#yes another joshua and Charlie moment !!

[yoselin-uyu]

Dragon clases~

So when i saw the Preview Challenge for the Fourth Task by @slytherincursebreaker i just had to draw charlie wanting to teach joshua about dragons for the next task, but she can't resist hugging charlie seeing him so focused and passionate about dragons !!

[survey--s]

444.

When was the last time you sang out loud? In the shower about four and a half hours ago. How many people do you know with the name ‘Joshua’? None anymore, but I knew quite a few Joshuas when I was younger. Where were the last three places you went: Copper’s house, Ollie’s house and Charlie’s house. What time was it 4 hours ago? 2.37pm. What were you doing at that time? Eating lunch and watching Hoarders.

Have you ever picked up a penny because you thought it was good luck? Sure, as a little kid I did that all the time. Are you over 16? I’m over twice that age now, lol. Are you taller than 5'6"? Yeah, by two and a half inches lol. Were you born after 1991? Nope. Does your last name start with a 'C’? It does not. Why did you last go to the doctor? To get a sick note from work. Are you currently single? No. How do you feel about that? Happy. Do you have a twin? No. What was the last song you listened to? I can’t remember. My Spotify has been weird lately and keeps crashing. Who was your 5th grade teacher? Mrs Amtower, I think? What is the longest you’ve lived in one place? Like, in one house? 11 years. In terms of one town, 18 years without a break. Do you live in Chicago? I don’t even live in America. Have you ever climbed a water tower? No - and this really reminds of That 70′s Show. Have you ever soaped someone’s car? Like, washed it? Sure. Have you ever introduced yourself with a name other than your own? Yes. Do you have hazel eyes? No, but this question just makes me think of Kelly Clarkson. Can you play the piano? Yeah, I got my Grade 3 many year ago, though I’ve not played since. Would you shave your head for $100? No. What color are the sheets on your bed? Purple. Who was your last missed phone call? The company I order my dog treats with for work. They ring every few months with some offer - I never answer and yet they never stop, lol. Your last received phone call? Mike. Your last dialed phone call? My mum. What’s a good movie you recently saw that you would recommend? I haven’t seen a good, new movie for ages lol. How many times does the letter ’t’ occur in your full name? Once. Would you consider yourself more artistic or mathematical? Neither, really, but I guess overall I’m more artistic. How old is the oldest person that lives in the same house as you? 38. How about the youngest? That’s me, and I just turned 34. Or, if we include animals, Toby is nearly three. What year is the vehicle you drive? It’s a 2016 Hyundai i10. Are you older than the last person you kissed? No. What day will it be in 2 days? Friday. How does that make you feel? Pleased as it’ll nearly be the weekend. Which is closer right now: your birthday or Christmas? My birthday, but only by a couple of weeks. Do you have any item your consider your good luck charm? No. What jewelry are you currently wearing? 7 x earrings, nose stud and my wedding and engagement rings. What is your hair naturally like? Frizzy. Do you have freckles? No. When did you go to bed last night? I went to bed around 10-ish but I didn’t get to sleep until gone midnight. How many gallons of milk would you say are currently in your fridge? Uh, we have a 4 pint bottle of milk and about a pint left over in another bottle. Do you like coffee? I love coffee. Favorite flavor of poptart? I’m really not a fan of pop-tarts. They always sound much nicer than they are. Who were the last non-relatives you hung out with? Mark and Susie. Do you share your last name with anyone famous? Yeah, a few people. Is there anything bothering you at the moment? I’m tired and it’s meant to snow tonight which means my whole day could get throw off tomorrow, lol. Who is someone you can tell almost anything? Mike. What was your name supposed to be if you were born the opposite sex? Alexander. Have you eaten any fresh fruit today? No fresh fruit, but I’ve had carrots, red peppers, cucumber and sweetcorn, plus an orange juice.  What song best describes your mood at the moment? I’m So Tired by The Beatles. Are your fingernails currently painted? No. When was the last time you went to the beach? This morning. I live two minutes from the beach. Have you ever donated plasma because you were short on cash? No. Do you live with anyone who smokes? No. Mike used to smoke but he quit not long after we got together. Do you know anyone who works at Walmart? At the UK equivalent, sure. I used to work there too. How about McDonald’s? No. Who did you see the last time you went to a concert? I think it was The Courteeners. If you died, would you rather be buried or cremated? Cremated and turned into a diamond. The idea of being buried really creeps me out for some reason, lol. How many pockets do you have in the clothes you are wearing? Zero. Do you tend to carry around alot of spare change? No. I only ever have cash when Jill pays me and I haven’t had time to go to the Post Office. Do you know anyone who lives in Pennsylvania? Yeah, a couple of people from my Xanga days. Which holiday do you most look forward to? Christmas, I guess. How many contacts do you have in your phone under the letter ’D’? Just one, the dentist lol. If you had to relive the entire last month over again, how would you feel? It’s been a good month but I still wouldn’t want to re-live it. What do you generally wear to bed? An oversized t-shirt and underwear. Think back to 6 months ago, were you single or taken? Married, the same as now. Do you still talk to your best friend from kindergarten? Nope. What color are the walls in your kitchen? Cream. When was the last time you had a haircut? About three months ago. Do you watch Family Guy? No. Who was the last person you went to the movies with? My mum. Do you own a Bible? No. What is your favorite day of the week? It depends on the week, the weather and which dogs I have booked in. What was the last sit-down restaurant you went to? Uhh, a tapas bar in Windermere with my mum. I forget the name exactly but the food was amazing, haha. Have you ever had a pet snake? No. Have you ever dated someone who had kids? Yeah, Chris did, and let me tell you, I would NEVER do it again. Is your best friend single or taken? We’re married. Why did your last relationship end? He was a compulsive liar who denied three of his own children. Is there anyone you wish you could see right now? Nah, not right now. I’m tired and it’s due to snow and I just CBA lol. Have you ever dreamt of a crush? Sure. What color was the shirt you wore yesterday? Grey. How many times have you been to Six Flags? Never, we don’t have them over here. Have you ever been to the Statue of Liberty? No. Do you have any vacation plans at the moment? Nah, not yet. I’d like to go away at some point though even if it’s just a long weekend, but we have nothing booked. Would you rather live 1 day of your future or relive your favorite memory? The latter, for sure. Do you own a pair of colored contacts? No. Where was your profile photo taken? On the beach - Lisa took it. Who was the last person to hug you? Mike. Have you ever broken a finger? No, I’m pretty sure I’ve broken my little toe a few times though. Do you know anyone with a pierced eyebrow? Not now, but I remember when they were ALL the rage. Are you dating the last person you kissed? We’re married. Do you regret your last kiss? No. Are you related to anyone with the name Andrew? Nope. When did you learn to tie your shoes on your own? I was about four or five, I think. Where did you go to grade school? I’m not putting that on here. Do you live within 30 miles of where you were born? Nope, I’m pretty much exactly 300 miles from where I was born (299.6 to be precise) lol. Are you an only child? Yeah. Did you vote in the 2008 presidential election? I’m not American. Are you older than your best friend? Nope. Do you talk to your neighbors much? We say hi if we see each other in the street, but that’s the extent of it. When was the last time your wore a skirt (girls) or a tie (boys)? Years ago.  What’s something you are good at cooking? Roast potatoes. Do you know anyone in the Navy? No. List one of your favorite quotes: “Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” - Neil Gaiman.

[cc-tinslebee]

[steps up to the mic] Listen, this might just be me, but if you’re going to have a large cast of “main” characters, you should probably give those characters opportunities to display their skills and foils instead of handing it off to the “real” main character.

Obviously, this could probably speak to a lot of fandoms, but I’m just gonna talk about The Mighty Ducks for a second because that’s what inspired this train of thought.

A bit of a rant (analysis?) below the cut:

When we look at the movies, I think the original, as well as D2, handled their large cast pretty well. Sure, it was kind of strange not seeing Karp, Peter, Terry, and Tammy/Tommy in the D2 cast, but they seemed to fill their absence decently with the new additions. (Of course, that’s just my own opinion.)

D3’s where my real gripe is, and while I have yet to rewatch it, there are still a few issues about the large cast that come to mind. Going from giving Adam good arcs in 1-2 to side-lining him when there was a perfect opportunity right in front of them, setting up a conflict between Guy and Connie with seemingly little payoff, and completely cutting Jesse (an original and arguably very important Duck) out with, as far as I know, little explanation.

I’d like to clarify before I get into this next part that I actually like Linda as a character; she seemed to have a lot of heart and I really admire that. I don’t, however, appreciate the writers creating a female character for the sole purpose of being the love interest to the lead. I really do believe that they could have made a much more compelling coming-of-age story for Charlie had they not implemented that romance, which didn’t seem to add anything to the plot. It really wasn’t Linda who got Charlie to turn around and realise his kinda self-destructive behaviour, but Fulton and Bombay.

They really would have used their time better focusing on solely telling the story of the Ducks’; Charlie’s refusal to change, actually giving us a vague understanding of Connie and Guy’s lovers quarrel, Adam’s feelings of separation from the Ducks. They really did the Ducks dirty with this one, and, hell, they did Linda dirty too. (And, yes, I do understand that D3 was mainly there to wrap up the story, so naturally things were a little messy.)

Which brings me to Game Changers.

Look, I’m not going to subject you all to me nitpicking this show. I will, however, say this: I hope they give the Don’t Bothers/reclaimed Ducks other than Evan a chance to shine. Even Sofi and Nick, despite them arguably being the “second/third” main (younger) characters. Sam, Logan, Maya, Lauren, Koob — even the Capek brothers! — are listed as main characters, but they’re often not as focused on as Evan. I’ve seen someone argue that Sam was set up to be a really interesting character this first season and they didn’t really do much with him other than in Pond Hockey, which was kind of disappointing, and I think that’s an extremely valid point.

I can only really speak for myself when I talk about things I’d like to see if we get a season 2. Like, if they manage to get Joshua Jackson, I’d be pretty happy with a new-captain-meets-the-old-captain moment, but I would much rather see Charlie bond with Logan over absentee parents over Evan. Logan clearly has some unaddressed issues with his mom, clearly more self-aware that what his mom did was unfair to him, and it just furthers his already established arc (but I’ve spoken about that already). I’d like to see Sam’s character get explored more, and maybe see Bombay help him harness his X-factor! I’d like to see Lauren and Maya’s relationship grow, and the Capeks’ gradual journey learning English! Hey, maybe even see the Reddicks join the new Ducks and bond a bit with Evan like Stephanie and Alex did.

That’s what I, personally, would like to see, not Evan getting handed all the potential arcs. Because he pretty much got everything; absent dad, team captain, love interest, choosing between what's good for him versus the team, getting Bombay back onto his feet, etc, etc. Other than maybe Sofi and Nick, everyone else on the team has 1-2 arcs at most, and I think there’s a pretty good argument out there that some get one to none.

And look, I’m not so naïve that I don’t understand that large casts are hard to juggle. It’s difficult to focus on everyone especially when a particular character speaks more to you and especially with a time limit. But take my Logan and Evan point for example; it’s not hard to assume that a bonding-with-Charlie-over-an-absent-parent moment would go to Evan. That’s probably what the GC writers might assume. But if you take a step back, look at the rest of your cast for a moment, you can see that he’s not the only option. It’s all about sharing the wealth of arcs evenly amongst your characters.

(Also, I wanted to quickly include — I believe — @k-romantic’s idea/joke that Julie should’ve been the one to romance Linda purely because I think it adds to my argument of arcs being forced onto the main character when they could’ve easily been better suited for another character. Obviously, since it was the late 1990s and Disney���s a bunch of cowards, maybe they wouldn’t have used Julie, but I think another Duck dating Linda would have done what the writers were going for just as well, maybe even better.)

[dailyaudiobible]

04/14/2021 DAB Transcript

Joshua 9:3-10:43, Luke 16:19-17:10, Psalms 83:1-18, Proverbs 13:4

Today is the 14th day of April welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I'm Brian it is wonderful to be here with you today as we continue our journey forward into the beautiful springtime. Of course, I know we are all over the world. So, those of you in the southern…southern hemisphere are experiencing autumn coming on. How weird is that? But whether it is a springtime fire or a autumn…an autumn fire it's a Global Campfire that we are around and we can come around it no matter where we are. And, so, let's dive in and take the next step forward. We’re in the book of Joshua in the Old Testament. There have been two cities in the promised land that have been conquered. The rest of the land is not conquered. The people of Israel are in the land and everyone that is there is freaking out. And we left the story yesterday with the kings of the region trying to form an alliance and band together all of their armies to come against Israel and…yeah…push them back out of the land. So, we’re reading from the New English Translation this week. Joshua chapter 9 verse 3 through 10 verse 43.

Commentary:

Okay. So, as we pass through the middle of our work week, we could talk about our work habits. Straight out of the Proverbs today, “the appetite of the sluggard craves but gets nothing.” So, a sluggard is…is…is laziness, the kind of unmotivated, right? Kind of like I just can’t get myself going, I’m just gonna sit here and watch some more TV or whatever, can't really get it going. So, that person still craves accomplishment or achievement or whatever. A person that has a craving to see something achieved or that they would like to do. Like you can be a sluggard and still be a dreamer, but the dream won't be achieved. You can crave by the appetite of the sluggard craves but gets nothing. “The desire”, this is how the proverb ends, “the desire of the diligent will be abundantly satisfied.” In other words, the one who this craving, this desire to achieve or to accomplish or to do something, if they will be diligent step-by-step day by day, they will be abundantly satisfied. I could say what we’re doing here moving through the Scriptures is a is a good example of that. If we show up every day, day by day step-by-step and we are diligent we will achieve what we set out to do, which was move through a year of life together in the Scriptures as a community. If we’re diligent we will be abundantly satisfied in achieving that goal. Or we can be like many who have a craving, a desire to read the Bible, to see what actually is in the Bible, what it actually says, but don't really get past a couple of days in this area. Then the appetite of the sluggard craves but gets nothing. So, what can we say then? We can say that you can desire or crave all you like. If you're not willing to motivate yourself and be diligent it will never be anything but a craving or a desire. But if you are willing to be diligent you will be abundantly satisfied.

Prayer:

Father we take that to heart. It goes to our motives. It goes to our motivation and sometimes we have to take control over that. Sometimes we have to tell ourselves using self-discipline that You are getting up off the couch right now and You are going to be diligent in taking the next step forward toward what it is You desire. Help our desires to line up with Your will for our lives and help us Holy Spirit to be motivated, that we not be weary in well doing, but that we not be a sluggard when we need to be doing. Come Holy Spirit we pray. In the name of Jesus, we ask. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com, that's home base, that’s the websites, that’s where you find out what's going on around here and how to get connected and stay connected.

And resources that are available for the journey we are on. So, the resources can be found in the Daily Audio Bible Shop.

And getting connected and staying connected can be found in the Community section of the website where the Prayer Wall lives. So, certainly, check that out.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, if…if the mission that is the Global Campfire, the mission to bring the spoken word of God read fresh every day and released out into the world for anyone who will listen to it anywhere on this planet any time of day or night and to build community around that rhythm, the day by day step-by-step journey that we are on together so that we know we’re not alone, not…not…not on our journey through the Bible and not in life. We’re not alone. You have brothers and sisters all over the world going through all the same kinds of things that we go through. And that makes a big difference, to know that there are people out there that care and that are facing it just like we are. So, if that brings life and light and hope and good news into…into your world than thank you for your partnership. There’s a link on the homepage at dailyaudiobible.com. If you’re using the app, you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner, or the mailing address is PO Box 1996 Spring Hill Tennessee 37174.

And, as always, if you have a prayer request or encouragement, you can hit the Hotline button in the app, the little red button up at the top or you can dial 877-942-4253.

And that's it for today. I’m Brian I love you and I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Hi Brian, hi DAB family this is Emily in Seattle I haven't touched back in a while, but I have a prayer request. And I'm usually pretty shy about needing those but I've got one now. My dad is 94 God love him and he's not doing too good. So, if you could pray for him, I'd appreciate it. Then pray for my brother Mike, I've mentioned him before. He's pretty sad because he's not close to Jesus like we are. And he's pretty sad because he thinks when someone dies that they end up __. I think everyone in my family’s saved but it's just me and my husband who are close to Jesus. And, so, that's kind of a bummer but pray for everlasting life for my family, salvation for those who don't have salvation yet and that this will be a blessing and not a curse. And I guess that's it. I'm losing it here. So, __ my mom Roberta, my dad Charlie, my brother Mike, and me of course too. Praise God. Bye.

Hi __ this is __Selena I’ve been recently been all over the Prayer Wall and I'm going to continue to be all over the Prayer Wall. I'm praying for you guys and just lifting you all up to the Lord. In my case my boyfriend left me for another woman, and I've just been going through it. But in all of that the Lord has completely freed me of sin. It's just a really hard time. But I am sleeping at night. There's one positive and I’m learning about laying it down for the Lord, laying my sorrows down. So, if I could just please have prayer just for joy, for quick healing. I just want to be back to normal but in God's time. I thank you all and I love you all very much. I'm always praying every day. I put down my social media I put down my Xbox I put down…I’m throwing away the wolves and just taking God and you and I want to hear all of your prayers, requests. In…in your sorrow please know I am behind the scenes fighting for you in the name of God. I love you guys. Bye.

Yes…I know a boy…I don't really know him. His name is Titus, and he is dying and he’s 7 and I would like to pray for him. Dear Jesus, __ I pray that you will make it not so scary to Titus that he's dying and make his family not so sad. And in Your name. Amen.

James the Teacher in LA I was so glad to hear your voice after such a long time but I'm really sad that your wife is asking for a divorce. James, I'll be praying for you. I pray that the Lord turn her heart around and even as you’re going through this difficulty remember how years ago you prayed, you trusted God for a child and God provided that child. And you've even prayed for your students and you saw how God worked in the life of your students. James, I want you to just take a moment and think back of God's goodness to you in those past years. And as you go through this struggle be encouraged that He's able to do above all that you could ask and could desire. If you need to get counseling with your wife, I would suggest you get some counseling with her and the two of you together with God worked this out. I'm praying for you and I'm trusting God on your behalf. Just continue…continue to trust Him and see Him work mightily in this situation. Just praise God for you in Jesus’ name. Randolph from Toronto.

Hi DAB family my name is Ashley and I'm from California and I want to share a little of encouragement. So, first I just want to read you Psalm 13 verses 5 through 6. But I trust in Your unfailing love. I will rejoice because You have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me. I want to share that this is a special time in my life, this time of year, because I remember God's goodness. He changed my life in a matter of a week, and He led me down the path of a new career and revealed that I was pregnant with my son and He took away people that I thought were supposed to be in my life. But He saved me. He rescued me and I constantly thank Him for that, and I just want to encourage anybody out there who may be going through a hard time and it may be confusing. I even have to preach this to myself, but I just want you to know that in the midst of chaos, in the midst of suffering God is doing a work no matter how you're feeling…how you're feeling He is working. He is working. He loves us. He has a plan, and His ways are better than our ways. And He will always provide and always take care of you. So, if you're having a hard time right now, I just want to let you know. I love you DAB family and Brian and China and Jill and…and the whole family I’m so grateful for you. So, I have a blessed rest of your day. Today is April 9th 2021. Take care everybody.

[bubbyleh]

I See La Vie en Rose - Chapter 12

cw: discussions of past character death (little detail) and a kidnapping (one sentence devoted)

Chapter 12: You Weren’t Doing Anything, Anyway

Star Trek: The Original Series only lasted them a few months of binging. Over time, their little movie gang grew (Bubby was especially interested in the prospect of a show about space travel), until eventually Darnold found himself regularly hosting the majority of a pantheon in his living room. Apparently, only really getting into media these past three years (and even then, only children’s movies because of Joshua) means that you miss a lot of the classics, and Darnold is happy to provide.

But, well, Darnold’s not sure All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 is a classic. But they watched the original last week, and Benrey was very excited about a sequel. Though it’s kind of weird they’re watching an animated film meant for kids when Joshua isn’t around. Sunkist is on babysitting duty, and even knowing her, Darnold’s not sure you should leave that job to a dog.

Tommy is sitting in the middle of the couch, and Darnold’s leaning against him, somewhat tired. Bubby is on Tommy’s other side, with Coomer sitting on the floor by his feet. Gordon and Benrey are also on the floor, holding hands. They don’t get very far into the movie before it’s completely forgotten about.

“Huh, memories,” Gordon remarks offhandedly as Charlie Sheen dog shows his friend Itchy around heaven.

Darnold, who turned his brain off when they chose this movie, takes a few seconds to process that. “What do you mean ‘memories’?”

Gordon laughs, more awkward than funny. “Oh, uh. Just reminds me of when I ascended. Getting shown around and all.”

“It was- it was exciting!” Tommy chimes in. He subconsciously pulls Darnold a little bit closer. “I was the youngest for three-hundred years! And then- then you were there!”

“The dying is also reminiscent of back then, isn’t it?” Coomer says.

“Yeah,” Gordon winces, bringing a hand to his chest. “That wasn’t much fun.” Benrey shifts next to him.

“Wait, wait,” Darnold interjects, sitting up suddenly. “You’ve died before?”

Bubby startles. “Crap! I keep forgetting you’re here.”

Darnold fights the urge to remind Bubby that they’re in his apartment right now, because that would shift the conversation way too much.

“Yes, Gordon has died before,” Coomer explains. “In fact, so have my dear Bubby and I! It’s how we all reached godhood in the first place.”

“Geez, have a bit more tact?” Gordon requests, Benrey silently nestling into his shoulder.

Coomer appears sheepish. “My apologies, Gordon. It’s simply been so long since we’ve had someone to explain things to. You force us to filter ourselves around Joshua!”

“Yeah, because you’re gonna tell him I died! The kid is three, he doesn’t need to know that!” Gordon gestures to the TV. “Can we please just watch the movie?”

Benrey nods. “You might, uh. Die in this one, too. Gotta make sure, keep an eye on it.”

“The movie? All Dogs Go to Heaven 2?” Gordon asks, and though he sounds somewhat offended, he still chuckles.

“Mhmm,” Benrey says, mostly into Gordon’s shoulder. Fuck, they’re overly affectionate, but Darnold isn’t really in a position to judge considering he was just two seconds away from falling asleep against Tommy.

“But that- that happens?” Darnold asks. “Like, people die, and then they become gods?”

“Well, it happened, past tense,” Bubby clarifies. “It’s just the three of us, and Gordon died centuries ago-”

“Don’t exaggerate, it was two and a half-”

“Ages ago, Gordon!” Bubby cuts back in. “You’re ancient now! Just like the rest of us!”

There’s no way they’re serious, not with the big grins spread across their faces. While the two of them continue to play-argue, Tommy wraps his arms around Darnold and hugs him tightly. And maybe he’s a sucker for Tommy, but Darnold hugs him right back.

“Don’t worry,” Tommy assures him. “I’ve- I’ve never died, and my lifespan is infinite.”

“Alright,” Darnold puts off internalizing that for later. “Actually that, uh… that makes me feel better about you going off to fight those Skeletons, sometimes.”

Darnold doesn’t miss the way Tommy grimaces. “Well…”

Dranold draws himself back. “Tommy no.”

“Skeletons can... permanently kill us,” Tommy admits, not meeting his gaze. “They’re really the- the only thing that can.”

“Okay, fine, great,” Darnold rubs his face with his hands. “Let’s just watch All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 now, please? No more god talk.”

“I agree,” Benrey says from the floor.

Gordon finally looks back at the TV. “Fuck, we’re gonna have to rewind. I have no idea what’s happening.”

If Darnold gets a little more snuggly than usual during the movie, Tommy doesn’t say anything.

☆○☆○☆

“Psst, Darnold. You missed the ending.”

It’s not the words that wake Darnold up, but rather the finger annoyingly poking his face as he rests. He swats Benrey’s hand away from himself before sitting up groggily.

“Aw, Benrey,” Tommy laments, and Darnold notices that he was sleeping with his head in his lap. “You- you woke him up!”

Darnold groans and leans back against Tommy, eying the dark outside his window. “How long was I sleeping?”

“It’s ten.” Tommy places a hand on Darnold’s further shoulder. “The- the movie ended an hour ago, but…”

Faintly, Darnold can hear voices, Bubby and Gordon, having yet another debate in his home, which is fine. They’re in the kitchen, where he’s pretty sure they either have or are in the process of eating all his snacks.

“The dog played the system, he deserves his happy ending!”

“Charlie B. Barkin is a death criminal and will go straight to hell when he dies!”

“The movies are called All Dogs Go to Heaven, Gordon! Not Some Dogs Go to Hell!”

“He was going to hell in the first one, wasn’t he?!”

Benrey shrugs. “They’ve been, uh… talking about it since the movie ended.”

Crack!

“Oh shit.”

“Gordon! You distracted me!”

“I distracted you!?”

“You think I would break our new friend Darnold’s tableware on purpose?”

“No, it’s-!”

Darnold was on his feet the second he heard the breaking ceramic, skidding into his kitchen with Tommy on his heels. Bubby is standing at the sink, his efforts to wash the dishes from movie night halted by him gesturing to the shards of plate on the floor next to him. Gordon and Coomer, meanwhile, are sitting at the table, sharing a bag of chips.

“Aw, crap, are you okay?” Darnold starts to make his way to the broom closet behind Bubby. “Let me-”

“Hold it!” Bubby stops him after just a step. Tommy places a hand in front of him on instinct alone. “Didn’t anyone ever teach you not to walk around broken plates barefoot?” He points at Darnold’s socks.

“I’m wearing socks! And I was going around anyway!” Darnold argues, but Bubby won’t hear it.

He shakes his head solemnly. “There’s no way we’re risking that. You’re just going to have to tell Gordon where the broom is so we can sweep it up.” He grabs a paper towel from the counter, drying off his hands.

“What? Why me!?”

Coomer smiles. “You’re partially responsible, Gordon!”

Darnold points at the closet behind Bubby. “In there. There’s a broompan, too.”

Gordon grumbles as he retrieves the cleaning supplies from the closet. At that moment, Benrey finally pokes his head into the kitchen.

“Oh yo, Gordon. Why’d you break that plate?”

“BENREY!”

☆○☆○☆

They all sit around the kitchen and chat for a few minutes, the topic of morality in the

All Dogs Go to Heaven

cinematic universe thankfully shelved for another time. Darnold even joins in the snacking, though only a few chips. The conversation is nice, at least until it abruptly ends when Gordon notices the time.

“Fuck, I don’t wanna pay Sunkist overtime,” he sighs. “It was nice seeing you, Darnold. Later.” With a wave, Gordon disappears.

Benrey blinks for a few seconds. “Peace,” he finally says, before following suit.

“We really should be letting you head to bed,” Coomer realizes, and Darnold lets him think he has a normal sleep schedule.

“Get more of those chips,” Bubby orders him. Darnold knows him well enough at this point to know that means he had fun. Coomer and Bubby disappear together, leaving Darnold and Tommy alone in the apartment, leaning on the kitchen counter.

“They’re- they’re not too much, are they?” Tommy rests his head against Darnold’s.

“Tommy, your family is wonderful,” Darnold grins. “I like them.”

“G-good,” Tommy stands, walking a few steps forward. “They like you, too. They won’t stop talking about- about you.”

“You’re not staying the night?”

Tommy shakes his head. “I got- I got a lot of work to do. And I should check on Sunkist…” Darnold feels that surge of love again, the look in Tommy’s eyes when their gazes meet. “But we’re still good for Thursday, right?”

“Of course.” Darnold’s thoughts are cut off when Tommy kisses him. It’s a goodbye, short and sweet. They know there will be time for something more grand in the future.

“I’ll- I’ll see you then,” Tommy says, and then he’s gone.

Darnold stares at the empty space where Tommy had once stood, lovestruck.

☆○☆○☆

It’s one AM. It’s technically Monday now, and Darnold can’t get to sleep. He gave up on white noise from his phone an hour ago, for goodness sake. At this rate, nothing’s gonna knock him out, is it?

…

Fuck it, if he’s up, he’s up. Darnold wants Powerade.

Which is why, after wincing at the glow from his refrigerator light, Darnold is horrified to see he’s out of Powerade. In fact, thinking back on it, he’s pretty sure he saw Benrey chewing on a bottle while everyone was over.

Okay. Fine. Darnold can work with this. Just throw on a jacket, some pants, and shoes and walk to 7/11. It’s like a block away, and they sell Powerade.

So that’s what Darnold does. The cashier is too tired to care about the fact that Darnold looks like he rolled out of bed, which is a win. Can’t a man drink his one AM Mountain Berry Blast Powerade in peace?

The answer is yes. Darnold takes a sip, pulling out his phone. Might as well check social media on the way home, right? Who knows, maybe there’s some fun celebrity drama happening, or something.

He doesn’t notice the boney hand until it’s already grabbed him.

[teamhawkeye]

Fallout for the series stuff!

(i didn’t get a notification for this, sorry for a late reply!)

Favorite character

Dogmeat (Fallout 3)

Second favorite character

I won’t cheat and pick another dog, lmao. I’ll say Nick Valentine

Least favorite character

Colonel Autumn. Caesar. Father from 4 The character I’m most like

Probably Deacon - the sarcasm as a weapon, defense mechanism, and deflection tool i relate to so muchFavorite pairing

Lots! Butch Deloria/Lone Wanderer, basically the Courier with almost any of their companions or people from the Strip, Sole Survivor with almost any of their companions and some of the NPCs. There are so many well written stories and pairings out there that i enjoy, even if it’s not the pairing i have for my OCsLeast favorite pairing

Probably like Vulpes/Courier or Lanius/Courier - I’m just not big on the Legion at all

Favorite moment

- Activating the Purifier at the end of 3. Yes Man punching General Oliver off the top of the dam. “Nice charlies too! Give ‘em a shake for the Ben Man, will ya? Hell-o!”. Helping out Arlen Glass in 4. Meeting Joshua Graham for the first time.

Rating out of 10

10/10. As many flaws as the games have, they’re still some of my absolute favorites and i could replay them again and again

[asdamagicbiscuits]

Theatre Highlights 2019

My Top 11 Theatre Highlights and Moments of 2019 (in no particular order other than roughly chronological.)

Let's get stuck in!

Panto at the Palladium

So my first theatre trip of the year saw me head off to Panto land at the Palladium to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It was great to see Danielle Hope on stage again and she was the perfect Snow White. Massive shoutout to Simeon Dyer who was ace as one of the Dwarfs in the show, it’s not everyday you get to see your pal on stage in their West End Debut, he did a brilliant job. The Palladium always delivers fantastic Pantos and I’m excited to see what their next one is!

Book Of Mormon

So Book Of Mormon was again one of those shows I wasn’t rushing to see, that is until Luke George went into the company. I had heard a lot of things about it and I was worried as I had been told if you get easily offended that I wouldn’t like it. I saw it and loved it. It was nuts and very tongue in cheek humour. Turn It Off is one of my favourite numbers in the show, the company are fantastic in it! Tom Xander as Elder Cunningham is pure magic. No other way I can describe his performance. He’s so cheeky and mischievous, the PERFECT Cunningham. Paired with Dom Simpson as Elder Price they are a dream team. You and Me (but mostly me) is such a joy to watch. It was also so lovely to watch Luke and see him on stage again. He is as brilliant as ever!! The Book of Mormon is playing at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London’s West End and it’s also on tour too!!!

Cursed Child - Year Three

I think I said this in last years post but Cursed Child combines two of my biggest loves Harry Potter and Theatre. The Year Three company were exceptional and I saw a huge array of covers. Martin Johnson, Danny Dalton, April Hughes, Jordan Bamford, Leah Haile and Susan Lawson Reynolds. I can remember all the shows when I got to see them and the little details of their performances. Also as #KeepTheSecrets is over I’m gonna talk about April as Delphi. I ADORE April as Delphi. Like hands down my favourite interpretation of the role. Delphi is so sweet and then BAMN. That switch is flicked and her true intentions come out but even then April brought such a warmth to her that I found myself really sympathising with Delphi. She’s just a very misunderstood character and I just wanted to give her a hug. On the other side April’s interpretation of Myrtle is ICONIC!!! That giggle she does in the moment after Scorpius ask if everything’s going to be okay? And Albus replies going of course it is. Pure brilliance!! Also I have to mention the fact I FINALLY got to see James McGregor as Draco. It happened gang. I don’t know how I managed to get to see him three times, still blows my mind as I was worried I wouldn’t get to see him once but I did. It actually happened. ‘Twas beyond brilliant in every sense of the word and well worth the wait, exceptional performances!

Shitfaced Shakespeare

Another fantastic season for those boozey Bard loving beans! The Taming of the Shrew and Hamlet in London and Midsummer Nights Dream on tour. It’s always a joy to see them perform on stage. For those of you who read last years Highlights I can confirm that I broke the curse. I got to see Saul Marron Compère THREE times!!! He also was the drinker for the show of Midsummer I saw in my hometown on the tour. It was lovely to revisit my first show I saw them do, plenty of laughs and so much fun! Bring on next season for more Shakespeare, laughs and most importantly - booze! 😜 haha

Venice Preserved/The Provoked Wife

Now my theatre highlights wouldn’t be complete without me seeing a show Natalie Dew was in. This year I got to see her in Venice Preserved and The Provoked Wife both at the RSC in Shakespeare land (Stratford Upon Avon). Both shows were absolutely fantastic and I gotta mention Sarah Twombly who really stood out in The Provoked Wife as Mademoiselle, stunning performance! I adored Venice Preserved so much I saw it twice! It was gritty, edgy and the whole production value was fantastic! It was also so good to see Nat in such a different role, it’s not everyday you get to see your stagey fav play a dominatrix. She was so badass, strong and the moment at the end of the play with the look the gave another character, I’m getting chills just thinking about it. Perfection!

Edinburgh Fringe

Each year my trip to Ed Fringe just gets better and better and this year was no different. I managed two trips this year and saw a whole host of different shows which were all incredible and I got meet some lovely people, both leafleting and chatting to a few of the actors before the show. I’ll leave a link to my Ed Fringe post so if anyone wants to check out what I saw give it a read - here. Massive shoutout to the Bodily Functions gang as they were super lovely, Friendsical cast, David Colvin was so lovely too, the Shitfaced Shakespeare and Showtime lot. I could go on. But I’m buzzing to see what Ed Fringe 2020 will bring!

The Indian Queen

When in France, go to the Opera? So this still links with theatre but I want to talk about Pierrefonds, it’s my blog so I can do what I want 😜. Firstly BIG shoutout to my friend Sej, the only person mad enough to agree to go to France with me to visit a castle and to see an Opera. So firstly Pierrefonds. I still can’t believe I got to visit the castle where they filmed Merlin. It’s been on my Bucket list for many years now so thrilled I finally got to tick it off. It’s a gorgeous place in the cutest little village ever, genuinely would move there if there was more theatre. 100% will be going back again and would recommend to anyone about going. I had a great time! The other part of my trip saw me go and watch my very first Opera, The Indian Queen! The Opera House in Lille is stunning, so so beautiful. Now I can’t comment on what happened at the beginning as I was raging at the subtitles being in French, it wasn’t until it was 10/15 minutes in that I realised it was all sung and spoken in English. (yep. I am that dumb and yes it took me that long 🙈) I loved how they had the screens move around in the background with the opera on. It had been prefilmed and all the actors were in costume whereas the actors were all in blacks performing it in front of the screens live. As a first venture into the world of Opera, wasn’t what I was expecting at all but I really loved it. It was also so great to see James McGregor on stage again too!! He’s very good!!

Fiddler On The Roof

Wow. Just wow. I was completely blown away by Fiddler On The Roof, the set was gorgeous and how the company went through the auditorium felt so natural. You really felt like you were in Anatevka and part of the community. The whole company were phenomenal!! Andy Nyman as Tevye delivered one of the best performances I have ever seen from any West End Lead. His vocals and comic timing were on point!!! Maria Friedman as Golde played really well opposite Andy’s Tevye, they are a formidable duo. I’m so happy I was able to see them on together. Molly Osbourne as Tzietel and Joshua Gannon as Motel really stood out, stunning performances. Hands down the best show I saw this year without a doubt and I wish I could go back in time and relive it!!

Mary Poppins

Now Mary Poppins is so very dear to me. The movie is an absolute classic, a timeless piece but I had never seen it live on stage before. I had my tickets booked since January when they went on sale and it did not disappoint when I finally got to see it in November. Charlie Stemp was a brilliantly charming Bert and Zizi Strallen was, excuse the pun, ‘Practically Perfect in every way’ as Mary. I sobbed my way through the show and when Zizi flew up over the audience at the end of the show I was in bits. The best way I can describe it is when you love something so much and your just full of nostalgia and emotion and that’s how it came out. Step In Time, Feed The Birds And Practically Perfect were all highlights for me. I have so much love for the whole company for delivering a phenomenal show and I can’t WAIT to return to Cherry Tree Lane once again next year. Although hopefully I will be able to get through the show without crying next time. Haha. Mary Poppins is currently playing at The Prince Edward Theatre in London’s West End.

Dear Evan Hansen

Now I had to be the only person in theatreland who wasn’t rushing to get tickets or proper hyped for it. It was one of those shows for me which I was like - I’ll see it eventually but I’ll let the rush of people pass and I’ll go when it’s all died down. Then the cast got announced and I was okay. I need to see it and I need to see it in previews as I need to see Rupert Young on stage again. Thankfully one of my best friends Johanna was desperate to see it when she was over in November and she managed to sort us tickets. (Thanks Chummy. You’re the best. Love you) It generally was such a phenomenal experience, the audience was so quiet and the only sounds you could hear were the quiet sniffs of people crying. You could hear a pin drop and I don’t believe I will ever experience anything like that ever again. That’s great Anne but why has it made it into your highlights? Don’t worry. I’m getting to that gang 😜 haha. The whole cast were phenomenal. Sam Tutty was flawless as Evan, I connected immediately with him. I was sold and invested from the beginning. The fact there is only 8 people on stage for the whole show blows my mind. Like WHAT?! Outstanding performances from all. In particular Mr Rupert Young as Larry. Now the only thing I knew about the show was that You Will Be Found closes the first act. That’s all I knew, didn’t read up on it or listen to the soundtrack before hand. I went in completely blind! Now You Will Be Found starts and I can hear people crying and I’m sat there thinking. This is great. I haven’t cried at this. Brilliant. The thing which broke me and had me sobbing was when Rupert Young broke down and cried during You Will Be Found. That is what got me and I can relate so much to it. How I view it is that Larry has delayed grief and that happened to me personally so it really struck a chord with me. I’m basically a convert and this is a piece of theatre everyone needs to see and I can see it running for a very long time in London. Dear Evan Hansen is playing at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End and if you haven’t already, GO BUY A TICKET!!

Rage But Hope

I was very lucky to be able to catch this show at Ed Fringe this year so I was thrilled I was able to make it in to see it again during its London run in November. I stand by everything I said before and it was fantastic to see the development of the piece, which is a current and important issue we all should focus on. The whole company delivers stunning performances and I adored the addition of Matt’s characters monologue. I felt it tied together what he said in a conversation with James earlier in the piece and it gave much more depth to his character. The Layla’s List monologue remained one of my favourite moments in the play and goes to show the importance younger generations have and that they are far wiser than their years suggest so not to under estimate them. Let’s preserve this world for many more generations to come. The writing is stunning and hats off to Stephanie Martin for an incredibly well written play. The scene at the end of the play was new for the London run and I felt it really hammered home the message. Tell the truth. Act Now!

So that pretty much wraps up 2019’s Theatre and what a year it was.

2020 - a New Year, a New Decade and I can confirm a lot more Theatre adventures.

Thanks for reading, make sure to come back next year for my 8th Theatre Highlights (that is MAD!!) to find out what I got up to!

Until next time, cheerio!

[malexfan10]

What is it about Malex?

I was playing around on my phone at work (when I should have been working lol) and came across some article about the best TV couples. It was published in 2018 so Malex wasn't in it lol

But I was going through the pictures in the article and I saw a lot of the couples I've liked & enjoyed over the years listed. Pacey & Joey, Captain Swan, Haleb, Stydia, Kurt & Blaine etc.

I started thinking...what is it about Malex that makes them extra special for me? What is it about them that made me join Tumblr and Twitter for the first time? I never had either before this year. What is it about them that made me write more fan fic in the span of 3 months than I have in years of watching other shows? And I'm someone who studied English Lit in university and have written many novels, hoping to finally pursue publishing this year with one of them. But the amount of fan fic I've typed out the past 3 months? My hands seriously hurt!

So why is Malex so special?

(I made a collage below)

Is it because they're an LGBTQ pairing? There have been other LGBTQ pairings I've rooted for. Malex isn't the first and they won't be the last. Times are changing in TV land and we're seeing more and more representation. It's progressing slowly, but it is changing.

Is the reason Malex is extra special a shallow reason? The actors are both incredibly good looking. No getting around that. But I loved Haleb too and Tyler was one half of that ship. I adore Joshua Jackson and Dylan O'Brien. I think Holland Roden is beautiful. In the couples I've followed over the years, all the actors & actresses have been attractive in their own ways.

-- side note -- I know I put Destiel (SPN) in the collage below even though technically they're not a couple but some of their lines over the past decade, I mean come on! It's so obvious! --

Anyway...

Is it the chemistry between Tyler & Michael? I thought Katie & Josh had amazing chemistry. Only reason I watched PLL was for Haleb and the friendship between Tyler & Ashley. Some of the couples I've rooted for really sizzled on screen. Do I think Vlamburn has better chemistry than all the others? Not necessarily. I think they tie for first with some of my other faves (although I would probably rank them above right now just because they're current).

So what is it about Malex that made me so emotionally invested that I joined social media like this? That I've written a bunch of fics and have so many other concepts cooking in my head.

I think it comes down to the angst at the end of the day and how the story has been written.

I've directed a lot of disappointment and anger towards Carina and the writers since that finale because I'm afraid the triangle will grow and span multiple seasons. I'm afraid the writers will show Michael really starting to have deep feelings for Maria the longer M&M exists (I know Vlamis said in those last interviews that his feelings for her are already very deep but sorry Vlamis. I love you but I don't see that yet.) I'm afraid now that they know they were renewed, they'll drag this storyline out, pursure M&M and then Michael with other relationships if/once M&M ends with Alex just waiting in the sidelines, moping and heartbroken.

But despite all my fears and disappointments after that craptastic finale (seriously, I can write a 20 page essay), I have to give the writers their credit.

The story they wrote, the beauty they created in Malex, with that amazing angst and history and love is the reason I'm so invested.

"Where I stand, nothing's changed"

"I never look away"

"That I loved you and I think that you loved me."

"Cosmic"

"But you are mine"

"I don't look away Guerin"

"I love him. I probably always will"

I mean, these lines all exist. No one can take those words away. Yes, the writers can try and diminish it by shoving another relationship down our throats & attempting to give that relationship the same level of meaning and importance (sorry, not buying it. Hardly anyone is). But those lines will always be there.

The epicness of Malex will always be there.

That beautiful first kiss in the reunion will always be there.

Their connection in senior year, bonding over their painful childhoods and living situations will always be there.

Caulfield, although bittersweet, will always be there.

Michael Guerin wanting to be Alex's hero will always be there.

The angst and love between them is just unbelievable. I don't think any other couple I've rooted for over the years has had the same amount of angst or history. Their story is just beautiful.

I don't cry too much in movies or TV shows unless there's a really sad death that hits me hard. LOST was one of those shows where I sobbed constantly (Jin & Sun's death, Juliet's, Charlie's...I could go on).

But I cried after that last scene in episode 6, when Jesse destroyed such a beautiful and pure moment 🥺

I cried at that moment in Caulfield 🥺

I cried at the finale, watching Alex just waiting there while Michael....let's not remind ourselves 🤨

So yes, the chemistry is unbelievable between Tyler & Michael. How close they are offscreen shines through their performance and this is in a cast where everyone's close. But with Vlamburn, especially from Michael, he's so unfiltered when he talks about Tyler's eyes or the way he kisses or just how much he loves him. What can I say, they make me love Malex more ❤

Yes, they're both incredibly good looking but that's a miniscule, shallow reason. How good looking a couple is in no way compares to how much their emotional connection matters, at least for me.

So really, it's the story. It's the history. It's all that profound, made for each other, soulmates love that they share. It's the incredible angst that makes me root for them even more.

And yes, as much as Carina and crew have angered me after that finale and after their insistance of shoving this triangle down our throats and in our faces, they did create Malex so I have to be grateful for that. Vlamburn perfected it and made it epic but the concept came from Carina (trust me, it hurts to give that credit).

So as much as it still hurts with what happened, as much as seeing the M&M promos bothers me, as much as I'll be a sobbing mess once season 2 hits and Alex realizes what happened, I have to believe that this much care and heartbreaking angst was given to this couple for a reason. That reason has to be that Malex is endgame.

Can Carina change her mind about Endgame Malex? Sure she can, if she wants to lose a substantial percentage of the fandom. But I can't believe she'll do that.

I can't believe that Malex is anything but each other's ending.

I can't believe that this beautiful love story we've seen between 2 men who started as scared, lonely boys and are now broken men trying to put themselves back together is anything short of EPIC.

I can't believe that M&M, however painful and ridiculously unnecessary, is anything but a bump in this road for Malex.

All that matters is how the writers take us from point A to B.

Does their separation last for 4 more seasons (pending renewals) and Malex reunites in the series finale, season 5? God I hope not. I need to see them existing as a couple together on screen, not just a kiss and makeup moment last episode and assume they made it. So once this teenage level of triangle nonesense has been dealt with (please let season 2 be the end of it!!!!), I really hope the writers realize the amazing couple they created and give them their due justice by bringing Malex together for good.

Episodes 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, last Malex scene of 9, beginning of 10 and all of 12 point this show towards one inevitable ending with Malex and that's reuniting (did I get the episodes right?). Just keep your fingers crossed it happens sooner rather than later. Right now, that's where my main fears lie.

This fandom has been super great about lending support to one another when things get tough. Unfortunately, things will get even tougher next season so it will be good to have this great support.

As far as the promos and interviews we'll be getting between now and 2020, I'll try to only watch interviews that Michael & Tyler give together and avoid anything that seems like M&M promotion (outside of full cast interviews or festivals etc). I love all the actors on this show. They're all wonderful and talented and deserve our love and support (not commenting on that Nathan instagram thing).

But as a Malex fan, I have no place in my life for unnecessary stress from a TV show because honestly, as invested as I am, it's still just a TV show. No need to give myself more heartbreak before season 2 even airs by watching pro M&M interviews like yesterday. I'll just stay in my happy Malex bubble until then (and then die when I see M&M next year 😭).

In the end of this long post, all I wanted to say is that Malex is extra special, head and shoulders above others ships I've rooted for and that's mostly because of the beautiful story I've seen on screen but Vlamburn defintely plays an imortant part in making it epic ❤

I'm a Malex lifer. Nothing will ever change that.

❤

[vivalatoons]

My Talk: TMNT 2012

Today, 6 years ago, a new TMNT series came into our lives again. Grab a slice of pizza and take a walk down memory lane in a TMNT 2012 reflection. Booyakasha!

During this time, I had finished watching all TMNT series (not including the live action one) and movies. There was one more series that I had to watch.

I admit, I was one of those people when I saw TMNT 2012. Yes, I complain that there was another TMNT reboot. I trashed and bashed it and stated this reboot is going to bomb hard. Understand this. I didn’t hear anything about TMNT 2012 till the year 2015. During that time, I saw bad reboots and Nickelodeon’s “great” cartoons. Seeing that this is a reboot on Nick, this was a recipe for disaster. People were saying that this reboot is better than Teen Titans Go, so I knew this version of TMNT wasn’t going to be horrible. What made me begin to watch the show was the cast of the Turtles and my Turtle nostalgia. I’ll get to that later, but I start to watch the CGI 2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

January 11, 2016. I tried not to get attract to the show. I was excited to see these new Turtles, yet I had my doubts. After watching The Rise of the Turtles Part 1 and 2, I was instantly hook on these turtles. I hated myself for being against the reboot. These episodes were brilliant, and my Ninja Turtles love grow three sizes that day.

Flaws. Not every show is perfect, but there were some things that I didn’t enjoy in TMNT 2012. I didn’t like that some of the characters didn’t get their moment to shine at times. Some episodes were a waste of time, and could have been used to answer things TMNT hasn’t address. I also hate how the shippers would go full crazy when they see littlest of things when the ship does something. It got pretty annoying. My leader in blue would fall to the cliché of self sacrifice and going on crazy one man missions. I hated how Nickelodeon kept making random scheduling changes in season 5. This was a bad move in Nickelodeon, because fans missed something because of those random schedule changes and it was a marketing plan for PlayMates to sell those damn toys. Half of the season was pointless and the other half was awesome. Those flaws didn’t stop me from enjoying the series.

Characters. I don’t need to mention characters, but I’ll repeat myself again. Each TMNT series has the basic set of characters. There’s the Turtles, April, Casey, Splinter, Shredder, etc. Some characters are brought back from past TMNT series like Karai, Rocksteady, Bebop, Bishop, etc. In this series, there are some new characters like Tiger Claw, Fishface, Shinigami, and more. I love how the 2012 series have the Turtles be more like teenagers from other TMNT series. Some of the characters I find to be the best in this show.

Animation. 2012 TMNT uses CGI and a bit of 2D animation when it comes to flashbacks and storytelling. It’s weird at first. After awhile, it’s interesting to see. The CGI is incredible when the characters show emotions and action sequences. I’m impressed with the crew and their talents.

Voice cast. Oh yeah, my favorite part of this show. I said the voice cast is what made me decide to watch the show, and here’s why. The voice cast is outstanding and their voice director is Andrea Romano. This woman was a voice director for Batman: TAS, Teen Titans, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Voltron: Legendary Defender, etc. She’s a legend! Jason Biggs voiced Leo till season 2 episode 19, then Dominic Catrambone voiced Leo till the finale. Seth Green voiced Leonardo from season 3 till the end. Rob Paulsen, Sean Astin, and Greg Cipes voiced Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo. Hoon Lee voiced Splinter. Kevin Michael Richardson voiced Shredder. Mae Whitman and Josh Peck voiced April and Casey. Kelly Hu and Gwendoline Yeo voiced Karai and Shinigami. There’s a ton of great voice actors including Eric Bauza, Nolan North, Clancy Brown, Phil LaMarr, Fred Tatasciore, J.B Smoove, David Tennant, Keith David, Corey Feldman, Tom Kenny, Roger Smith Craig, Charlie Murphy, Ashely Johnson, Minae Noji, Mark Hamill, Zelda Williams, and the list goes on and on. I adore the voice cast so much. All of them did a spectacular job.

How is it different from other TMNT series. The CGI is what tells them apart. Hamato Yoshi once lived in Japan with his wife and daughter. Tragedy stuck, and Yoshi goes to New York. One day, he gets four baby turtles. He bumped into someone, following him. Yoshi witness the men meeting, and decided to attack him. Yoshi defeats them, but a canister of mutagen splashes on Yoshi and the Turtles. Yoshi become a rat, and the turtles grew into little turtle tots. April, Casey, and Karai are teenagers in this reboot. The Kraang are a species of talking brain like creatures. Some references from the 1987 and 2003 series show up in this show from characters to arcs. It manages to be silly and dark at times, it’s a nice blend.

Ciro Nieli, Joshua Sternin, and J. R. Ventimilia. These wonderful people helped developed this remake. I thank them for being the right people to be in charge of this project. With great people running a reboot, it leads to the following.

TMNT 2012 is a great remake and best example of doing a reboot right. People can argue all they want about this version of TMNT, but you have to admit this…there was a lot effort put into this show. This show proves to that not all reboots are terrible. This series didn’t dumb down for kids. It manages to be a show for all ages to enjoy. Animation isn’t lazy, same for voice acting and writing. Ok, the writing had dip down at times, but most of the time it’s good. There is some heavy stuff in the show like violence, death, and more death. I enjoy how this show broke some boundaries at times, that makes the show more interesting and groundbreaking.

I’m always impressed about how this series turned out. It has a unique spin in animation, wonderful voice cast, and a perfect example of a good reboot. It really makes me happy that this series will be a part of TMNT universe. I praise the 2012 Turtles for making a few changes and still holds. It’s still the Turtles we all know and love. I still miss TMNT 2012. What I will remember about this version of Turtles is the character growth that the Turtles have. I saw Leonardo from being a nervous leader who doesn’t want to let his team down. He would make decisions and be the best leader ever. Donatello would have fail at times from his creations or inventions. He improves to himself and it helps others. Raphael is still our hothead turtle, but he learns not to his anger consumes him. Michelangelo was seen as a dumb turtle who cared about pizza and made jokes. In the end, he shows the bad guys what’s he made of and he’s not a turtle you don’t want to mess with. These turtles has wowed me and they are the best ninjas in the city of New York.

[licenselesswriter]

The One Who Stayed CH4

- I’m too tired and it’s too late for this – Lucas says and closes the door in Riley’s nose.

- Lucas please – Riley calls from outside his apartment.

- Go home Riley, you’re drunk – Lucas says holding the door know with his hands.

- We need to talk about this – Riley says.

And Lucas almost thought he heard the old Riley. The Riley who didn’t read her vows, because she memorizes them since seventh grade. The Riley who kiss him goodnight every night. The Riley who kiss him with Love when she gave birth to Lily.

But the reality was stronger and merciless, at least for him - About how you cheat on me with Charlie Gardner? – Lucas asks, dropping some poison over his word selection.

- Lucas – Riley says in a sad tone – I’m sorry – She says trying not to sound guilty.

- I am too – Lucas says – But probably we’re not sorry about the same thing – He adds, biting his lower lip to control the inhuman need to cry.

- We need to talk about Lily – Riley says.

And Lucas forgot about what he was feeling - I’m gonna give you 10 seconds to give me another good reason to not shut this door on your face and call the cops – Lucas warns Riley.

- It’s our daughter Lucas – Riley answers back.

- You’ve got – Lucas raises his voice, but then he remembers his daughter is sleeping on his room – You’ve got to be kidding me – He says whispering to Riley.

- I’m not, and I’m here to talk about her – Riley whispers back, looking directly into Lucas' eyes.

But Lucas wasn’t able to hold the stare - Well, now it’s not the moment, it’s 1 AM – Lucas whisper while he pushes Riley out of his apartment – Call tomorrow in office hours – He adds.

Only to be stopped by Riley.

- I called on office hours – Riley whisper not recognizing her husband.

Because after all, He still is Riley’s husband.

- Riley, it’s 1 AM, and trust me, I don’t want to see your face, especially not now – Lucas says, still whispering – You want to talk about Lily? Fine, I will call you tomorrow at 1 PM and we will talk about her – Lucas finish, finally being able to push her out of his apartment.

After the longest 10 minutes of his life, Lucas debate with himself.

After all, Riley still is His wife. And then he hears her heels walk away, and his legs finally give up.

- Fuck – He says feeling his own tears fall.

He can feel it.

Riley wants to take Lily away from him.

And there is not much he can do to help himself.

Desperation hit him really hard that night.

Thank God for making him smart enough to not have any alcohol on his house.

- You look terrible – Maya says to Lucas, the one who was in her front door.

- Thank you – Lucas says giving her a sarcastic look – You’re the reason I look like crap – He adds and get into her house.

- I know you Love me, but this is too much – Maya tries to joke.

But Lucas wasn’t in the mood for jokes.

- Cut the crap Maya – Lucas says pointing at her – For heaven's sake, why you send her to my new apartment? – He asks with his hands on his waist.

- Well, she is her mother, it’s been 8 days without seeing her daughter, I think it was fair to tell her where her daughter was, don’t you think? – Maya asks back.

- Do you think I would look like this if I think that was a good idea? – Lucas asks back.

- I know what you think, but only because you think like that, doesn’t make you right – Maya answers while she pours coffee on another cup.

Lucas just walks to her and grab the cup, taking a long drink – Now you force me to talk with her – Lucas says, picking a half cookie and eating it.

- Hey, my cookie – Maya says and softly punch Lucas – You 2 need to talk – Maya says, hoping to fix things between her 2 best friends.

- I know why you’re doing this Maya – Lucas says and Maya gets a bit nervous – So please, stop – He says and left half of his cup of coffee – See you when you have more cookies – Lucas says and smile when Maya throws him a spoon.

Maya just watches him leave.

She knew that her best friend will try to fix that. And if she was honest with herself, if they fix their relationship, everything will be back to normal. The normal way she learns to love.

  A few hours later Lucas enters the old pastry shop that gave him so many great moments. He saw her there, sitting in her usual spot, waiting for him.

- Coffee, black, and piece of cheesecake please – Lucas says to the waitress while she smiles at him.

- Looks like you made a new friend – Riley says, trying not to sound jealous.

- It’s called manners Riley, that’s why she smiles – Lucas says back, putting his phone back into his jacket – So, Lily – Lucas start.

- Not yet – Riley says while she looks down at her tea – I think we need to talk about what happened – She adds, trying to reach Lucas' hand.

But he fastly hides it under the table - There is no need to talk about what happened Riley, you know what you did, I know what I did, and I know what I’m gonna do later – He says, leaving his wife confused.

- What do you mean? – Riley asks him.

- Don’t play dumb, you know what I mean – Lucas accused Riley.

- No, I seriously don’t know what you mean when you say “I know what I’m gonna do later” – She explains.

- Well, it’s pretty obvious that our marriage is broken beyond repair Riley – Lucas says.

- I refuse to believe that – Riley says back trying to make Lucas look at her.

- Are you serious right now Riley? – Lucas asks his wife, unable to believe her nerve - The thing you did to me – Lucas says, feeling his throat getting dry when a fast memory passed through his mind – That’s a deal breaker – He adds.

- I still Love you Lucas – Riley says trying to reach his hand.

He just moves backward, getting away from her.

- Do you Riley? Do you still Love me? Where was that Love when you were fucking Charlie Gardner? – He asks, showing her all the damage she did to him.

Making Riley drop a single tear - Yes, I still Love you Lucas – Riley answers avoiding his last accusation while she moves next to Lucas – I know what I did was a mistake, and I know that I would never want to see you in pain again – She assures him.

Getting both in an uncomfortable silence.

Silence that he decides to break - Riley, I still love you – Lucas confess, making Riley smile – But now I know I can’t trust you – He adds, making her smile disappear - And those are things that can't merge into a broken relationship like this one - He says looking back at her.

Lucas saw her tears start to flow again, and his southern gentleman manners flow again – Here – He says and give her his handkerchief.

- Thanks – She says and dry her tears and fastly grab one of his hands.

Lucas just looks at her for several minutes while she calms herself.

And then notices how she was wearing clothes he never saw on her, clothes that probably were a gift.

Lucas refuses to overthink who gave her those clothes - Since when? – Lucas asks her when he felt her cold hand grabbing his hand.

But she kept silent.

- Aren’t you gonna answer me? – Lucas asks this time.

- What you want me to tell you? - She asks back, hoping he drops his question.

- The truth - Lucas answers, making her start to shake a bit - I think I'm entitled to learn the truth, from you - He adds, feeling a bit dizzy - So, I'm gonna ask you again, since when? - He repeats his question.

And everything went on slow motion. he can feel every tic and every tac from the clock hanging on the wall, he can see the nervous sweat on his wife's forehead, he can feel how his throat gets dry.

Then, he saw her open her mouth.

- 2 years - She confesses.

And Lucas broke again - Jesus Christ - He says covering his eyes with his hands – That’s not cheating Riley, that’s a fucking relationship – He adds looking at his wife crying again.

- I'm sorry Lucas - Riley says starting to cry.

- I need to leave - Lucas says and left money on the table, enough to cover his order and Riley's.

- Lucas! - Riley calls him raising her voice, but her husband just left her there, alone.

  Lucas decides to take the time he had left until he had to go get Lily from kindergarten to think, and maybe not fall too much into sadness.

He sits down on a bench in a park a few blocks from Lily’s kindergarten, but his emotions betray him again, forcing him to cry.

For the last 2 years, the lips he kissed every night before going to sleep were kissing other man lips. The body he fucked every birthday, was enjoyed by another man lot more than he had the chance. The woman he called wife, was called love by another man, every time he left his house.

- I’m a really stupid man – Lucas says to himself.

  1 PM rings on his phone, and he was already there, like every day.

Except that today, almost every parent there looks at him.

- Popular as usual Mr. Dada – Lucas hears next to him.

- Mark – Lucas salutes, looking around – Shouldn’t Joshua be here too? – He asks while they both wait for their daughters.

- I knew you liked him, hands of him Friar – Mark jokes on him.

But this time was different from the usual insult he gets from him.

This time Mark only gets a weird silence from him - He’s in Tokyo, they send him for a meeting, and he’ll be back in 2 days – Mark says, but the silence was still there, stuck there - Did something happen? – Mark asks Lucas.

- Yes – Lucas answer in his most stoic tone.

- Oh? Should I ask? – Mark asks this time.

- You can – Lucas says watching her daughter – But that doesn’t mean you will get an answer – He adds and give her daughter a smile – Lily! – He exclaims and the little girl runs towards him and hugs him – How was your day? – He asks completely ignoring Mark and his need to know things.

- It was good – Lily answer and softly kiss her father cheek – Today we learn about potatoes – She adds and Lucas genuinely smile at her words.

- Hey, Lucas – Mark says while her daughter was holding his hand – You two want to go for ice cream? – He asks.

And the smile Lily give him was the answer.

- Sure – Lucas answers – But only if that doesn’t get me problems with Joshua – Lucas says, making Mark look at him confused – I don’t want him to think that I’m stealing his husband – He jokes, making Mark laugh.

CH3         CH5

[actuallylorelaigilmore]

I sent this on mobile so sorry if it's a duplicate, but I haven't seen it yet so I think it might not've gone through. Drabble request: TWW, post-series, domesticity preferably with kids, but also some career stuff, ship/character pairing of your choice

Okay, this is so not a drabble :) but it was fun to write! Borrows from these headcanons I accidentally created that one time.

1,500 words of Josh/Donna fluff, with an appearance from Zoey Bartlet and references to several other characters. Also on AO3.

He’d learned long ago to pick his battles, though, with two little girls who had inherited their mother’s fighting spirit. When their favorite bedtime story became “the time Mommy blew up” he knew he was in for trouble.

Fighting with his tie as he came downstairs, Josh found his daughters sprawled on the couch.

“Remember, Zoey’s coming over to babysit today.”

“Yes!” Jo high-fived her little sister, beaming at Josh. “She promised next time she was gonna teach us how to flip a grown man over our shoulder.”

He paused on his way into the kitchen, turning slowly to face them. “Seriously? That’s not just a funny joke you guys are practicing to scare your mom with?”

“Dad.” Charlotte rolled her eyes at his lameness. “It’s totally safe. She learned it from her bodyguards.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” He’d learned long ago to pick his battles, though, with two little girls who had inherited their mother’s fighting spirit. When their favorite bedtime story became “the time Mommy blew up” he knew he was in for trouble.

Or maybe he’d already figured that out, the moment Brianna Joan first blinked up at him with her pale eyelashes and deep brown eyes. A world of trouble–realizing that he was a father now, that nothing would ever be the same.

“Mom,” Jo yelled, making him wince at the assault on his eardrums. She had her mother’s lungs. “You want us to be able to kick butt, right?”

Donna stood in the kitchen doorway, half-dressed for her morning meetings but still in her pajama shirt while she cooked. “I feel like that’s a trick question,” she answered, regarding the three of them. “Come eat your waffles, girls.”

“What about me? Don’t I get waffles?”

“That depends,” she replied. “Are you going to be able to make our lunch date today?”

“Come on, it’s not like I make a habit of missing–”

“The last three, Joshua,” she argued, cutting him off. “You had to reschedule the last three.”

He held up his hands in defense. “I know, I know. I’m sorry! I would’ve much rather met you for lunch than gotten stuck with lawyers from K Street.”

“Yeah, well, CJ and I are meeting with senators today and the Belgian ambassador. If I can make lunch, so can you.”

He crossed to the doorway and kissed her. “I’ll be there.”

“Good. Then you get waffles.” She grinned at him when he leaned in for another kiss, and there was a chorus of booing from the kitchen table.

“Some of us are trying to eat,” Charlotte said.

“Anyway,” he told Donna, taking his seat and ignoring the peanut gallery, “I have a light day. Toby’s coming in, so I cleared most of my morning.”

“Well, that’s something, then. He won’t let you stand me up.” Donna brought over the last of the waffles and finally dug into her own breakfast. “What’s he up to?”

“He’s bringing Huck by.”

“Because fifteen-year-olds are really into campaign finance reform these days?”

Josh laughed. “No…apparently he told Andy that he’s aiming to go to Harvard. Toby wants me to talk him out of it.”

“Is Molly coming too?” Jo asked between bites. Toby’s daughter was the softball-playing, video-game-killing hero of their twelve-year old tomboy. While Charlie was artistic, with her mom’s dancer form, their eldest wouldn’t be caught dead in a tutu or at the piano.

“Sorry, kiddo, just her brother.”

No longer interested, Jo dropped her silverware onto her plate with a clatter. “Done. Thanks for breakfast, Mom.”

Donna swallowed and nodded. “Dishes in the sink, Jo.”

She was out and up the stairs before her sister had the chance to finish her own meal. Charlotte habitually moved at her own pace, daydreaming over her butter-drenched waffles as her parents talked around her.

“Which senators are you and CJ talking to today?”

“Texas and Arizona.”

“Fun…and Belgium?”

“Clean energy.”

“Right. How’s that going?”

She dipped the last of her waffle in syrup, keeping one eye on the clock. “About as well as can be expected. Looking at European models has been helpful, but it’s not like that gains us much traction in the South.”

“Well, I’m not sure anything would,” Josh pointed out. “They’ve dug their heels in pretty good against climate change.”

“Yeah, no kidding.”

“Daddy?” Charlotte interjected. “Can I come with you to work?”

Donna raised her eyebrows at Josh, as surprised as he looked.

“Don’t you want to stay here and play with Zoey?”

“Not today…at school, they said Take Your Daughter to Work Day is next week.”

“Oh.” He stared blankly at Donna. Wasn’t that one of those made-up holidays, like the kind the President proclaimed that he used to mock? “Are you sure…I mean, wouldn’t you have more fun going with your mom?”

She beamed at Donna, all careless sweetness and light. “Nope. I wanna go with you. Can I?”

“Sure you can,” her mom answered. “Can’t she?”

Trapped, Josh tried not to panic at the idea of keeping his dreamy-eyed daughter entertained for an entire day full of politics. “Of course. Sounds great, honey.”

“Charlie, you’ve got ten more minutes until Zoey gets here,” Donna pointed out, now that that was settled. “If you don’t get going, Jo will have a head start at learning how to knock people unconscious.”

“Oh!” Rushing through her second waffle, their blue-eyed sprite leapt out of her chair. Charlotte’s pale ringlets bounced behind her as she ran back to the living room, forgetting to soak her dishes or properly be excused.

Donna sighed, and Josh smiled at her. Maybe manners were a work-in-progress, but just look at the beautiful little people they were raising.

“You know what this means, don’t you?”

She blinked. “What?”

“You’re gonna have to take Jo.”

“Good,” she replied, pointing her fork at him. “She’ll have a lot more fun with me than doing whatever Charlotte gets stuck with at your office.”

“Hey! My office is nonstop fun. Just last week, the President sent balloons to surprise Bram on his birthday.”

“Wow, balloons. I stand corrected.”

“I’m just saying, I can give our budding Warhol a painting app to play with and she’ll sit in a corner all day. Meanwhile, you’ll have a tiny lightning bolt on your hands while you talk to the Attorney General.”

“And I’m sure she’ll enjoy our daughter’s energy.”

“There’s about a fifty percent chance our daughter’s energy will end up setting something on fire.”

Donna took her plate to the sink. “She gets that from you.”

He grinned. “Yeah, I know.”

The door buzzed, and Donna went to answer it. Josh cleared the rest of the table while he listed to the clatter of feet racing back downstairs, and the commotion of the girls greeting their favorite sitter.

“You’ll teach us the flip, right, Zoey?”

“I drew you a horse! Come see.”

Donna’s laugh carried to where he stood. “Girls, let her breathe.”

Dishes soaking, he joined them in the living room. “Hey, Zoey. What’s on today’s agenda?”

“Oh, you know. Running with scissors, ice cream for lunch…the usual.”

“Right.” He smirked at President Bartlet’s youngest, now a rising star at the NGO his wife was running with CJ. “Well, just try to keep them in one piece, would you? They’ve got delusions of badass.”

“No delusions here,” she argued, tossing her hair back. “They are badass.”

“That, they get from me,” Donna told him, grinning. “Thanks for this,” she added in Zoey’s direction. “I’ll buy you lunch tomorrow after the conference.”

“No worries. You know I love your baby feminists.” Zoey wrapped an arm around Charlotte when the girl sidled up to her. “We’ll have a blast. Go focus on your world leaders–and tell CJ I’ll be in early tomorrow, ‘kay?”

“Will do.” Donna turned toward Josh as the girls led Zoey upstairs. “Josh, your tie is a mess.”

“I wasn’t fully awake yet,” he protested, holding still as she leaned in to fix it.

“Yes, but you’ve been wearing a tie for decades,” she pointed out. “Shouldn’t you have the hang of it by now?”

“Why would I bother?” He asked with a smile. “If I could fix my own tie, you might stop doing it for me.” Josh took her hands in his and kissed the fingers that had successfully tidied it up.

“I’ve gotta head out,” he said reluctantly, catching a look at the clock behind her. “See you at lunch, Donnatella.”

“You better.” Her lips meeting his in farewell lingered just a little longer than necessary.

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll be there. Really. After all, I got waffles.”

“Make it on time,” Donna told him with a sly grin, “and you’ll get something even better tonight.”

His eyes widened. “I’ll be early,” Josh promised, kissing her again before he left.

She headed upstairs to finish getting ready, humming happily to herself. There was still only one way to render Josh Lyman speechless, and it was her favorite thing in the world.

When he got a good look at the teddy and garters she’d picked up over the weekend, he was going to forget his own name.

Then he would make her forget hers.

[thesinglesjukebox]

CHARLI XCX - BOYS [6.72] Who's looking for a good time?

Eleanor Graham: Video game noises will only ever be cute. They will never be evocative in the way that a synth line, a "woah" or even a "hey" can be. They may serve once or twice as punctuation but they cannot, aided only by a one-syllable word, carry a hook. But I do like the languorous glitter plod of this. And the sugar rush of bridge: "I was miles away, yeah!" I love to have fun, honestly. I'm just bitter because the video coerced me into a crush on [redacted]. [5]

Anthony Easton: The video is a masterpiece, a weaponized, high femme, millennial pink reworking of the ironic/not-ironic gender trouble of Collier Schorr -- made even more disturbing by finding out how hot I find Charlie Puth. The song, with its hint of Super Mario coins like a wink against capitalism, with the minimal drum beat like blood flowing from the heart to more southern regions, that laconic kind of delivery that suggests a louche moral decadence. Plus, how she sings the phrase ring tone, is almost as good, as ear wormy, as the perfect hook line of "I'm sorry, I missed your party." [10]

Nellie Gayle: 'I need that bad boy to do me right on a Friday/ 'And I need that good one to wake me up on a Sunday/'That one from work can come over on Monday night/ I want em all.' Never have the bubblegum archetypes of boy toys been so clearly joyously articulated as in Charli XCX's newest single. A pop star who clearly enjoys taking the piss out of that title (when once asked about why she liked her single 'Break the Rules' in an interview, she replied 'I like that it's so . . stupid'), Charli revels in the stereotypes of boy crazy, partied out girls. The many 'types' of girls have been outlined throughout the pop cannon - there are crazy girls, there are fun girls, there are dirty girls. In one way or another, Charli XCX has inhabited all of these personas for the sake of great, EDM-laced pop. In the video for 'Boys', she takes her own routine objectification (which she usually handles with amusement more than anger), and casually tosses it back to pop culture's finest dudes. Stormzy munches on some fruit loops, Joe Jonas licks his ice cream mustache, Diplo should presses some poodles. Saturated in bright colors, these visuals will come to mind every time you relisten to 'Boys.' It's a wink to gender roles that is cuter than it is inflammatory, and like all of Charli's best moves, it's best described as 'fun.' [8]

Maxwell Cavaseno: Functional to a certain level of flatness that Charli's wound herself around to the point that I'm never sure if it's her strength or her weakness. Still for the sake of all this melancholy gazing, and the spry little chip-tune punctuations, that bleakness serves as a complimentary sense of boredom, an audible fluster of the lips and sigh at something that feels more frustrating than it ever needs to be. Odd to find something so disappointed in itself could be so satisfying. [6]

Dorian Sinclair: Charli XCX sure is a chameleon, isn't she? There's a sort of dreamy wistfulness here we haven't heard from her too often, and with a different performer I suspect it could quickly become saccharine. But the wryness she brings to most of her performances is here as well, and that combined with the humour in the lyrics (and that adorable chiptune sample) has ensured that, since I first heard it, I've been busy thinkin' bout "Boys." [8]

Alfred Soto: Chirping wistfully like Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder, the synths and Charli XCX turn "Boys" into a tuneful flutter. Who wouldn't get wistful at the thought of absent boys or the boys we can't have? [6]

Julian Axelrod: Once you get past the instant-classic video (and lord knows I haven't) you realize "Boys" is a work of pop genius. The chorus is one of those brilliantly simple, universally relatable, deliriously catchy gems every songwriter wishes they'd thought of first. But the real magic is in the verses, as Charli reveals her thirst has left her friends out to dry. "I wish I had a better excuse like/I had to trash the hotel lobby" is such a perfect line, adding nuance and depth to both the song and Charli's party monster persona. (Which makes it all the more fascinating that she doesn't have a songwriting credit here.) The song becomes more resonant the more you listen: Who among us hasn't abandoned (or been abandoned by) a friend for some fleeting affection? That's what makes "Boys" so sublime: Like all great pop songs, it's really about friendship. [9]

Crystal Leww: Much fuss has been made about this music video, but the song itself is so dreamy, conjuring images of sunshine and grass fields. I am not sure if Charli XCX will ever get to be a huge pop star, but I don't care; her music feels so atmospheric and familiar, like it sits in the bottom of your stomach and wriggles through your brain and body. "Boys" has stuck with me for days, whisking me away from sweaty subway cars in the morning back to the weekend afternoons in the sun. [8]

Thomas Inskeep: I really hope that the viral popularity of this video leads to "Boys" going overground and Charli XCX becoming a real, big pop star in the US (I know that "Boom Clap" was a top 10 single three years ago, but that was three years ago), not only because she's one of our best purveyors of pop right now, but because "Boys" is relentlessly, charmingly cute. It's purposefully underproduced, and thus sounds very low-key and almost quiet, in a highly endearing manner. And besides, who of us isn't guilty of missing ______ because we were "busy thinkin' 'bout boys"? [8]

Joshua Copperman: A song about the female gaze and a video for the male gaze. Well, to quote a show that this might fit well on, it's a little more nuanced than that - there's nothing here that suggests that she's attracted to masculinity or manliness, unlike, say, "he's so tall and handsome as hell", and Charli's narrator is more in love with the idea of BOYS! than actual boys. (Swap out boys for "girls" and it's a Mary Lambert song, but that might be part of the point.) It's an interesting step after the #1 Angel mixtape managed to blend the PC Music stuff she was doing with something more accessible - this is full-tilt accessible, but with just enough edge from Charli's breathy performance to ensure that it stays true to her weirder side. [7]

Anjy Ou: I was surprised that Kero Kero Bonito didn't write or produce this - "Boys" hits that sweet spot between mainstream pop and Japanese bedroom pop that she's so good at, especially at the beginning. Charli, ever the pop chameleon, gives this sound her own self-indulgent twist, with lyrics about ditching a hard-partying lifestyle to swoon over her many suitors. Its blips are cute and sweet, and she cruises languidly through the song, like she wrote this the morning after while still in her pink cloud of peak crush. It would be a bit too basic for me, but someone set this song to a video of my favourite k-pop boy band and suddenly everything made sense. [7]

Katherine St Asaph: I mean, I too have had a crush on every boy, but this is just the languid parts of "Grins" severed from the exciting ones, or "What I Like" without the specificity and sex, or "I Don't Like Anyone" with trap vocals, Super Mario Bros. coins and emotional anemia. It's not that the older Charli XCX grows the less mature her music does -- that's too easy -- but the more detached she grows from anticipation or euphoria or danger, all those things boys can do. I suppose it's novel that the video's full of cutesy-alluring boys rather than cutesy-alluring girls to distract from a lack of substance, but there too, I prefer men. [4]

Stephen Eisermann: Anyone has ever felt "boy crazy" probably had the same mixture of nostalgia and anxiety while listening to this song for the first time. My first thought was immediately, "omg Stephen, don't overplay this song or say you relate, just be cool, even if this is a blog straight from your now deleted Tumblr," but it quickly became "damn Charli... you get me." Charli makes efforts to disguise or explain herself for this all too common phase and instead simply admits that, yeah, she was thinking about dudes. This willingness to be vulnerable, because yes, admitting you think about the gender you are sexually attracted to often is showing vulnerability, plays well against the quiet composition, and the bell/high pitched sound that plays after every time Charli says Boys perfectly sums up the feeling of butterflies that often accompanies those thoughts. All in all, a terrific effort and only made better by a simple yet colorful video that shows all the different kinds of boys we are attracted to, even if I could've done with a bit more brown goodness in the video. [8]

Will Rivitz: There's so much to love about "Boys," but I think the part most telling of Charli XCX's genius is the utter perfection of its chorus. It's quintessential Charli: though superficially inane, it captures in four perfect lines her bittersweetly self-reflective ethos. She doesn't really have any excuse for blowing her friends off -- she wishes she did, it'd make things a lot easier -- but the swell of life and love and just everything worth caring about got in the way, so she let things happen. It's a beautiful perspective, "stop and smell the roses" restated freshly and eloquently in the face of a neon facade Charli doesn't really care to hold up at the moment, the one people usually think of when they think of her. Charli XCX juggles personas adroitly, but I don't think that's so much a function of her skill inhabiting multiple characters as much as it is her skill at expressing the complexities of human experience as, y'know, complexities, as opposed to hammered-down stubs which fit a general narrative arc too cleanly. Here, she discards the party-girl aesthetic of Number 1 Angel for a more passive outlook, but the beauty of "Boys" is that the two attitudes never feel contradictory. No matter who a person is or what they act like, sometimes it's ok for their head to be in the clouds. [9]

Will Adams: That Charli XCX has done the hyper-crush premise many times before shouldn't be a deterrent -- it's where she excels. The problem with "Boys" is that it replaces the textured sonics of True Romance with tinny snares and overused GameBoy switch-ons and the ebullience of "Boom Clap" with the dead-eyed stare of "After the Afterparty." [4]

Edward Okulicz: Eh, I preferred it when Charli XCX was a whip-smart songwriter who made cool, indelible, effortless pop. Now her effort seems to end with the concept, because beyond its catchy monomania and shareable video, there's not anything else here. [3]

Jonathan Bradley: "Boys" wafts like a daydream: it's an insular and domestic song, a pastel doodle in a diary's margin or a decorated bedroom wall. Kitty Pryde knows how effectively these rough drafts can invoke the intensity of little infatuations. Charli's rough draft is very rough though, and the chiptune chirrups of "Boys" are aggressive in their flimsiness. It gets old to be reiterating this with each new single Charli puts out, but PC Music's conviction that it constitutes a clever deconstruction of pop to make a kind that sounds deliberately shoddy is not an interesting one, and Charli's embrace of their approach has squandered her talents. Here, she dials up her natural insouciance -- a playfulness fitting for the subject matter -- to the point it seems she can barely be bothered delivering the lyric. The performativity undermines the persona; this isn't a song about crushes on boys, but a song about Charli knowing how much we all want to enjoy a song about crushes on boys. [4]

Joshua Minsoo Kim: It took a dozen listens before I realized the song's ephemeral, almost nondescript nature works strongly in its favor. This is the sound of an instinctual sigh that appears while daydreaming, and Charli XCX captures that perfectly when she intonates "boys." The subtle details here -- the water samples, the ticking, the ringing phone -- never feel intrusive, thankfully. Which means that for these short three minutes, the fantasy never dies. [7]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox ]

[lorelaigilmoure]

i’ve started watching tww in march and went on hiatus in april. i was really looking forward to live blog (like i do now) and to share my thoughts about the show, but school and hiatus got in the way. i wanted to stay off tumblr but at the same time i wanted y’all to know how i feel about the show, so i decided to write down my thoughts in a word document and to share it with you when i’m back.

so if you’re curious, how this show ruined me and why i love it and if you have the patience and time, feel free to read this live blogging(?) mess:

omg this is too much. I can’t take this whole ms plotline. wth????? jed and charlie having the conversation. I have tears in my eyes. this is tooooo much. FRACK.

BRING IT ON.  YEAH.

No mrs landingham noooo. why.???? this ep gave me goosebumps. f*cking amazing. AND HELL YES HE’S RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT AGAIN. HELL YES.

okay I hate amy. I just hate her. and I want to see abbey more. ABBBEEEEEEY. WHERE’S ABBEEEY???

OMG TOBY. THAT WAS WAY OUT OF LINE. and now jed needs a therapist. I think toby missed his calling. he should be a shrink.

charlie was sassy af. don’t mess with charlie, cj, ever.

y’know sam has really grown on me. I never thought I would love him so much. but I do. precious marshmallow.

wait, but the pancreas doesn’t produce HCl. the stomach does. I really hope Abbey was sarcastic, bc otherwise it’s a pretty big mistake made by the writers. and I hope jed “see, they can’t take medical school from you” bartlet was sarcastic too. pls god.

yep, amy is still annoying.

I have a bad feeling about this ep. stirred. alcohol. leo. I don’t wike it.

jed and leo’s bromance is one of the best things in this show.

OH MY GOD. JOSH DID THE THING FOR DONNA. HE SAID HE WON’T BUT HE DID. DONNA, YOU PRECIOUS SNOWFLAKE, YOUR HAPPINESS MAKES ME CRY TEARS OF JOY. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH SWEET CHILD.

guys, Ritchie is Donald J. Trump. it’s so obvious. I cannnot believe this tv show, this season, aired 14 years ago.

jed to cj: you are part of my family. HELL YES. SHE IS. I LOVE THEM.

OH MY GOD. CJ BE SAFE FOR GOD’S SAKE.

donovan just showed up and I already ship him with cj.

okay I ship cj and donovan so much. don’t get me wrong, I love danny, but these two, right now, are RUINING ME. PERFECT.

*during the whole negative ad/tape thing*:

bruno: sam don’t talk to Kahn

sam: I’m going to talk to him

bruno: sam no

sam: sam yes

*sam does the thing* *shit’s going down*

bruno: ???????????

ANOTHER DEATH TREATH??? THEY SAW CJ IN THE MALL??? okay, it must’ve been the guy in the coat. I have a very bad feeling about this whole arc. ladjklasjdlasjdla

aaaand I still don’t like amy, at all.

I looove the chemistry between cj and donovan aljdslkdjals.

I LIKE THAT YOU’RE TALL. OMG CJ IS SUCH A DORK GIVE ME A BREAK.

jed bartlet: true or false, josh? my life would be better right now if you and your girlfriend swapt jobs? HE’S SAVAGE AF. OMG.

THEY ALMOST KISSED. CJ AND DONOVAN ALMOST KISSED. ALFJKASLJFLASJFA I NEED A KISSSSSS.

season 3 finale here I come.

it’s been a season and I don’t even know how does ritchie look like??? I’m curious. also I have a bad feeling about this whole assassination thing.

AND SIMON AND CJ KISSED THANKS GOD. THANK YOU.

okay simon just went into a store and I have a super bad feeling about it. ugggggh.

FRAAAAAAAACK THEY KILLED HIM. OMG OMG OMG LAFJKSLAKJDSFLASJF FRACK FRACK THIS FRACK. NO NOT HALLELUJAH NO GOD I’M CRYING NO THIS HURTS OMG I CAN’T

I’m so sad. he deserved better. cj deserved better I just.

AMY ADAMSSSSSSSS. WOW.

josh, donna and toby on a field trip. how cute.

mallory is so beautiful.

[AOS IS RENEWED. it’s not tww related but OMG I’M SO HAPPY. YYAAAAAAASSSSS. (and I still haven’t seen a single ep since 4x16 and I managed to avoid spoilers too. cannot wait to be back on tumblr and make philinda fanvids and aos stuff again. a little more than two months to go.)]

baby coulson on the west wing???? so freakin cute.

no, don’t talk to amy, josh, continue talking to donna. pls. can’t his relationship with amy end pls????

I WOULD VOUCH FOR DONNA WITH MY LIFE.

oh donna, my sweet potato. nicely played. josh, you deserved that prank.

wait, andy’s pregnant??? and toby’s the father??? I’m confused. aren’t they divorced or what?

OH MY GOD THEY PRANKED POOR TOBY. THIS SCENE WAS HILARIOUS. CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE. GENIUS.

jed just said to toby: “you, you big bear. come to me, I’m gonna kiss you right on the mouth.” I swear this is a really serious show. a political drama. pffffffff toby’s face is priceless. probably one of my fave scenes so far.

also pls abbey show up.  I miss you.

yay, joshua malina.

GAME ON BOYFRIEND AND SHE CUTS OFF HIS TIE. ABBEY IS A PHENOMENON. second fave scene. this show is epic you guys. cj fell through the door. as I said, a really serious show dealing with serious and important issues. THESE DORKS I SWEAR. and now jed slapt abbey’s butt. this ep is too much.

TOBY PRANKED JOSH. I LOVE THESE IDIOTS SO SO MUCH.

oh no, frack, his hand started shaking. and he needs an aspirin. I have a very very bad feeling about this.  he’s going to get worse. and so the angst begins.

I wish donna would leave this jack guy alone. I don’t like him.

poor jed and abbey, they’ve been interrupted like 10 times now. first sam, then leo and now toby. lmao

it’s so good seeing leo being happy and smiling.                

okay but josh told jack a bunch of crazy stuff about donna, bc he legit doesn’t want him to go out with her. this dumb dork I swear.

I love cj’s new haircut.

THOSE STORIES WOULD MAKE ME LIKE YOU. JOOOOOOSSSSSSSHHHHH WTH???? OMG I think this is the moment josh started to look differently at donna. THIS IS THE EXACT MOMENT HE STARTED DEVELOPING DEEPER FEELINGS FOR HER.

DAAAAANNNNNYYYYYYY’S BACK OMG DANNY IS BACK AND HE’S SANTA AND HE KISSED HER OMG OMG

zoey and charlie broke up?? how did I miss that?? or did it happen off screen???

danny is back and so is trouble.

the sexual tension between donna and josh intensifies aldjskjdalsjdlajdla. “Donna left?” his face. IT’S STARTING YOU GUYS. I CAN’T HANDLE IT ALFJSLDJASALFJALSKFAL

so I guess cj and danny aren’t together together.

my heart breaks for cj. seeing her dad like this. he doesn’t recognize her. *sigh* be strong cj, my sweet sass queen, be strong.i’ve been in cj shoes. my grandpa was ill too. and let me tell you, it’s so heartbreaking. he was clever as well, we couldn’t pursue him to go to a facilty, to get help. he was so stubborn too. it still hurts. but in the end, he accepted the help we offered him. he didn’t recognize us. he was so kind to us, but had no idea who we were. it was heartbreaking.

JOSH BEING JELAOUS IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THINGS TO WITNESS. EVER.

the guys just showed up at donna’s place. this scene is pure gold.

“YOU LOOK AMAZING”GUYS I’M DONE. I’M SO DONE. THE WAY THEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER. I ADORED THEM BEFORE, BUT NOW THEY’VE BECOME THE GREATEST, PUREST AND MOST PERFECT OTP OF ALL TIME FOR ME. I’M IN SO DEEP. I CAN’T HANDLE THIS AFJSAKLFJALSFJALSKJFLASJ

Will, you precious dumb child.

sam: “hey everyone this is one of my best friends, this is donna moss” THEIR BROTP THO.

I’m gonna miss sam.

I really really wanted to see these dumb kids playing poker again. they haven’t done that since season 1. they’re adorable.

IT’S CHANDLER. CHANDLER BING IS ON THE WEST WING. THIS WILL BE AWESOMEEEEE.

listen guys, chandler is one of my all time fave characters and josh lyman is one of my all time fave characters and seeing matthew on the west wing is like a dream come true. is it just me, or does matthew perry’s voice sound a lot different, compared to his chandler voice???

OH SHIT SOMEBODY’S SHOOTING????WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?????

JOSH WAS WORRIED ABOUT DONNA. THE WAY THEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER I CAAAAAN’T HANDLE I CAN’T ALFJASKLFJLASKFJLASF THESE TWO RUINED ME

I wish charlie and zoey would get bet together again.

hoynes resigning??? wth happened????

jed to toby: “come on, give us a kiss.” this is the second time he said that to him lmao

DANNNYYYYYY’S BACK. I GET SO EXCITED WHENEVER HE’S BACK. I LOVE HIM SO MUCH.

I want toby to be happy. pls andy marry him and live happily together in your dream house.

omg he’s proposing omg. oh crap, why is she saying no??? my heart breaks for toby. look, I know he’s not the easiest person to be with and share a life with but still. he has such a big heart. this is truly heartbreaking.

YOU’RE  JUST TOO SAD FOR ME, TOBY. OH MY GOD. I CAN’T.

I just laughed out loud. ABBEY’S NEW HAIRCUT??? WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL??? I’m sorry, but it looks horrible. omg i can’t stop laughing. I can’t take her seriously. abbey, sweet unicorn, what did you do with your hair and most importantly, why???????????

zoey’s going to a party. this won’t end well. I hate jean paul so so much.

ARE YOU IN LOVE WITH JOSH???? OMGGGGG AMY.

ALDJSALKDHALSHDAL WHAT IS THIS EPISODE EVEN???? ZOEY’S MISSING??? DONNA IS IN LOVE WITH JOSH????? I’M JUST LIKE ??????!111/??!??!?!?!?!?!?!

;AJF;ASJFD;ASJDF;ASFJ;ASJF;AJDF;AJF;SJF;

toby has 2 kids now. I might cry. MAZEL TOV, TOBY.

great now his MS is getting worse. SHIT’S GOING DOWN THIS SHOW IS THE BEST AND THE WORST.

I don’t think I’ve ever said it, but I love margaret so much.        

the amount of shit going down in this ep is simply too much to handle.

Glenallen Walken creeps me out. he reminds me of jabba the hut.

it breaks my heart, seeing the bartlets being so desperate and sad

it’s so good to see, that ellie is so supportive of her father.

this ep gave me chills (5x1).

this arc is so painful.

THEY’VE FOUND HER THANKS GOD

amy still annoys me so much. I gotta check which ep will be her last. according to imdb, two more eps and she’s gone for 2 years. yesssssssssssssssssssss

and now josh’s kissing her. WHY???? JOSH, SON, PLS STOP IT.

I liked cj’s old haircut more tbh.

josh meeting the moss family. about time lmao.

cj lived together for 6 months with a guy named Ben???? what???

leo’s slowly becoming a b*tch.

donna is so beautiful.

I’d love to see jed being more presidential I guess. and leo can stop being so rude to everyone.

I feel so sorry for josh. LET ME LOVE YOU, YOU DUMB CHILD.

YES CJ. YES MY LOVE. YOU’RE THE MORAL COMPASS. YES. “I NEED YOU BACK. I NEED YOU TO LEAD.” YES, CJ, YES, THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT I WANT JED TO DO.

abbey asked jed to not come to new hampshire. OMG. FIX THIS PLS. I NEED THEM BACK TOGETHER. THIS IS SO MESSED UP I HATE IT.

LEO CALLED ABBEY. SHE’S THE REAL BOSS. OMG THIS IS GOING TO BE EPIC.

it’s so good seeing jed being badass and making the tough calls. I’ve missed that.

josh bought donna a christmas gift. I’m having season 1 vibes aldjsakdjal and now she’s disappointed. but he was joking OMG THESE TWO ARE RUINING ME I CAN’T. also I need to know what the gift was.

where is ginger???

I love donna so so much.

I really don’t know where are the writers going with this rina/toby plotline.

I miss sam, danny, ginger, bruno. I miss the earlier seasons. idk something feels off. I still enjoy the show, but something’s a bit off.

okay but why is cj seeing this ben guy??? aren’t her and danny dating? or are they just that casual about it???

as I said before, tww is a very serious show, and the muppets just happen to show up at the white house. I can’t even.

[ourmrmel]

Mel Feller Lists his Quick Quotes – Pick Me Ups

Mel Feller Lists his Quick Quotes – Pick Me Ups

By Mel Feller, MPA, MHR

Mel Feller Seminars, Coaching For Success 360 Inc. /Mel Feller Coaching    

  When things get tough, many people turn to a motivational quote for a bit of inspiration. Some of these pithy sayings have become celebrated parts of society’s lexicon.  Mel Feller also says, there is a little bit of implicit coaching that is happening when you are reading it. It is building that self-efficacy in that kind of dialogue that you are having with yourself.

 Quick Quote Pick-Me-Ups

 "If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Charlie Parker, American jazz musician

 "The victim who is able to articulate the situation of the victim has ceased to be a victim; he or she has become a threat." James Baldwin.

 "Growth is demanding and may seem dangerous, for there is loss as well as gain in growth. But why go on living if one has ceased to grow." May Sarton

 "When you get into a tight place and it seems you can't go on, hold on, for that's just the place and the time that the tide will turn." Harriet Beecher Stowe

 "The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." Elizabeth Kubler Ross

 "It is more blissful that man be taken from pain than pain be taken from man for if pain be taken from us, it may come again..." Julian of Norwich

 "Tragedies serve as an express elevator to spirit." Dan Millman

 "Healing is a matter of time, but it is at times also a matter of opportunity." Hippocrates

 "People wish to be settled: only as far as they are unsettled is there any hope for them." Ralph Waldo Emerson

 "Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear-not absence of fear." Mark Twain

 "If you want to see the brave, look at those who can forgive. If you want to see the heroic, look at those who can love in return for hatred." Bhagavad-Gita

 "Hate is not conquered by hate. Hatred is conquered by love. This is a law eternal." Dammapada, Buddhist scripture

 "What would it be like if you lived each day, each breath, as a work of art in progress? Imagine that you are a Masterpiece unfolding every second of every day, a work of art taking form with every breath." Thomas Crum

 "When old words die out on the tongue, new melodies break forth from the heart; and where the old tracks are lost, new country is revealed with its wonders." Rabindranath Tagore

 "Most people have to delve into the dark areas and go through them before they reach a state of freedom, light and serenity." Cristina Grof and Stanislav Grof, M.D.

 "So, whenever a doctor tells you that you have an incurable or fatal disease, look him squarely in the eye and tell him--- ---! (Whatever is your favorite expletive). Then go out and find yourself another doctor-one who believes in the body and not in the disease." Lawrence Badgley, M.D.

 "Throughout history the human mind and the human spirit have overcome and endured problems and situations that seemed insurmountable." Les Brown

 "A turning point is life's way of giving you a chance to move ahead spiritually, though you must reach for the gift yourself." Harold Klemp

 In Chinese, the character for crisis means both "peril" and "opportunity."

 "Our task is to say a holy yes to the real things of our life as they exist." Natalie Goldberg

 "Everything in life that we really accept undergoes a change." Katherine Mansfield

 "The only antidote to the irreversibility of history is the faculty of forgiveness." Hannah Arendt

 "It is impossible for anything to be lost, for in the divine economy, nothing can pass away. The little flower which bloomed once, blooms forever." Neville

 "There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein

 "We all have angels guiding us....They look after us. They heal us, touch us, comfort us with invisible warm hands....What will bring their help? Asking. Giving thanks." Sophy Burnham

 "We are most deeply asleep at the switch when we fancy we control any switches at all." Annie Dillard

 "We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." Joseph Campbell

 "In my life's chain of events nothing was accidental. Everything happened according to an inner need." Hannah Senesh

 "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." Melodie Beattie

 "Bless a thing and it will bless you. Curse it and it will curse you...If you bless a situation, it has no power to hurt you, and even it if is troublesome for a time, it will gradually fade out, if you sincerely bless it." Emmet Fox

 "Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears." Kahlil Gibran, the Prophet

 "When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us." Helen Keller, Optimism

 "You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair." Chinese proverb

 "There are moments when, whatever be the attitude of the body; the soul is on its knees." Victor Hugo

 "We shall draw from the heart of suffering, itself the means of inspiration and survival." Winston S. Churchill

 "I guess that the giants in life are those who just keep growing on the manure of every crisis and setback." Lynda Bloomberg

 "Real success comes when you learn to act as if everything depends on you and pray as if everything depends on God." Oprah Winfrey

 "We know finite disappointment, but infinite hope." Martin Luther King, Jr.

 "The choice today is no longer between violence and nonviolence. It's either nonviolence or nonexistence." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 "My life is my message." Mahatma Gandhi

 "It's not the strongest species that survive, not the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change." Charles Darwin

 "If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find, in each person's life, sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostilities." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 "Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy." Abraham Joshua Heschel

 "Interviewer: If your house were on fire, which object would you take with you?" Jean Cocteau: The fire!

 "Always forgive your enemies-nothing annoys them so much." Oscar Wilde

 "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance." Oscar Wilde

 "He who has a why to live can bear almost any now." Nietzsche

 "The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." Alan Watts

 "True love and prayer are learned in the hour when love becomes impossible and the heart has turned to stone." Thomas Merton

 "I have come to appreciate how most of spiritual practice is learning to be kinder to one another." Aldous Huxley

 “The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted, uncared for, and deserted by everybody." Mother Teresa of Calcutta

 "No matter how lonely you are, the world offers you imagination." Mary Oliver

 "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference." The Serenity Prayer attributed to Reinhold Neibuhr

 "Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flames by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light." Albert Schweitzer

 "Why is it that people always need love and understanding the most at a time when they probably deserve it the least? Lou Holtz

 "Don't throw anyone out of your heart." Neem Karoli Baba

 "Inside yourself or outside, you never have to change what you see, only the way you see it." Thaddeus Golas

 "Be here now." Ram Dass

 "The sun be warm and kind to you. In the darkest night some star shine through." Langston Hughes

 "Deep peace of the running river to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you. Deep peace of the shining stars to you. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you." Gaelic blessing

 "No ray of sunshine is ever lost, but the green which it awakens into existence needs time to sprout, and it is not always granted for the sower to see the harvest. All work that is worth anything is done in faith." Albert Schweitzer

 "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: Indeed it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

 "We have a long, long way to go. So let us hasten along the road, the road of human tenderness and generosity. Groping, we may find one another's hands in the dark." Emily Greene Balch, Nobel Peace Laureate

 Mel Feller, MPA, MHR, is a well-known real estate business consultant and speaker, specializing in performance, productivity, and profits. Mel is the president of Mel Feller Seminars with Coaching For Success, Inc. and Mel Feller Coaching, a real estate and business specific coaching company. His three books for real estate professionals are systems on how to become an exceptional sales performer.  His four books in Business and Government Grants are ways to leverage and increase your business Success in both time and money!

[mrmichaelchadler]

Home Entertainment Consumer Guide: August 16, 2018

10 NEW TO NETFLIX

"The Aviator" "Clerks" "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" "The Game" "The Informant!" "No Country For Old Men" "Out of Sight" "Serenity" "Touch of Evil"

6 NEW TO BLU-RAY/DVD

"Avengers: Infinity War"

Those of you who follow this column regularly (and thank you for your support) know that it's general purpose is to call your attention to things you may not know are out on Blu-ray or DVD or haven't even heard of that this critic thinks you should watch. In other words, it's more of a "highlights" column than a purely informational one. However, I make a few exceptions for titles for which I know I am in the minority on that I think you, dear reader, may want to buy or rent. And I'm sure there are at least dozens of you who will be excited to learn that the latest MCU juggernaut is on Blu-ray, and you don't care that I pretty much hated this movie. You don't care that I think it's noisy and really only half a movie. You just want to see your favorite heroes in HD. Now you can. And it should be noted that this is a very strong Blu-ray release with excellent video and audio transfers. It booms and shines. I just wished I liked the movie as much as you did.

Buy it here 

Special Features Strange Alchemy The Mad Titan  Beyond the Battle: Titan  Beyond the Battle: Wakanda  Deleted and Extended Scenes  Gag Reel  Audio Commentary by Anthony and Joe Russo, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely

"Lowlife"

It's always interesting to me to watch a genre pic build legitimate buzz through the festival circuit without the backing of a studio, hooky concept, or recognizable cast. One of those films in 2017-18 was "Lowlife," which I saw as a part of my coverage of last year's Fantasia Film Festival. It already had a bit of buzz then, but I kept seeing it pop up in genre and regional festivals throughout the year, and it was fun to see audiences take to it (even if our very own Nick Allen didn't quite in our theatrical review). Yes, some of its topical flourishes are a bit too blunt and its form can sometimes dominate its content, but "Lowlife" is clearly the kind of movie that grows a cult following over time. Rent it before someone tell you that you should.

Buy it here 

Special Features Audio Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Ryan Prows and Cinematographer Benjamin Kitchens Audio Commentary with Ryan Prows and Writers Tim Cairo, Jake Gibson and Shaye Ogbonna Making-of Featurette Short Films

"Marrowbone"

Speaking of movies that could become cult hits, I think an audience will find the underrated "Marrowbone," the directorial debut of the writer of J.A. Bayona's phenomenal "The Orphanage." "Marrowbone" shares some DNA with that film in that it's about orphaned children and contains a twist both unexpected and heartbreaking. A strong young cast that includes Anya Taylor-Joy ("Thoroughbreds") Charlie Heaton ("Stranger Things") and Mia Goth ("A Cure For Wellness") anchors a film that is part period drama and part haunted house movie. The four Marrowbone children are left orphaned after fleeing their criminal father and losing their mother to illness. They vow to stick together...no matter what. The script is a bit too twisty for its own good, but the technical elements here are incredibly strong, including the art direction of an old house that feels like it has a story to tell. 

Buy it here 

Special Features Deleted/Extended Scenes Marrowbone Behind the Scenes Visual Effects Reel

"On Chesil Beach"

Ian McEwan's thin novel was turned into a sometimes disappointing drama earlier this year, but it's worth seeing as a rental purely for the performances by Saoirse Ronan and Billy Howle. The two talented performers play a young couple on the verge of the sexual revolution, afraid to speak to one another about what they need (or don't want) in the bedroom. Some of McEwan's social commentary feels diluted a bit here, and the epilogue is particularly mishandled, but there are enough moments of pure acting power to justify a look. 

Buy it here 

Special Features The Story Behind On Chesil Beach Deleted Scenes

"The Rider"

When Chloe Zhao was filming "Songs my Brothers Taught Me," she met Brady Jandreau, who advised on the horse scenes in that film. She became fascinated with his life and story, adapting it into this semi-biographical tale that not only stars the non-actor, but his father and sister as well. Brady plays a young man who has to give up his dreams of being a rodeo cowboy after a horrible accident nearly kills him. With documentary levels of versimilitude, Zhao and Jandreau break down the myth of the American slogan of "Cowboy Up," and its general uselessness. It's heartbreaking and gorgeous, although Sony has chosen only to release it on DVD for some reason. Criterion, go pick this one up and give it the HD treatment it deserves. 

Buy it here 

Special Features Q&A featuring Chloe Zhao, Brady Jandreau, Joshua James Richards & Alex O'Flinn Deleted Scenes Q&A with Brady Jandreau

"Zama"

Another of the year's best indies, and another movie this site gave four stars, DOES land on Blu-ray this month (and the HD transfer is breathtaking) in Lucrecia Martel's phenomonal adaptation of the book of the same name. Daniel Gimenez Cacho plays Don Diego de Zama, a corregidor stuck in a remote South American location. He keeps waiting for a better assignment, eventually learning the futility of hope. Zhao's approach is breathtaking, finding both humor and cultural commentary and soul-crushing drama in the same beats. It's a gorgeous film that is alternately hysterical (Cacho gives a wonderfully deadpan performance) and lyrical. It's one of the best films of 2018.

Buy it here 

Special Features Original Theatrical Trailer Other Trailers

from All Content https://ift.tt/2nMcPjD

[lorrainecparker]

Charlie Parish: three years filming HBO’s The Defiant Ones

Charlie Parish put a camera on his shoulder, either a Canon Cinema EOS C300 or C500, and took off after the rap mogul. The result is a four-part documentary called The Defiant Ones. And this interview!

Directed by Allen Hughes, The Defiant Ones tells the stories of rapper Dr. Dre and producer Jimmy Iovine – the latter the son of a Brooklyn longshoreman, the other one of the greatest rappers alive – and their long-standing partnership which has shaped not just the rap music world but a plethora of transformative pop culture events.

To capture Dre’s world, Hughes’ longtime collaborator Charlie Parish put a camera on his shoulder (using the Canon Cinema EOS C300 and C500 in turns) and took off after the rap mogul.  Over the course of 3 years, Charlie spent an average of one full day a week filming Dre, capturing his professional life and his daily life, and even his family life during vacations and a month spent on his private boat.

The final footage captured throughout that time was edited in with archival footage as well as pieces of over 15 hours of seated interviews with Dre, and countless other hours with Iovine and their colleagues and contemporaries.  The HBO documentary premiered a couple of months ago, and now ProVideo Coalition shares with its readers an interview with Charlie Parish. Interviews, either live or done using modern technology, are a collaborative effort, and this one would not be possible without all the people that connected me with Charlie Parish and made every effort possible to make this happen. A big thank you to Charlie Parish, who accepted the challenge and took the time to answer this set of questions, which I believe everyone would like to ask him. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the interview.

ProVideo Coalition – In your Twitter page you present yourself as Director, Cinematographer, Producer and paranormal nut. Who is Charlie Parish?

Charlie Parish – Straight away with a tough one as I’m really still working that out!  In my work, I consider myself a filmmaker – I’ve learnt many roles including Cinematographer and producer but where I feel my true talent lies is in directing. I’m currently looking for representation as a director and that’s how I would like to be perceived by others in the industry.

However, my absolute passion in life is the investigation of the unknown. In life I truly am a paranormal nut!

PVC –  What is a Britishman doing in LA?

CP – I ask myself that a lot! Well, I guess it’s tied in to the first question as when I started in the film industry (2001), I had to accept any role I could. I was a ‘jack of all trades’ which is probably the same for many people entering the film industry. I was having very little success gaining employment at home in the UK and was lucky enough to gain opportunities out here although it was all ‘work experience’.

This is where I’ve built a real contact list and it’s certainly the epicenter of film, so I think I chose well.

PVC –  You were the “shadow” – once a week – of Dr. Dre for three years, I am told, to capture footage for The Defiant Ones. How does one cinematographer organize life to shoot someone for such a long period of time?

CP – It wasn’t as rigid as once a week and when I really think about it, I would average it out at 3 times per week. I would work to the schedules of Dre and Jimmy which were very very varied as they were so busy – These guys don’t stop!

I actually started the project with Director Allen Hughes back in the spring of 2014 – before HBO even entered the frame – so I had already prepared to be in it for the long haul. I didn’t expect 3+ years but I don’t think anybody did.

I do find documentary filmmaking far more difficult than scripted projects – I like a schedule, a storyboard, a call sheet. We had very little of that and I just had to be ready at all times. Although the random work hours pained me on occasion, it was what I signed up for. I missed a lot of football (soccer) games and there were a few times I had to suddenly leave a party or a family thing to go shoot for the show. It was non-stop and going about my daily life with that anxious, ‘on call’ feeling was the norm.

PVC – Did you follow more people who appear in the documentary and/or captured footage for other segments of the documentary, or were you tasked with following Dr. Dre?

CP – Yeah absolutely, I was across the board. I shot a number of the interviews, I was also on B Cam (CU) for pretty much all of the interviews. I shot a lot of the reconstruction scenes, drone shots, time-lapse, B roll and Inserts and the majority of the verite stuff. I was on call 24/7. If Dre had an artist in the studio at 1130p on a Tuesday night, I was there. If Jimmy was flying out to NYC in 2 hours time, I was on the jet. If the skies look great and conditions were right, I’d run out and shoot a time-lapse.

I was lucky enough to collaborate with some supremely talented DPs along the way, though. Vincent Wren and Shane Daly really helped to create many of the stunning interviews conforming to the style we set out at the start. We even had Peter Deming shoot an interview which was a beautiful moment for me as he was the first person to guide me to my first work experience in film in 2000. Jerry Henry, Edwin Stevens and Guido Passi shot some wonderful verite stuff during major events.

My right hand throughout, though, was my AC, Joshua Makela. He’s a brilliant, young DP in his own right. He and I would run and gun when needed and he was a huge help.

PVC – Apparently, you met Dr. Dre while filming an Eminem show at Wembley, in 2014. You said in an interview, that you both “seemed to click straight away about our love for cameras and how I was shooting”, and that “a long-standing relationship was born then”. What camera were you using at the time, do you remember? Did you and Dr. Dre discuss(ed) cameras?

CP – Yeah, it was 2014 at the Eminem show in London. I had met Dre once before when I was in the mix on The Hughes Brothers’ “The Book of Eli” but this was the first time we spoke at length. I was shooting with the C500, C300 and the 5D Mk III. He really took an interest in the cameras and asked me: Why I was shooting certain things? How I was shooting certain things? Why I chose that particular camera? He then revealed that he shoots stills and proceeded to show me some of his photos. As you can probably guess, he’s brilliant at that too!

A funny story to this was after the first show, Dre invited me on to his yacht in the Mediterranean with his friends, which Allen Hughes was part of – I actually believe Allen orchestrated this as he so brilliantly does. He knew he wanted a camera on board capturing Dre in his ‘relaxed’ mode.

At Wembley, Allen had wanted me to shoot what he described as an iconic shot of Dre entering the stage. As there was back to back shows, I had two chances to shoot this…to get it right. On both nights I tripped up on the stairs and ruined both the shots. When we reviewed the footage, I saw the disappointment on everybody’s face, including Dre. I was gutted and didn’t sleep a wink that night. I was certain Dre wouldn’t want ‘Unsteady Eddie’ shooting on the boat when I had failed so miserably.

However, I really do think there was an instant connection and he understood it was just that – a slip up. Dre’s wife, Nicole, was also a huge comfort during this episode. I’m not sure how she did it but I remember I felt she was in my corner. He has only brought it up once since and we have had a good laugh about it.

PVC – The story of how you got Dr. Dre to have his own United shirt is popular now. Were you already filming him for the The Defiant Ones documentary at the time you decided to give him a shirt?

CP – Yes, this was the second yacht trip I was invited to. It was to celebrate Dre’s 50th birthday and it was another opportunity to capture him when he was at his most relaxed. Although it was a new relationship built through the work we were doing, Dre treated me so wonderfully during the year and I wanted to thank him. The only way I could think to do that was to give him something involving one of my passions– a signed Manchester United shirt!!

PVC – You were at Dr. Dre’s 50th birthday – when you offered him the United shirt. Were you there to film the whole event too?

CP – Yeah, Allen and I were there on the trip and we were able to capture some really beautiful, intimate footage. It’s hard to escape from a boat in the middle of the ocean so Allen was able to corner Dre easily! There was plenty of down time but we tried to schedule something once a day.

PVC –  How does one manage to keep being objective when filming someone who is more than the subject of a documentary, because you’ve, as you say, a long-standing relationship? Is there a moment when you put the camera down? How does it work to balance the friendship and the cinematographer’s duty?

CP – Again, there was plenty of times when the camera was off and it was just friends having a really good time but Allen, Dre and I put in some real work too. As I said previously, Allen knew he needed to integrate someone who could capture his investigation into Dre and Jimmy’s world without that person interfering or throwing off the dynamic he was creating. His directive to me was, “Merge into the background, become wallpaper, make yourself invisible”. After many many sessions of being the only person in the room with them, it just became normal. They trusted me and Allen trusted me.

After years of being in their company, getting to know them and becoming friends, it’s a natural thing to root for them. I wanted them to win. When Allen asked the tough questions and sensitive issues were brought up, I remained impartial in my operation but it did affect me greatly. Here’s Dre being quizzed about something that makes him uncomfortable and my view is an ECU of his face. It was uncomfortable for me too. I can only imagine how Allen was feeling trying to draw things out of his friends of 25 years!

PVC – Considering that Allen Hughes tells his team to “Don’t ever cut until the subject is off the set” and that for this documentary, as he described in an interview with IndieWire, he “was trying to find the real person between the lines”, how do you follow his “rules” and when do you decide it is time to stop capturing footage?

CP – This was never difficult for the crew. He just made it clear from the outset that this was the technique he was using. If he called “cut”, we would respond with the question, “hard cut?”. If Allen said “no”, we kept rolling. Really simple but very effective.

PVC – I believe you’re mostly on your own or with a small team throughout the three years following Dre. Having worked long with Allen Hughes I believe you know what he wants, but how does it work for you to know exactly what he is after from each new session? Or do you just capture whatever you deem as important, and then go through the footage with Hughes to decide what goes in and out?

CP – Allen would send me out to follow Dre or Jimmy. He’d send me to cover a studio session, shoot a drone shot, shoot B-roll, a time-lapse etc… We’ve worked together for the last 17 years so I mostly had a firm understanding of what he wanted. The majority of the time it worked and he liked what was shot but sometimes he would send me to shoot it again. There were times he gave me homework which involved watching a certain film and referencing a particular style or shot. I don’t think I know anyone who knows cinema like Allen so he was always able to reference something to show how he wanted things shot. It worked well although sometimes, it was just too difficult to get results with just me, a camera and a couple of lights.

PVC – The final documentary is some five hour long, and it is a mix of new and old footage. How many hours of footage have you captured for this project?

CP – Oooph. This film must have the most footage ever shot…it must certainly be up there. For me personally, I shot hours and hours. Then add to that, the wonderful archival footage that Ryan Gallagher, a producer on the show, unearthed. Hmmmm… I couldn’t even guess. Maybe HBO has a complete building of hard drives holding The Defiant Ones footage. There was just so much. I’m sure the doc could have been 20 hours long!

PVC – For this project you relied on Canon cameras. Which models, and why?

CP – We used the C500, C300 and 5D Mk III. The footage I saw around the time we started the doc really impressed me and I personally owned the 5D so it was an easy choice. I know there are lots of higher spec and higher priced cameras out there but these 3 models were real work horses and could be used with minimal ‘dangleage’. For interviews and much of the b-roll, I used the C500 recording 4k Raw to the Odyssey 7Q. For the run and gun, I used the C300 and 5D Mk III. Time lapses were on the 5D Mk III and more recently the Mk IV.

These cameras produced a great image and the thing that was really impressive was the low light capabilities. I was shooting in really dark studios on many occasions but knew I was still getting a useable image even at high ISOs. This was what we chose over 3 years ago but I still shoot with the C300 – I can’t wait to to get my hands on the updated versions!

Luckily for shooting DPs like me, these cameras are very forgiving. There were times when I was a little down after reviewing the footage but the issue was on how I shot it and not how the camera performed.

PVC –  Did you have different gear sets for different situations? How does one prepare, gear wise, for a three year project filming someone? Please, feel free to explain everything you can about this aspect of your work.

CP – This was so simple for me. I would load the car up with everything I had. Once I was at the location, I would judge whether it called for a drone, slider, lights etc… Sometimes it was just the bare bones of the C300, Monopod and radio mics and shotgun mic.

The good thing about this is, if you take everything with you, you’re never caught out.

Allen Hughes directed the four-part documentary The Defiant Ones. Charlie Parish worked with him throughout the whole project

PVC –  Allen Hughes said in an interview that this documentary was built to be, it had to be “an emotional ride”? Was it also also an emotional moment for you? Have you ever been working a specific human subject for so long? How does it change one’s perception as a cinematographer? Does it change it?

CP – This was the most difficult 3+ years of my life. It was so difficult for everyone involved because we lived it. Also going on past 3 years was tough. I just had to try and constantly remind myself of how lucky I was to just be in employment but also, I was in the company of the most incredible person I had ever met in Dre. There were certainly many many ‘writers block’ moments for me as I don’t know anyone less interested in pop culture than myself – I’ve always been the ‘weird kid’ who wondered about other life elsewhere in the universe, not what the latest trends are. Trying to find the creative spark daily was a struggle and I tried to absorb the excitement from those around me. Most of the crew are obviously huge music fans which really helped. I just knew that when I was setting the shot and the cameras were rolling, all my anxieties disappeared. So yeah, it was a hugely emotional ride.

PVC – You wrote on your Twitter feed, December 8, 2016,  this “Three years in the making. Three years of absolute top secret film making…finally…” Guess it was about The Defiant Ones. Was it hard to keep this project secret?

CP – It was difficult. People always ask: What project are you on? What’s it about? When is it coming out? It wasn’t like there was a gag order but we all realized that word travels fast in town and we didn’t want to chance compromising the authenticity of the piece by revealing things early.

PVC – Did you work on other projects as well during this time? Which, if you can mention them?

CP – I worked on little bits here and there but The Defiant Ones was my job so it took priority. I was able to develop a project I have had on the back burner for a few years which I have now hit full production on. It’s a funny piece called “Resolution” about a disillusioned guy in his mid-30’s and his ‘against the odds’ decision to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a professional basketball player. I’m finding this one difficult too – it’s another documentary!!!

PVC – You’ve worked with Allen Hughes in other projects before. Which one do you remember as the most exciting?

CP – That’s another tough one. They have all been memorable periods of my career. I guess “The Book of Eli” was the most exciting. It was the first time I had a director credit as I was shooting the second Unit but it also gave me the confidence that I could actually do it.

PVC – What’s next for Charlie Parish?

CP – Lots!! As mentioned I am now shooting my own movie – in production as we speak. That should take around 18 months to complete. I have spoken with Dre about a couple of movie ideas that he liked, so hopefully something could come of that.

I also have a really interesting project going on that I believe will change the movie industry at every level. That involves apps, websites and techy stuff. I had this idea in 2004 that nobody ever took interest in but my fellow The Defiant Ones producer, Ryan Gallagher, almost choked on his beer when I told him a few months ago and since, people have taken notice. It’s one of those, “I can’t believe it’s not been done?” ideas. We are already in the building stage with the techy folk. I seriously believe directors, cinematographers, indie filmmakers and major studios alike will benefit from this project. Watch this space!!

The post Charlie Parish: three years filming HBO’s The Defiant Ones appeared first on ProVideo Coalition.

First Found At: Charlie Parish: three years filming HBO’s The Defiant Ones