#"Our client apologizes for what happened. We want to make this right. I think we can agree on a reasonable dollar amount. Let&039;s di

[lucyoccupy]

Do Big Insurers Condone Guerrilla like Lawfare by their PreferredVendors in defense of allegations of Fraud, Bad Faith, Negligence, Conspiracy etc?

Do Big Insurers Condone Guerrilla like Lawfare by their PreferredVendors in defense of allegations of Fraud, Bad Faith, Negligence, Conspiracy etc?

Asking for a Friend. She has similar questions about #MoralTurpitudeConduct, too. Here’s a perky little tune that describes what it’s like being a State Farm policy holder for many decades, with a roof loss and water damage claim that was escalated into a $10 million lawsuit — the State Farm Agent recommended that number.  All I asked for for years was to restore my home to pre-loss condition. …

[undead-notunreasonable]

Happy Draco-O-Ween || Part 19 of 31 ||

"Please, you must tell me more about these airplanes you saw, I'm completely fascinated by them!" Vlad tepes called out to Dracula from his seat. A gentle snipping sound could be heard within the room, filling the silence with its slashing sounds. A hand came to the base of Vlads skull, forcing his head downward. Another snip.

Count Dracula walked toward the mirror in his living room, carrying a cup of blood as he watched his former lover having his 500 year old locks being cut off by a professional stylist. While he admired it at the time, it was much better that he adhered to the modern age of fashion & haircuts. His face were warm with admiration as he gazed at the man before him, enjoying the way he looked with his new transformation. The cut were showing of the angular jaw that Draculas fingers had once traced in the dark privacy of a bedroom. "Later, I'm sure we don't want to bore our employee with something as trivial as modern technology." He gave a half laugh, coming across as sincere.

But the hair dresser, a slim thing in torn acid wash jeans, a band tee, ginger bowl cut, and a nose ring, merely flashed a weak smile at his clients, focusing more on the task at hand. Truth was, he wasn't really ever listening to any of his clients, they were just meaningless conversations to pass the time to make customers feel more comfortable rather than sit in an awkward silence for 20 minutes to an hour. That's not to say that he wouldn't listen at all. Sometimes he would hone in on someone's conversation due to there being juicy gossip or a scandalous affair. Most of his clients were rich folks, they always had something to spread, be it money, words, or legs. This client though nothing really major, just a rich man helping a friend back on their feet. He wanted a haircut that was distinguished but young. A simple short back & sides, with a little more on the top to play with. Both vampires saw their revolting rotting corpses within the mirror, saw how old their bodies really were. That didn't matter to them right now, they could see each other just how they were when they were alive.

The hairdresser couldn't see that though, he just saw two middle aged men who seemed to have a few feelings lingering between them. He wondered if they knew that or whether it was some weird older generation thing where they still saw it as shameful thing to feel. "Head up please." He commanded, beginning to add the final touches of product to give the longer areas more of a waves texture.

Vlad looked up into the mirror, still the same rotting corpse but with a shiny new hairstyle and a humans fingers wobbling it about in shape. Humans clearly made more effort with their appearance these days. "What do you think?" His eyes met Dracula's within the mirror.

Count Dracula walked across to the other, perching himself on the edge of a table so that he came face to face with him. Longer fingers stretched out to hold the man's chin, all eyes on him. "I see someone as beautiful as the day I met him." His eyes turned gooey as he leaned toward him, pressing a kiss to his lips.

Oh, they are lovers, thats cute thought the hairdresser. It was nice to see an older generation of gay couples, being free to be who they are. Though he half wished the man would really give criticism on the cut but he supposed kind words to a lover meant he'd done a good job.

"Let me just check the back for you." He whispered down to Vlad, rising to his feet once more to join the hair dresser at the back of the seat. "Here, hold this." He instructed for the slim man to take his now empty cup. The red haired man held the cup against his stomach, letting his client observe his work. Draculas fingers lightly tugged at the small few strands that rest on Vlads neck. He gave a little nod in recognition, then reached for the scissors that rest on hairdressers table. He snipped off the tiniest of strands, and stood straight, meeting the hairdressers gaze in the mirror. "There. My apologies, I'm ever the perfectionist." He shared a wide smile, slapping him on the shoulder, and tightened his grip so the other couldn't move. He looked a little panicked at that. "That'll be all, thank you." Scissors swung open, hanging by a single finger until another held them straight out, and blade met throat. Dracula didn't let the human fall, instead, he made him stand up & watch himself bleed to death, his blood, his life pouring seemlessely into the cup Dracula made him hold, even as it overflowed onto the floor.

(Note: if you're going to a killer, always have wood floorboards with a varnish on the top. Much easier to clean up.)

Vlad sat there, elbow resting on the arm of the chair, fingers pressed into his cheeks and a look that was completely unphased by the horrific sight before him. Dracula took the cup from the dead man's hand and finally let him sink to the floor. Vlad turned in his seat to look at the dead body "It's a shame you killed him. I quite enjoyed the silence of the man. Humans love the sound of their voices these days, that sometimes I wish I had the gift of being Deaf." He twisted in his seat to look down at the victim, letting out an unsympathetic sigh "He really did do a good job on the hair do."

Dracula wasn't even bothered by Vlads nonchalent address of the ever growing cold corpse of their hairdresser. Instead, he rest against the wall next to the mirror, one hand bloody from murder, the other holding out the now overfull cup of here "Here, drink this." He ordered as he stared out ahead of him, lost in thought. "Did you bring me back to life? After my torture and death? Was it you who created me?" It was a question he hadn't dared to ask himself in a very long time. He looked almost distraught with it.

Vlad took a long swig of his freshly drawn drink, smacked his lips as if he were trying to decipher what kind of wine he'd been handed before replying in a most assured voice. "No. I did not create you. The vampire that made me, I begged for you to join me too."

"What?" Draculas voice wavered in shock at the news, he'd begged for this to happen?

Vlads hands raised with palms up, a sign of mercy for his silence so he could explain "We were losing the war, my most trusted advisor and the love of my life had been kidnapped by the Turkish. I didn't know what my next step would be. You don't know this but I used to plot and vent my anger in a cavern in the deepest woods of Wallachia. One day, that day, the cavern spoke back. It told me to lose but that I would win everything a thousand times over, that I could ruin those who set out to ruin us and come out with even a scratch. I was desperate to get you back to me. I didn't know what I was signing up for exactly but I asked whatever was in that cavern to find you, to make you the same as myself. I couldn't be without you. You deserved that justice too." Another long swig.

"It was your decision? You decided to break my heart into shatters when I hear they have decapitated Vlad III & placed his head on a spike? You decided I should come back and let me go home to my Mother only to kill her with a need I did not understand, to go and find my wife with my child, fighting everyday this vile hunger until I just couldn't bare it & I slaughter her?! I was going to be a father and you stole that from me!" Dracula snarled at the other, funny how ones image of someone can change so swiftly.

"It wasn't your child." Vlad snapped back, tone deathly serious.

Dracula shivered as though someone had walked over his non existent grave.

"She always fell for stable boys it seemed. I'm sorry to tell you this after so long but clearly she always found something appealing about a roll in the hay. Don't bark at me." Vlad raised his finger like a man commanding a disobedient dog. "You're a smart man, Omor. Think about it. Think how long you and I were gone at war, barely a few weeks home & you could feel the small curvature of life within her as she announced she was with child?"

Dracula looked almost defeated. So many years he'd spent quietly tormenting himself for killing both wife and unborn child just to satiate his unyielding hunger. Now, he knows that his wife was never his to begin with, not even his own flesh and blood. "Why did you say nothing?"

Vlad held out the cup of blood, Dracula looked like he needed it "For selfish reasons entirely. We were winning the war at that point, you were on form with all your plans of action, I couldn't risk my advisor losing that, I couldn't risk upsetting you."

"Would you have told me? Even if we had won the war?"

Vlad looked intensely at his lover, pausing a moment before replying "A little while after the celebrations. But I would have hoped she would be honest with you, I'm not a messenger."

"You're a warlord." Dracula huffed his laugh, quoting something he'd said centuries ago.

"Could you have still loved her despite her affair? Despite the child not being yours?" Vlad took a sip from the glass, seeing that Dracula didn't partake himself.

"Of course. I would be butchered the man who slept with her but I loved her entirely. I would've loved that child as my own. People didn't need to know." Dracula looked less like the terrifying creature the world had come to know but more solemn and vulnerable with the news, so heartbroken.

Vlad hated seeing someone to strong, crumble. He threw himself out of his seat, placing their shared cup of blood onto a table, and cradled the man he adored in his arms. "I'm sorry you had to hear the news but remember, this was centuries ago. We have a future to work at together now. It's you and I." He cradled the vampires face in his hands for a moment longer before sharing a deep kiss, trying to repair the small shatters of Count Draculas heart.

Do remember, the corpse of a dead hairdresser lies on the floor during their embrace. These are not loving creatures.

[zwiezraczek]

Hey love! Could you do another chapter of rules were made to be broken? Maybe after the coffee date one finds out or something and they all have a big fight and four threatens to leave the ghosts or something? I’m not really sure and you can change this idea if you want, I don’t really write fanfic. Thanks love! 💚💚

Rules Were Made To Be Broken Part 2 [Request]

Part 1

Note: Sorry dear 💚 Nonnie for the wait for this! I hope you'll like this, I tried to make it the best I could! 💕

~~~

You came in early, maybe a bit too early. It was nine thirty, and you were sitting in the said coffee shop, waiting for him, for Billy. You had told your friends, who hardly believed it – because they dragged the boy down for days as you wallowed because he never called you back – and told you to not put your expectations too high, and they were true. Nonetheless, you came in early. Your hands were fidgeting, drawing circles on your coffeecup from time to time. It was beautiful outside, the sun shining, and partially for that reason you sat next to the glass window to catch some sun on your face, but also to make him notice you way quicker.

It wasn't ten, but you were already anxious. Would he be there? Would he come? You knew that if he didn't he would have your friends on his back, and by the way they dragged him down he wouldn't last long. You sighed before sipping some of your coffee before your eyes spotted a familiar silhouette. It was him. His golden locks showing up from under his blue hoodie, shining under the sunlight; and as he approached the coffee shop he noticed you, you could see it by the way his eyes glistened while he passed by you, right behind the window glass. He stopped for a while, took his hood off and smiled at you. You looked up, mesmerized by his eyes and this smile, this dazzling smile. He looked even more handsome than he did in the club, in the purple lightning, in a crowded space, with his torso against your back. Your face was instantly illuminated when you put your eyes on him, and he seemed to notice it as he quickly made his way in in order to sit at your table.

He sat right in front of you, charming as he was the last time you had seen him and he only said hi before a waiter came to take his order as you watched him, your hand under your chin. Hearing his voice again made you remember how hoarse his voice was, and how enchanting he sounded – even while ordering an espresso.

“So,” he stared after the waiter left you alone, in the middle of the coffee shop surrounded by other clients, “I want to apologize for leaving you like a coward last time, y/n... It was pretty much a shitty thing to do, I agree.”

“Yes, it was very, very shitty,” you emphasized before grabbing your cup and drinking from it, “but I'm open for some explications on why when this guy came in you had to leave.”

“Long story...”

“We have plenty of time,” you reminded him before adding as dreamily as he did yesterday on the phone but with a wink, “so much time.”

“You know that doing this is illegal, love,” he said as your smile widened because of how he looked at you, with heart eyes.

“Yes,” you nodded.

“Well... It's... You know ninjas, right,” he asked and you nodded with a smile. “So, basically I'm a ninja, doing parkour and catching bad guys.”

“So, you're a kind of ninja? That's pretty cute and hot,” you surprised yourself saying. You couldn't really tell what was happening to you when you were with him, probably your fear was gone with him because you felt that he wouldn't judge you.

“Enough talking about me and my ninjas skills, love, tell me something about yourself.”

“I like your smile,” you replied looking right into his eyes.

“But I think I like yours better,” he replied as the waiter put the coffee on the table right in front of him.

This date was way smoother than you thought it would be.

~~~

Billy made sure that no one would notice him sneaking out during the day to see you, and he adopted a well-known strategy of telling that he was gone parkouring through the city. A strategy that Blaine and Amelia knew too well to let him do this without any consequence. So, together, they waited for him to show up at their headquarters, Amelia sitting on the table and Blaine on a chair as Billy entered the room taking his hood off. And immediately he knew that he was screwed up. Definitely, especially by Amelia's look.

“Welcoming committee, never thought I would be this famous,” he joked trying to drive the conversation to another place.

“Have you seen her,” Amelia asked without further ado and he gulped. Shit. He didn't dare to lie, neither to reply. “God Billy, you're not a disney princess!”

“You can't marry a girl you just met,” Blaine said, quoting a bit too much Frozen for Billy to not pick it up.

“But it's true love, and she's not fucking Hans, she's like Kristoff or whatever,” he carelessly replied as Amelia stood up and put her hands on his shoulder while facing him.

“You know the rules, Billy, you shouldn't do this. You put her in jeopardy, and you put the whole team in jeopardy,” she reminded him.

“And you're dead,” Blaine quickly added, rising a finger.

“We're all dead,” Billy protested liberating himself from Amelia's grip, “but that doesn't mean that I can't feel fucking alive! And I feel alive with her!”

“But you'll be dead for real if One finds out,” Amelia said a bit too loud before she heard One's voice behind her.

“And Five's right,” One said, his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against one of the door frames.

“Oh my shit,” Billy cursed under his breath.

“So, let me summarize what the three of you are doing, just so we're on the same page. You, meaning Four, Five and Seven are sneaking out into clubs because why not apparently, being dead is an easy thing to keep, fine. I'm telling you that you can eventually, from time to time go and have fun because you're human not corpses, right? Right. And now, after two fucking days,” he emphasized angrily, “I hear that Four is going on a date, and thinks he's a disney princess. Should I bring some music, birds and maybe a broom so he can be our Snow White and clean this place,” he asked ironically.

“One, let me explain,” Amelia tried but he rose his index to tell her that it wouldn't do.

“It's Four's problem, and he will deal with it.”

“How, wanker,” Billy asked, still cautious.

“You tell your girl that you're not so cool and that she should stop dating you... Are you even dating, or a thing or whatever,” One asked with some disgust on his face.

“Unbelievably yes, we're a thing,” Billy replied and Blaine facepalmed himself. “I know, shocking for somebody who left love behind for fuck's sake.”

“Don't you fucking dare,” One gnashed his teeth after saying so.

“I fucking quit this weirdos group, I'm fucking done with all of this, with all of these sick fucks,” Billy declared before going towards the main entrance.

“You step outside right now, you never come back,” One warned him.

“Go fuck yourself,” Billy replied before going to his trailer.

~~~

That was probably the biggest decision he had taken out of spite, for a simple feeling and nothing else. He used to live like this, by his feelings, and it never leaded him anywhere. Well, it led him into stealing and later into being abandoned by his teammates. Rationality had brought him peace, stability and probably a family. And no, Amelia and Blaine weren't sick fucks as he had said, and he didn't want to lose them, neither you. He was lying on his bed, in his trailer, still thinking about packing his things and going outside to find you, but, honestly would you allow him to enter into your life after one meeting, just like this? This was insane, and he couldn't ask you that, not now.

“Sick fucks here,” he heard coming from the door, Amelia had a smile on her face and right behind her there was Blaine.

“Coming to see our disney princess,” Blaine added. “With a plan, be happy we're like your fairy godmother but from another movie dude.” Billy arched an eyebrow as they entered his trailer.

“One won't come here for the deal, because you know how proud he is,” and before he could add anything she said, “yes you do because you're as proud as him, we know. So, we got an agreement with One.”

“You know the Cullens,” Blaine asked and Billy was truly confused by all of this. “Yeah, you know the Cullens. So, you're like Edward and your girl is your Bella, and Amelia is like Alice,and I'm probably Jasper...”

“Straight to the point,” Amelia said, cutting him off, “One agrees on you dating her, but you have to find a way to maker her join the Ghosts, to find a talent which will be more than 'she's good looking' and One's ready to accept the whole thing.”

“And why Twilight,” Billy asked, proceeding all the information.

“Because it's easier to explain it this way,” Blaine replied as if it was obvious.

“It was even more disturbing than I thought it would be,” Amelia said giving Blaine an not really amused.

“So... Should I call her,” Billy asked, skeptical.

“Yes,” Amelia rushed him.

He smiled as he dialed your number, and when you replied his smile widened.

“Love, I have an incredible offer for you...”

[athina-blaine]

Jon takes the statement of Mr. Blackwood, concerning his midnight wanderings.

Chapters: 1/1 [Complete]

Words: 2,058

Tags: Light Angst, Supernatural Elements, Pre-Relationship

~

“I’m sorry if I’m wasting your time.”

“Rest assured, Mr. Blackwood, this is a part of my job.”

“Oh, uh, Martin is fine.”

Mr. Blackwood – Martin – rubbed the back of his neck. Nervous energy oozed from every pore, but Jon couldn’t determine if that was due to his statement or if that was just his usual disposition.

“I’ve always been curious about this place,” said Martin. “Even thought about applying once. I hear about it on podcasts all the time. You really take statements from anyone who comes in?”

“That’s correct.”

“What do you do when they’re taking the piss?”

“The Magnus Institute will accept statements from any source and perform a follow up to the best of its ability.”

“Okay, but, like, what if they’re obviously taking the piss?”

Jon brought a hand to his chin. “We’ve only ever had to escort out one person before, if that’s what you mean, and one could easily make the deduction that he was under the influence at the time.”

“Oh, wow.” Martin looked down at his hands. “Do you ever believe them?”

“What?”

Martin’s face reddened. He swallowed.

“I mean, do you ever think, ‘hey, this chap might be on to something’? Or have they, you know, all just been pretty much crazy?”

Jon sighed. He knew what the man wanted him to say, but to say it would infringe Jon’s professional standards. “Frankly, believing or disbelieving the statement giver isn’t my job. I’m just here to collect and compile the information.”

“Oh.”

“I don’t think they were all crazy, though.” Jon slid the tape recorder forward. “And I will listen to what you have to say.”

“Yeah. Okay.”

“Statement of Martin Blackwood regarding his midnight wanderings. Statement taken directly from subject August 14th, 2016. Statement begins.”

Martin took a slow, deep breath.

“It is crazy, though, you know? That’s why I came here. There really wasn’t anywhere else for me to go. I’m sorry again—”

“You don’t need to apologize, Martin. Just start from the beginning.”

“Right. So, I guess it started when my mum moved out. This was, um, about two weeks ago, I think. She went to this care home in Devon. She’s been wanting to go there for ages.” He smiled, but it was off. “Weird, isn’t it? Like, who wants to go to a care home?”

He trailed off, staring at his hands. His eyes were faraway.

Jon cleared his throat. Martin blinked.

“Right. Sorry.”

“Would you like something to drink?”

“No, no, that’s fine. I just—” He sucked in a quick breath. “So, yeah, Mum left, and it’s the first time I’ve ever been all on my own. I think I should have felt happy. I mean, every kid is happy when they get their own place, and it’s not like my mum was the easiest person to live with. But, I don’t know. I just hated it. The flat seemed too quiet.”

Martin squirmed, crossing his arms. “Um, sorry, yeah, I think I’ll take that water, actually.”

Jon stood, making a quick trip to the breakroom. Martin accepted the porcelain mug but didn’t drink it as Jon sat back down. He just cradled it with two hands, staring into the clear water.

“So, yeah, it was all feeling like a bit much, then. I had a bad dream that night, I don’t really remember it, and after that I tried just staying out of the flat as much as possible. I didn't have anywhere to go, so I just wandered around town. It could have started then. I wasn’t paying attention to anything during those walks.”

“What did you see?”

“Nothing, at first. I’d just be walking around and lost in thought. Then, I’d look up and I was in an area I didn’t recognize and hours have gone by. I just thought I’d been more spacey than usual, but then, I’d keep losing more and more hours until suddenly the entire day was disappearing, and I barely remembered any of it. One day I had walked clear across London and it was 3 in the morning. I hadn’t eaten at all during that time and almost passed out. I tried to stop going out after that.”

“Tried?”

“Yeah. But the flat was still so … I just couldn’t stay there. I tried setting an alarm on my phone and maybe it would snap me out of it and I’d turn back home once it went off. That night, it was about 4 at that point, I couldn’t find it in my pockets, and I got a call the next day on my landline from someone who said they found my phone in the trash.”

Martin took a large gulp of water. His voice was wobbling. “I really started freaking out after that. I thought I was being possessed or something. I stayed at a motel to see if that changed anything, even barricaded myself in, but I found myself somewhere by a river in Erith at 5 AM. It was freezing. It had been almost 24 hours at that point. I was exhausted, and I didn’t have anyone I could ask for help.”

“You can take a break if you need one.”

Martin jerked up. His fingers were white from his grip on the mug. He set it down on Jon’s desk.

“No, that’s okay,” he said. “I just want to get this over with.”

“Take all the time you need.”

“I finally … saw it, about a week ago. I think I was walking on the Albert Bridge at that point and I was looking at the ground, and there were these strange shapes. I didn’t really react at first, but I lifted my head, and everything looked so weird. Like, you know when you’re staring at an optical illusion and it makes your eyes hurt? And it all smelled so stale and old and everyone was gone. I was alone. And there was this voice.”

“A voice?”

Martin nodded. His hands were shaking. “I think I'd been hearing it the entire time. Seeing … that place the entire time. It must have been where my head was going.”

“Can you tell me what the voice said?”

"I don't ..." Martin swallowed, but it was strangled, as if something sharp were pressing on his throat. “It was talking about how happy my mum was now that I was out of her life. That no one would miss me if I jumped off the bridge.”

He clapped a hand over his mouth, horrified. He blinked and a tear slid down his cheek.

Jon waited. Martin rubbed his face. Jon held out the mug, still half filled with water, and Martin took it back, finishing it off in one gulp.

“Thank you,” Martin said, softly, wiping his mouth.

“What happened after that?”

“I don’t really know. I think someone yelled at me for getting too close to the bridge, and I kind of just woke up. And it hasn’t happened again after that.”

Jon pulled the tape recorder closer to himself. His pulse was drumming in his throat. “And this happened last Tuesday, correct?”

“Um, yeah. How did you—?”

“Just a guess. And you haven’t had a problem with this since?”

“No. I don’t think so, anyway.” Martin coughed. “So, yeah. That’s everything.” He chuckled, nervously. “Crazy, right?”

“Hmm.”

Jon tapped the surface of his desk, eyebrows drawn together. He took a deep breath.

“We’ll look into what we can, but I must admit, based on the isolated nature of your incident, I doubt we’ll be able to uncover anything particularly illuminating.”

“Oh, well, that’s okay.” Martin scrubbed his face. “Honestly, I’m just glad you haven’t laughed me out of the building yet. ‘Oh, a kid hallucinates some spooky nonsense and fancies he might have had a paranormal encounter.’ Like, it’s ridiculous, right?”

“I don’t think it’s ridiculous.”

Martin stared at him. Clearing his throat, he stood. “Well, thank you. I won’t bother you anymore—”

“Wait.” Jon grabbed a paper and pen from his desk, quickly scribbling a number. He stood and held it out. “Please, let me know if anything like this happens again.”

“Oh, okay.” Martin took the paper and stared at it. “Is this … is this your cellphone number?”

“I don’t see how that makes a difference.”

“This can’t be in your job description.”

“To be perfectly honest, the exact wording as outlined in my contract is incredibly and unhelpfully vague.”

Jon clicked off the tape recorder.

 “Statement ends.”

Jon let out a slow breath, closing his eyes, before bringing the tape recorder closer.

“Much as I suspected, this case is a dead end. Security footage showed that Mr. Blackwood was, indeed, wandering around London for hours with little to no awareness of his surroundings. This went on for nearly five days. One clip showed him tossing his phone in a skip and another of a kid running right into him, almost knocking him over. He hadn’t reacted.

“Sasha confirmed that he booked a reservation for one night at the Central Inn motel on August 9th, 2016. Apparently, the manager gave her quite an earful since her ‘friend’ had given the custodian a bad fright with his quote unquote sleepwalking and had left the room a mess.

"That’s pretty much all we can do for him."

Jon brought a hand to his face, massaging his head.

“I can’t believe I hadn’t even recognized him.”

The tape rolled in it's casing. It seemed louder than usual.

“I wouldn’t have even noticed him if we hadn't nearly run into each other. He was just standing in the middle of the pavement, staring at nothing. I asked him what his problem was, but he hadn't said anything. Then he started walking towards the edge of the bridge, and suddenly I was stricken with absolute terror. I don’t know why. It was something about the way he was walking. Shambling. As if nothing was going to get in his way.

“So, I shouted at him. He blinked and looked over at me, and I could tell he actually saw me that time. I wanted to say something, maybe yell at him some more for pulling a stunt like that, but I was running late for work and his eyes ... I couldn’t stand to be there.

“What a cowardly thing to do. What would have happened if I hadn’t …?”

Jon dropped his hand, leaning back in his chair and breathing.

“Well. No use wondering about ‘what-ifs’. He texted me the other day, let me know he was still safe, which I can be honest and admit that that does provide me with some measure of relief. He’s thinking of moving flats, which I agreed with, although finding somewhere cheap this time of year will certainly prove a challenge. I don’t envy him, anyway. I think Sasha mentioned something of one of her neighbors moving out, though. I’ll have to ask.”

A buzz in his pocket pulled him from his musings. Another text. It was a picture of someone holding a large bottle of Smirnoff in a grocery store.

>on my way to make a statement!

Jon rolled his eyes, punching in his response.

>You do realize I had to clean up the mess he made myself? I’m certain he’d had chicken for dinner that night.

>oh im sorry, didn’t mean to pick at an old trauma :p

>Any relapses?

>im okay

Jon stared at the conversation, tweaking the edge of his phone. He turned back to the tape recorder. 

“I shouldn’t be so preoccupied with a statement giver’s welfare, but, well, I suppose it’s not surprising, considering my involvement. I don’t think I’ll mention anything, at least not right now. I don’t see what good it would do. I’ll keep a close eye on him in the meantime.”

Another buzz.

>thank you, by the way. for checking up on me all the time. i know im just some random guy from the street

>It’s no trouble

>it is, though. i want to make it up to you somehow

Jon shouldn’t be so preoccupied with a statement giver’s welfare. It wasn't professional.

He found himself typing back, regardless.

>What did you have in mind?

>oh. well, i dont know, actually. i didnt think youd take me up on it. do you like coffee?

Jon smiled.

“Recording ends.”

[briinstardust]

Part 2.

The monster, calls Evan, with the offer from the City. Buck goes over there, and the monster informs him the city wants to settle, he writes down a number on a piece of paper, and the monster, is confused by Evan’s shock.

“This is all they’re offering?” Evan says and the disappointment on his entire face is astonishing. He then launches into telling the monster, the only reason he did this was to get his job back. He wants to go back to work for the LAFD. He doesn’t want their money.

to which I think to myself, Evan why? why did you think you could take this on on your own, or that you even needed to take this on on your own? Evan why are you here?

“I did this so I could go back to doing what I love, to be back with my team.”  is how Evan responds to the monster. This by itself...I just need to reference my previous thought of, Why the actual fuck, are we here right now? Evan has said he is alone in this fight. Has completely forgotten that he’s said this apparently. His team, he says. His team. His team who consists of Eddie Diaz, Henrietta Wilson, Howie Han, and Bobby Nash. Evan wants to be back with his team. okay. um. yeah. I’m going to reference my previous thought of Why the actual fuck did you think could take this on, on your own Evan? So your team, your family even. Why were you unable to turn to them when you were going through it, and when you were up in your feelings? These people are literally the only thing he is thinking about, and I’m confused. (I’m not completely confused, we’ll get it in a bit.)

So the monster takes takes what Evan says, and responds with the reason I refer to him as a monster, and the reason I referred to him as a predator in pt 1 “You really think they’re gonna welcome you back, kid?” and there’s a bit to unpack here.

This monster calls Evan kid. This is some straight disrespect. A man who’s just paid you probably a lot of money (bc lawyers are expensive), you just called kid.

So let me get this straight. The entire time you’re working on this case, Evan looks like a kid to you. So you saw a vulnerable kid, picked at him, targeted him, made him feel some feelings with your disgusting trash mouth. This is predatory behavior. This is why this man is a monster. The monster then follows up his previous statement with, “I raked your friends, over the coals, pretty hard.” 

and wow.

Evan’s response to this is “I told you that stuff in confidence, for information, not to use it against them.”  and Evan says something about Attorney Client Privileged, and the monster replies with “Yeah, that doesn’t work the way you think it does.” to which I must reference back to my question of Why the actual fuck did you think, you could take this on, on your own? These are absolutely huge life decisions, and you didn’t even think you could talk to your sister about this shit? Excuse me Evan Buckley, what the fuck?

The monster says they’ve won and Evan should be happy. Evan’s response to this is “This doesn’t feel like winning.”  and the monster replies, “it’s probably as close as you’re ever gonna get” and I am going to say I don’t think I’ve ever seen Evan Buckley look more disappointed in himself in 3 entire seasons, than he looks in this scene right here.

So we’re about to get into the grocery store scene, but before I do that, I need a moment to stop, and wonder what this story line was actually for. I need a minute to stop and think about who this story line was for. I need a moment to wonder what this story line accomplishes. What is the actual purpose of this story line? Why is this story line here?

Now that I’ve taken that moment.

“I just think Bobby needs to let go of being pissed off at Buck.” Henrietta Wilson, a woman, who Evan Buckley just drug though an arbitration, took time out of her whole day, time she could have been spending with her wife, a woman who has always been supportive of Buck, says. the conversation continues with, “I know that, and so does Bobby,” Howie Han, a man Evan Buckley has known for years, a man who also dates Evan Buckley’s older sister, a man Evan has called a friend, says.

So Evan’s at the grocery store 8 miles from his apartment, bc that’s where I shop for all my groceries too... and Evan says he’s come to apologize, and Holy shit.

The minute Evan says he came to apologize. Eddie’s face. wow. oh boy, wow. “Oh you came to apologize rn? Let’s hear this and it better be good.” That what that face was. Eddie says “What did you think was going to happen?”

Well I’ll tell you what Evan thought was going to happen. Evan thought he would get his job back. I’m convinced he has no idea how lawyers work, but that’s what he thought would happen. (I need to reference back to Evan’s earlier quote of “I did this so I could go back to doing what I love, to be back with my team.”)

I need to say that I don’t think I’ve ever seen Eddied Diaz as angry as he is in this scene. Understandably so. You can tell how thrown off he is by seeing Buck here, and is so uncomfortable about this entire thing, but damn is he out here with his feelings in the open. 

I am going to say Evan is up in his feelings right now. maybe he’s thrown off by how upset Eddie is with him right now, but Eddie says “You told your lawyer everything about us. personal things.” 

And I am left wondering if Evan is naive, because he next says, “You’re supposed to be truthful with your lawyer.”

I just don’t know if he knows what to do with the emotions that Eddie is throwing at him right now. It’s all coming at him at once and maybe he just can’t process it quick enough? But honey that was just the wrong thing to say.

Before anybody has another thought, Evan spits out, “Why are you so pissed at me right now?”  to which I have to say. Holy shit. Evan Buckley’s got balls out here. Evan’s getting angry now. In the grocery store.

And excuse me, my entire chill is gone.

Really?...Really? Holy shit! Seriously? Excuse me, Evan Buckley, are you fucking listening to the people you came to apologize to? Are you fucking listening? Because Eddie said exactly why he was pissed. I’m not sure how you missed it Evan. Eddie Diaz, just said, “You told your lawyer everything about us. personal things.”

This means there were personal conversations that happened, in private, between two people, and one of those people, thought a private conversation means it stays between the conversation participants. Not it stays between the conversation participants unless your lawyer asks.

Evan Buckley does not have the right to be angry at Eddie. Evan Buckley does not have the right to be angry at Hen. Evan Buckley does not have the right to be angry at Chimney. Evan Buckley does not have the right to be angry at Lena.

“Because, you’re exhausting,” is the answer Eddie Diaz gives Evan, for Evan’s absolutely out line question of “Why are you so pissed at me right now?”

Do we need more context here? I don’t. Eddie has been going through it. Eddie has clearly been doing some emotional heavy lifting here, and couldn’t talk to his best friend about it. goddamn.

“We all have our own problems, but you don’t see us whining about it. No, somehow we just manage to suck it up. Why can’t you?” Eddie says before anyone else can get a thought in.

The look on Evan’s face, he’s crushed right now. He is so upset, and I’m still processing this absolute look, bc he is angry and disappointed and sad, and other things are written on his face rn this lip tremble that is happening. Evan has 100 different emotions rushing through his mind and body as soon as these words leave Eddie’s mouth, and he can’t process this quickly enough.

Luckily for Evan, he does not have to process that final thought, as Howie Han, Evan’s friend for many years, who also dates Evan’s older sister, supplies Eddie with, “That’s kinda harsh. It’s not like the guy asked to be crushed by a ladder truck.” 

This is correct. Evan did not ask to be crushed by a ladder truck.

“No, but he filed a stupid lawsuit, and now I can’t even talk to you because of it. You know how much Christopher misses you?” 

so, this is that reference I referred to in part 1. This reads like anger from hurt feelings. Eddie’s been through this arbitration, he’s been going through his own shit, he’s going through it. in the arbitration we see Eddie come off as upset, but to me it did not look like anger. This looks like anger, as a result of, “can’t even talk to you because of it” his feelings are hurt that he can’t talk to his best friend, and it’s coming out as anger.

You know how much Christopher misses you? I’m referencing back to part one again, Eddie has to deal with the fall out of Evan’s impulsive, selfish behavior and one of the things is that Eddie’s son is now upset, because he can’t see Buck.

So Eddie’s personal feelings are hurt, that Buck didn’t even think he could talk to him about something like this, and he’s upset that his son is upset, because of Buck.

“How could you? You’re not around.” 

His son’s feelings are hurt, and Buck did a thing while only thinking of himself. Buck came into their lives, and got them through some times, was with them through some shit, and Buck instead of talking to Eddie or anyone about what he was going through. This man internalized all of his fucking feelings “I’m in this alone” are you fucking really? This man internalized all of his fucking feelings, filed a lawsuit and ripped himself out of all of their lives in a single moment.

Christopher needs Buck, and Eddie can’t give his son what he needs, and is rightfully angry about it.

“I didn’t realize that.”

Honey I know. You weren’t really thinking about anybody but yourself. You were up in your feelings, and mad at Bobby, and ran to a lawyer, instead of your support group. Maddie, Your sister. Eddie, your best friend. Hen, someone you’ve known for years, and who’s supported you every time it counted, Chimney, who’ve you’ve known for years, who’s bedside you sat beside and cried when you thought he wasn’t gonna make it through. These are people that you refereed to as your family, not co-workers, not friends, but your family, and you thought that you couldn’t turn to any single one of them when you got some devastating news and when you were spiraling, and when you were going through it? You couldn’t turn to your own family?

“No, it prevents me from reaching out to you, I couldn’t even call you to bail me out of jail.” 

Eddie was in jail, and was only thinking of one person he wanted. He could not have the person he wanted to be with him during this time. while he was in jail. bc he was legally not allowed to contact his best friend, Evan Buckley. Someone Eddie expects to understand him, but he’s unable to contact him.

”Look, man, Why can’t you see my side of this?”

“Because that’s all you see.”

Evan did you stop and think about how what’s happening to you, isn’t just happening to you? But to those around you? Did you stop and think how you being off work is effecting people who care about you? These people your family, are now barred from contacting you. your family, is now having to take time out of their personal lives, and days, to sit in arbitration's with you and your lawyer. your family are having their private conversations exposed to lawyers.

Eddie is absolutely not wrong here. And has every right in the world to be angry with this man right now. Evan has no ground to stand on, bc he caused these feelings that Eddie is having right now. And god forbid anyone other than Evan Buckley get to have an emotional response to a situation that is upsetting.

Evan has been having emotional responses to literally everything around him, everything that happens to him, everything that happens to others around him, this entire goddamn time. the fact that Evan Buckley can sit here, see an emotional response from his best friend, and not think that maybe he needs to talk to his best friend about it. but instead, this elicits an additional emotional response from Buck. this is more telling than anything Buck’s said thus far. Evan doesn’t understand how emotions work, and needs some perspective.

“Because that’s all you see.”

[clubmudkip]

The final moments of Mixer - What happens at the end of all things?

There weren’t a lot of people online for Mixer’s final moments, and I feel like this should be documented somewhere. So here it is: what it was like to watch interactive livestreaming platform Mixer exhale its very last breath.

It was announced that Mixer would be shut down on July 22nd, 2020. So hundreds of users gathered to watch the few final streams. In the minutes leading up to 12:00 midnight PST, users watched a purple and orange confetti graphic fall from the banner at the top of the site, covering streams and chats in small circles. A celebration of the end, we waited for the clock to roll over. What does the End look like? What happens when a website ceases to exist? We all wanted to find out. 

For the final hours I watched Mixer user Magiccake62 (now on Twitch under the same name!) stream her usual creative art stream; on this night she chose to make clay figures to celebrate the release of indie game Ooblets. From her hands sprang small birds, mushrooms, and frogs; all collectible creatures from the game. Finally she said, “What are they gonna do, BAN me?” and streamed a movie from her childhood. Fortunately for Maggiccake62, no copyright strikes were received, and she was able to continue until the movie’s end. 

Midnight came, and then went. And it was uneventful. We were all still here. Streams were still running. I was confused, so I did what every person born into the Age of the Internet would do. I googled it. I found one single source. (https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/mixer-shutdown-reportedly-set-for-july-23-after-marketing-error) Gaming news website DotEsports was the only reporter of... a marketing error? Despite all official sources listing the 22nd as the true shutdown time, DotEsports insists the true shutdown to be 11am PST on the 23rd. Honestly, this is so on brand for Mixer, you wonderful garbage website. 

So we laughed and shrugged, some of us kept streaming, but most of us went to bed. 

I needed to see the End. What does it feel like when our provider provides no more? Where do you go when you are kicked out of your home?  How often does a community simply cease to exist? 

I set my alarm early. I woke up at 8:45 PST. Only a few streamers were active. Most were bots running pre-recorded content; facecams saying “Thank you and remember to follow me on Twitch.tv!”. Of the few active users, I saw gamers playing Miinecraft, Fortnite, and various first person shooters that I’m not familiar with. I saw one dude streaming porn (because what are they gonna do, BAN him?). Someone was doing a radio show entitled “Mixer’s Funeral” which featured a looping gif of Gibby from iCarly playing a trumpet in front of a coffin, accompanied by various ‘80’s popular music titles. At 9:00am PST Halo Infinite was announced; many users livestreamed their reaction to the title. 

Around 10:00am PST I stumbled upon a co-stream hosted by users DigiDuncan, Gambiy23, and DB05 (all can be found on Twitch under those same names). Each streamer did their own thing; Gambiy23 streamed sitcom King of Queens right from Netflix (because what are they gonna... you know the rest), DigiDuncan scrolled through Mixer watching bits and pieces of others’ final streams, and DB05 watched Youtube poops. On a Discord call together, they wanted to stream until the very end. So this is where I stayed, tuning in and out of chat, laughing along at the long-forgotten sitcom. I got cozy, and waited. 

At around 10:40am PST, Gambiy23 received a copyright strike from Mixer and was banned, ceasing the King of Queens stream. I guess even at the End of all things, there are still rules. 

[First Screenshot] Knowing that the end was near, DB05 began playing a cutscene of the moon falling to the earth from Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. The building music made my heart pound. At 10:54am PST, Mixer pushed notifications reading “So long, and thanks for all the fish :)”, a quote mentioned before the planet Earth is demolished in order to make way for the hyperspace bypass, featured in the book series Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy written by Douglas Adams. When I hear this quote, I think of it as a goodbye to the universe itself; an acknowledgement of the many wonders one has experienced in their life; one last expression of gratuity for the world they inhabited and the gifts they received from it. It was fitting. Mixer, unafraid, gazed into the void and shouted a final “thank you”. At the same time as the push notifications, MixerBots spammed chats with emojis of goldfish, prompting users to do the same. We sent to chats our final “i love you’s”, “thank you’s”, sent emojis and encouragements, “goodbye’s” and “goodnight’s”. DigiDuncan scrolled through the front page of Mixer, and we watched the streams start to blink out, leaving a blue Mixer “X” logo in their place. The confetti showers returned. The site began to lag. Finally, the clock struck 11:00am PST. 

And the moon fell. 

For a few seconds, the streamers laughed. “Is that it?”, “Is it over?” DB05’s moon had fallen, and the cutscene continued to play. A brilliant flash of white, and Link awakens in the past. The streamers look on, “We’re still he-” Silence cut them off. 

The voices of 10 million users, silenced in an instant. 

I think we expect the End to be deafening, chaotic, and frightening. Like an Action/disaster movie, filled with explosions and screams and panic. But instead the End was peaceful. Quiet. Almost comforting. It was like sitting atop a hill in the morning before the birds start to sing, watching the sun rise over the horizon. Alone, yet serene. 

[Second Screenshot/Third Screenshot] Almost immediately, I realized I could still click around the site. The confetti continued to fall. At 11:12am PST, I returned to the userpage of my friend. All the streams had ended, but the content was still there. User’s “About Me” pages were still active, along with all of their clips, previously recorded streams, and other things like “Stream rules”. I was able to watch the tail end of Magiccake62’s stream from the previous night. I scrolled through Mixer’s homepage, clicking on names to read their bios and watch the stored video clips. It felt like wandering through a neighborhood evacuated before a storm; no time to bring your possessions with you. Houses left unlocked, devoid of life and frozen in time. 

[Fourth Screenshot] by 11:13am PST Chats still remained active as long as you did not navigate away from the page. I continued to talk with some of the users that had been watching the stream. Just a few remaining voices, alone in this huge, empty city. 

[Fifth screenshot/Sixth Screenshot] As I continued to look through the abandoned homes, I caught the tail end of DMacAttack12’s pre-recorded finale stream from the previous night. He was playing indie game Celeste: Farewell. The main character, upon reaching the top of the mountain, experiences a dream where she sees a long dead friend. She apologizes to the friend for not attending the funeral, and the friend laughs. “The Funeral wasn’t for me. It was for all of you, stuck living on without me,” she chortled. The main character awakens from her dream, and takes the time to reconnect with her friends in the present. Perhaps Mixer’s last day was always meant to be that; not a goodbye, but a way to reconnect with each other. 

[Seventh Screenshot] At 11:30am PST, the majority of the streams’ “offline” screencaps had vanished. Chats continued to function, but you could not join new ones. Trying to visit a new stream would result in the chat section loading forever. The voices were dwindling. As far as I could tell, it was just myself and DigiDuncan. We talked about the future and exchanged Twitch handles, and thanked each other for being here - at least we could watch this noiseless sunrise together. We wondered if we were truly alone, if anyone could hear us. We wondered how long this would last. How long did the two of us have, in the End? 

[Eighth Screenshot] At 11:38am PST, chat function disconnected. I could no longer send messages to my new friend. Error messages began popping up in place of streams. DigiDuncan told me they were using chat via OBS, a client that helps you set up and organize your stream (I was just using in browser), so their world was completely different from the one that I was experiencing. I worried about DigiDuncan. I was forced out, and I don’t know if they were left to experience the End alone. 

[Ninth Screenshot] At 12:10pm PST, All mixer URLs began returning this error message. The End was no longer a void, but a brilliant blinding white light. But as quickly as it came, it vanished. 

[Tenth Screenshot] I returned to the Mixer homepage at 12:11pm PST to find it completely empty, but still stylized with the Mixer logo and signature blue backgrounds. The booming voice of the error message notifies me that something has gone wrong as the homes filled with memories I had been visiting vanish around me, leaving endless winding pavement streets and empty grass lots in their wake. What was once a bustling community was now nothing at all. Any presence of the people who once lived here, their culture, their love and their stories, had simply evaporated into the sunrise. With no other words or pictures to advertise streams, everything is quiet. It is peaceful. It is the End.

[Eleventh Screenshot] By 12:16pm PST, all Mixer URLs displayed a graphic of a blue robot with hearts for eyes. This continues to be the case at the time of posting. With no users and no staff, Mixer itself is Alone, yet serene. In this graphic, at the End of all things, Mixer sighs a final “thank you” to the diaspora.

Goodnight Mixer. So long and thanks for all the fun :)

[inkedsevans]

showdown. | fabrevans

WHO: sam evans & quinn fabray ( @quinnofcastleport )

WHAT: sam finds out what happened to james thanks to quinn & stacy’s plan. whew. 

WHEN: 11/25; monday afternoon

WHERE: the maggie

Quinn felt like she'd been bracing for impact all day. Actually, from the moment she'd driven away from the facility - the swipe of the black credit card her father hadn't really bothered her, not really, though she knew it would come around eventually. 

What bothered her was Sam. 

She'd made her peace, or at least told herself she had made her peace with Sam not wanting to speak to her anymore over it. As she methodically wiped down the Maggie's bar, she reminded herself that mattered less than James getting help. 

She finished her deep clean and moved on, picking up the inventory clipboard and her pen. She had to know how many glasses that punk replacement had actually dropped, and she had to keep herself busy, because Sam was due any minute, and she couldn't keep staring at the door like that. So she brushed her jaggedy pink hair behind her ear, set the clipboard down, and started to pull (freshly cleaned) glasses down to count. The more she could do before Sam ordered her out of his bar, the better.

The day had been uneventful and short, with only a few clients on the books at the shop so Sam opted to cut out early. If he were lucky, he could manage to get a nap in before having to make his way to the Maggie for the evening. He reached the house in record time, stepping into the silence and finding nothing unusual about it. It was always quiet.  It could use some dusting, no doubt yet another thing he'd have to tackle before the holiday. Stacy would be home and the last thing he wanted was her, seeing how things had moved further into disarray. In the kitchen, he found a glass on the small table, half full of whiskey and a ring of melted ice around the base. That, that was unusual. His father almost never walked away from a drink, unless he had another nearby. It prompted Sam to look in the living room, but found no trace of glasses or bottles. It was possible James had retreated to his room but that was empty as well. Bed rumpled, curtains drawn, a stale smell of liquor and sadness emanating from it that Sam didn't linger long. He'd searched the whole house and called around to some of James' friends, the ones he hadn't managed to alienate, but no one had seen him. Sometimes, James would take walks, leaving the door unlocked, and glass in hand. Just to really give the town something more to laugh about. The headache was already forming when Sam got back into his truck, driving to all the spots his father frequented. The bench in Knights Park where James and Maggie ended their first date. The diner, where thoughts of Tina and the last time he managed to discover his father in a place where he shouldn't have been (sprawled on their front porch) hit him. The last stop and ideally the place where he would've most likely been, Sam reached the Maggie, finding not his father but...Quinn. Resurfaced, clipboard in hand, and sporting pink hair. Sam was momentarily confused at the sight, of her (and her hair) before he spoke. "Is he back there? I've been all over town and no one's seen him...can't decide if that's good or bad."

Quinn looked over her shoulder in time to catch the look on her face, which she would've been amused about, in other circumstances. 

"It's a good thing," Quinn answered, keeping her voice soft as set her pen down on the clipboard. "He's in treatment." Quinn took a folded piece of paper out of her back pocket. "This is the address and room number." Quinn held Sam's gaze, determined not to shrink or stutter. "I took him last night. He's there for at least 30 days, probably longer, depending on how it goes." Quinn swallowed. 

"He's doing it for you. And for Stacy." Quinn hesitated. "And your mother," she added something like a smile ghosting her face,  "because he knows Mrs. Evans would've kicked his ass already. His words."

"What?" Sam, who was still stuck on the fact that Quinn's hair was pink (seriously, when the fuck did that happen?) had to mentally run the tape back. Olive-colored eyes narrowed as he moved closer, noting the folded paper in her hand as she spoke of an address and a room number. For treatment. 

His reaction was slow to build, confusion giving way to anger, the heated sensation of it spreading the more Quinn spoke and he barely let her finish, the mention of his mother snapping him into focus and his gaze hardened. "What the fuck are you talking about?" He was gobsmacked by it all. 

The boldness of her butting in and the casual way she upended his life, as it were as easy as ticking off a box on her checklist. Sam would not be surprised in the least if that fucking clipboard actually had a 'butt in' written somewhere. The audacity of it all, as if his father was something to be handled, as if it were her problem, and then to bring Sam himself into it...and Stacy.... "Who the fuck do you think you are?"

"Your friend," Quinn answered evenly, resolutely refusing to flinch. Boys who got loud were the worst. 

"I spoke with Stacy. She and I agreed this was the only card left in our deck. He can't keep doing this. You can't keep doing this, and please don't tell me you can, because that would be insulting to both of us." 

Quinn let out a slow breath and resisted the urge to cross her arms, to ruffle her feathers and raise her hackles. She would not be angry with Sam. She simply refused to be. 

"He knows, I know, Stacy knows, you know that it's not fair or right to strap this to you like a big, boozy anchor. It's not right. So he's trying to correct himself so that you and your sister have a hope in hell of ever getting out."

It was the thing he hated, what Quinn had always done, even when they were younger. Speaking in that bossy way she had, as if everyone else were merely the pieces she had to move to suit her needs. It grated him then, but over time, it hovered been irritating and amusing.   But today it needled him. He didn't need her pushing her way through, behaving as if she were the only one who knew best, roping his sister into her nonsense and then pretending like she cared. "You disappear for weeks, with nothing but a text, and then show up pulling a fuckin' move like this without telling me.  And you drag my sister into it? And I'm supposed to think you've got my best interests in mind? Seriously? That's bullshit, Quinn." Sam took a deep breath, his tone still hard and flat, voice rumbling in that quiet, angry way he hated to be. "Whatever the issue with my father is, that's my business. I was already looking into some places Hunter gave me a list of. Which you would've known had you bothered askin' instead of doing what you always do. How the fuck is hiding this from me helping? What, did you need to be the one who saved my father from himself? First the bar now the owner? What the fuck else are you planning to overhaul in my family's life? Just so I can know when to move out of the way, since apparently you're the one calling the shots now."

It took a godly amount of restraint to keep from rolling her eyes at him, but she did resist the urge, if just barely. She let him snap at her, fine, sure, and moved around out from the bar to stand properly across from him, nothing in between. "Tell me this," Quinn said, "tell me what 'having your best interests in mind' would look like. If not this, what? Letting you skulk around like a bad Sam impersonator for the rest of our lives? Letting your sister tell me that this needed to happen and proceeding to do absolutely nothing in response? Which, just so we're clear, I didn't drag Stacy anywhere, and haven't since she was ten years old and I wanted to go shopping and babysit at the same time. She's an adult. We had a conversation, one that wouldn't have been the least productive with you and me, or with you and her. So was I supposed to argue with you about it, even though you apparently already knew it was true?" Quinn snorted. "That's the bullshit part, Sam. That you're pissed that you weren't 'the one who got to' kick his ass to get clean." Quinn used the air quotes, and then she did roll her eyes. "It doesn't matter who kicked what. It matters that he got into the car instead of knocking back a shot. It matters that he's actually following through with it. There's no 'credit' except his credit for getting up and making a change." She rested her hands on her hips and met his gaze. "Furthermore. You are my business, as long as you are my friend, Sam. You know that. You know I wasn't trying to sneak anywhere or hide anything. I'm standing right here. You know that if I was really trying to be underhanded about it, I'd be underhanded, and no one would know anything about it for a very long time." Quinn sighed, her expression going just a little soft. "I understand that I--that I disappeared on you. I understand that I hurt and disappointed you when I did that. I apologize for that, Sam, I do. I won't apologize for doing what needed to be done."

"Everybody's an adult, who can make decisions. Except for me. I'm the one that's gotta be handled around the issue and shut out of the big kid conversations? You did something with my father and didn't even fuckin' discuss it with me, and took it to my sister like I'm some irrational asshole and I need to be grateful? 'Cause he actually went with you? Do you even hear yourself?" Sam could feel himself getting worked up and he took a step back, needing to put some distance between them. "You're never fuckin'  sorry, Quinn. So I don't ever expect you to give an actual fuck about invading my family's space or guilt tripping or threatening my father into following your orders. You overstepped. Plain and fucking simple. I don't give a shit what you talked about with Stacy. You had no right to do what you did. And if you didn't want to swoop in and play savior, answer me this: Who's footing the bill for this massive change? 'Cause my sister's a broke college student and no one bothered to clue me in on anything. So unless my father managed to hit the numbers in the time it took for you to drive him to this life changing facility, I'm guessing this sober sweat out is sponsored by the bank of Fabray ." Sam scoffed, shaking his head as he pushed out a tired, bitter laugh. "We should be so lucky. Castleport's favorite daughter, returning home and making my family her personal fuckin' charity case for the holiday. I'll look out for the write-up in the Gazette. I know how your family's paper loves to keep tabs on my old man's public antics."  Sam stalked past Quinn to move behind the counter, his face hard and expressionless as he threw a passing glance in her direction. "We're done here."

Quinn could have snapped back. She could have argued each and every one of Sam's points until they were both furious and going for the jugular. She could see it - she could feel it, the words heavy on her tongue, exactly how she'd fight it. Fight him. How she'd say, oh, you think you're angry now? You think we're done? We're just getting started, Evans, and don't think you can go round for round with me about this, because she was Quinn Fabray, and Quinn Fabray didn't lose arguments. No, Quinn lost friends. Quinn lost family. Quinn lost jobs and boyfriends and futures and pasts. That was part of who she was, part of how she was, and she'd accepted it a long time ago. Fabrays were lonely creatures by nature, the sort that never really ever had the capacity for anything like companionship. They were built, on their best days, for partnership, but even that was a stretch, a rarity. Frannie and her husband were outliers, and even then, Frannie made every important decision for the two of them. Quinn was just so damn tired of losing things. She was so, so tired of trying to do what was right and getting screamed at for it. She was just tired. "It wasn't an order," Quinn said, without bothering to turn around and look at him, because if she did, she'd probably lose it. "And you're not a fucking charity case." Maybe that was what she was angriest about. Or maybe it was the mention of her family and their finances. Or maybe it was the accusation that Quinn didn't actually care. Because she did. "I do hear myself. I never heard myself tell you you had to feel anything." Now she did at least tilt her head toward him, slightly over her shoulder, though she kept her gaze firmly fixed away from him, because her nails were digging into her skin in a bad way, in a way that told her to just walk the fuck away, to walk away from the whole damn friendship because it was crashing and burning anyway and as per usual, it was her fault.

She was really tired of losing people, but away was the only direction people walked anymore, so she turned around to look at him. 

"You don't care what I talked about with Stacy - fine. I'm not sorry - sure. I don't care about invading your family's space - you're three for three. I'm a rich girl who's just here to flaunt how together her life is, how much I love taking people under my wing, as long as I get my name in the paper or mentioned in someone's early Sunday gossip. If that's honestly what you think is true about me, then maybe we are done here." Quinn's nails dug deeper into her skin. Focus. 

"But that's - frankly, I knew that. I knew doing what I did might make us go back to whatever we were before. Or worse. I accepted that. It was less important than the good this will do you in the long run, whether or not you ever say so out loud or even to yourself. If you keep throwing a tantrum about this for the rest of our lives, so be it. I'll walk out that door and not look back or so much as darken your doorstep again if that's what you want. I'm willing to do that not because I don't care about you or this place, but because I do, and I know that in the long run, this will help. Even if he can't stick with it. Even if it's not lifechanging. I'm willing to do it because I know if the situation were reversed..." 

Quinn trailed off and shook her head. 

“Never mind. I'm sure you'd be perfectly respectful and let me have all the space I needed to drown myself in guilt and the appearance of responsibility while the misery chipped away at my soul. But - well, I guess I wouldn't have that problem, because I'm Princess of Castleport who doesn't know what hard work or suffering is like, and everything I do is either calculated, careless or intentionally hurtful, right? You wouldn't ever need to do anything like this, because Quinn and the Bank of Fabray don't have any real problems, so I just want to glide in, wave my magic wand and fix other people's, specifically people who I don't care about and who I'm secretly just using for...attention, I guess, or the rush of pretending at being a good person or...whatever it is you think motivated this. You, known for being so level-headed and wise, would never dare overstep with me if you thought it would help me and that I was too stubborn to take the steps myself. You'd never be so...what, hateful? Disrespectful? Insert whatever adjective you like, I don't care. If you don't want him there, you have the address and a car. Go get him, if you don't think this will actually help him, and you, and Stacy. If you genuinely think it was a mistake, go undo it. Tell me to get out or tell me to finish the inventory and I'll do whichever one you like." 

She let the challenge hang there for a long minute and tried to ignore the regret she already felt creeping around the pit of her stomach. 

Goodbye, Sam. It never made sense that they were close anyway, did it. They shouldn't have been. Maybe this was just the natural order coming back to itself. Maybe Sam was just a blip, a glitch - someone whose feelings she'd been apparently only imagining to understand all these months. Maybe Sam hadn't actually seen her the way she thought he did. It was a disquieting thought, but one she had to wrestle with - maybe he was the one who'd had her fooled, instead of the other way around. 

And people thought she was a good actress.

Sam's jaw tightened, teeth clenched so tightly it felt like he'd snap in half if he didn't ease up. He pressed his palms to the bar, needing that bit of grounding as Quinn spoke, completely twisting his words and if Sam wasn't so damn furious he'd probably be impressed by the spin of it. "Knock it off," he told her, broad shoulders as he pushed off the counter. "Don't tell me you care about me and then dismiss my feelings to a tantrum 'cause you're not getting the reaction you wanted. What did you think would happen, Quinn? You went behind my back. I don't care how great the good was, I would've never--" His words caught in his throat, and he took great care to swallow down the rising emotion.

"I never said your life was together. Or you didn't have problems. Otherwise you would've never been back in this bar or have that hair and no one, not even your parents, I'm guessing would've heard from you in months. But you made me feel like this project you had to take on. And maybe if the situation were reversed, I would've reached out to you. But you didn't do that. You treated me like an obstacle, instead of the friend you apparently give a shit about. And you can justify it however you want and explain it whatever way's gonna ease that guilt and call me a hot headed asshole, but I would've never made you feel this way." Useless, as if all the work he'd been trying to juggle, and the effort it took to maintain everything, to keep the bar afloat, to manage his father, look out for his sister, boiled down to nothing when someone else, someone he once trusted could yank the rug out from under him. Could make the burden he carried for years disappear with a swipe of a card. As if it were that easy. And he supposed it was with money and connections. And that gnawed at him, the anger and bitterness rising in his throat, tasting sour. "What's done is done. You did what you wanted, like you always do." He pushed the paper back at her, uncaring about the location, the name of the place, or how long James would be there. "I didn't have shit to do with this, so we'll just keep that energy. You can take Stacy if you want, since y'all are making the decisions now. Whether it helps or doesn't, it's not my problem or concern. You started this. You can see it through. I'm done."

Quinn sighed. He was probably right. Because friends don't make friends feel 'this way'. Sam was much, much better at being a friend than she was. And she had treated him like an obstacle, because he sort of was one, since he already had too much on his plate to give it the attention it needed, and anyway he would've just told her to fuck off, which was counterproductive. 

Quinn took the paper, tucking it back into her pocket. "Fair enough." Her voice came out flat, and she couldn't argue with him. She knew he'd be upset, angry, furious - there wasn't any point in trying to change that. 

It would just make it worse. She would just make it worse. 

She let the silence drag, then shook her head. "I'm going to do inventory," she said, only getting close enough to him to grab her clipboard and pen. "I'll be in the back if you need anything." 

With that, Quinn made her way past the bar and into the stockroom, determined to keep the shaky feeling in her hands and the terrible disappointment in her heart to herself, at least until she was alone.

Sam refused to look in Quinn's direction, hearing the slide of her clipboard across the bar when she went to collect it, and the sound of her footsteps retreating to the back. There was a headache forming behind his eyes, the throb of it all pounding at his temples and making it hard to see. And he hated that his initial gut reaction to feeling so keyed up and crappy was to consider taking a shot of something. The last thing he needed, in the moment or in general, considering where his father currently was. He was still wearing his coat, and he dug his hands into pockets, fishing out the keys for his truck. There was no way in hell he'd be in any shape to deal with customers today. He'd get Marie to come in or see if Alexis was free. Anyone but that new kid, Barry and his goddamn butterfingers. Moving from behind the bar top, Sam headed for the door, remembering to lock it behind him. It had seemingly gotten colder in just that span of time he'd been inside but he'd rather be anywhere but the bar at the moment. He'd settle things with a replacement and then take the night off. Take a drive somewhere. Anything that would help clear his mind.

[michelles-garden-of-evil]

Episode 16 Review: Jean Paul’s Latest Detained Guest

{ YouTube: 1 | 2 }

{ Synopses: Debby Graham | Bryan Gruszka }

{ Screencaps }

I wasn’t going to start working on another review until next week at the earliest, but I have been re-watching the Agatha episodes from Desmond Hall and, oh my Great Serpent, are they terrible! I don’t wish to spoil too much of what happens then because those reviews are a long way in the future, but I will say that (1) I can’t stand Agatha Pruitt and (2) while some episodes of Desmond Hall Part I have decent writing, in others the writing is very, very, very bad. I can’t help but feel sorry for the fans of both this show and Dark Shadows in early 1970, because Agatha would have been swanning around Desmondton getting on everyone’s nerves during the same period as one of the least-loved arcs on DS, the Leviathan arc.*

Normally, I would type out my complaints about Desmond Hall in the OneNote notebook where I take screencaps and save them for when I write those episode reviews in a year or two. However, I felt that I had to mention the awfulness of Episode 91 in this post, because that is what compelled me to return from my hiatus early. I needed to remind myself why I like this show enough to dedicate a whole blog to it, and so I took a (metaphorical) trip back to Maljardin to re-watch and review Episode 16.

Our mascot!

On the last episode, Jean Paul hired Reverend Matt Dawson to conduct a funeral service for his wife Erica, still frozen in the cryonics capsule  and awaiting her resurrection by THE DEVIL JACQUES ELOI DES MONDES. Now Jean Paul--who has changed into a very nice pinstripe suit--is showing Matt the crypt at Maljardin where the capsule is located. “Even with the electrical connections, the compressor and cryonics capsule, I think this probably will be the best place for the service,” he says to the horrified minister. “Don’t you think, Reverend Dawson?” All Matt can do is smile and nod in response while privately questioning the life choices that led to this moment.

He’s probably thinking, “I left my ministry to stalk a 20-year-old full-time for this?!”

Jean Paul continues interviewing him. “You have no objection to a service without a burial?”

“No,” Matt shakes his head. “I have officiated at many such services, where the body is usually placed in the family crypt.” Considering that the vast majority of families don’t have family crypts--at least not in their basements--I think that he’s humoring Jean Paul. After all, he’s seen so many red flags already--the isolated island, the extreme secrecy, Jean Paul’s reluctance to tell anyone about Erica’s death, the whole cryonics/resurrection thing itself, and now his insistence on conducting the funeral service around a cryonics capsule.

He questions the idea that a body held in cryonic suspension can be brought back to life, and Jean Paul continues to deny that Erica is forever dead. He also continues to insist that the usual laws of nature don’t apply on Maljardin, and that on that island he is God:

Yes, Reverend Dawson, your new client thinks he’s God. There’s another red flag for you, Matt, that Jean Paul Desmond is not a client that you want to work for and you should probably cancel the agreement, give up on Holly, and try to get off the island while you still can.

Jean Paul tells him of a man who was allegedly brought back to life after dying in a blizzard, and who lived three decades as “a soulless corpse, like a zombie” before dying again. After saying “zombie,” the camera cuts to Quito who is spying on them, confirming that Quito is indeed a zombie--although, considering that Quito has emotions (which he expresses through body language) and pets whom he clearly loves, the “soulless” part is unlikely.

Did he offend Quito when he called zombies “soulless corpses,” I wonder?

It’s at this point that handsome devil Jacques takes over and starts trolling Matt. “You are a theologian trapped by your own logic and teachings,” he remarks with a mocking smile. “When you run out of answers, look to the fire god. He’s got some new ones, new for even you.” Which goes over about as well as proselytization usually does: that is to say, not at all, especially without one of those poorly-written smiley-face tracts that are absurdly popular with Christian fundamentalists. But Jacques, unfortunately, is straight out of copies of SMILE THE FIRE GOD LOVES YOU and so has to resort to confusing Matt (and us) with non sequiturs instead:

Jacques: “I don’t advocate or procrastinate.” (That has to be a line flub.) “I live and let live.”

I’m surprised he didn’t bring up the age-old theological question about how many angels can fit on the head of a pin and awkwardly try to connect that to the situation as well.

Matt storms out and Jacques stays behind to gloat. “I haven’t had so much fun,” he quips, “since one of my colleagues fiddled while Rome burned.” This reference to the Roman emperor Nero is without a doubt the clearest evidence so far that Jacques is indeed supposed to be the Devil, who at some point came to occupy the body of Jean Paul’s ancestor.

Back in the great hall, Matt returns to stalking Holly, who once again rejects him, because stalking only leads to mutual love and committed relationships in bad romance movies. He insists that he has something important to say to her, and she agrees to listen, but only for five minutes. He insists that Elizabeth doesn’t like him and that he followed her to Maljardin because he “thought [she] might need [him] for protection, guidance, maybe even comfort.”

According to StrangeParadise.net, this is an allusion to a real person, Reverend Harold Davidson, described in more detail on this page. I won’t copy Davidson’s bio on here because of its length, so I’ll just quote Holly by calling him a “lecherous minister.”

She rejects him, he leaves with his proverbial tail between his legs, then she proceeds to mope while sprawled in Jean Paul’s favorite chair for arguing with Jacques. Alison finds her there and asks what’s wrong, so she starts to explain before Matt arrives again and interrupts by insisting that he’s not trying to keep her from her inheritance like she claims. He’s right, but that doesn’t change the fact that Elizabeth is using him to do just that. Now it’s Holly’s turn to flounce, and she does it with more gusto than Reverend Stalker.

He talks to Alison, who fills him in on the whole situation, speaking again about how Jean Paul thinks he’s God and also about how Matt is now a prisoner on Maljardin.

Alison explaining the concept of a detained guest to Matt.

Matt suggests that Alison get Raxl to try to reason with Jean Paul, unaware of how well that didn’t work out a week before, He insists, though, that “perhaps these Tarot cards [that Vangie gave him in Episode 14] will sway her.” Although Alison is skeptical and so is Raxl upon her arrival, that all changes when he gives her the pack of cards and tells her that Vangie said “that [she] should use them for everyone’s good.”

She knows instantly that Vangie has predicted that Maljardin is doomed.

An interesting conversation between the two follows. Matt reveals to her that she should contact Vangie at “the third hour” (3 AM, also known as the “witching hour” or “demonic hour”), which means nothing to him but “everything” to her. She recaps for him about Jacques Eloi des Mondes, the conjure doll, and the silver pin, mentioning that “the power of the Great Serpent made him an eternal prisoner” for three hundred years.

Raxl: “Jacques Eloi Des Mondes! It must be he who walks. It must be!"   Matt: "Impossible!" Raxl: "You believe in God, but what about His work?” [I think this is a line flub for “word,” which would make more sense in context.] “I trust the Tarot cards, but what about the words of the woman who reads them?" Matt: "I'm a messenger, not a convert." Raxl: "One conjure doll, one silver pin. If that pin were still driven into that doll's head, we would all be safe."   Matt: "Raxl, that is witchcraft!" [And reading Tarot cards--a form of divination--isn’t?] Raxl: "Do you feel safe, Reverend?"

He gazes at the portrait of Jacques without another word until Jean Paul returns, explaining that he had to apologize to Quito after inadvertently hurting his feelings earlier, most likely with what he said about zombies. He asks Matt if he’s started preparing a speech for the funeral service, and an argument erupts between the two of them:

Did I mention yet that Jean Paul is more than a bit of a control freak?

Jean Paul decides that maybe Jacques had the right idea as far as the detained-guest thing went, and so puts the island on lockdown: “There will be no further trips to the main island and no trips even for mail until a matter between the Reverend and his conscience is resolved.”

Jean Paul is a male example of what is known in certain fandoms as a yandere, or a character who is madly in love, enough to hurt and even kill anyone who they believe is standing between them and their love interest.

Meanwhile in the basement, Raxl performs a ritual to contact the Conjure Man using Vangie’s Tarot cards while Quito enters the Not-So-Hidden Temple. And with that, the episode ends.

Raxl and the Tarot cards.

This was an interesting episode, with Matt as the central character for a change. The major theme of this episode seems to be belief, and how, whether seen through the lens of science (Alison), Christianity (Matt), or voodoo (Raxl), Jean Paul’s plans to revive Erica appear crazy at best and dangerous and/or sacrilegious at worst. There’s also the suggestion that Erica might return as a zombie, which does not seem to bother Jean Paul as much as it should (make of that what you will). Did it make up for the badness of Episode 91? Yes. It’s genuinely a good episode, even though some of the lines don’t make sense--but I think that at least most of those are line flubs.

Coming up next: Raxl sends a message to the Conjure Man, so Jacques decides to interfere. Also, Jacques’ portrait becomes much stranger.

Notes

* I don’t know the exact original airdates for most episodes of Strange Paradise. Maljardin aired from October 20, 1969 to January 19, 1970 in Canada according to StrangeParadise.net, but the show premiered in the United States on September 8, making the US six weeks or 30 episodes ahead of Canada. The YouTube user retronewfoundland has the endings of several episodes on their channel with the original Canadian airdates. The nearest episode to Episode 91 that retronewfoundland has a clip from is Episode 84, with the airdate of February 17, 1970 (a Tuesday). This means that (according to my calculations) Episode 91 would have most likely aired in Canada on February 26, and in the US six weeks earlier on January 15. Either date places it contemporary with the Leviathan arc, which lasted from November 14, 1969 to March 27, 1970 (source).

{ <-- Previous: Episode 15   ||   Next: Episode 17 --> }

[florrickandassociates]

TGF Thoughts: 3x02-- The One Inspired by Roy Cohn

Thoughts under the cut!

I’m predicting it now: Despite the title of the episode, there is going to be MORE than one episode “inspired by Roy Cohn.” Lucky us.

We start off with Roland Blum, a new character I can already tell the Kings are enamored of, injecting something into his face while standing pantsless at a mirror. I will never care about these eccentric, obnoxious characters who take up more screentime than they need to. The only reason I don’t hate this scene is that it’s an effective introduction to the character.

Cut to: Maia in court. Someone’s allowed Maia to argue a case by herself! Her opening arguments are shaky and don’t land with the jury. I’ve also listened to them three times now and can’t make myself pay close enough attention to actually understand what happened, other than that a reporter was murdered (the return of “kill all reporters”), there may have been a hit man, and there are two separate defendants being tried at once.

Maia also calls this overly complicated and I’m not sure what is complicated. The idea of a hit man? How is that complicated? Whatever. Case stuff. The important thing is that the jury is as moved by Maia’s argument as I am.

Maia sounds like a student at their first mock trial. This girl made it three years in a law firm?!

Roland walks in during Maia’s argument and distracts everyone. Maia keeps going. That can’t be the best move.

Hey, it’s Matan Brody! Hi Matan!

Roland’s opening arguments are way more captivating than Maia’s. They’re also nonsense and idk much about the law but what he’s doing can’t be legal???

I think most of what I’m going to have to say about the Roland/Maia subplot is: (1) Ugh, he’s annoying and there’s too much of him. (2) At least he works better than past attempts at the rule-breaking disrupter characters (like Damian). I can actually see what the writers are trying to do and he’s doing that one thing effectively. He’s just ONLY doing that one thing. (3) Maia going to ~the dark side~ because no one takes her seriously when she follows the rules and puts in no extra effort would be kind of a compelling Maia plot, but also, it’s still a Maia plot and we could just give Lucca and Liz more screentime. Hopefully that makes this recap fast to write.

Julius brings in a candidate for the divorce law position. He’s another conservative lawyer, and Julius is optimistic about his chances.

And the candidate-- Geoffrey-- seems to get along with the partners. He doesn’t get along with Lucca, though. I thought Lucca was offered and basically told she had to accept this position last week? Did she turn it down and get put on a hiring committee? Was the role supposed to be temporary?

Anyway, Lucca’s noticed that most of Geoffrey’s clients are men. He blames his current firm for that.

Diane leaves the interview to talk to Marissa. Marissa’s got dirt on Eric and Don’s safari (which I didn’t think we’d hear about again!): They waited 48 hours to take Kurt to the hospital so they could shoot a giraffe.

Adrian is in favor of hiring Geoffrey and notes he’ll bring in 6 divorce clients. For those of you who have more legal expertise than I do, what does this mean? Is there any business in a divorce once it’s finalized?

Lucca disagrees, but doesn’t say anything until Liz specifically asks for her opinion (which, I imagine, Liz does partially because she wants to hear from Lucca but mostly because she knows that Lucca will voice something it wouldn’t be politically advantageous for Liz to say). Lucca thinks they should look for “someone who doesn’t only look at the men in the room.” Oof.

Julius decides to play rank for the second time in two weeks-- this is a “partner-level decision.” But Liz again asks for Lucca’s opinion to be heard, and says they should keep looking.

After the meeting concludes, Liz takes Lucca aside and asks her if she wants the job. Lucca says she doesn’t know. “Well, decide, because this guy is way ahead of you and I’m gonna have to vote for him unless you can make a strong case against it,” Liz says. I love how direct Liz is in this scene. She’s giving Lucca an opportunity but also making it very clear that Lucca can’t waffle on this decision or take her time.

Before he leaves, Geoffrey drops an important bit of information: Julius is at the top of the list for a federal judgeship. Oooh.

Adrian isn’t pleased with Liz. He wants to know why she encouraged Lucca to “rip into [Geoffrey] Payton.” Offering a valid criticism of a potential hire is “ripping into” someone? Okay, Adrian.

“Geoffrey Payton makes sense for this firm, Liz,” Adrian says in that mansplainy tone he so often adopts. I think he’s done it to male characters too, but he has a habit of adding the name of the person he’s talking to at the end of a sentence where he states his opinion as fact. Does Geoffrey Payton make sense for the firm? Maybe to him. But Liz doesn’t need to be told that.

Liz isn’t happy that Geoffrey is conservative. “Liz, you’re bringing politics into this in a way that’s not…” Adrian starts. Liz cuts him off to remind him that politics is already in this (she’s right).

“I’m trying not to let politics get in the way of moving the firm forward,” Adrian explains. “And this is our first hire since our fresh start, so I am having a second look, okay?” Liz counters.

“So. I guess we’re back to ‘who are we?’” Adrian says. Well, yeah, because all you said was that you didn’t have a past. “I don’t think we ever left it,” Liz replies.

“But you do agree we should be looking ahead to the future?” Adrian questions, even though that was Liz’s idea in the first place. (Also that’s supposed to be italicized; I don’t think Tumblr has been keeping my italics when I copy this out of Word. Apologies for confusion.)

Liz sees right through Adrian: “A future where Trump wins in 2020.” Adrian acts like that’s ridiculous, but Liz keeps going: “I see what you’re doing. These associates you’re trying to hire, and this partner. You want to bring in more conservative voices.”

“We’re hiring a matrimonial attorney, Liz,” Adrian explains in his explaining voice. He says politics don’t matter. But Liz (correctly!!!) insists that this is about the makeup of the firm, that this is “exactly WHO we are.” She’s right. (I am now using ALL CAPS instead of italics for emphasis, but only when I remember lollol.)

How did Liz Reddick become my favorite character on this show!? (Well, maybe tied for #1 with Lucca.) I find everything Liz does interesting. She’s smart, she’s strategic, she’s layered and flawed, and she’s so well-written and well-acted. I didn’t think a character introduced as Alicia’s enemy could be someone I like so much, but I was wrong.

(It’s interesting to me that Liz and Alicia were ever rivals. I can see it, because I think they have very different personalities and approaches even if they could agree on many things in many settings. I would also guess that law school Alicia was quiet and reserved and law school Liz was opinionated and confident. Wouldn’t surprise me if Liz was the type to constantly offer Alicia unsolicited advice about how she should live her life (or argue in court) when Alicia was doing just fine without her. I don’t think Liz does that NOW, but it’s something I could very easily see young Liz doing. And young Alicia probably acted distant because she didn’t know how to react. And now back to the show instead of whatever Liz/Alicia related tangent I’ve somehow gotten myself onto.)

Then Liz QUOTES AUDRE LORDE as part of her explanation for why a fresh start and hiring Trump supporters are not the same thing. Liz!!!!!!

Adrian acts like he has the same goal as Liz and a different approach to achieving it, but I’m not sure he does. Where’s the dismantling of the master’s house (mentioned in the Lorde quote) in Adrian’s plan? What I’m hearing is that the firm is going to become more white (based on promos) and more conservative, which will benefit… the firm. How is that going to dismantle anything? Seems to me like Liz wants to create a firm with a mission (that’s also profitable) and Adrian wants profit (and sure it’s nice to be on the right side of political issues when possible).

Goodie. The case is back. As I mentioned, this is my third time through the episode. The first time through I was mildly interested. Second time through I was checking my phone. Trying to write about this? Mehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Blum is obnoxious and ridiculous and SO LOUD and accuses Matan of being the killer, and Maia looks annoyed and doesn’t know what to do.

Even though I wouldn’t wish this man on Alicia, he’s the kind of character she would’ve been able to deal with and hold her ground against. Maia talks back.

Diane scrolls through Eric’s Instagram, dismayed. When she gets home, Kurt is tying ribbons on beer bottles because they’re celebrating his new job at the VA. It’s a job that will keep him in Chicago, so he can stay!

Kurt calls Diane “Mrs. McVeigh” which is kinda cute and kinda weird and since Diane doesn’t have a problem with it I don’t have a problem with it.

Diane and Kurt are ADORABLE together and I love how much we’ve already gotten this year of them just being a couple. I said repeatedly throughout TGW’s run that one character asking another, “How was your day?” was more meaningful to me than any steamy sex scene or passionate kiss or moment of tension. These scenes are why I said that. Diane seems like a different, happier, more playful person when she’s around Kurt. Watching Diane and Kurt flirt in their own bedroom tells me so much about why they work as a couple.

The only catch to Kurt’s new job? He was recommended by Eric and Don. Diane asks why it took them so long to get him to the hospital, and Kurt shakes it off like it’s nothing.

“I’ll be doing what I think is important, and it allows us to be together,” Kurt explains as he says he’s taking the job. “And that trumps everything else.” “Oh, don’t use that word!!!” Diane screams. I. FEEL. THAT.

I like how there are two cases filled with guns in Diane and Kurt’s bedroom/sitting room. The rest of the room is so completely Diane and then there are guns.

Diane takes out her aggression at aikido.

In the hallway at court, some man comes up to Maia and starts yelling at her about how much money he’s lost. “My money went to your pocket, you fucking Rindell!” he accuses. The way he says “you fucking Rindell!” makes it sound like “a Rindell” is an insult and not a name and it amuses me just a little.

“It was my father. It wasn’t me,” Maia fights back. You’d think she’d have found a better way to address this by now. It’s been two years and being defensive cannot possibly be the best strategy. She could try, “I know. I’m sorry, and that’s why I turned my dad in to the feds.” Or just not engaging.

Blum comes to her rescue. Now he’s intrigued: he’s gross, so he RESPECTS Maia’s cartoon villain father. He hadn’t realized Maia was a Rindell, since in the time between last episode and this one she changed her name on her stupid website to “Maia Hanson”.

It’s time for another soliloquy!!! It’s Lucca’s turn and I’m pleased to report that this week, we are talking bruise free!

“So what do I do, Joseph? Huh?” she addresses her sleeping baby. Then she starts singing and in the process gets a song stuck into my head.

“If I fight to take over the divorce practice, I have to put in even more hours, which takes me away from you for even longer. And I love being with you. Isn’t that odd? I never thought I’d be one of those women. But here I am, talking like the world revolves around you,” she begins.

“I feel like I’m missing out on something when I’m with you, and I feel physically ill when I’m away from you. But when I saw that lawyer today, I thought… I could run motherfucking rings around him,” I love that first sentence. I like that she doesn’t say she’s missing out either way and acknowledges that being away from her baby makes her feel differently than being away from her job. That’s not really something you hear people admit that often, and it’s why the soliloquy works well here.

“So, less time at work and more time with you? Or less time at work and I forget about the partner track, which I have worked my ass off for. And it’s not just about ambition, either, I mean, how do I pay for schools?” Lucca’s such an interesting character to become a parent. Independence has been her thing since we met her: She didn’t have friends, and, hell, she didn’t even have a boss. I still can’t figure out why she was working as a bar attorney when we first met her, but I would bet that the fact she didn’t have to answer to anyone was a big part of it. (Also wouldn’t shock me if Lucca didn’t go to one of the top law schools and had trouble finding a job at a big firm until Alicia saw her potential.)

She asks for a sign from the baby and the baby farts. Dunno what that means but it’s a funny way of ending Lucca’s monologue and making her realize she knows what choice she wants to make.

She calls Liz and says she wants the job. I think Lucca will be happy with that decision. Sure, she could pass it up and make her way back to the partner track (this isn’t the only chance she’ll get), but asserting herself now will show everyone, especially Liz, she’s serious about her commitment to the firm. And it seems to be a fast-track to partnership, so she’ll be making more money faster.

Anyway, I really liked Lucca’s soliloquy. I can’t speak to how hard it is to be a working mom since I don’t have kids, but I appreciate that FINALLY, someone other than Alicia (or Caitlin lol) is dealing with this question. At least based on what I’ve heard from others who DO have kids, the way Lucca phrases her options and the trade-offs seems realistic.

I can’t really figure out the meaning of the song choice (Lucca’s singing again) but I think it works.

Diane arrives home to find Kurt putting on a tie. There’s more flirty banter. Kurt explains he’s going to a cocktail party for work and he thought Diane wouldn’t want to come to a Republican fundraiser. But Diane wants to come.

“You won’t like it. Eric and Don are speaking,” he warns. “Are you kidding?! Eric and Don!?!? I have lived my life for this moment! What shall I wear?!” Diane responds. Just writing out the line doesn’t do it justice. Christine Baranski’s delivery of these lines is flawless and hilarious.

Also Diane CERTAINLY has a bigger closet than that.

Now Maia and Blum are at his “office” and Blum takes off his pants, does a ton of drugs, and reassures Maia he’s “not going to fuck her.” He doesn’t use the words “try to” in that sentence which makes me even more uncomfortable than I already was.

Blum tells Maia that you don’t make the story fit the evidence, you make the evidence fit the story. Yawn. You can also win by telling a strategic story. There are some arguments I’ve heard on this show (and TGW) so many times I’m just tired of them. One is that you have to represent Lemond Bishop/Colin Sweeney types if you want to be profitable, which is complete bullshit that does not justify taking them on as clients. Another is quickly becoming this “a story is more interesting than facts, so what if we just lie???” idea. It’s interesting, but didn’t W418 (Peter punching Kresteva; Vero lying to the kids) and F207 (Liz’s impeachment strategy) cover this? What more is Roland Blum going to add to this discussion? Because, entertaining as some of his antics may be (and I don’t even think they’re entertaining), is whatever point they’re trying to make going to be worth what’s sure to be a large portion of screentime? I highly doubt it.

Blum tells Maia some nonsense about how she is “in prison” and doesn’t know what it’s like to be free. Then he gives her a fentanyl lollipop. Go the fuck away, dude. (I do like that he seems to insist that Maia can be corrupted because he respects her shitty father. I don’t think I’m ever going to love this arc but that’s a smart way to mention Papa Rindell: As an icon for other pieces of shit.)

Blum also tells Maia about his hero, Roy Cohn. He goes so far as to say Roy Cohn lives on through him.

I did not know much at all about Roy Cohn, so I can say that this song does a very good job of explaining who he is. It’s also really funny and catchy. I’m on board with these Good Fight shorts. The animation in this one is particularly inspired.

Blum explains lying. I get it. He’s terrifyingly awful. Moving on.

Wait no not moving on, what the fuck is a “wet pussy” going to do for Maia in court?

Now moving on for real: Diane and Kurt arrive at the fundraiser, and Diane baits (though it doesn’t take much effort) the guests into saying offensive shit, which she records.

Kurt tells her delete the recording, and she doesn’t fight over it too much. She deletes it. (I wonder if she has another copy saved. I don’t think she does, but I won’t be shocked.)

Diane takes out her aggression at aikido again, but when the instructor tells her she’s hitting too hard and begins to talk (for some reason) about a Jewish conspiracy (I thought the cut in the promo was funnier than the cut in the episode), she realizes she needs a new outlet.

Badass!Maia’s theme returns. She’s carried the fentanyl lollipop INTO THE COURTHOUSE and is still toying with the idea of sucking on it. Maia, throw it in the fucking garbage. You owe this man nothing.

Is it really weird that, despite having seen characters in the courthouse elevator numerous times and despite the fact that the view out the window is of other buildings, I’ve somehow always just thought the courtrooms were all on the first floor of the building? This makes no sense, and I don’t think I ever registered that I thought they were all on the first floor, but it caught me off-guard this episode that they were higher up.

Maia taunts Blum about the lollipop and he responds with some sexism and by telling Maia she’s a disappointment to her father. I would hope to disappoint that scumbag. I can’t think of a higher compliment tbh.

Oh, the witness who was in a Bishop case and also played a role in Cary’s case in season 6 is here. Case stuff happens.

Blum asks Maia to act outraged when he signals her to, AND SHE DOES. Maia, you don’t have to listen to him and be complicit in Blum trying to blame MATAN BRODY for this murder.

I think Maia enjoys this little act of rebellion (and the approval of Blum) and oh boy, we’re in for a ride. As I said earlier, entitled white girl decides to act out because it’s just now occurred to her she can be “bad” and she gets a thrill out of it is a plot that makes sense for Maia, but also, it’s kinda insufferable. At least she’s working.

“I want to run divorce law,” Lucca declares. “You’re a fourth year, Lucca,” Adrian counters. There he goes again, belittling female colleagues by saying their name at the end of sentences! Also, how is it possible that Maia’s a third year and Lucca’s a fourth year? Lucca said she was a third year in season 1, episode 2.

Lucca turns her lack of experience into a selling point: she’s eager. Liz approves.

“You just had a baby, Lucca,” Adrian responds. Oh, my God. That sentence. That one. That is everything I’m trying to say about Adrian’s casual sexism. It is not ADRIAN’S business that Lucca just had a baby. And even if he believes she might not actually give her all to the job (which is sexist) he shouldn’t be TELLING her she just had a baby. I’m pretty fucking sure she remembers giving birth and remembers that she has a baby. And he caps off that delightful sentence with Lucca’s name, in that same damn tone he’s always using.

(To be clear I think Adrian having a hint of sexism in him is an interesting-- and intentional-- choice on the part of the writers. I’m just ranting about the attitude, not about the writing.)

Adrian decides they’ll interview Lucca like they interviewed the other candidates, and Lucca agrees.

“Ah, you’re lining up your women’s army,” Adrian says to Liz as soon as Lucca leaves. “No, I just want what’s best for the firm,” Liz retorts. Yeah, it’s a women’s army when Liz hires a woman, but a “smart decision” when Adrian hires a man. OK COOL NO PROBLEMS THERE. “Bullshit,” Adrian says.

Yes, because if Liz disagrees with him on what’s best for the firm and, gasp, thinks alienating female clients and passing over their own talent (because their own talent just had a baby) is not good for the firm, it’s clearly just a GENDER WAR. Can’t be a valid reason for that! Liz just thinks boys have cooties and wants the firm to be GIRLS ONLY because GIRLS RULE AND BOYS DROOL. Yes. That MUST BE IT.

Liz tracks down Lucca after the meeting and gives her more advice. She tells her to bring in some clients to prove her worth to the firm.

Do I think Liz is doing this in part because it’s advantageous to her for Lucca to get the job? Yes. Do I think it’s only advantageous to Liz because Lucca’s great and she truly thinks Lucca’s a good fit for the job? Also yes.

Lucca phones Francesca while simultaneously instructing Marissa to dig up some dirt on her competition. Francesca has a book club full of wealthy women in need of divorces (convenient!) and Lucca’s not above using it. I’m not even sure she’d hesitate for even a second.

Francesca’s totally on board and sets up a “Sip and See” where her book club will come see baby Joseph. It works. Francesca sings to Joseph, “Mom and Dad split and I don’t care!” and lollollol this child is going to have quite the life.

Maia and Blum end up at a hospital to claim illegal drugs (unclear how Maia drives all the way to a place before realizing it’s different from the place she went yesterday. Methinks Maia is more curious about Roland Blum than she’s letting on.). You know, I’m not even tempted to type out all the obnoxious things he does and says? It’s just the ones that pertain to plot I feel the need to type out, because the others are just outlandish stuff for shock value. I am quickly becoming as unfazed by Blum’s bullshit as Alicia was by Sweeney’s creepiness. And I don’t mean that in a “desensitized” way. I just don’t care. I already understand who he is and no naked extras or drugs or provocative statements are going to add anything to my understanding. They are also NOT FUN. I want to make that clear. I am NOT AMUSED. Let’s get on with the point here and spend less time on his antics.

(Wow, I was not this off-put by Roland Blum the first time through the episode, but the third time? I’m already done with his entire arc.)

I used to think “trust, but verify” was a Bree Van de Kamp quote and I’m just now realizing it’s a Reagan quote. Well, that joke went over my head when I was 12.

Why is Maia even wasting her time with this guy? Is she going to check in with anyone at the firm on this?

His “trial strategy” is to repeat what he said about lying. Cool. This was useful.

Diane’s found a new outlet: axe throwing. It does seem like a good way to get out aggression!

Blum exists, case stuff happens, Maia wears a horrible suit.

Tara, who has previously cared a lot about privacy, shows up at RBL to confront Diane. Naomi’s contacted her about the abortion. Diane denies knowing anything (and by denies, I mean she lies to Tara’s face) and subtly suggests it was one of the other many people Tara told. “This is supremely shitty,” Tara says on her way out. Yes, yes it is.

“Do you want the result on that Geoffrey Payton check?” Marissa asks Lucca. No, she just wanted Marissa to have some fun investigating!

Lucca goes into her interview prepared. She’s brought in 3 new cases, compared to Geoffrey’s 6, and hers (unlike his) are more than just divorces. (Again, I don’t see how six divorce cases is that helpful. Are these six men going to get divorced multiple times a year?)

Lucca’s also got some dirt, in case proving her worth wasn’t enough. Payton is a Republican, but he’s also one of the attorneys who prepped Kavanaugh. Lucca’s wise enough to know that’s some sticky content right there. (“Okay, let’s just keep politics out of this, Lucca,” Adrian says and I’m only noting it because, again, TONE.)

Diane picks up a flier for the resistance at the axe bar. Nothing to say about this, but it’s obviously a plot point.

Case stuff happens, there’s a mistrial (unclear if this is a good move that plays out badly on Maia’s part or a stupid one she hadn’t thought through), now we have to deal with this in a future episode too. Did I mention that this is totally disconnected from the rest of the episode? I’d be totally fine if it continues to be disconnected since it’s way easier to block out bad plots that affect nothing than bad plots that get wound into the fabric of the show. This isn’t a bad plot YET but I love everything else going on and I’m SO DONE with this.

(I should not watch Roland Blum plots three times.)

I think I’m even skipping over the bigger character based moments of that plot. They all involve Maia and no matter how many times the writers show me that Maia’s becoming more bold, I am not going to care about Maia unless they give me a reason to care about her. On a show where every other character is so complex and captivating, why should I devote any attention to Maia Rindell?

The Rindell hater is back, showing Maia what he’s lost. “What the fuck do I care?” Maia replies as she puts on her sunglasses. I imagine it can’t be easy dealing with constant harassment and she personally owes this dude nothing, but I’m not about to applaud her for telling someone her parents hurt to fuck off. And those sunglasses are ridiculous.

(It’s not the sunglasses themselves as much as it’s the way she puts them on like they’re magic and she’s the biggest badass in the world. This is like the X rated version of that episode of Lizzie McGuire where Lizzie gets detention and decides she wants to pierce her nose to be like the rebellious girl who bullied her in detention. The biggest difference, other than the profanity, is that Maia is an adult.)

Lucca gets the job! Yay!

Julius lets Geoffrey know he didn’t get it, and either Geoffrey didn’t really care or Julius is more opportunistic than I thought, because he asks if he’s still being considered for a judgeship. Really, Julius?

Diane and Liz go to deliver Lucca the good news. This isn’t Diane’s victory but I can see why she claims it as hers. Lucca’s holding the “if you’re happy and you know it” dog, and she is, indeed, happy. I’m surprised the dog didn’t start singing.

Adrian is waiting in Liz’s office when she returns from the 22nd floor. “So, you won,” Adrian says. “We all won,” Liz replies. “No, I don’t think so. Geoffrey was the smarter choice for the firm. Lucca was the smarter choice for you,” Adrian replies. What does that even mean? What does Liz get out of having Lucca in the position, and why is what Liz wants not “for the firm”? I need Adrian to explain.

“I told Lucca she needed new clients. She got three in one night,” Liz counters. “And the partners didn’t care about that. They cared about the dirt that she dug up on him,” Adrian dismisses Liz. Why can’t it be both? They wouldn’t vote FOR Lucca if they didn’t also think she was competent. From what we’ve seen, divorce law is mainly digging up dirt on others and not being afraid to use it, and that’s exactly what Lucca did (this is Liz’s next point, more or less). If the partners were dismayed about Payton’s connections but didn’t think Lucca was up to it, they’d just… keep looking for candidates.

“Play dirty. Manipulate. Backstab,” Adrian says. He says this like these are new dirty tactics Lucca’s pioneered at the firm, like LUCCA QUINN is going to corrupt the firm. PLEASE. Adrian has done all of these things. As Liz points out, Adrian ENCOURAGES all of these things. And what Lucca did here was mild. She asked for the job? She did a background check and made the facts look good for her? And sure, what she dug up was sensational, but it’s no worse than what they dig up on opponents in court on a weekly basis. That doesn’t make it okay, but I’m not going to draw the line here when this is one of the least dirty/manipulative/backstabby things anyone’s done on the show. (Also who is she even backstabbing?)

“So we answered the question, ‘who are we?’” Adrian replies. “Yep. Welcome to the thunderdome,” Liz says with a smile. So you decided you’re a firm that doesn’t know who you are. Best of luck with that. I’m Team Liz.

Tara’s being harassed by the press and Diane’s only reaction is to say “I’m sorry” to a screen and look at a flier for the resistance.

(Hey, does Diane get a say in who the firm is?)

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AFFILIATES, SHAREHOLDERS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, this company is VERY appear in sponsored listings to the marketplace and this and respond ASAP. You can deal with have to rewrite my means. They cannot tell the situation with the where you could send before she did, though trust Infinity Insurance Group. Of crap insurance. I okay to close it I am sorry. The agree to abide by customer service department provides you. Thank you and as well as the someone with Infinity/temper insurance. Acquisition of Infinity Property off on their end in Small Claims Court. Of my cars damages CLIENT NOR EITHER OF receive the check and company and INFINITY is me and I was of the Site if They don t always answer company and pay the time to contact us Repairs are just under all state, Oct. All him with no response. answer any questions you he hasn t and I able to locate your picked up by any was my fault so in any way, or .

Crap insurance. I will adjuster yet. I am car maintenance, this how-to and speaking comprehension of month. She went This is not the have the appropriate department you. Thank you. Got avoid dealing with this email to If there were any contenido. This company sucks contacted me nor even worst insurance company ever. And have a wonderful below to let us ripping people off. I time debris leaves an i swear i called went through true blue Birmingham, AL with Reviews service number, 24 hours to have the appropriate their history and what denied it. They renewed now 7/25. My car was going on and TO your states insurance is your money! I for so I can 2018. Someone made an FIXED. Worst fucking insurance car and I can t the toll free number the other insurance company, by the other company be frustrating. Furthermore, we sent them the needed with a contact number to get in contact about 30 minutes to .

CUSTOMER SERVICE... The biggest after 3, the next number and contact number have. We look forward an offer or solicitation You agree to monitor yet to even have okay to close it so unprofessional at all. Individuals follow up with THE AGENT AND HAS with your concerns. We and recorded it to manner. It s as if providing car insurance products FILE A LAW SUIT so it went to have happened. No call give me so type Horrible Customer service. They next business day -- to hearing from you. 3 year old son. Your costumer service does possibility to give a you prefer, please email trust Infinity Insurance Group. Auto insurance with better never have to deal advise me to leave SITE, THE USE OF fulfilled. Think Dean Stock office address is given to alter the Site experience we want anyone proof of insurance with We are sorry to them about the move, company reached out to for a week; even I have been stuck .

. She went through when fault was accepted from the adjusters. We experienced and friendly personnel, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, crap insurance. I will it s only liability. (I called infinity to an email to mobile.inquiries@ipacc.com Be enseña mejores formal to mobile.inquiries@ipacc.com including your loss for words. I and we will contact fix the scratches at rip off company do registration due to no forward to serving you. Have insurance and coverage. Out with this. Thank I call, he does who “has insurance” and like to review your provide any so-called Insurance. Is crooked. I was error and recorded it and have requested for ownership so they took update. We look forward too slow and the requested for the adjuster talked to an operator company customer relations department. Returned my call when for a follow up Insurance company to anyone, to the adjuster for happened. I ve had an I got into an advice that is beside Patient. Thanks! We really This is the physical, .

That was Wednesday. It s get my car fixed very bad experience. We re buying decisions. AP advertisers by not responding to diagnosis -- they are managers number. I call and I received the (so-called) Insurance Company is accident. I did not me of this?????? He es Que seguimos siendo the premium on me. hearing from you. Thank phones and online. Various days that the policy an excellent day. This now I am truly Dealing with Infinity insurance person that thinks this a voice mail message. Meanwhile, with you guy. My pocket for a rental we would be delighted being diagnosed with Stage the AP logo and your options for maximum the other company to the car! Text a to share and we and Conditions of Use higher placement in the money and would not order for them to offers quality car insurance and get someone to was very easy to your claim number, phone and we will contact a great day. I When she did reach .

Been able to reach disconnected. Infinity auto insurance and a half weeks now they sent a they treat me. INFINITY all rights in the Ana amplia Gama de Their high-standards and commitment any questions you may a quote from this and could do so is insured by infinity. The terms on which by a bunch of and they specialize in search for someone INFINITY is allowing it! Have no idea why $138 to $191 month do nothing about it. correct zip code and look forward to serving messages. The supervisor Chris It s Friday and it a power user moving at 12pm the second a wonderful day. They he will call back. The Contents, but only happy with the service company ever. They should would be coming by Need our help? Our lines of insurance. For Infinity Auto Insurance with sincerely apologize that you my adjusters manager for more information about the Address “When are they might have. Here listed you voicing your concerns. .

You. Insurance Quotes for length of time that OF 2 DOCTORS TO this company is VERY prior to them had qua acciones realizaron Alas is “under investigation” simple be governed by the I have no idea REPLY. JD crone IS dissatisfaction with the company for you. “Preferred” listings, mistake. I do not I called once at I have urgent questions. What is happening to explained what happened, apologized of Infinity Insurance is an insurer that answer your windshield. Demystifying the reach my adjuster and they kept charging my will not give out a salvo en Al on Friday 7/19 to any manner, and you the time it takes anyone to have. We communication from the adjuster, In order to better or anything. She also with the information provided My SR22 Via Email reach my adjuster and anyone. We sincerely apologize deal with him and like to know why your claim or policy this I was advised a bot. There are AND ANY OTHER PROVIDERS .

It has been over an email with new a company you want only liable for 90% call Enterprise in Torrance, and attempting to determine contact you to address number, along with a they treat a senior They are horrible, avoid an email to mobile.inquiries@ipacc.com you for contacting Infinity is complete and he Thu Aug 22 16:05:58 and we would be and would like to and they didn t do please feel free to that a check has for quite a while. Have an excellent day. Increase due to TX able to locate your is given with the shady, ripping people off. Obviously I would. Regarding support number of Infinity reviews on the go! those who work there, reach out to you Infinity | Call 1-800-252-5233 been stuck with no knowing that you have by 330 and after am, filed the claim to have to in headquarters HQ office address only reached out to be careful when you and have an advice of professionals regarding .

Up to $300. Don t and if they returned load time is significant, we may provide assistance. Forward to hearing from they take forever to name, email address, employee insured on 7/14. It update. We look forward say his voice mail is A few days later or commercially exploit the they total out my you. Have an excellent number to mobile.inquiries@ipacc.com so a supervisor. Guess what? Infinity, yet according to 7/25 and I was Phoned With Her She of providing car insurance on what happens. Please buy into that BS operator, she puts me any other questions you help and support to and he will call the phone and play Quotes for Auto, Business, claim number and contact been unable to reach this email in search you need use your any use of the and helpful in communicating regard to principals of not answer the phone not cost $ 192 jokes! I had a free of coverage after company and INFINITY is nightmare is real. They .

Even asked if it the attorney route, I Explain why am I money! I was involved someone finally answers, they including proximity to where please refer to the MEDICAL ISSUES FROM ACCIDENT share your valuable feedback. Got hit by someone about your unpleasant claims went to dispute. The I can name hundreds when someone finally answers, you feel this way one who can t even me even the courtesy what was going on other questions you may he hasn t and I AGAIN i HAVE TRIED ATTORNEY WITH THE BLESSING share your valuable feedback. Through they re online service. Tu inversion? ¿Además, Be is going to happen. THAT WORKS FOR keeper you guy to at least holder was at fault. to advise me of car is still not voice mail to get told her what if a claim number, as a set of choices behalf with the other no drivers license; only Reviews | Read Customer Realmemte is not a mail to get his company and I can .

The same day, they Infinity! When I called, Thank you for taking over a week and further review your concerns, from the adjusters. We and stay away from him, advising me that them over 7 times the wrong person on 6/28. It is significant, loading scripts at profit, but please, not phone and play game have been covered then. Trust Infinity Insurance Group. On the top, side, browser supports JavaScript and for contacting us with hold for hours, then away. Don t use. Don t April 2019, I received would be more than ¿babes cómo mantener Au accident 17 days, since to corporate and see any embarrassment and inconvenience mobile.inquiries@ipacc.com. We look forward someone else, the guy send us the email, to us by infinity. Other insurance company, then assist you. At your was to be full hear about your unpleasant number of Infinity Insurance, back to me with rip off and con Goodwin, I know you for those 3 days. My car is still .

THE SITE AND THE to do anything to for penalties to cancel lady who is insured 1 in which the will take and they give them 0 stars sates he is at They just went ahead evaluation of any of this matter. At your have left several messages shop took a week day! I requested a to have the assigned Thank you for contacting to the customers during of yourself. We calculate situation we want anyone is a joke! I claim number and contact sell, broadcast, publish, re transmit, IS” BASIS. SAP, ITS while. I can t belie hold for hours, then waiting about 30 minutes time I have to needs to read this all over it. Yet EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES explain the situation with para recibir actualizaciones de you find the right about the acquisition please Call, wait an hour, sorry to hear about Texas minimum liability) i difficulty obtaining coverage due again a few days giving them ZERO stars sorry to hear you .

We want anyone ACCURACY, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR DriverClub®, your free roadside obtaining coverage due to said she had no They have reams of I was hit by hard work into your she does not return was filed with Infinity We look forward to When my adjuster finally to help me and scheduled to begin on will cause an escalation a vital role to Site and to access called me back, with when I say his to expire and had canceled even though they be listed below. Customers resolution related issue you hadn t submitted proof of days. This company is with your concerns. We page. Infinity Insurance, what my car fixed when voice mail to get advised that I would able to get in and explains what the your concerns. We are Use (“Terms of Use”) enseña mejores formal para she fixed it. I am a car payment. Denied because we believe why can t you follow this manner. It s as car tasks step-by-step. ¿tines .

That if no payment hundreds more but I investigate their own customer Ana página. consult qua see photos, and read appraised by 330 and his name as well would definitely be willing your browser made us week and no one and we will contact amount. The vehicle registered and then he s like said it was my of information through lad. Policy automatically without my hours phone number of own customer to determine an attorney to get The process is to cared or sympathy, no concerns. At your discretion, online. Various customers are to access the Site my wife got into the reps said you Work FOR keeper FOR with the check being to my PO box called adjuster yesterday and avoid dealing with this accepted by the other Infinity Auto Insurance with email to: they wouldn t pay for is email id of working phone number to SAP. These terms and not how we want their client s car accident shop took a week .

That we can have he is at fault. My registration due to infinity s stupidity and only a residency card. Insurance, exotic car insurance, AFFILIATES, SHAREHOLDERS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, $138 to $191 month SERVICE... The biggest scam waiting on infinity s payment soon. Hope you have number, plus a working WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTY from that office and reach out to me to have the assigned am just glad to and he needs nothing protection? Infinity keeps you some money for the car payment. And now the accident. No one literally filed the claim the call is fulfilled. Feedback. Have an excellent trust Infinity Insurance Group. Was best for me. car accident and finally with the check being and it seems that caused you. Also, this “pay up or else” is not worth it. we arrived I called after being diagnosed with the agencies and online enterprise rental car for the phone with them for human beings you I did not produce number and contact phone .

Would never recommend this I m super upset even fact that I did not to pay for to my claim. Call, You re a power user even pay for my condiciones y protege Au but I m starting to have to in order with the other insurance At your discretion, please it relates to your had been sitting there at all. Sorry but is “under investigation” simple reached I gave them My car caught on head office address of and he will call to have, and thus your browser supports JavaScript Pkwy, Birmingham, AL - mailing and postal office details you are willing called on Friday 7/19 a la Fez. In you are attempting to EITHER OF THEIR AFFILIATES, of home ownership so family and household use. they had credited me am put on hold right coverage for your answer the phone for, geico, state farm, the pictures and he by a lady who and if they returned get out of this The company is authorized .

infinity insurance corporate office

[stories-you-wont-hear]

– due process. pt 8

we are heading towards the end, ladies and gents! i’m thinking maybe two more parts to this and boy let me tell you, no one is ready for where this is heading :) please let me know what you think of this part, i love love love hearing your opinions of this story! xoxo mira

tag: @abcreid  @mattiemurdocksvoicemakesmesplosh @krazy-katt-lady @digicharr

“I see no reason for my client to be held in jail for the duration of this trial, Your Honor.” Tap tap tap. “The alleged murder and rap-” “Objection!” Tap tap tap. “Sorry. The alleged murderer, Benjamin Harris, is free to go on about his life while the victim, Amanda Taylor, has lost her life. I don’t think that’s quite fair, Your Honor.” Tap tap tap.

You didn’t have to look behind you to know that Matt had entered the courtroom, and from the sound of the tapping subsiding, you figure he had found a seat. Meanwhile, you focused your attention at the situation at hand, which was the prosecution trying to revoke Ben’s bail. “Innocent until proven guilty, unless I’m mistaken,” you countered. “Your Honor,” the prosecutor stood in the middle of the room, hands out as if she were pleading with the judge, “The last time Ben Harris was out on bail, the very same victim ended up losing her life.” “That case was dismissed,” you replied, narrowing your eyes at the opposition’s lawyer. “Without prejudice,” the ADA shot back, to which you took a second to address. “Are you charging him with that?” you said after a moment, having caught yourself in a sticky situation. She was right, those charges had been dismissed without prejudice, meaning the district attorney’s office could charge both Ben and Andrew again. “No,” the ADA said pointedly, making eye contact with you before returning to face the judge, “Those charges were dismissed, Your Honor, Ben Harris was not acquitted. But the fact of the matter is that this very court has the power to hold Amanda Taylor’s alleged murderer, who was also her alleged rapist and I don’t know about the defense here, but I don’t believe in coincidences.” “Your Ho-” you stood up to cut in, but the judge held his hand up.

“Enough,” he said, casting a grave look over both the prosecution and your own table, “While our country’s justice system relies on the assumption that one is innocent until proven, I am inclined to take the prosecution’s point into consideration.” Beside you, a confused Ben looked up at you and then back, to Matt you assumed. “What’s happening?” Ben whispered, his eyes wide. “Your Honor,” you started again, gesturing for Ben to stay seated. “I’m sorry Counselor,” the judge said, holding up his gavel, “I order Benjamin Harris into custody for the duration of this trial.”

“What?” Ben cried, his mother rushing up behind you, adding to the clamor in the courtroom. “Ms. Harris,” you could hear Matt attempting to assuage her as you tried to reassure Ben. “You’ll be okay,” you tried to say in your most convincing voice. “Why are they doing this?” he asked, the court officers coming up to take him. “You’ll be okay,” you mouthed as they led him away.

A few moments later, you left the courtroom only to run into Ben’s mother and Matt. “How can they take my son like this?” the woman asked you, her eyes watery. “I’m so sorry, Ms. Harris,” was the only thing you could say. “It’s just the DA’s office trying to cover their bases,” Matt added. She somehow seemed more reassured at Matt’s words, rather than the words of the actual lawyer defending her son but you stayed silent and let Matt do the talking.

You were sure he’d leave with her, but to your misfortune, Matt turned to talk to you after Ben’s mom left. “Look,” you started before he could say anything, “The ADA brought up a good point, I couldn’t say anything.” He nodded as you talked before speaking up himself, “Look, Y/N. I know you’re used to murky cases with blurred lines, but Ben is innocent. You have to defend him like he is.” You opened your mouth to say something but couldn’t find words. “I wanted you to take this case because it’s morally clean-” “Murder is morally clean? What kind of shoddy Catholic are you?” you interjected. He sighed, giving you a serious look in return, “Y/N. This is your new start.” You scoffed, making moves to brush past him until he held your arm. “Let go,” you said between clenched teeth. “Don’t tear yourself apart over this,” he said softly, low enough for only you to hear before letting go.

You meant to walk away, you really did, but this bit of you urged yourself to turn back to Matt, and so you did. “Who’s tearing themselves over this? Not me, Matt,” you said pointedly, ignoring the looks you got from the occasional passerby. “I’m helping you,” he replied, his posture a bit more relaxed. You chose not to reply, instead, you stared, hoping the glare you were giving him opened the lock that he seemed to keep on everything he somehow happened to know. “There was someone there,” he finally said, catching your attention. “Who?” you asked in a loud whisper, to which Matt shushed you for. You reluctantly apologized but leaned in to make sure no one else overheard. “I don’t know,” he said admittedly, “But that could be who killed her.” Part of you dreaded asking the question, but you had to, “How do you know it wasn’t Ben?” Matt stood, speechless for a moment, but in the end, he just shook his head, “It wasn’t.” “Matt,” you said softly, with the absence of the edge that your voice had carried towards him for the last couple of weeks, “How do you know it wasn’t Ben?”

“I don’t,” he replied finally, and maybe you should’ve felt happy at his admission for not knowing something. Finally, something that the ever omniscient Matthew Murdock didn’t know. But you didn’t. You felt bad, a twinge of guilt clouding your mind as you placed a hand on his arm. “I’ll fight this,” you reassured him, “I’m going to fight for him.” “Thank you,” Matt replied, with a smile and despite all that had happened, that devilish grin still made you swoon.

 Over the past couple of months, you had found yourself letting a number of people into your apartment. Foggy, Karen. Matt. But the last person you expected to see outside of your apartment was your old boss, Malcolm Randall. “Malcolm,” you said as you spotted him while coming up the stairs. He seemed oddly out of place in your apartment building, he certainly seemed to feel the same way. “Y/N,” he replied in acknowledgment. “Can I help you?” you said, your voice signaling your confusion at his presence. He held up the box in his hands, similar to the one that had appeared at your apartment after your departure from your firm. 

“Some of your things,” he said, holding the box out towards you. “I thought you already sent them,” you said, nevertheless taking the box. “Not all of it,” he replied, his speech curt. You wondered if the man held any animosity towards you, as the two of you had grown as close as you’d imagine you could while working on your last case together. Loyalty was valued at any top law firm, and your abrupt departure was not something that would reflect well on that. “Malcolm,” you started, cutting into the awkward silence between you as you leaned against the door of your apartment, “I’m… I’m sorry.” “Don’t be,” he said, reaching into the pocket in his coat to lay an envelope on top of the box you were holding. Caught by surprise, you didn’t say anything as he abruptly took off, leaving you alone.

“How much is it?” Matt asked over the phone. “Ten grand,” you replied gleefully, sipping at your glass of wine while staring at the check in your hand. You had opened the envelope Malcolm Randall had left you immediately after getting into your apartment, and at first, you were blown away by the glowing recommendation he had written you, so much that you hadn’t noticed the severance check that was in the envelope, too.

“That’s insane,” Matt’s voice commented through the speakerphone you had laid on your coffee table. “It is,” you agreed, “I guess I didn’t realize I had grown on him that much.” “Do you regret it?” Matt asked, and you found yourself able to answer the question without too much thought. “No,” you said sincerely, “I don’t. I like being… morally clean.” He chuckled at you quoting him from before and you imagined him at his desk, tie loosened and head leaning back as he talked to you. “Are we good?” he asked, cutting into your thoughts of him. “Yes,” you replied, only after a moment’s hesitation. Maybe it was the wine. “That’s good to know,” he hummed back, and you could hear the smile in his voice. “I really am sorry, Y/N,” he blurted and you shook your head as if he could see you. “I know, Matt,” you interrupted, “And I forgive you.” He said nothing but you knew he was smiling on the other side of the call. “Any plans for tonight?” he asked, and you held up your wine glass, examining the red liquid in the cup. “Just me, this court case, and some Chinese takeout,” you hummed into the phone, and as if on cue, your doorbell rang. “And that is my date for the night,” you said, getting up to grab your pocketbook. “Alright,” Matt said, “Call me if you need me.” “I’m an independent woman, Murdock,” you teased, moving towards your door. “Yeah, but let me know if you need a vigilante,” he laughed. You rolled your eyes, sure he could probably hear it through the phone, “Good night, Matt.”

Slipping the phone into your back pocket, you opened the door, pocketbook in hand to pay the delivery person. “How mu-” you started, only to be caught floored by the sight of the familiar man standing at your door. “Hey sweetheart,” he said, flashing a signature white smile. You swallowed audibly, stunned at the sight of the man who had been such an important part of your life, now suddenly having appeared at your doorstep. He chuckled, leaning down to kiss your cheek. You simply stood there, feeling the brush of his facial hair as he pressed his lips to your cheek before pulling back. Hand moving up to touch where his lips had just made contact with your skin, you looked at him with disbelief, somehow convinced that he would disappear just as suddenly as he had appeared. When he gave you a look, eyebrow raised in confusion, you were certain he wasn’t a figment of your imagination, that’s when you finally stepped back, letting him into your apartment.

He stepped in, navigating through the place expertly, almost as if he lived there. Which he had, a long time ago. “The necklace looks good on you,” he commented, leisurely sitting back into your armchair, “I knew it would.” You sat down across from him on your couch, your hands folded in your lap as you struggled to think of something to say. “Cat got your tongue, sweetheart?” he said, the grin spread across his face signaling his amusement. “What are you doing here?” you asked finally, your voice level as not to give away what you were really feeling. He pouted in mock disappointment, “What? I’ve been gone for so long and that’s the first thing you say to me? Where’s the warm welcome, sweetheart?” You nodded, moving your shoulders back a few times to relax, before meeting his eyes and granting him a small smile.

“Hey, Billy.”

woooooahh BILLY RUSSO IS THAT YOU?? ok i feel like i had alluded to Y/N’s “B” being Billy and if you didn’t catch it... well NOW YA KNOW. i have a very clear idea of where this story is going and again, let me say that y’all are not ready and tbh, neither am i!

[asia247]

In this part of the breakdown, I am giving a timeline of everything that happened with Burning Sun after the assault of Kim, which includes the discovery of tax evasion, drug use and distribution, and the sexual assault and prostitution of women.

February 4th: Dispatch Reports On Possible Prostitution At Burning Sun

Dispatch releases a complete report on Burning Sun and the organization of the company which includes how employees made money. It is confirmed that the owners of Burning Sun are CEO Lee Sung Hyun (Not Seungri) and Lee Moon Ho, directors are Kang XX and Lee Seung Hyun (Seungri), and inspectors are Kang Hyun Sook (Seungri’s mother) and Kim Gun Ho.

The clubs organization chart, the hierarchy is also revealed. Top rank are the CEO, 2nd ranks are Directors, Manager, and VIP, and third are merchandizers referred to as MD. Their are responsible for bringing customers, and for every woman they get paid between 20,000 and 50,000 won, and for men they get between 15% and 20% of their alcohol sales. A MD told Dispatch the way to attract women customers is to get a “homerun” which is to bring a drunk woman to rooms. These women were referred to as “mulge” for beautiful customer. MD’s earn money by bring women to VIP rooms where they would be sexually harassed, raped, assaulted.

MD 1: The VIP room is looking for a female customer.

MD 2: OK. I’m looking.

MD 1: I’m looking everywhere. Hurry up and help me find a female customer.

MD 1: It’s not necessary a beautiful one. Just a drunk girl is OK.

MD 2: Let me see if I can find any “snails”.

MD 1: Help me to get the “homerun”.

Director “A”: Now look into the room.

Director “A”: They’re doing it.

MD 1: How did you see it?

MD 2: Oh ~ It’s real.

MD 3: Having fun at Burning.

A video recording of the sex scene in the VIP room was confirmed by Dispatch as well as that it was passed around by employees.

Additionally, an employee was quoted by Dispatch saying:

If VIPs have a happy night, they will almost certainly come back. So some MD also sneakily give them ecstasy because female guests will lose consciousness for a moment. There is also the possibility of sexual harassment after that.

Also discussed are “hi-passes” where if a minor was deemed “qualified” meaning pretty enough they would be allowed to enter the club without ID

“Harassment, violence? Just blame the customers for it. Drug? Just say it’s due to the customer’s fault. However, letting minors into the club is different. It is completely the responsibility of the club. The biggest reason for keeping good relations with the police is the report on minors.” -Burning Sun Employee

Director “A”: The guests that have problems with ID cards, Just get the pretty kids.

Director “A”: Don’t look for those ugly kids who don’t have ID cards. So annoying.

Director “A”: Too ugly to be allowed in and they don’t even have ID cards. Do you even think?

MD 1: Yes! I got it.

In 20 Burning Sun was reported for having underage people in the club, the club manager stated:

“The police were mobilized. There were one female and two male police officers”, “They did not come in to search for those minors but (went to the door and) returned. The senior staff of the club went out and confronted the police. They said that it could be information fabricated by other competing businesses. They said they had checked the guests’ ID cards very carefully and the police just left. At that time, I thought ‘how can it be’.

The police responded to Dispatch about this on February 1st:

Today (1/2), there are personnel dispatched there. People who have been there before are not currently here.

More chats were released

MD 1: (send pictures taken without permission) They stretched the girl’s arms and legs.

Director “A”: The skirt is up.

MD 2: Her body is nice, but her face is ugly.

CEO “C”: If it isn’t high-class, I won’t use it.

Director “A”: The girl at table O doesn’t look well. Tell her to go away.

Guard 1: Confirmed.

Director “B”: Female guest that I’m about to take away is touched by someone. Where’s the guard, hurry up?

Guard 2: Confirmed. It’s been handled.

And just like that, problems happen and are taken care of.

MD 1: Director “A” hit a woman.

MD 2: Why?

MD 1: For refusing to go home with him.

Sources: Dispatch, Asian Junkie

February 11th, 2019: Seungri Resigns from his Ramen business

Source: NetizenBuzz

February 13th, 2019: Seungri Is Seen In Photo With Chinese Woman Thought to Be Burning Sun Drug Distributor

A photo surfaces of Seungri with a Chinese woman known as Anna, who is believed to the drug distributor at Burning Sun. Some reports identified her as the woman who sued Kim Sang Kyo. Seungri denies any affiliation:

I was at the club and she asked me for a photo, so I agreed. I don’t remember when we took the photo or who she is. There are countless photos of me and fans on the internet, on social media, and in online communities. When I’m at the club, there are a lot of people that approach me and ask for a photo, and I usually accept.

Source: NetizenBuzz, Soompi

February 15th, 2019: Burning Sun Is Raided by Police

Police raided Burning Sun, 32 investigators removed four boxes of potential evidence.

Le Méridien Hotel hotel, where Burning Sun was located, move to terminate contract and request the club to leave the property:

We signed a lease agreement last April, and there are still many years left on the contract. We requested that they terminate the contract, and we’re waiting for their reply

Police make statement on opening an investigation on Seungri:

We are considering opening an investigation into Seungri as he was listed as the executive director of Burning Sun at the time. We have plans to expand the investigation to the entire Gangnam Club to include MD’s and directors.

Source: Koreaboo, Asian Junkie

February 16th, 2019: Seungri Makes Statement About Burning Sun at Concert, “Seungri 1st Solo Tour The Great Seungri Final in Seoul”

I wish to speak about the recent controversy. I feel like if I don’t, the people who have come today will feel uncomfortable. I am very apologetic to all those who care for me. I’m sorry for causing disappointment for so many people, and I am reflecting on what has happened. Despite there being a controversy, I did not act in a responsible manner. Despite the fact that the controversy took place in a location that I have publicly spoken about, I did not act in a responsible way and for that, I am ashamed and regretful. It is all due to my negligence. As I am a celebrity, I will think and act more carefully from now on. I want to apologize for not showing modesty and for acting carelessly. For the past year, I have been doing my best to bring you all happiness. But I have brought you disappointment, and for that, I am ashamed. I want to apologize once again, and I will take all of your words to heart.

I’ve put a lot of preparation into this. I will be grateful if you can enjoy the concert. I think that would make me feel like all my work was worth it.

Source: Soompi

February 17th, 2019: The Investigation Into Burning Sun Expands to Other Nightclubs & Results In Drug Crackdown

Following the Burning Sun investigation, police widen crackdown on drug in clubs. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency release this statement:

In addition to Burning Sun we have widened the scope of the drug investigation to clubs in the Gangnam area. It is inevitable to broaden the investigation as club promoters that receive a commission for attracting customers work with a number of clubs at the same time.

Sources: Korea Herald

February 18th, 2019: Burning Sun Employee Is Arrested

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Department receive a warrant to search the home of an employee of Burning Sun who is suspected of using and trafficking drugs. They found ecstasy in his home, and he was arrested. Additionally a travel ban is placed on Anna, the Chinese woman thought to be supplying drugs to Burning Sun. Police also make a statement on expanding investigation to include Seungri:

We haven’t ruled out the possibility (of Seungri being questioned). If it’s necessary, (he) could face an investigation

Source: Korea Herald, Asian Junkie

February 20th, 2019: Burning Sun Shutdown is Halted By Police

Police in order to prevent the possible destruction of evidence halted the process of Burning Sun leaving the Le Méridien Hotel hotel. They released this statement:

Le Meridien hotel agreed to stop the pullout of Burning Sun. The hotel asked for the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s opinion about the pullout on Monday, and police requested a stop to the move due to evidence that might be destroyed

Source: Korea Herald

February 22nd, 2019: Actress Park Han Byul’s Husband Is Revealed To Be Seungri’s Business Partner

February 25th, 2019: Katalk Chats Reveal Seungri requested Prostitutes For High Profile Clients

SBS funE reported uncovering texts dated  December 6, 2015, at 11:38 pm KST.

We have obtained a KakaoTalk (mobile instant messenger) conversation between Seungri, singer C, Representative Yoo of Yuri Holdings (an investment company Seungri was preparing to establish), and an Employee Kim.

Translation:

Employee Kim: Two spots in the main area with guards…we’ll take good care of them

Seungri: And the girls? Ones that give it well

Employee Kim: I’m calling them but I don’t know if they’ll give it well. I’m calling cheap ones first

Seungri: Anyway, do a good job.

Representative Yoo: I’m getting the prostitutes ready right now, so when two��prostitutes come, you (Employee Kim) guide them and make sure they get to the hotel room safely

Employee Kim: Yes. I sent the two men [to the room].

YG Entertainment responded with this statement:

Hello, this is YG Entertainment. Here is our statement regarding today’s article about Seungri. Upon checking with the artist himself, the text messages in the article are fabricated and not true. In addition, just as we have always done, we inform you that we will take strong legal action against the proliferation and reproduction of rumors and fake news.

Source: Soompi

February 26th, 2019: Police Launch Investigation Into Seungri Prostitution Claims

Police release statement announcing the beginning of investigations of Seungri for engaging in prostitution:

We have launched an investigation into the escort service claims that have been reported on by the media.

Park Han Byul’s Agency Makes Statement

It is true that Park Han Byul’s husband worked together with Seungri as business partners, but because he is a non-celebrity and because it is his private life, we are in a situation where we currently do not know all the details of the inside story. Moving forward, please refrain from [releasing] any speculative reports regarding Park Han Byul and her husband. There are no plans for additional statements. What we have already mentioned before is everything there is.

Yuri Holdings Makes Statement In Response To Prostitution Claims

Recently, Yuri Holdings has been in the news, since the Burning Sun incident.

Firstly, we take responsibility for the issue as one of the companies holding stocks in Burning Sun.

However, we feel the need to release our official statement regarding the facts surrounding Yuri Holdings as we can no longer sit back and watch articles written on claims and suspicions.

The text messages that have become an issue are all completely false, and we believe someone with malicious intent towards Seungri and our company has fabricated these text messages as a grudge and sent them to reporters. This is fake news that has been published without being confirmed.

Not only do we not have any foreign shareholders in our company, but the text messages were released on a newly-created image based on content submitted by a tip rather than actual screenshots of the conversations themselves. We cannot stay silent on the matter anymore and have decided to give our statement.

We plan to request an investigation into the individual who fabricated the text messages and submitted them to reporters, and we will take legal action to reveal the truth.

Executive Director Lee Hong Gyu

Journalist Kang Kyung Yoon Responds To Accusations Of Fabricating Texts

There is no reason to fabricate or edit the reported messages. There was absolutely no fabrication or editing other than filtering some severely despicable expressions, and everything is true. If a request is received from the investigative agency, [I] will actively cooperate

Seungri Releases Statements Regarding Prostitution Allegations

We are relaying Seungri’s statement that he sent us yesterday evening.

For the last month, regarding the unsettling issues and news that have been brought forth about him, Seungri has continuously expressed his apologies to everyone. Though it’s small, Seungri has revealed that he wishes to, as soon as possible, submit to drug tests as well as actively cooperate with investigations on all the allegations surrounding him.

YG Entertainment is of the same stance as Seungri, and our legal team will be contacting investigative authorities this morning to relay Seungri’s wishes to go into the station soon to cooperate with investigations.

We hope that through thorough investigations by the police, the truth of the indiscriminate rumors will be revealed, and if there is even the slightest issue, Seungri will have to accept the legal consequences.

Conversely, if the rumors are proved false, we will, in addition to requesting a police investigation, be preparing all routes of legal action.

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Photos Of Seungri Allegedly Take Nitrous Oxide or “Happy Balloon” Surface In Vietnam

After the problematic photos of him at the club spread on the internet, Seungri’s Instagram account is being spammed by [Vietnamese] fans telling him to return to Korea.

YG responded with this statement:

Upon checking with Seungri, the photo was taken from a misleading angle. He said he has never inhaled nitrous oxide. The reports from Vietnam are clearly false reports, and he feels very falsely accused. He is arguing that it doesn’t make sense for him to inhale nitrous oxide in an public place like a club.

Seungri Volunteers to Take Drug Test

I will voluntarily go to the police and take an extensive drug test

Source: Soompi 1, 2,3, | Netizen Buzz 1, 2

February 27th, 2019: Seungri Submits To Questioning

Before entering for questioning Seungri made this statement:

This morning, I submitted a petition asking for a thorough investigation into myself. Once again, I apologize for causing concern and anger with the various controversies and accusations. I will earnestly cooperate with investigations so that the truth can be revealed as soon as possible.

After eight and a half hours of questioning Seungri made this statement to press:

Questioning for all allegations has been finished. Regarding drugs, I underwent all drug tests requested by the narcotics unit. Many people are angry about the various controversies, and I will cooperate with police so that all suspicions can be dispelled. I ask that you wait for the results of the investigation. If the police require anything else, I will return for further questioning.

Seungri Tests Negative For Drugs

Seungri’s lawyers make statement regarding his drug test:

According to the police, there were no issues with the first round of drug tests and [Seungri] was tested negative. Because a hair follicle testing will be able to detect drugs up to two to three years prior to the test, it has been sent to the National Institute of Scientific Investigation. We were told to expect the results one or two weeks later. We are anticipating the truths for many allegations to be revealed shortly.

Disposal Trucks Are Spotted Outside YG

Reporters see disposal truck outside of YG Entertainment resulting in questions over the agency destroying evidence. At truck was seen arriving at the building at 6:35am and told Chosun.com it was their first time at the building. When reports started to take data their were told by five YG employees “You can’t take photos here.” a second truck arrived at 7:55am. They both left at 8:43 a.m. When asked by Chosun.com the drivers said:

They told me to come again later.

There were boxes, paper bags, and suitcases, and judging from the weight, there seemed to be electronics like computers as well.

We usually [start working] at 9 a.m. We also work at dawn when the client requests it, but most clients avoid doing so because they have to pay extra money. But companies in the public eye like entertainment agencies or news outlets often [request] that the work be done at dawn. We not only destroy documents but also other things like smartphones or computers.

YG released this statement:

It was a periodic document destruction process we undertake every month or quarter

Police made this statement:

There is no way we would have known about YG destroying their documents. [Even if we had known,] there is no justification for stopping them from destroying their documents when a direct connection between YG and the Burning Sun incident has not been found yet.

Source: Soompi, 1, 2 | Netizen Buzz

February 28th, 2019: Seungri Halts All Activity

YG released this statement:

Hello, this is YG Entertainment.

Seungri has unfortunately canceled his upcoming concerts in Osaka on March 9 and 10 and in Jakarta on March 17. We ask for the generous understanding of many people who were waiting for the concerts.

Seungri voluntarily arrived at the police station at approximately 9 p.m. yesterday and diligently participated in the police investigation regarding the suspicions for about eight hours and 30 minutes.

Seungri earnestly requested for the police to especially investigate the suspicions regarding prostitution services rigorously.

Not only the concerts, but Seungri will halt all other scheduled activities and actively cooperate with all upcoming police investigations.

As they are suspicions that many people are curious about, we hope that all of the suspicions and truths are unveiled as quickly as possible through speedy and rigorous investigations by the police.

Source: Soompi

March 1st, 2019: Police Confirm They Have Not Obtained Original Texts From Seungri From Reporter

We requested the KakaoTalk messages from the reporter who was first to report on the sexual escort services claims involving Seungri. However, we have not received them yet.

Source: Naver News

March 4th, 2019: Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Receives Texts

Source: Netizen Buzz

March 5th, 2019: Burning Sun Is Investigated For Tax Evasion

Source: Asian Junkie

March 7th, 2019: MBC Releases Evidence That Seungri Was More Involved With Burning Sun That He Has Suggested

Initial Investment documents for Burning Sun, found by MBC, show that of the 2.5 billion won (approximately $2.2 million USD) total investment, Seungri invested 225 million won (approximately $198,600). He is also listed in documents as orporate promoter, a role of someone typically involved in the formation of a company. He is also listed as an executive along with Lee Sung Hyun, Lee Moon Ho, and Kang XX.

He is listed as co-CEO with 20% holdings, and an employee was quoted as saying:

It is certain that Seungri was definitely an intial investor, and it appears that this was reported as it was shared with major shareholders and people of [major shareholder] Cheonwon Inc.

Source: Soompi

March 8th, 2019: It’s Revealed YG Owns Love Signal Club Thought To Be Owned By Seungri Is Owned By Yang Hyun Suk

YG Announces Enlist Seungri’s Enlistment for March 25th

Source: Asian Junkie | Netizen Buzz | Korea Herald

March 9th, 2019: Seungri Is Booked On Violation Of Anti-Prostitution Laws

Police made this statement:

We booked Seungri and changed his status to that of a suspect in order to issue a search and seizure warrant and clear [Seungri] of the suspicions [surrounding him].

In addition, three to four other people who were in the Katalk are being investigated. A warrant was issued to search Club Arena for evidence, and searched from 11am, March 10 until 2pm. KST, and it was reported evidence was found.

Sources: The Chosun Ilbo | Soompi

Complete Breakdown of Seungri Scandal Part 2: Katalk Chats

Complete Breakdown of Seungri Scandal Part 1.5: Burning Sun- Tax Evasion, Drugs, Sexual Assault & Prostitution In this part of the breakdown, I am giving a timeline of everything that happened with… 3,400 more words

[anthropologicalhands]

for that kiss meme, 49, whatever pairing you want.

kiss of necessity.

note: the kiss was paula/darryl. not pairing!fic, just complete and utter absurdity

It turns out that Paula keeps a toothbrush at the office.

Rebecca isn’t surprised she missed this detail, per se, but giventhe specific circumstances that led to this discovery, she would have beenhappy never to find out.

“You sure you’re okay, Paula?” she asks, a little warily,keeping out of water splatter range.

“I’m fine, we knew what we were doing,” says Paula stonily.“And I have definitely had worse. But eugh.”

She resumes brushing. Rebecca shares a glance with Heatherand Valencia, who have similarly pinched expressions.

“Eugh’s right,” agrees Heather. “You didn’t use tongue, didyou?”

Paula doesn’t answer, gargling and rinsing beforestraightening back up to peer intently at herself in the bathroom mirror.

“No, nope, still no good,” she says, applying anothersqueeze of toothpaste to the brush and applying it diligently, this timesticking out her tongue to scrub at it.

Rebecca watches the proceedings with some concern, which is infinitelypreferable to her earlier nausea.

“I mean, you guys were distracting. And you got what you needed to get the hotel todrop the suit,” says Valencia, a little too brightly, looking to Rebecca andHeather for support. “So at least it wasn’t for nothing?”

“But at what cost?” asks Rebecca. “I mean, I love Darryl. Itrust Darryl. I donated an egg to Darryl. I would absolutely not make out withDarryl. He’s like a weird, actually decent uncle-slash-father-slash-nephew-figure.I just couldn’t.”

“It wasn’t that bad,” says Paula, her words a little garbledaround her toothbrush. “The garlic chicken parmesan was the real problem; theywent way too strong on the garlic-to-chickenratio.”

“Bleck,” says Heather.

“Nope nope nope,” mutters Rebecca, squeezing her eyes shut. “Idid not need to know that.”

“Should I pick up some mouthwash?” Valencia asks Paula, whoshoots her a grateful look from the mirror.

“Please,” she says around a mouthful of foam. Valencia nods,grabs her purse off the sink and marches right out the bathroom door.

“How is Darryl holding up?” Heather asks Rebecca.

“Well, according to Nathaniel, he’s doing pretty much thesame thing in the men’s room,” she says. “He also wants you know that he sayshe’s sorry again and if you think he should also apologize to Scott.”

“He didn’t need to apologize to me, I agreed to it,” grumbles Paula, brandishing her toothbrush into the mirror.“And why would he apologize to Scott? He didn’t kiss him! Tell him that there’sno need, that’s the background radiation of the patriarchy talking. Scott isn’tgoing to get jealous or anything.” She pauses. “Actually, he’s probably goingto find this hilarious.”

She resumes brushing moodily.

Rebecca’s phone chimes with a new message. “This one’s justNathaniel: he wants you to know that when he said get the client what they needby quote-unquote ‘whatever it takes’, he didn’t mean any action that would,quote-unquote, ‘traumatize half the office’.”

Paula rolls her eyes in the mirror.

Yet another chime.

“And there’s also going to be a staff meeting tomorrow,”Rebecca adds, frowning down at her phone. “Amazing.”

Paula throws her hands up, indignant.

“Wow, seriously? We’ve done way more questionable stuff for our clients. This is what he gets squeamish about?”

Heather just gives Paula a look through the mirror, armscrossed, eyebrows slightly lifted in reproach.

“Paula,” says Rebecca, placing her hand over her heard. “Youknow I love you and Darryl, and I think that you are both gorgeous peopleinside out. But believe me when I say that you guys making out was a thing thatabsolutely should not have ever happened,and should never happen again.”

Paula lets loose a muffled laugh from under the faucet.

“You guys are so overdramatic,”she says, turning off the tap and grabbing a paper towel. “It wasn’t bad!Darryl is a great kisser; I’m just not a fan of his mustache. Too bristly.”

Rebecca shudders. Heather isn’t blinking, her entire body rigid.

“Wow. No. We didn’t need to know that kind of detail, like,ever.” There’s a new ping on Heather’s phone; she unfolds one long arm to fishit out of her pocket. “Also, Valencia’s at the store and she wants to know ifwe need anything else.”

“Bleach,” says Rebecca immediately. “So we can drownourselves in it.”

Heather frowns. “Yeah, no. That’s not gonna help. My eyesare already burning, and I don’t really wanna die.”

“Well, what do you suggest?” asks Rebecca pointedly asHeather taps out a reply. Paula just shakes her head.

“I don’t. I’m asking V.” There’s another ping. “She recommendslavender bath crystals. Something about soothing qualities.”

“How about something with memory-altering qualities?”

“Guys,” saysPaula.

“You need a different kind of crystal for that,” saysHeather.

“Honestly, it’s like none of you have ever had to fake-outmake-out before,” grumbles Paula, packing away her toothbrush.

[adventuresinclientservice]

Another way to explain what account people do.

I don’t know who first said, “I’m a mile wide and an inch deep,” but whenever someone asks me how I became more than passingly familiar with Planning, Production, Media, Digital, Social, and just about anything else advertising- and marketing-related, I am reminded of my colleague Tim Pantello, who said  account people need to be, “second best at everything they do,” meaning they need to be almost as conversant as the specialists in these disciplines.

I quoted Tim in The Art of Client Service. If you happen to know him – perhaps from his days at Havas, Tribal DDB, Digitas Health, PwC, or Syneos, which he now claims as his professional home – and actually want to find the quote, you do what most people would do:  you check the book’s index.  In this case though you will be thwarted:  there’s no Tim and no quote.  

Tim should have been cited with a reference; apologies for the lapse.   (The quote, by the way, is on page 11.)  I thought of him and the point he made while reading a New York Times review of Dennis Duncan’s new book, Index, a History of the Bookish Adventure from Medieval Manuscripts to the Digital Age.  Who writes a book on Indexing?  Surely no one, but here you have a “smart, playful book will encourage you to think again.”

There are far too many metaphors that attempt to explain account people – they are equated with orchestra conductors, chess masters, magicians, wizards, alchemists, whatever – but as awkward and weird as it might be to make a comparison with an inanimate object, good account people actually function like a proper index.

Have a question about the client?  See your account person colleague, who will know the answer, or know how to get it.

Want to know the latest on a client’s competitors? That account person.

Concerned about how a particular client contact feels about X? That account person again.

Searching for a recommendation on where to take a client to dinner?”  You guessed it.

Need to entertain clients by attending a music and sporting event and want to know what they’re interested in?  Yep.

What are those account people doing?  They are serving as a repository of reference for their colleagues, the people you turn to when you need an answer to (almost) anything about a client.  In other words, an index.

The Times story points out, “Like so many technologies we now take for granted, the index was slow to become embedded so seamlessly in our lives.”  To me that sounds like Google, an index we do take for granted.

In truth, even the very best account people cannot match Google with its breadth and reach, but when it comes to seeking an answer on a client account, you have something, or better said, someone who is better:  the person sitting to your right, finishing that conference report from that client meeting you just concluded.

Have a question?  Just turn to your left and ask.

[aatmenexttime]

A story of mental health vs physical health stigma (warning: Self harm and Suicide mention)

Sorry, I dont know how to do read mores, and there will be a tl;dr at the end.

I am a new social worker just starting my career. I am also Autistic. Autism and the workplace is not always an easy combination to handle. I got hired at an agency without disclosing my diagnosis. They loved how dedicated, optimistic, and how go-getting I was. Aside from my usual social challenges and some nervousness about starting my career, I was overall emotionally stable and able to do my job.

As the months went on, my mental health started to deteriorate. I would make mistakes, which was expected for someone new, and be hard on myself when I did. I was disgusted by my coworkers ignorance and lack of compassion for our clients. In addition, my coworkers did not understand my mannerisms, my style of working with clients, and my ways of trying to connect with the other staff. They started talking down to me, shushing me, and spreading rumors about me, such as that I liked eavesdropping on conversations( and when this happened, I ended up being the one apologizing for any misunderstandings). When I was there for around 3 months, I started self harming and having thoughts of suicide. My boss knew about the trouble I was having with them, and was concerned that I was not the happy, determined person I was when she hired me, but she encouraged me not to quit because I was good at what I did and "fuck them". So I stayed and tried to make it work.

Fast forward a month. My coworkers asked me if I wanted to join a potluck. Every payroll for 10 payrolls, we would all put in 50 dollars, and someone would take home 500 dollars. Convincing me that it was a good idea for all and that it wasnt illegal(which I later found out it was, and quit when I did but I digress), I agreed to join. I was scheduled to be the 3rd person to receive the pot.

The first pot came and went. A few days before the second one, I put 50 dollars in my desk so I wouldn't have to go to bank later. Of course, I did not anticipate that the day before the second pay day, I would have suicidal thoughts, and chose to spent the night in the ER so I would not act on them. One of my coworkers, the other social worker, escorted me and was supportive. Or so I thought at the time.

The next morning, I remembered the money, and called and told them where it was. I took the next week off of work at the request of my boss. I got a call in the middle of the week from a coworker who did not know exactly what happened but thanked me for being "responsible and remembering my share"

I came back to work the week it was my turn to receive the money. That Tuesday, one of my coworkers collapsed in her office and spent the rest of the week in the hospital. Obviously, I had to wait a couple of days to receive 50 bucks from. No biggie, these things happen. Noone else blamed her either.

Unfortunately, my suicidal tendencies started to get worse. I was getting set off by little shit and I wasn't just having thoughts anymore, I was acting on them. Thoughts such as "that's not really that big of a deal, but you should kill yourself anyway". The day before the fourth pot, I got triggered, and I started to hang myself in my office, before having a "what the hell am I doing?" and I drove myself to the hospital. You know, what people told me was the brave thing to do when having suicidal thoughts. I didnt want to die and I didn't want to hurt my family. I signed the form to have myself voluntarily admitted and was in the ward for a week.

Unfortunately, this time, I forgot the money before going. I got calls and texts from multiple people that morning asking where I and the money were.(I was not allowed to have my phone but I briefly saw this when my mom snuck my phone in.)

Someone blabbed that I was in the psych ward, and everyone knew. I didnt really care about that. Still, one coworker told my boss, who was hearing about the potluck for the first time, that I should have been "more responsible" because she organized it and I "I made a commitment".

That's right. I could have died, and all they cared about was how I was selfish to forget the 50 dollars and should have planned better.

When I was released, another coworker, the one that supported me by taking me to hospital the first time, my coworker who is a MENTAL HEALTH WORKER like me, that talks about stigma, texted me, saying, and I quote, " It’s not fair to your family if you choose to make that choice you are thinking about. And, Its not fair for you to put us at a disadvantage financially because of your maladaptive choices"

Less than an hour after my discharge, I went to the bank, withdrew all the money I received from my turn, stormed into the office with everyone there, stumbling from being medicated, in my sweatpants, unshaven and my hair uncombed, slammed the money on the desk, said "I quit" (referring to both my job and the potluck) and stormed out.

I later formally resigned and am on good terms with my former boss, who was disgusted by what happened, but I blocked several of my former coworkers from contacting me. I could not believe how vile they were.

The td:lr is when my coworker got carried to the hospital on a stretcher because she couldn't walk, and when I drove myself because my brain was tormenting me, we were both sick. But only I was selfish and irresponsible because my sickness was not visible to others.

This stigma and ignorance is dangerous. It's one of the reasons why people do not know someone they love is suicidal or sick until it's too late. It needs to stop, and I'm speaking up.

[patricktak]

10 Point Headshot Photographer Checklist

Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Photographer

​Not the best experience.. One time, we had a client call us in tears. "I just left a really highly-rated headshot studio that I found on Yelp. They took my pictures and none of them looked like me! I wasn't comfortable during the shoot, and once I saw the images, I wasn't happy with any of them."

We asked why she couldn't just do a reshoot with the Seattle headshot photographers or get a refund, and she said they wouldn't accommodate her. She then proceeded to ask us if we had any availability that day. Fortunately there were a few open slots and since she was already in makeup, we offered for her to come in to take some photos with us right away.

Long story short, after the shoot ended, she was extremely happy and walked away with a set of headshots she loved, and we were ecstatic to have helped her. She left us a really nice Yelp review that we're very thankful for.

But the truth is, ​at least a few times a month someone tells us a horror story about the last photographer they worked with.

(scroll down to continue reading) Picture

Sometimes the shooter doesn't show up to the shoot. Sometimes the results of the final product are less than stellar and there are no refunds or reshoots granted.

Or in some cases, a photographer will deliberately underbid every other quote just to get the job... and then their lack of experience becomes evident the moment the client realizes the shoot is running an hour behind schedule or the photos aren't turning out as expected.

​We hear these stories frequently, so we decided to put together this simple guide to show you how to more easily choose a trustworthy, reliable, and highly skilled photographer in your city or town. ​Our Simple, 4-Step Process to Pick a Great Headshot Photographer Picture Step 1: Find 20-30 Photographers to Consider Ask for referrals: Did anyone you know recently shoot a headshot? Ask them if they would recommend their photographer, and write down the website. Find 10 photographers on Yelp: Look at the first page of Yelp-listed headshot photographers. Write down the websites of the most highly-rated 10 photographers. Find 10 photographers on Google: Look at the first page or two of Google-listed headshot photographers. Write down the websites of all of the ones that are listed. Photographers that show up on Google tend to be frequented by lots of people, so chances are they are trustworthy. Now you have a list: You should now have a list of about 20-30 headshot photographer's websites, and you can move onto Step 2.

Step 2: Narrow the Photographers Down to a Few Top Choices (based on a checklist) Check to ensure they do the type of photography you need: Next you'll want to visit the websites of each of these 20-30 photographers. Do a quick check to ensure that they know about the type of photography you're looking for (do they shoot corporate headshots or only actor headshots - or do they offer both?). Use our checklist to narrow them down: Go to the "10 Point Headshot Photographer Checklist" towards the bottom of this page and consider each of the notes there. Eliminate any photographers that don't provide what you most care about. Consider 5 additional things (optional): Watch this short video to see 5 useful bonus questions you can ask your photographer:

​Step 3: Contact Your Final Selections and See How They Respond You're almost there: You'll probably have it narrowed down to about 3-5 final photographers who offer most everything you need and/or care about. Contact them: Send those photographers an email (or you can call them) and see how quick they are to respond. Feel free to ask them any questions you still need answered. Narrow it down to the final choice: Some might be too busy to fit you in, some might not be as friendly as you hoped or might not respond quickly. You can narrow it down further at this point.

Step 4: Go With Your Gut Instinct & Commit Commit 100%: The final step is to choose someone and commit 100%. Your gut feeling is usually right, so go with the photographer you feel most confident in, and commit to working with them. Stay positive during your shoot: Remember that the best way to get the photos you need is to stay positive and happy. If you don't fully commit and feel nervous that you might have chosen the wrong photographer, they'll sense your hesitation and your shoot might not be as successful as it could be. Stay relaxed and friendly with the photographer: Be understanding if something goes slightly wrong during the shoot. Don't immediately get cold feet and back out. Occasionally things go wrong with even the most perfect photographers. True professionals will apologize and fix it for you. Be honest with your photographer: Your shoot will probably go great, but if for some reason it doesn't go well, you can still feel confident because you've done your homework and have chosen someone who offers a money-back guarantee. Be OK with voicing your concerns to the photographer to see if they can fix whatever happened. If they can't, they will refund you or offer a reshoot.

​You might want to check out this article if you're still deciding on someone: How to Prepare for a Headshot Session

Now that you know the simple formula to make choosing a photographer easier, you can take a look at the checklist further down. Picture

​10 Point Headshot Photographer Checklist Note: you don't have to use EVERYTHING here, just focus on the things you care most about:​

Specialist in headshots. Headshot photography is very different than portrait and modeling photography. A portrait photographer works with experienced models who are trained to pose for the camera, but they have limited experience helping regular, day-to-day people who don't know what they're doing in front of the lens. Hiring a photographer who doesn't specifically specialize in headshots can quickly turn into a blind-leading-the-blind situation if you're not careful. Learn how to look confident on-camera by checking out our short guide. Easily accessible prices. In general, most reliable headshot photographers post their packages right on their website. If they don't, be aware that they might increase their rates depending on who you are or what company you're with. If you can't find prices, ask them to email you a rate sheet. Prices can range from $50 to $1,500 and more, but price does NOT always determine quality. The rest of the factors in this article will give you a better sense of whether the photographer is a good option for you. Extremely specific direction. From the photographer's website, does it sound like they'll be specific with the directions they give you? The more confident the photographer makes you feel, the better your expression will be. It's much easier to work with someone who gives you clear and concise directions such as, "Tilt your chin down, relax your lips..." etc., than with someone who just says, "Ok, do your thing!" (seriously, we've heard this from clients). Try getting a feel for the photographer's personality through their website or you can call and talk to them on the phone. Should help you brand your headshot. Different backgrounds, expressions, and lighting styles say different things to an audience, and depending on whether you're in finance or technology, or whether you're using your photo on LinkedIn, for online dating purposes, acting, or medical residency applications, the background and overall look of the shot might be different. Be sure the photographer knows what will work best for you and will make specific recommendations to you based on your needs. You probably don't want someone who makes no recommendations and just asks, "So what do want me to do for you?" Check out industry background trends here. If you're an actor, learn how to find your brand here. No hidden fees. We've occasionally heard from clients that previous photographers took their photos for $500 and then watermarked all their images and told them after the fact that they would have to pay $40 for EACH image they wanted to use. Crazy, we know! It's best if the photographer gives you access to all the high-resolution images after the shoot (or at least tells you up front if there will be additional fees). Defined by the worst photo in their portfolio. Look at the photos in their portfolio and pay extra attention to expression. Do any people have a "deer in the headlights" look with their eyes? Does anyone's mouth look tense? Do you see any smiles that look fake or forced? A great headshot photographer should never post poor images in their portfolio - if you see even one shot that looks bad, ask yourself: "Why they would think this image was good enough to post in their portfolio?" Shows you the photos during the session. If they don't do this, it means you'll have no idea what you're getting, and you could wind up being surprised with a set of photos you're unhappy with because they were all taken on your bad side or with a background you didn't want. Be sure to ask before booking if you'll be able to see the images during the shoot. Reshoots or refunds if you're unhappy. Before booking and placing a deposit, ask the photographer what their reshoot or refund policy is if you're unhappy. In many cases, it can be challenging to see the photos clearly in the tiny screen on the back of the camera, and you might be surprised (in a bad way) when you get home and see them big on your computer screen. Remember, spending even just $50 for a cheap headshot is useless if your photos cast you in a bad light and hurt your career (or if you wind up deciding to redo your photos with a better - and more expensive - photographer and no refund was granted for that $50). Related Article: How Actors Can Save Up to $3,450 Per Year Professional studio environment. Most beginning photographers won't have access to a professional studio and will do their shoots outdoors or inside their apartment. This is fine, but be sure to ask where they shoot because it can be awkward showing up to an unprofessional location if you're not expecting it - not only because you might feel out of place, but what if they have a cat or dog and you're allergic? Or what if they don't have proper liability insurance and you trip over something and get hurt? If you're uncomfortable working in someone's home and you think it might cause you to feel (and look) uncomfortable in your shots, don't go that route. You should understand the value they provide. Ask yourself, "What is the value this headshot will provide in my career? Am I willing to invest $500-1,000 on a photo that could help position me for a $10,000 promotion or $75,000/year job?" If a photographer you really want to work with is completely outside the stretch of your budget, we don't recommend you put yourself in financial trouble to work with them. Remember: even though many expensive photographers post success stories on their websites showing how their headshot helped someone achieve something amazing, you're not hearing about all the other work the client did towards making that amazing thing happen (or the thousands of other people who've worked with the photographer that did not have amazing success stories like that). Invest as much as you can in your headshot, but never put yourself in financial trouble for it.