions and events in nearby Leamington, Compton Verney and even Birmingham, and JUST what my Google Photos tell me we did...even I don’t snap everything so bet there is MUCH MORE.

[wayneooverton]

Fast cars aren’t just for boys

I don’t know much about cars, but I sure know a sexy car when I see one. And it doesn’t get much sexier than an Aston Martin. You know, the sleek car from the James Bond movies. Yes, I did just write that.

When my friend came to visit me in New Zealand in the spring, I knew I wanted to surprise her with a fun road trip. And while my old 1995 Nissan Terrano gets the job done, no one has ever mistaken it for a fun sexy vehicle, and zoom it does not. Thank you Ignition Self Drive for offering something a bit more adventurous and memorable. An epic place like Fiordland deserves an epic whip.

And I knew I had to take her to Milford, and I knew her first time driving on the left side of the road should be memorable. There are quite a few locals around the South Island that are up for grabs with the “prettiest places” award, but come on, Milford is popular for a reason. It’s so epic. And we had a forecast for sunshine, and in an area that gets seven meters of rain annually, that means go right now.

Girls roadie to Milford Sound in an Aston Martin? Well, if that’s not one for the books, I don’t know what is.

It was hot sunny spring day as we peeled out of Queenstown on our way to Milford Sound after picking up our ride – a little old Vantage. And by “peeled out” I mean slowly edged our way out of town and braking too hard and almost hitting my face on the steering wheel. I mean, I’m not used to driving cars that actually accelerate normally, let alone fast. I basically have to put my foot to the floor to get my car to move.

I was surprised (and also not so surprised) to learn that it’s almost always men that rent these types of cars. Boys trips, or maybe wives surprising their partners with a trip and they share it, but it’s never just girls, let alone young girls renting sports cars. And here I am to say WHY NOT? Fast cars aren’t just for men! It’s 2017 for pity’s sake. Why is the stereotype just for guys? I mean, even I was susceptible to it. The first time I heard about it was from my friend Jane at Queenstown Life, and I actually thought, wow, I want to do that, I wonder what guy friend could come with me because I couldn’t drive it, you know, before I mentally slapped myself.

Now I’m not saying I drove 20 kilometers under the speed limit for the first hour of the trip, but I might have, and I’m not sure I’ll ever live down the shame of having people overtake me while behind the wheel of an Aston Martin but you live and learn. I hate making blanket statements, but I feel like women tend to err on the side of caution more than men do, and I wasn’t about to gun it in such a fast car, not until I got the hang of it at least.

The road to Milford Sound is probably the most scenic road-trip in New Zealand, and I don’t say that lightly. It’s incredible. And to experience it from a convertible and in a car that goes from zero to one hundred in a couple of seconds? Well, hot damn. Can’t beat that.

Are you allowed to drive an Aston Martin wearing socks and sandals? Asking for a friend…

Kea, the world’s only alpine parrot – it’s relatively easy to spot them in Fiordland

Now, I am not sure how to phrase this…I don’t really care that much about fancy cars. I can’t tell them apart and I definitely can’t tell you any tech specs on them. My knowledge is strictly limited to “ohhh that one looks prettier.”

But I know a classy car when I see one, and the Aston is nothing if not classy. For me, what matters is having memorable experiences on the road, and having fun while traveling, like I imagine most of you guys do to.

And let me tell you, I felt like a fucking queen when I pushed the ignition button on that baby. Honest to god, it makes the sexiest sound when you start it. Bow down before me.

And then sometimes when you’re driving it, it sort of purrs, like it’s telling you to step on it. Honestly, Officer, it wasn’t my fault I was going that fast, the car made me do it. It told me to, I had no choice, really. Have pity.

JK, there are never any cops in Fiordland. Wait, did I just write that publicly?

Alpacas spotted in Te Anau

By the time we rolled through Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland and Milford, I was definitely getting the hang of it. No brake-slamming on corners and slowly but surely inching getting closer to the speed limit. Not the problem the average renter of this car usually faces I reckon!

I was also quite enjoyed the looks of passerby as two blonde ladies would hop in and out of the car in their hiking clothes.

There are so many epic places to stop on the Milford Road, so make sure you build in plenty of time in on a trip there. I can think of nothing worse than having to be in a hurry in Fiordland. And like I said, the Milford Road is one of the most epic roads in New Zealand. The mountains literally tower over you and waterfalls tumble down from glacier and vertical peaks. I’ve driven there quite a few times, but to experience it from a convertible is INCREDIBLE.

And there are also some very lovely straight bits of road too that are just the place to see what the Aston is made of, within reason of course.

Zoom zoom!

And if thought we got funny looks in Te Anau, you should have seen the raised eyebrows as we rolled into the Cascade Creek DOC campsite and pulled a tent out of the back of the car.

What can I say? I love irony!

There really isn’t anywhere to stay in Fiordland once you go on the Milford Road past Te Anau. There is a lodge in Milford Sound, but it’s always booked out with bus tours months in advance (and it’s really pricey) and they don’t allow pitched tents there anymore. But there are plenty of great cheap DOC campsites on the Milford Road between Te Anau and the Homer Tunnel, and trust me, the wardens will get a kick out of it if you pitch a tent next to an Aston Martin there.

Why stay in a luxury lodge when you pitch your tent next to a James Bond car in the wilderness?

At the risk of sounding super cheesy, for me, there is no greater luxury in New Zealand than waking up in the wilds of Fiordland to the sound of rare birds calling, the damp scent of the earth in the early morning about you, and sandflies pinging on your tent fly. We are still so fucking lucky that places like this exist and that we can still experience them.

And yes yes, so sorry to all those I woke up when I started the Aston. I know how to be quiet in the mornings, but he doesn’t.

We spent the next couple of days exploring Fiordland and enjoying the mint weather, as they say in New Zealand. You know, after we had to drive back to Te Anau and rent me hiking boots because I left mine at home. Damnit! Oh, and trying to keep the naughty kea from eating bits off the Aston. Kea are the world’s only alpine parrot, and they are endangered. They are also very cheeky and smart and one of their favorite pastimes is eating windshield wiper rubber, throwing hiking boots off cliffs and causing general havoc and pandemonium. No car is safe.

We headed up to Lake Marian, one of my favorite day hikes in New Zealand, and one I shamelessly kept to myself all these years. I do that sometimes, forgive me. It used to be a great secret, and I never publicly shared where it was. Times have changed, and ain’t a secret no more.

A steady 1.5 hour slog straight uphill over the river and through the woods on a not-so-obviously-marked track will bring you the incredible alpine Lake Marian. Hanging glaciers and huge waterfalls tumble down into a beautiful blue lake. Your eyes will bulge and your mouth will drop open.

And if you’re lucky, you might run into a young guy carrying a wizard costume. Are you ready for the best story ever?

DON’T. EVEN. THINK. ABOUT. IT.

We were just starting out on the trail when a young guy named Akhil ran up to me, recognizing me from my blog (oh shucks, hair flick). Then he asked me something super weird that I had never been asked before in my entire life – would I dress up as Gandalf and pose for him?

Um, what? Blink blink SURE CAN DO!

You don’t have to ask me twice about to do anything Middle Earth related. I’m quite possibly the biggest Lord of the Rings nerd you’ve ever met. If only I was good enough to walk in Gandalf’s shoes one day. Sigh. In the meantime, I can pretend!

You shall not pass!

Akhil was a student in Auckland and then went on a six month trip around New Zealand. As a way of meeting people and showcasing New Zealand in a different way, he would ask them to dress up as Gandalf for photos. So clever. Since then he went viral, and his photos as Gandalf garnered international media hype! Yay! Be sure to give him a follow on Instagram in the meantime.

Me as Gandalf. Proud moment. 

And if getting to dress up as Gandalf is lucky, you might even get luckier (if possible) and spot a whio (Blue Duck) while in Fiordland. They are so special they even are on the $10 note in New Zealand.

Whio (pronounced fee-oh) are a very rare and endangered duck in New Zealand, and they live in swift moving rivers and rapids – there are only about 3000 of them left. I spotted one completely by accident through the bushes as we were making our way down past Marian Falls, and I about shit my pants. I totally lost my cool and fumbled around looking for my camera and telephoto lens babbling incoherently as people stared. It’s a whio people, pay attention! They are really rare!

I had been here for years and never seen a whio before, let alone in the wild. I was so excited!

Also, perfect timing, as March is Whio Awareness Month in New Zealand which I’m helping to promote. More on that soon, but in the meantime be sure to check it out because if you’re in NZ, you could win the chance to be a whio ranger for a day!

Whio (Blue Duck) just chilling at Marian Falls

We finished up our trip kayaking Milford Sound in the pouring rain with Rosco’s, and then trying not to put our wet bums on the nice leather seats or get mud all over the car. And if you were curious, the socks and sandals shot was because of sandflies – I got my boots super muddy hiking, and sandlfies, which are pretty much the worst biting little insects of all time, love bare feet. Never give it to them. Cover the skin.

Anywho, I was so stoked to be able to share this trip with a friend. I almost always travel alone and it makes the experience so much more special if you have someone to share it with. Fiordland is a magical place. The Milford Road (on a sunny day haha) was MADE for convertibles. If you want to treat yourself, do it in an Aston Martin.

I can’t believe I’m saying this in this day an age, but sports cars and luxury hires should be for girls too. It’s so much fun! I never thought as a woman I would enjoy driving fast cars as much as I did or that I even could for that matter. But once I gave it a try, I was hooked. And nothing beats taking a special car to a special place, right? Where to next?

Have you ever driven a sports car? Would you drive an Aston Martin around New Zealand given half the chance? 

Many thanks to Ignition Self Drive for trusting me with their Aston Martin. Like always I’m keeping it real – all opinions are my own – like you could expect less from me!

The post Fast cars aren’t just for boys appeared first on Young Adventuress.

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[jonathanbelloblog]

11 Events Jonny Lieberman is Planning on Attending at Pebble Beach Car Week

Pebble Beach. If you like cars, those words should send tingly signals down your spine. If you love cars, then you’ve already booked your plane ticket and hotel. I’ve been to a good chunk of the major car events around the globe, and I can tell you that with the exception of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, nothing holds a candle to Pebble Beach Car Week.

As with any weeklong event, it’s hard to know exactly where to be and when to be there. In order to maximize your fun and enjoyment—should you choose to go—I’ve put together what I consider to be the 11 essential PBCW activities. Or at least 11 activities I plan on attending this year. How do I know they’re any good? After nine years in a row, you tend to learn a thing or two. Final caveat: should you only make it to a single one of these events, you’ll still be bathed in pure car guy/gal goodness. Ready? Read on.

McCall’s Motorworks Revival

Most people consider this the official Pebble Beach Car Week kickoff event. Truth be told, it takes place Wednesday evening, a day before everything else begins. McCall’s is stuffed with cars, and because it takes place at the Monterey Jet Center, there are airplanes, too. My fondest memory is from a few years back when the oldest Bentley in existence drove onto the tarmac. A great start to great week.

Tour d’Elegance

It’s a bit of a “pinch me, I’m dreaming” event, even if you’re only watching from the sidelines. Long story short, the amazing cars that will be on the Concours lawn on Sunday, spend Thursday morning driving down a 17-mile drive and then down California’s glorious Pacific Coast Highway before stopping for lunch in downtown Carmel. Best of all, this event is totally free. The only tricky part is deciding where exactly to stand and watch. My advice? Get as close to Bixby Creek Bridge as possible. You want to see these beauties in motion.

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

A fantastic event, the Quail is focused on sports cars. Really terrific ones, at that. You’re just as likely to see a perfectly patina’d barn find Porsche 356 as you are to see 25 Lamborghini Miuras. Yes, 25. Usually something like seven Bugati Veyrons. as well. Amazing race cars, too. Oh yeah, the carmakers themselves have discovered how great the Quail is and have started having new cars make their at the party. Last year Lamborghini showed off the $2 million+ Centenario Roadster. Now, I need to warn you that tickets to the Quail cost $600 a pop. But hey, in addition to the groovy cars, you get all the oysters and caviar you can eat, plus all the champagne you can drink. One of my top three events, for sure.

The Quail Parking Lot

OK, so you don’t have $600 to spend on a ticket. No worries. Because the people who do have the scratch to drop $600 on a ticket to a car show tend to drive amazing cars. And, there ain’t nothing stopping you from checking ‘em out. It really ought to be an official event. Last year I saw a Ferrari LaFerrari parked next to Citroën SM parked next to a Shelby Cobra 289. Think I’m kidding? The Quail parking lot has gained such a reputation for WOW automobiles that this year marks the Inaugural Car Park d’Quailegance award. Yes, they will be handing out an award for the best car in the parking lot! Be warned: just like the actual Quail, getting in and out is a traffic-clogged nightmare. Also, the parking lot has moved down the hill a bit to save wear and tear on the links. Regardless, plan your escape!

Shown above is an image from our 2015 feature, The Incredible Cars of Pebble Beach Parking Lots. Check out the full story here.

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Have you ever wanted to see a $50 million Ferrari 250 GTO go door to door with a $25 million Aston Martin DBR1? Better get yourself to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for two days of the most eye-popping, jaw-dropping classic car racing there is. I’ll never forget the first time I went and heard the Trans-Am cars roar past me into turn four. I can still feel the noise! Then, just a few laps later I witnessed a Bugatti Type 35 show its nose to a Delahaye 145 GP. It was crazy and wonderful at the same time. The only tricky part is figuring out what corner to watch from. Pro tip: everyone’s already at the Corkscrew. A must-attend event.

Concorso Italiano

True, there are several German-themed car events happening during Car Week—such as Legends of the Autobahn—but I just think the Italian event is more fun. I also think Italians are more fun than Germans in general, but that’s a different story. Yes, viewing the 30th red Ferrari 308 GTS in a row can get tiresome, but Panteras, vintage Maseratis, and oddball Lamborginis (Jalpa, anyone?) never do. Like the Quail, this is another event with a parking lot that’s worth looking into.

Concours d’LeMons

This is the antidote to all the inherent pretension that goes along with thousands of million dollar cars. Will the Yugo beat out the Valiant? Will the Peugeot start? All I no is that several years ago I entered a $300,000 dollar Bentley Mulsanne in the Rueful Britannia category and wound up taking Second Worst in Show to a Pontiac Aztek complete with the pop-out tent. I’ve missed the last couple of years due to scheduling conflicts, but this year I’m a judge, so I simply have to attend. You should, too.

The Fire Pits at Spanish Bay

This is as close as you can come to respite during Car Week. It’s not the center of the action the way The Lodge at Pebble Beach is. Instead, Spanish Bay is where you come to just chill out. Not only is it just a quick car ride from the Lodge, but I’ve also bumped into both Michael Strahan and Jerry Seinfeld at the rather legendary valet lot. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy listening to distant bagpipes as the sun sets into the Pacific while you enjoy a great cigar and some fine drinks? Plus, you never know whom you will run into. Last year my two buddies and I ran into Jochen Mass, who immediately began telling us the kind of James Hunt stories I can’t print here. Sometimes, remembering to breathe is key.

Gooding & Company: The Pebble Beach Auctions

True, there are several other auctions that take place during Pebble Beach Car Week. However, I’ve long only attended the Gooding & Company auctions for a variety of reasons. They just seem more fun, especially with Charlie Ross as auctioneer. As fate would have it, I just got to ride around in a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB with none other than David Gooding, so now I really like Gooding & Company. Honestly, all the auctions are great because what’s more fun than watching a bunch of rich folks tossing crazy sums of money at fabulous cars? Very little.

Dawn Patrol

Starting at around 5:45 Sunday morning, all the cars that will be featured in the Concours d’Elegance begin rolling onto the lawn. Seeing some of the greatest cars the world has ever seen in motion is enticement enough, but if you get there early enough you might get a free hat. Or even part of a donut. Truth be told, I’ve done Dawn Patrol once. That’s plenty for me.

Concours d’Elegance

 The reason why. For my money, nothing even comes close to Car Week’s big event, the Concours d’Elegance. Two hundred and fifty or so of the most important, historic, lovely, and best-curated cars on Earth are just sitting there, waiting for you to check them out. The scope of the Lawn is too much to adequately explain in this piece, but I implore you to make the pilgrimage. Put it like this: one year they had 12 of the 16 Jaguar XKSSs on display. No, really. If you’re a car guy or girl, this is on your bucket list. See you there!

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