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renaxwrites · 5 years ago

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Hello! Can I request an hc with a BHNA x HQ crossover where Todoroki, Bakugo, and Amajiki’s s/o is a top U.A student with a powerful quirk (like Maleficent or Jean Grey), a Phoenix but is also famous volleyball player, trained in U19 and is titled as the Goddess of Volleyball. Also, their s/o is ranked in the top three aces in Japan. Sorry if its random hehe Thank you in advancee! 💜

BNHA x HQ Crossover:

Support for the Winged-Ace -

(Todoroki, Bakugou, Tamaki)

a/n: I’ve had this one chillin in my inbox for a minute, sorry about that 🥺 I tried to find a good balance between the two. For some reason writing this made me feel a little (soft) idk why lol. Anyway I hope you like it 🥺💘

Todoroki:

It was just any other day, and Todoroki was doing some self-training, to clear his mind

Thud. Thud. Thud.

He couldn’t really concentrate from the repetitive thuds coming from the other side of the training center, so he went to go investigate. In doing so, he almost got decapitated by you, his classmate. Or, to be exact, a volleyball going what felt like 100 mph.

“Oh my gosh! I didn’t see you there, I’m so sorry!” You and a couple of your teammates rush over to see of he was alright

He chuckles, but is still feeling the rush of the ball flying by. “I’m alright, but what are you doing? Is this your new training technique?”

You begin to explain how you’re on a volleyball team on the side, and you practice in your spare time. Intrigued, he wanted to see more of your practicing. YOUR crush, wanting to watch you do what you do best? It took all your willpower not to lose your brain cells or magically forget how to spike a ball. “Alright, let’s take that play from the top!”

The ball is practically floating through the air between your teammates, until you, the ace, slam the ball down to the other side, from out of nowhere. Perfect for the unsuspecting opposing team. “Yes!” You squeal in triumph as your wings descend you down.

Todo is mesmerized with what you just did. Or more specifically, you. “What was that?”

You turn to him with a certain kind of hunger on your face. “That, Shoto, is what is going to take us to be the champs this year. Hey, we actually have a tournament this weekend, you should come watch!”

And so he did. Well, he also invited a few fellow 1-a classmates to come along. They’re all having a good time, with the whole volleyball world being a new venture for them. The lights turn down, capturing their attention. They were to introduce a new player.

“And now, you know their name! You’ve seen them in every tournament imaginable, trained in U19 this year, is one of the top picks for the country, and is battling it out to be Ace of the Year this time, give it up for your ‘Volleyball Goddess’, Phoenix!!!”

You step out into the spotlight, waving to the crowd, subtly looking for a specific pair of mismatched eyes

Once you do, you smile and blow a kiss, letting them know that this game would be for him

And there he was, sitting there dumbfounded at the fact that you really do look like a goddess, with wings, uniform and all

Throughout the tournament, your classmates could feel the same pains and triumphs you did, through all the highs and lows of the games, all the way until the very last

The suspense was killing the crowd, with the score being 26-27. It was gruesome, with the game never seeming to want to end. But this point, this one point was all on you, and every person in the stadium knew it

Your team forms a quick huddle, deciding to follow through with the play you did when you almost killed Shoto. This is it!

This whole time, you had kept a cool head, but with this one point being all-or-nothing, slight nerves began to creep up. And Todo noticed.

Use of quirks weren’t necessarily allowed for safety regulations, but he needed to let you know he was cheering you on, to calm your nerves

He freezes his arm, then softly blows a slight cold breeze in your direction, praying it would reach you just enough

You shiver at the sudden, slight drop in temperature. You look up in the direction it came from, and are met with a soft smile, silently telling you, ‘you got this’

That was all you needed. You wink back, thanking him.

The ref blows the whistle, signaling the start of the play. Your team serves, and is ready to receive it from the other team. The ball comes back, and is floating on your teammates’ fingertips. You rise up, and spike the ball down to the rivals’ weak spot. They were caught off guard, not seeing you coming.

Brrt!

The whistle blows again, ending the match. You won! You and your teammates jump and squeal for joy, and soon you and the other team thank each other for the game. Then, the awards began, rewarding the top players of positions in the country.

“And now, with the top scorer for ace, taking over the top spot by .5 points more than 2nd place…Phoenix! Your Goddess!” Tears cloud your eyes as you step onto the podium. Everything you’ve worked so hard for, finally rewarded. You are presented with a bouquet and gold medallion, and just as you begin to wave to the crowd, you unintentionally catch something hard and cold in your hand. You look down in wonder.

A rose made of ice.

Once again you lock eyes with Todoroki, a silent message passing between the two of you.

After the awards, he is the first to congratulate you, and after the formalities, there’s a quick awkward tension. So you decide to break it.

“You know, I may have won first in the country, but I’m still waiting for the results for something else too.”

He tilts his head in curiosity. “And what would that be?”

You intertwine fingers with the clueless boy, and a pink blush taints his face. “I’m wondering what place I am in your heart, Shoto.”

He seems astounded. You have no idea how long he’s been wanting to confess to you, and here you are, beating him to the punch.

He takes your hand and presses a light kiss to it. “Number one, of course.”

You both stare into each other’s eyes for what seems like an eternity.

You totally forgot that some of your classmates came along, so their cheers at you two finally being together broke your tance from Shoto’s eyes.

They all fangirled at the two of you and definitely had taken the opportunity to take pictures of your love-staring-contest

The picture is both you and Todo’s wallpaper now

Bakugo:

Homie sees everything as a competition, so when he sees how big you appear with your wings, he saw you as a threat

It got on his nerves when he saw you training more than usual lately, what was your deal?

No way was he mesmerized by the way your thunderous wings carried you into the air, allowing you to spike a ball at any volume he wanted…nope he definitely wasn’t into you, nah uh, no siree

You had permission to leave class for one of your tournaments, one that would determine your rank in the country. Aizawa was actually supportive, and got approval from the staff to allow a class trip to watch your games today

Needless to say, a certain someone was a little more eager to see your power than the rest *cough* Katsuki *cough* and everyone knew it too

The second you step onto the court, you’re met with the screams of adoring fans, those who have seen your growth for the past years, seeing you go from an average player to being one of the most recognized aces in Japan.

Eventually, it was between the final two teams in the tournament. Your team was at their top level, and it was up you, their ace, to determine this set point. With a few hand signals exchanged between the players, it was silently spoken that you would be doing your secret back attack play to get this win

The whistle blows. The whole arena goes silent, so quiet you can hear a pin drop.

Your classmates all hold each other in anticipation, silently praying for you to make this.

A pair of crimson eyes bore into you, transferring a strong desire to see you succeed

You toss the ball up. Your maleficent-like wings willing you into the air, and you spike the ball to the other side with a great force. As soon as you make contact with the ball, you speed over to the front to the net. By now, the opposing team had already set it to your side, where you predicted. You and your setter make eye contact.

They set it up to you, where you were already awaiting in the air. You slam the ball down with all your might. You get the point.

You and your team tackle each other in a group hug, with tears flowing all over the place. Thunderous applause fills the stadium, with your classmates being the loudest section.

Even Aizawa was clapping along, like the proud father teacher he is

For the awards, the hosts began to present the top 3 aces of Japan, based on the scores, and you scored second! You stood next to your friendly rival, who was number one, and the two of you exchanged playful banter, promising no mercy for the number one spot next year

Once the awards were over, you walk outside to greet your classmates, and they all suffocated you with prideful hugs and congratulations, and were all sweet enough to pitch in for a big beautiful bouquet

Bakugo was biding his time to the side, where you noticed he was waiting his turn to talk to you. You walk up to him, and all he says is, “Tch, couldn’t even get number one huh.”

You smile, then clench your fist in determination. “Don’t worry, I’ll be standing at the top next year, you’ll see!”

Your perseverance caused a glimmer in your eye, which in turn created a slight blush on Bakugo’s cheeks. “You better be number one, otherwise what’s it for?”

You think about it for a moment. “Well, I may have not gotten first this year, but I got you to notice me, at least. So I won something, I think.”

Baukugo.exe has stopped working. “Huh?”

You roll your eyes. “Just shut up and kiss me Katsuki.”

He grins and pulls you in, and you wrap your wings around the two of you to shield you from the surprised eyes of those watching.

Tamaki:

Soft boy™ had always admired your confidence, and the power you carried with your wings gave a radiance unlike any other

One day, you were working on your spikes at the training center, and he happens to be passing by. He heard the whoosh of your wings and the soft thuds of the volleyball, and once he saw it was you, his long-time crush, he couldn’t look away. Not when you looked like an absolute angel like that…

At some point, you felt a pair of eyes on you, so you turned to see your super-duper-secret crush Tamaki watching you with complete awe. “Hey Tamaki! What brings you over?”

His brain cells go haywire. He was trying (and failing) his best to act like his wsan’t watching you for a while. “Well I-I was walking by a-and I saw you doing yo-your thing with the ball I thought… thought it was k-kinda cool…” God she’s so cute and here I am stuttering like a love-struck fool…

He’s so cute when he’s flustered… you think to yourself. You calm him down by explaining what you were doing and going over the drills you just did. “I have a really important tournament this weekend, it can determine my rank of being an ace throughout Japan…I may not look like it, but I’m actually really nervous.” You laugh and rub the back of your neck.

Your laugh is like music to his ears. “I’m sure you’ll do great, y/n. You’ve always overcome any goal you set your mind to. I believe you could d-do it!” He is so sure in giving you positivity that his encouragement sparks an idea in your head.

“Tamaki…would you want to…come watch me at my match? I’d feel a lot better if you were there to support me…” you offer a wishful smile. That was all it took.

“A-are you sure y-you want me there? I m-mean I wouldn’t want to d-distract you or anything…” he’s a blushing mess at your offer.

Eventually, you convince him to come, with Mirio and Neijire tagging along for moral support. They watch in fascination as you step onto the court, with you creating a newfound presence for yourself in your volleyball uniform. You were truly a vision. Everyone knew you as the ‘Phoenix’, but you were given the nickname “Goddess of Volleyball” for both your radiance and talent combined.

You work your way towards the very end, with a little blood, lots of sweat, and a couple tears shed. But now, it has come down to the final point, the one point that would determine who were the champions.

You channel all of your focus to the ball. You take a deep breath. You look at your teammates and nod. Time for the secret weapon.

You toss up the ball, bracing your wings to get ready to fly. Once the ball reaches a certain level, you float up and point the ball so hard into the opponent’s side it almost breaks the gym floor. You get the point!

You become practically deaf from the amount of screams surrounding you. The one thing that kept you grounded was an indigo-haired boy that was now looking at you like you were the most gorgeous being he’s ever seen

Awards were given, and the second they were over, you sprinted off your first-place podium and headed toward the outside, where you knew your friends were waiting

Signature indigo-hair catches your attention, and you soon tackle Tamaki into a huge hug. “Tama-kun, I did it!!”

You release him from your grip, and he found some hidden courage and kisses you on the cheek, catching both of you off guard.

Mutual, unspoken feelings were finally understood, and so the two of you walked off with intertwined pinkies.

“I knew you could, angel.”

#haikyu!!#bnha x hq #bnha x reader #bnha imagines #todoroki shoto #todoroki x reader #todoroki imagine #todoroki headcanons #bakugou katsuki #bakugo x reader #bakugo imagine #bakugo headcanons #tamaki amajiki #tamaki x reader #tamaki imagine #tamaki headcanons #rena imagines

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rennyforpresident · 4 years ago

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Renny’s BBSim: Second Chances Week 5: The Fake JUMPED Out

Welcome back to Biiiiiiiiiig Brother!

@brentrobinson @cirie-sandra-michaela @flopbb-22 @flungevictee @fucklauryn @iantxrry @kaysarswhore @maxdoesbb @music-obsessednerd @pawn2393 @paymeincashnottears @phylisisley @rennyforpresident @swampassthing @theminionjcfucked @wheremy--demons--hide

Previously, @wheremy--demons--hide blew up the house on her way out, and everyone is still reeling. Will the explosion bring people together, or push people further apart?

As always, let’s see what those alliances look like

For the first time, our alliances remain intact! The bonds that are left are strong, and won’t be breaking anytime soon (except @kaysarswhore who just voted out her ally and he STAYED sdkfldsfadsf)

Anywhooooo!

Time to crown the next Head of Household. This person will not only guarantee their safety this week, but will guarantee themselves a spot on the jury!

Who has the courage and the strength to remain until the end?

@swampassthing and @paymeincashnottears both are the first out, stepping out as soon as BB pours pig blood into their bathtubs.

@kaysarswhore drops after them, after the pig blood begins to congeal and gets nasty to sit in

@maxdoesbb and @fucklauryn both drop at the next item: heapings of mayonnaise.

@maxdoesbb in the DR: “It was disgusting. I’ve never been a fan of mayo, and to have it thrown all over me? I thought I could take it but I could NOT”

@phylisisley, @flopbb-22, and @rennyforpresident all drop at the next add-in: live earthworms

@flopbb-22 in the DR: “DISGUSTING. You can’t pay me to let worms crawl all over me. You just can’t”

These three are tough, and put up with a lot more crap being thrown in their tubs. Olive oil, macaroni salad, mashed potatoes, dead crickets. Eventually, @theminionjcfucked turns to the other two and says, “Let’s make a a deal. Who wants it?”

@pawn2393: “I do. I need that letter from home. I miss my family and I’ll stay here all day if it means I get to hear from them.”

They come to an agreement, and @pawn2393 agrees to keep both of them safe for the week. Which means this week’s HOH is...

@pawn2393! You have secured safety for the week (and a spot on the BBSim Jury), and have earned the power to nominate two of your fellow houseguests for eviction.

It’ll be a tough decision, but let’s find out who’s on the block this week

@pawn2393: “I have decided to nominate @rennyforpresident and @phylisisley. @rennyforpresident, you were on the block last week, and I feel like you’ve been walking around the house too confident. Maybe another time on the block will humble you. @phylisisley, you were one of the victims of the call-out speech. I don’t think you’re loyal, and I can’t trust you in this game. For those reasons, you all need to be on the block this week.”

@rennyforpresident in the DR: “Part of me is really pissed, but I have my alliance and I’m confident that I’m safe. I’m sure I’m the pawn this week, and @phylisisley is the biggest target in here. She’s definitely gone.”

@phylisisley in the DR: “I’m confused? I didn’t think @pawn2393 and @rennyforpresident were after each other? The only thing I can think of is that this is all an elaborate plot to take me out of the game, and I’m honestly pissed about it!”

After @pawn2393′s nominations, it’s time to pick players for the veto competition!

@pawn2393 chooses @kaysarswhore to participate, because she wants someone to win who won’t use the veto. He’s confident in his nominees and wants them to stay the same. We’ll see if @rennyforpresident and @phylisisley have anything to say about that!

The competition is tense, but there are some clear targets to take out early. After a few rounds of play, it comes down to three players

@phylisisley aims her pool cue at @kaysarswhore‘s ball, and knocks it in, eliminating her from the competition!

But now it’s @theminionjcfucked‘s turn. She lines up her cue for the perfect shot to take out @phylisisley.....

AND MISSES!

@phylisisley takes the opportunity and knocks the last ball into the pool, securing the veto for herself!

@phylisisley will definitely be using the veto to save herself, but who will go up in her place? Will we have an epic backdoor?

Houseguests gather in the living room, and the veto ceremony begins

@pawn2393: “This person is someone who has won comps and who has made waves in the house the past couple weeks. Last week, you saved @rennyforpresident from the block. Now, let’s see if you can survive it when you’re on the block against him. @swampassthing, take a seat.”

@swampassthing in the DR: “In this house, it’s fuck @pawn2393 all day everyday. Don’t trust him, don’t talk to him, don’t even look at him. I had his and his friends’ backs, and now he chooses to take me out of the game? No, he hasn’t seen the last of me.”

Tensions are HIGH in the house, and the events of the week SHOW IT

During the veto competition, @theminionjcfucked accused @kaysarswhore of targeting her unfairly. “You know you were aiming for my ball! Next time, mind your own business and take out the people who are actually gonna do something with the Veto!”

@kaysarswhore doesn’t take it well. “You think I’m scared of you? I know you’re coming after me, and you can go fuck yourself if you think I’m ever gonna listen to you.”

From there, the exchange gets even more heated, until other houseguests step in to separate the two.

In more positive news,

@phylisisley, knowing her position on the block, works to steal away votes from @rennyforpresident. “ @cirie-sandra-michaela, I’m really glad you’re in this house with me. I know we don’t talk too much, but you’ve always been a really positive presence for me here.”

@cirie-sandra-michaela blushes.

The energy in the house is calm and relaxed after that lovely exchange, until chaos comes back one more time.

@pawn2393 and @kaysarswhore were sitting in the HOH room, just hanging out and watching the cameras on the houseguests downstairs, when @kaysarswhore sees @swampassthing head into the backyard.

@kaysarswhore: “Do you know what we should do? What tradition we should keep alive?”

At the same time, both of them turn to each other and say: “FLIP THE BED!!”

This time, when @swampassthing finds their bed in the living room, they raise hell. “Who the fuck did it? Who wants to fucking fight?”

@pawn2393, from upstairs screaming downstairs: “What the fuck are you gonna do about it! Consider it your goodbye gift!”

The screaming continues, but @pawn2393 stays upstairs and @swampassthing stays downstairs. They fight for almost an hour, going back and forth with nonsense jabs.

Wow, what a week. And what better way to end it than with a live eviction?

Julie: “Hello houseguests! It’s almost jury season! It’ll be fun to see which one of you doesn’t make it!”

@rennyforpresident: “Guys, I know I’m a loud-mouth and hard to live with, but I really do want to stay here. @swampassthing, I will always be grateful to you for saving me last week, and I could never campaign against you, but I desperately want to stay and play with you all! I hope you vote to keep me here.”

@swampassthing: “I’m kind of over you all after flipping my bed, so really, all I’ll say is keep me. That’s it.”

Julie: “Wow, I wonder what happened between you all. I’ll never know since I don’t watch the show, but it sounds interesting! Let’s move on to the vote!”

(It wasn’t even close, I-)

Julie: “Remember houseguests, when I read the name of the evicted houseguest, they will have one minute to gather their belongings, say their goodbyes, and exit the Big Brother house.”

@rennyforpresident, come on out!

Julie: “ @rennyforpresident! I noticed you only hugged @swampassthing, @cirie-sandra-michaela, and @fucklauryn on your way out. Hard feelings?”

@rennyforpresident: “Oh absolutely hard feelings. I had votes promised from almost everyone in that house. The fact that so many of them lied to my face and voted me out anyway? Screw those guys.”

Julie: “The other vote to keep you was @phylisisley. What are your thoughts on that? Surprised?”

@rennyforpresident: “Honestly? That doesn’t surprise me. She’s always been real and honest, and I completely disagreed with her being called out last week. I’m sending her and all of my Alliance #1 homies all of my love and luck (which I apparently didn’t have a lot of sdf;lkj;slk)”

Julie: Well, it sucks to see someone from Old School BB go so soon, but it was lovely watching you play again!

Now that jury has begun, how will houseguests change their games? Find out next time. For now, from outside the Big Brother house, I’m Julie Chen. Goodnight.”

I HATE YOU ALL AND I’LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU (jk I love you all and I’m still rooting for you <3)

#bb22 #bbsim #bbsim second chances

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nickireadstfc · 7 years ago

Text

The King’s Men, Chapter 16 – A Team Of Particularly Good Finders

In which I find a new favourite team, Kevin’s angrier half makes an entrance, I find a new favourite team, keys are distributed, faceclaims are suggested, and I find a new favourite team.

Sounds good? Then it’s time for Nicki to read The King’s Men.

Saturday morning Wymack stopped by Fox Tower with a guest. (…)

“Thea,” Kevin finally said, and scrambled to his feet. “What are you doing here?”

Oh HECK YES.

I’ve been waiting for this gal ever since she was first mentioned, and my dudes my pals my homies, let me tell you – her presence does not disappoint.

Thea Muldani is big and buff and bench-presses male egos for breakfast, but also wears pastel makeup, braids and dresses like Beyoncé herself gave her fashion advice.

A certified Boss Ass Bitch, you say? Absolutely.

A definite, definite Venus Williams faceclaim, you say?

Alternatively also Serena Williams?

Absolutely.

Like Kevin, Thea also left the Ravens, but she seems to have quite a different relationship to them than he does.

Even though Thea graduated from Edgar Allan almost three years ago she still wore her Raven jersey number on a pendant around her throat.

Interesting.

Neil then wonders how ex-Ravens fare out there in the Real World, and he voices my thoughts precisely: Do they recover? Do they hang on? And if they do, is it because they’re broken, or out of choice?

This is Interesting Shit that I am very, very much intrigued to know more about. Since I’m not sure we’ll have quite enough time to get into this in what’s left of this book, if anyone has any fic recs dealing with this (= post-Raven recovery), hit me the hell up.

However sadly, Thea is not here to answer my deep psychological musings, and is instead very much here to tear Kevin a new one.

Or five.

“I always wanted to talk, but it was complicated.”

“’Complicated’,” Thea echoed. The air quotes she threw him were angry and mocking. “’Complicated’ is having to find out from a press conference that you broke your hand and left the line-up. ‘Complicated’ is finding out the hard way you disconnected your old number and having to hear from Jean that you didn’t want anything to do with any of us effective immediately. Don’t you dare use ‘complicated’ against me. I deserve better than that.”

OH SHIT.

Exy Venus Williams is mad, y’all – and completely in the right, because Kevin, you done fucked up.

Anyone who figuratively leaves his girlfriend on ‘read’ for two years deserves to have the shit bitched out of them publicly.

However, Kevin has a magic trick to at least somewhat calm his angrier half down:

Fellow ex-Raven and resident human ground beef Jean Valjean Moreau.

They go see him, but like puppies left out in the rain we don’t get to go with, which is a damn shame because I’m getting increasingly interested in how our favourite baguette is going to continue his trauma-filled existence.

“You assume [Nicky] will survive until summer [because he’s annoying the hell out of Andrew with his Andreil shipping],” Andrew said.

“You break him, you owe me a new defenseman,” Wymack said.

Bahahahaha.

Found this chapter’s #dicksoutforwymack, that line was gold, small as it was.

“You have one at Abby’s house.”

DAMN RIGHT. Anyone up for some Fox!Jean? Yes? Yes?

Apparently, not Kevin and Jean, who have irreparably damages their athletic compatibility at the Batcave of Extra, so Fox!Jean is a thing we may have to keep to fanfic.

Again – a damn shame.

What is decidedly not a damn shame is that Wymack has a lil something for Andrew, and when I found out what it was I may or may not have shed a lil tear of pride.

Keys jangled as they hit the carpet, and Neil stared in disbelief. He couldn’t be right, except last summer Wymack had given Neil three new keys, too: a set for all the important doors at the Foxhole Court. (…) “Kevin said to give you those.”

KEVIN IS TRUSTING ANDREW WITH STADIUM KEYS.

KEVIN IS EXPLICITLY INVITING ANDREW TO COME PRACTICE WHENEVER AND UNSUPERVISED.

KEVIN IS STARTING TO BELIEVE IN ANDREW’S FUTURE AS A PROFESSIONAL SPORTSBALL PLAYER EVEN IF ANDREW MAY NOT BE.

KEVIN IS TRUSTING ANDREW WITH STADIUM KEYS.

KEYS!!!!!!!!!!

This has got to be the fourth or fifth time this series has made me emotional about fucking keys, what in the absolute fuck.

[Neil’s] heart was pounding. (…) He thought about fighting for a spot on the US Court and facing the best the world had to offer, Kevin at his side and Andrew at his back.

When will the Kandreil feels end, my money is on fucking never.

With this preliminary banter done, we move on to what’s really important in this chapter:

The first NCAA Exy championship semi-final; University of Southern California Trojans vs Palmetto State University Foxes.

Or, as I like to call it – USC Hufflepuffs vs Kevin Day’s Boner.

So much has been promised about this team, their human sunshine of a captain and their infamous Too Good For This World cinnamon roll-ness, I was buzzing in my seat waiting to get to know them.

“[Think] about what you’re going to say in pre-game.” (…)

“How about ‘We’re gonna own these lowers’?” Nicky suggested.

“And that’s why you’re not allowed to talk to the press,” Matt said dryly.

Bahahahaha.

Nicky, my boy, never change. <3

However, I immediately opposed any ‘loser’ insults as I finally, finally met –

The one, the only, captain of Trojans, idol of Kevin Days everywhere, the OG Cinnamon Roll™ – Jeremy Fucking Knox.

“Kevin, you crazy fool,” he said, less formally, and clapped Kevin’s shoulder in a cheery greeting. “You never cease to amaze. You’ve got a thing for controversial teams, I think, but I like this one much better than the last one.”

Hi, marry me.

Again with the characterizations through first lines in this book, aye? Pretty sure this guy is the only one in the entire world who could bro-hug Kevin, call him a crazy fool to his face, and come away with his nose unbroken.

(He says a little bit towards Wymack before that, but we’re gonna ignore that for the meme.)

But apparently, Jeremy is not the only one who gets to say unexpected things right now.

[Kevin] only said, “I have a backliner for you. Do you have room on next year’s line-up?”

… Does this mean what I think it means.

I THINK IT DOES.

I THINK IT FUCKING DOES.

My dudes, let me tell you, my ass is HERE for Trojan!Jean. Trojean. TROJEAN.

Seriously, if you want someone with a trauma caused by abusive competitive toxic teammates to recover, a team that’s known for being the friendliest, kindest and fairest motherfuckers on the planet is pretty much the absolute Way To Go.

Operation Trojean is the best rehab anyone has ever thought of, ever, and I will hear no other opinions on this.

I was already enjoying this tremendously, good things all around, how much better could it be – when Sunshine Boy decided to pull something so spectacularly Hufflepuff that I swear to fuck I heard badgers singing.

Y’all are not ready.

I was not ready.

“Our line-up,” Jeremy explained. “It’s late to be getting it to you, I know, but we were trying to avoid as much of the backlash as possible.”

Why, what’s happ–

“Two goalies, three backliners, two dealers, two strikers,” Jeremy said. “You’ve made it this far with those numbers. It’s time to see how we’d fare in that situation.”

WHAT

THE

FUCK.

You have got to be kidding me, Sunshine Boy.

You are giving up your gigantic team, your sure-as-life win, your One Big Strength – just because it’s fair? And because you want to learn from your opponents more than you want to win?

I’m out. This is too much. This team is TOO FUCKING MUCH.

“You’ll lose tonight if you play like this.”

“Maybe,” Jeremy agreed, unconcerned. “Maybe not. Should be fun either way, right? I don’t remember the last time I was this psyched for a game.”

There is no way in hell I’m not faceclaiming this guy as known Puff Champion Cedric Diggory now.

No. Way. In. Hell.

Neil finally understood how the USC Trojans had won the Day Spirit Award eight consecutive years.

Bitch, me too, the fuck.

“I take back what I said about earthquakes,” Nicky said weakly. “I have a new favourite team.”

BITCH, ME TOO, THE FUCK.

And with that, the game is on, and I can’t remember the last time I was so pumped for a good ol’ match of Orange Murder Sportsball.

Despite their Line-Up of Dreams, the Trojans pretty much wipe the floor with the Foxes in the first half, as was to be expected.

But in second half – well, let’s just say I ain’t never seen a badger run a marathon.*

USC could have taken control of the game in a heartbeat if only they’d rethink their strategy. If they pulled their three subs from the sidelined players the Foxes’ night was over. But the Trojans had made up their mind and they weren’t backing down.

HELL YES.

BECAUSE THEY’RE THE FUCKING FAIREST BEST FUCKING SPORTS IN THIS ENTIRE DAMNED LEAGUE.

(*For the record: Foxes don’t exactly run marathons either – according to the mighty Internet, foxes can run up to 55 km/h and badgers up to 30 km/h, but both only over short distances. A human Trojan would definitely outrun a fox (or a badger) over a long distance. So much for brand accuracy.)

But then! Oh, who would have thought! This is so completely surprising! The Foxes catch their wind on the second half! Amazing, they start to dominate the game! And – and – and it’s a win! Win for the Foxes! WIN FOR THE FOXES!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy and excited for them and all, but as if we didn’t absolutely see this coming.

“Is this what dying feels like?” [Alvarez] asked, and called over her shoulder, “Babe, I think I’m dying. Do I still have legs?”

Things like these make my sports-ignorant ass realize just how hardcore the Foxes playing full halves actually is.

No subs, we die like men.

Also, Alvarez’ “babe” turns out to be Laila Dermott, which makes me love the Trojans even more – and I truly did not think this was possible – because Exy Lesbians.

“That was fantastic. (…) I want to do it again. Next year, maybe, when my legs grow back.”

“Stop being such a baby,” Laila said.

This banter is giving me life.

If anyone has any fanart of these two buff buttercups, please send it my way pronto.

Neil didn’t care how many hearts they broke that night. They’d beaten USC. (…) The Foxes were going to finals, and that was the only thing that mattered.

HEEEEEEEECK YEEEEEEEEES.

Before we move on to post-semi-final celebrations, allow me to gush about the Trojans one last time, and then I promise I’m done melting into a puddle every time one of them so much as speaks.

“[Jean] will be back in the fall. He just won’t be back in black.” Jeremy flashed his toothy grin. (…) “He’s transferring to USC for his senior year.”

This is one of the best ideas anyone has had in this entire book. Four for you, Trojean, you go, Trojean.

(And none for Riko Moriyama, bye.)

“We’ll have to get him some sun this summer, though! He’s a little pale to pull of red and gold right now,” Jean laughed.

[To the tune of California Girls] California puffs they’re unforgettable…

Also, in which Jean is #me in summer, all day err’day.

Tanning is for weak people, we sunburn like true Germans.

Nicky (…) cut the TV off. “I’ve got a theory that Renee and Jeremy are long-lost siblings. What do you think would happen if they ever joined force?”

“They’d get murdered,” Aaron said. (…) “War’s profitable; no one wants their world-peace nonsense.”

Gee, thanks, you absolute walnut.

For the record, I agree with Nicky, and I’m also counting this as the reason I immediately fell in love with Jeremy.

What can I say – in a world full of Angst, Drama, Angst, Infighting and More Angst, ya girl loves herself some good sunshiney optimists.

As for post-semi-final celebrations, the gang makes good on an old tradition and goes into town for another Fun Night of Debauchery for what I’m assuming is the last time in this series.

To think that a year ago the prospect of this would have made me break out in protective Neil feels, and now I’m actually looking forward to it.

Man, we’ve come far.

Speaking of – Andrew now apparently has no need for cracker dust anymore(!!!), has nothing against being touched in public (!!!!) and doesn’t seem to mind his Bartender Pal Roland calling him out on his Very Much Gay, Very Much Official Relationship (!!!!!).

Man, we’ve come fucking far.

“How’d you know [about Andrew being gay]?”, [Nicky said.] “Is your gaydar more advanced than mine is or – “ Nicky’s jaw dropped as he clued in. “Wait. No way. No way! Did you two –?”

BAHAHAHA.

LAUGHTER.

BIG FAT LAUGHTER.

Andrew hooked up with Big Intimidating Bartender Pal, this is glorious.

Neil’s clock was still ticking down, but his numbered days followed a different schedule now. Neil had all the time in the world, and that left a heat in his gut stronger than any whiskey could.

Fuck yes.

Fuck YES.

A very good ending to a very good second to last chapter.

...Oh shit.

Second. To. Last. Chapter.

EVER.

Next chapter will almost conclude this series (I’m told there is a short epilogue, so we’re not quite done). Next chapter will almost conclude this blog, holy shit.

We’ve been following the Orange Hellride that is this series for over a year now (thanks to my giant hiatuses in between, oops). This is insane.

I’ll get all emotional and grateful and weepy in the last chapter and final book recap, so dry eyes over here for now, but y’all – get ready.

This ride is about to end, and knowing this series, we’re about to go out with a fucking bang.

Oh dear.

Before I go - a quick note on the update situation for the last few uploads (meaning chapter 17, epilogue, book recap). This feels almost redundant to say after my schedule has been very loose (soz) these past few chapters anyways, but I will be taking some liberties for the finish line.

This blog has been one of my greatest pride and joys over the last year, and I really wanna stick the landing. This means I'd rather spend an extra day refining than update by hook and by crook. As a loose time estimate – expect the last chapter by the end of the week, possibly earlier.

Let me make this good for you guys. I'm way excited (and scared), and I hope you are too.

Peace and love, y'all.

#tfc #the foxhole court #aftg #all for the game #jeremy knox #aka my new husband #tkm #the king's men #nora sakavic #nicki reads tfc #please hold my hand through the last chapter #PLEASE

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oneeightcosplay-blog · 7 years ago

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Anime Boston 2018 | Day One

This was by far the best con yet! This was Kate and I’s first con where we actually met awesome people! Kate and I always make it a goal to make friends at cons but we get too nervous to talk to new people but this con was so much different! We met brilliant new people every day at the con and it was honestly a dream come true! There are so many faces I cannot wait to see again!

Day One we went as Deku and Uraka and get this WE WERE ACTUALLY AHEAD OF SCHEDULE IN THE MORNING!! When we left the hotel by 9:15 I was honestly SHOOK! I was so proud of us because usually Kate and I say we’ll leave at a certain time but then we spend too much time being cozy in bed and then scramble to get ready. We left the hotel and the first thing we did was we went and picked up our badges. The badge line was luckily not bad at all! It took us maybe 20-30 minutes which was a shock! SO THANK YOU PRE-REGISTRATION YOU’RE THE REAL HOMIE!! <3

After picking up our badges we decided to get Starbucks because Deku and Uraraka are basic. Kate and I both got coffee fraps and a double chocolate chip frap for our friend Nicole ( @talacosart ), which turned out to actually be for her friend Orion. Sneaky sneaky! But honestly I would’ve picked up coffee for anyone TBH just say the word and I got you! Because of all the frappuccinos in my hand, I forgot to record me meeting Nicole for the first time!!! It was a chase through the artist alley. I went through aisle and aisle until I finally spotted her! I shouted, I think don’t quote me on this, NICOLE! She stared at me for a moment and just didn’t say anything but then after a few seconds it clicked and we went in for the running hug! She later admitted she forgot what I looked like...thanks Nicole -_- <3

I introduced her to Kate and she introduced me to three of her very sweet and awesome friends! Later that night I asked Nicole for her friends’ Instagrams so I could stalk them only to discover that I already followed them and already stalked them a few weeks ago. Orion taught me “bust a nut” so that’s exciting! What a guy!! We roamed the artist alley for a long while and I gushed over all the beautiful Lance art and Tododeku art. After artist alley, I really kind of forgot what we did after that...I want to say OH WAIT I REMEMBER!! We went up to Nicole’s room so that she could change into Killua from Hunter X Hunter!!! We waited for Nicole to change and Kate and I bonded with her dad Jim while watching Friends and talking about the origin of the laugh track. Then we went to lunch at California Pizza Kitchen and Kate and I shared a Margarita Pizza. The Margarita Pizza had hidden tomatoes in it and I was not happy but it was still yummy I guess. Jim paid for lunch which was INSANELY KIND AND GENEROUS!! Kate and I insisted that he didn’t but he insisted that he did and I couldn’t believe he would pay for the food of two strangers. It was so sweet! <3 THANKS AGAIN JIM!!!!!!

After lunch, we went to the Vendor’s Room! Kate was on the hunt for a One Punch Man figurine for her brother Alex and I just wanted something cute and fluffy. As we were walking through the vendor’s room we realized that Josh Grelle, THE VOICE OF ARMIN MY BEST BOY, was having a signing which is wild because I thought I was going to miss it because I thought it was at 8 PM!! So I jumped right into line and Kate and Nicole were so sweet to wait with me!! Josh was soooooo sweet and funny and he spoke to me in his Armin voice and I almost started crying. It was an amazing experience and I’m so happy I got to meet the man behind some of my most precious children (Armin, Yuri, and Nitori).

Kate and I invited ourselves to the Hunter X Hunter meetup and somehow became professional photographers for the meetup. Well I mean not really but I pretended like I was. I snapped 10000000 pics of Nicole and the whole gang! And I’m pretty sure at first the people at the meetup thought I was just some creepy stranger BUT I PROMISE IM NOT!! Got some awesome shots of Nicole and some meme shots of her, Kate, and I. But who doesn’t love a good meme?

We all went back to Kate and I’s hotel so we could change into our onesies for the BNHA PJ meetup. Kate wore a pig onesie and I wore my carrot onesie. We stayed at the hotel for about an hour and we laughed at Barbie Vlog Videos and we told some fun stories from high school and talked about prom experiences and such. It was really fun and awesome bonding time!! Then we went to Nicole’s hotel room again and Nicole changed into Todoroki for the BNHA PJ meetup. NICOLE CHANGED SO MUCH ON FRIDAY OML BLESS HER SOUL. Then we walked to the place where we wanted to eat dinner but it was too fancy for us to eat there in cosplay so we had to scramble to find a new place. We finally decided on going to a Poke place right across from the con and I don’t think Nicole and Kate liked it that much :( BUT I LOVED IT! On our way there we ran into a nice man on a bicycle who asked us all about the convention and he told us about his first con experience at Katsucon when he was 8. He told us he was thankful we ran into him so that he knew the con was going on and he pulled out his phone to buy tickets. He gave us great advice on where to eat the rest of the weekend and then he biked away! We never saw him at the con but I hope he made it and had a great time!!

The last thing we did was go to the PJ meetup!! It was so fun! I had never been to a meetup of any sorts before and it was fun to see all my fave characters in fun PJs!!! There was a Tokoyami which was awesome and there were a lot of adorable fellow Dekus!!! After the meetup, we did our own little mini photoshoot. We did some Tododeku, Uradeku, and just some trio pics!! A lot of dabbing!! Then we just sat around in that spot for about an hour. We went live and our friend Lu joined us and taught us about how to edit photographs and they showed us their awesome photography project for school. They were worried about it but Kate, Nicole, all the people on the live, and I reassured them that their project was SLAYING AND BRILLIANT AND FABULOUS!!!

We got back to the hotel at about 12:30 AM and I started looking through vlog stuff, took a shower, watched my friend Faith go live on Instagram and do some awesome cosplay makeup, and watched Netflix till about 2:00 AM. After Kate got out of the shower she was on her phone for about 30 minutes and then she passed out. We were so happy with how the day went and we were so excited to do Voltron the next day!!!!!

DAY ONE WAS A BLAST!!! <3

Joni

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wineanddinosaur · 5 years ago

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We Asked 11 Brewers: What Classic Craft Beer Are You Drinking Right Now?

With the majority of the world under varying degrees of lockdown as governments attempt to combat the devastating effects of the novel coronavirus and subsequent Covid-19 pandemic, many beer drinkers are seeking comfort, relaxation, and familiarity in their beer choices.

Whether it takes the form of drinking your cellar, raiding the stash of bottles squirreled away for a rainy day, or returning to old, familiar classics, brewers and beer consumers alike are looking for the liquid form of pulling on your favorite sweatpants, but in a pint glass, bottle, or can.

From the OG Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, to beloved Belgian stalwart Orval, here’s what 11 brewers around the world are reaching for during this scary time.

“I’ve been getting down with some Ska Brewing True Blonde Ale. Crisp and delicious, this low-ABV classic American blonde is perfect for an all-day drinking session, especially with the weather in Denver warming up. It has also been helping in quarantine to help feel connected to some of my favorite homies. Ska has been one of my favorite breweries for the last 13 years and the people there are some of the nicest and most modest in the industry. Cracking this beer brings me back to anniversary parties of years past, skanking in the parking lot to some legendary ska bands, celebrating with friends that are more like family. I can’t wait for the day when I can make the trek back down to Durango to dance, hug, and crack a cold one with all of the rude boys and girls of the ska fam.” — Bess Dougherty, Head Brewer, Grateful Gnome Sandwich Shoppe and Brewery, Denver

“The classic craft beer I’m currently drinking is Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. The quality, consistency, and deliciousness is undeniable. I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited both of their beautiful, awe-inspiring campuses over the past few years and to say the experiences are life-changing for a small brewer is an understatement. Each sip takes me back and renews my gratitude to be a part of this industry and community.” — Joel Kodner, Head Brewer, West Palm Brewery, West Palm Beach, Fla.

“These days, I find myself drawn by session beers in general. Currently I am drinking Verdant Brewing Co.’s Lightbulb. I think this beer is one of the true bridge builders between modern and postmodern beer. It embodies many of the fruity elements that the NEIPAs have come to symbolize but with a remarkably low ABV for the style, and body enough to keep you interested.” — Søren Parker Wagner, Founder, Dry & Bitter Brewing Company, Copenhagen, Denmark

“Recently I have been getting reacquainted with Adnams, and in particular, Broadside. It’s autumn down here, and lockdown means time to cook up hearty dishes that scream out for this fruity malty masterpiece. I’m not sure I get the whiff of the salty sea air that Roger Protz once romantically tasted in the Adnams beers, but it does taste like Christmas cake, and spiked prunes. Delicious.” — Kieran Haslett-Moore, Head Brewer, North End Brewery, Waikanae, New Zealand

“During quarantine, I’ve mainly been supporting local breweries but I recently bought four bottles of Orval, and it reminded me why it’s always on lists like these. It’s appropriate for any mood or occasion. I had one right out of the bottle while grilling in my backyard and I served it in flutes on my wedding anniversary because I didn’t have any Champagne handy. It was perfect both times. Like a Pixar movie, Orval can be enjoyed on multiple levels. On the surface, it’s a simple, balanced beer that you don’t have to think about to enjoy. But, if you do feel like thinking about it, there’s so much to appreciate. It’s one of the few beers to truly showcase each ingredient — water, malt, hops, yeast. They are all there in perfect balance, but somehow each stands out on their own. It’s all elevated by a prickly carbonation from the secondary fermentation in the bottle, which also gives it a nearly unlimited shelf life. A perfect beer for any occasion that lasts forever — what else could you ask for in a quarantine beer?” — Michael Graham, Co-Founder, Austin Beer Works, Austin, Texas

“The lockdown situation has made us anxious to linger in the supermarkets perusing the craft beers on offer (usually Scottish or behemoth, no in-between) and with no local speciality shops, we’ve been enjoying ordering from similar-size breweries. So rather than relying on classics we’re delving head first into trying completely new things. The communal hashtag #CraftBeerHour has introduced us to so many small breweries all over the place and we’ve been loving having weekly care packages arriving. Most recently, Simon was sent a case of Belgian goodies from his family including his all-time fave Orval and my all-time fave Tripel Karmeliet, which are undeniable classics… but I’ve been getting stuck into everything I can get my hands on, from The Wild Beer Co. and Brass Castle. Next on the wish list is The Kernel. It’s a pain living hours away from any real beer scene, but we’re hoping things are changing and everyone is really pulling together at the moment and which we’ll truly applaud. Slàinte!” — Freja MacDougall, Co-founder, Ben Nevis Brewery, Glenfinnan, Scotland

“Jaipur is one of my favorite beers. It’s always been a safe port in a storm and one of the beers that really changed the game for me. Back in my Marble Brewery days, myself and fellow brewer Dom Driscoll spent quite a lot of time hanging out with Kelly Ryan, who was head brewer at Thornbridge at the time, and I remember them trialing early keg batches when everything around us was in cask, it felt like a giant step for both the beer and the U.K. scene… But the cask will always be my love. The body, honey notes, bitterness, and citrus notes all present in exact amounts for perfect balance to occur. There are a lot of happy memories in that beer and I’m sure there will be many more.” — Colin Stronge, Head Brewer, SALT Beer Factory, Saltaire, U.K.

“In the midst of all the new breweries and beers hitting the market these days, looking back at classic craft brews is not a bad idea. The first De Dolle Brouwers (DDB) beer I had was the revered Stille Nacht (around 2005). However, my favorites of theirs are probably Arabier and Oerbier. But, it is springtime, so I’ll go for the Arabier today. Arabier pours a beautiful pale orange with a frothing, white foam. The nose is estery, herbal, citrusy, floral, and messy in that beautiful DDB way. Tripel meets a strong Belgian pale, you could say. Well attenuated (but certainly not anorectic) and perfectly carbonated (high!). I love the integration of light fruity notes, herbal/grapefruit hoppy goodness, and a firm, rounded bitterness that coats my entire mouth. This beer represents what is so great about Belgian brewing: Brewers do whatever they want (I am sure there is a Flemish word for “f*ck rigid beer style guidelines”). I was lucky enough to visit DDB for the first time earlier this year, fell in love with the 100-plus-year-old brewhouse, and can’t wait to go back. Kris and Els are running a magical and uniquely personal place. But please don’t tell anyone — we want to keep it that way!” — Rune Lindgreen, Beer Developer & Ambassador, People Like Us, Copenhagen, Denmark

“One of my favorite breweries is Pizza Port. I grew up down in Orange County [Calif.] and was introduced to them when I came down to San Diego for a marathon in 1999. I loved the pizza and brewery vibe in Solana Beach and have been a fan ever since. In more recent years, I have been fortunate to pour beers at the same festivals, connect with their brewers and sales staff (hi, Jill!) and visit their San Clemente spot a few times a year while visiting friends and meeting with our sales team and distributors down there. My go-to Pizza Port beer is Swami’s IPA. It’s a classic West Coast IPA that instantly brings me back to beach town vibes. Swami’s is vacation mode in glass. I was fortunate enough to secure a sixtel for my home kegerator just as we were entering this new normal of sheltering in place. Suffice to say it did not last long, and I’m once again longing for my next pint of Swami’s IPA!” — Phil Cutti, Co-founder & Brewer, Headlands Brewing Co., San Francisco

“Right now I’ve got a triple-decocted Czech Pils from Notch in my glass and it’s absolutely gorgeous. When I’m brewing something similar, I try to seek out fresh (local) versions of the style. I love trying what my peers are putting out and learning from it, especially when it’s clean, crisp, and delightfully nuanced like this Pils!” — Gordon Whelpley, Head Brewer, Twelve Percent Beer Project, North Haven, Conn.

“To be honest, I have been drinking a lot of lagers that fall out of the craft category, or some by craft breweries as they try to introduce more of the style into their portfolios, but as one-offs do not fit into the classic category, either. However, if we were to discuss craft classics, there is one I always have in my cellar, and that is Orval. Orval is like the Kinder Egg of beers, because every bottle you open is a surprise. For each pour it feels like a different and exciting experience, and I can never figure out the precise age in which I prefer it, though I can definitely appreciate it fresh with the DH being present as well as an older, more Brett-forward version. And regardless, it is always delicious and will always warm my heart, quench my thirst, and bring a big smile to my face. When in doubt, Orval <3.” — Mariana Schneider, Brewer, Amager Bryghus, Copenhagen, Denmark

The article We Asked 11 Brewers: What Classic Craft Beer Are You Drinking Right Now? appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/11-best-classic-craft-beers/

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johnboothus · 5 years ago

Text

We Asked 11 Brewers: What Classic Craft Beer Are You Drinking Right Now?

From the OG Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, to beloved Belgian stalwart Orval, here’s what 11 brewers around the world are reaching for during this scary time.

The article We Asked 11 Brewers: What Classic Craft Beer Are You Drinking Right Now? appeared first on VinePair.

Via https://vinepair.com/articles/11-best-classic-craft-beers/

source https://vinology1.weebly.com/blog/we-asked-11-brewers-what-classic-craft-beer-are-you-drinking-right-now

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isaiahrippinus · 5 years ago

Text

We Asked 11 Brewers: What Classic Craft Beer Are You Drinking Right Now?

From the OG Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, to beloved Belgian stalwart Orval, here’s what 11 brewers around the world are reaching for during this scary time.

The article We Asked 11 Brewers: What Classic Craft Beer Are You Drinking Right Now? appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/11-best-classic-craft-beers/ source https://vinology1.tumblr.com/post/618640234697080832

0 notes

nilesheron · 7 years ago

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The Boogeyperson (Notes on Failure)

“I'd love to tell you that this [email, sent 3-weeks later than it should have been, without the article you’re hoping would be attached,] isn't indicative of the way things have been going over here, of late, but this is supposed to be an Op-Ed on failures, right?”

I wrote Model D’s Editor on July 7th at about 12:15 AM. The email is a long-winded amalgam of self-deprecation and shame – an attempt to explain why I was so late delivering this article, and how that played into a perspective on failure that has plagued my life and career, and how I’m trying to change my mindset.

The cliff notes: “Failure,” too often, is a warped looking-glass; an inappropriately binary, self-assessment.

The idea of a looking-glass self, paraphrased and adapted, is that when we see ourselves (in our minds), often it is as we expect other people see us.

We look at the rubrics and standards we’ve fallen short of (or, I suppose, exceeded, but this is my article and I don’t personally know what it’s like to exceed a standard I’ve set).

In our mirrors, we are the weight that shouldn’t be hanging from our bodies, the skin that’s oily, teeth that are not perfect and straight and white, the things we said wrong yesterday, things that are too big, things that are too small – we see that we aren’t millionaires at 30 like we told our high-school classmates we would be. We’re closing in on 35, now, and it seems less and less like we’ll be able to retire immediately thereafter, as was our original plan. We have failed all of the past-versions of our projected future best-selves.

Failure, for everyone I’ve met, is a reflective property.

I’ve never in my life heard someone use the word “failure” to describe another person who actually tried to do something -- that is, of course, outside of caricature representations of slightly-shady-tough-loving aunties going off on main-plot characters on silver screens… And even then there’s usually a reconciliation point later in the script where they explain “it’s not that you’re a ‘failure,’ you’re just not giving yourself a chance to succeed – because you’re acting stupid. Stop holding yourself back.” Then they hug, and nephew/niece has a self-betterment montage on the way to their eventual “win scenario.”

In real life, people say all kinds of messed up stuff about us, but it’s usually not “look at this failing failure of a human being.” That’s not to say that we always (or ever) know how to help and support each other – especially within our economic decisions – but, you have to work really hard to generate active naysaying… and to the literal point I’m making here, not even your haters – I promise – no one is sitting at home or elsewhere calling you “a failure.”

No, no, beloved: “Failure” is a title you judged, juried, executed, and decided to carry around with you all by your onezie (I’m speaking to myself, here).

(Maybe I’m just a crazy person. It’s cool. You can stop reading if none of this resonates…)

So why are we so obsessed with failure. Why are we so terrified by it?

Easy answer? Because we’re narcissists, and somewhere, it’s just easier to think about ourselves outside of the reality that at any time, each of us is one of seven or 8 billion people currently living on Earth. We are obsessed with the idea that not only are we each snowflakes, but that some snowflakes are “objectively” better than others. And whether or not we admit to ourselves that this is a race, we all tend to embody the immortal words of Ricky Bobby -- we want to be first, not last. (This is a whole article in itself, but let me get back on track, here…)

At this point, I’m convinced that we are dealing with a word misunderstood – which is especially problematic because it’s also a word we almost exclusively use internally – and inappropriately constrain to a point of binary evaluation. We use the word as though our life is a pass/fail course. I mean, I suppose at end-of-life you could force an objective net-positive/negative evaluation to determine that someone was or wasn’t a failure, but it’d be really tough (case in point: Is our president a failure?). In any case, it’s certainly damn-near impossible to evaluate while your lungs are working. And yet, we do. Constantly.

I dropped out of high school. I dropped out of college. I started writing a book (I stopped writing the book). I started recording an album (I stopped recording the album). I started a company (it didn’t work). I started another company (it didn’t work). I lost a promotion opportunity (and the job all together) because I had never gotten my GED. I got a GED (at 26). I started another company. It went really really really well, until we got buried in cease and desist orders by the state of Michigan alleging we had committed umpteen securities violations (we proved that we hadn’t; it then didn’t work).

I turned 31 in June. I’ve pretty much set most of my romantic relationships on fire (#foreveralone), and have some honestly-not-terrible-but-totally-anxiety-inducing debt to show for the various entrepreneurial attempts and adventures I’ve made and been on.

My crowning achievement, most days, seems to be the fact that I haven’t starved or actually fallen on an actual sword throughout my adult life-to-date.

I give you this self-immolating recap of my past 13-14 years because despite the fact that by so many objective metrics I feel justified in considering myself a failure, I actually can’t think of anyone who would describe me as that. That’s not a humble brag. I can think of lots of people who don’t like me, much. But on the long list of warts and flaws, I just don’t think (hope, pray, and please don’t pop my bubble) that anyone would call me a “failure,” no matter how much feeling like one has defined my life.

This article is actually appropriately timed (God tends not to make as many mistakes as it feels like we do). I’ve been thinking a lot about the things that happen to us when we are consumed with fear, especially within entrepreneurship – and often within a low-to-moderate income demographic filled with people of color (read: Detroit).

Much more interesting to me, despite what the long-winded pre-amble above might lead you to believe, is the fact that thinking about failure as a binary, death-sentencing, singular event has a problematic impact on the way we look at success and ourselves. For the purposes of this discussion, I’m looking at my fellow entrepreneurs of color, but the theory generally applies much more broadly.

Especially as people of color, we are trained to make safe choices. We are conditioned to survive (or succumb) to flagrant school-to-prison pipelines, presumptions of guilt, police encounters, and implicit biases in job interviews (and most other places, too). We are taught that when you have a “good thing” like food, and shelter, and clean water (depending on what county you live in), that you should double-down, and protect it. We are taught to be risk-averse, and the ugly beast of a boogey-person who lurks on the other side of risk is named Failure.

We are taught not to dream big, not to quit stable jobs, not to concern ourselves with building new wings, and not to jump off cliffs, because – and it is implicit in the wary knowledge passed down from the ancestors – that we will fail (and die, or otherwise fall victim to a world not built for us).

We are taught, frankly, that risk is for white people (there are skydiving and board game jokes, here).

We are taught lies.

(To be fair, it’s not only black folk who are given these constructs, I would just argue that we suffer more from the systematic integration of them.)

Yes. Lies. All of them.

And maybe the most damning of all is the often-unchallenged notion that the entrepreneurial problems, hurdles, setbacks, set-ups, pitfalls, fall-throughs, and plain bad luck are all close kin to our aforementioned boogey-person homie Failure.

But wait… The fundamental purpose of a business is to bridge a gap, or solve a problem, right? Entrepreneurs succeed by “fixing” market failures at a level of proficiency worth paying for (as opposed to a theoretically more arduous status quo). Rarely do businesses create something truly “new,” but rather, they solve a need that has been solved before, but in a “better” way. It, therefore, doesn’t take much logical deduction to realize that fundamentally businesses exist to address failure – if your brain is spinning, it’s because we haven’t really given ourselves many easy “wins,” here, logically speaking. The point, here, is why would we assume that the thing built to solve the problem can’t have problems of it’s own? It’s as if we think we’ve failed as soon things become less than a cake walk, or smooth flight.

I’m about to deliver the let-down of the century. I know, I’ve built this up. But here it goes: I don’t have a solution, for you. But I do hope that sharing some thoughts of my own regarding how I diagram the problem in my personal life has helped you do the same.

One positive step that I have taken, of late, has been to just speak some of this stuff to myself, aloud, in hopes of forcing my brain to recognize the subtle differences in language we can use to frame ourselves (and our ventures). Our language, so often, informs our thought processes around faulty assumptions that we don’t even realize we are reinforcing.

I remind myself of these regularly:

Words and specificity matter. It is far (far) easier for a business to fail than a human to fail… A business failure is simple: There is no more resource to pursue “the things.” You ran out of steel for the bridge or some other metaphorical mettle that it would have taken to finish / float / fly. It’s okay. It happens. There are entire articles (books, sub-genres) about people who have failed in businesses on the path to eventual success that came before you, and if you’re lucky, there will be articles about your failures for the folks who deal with these same dilemmas in 20 years.

Every business (and person) has problems. Great businesses find ways to solve those problems, which for the most part are not unique, in new ways that give them advantages over the other people who have tried to do it. So stop being shy about them. They are NOT indicators that you are failing, or a failure. Seek help, talk to people, get advice, talk to more people -- this is the job. These problems are what will make you great, and these problems are to be expected (read: not an indictment of you, just what comes next).

If this were easy, we would all be millionaires.

Trust yourself -- and this one is huge -- logically, you couldn’t trust a failure, so the sooner you can remind yourself that you’re not a failure, the sooner you can get back to trusting your greatness.

Repeat the affirmations and positive steps outlined in 1-4.

The take-away, I hope, is that by recognizing failure to be what it is (internal motivation), hopefully we can distance ourselves from the fears, and start making better choices regarding our businesses and lives. Entrepreneurship is a lonely, boobie-trapped path along the side of the jagged cliff that we jumped from. We are carrying our wings and dreams as we descend into a canyon, before -- if we are among the few -- we can climb back up the other side and tell people “we made it.” Just like all of the successful entrepreneurs before us, we’ll tell people how hard it was, we’ll tell people that it didn’t work, but they won’t remember the part where we tell them about how we didn’t fly across the gaps, but that we fell down and then climbed back up. We will tell them that it doesn’t work the way you plan it…

They won’t listen. None of us do. We are dreamers. They will just hear that we built wings, and it worked out okay in the end (that we weren’t failures, like they fear they are), and they’ll build their wings and walk up to the cliff.

The best thing we can do -- now and then -- is welcome the questions, embrace the problems, and hope that somewhere, someone, will listen to us when we say (over and over and over again) that we are here to listen and talk to them through the things that scare them. We will tell them to hire consultants, and rely on experts, and use their networks. We will try to create as many success stories as possible from the group of people who follow us, if only because it will mean there are that many more survivors available to answer questions like for the next batch.

And if we’re lucky, we can help them unlearn their fears.

In the words of someone smarter than me:

“Failure, if it is anything, is about not trying, not about not succeeding.”

This article originally appeared in shorter form on www.modeldmedia.com. This was the original version that I wrote, but it was (as you might see) long as shit, so it had to be paired down. Thanks to the editorial staff over there for helping me get this in at a word count that was postable, but for anyone who wanted the full-text, I wanted to share.

Be great.

-Niles Heron

#Notes on Failure #NilesHeron #ModelDMedia #OpEd #Detroit

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operaforthelayman · 8 years ago

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I puritani

The Puritans E Pu-ri-tan-e

Run time: 3 hours and 35 minutes. Two intermissions

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ Notes: The plot & music are pretty straight forward, it’s just a bit LONG First performed: Theatre Italien, Paris 1835 Here’s a bit of background: Based on the play Tetes Rondes et Cavaliers. (Roundheads and Cavaliers)

Themes: Love, War, Bel Canto Fun Tidbits:

It was originally two acts, until Rossini advised Bellini to switch it to two

It was Bellini’s tenth and final piece. He died at the age of 33!

Our Major players ♪ Arturo: Royalist but also Elvira’s boo. ♪ Elvira: Town sweetheart, daughter of Walter and niece of Giorgio ♪ Riccardo: Puritan colonel also is in love with Elvira ♪ Lord Walton: General of the Puritan base Elvira’s papa ♪ Giorgio: Elvira’s uncle, brother of Lord Walton and a retired Puritan colonel ♪ Bruno: Puritan colonel, mostly Riccardo’s hype man

We bit of a long one but fun and wholesome. So strap up and enjoy the overture and I’ll give us a lick of back story. It’s England in the 1600s; we’re in the middle of the English Civil War. They’re two sides, Royalist, and Puritans. (Sometimes refers to as Cavaliers and Roundheads, respectively.) The opera opens just near the end of the war.

Act 1

Scene One

The curtains lift and we’re in the Puritan fortress, near the end of the final battle of the war.

Soldiers come out singing in glee, not only because of their soon victory but because the village dumpling, Elvira is getting married today. The soldiers head away, leaving behind the soon to be groom, Riccardo.

BUT! Unlike his bros he is not gleeful; he sighs filled with angst to himself until his homie, Bruno ask what’s up.

It turns out Riccardo is NOT the groom. He returned from Plymouth yesterday and went to Elvira’s dad to see if the wedding was still going down.

Her dad shrugged and told Riccardo his daughter is in love with Arturo, a ROYALIST! Despite him being on the other side of the war, he won’t force his daughter into a loveless marriage. (The first time this has ever happened in the history of opera.)

Riccardo is hella bummed and Bruno tries to cheer him up reminding him that his country and fellow men need him. Riccardo retorts with this delicious MySpace SKA-emo gem, “My soul is on fire but for love, NOT GLORY.”

Scene 2

Inside Elvira's apartment, she sits moping about on her wedding day. Giorgio sees her moping about and asks why the bride has such a long face. Elvira balks at the word bride telling her uncle, she rather die than marry Riccardo (ouch.)

Giorgio’s like… “Well, you don’t have to do that because I convinced your dad last night to let you marry Arturo!”

Elvira is shocked and thrilled as fuck; she explodes when her uncle tells her Arturo’s on his way now!

Elvira and Giorgio exchange a hug and he begins to recall the conversation he had with Elvira’s papa. It’s super-duper cute and she jumps around all over the place like a tiny kid. She’s interrupted by horns announcing an arrival. Arturo is coming through the main gate!

Scene 3

All the towns’ people gather in the square to celebrate the couple. They sing a little ditty about praising the young lovers. Arturo arrives; everyone is there to welcome him. Walton gives Arturo a pass, allowing him to peacefully come and go as he pleases. (Remember he’s a Royalist in Puritan territory.)

A mysterious lady appears with Bruno; Arturo questions her identity but is simply told she’s a prisoner set to be executed in London. Arturo looks upon her with sympathy, which the mysterious woman notices.

Everyone walks away to begin preparing for the wedding, leaving the mysterious woman and Arturo alone. She reveals to him that she is Queen Henrietta, widow of King Charles.

Arturo promises to help her escape even if his life is the price….

Elvira re-enters in her wedding gown carrying her veil. She shows off her dress and asks Henrietta to help put on her veil. She appeases her, happy for Elvira on her own bittersweet day. Elvira fools around so much and places the veil on Henrietta. (Kinda fucked up but ok….) and it gives Arturo an idea.

He can smuggle the Queen out with the veil on. He urges her to leave it on and sends Elvira back to her chambers with her wedding party.

Elvira gone and with Henrietta veiled, Arturo grabs her and heads to the gates of the city.

Riccardo then decides this is the time he wants to fight for Elvira; like a weeping sworded baby he pops up and threatens Arturo with a death match.

Arturo’s like “Okay sure.”

And the two begin to brawl. Henrietta jumps in between them to stop and when she does, her veil falls off! Revealing her identity!

Riccardo is dumbfounded. Arturo raises his sword preparing to now have to fight to escape but Riccardo is surprisingly chill about it and promises not to reveal their secret. They run off and Riccardo is immediately like “lol fuck you” and tells everyone that Arturo just ran off with the prisoner. Soldiers are sent after Arturo and everyone is mad shocked including Elvira, who paces up and down and slowly begins to go fuckin’ mental from heart break.

Act II

Scene I

Act two opens up in a lush chamber. Everyone is worried over the betrayed and dumped Elvira. She’s being weeping for days and acting hella strange.

Sir Giorgio tells Riccardo that she’s been seeing the “ghost” of Arturo.

Riccardo’s like, “Damn that sucks…but check this out! I’ve got a decree that condemns Arturo to death lol.”

Suddenly Elvira appears and burst out with reminisces of happier times with Arturo. She lets out the aria, Qui la voce. (Mad scene alerrrrrtttt) Her chamber maids carry her off, leaving Riccardo and Giorgio alone.

They’re both disturbed by how fuckin’ crazy she is and Giorgio says they must do something. He tells Riccardo he must save Arturo.

Riccardo (of course) lets out a “FUCK NO.”

Like, understandably so, right? Dude stole his boo.

Giorgio says, “Okay cool bro but if you don’t help Arturo. Elvira will die of fucking heartbreak. Cooooome on.”

Riccardo finally agrees but says if he sees Arturo on the battle field tomorrow and he’s sided with the Royalist he will murder him right then and there.

George agrees and act two ends with a bro duet and hand shake.

Act III

It’s been three months since act one and Arturo has been on the run. He has found his way back to Elvira’s house. He hides in the garden while two guards search for him.

Suddenly, he overhears Elvira singing their song. He listens for a few minutes and then decides to join in...

A bit startled but hella curious, she wonders to herself where the sound is coming from and he pops out!

She’s kinda like, “Wtf” but quickly embraces him. Arturo begs her to forgive him, explaining he was not running off with a side hoe, but a Queen hoe!

Elvira is like, “O shit the Queen? Daaammnnn.”

They vow to be together forever now that everything has been cleared up.

Drums from beyond the garden are heard; Elvira begins to stress the fuck out. (PTSD from Arturo running away, basically.)

Soldiers enter the garden with everyone else in tow. The soldiers read out Arturo’s death sentence which snaps Elvira back to her senses.

Even though everyone notices the change, they’ve still got Arturo bound up on the highway to death.

They’re about to drag his ass to the guillotine when a messenger arrives.

The Royalist have been defeated! Everyone has been pardoned! Arturo is free!

Everyone is happy and the two lovers embrace.

#puritani #i puritani #opera tag #tell it like it is #Italian speakers correct that for me #Opera #Opera fandom #bel canto #war #love

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wineanddinosaur · 5 years ago

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We Asked 11 Brewers: What Classic Craft Beer Are You Drinking Right Now?

From the OG Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, to beloved Belgian stalwart Orval, here’s what 11 brewers around the world are reaching for during this scary time.

The article We Asked 11 Brewers: What Classic Craft Beer Are You Drinking Right Now? appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/11-best-classic-craft-beers/

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