#A.J. Howard

[turtlethon]

"Dirk Savage: Mutant Hunter!”

Season 7, Episode 24 First US Airdate: December 4, 1993

A wealthy businessman starts an anti-mutant campaign that places the Turtles in danger.

Season seven of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles nears its conclusion with "Dirk Savage: Mutant Hunter!" As with most of the episodes during this stretch of the show, David Wise is credited as writer here.

The Turtles are investigating a series of appearances by a pair of mysterious creatures and are seen examining their footprints. Donatello remarks that since Shredder’s use of mutagen in the zoo “years ago”, new mutants have continued to appear in the city. This seems to be a call-back to the events of “Planet of the Turtleoids” that led to the creation of Groundchuck and Dirtbag. As that was in season five it’s true that for us as viewers it was a while back, but I believe this is the first time we’ve ever had in-universe confirmation that the events of the series have taken place over a period of several years.

Our heroes are alerted to a commotion at the nearby Crystal Palace Mall. Inside, a mutant wolf and turtle are terrorising shoppers. This duo will be familiar to anyone who’s seen the second live-action TMNT movie as Rahzar and Tokka respectively, though their characterisation here differs greatly from their movie appearances: rather than being BABIES – or, if you prefer, “stupid infants” - Rahzar is surprisingly eloquent while Tokkka sounds like... Beavis? I’m gonna go with Beavis. The Turtles valiantly take on these two new mutants but are outmatched, with both Leonardo and Michaelangelo going through the windows of one of the mall’s restaurants.

An interesting facet of Rahzar’s portrayal here is that from the outset it’s established he cares deeply for Tokka and considers him to be his only friend. Upon seeing Raphael and Donatello fight Tokka, Rahzar becomes furious, smashing the mall’s supporting pillar. Having left the complex in ruins, the two mutants escape; the Turtles emerge from the crumbling shopping centre but find their new enemies are long gone.

Later, in the Lair, the Turtles watch a broadcast on Channel 6. AJ Howard, an “eccentric billionaire”, is allowed to go into an anti-mutant diatribe in which he blames the many half-human, half-animals who have appeared in the city not only for the recent destruction of the mall, but for hurting the local economy and driving out business. He goes on to mention that the completion of his new skyscraper, the Howard Building, has been postponed until the mutant issue is dealt with. Beyond that, he has launched a full-on anti-mutant campaign, including promotional “down with mutants” wristbands. Announcing the next phase of his program, he introduces Dirk Savage, a burly and heavily armed man with an eyepatch who he declares is a “professional mutant hunter”.  

Savage boasts about his intention to track down “every last one of you freaks”, a vow that understandably rattles the Turtles. The broadcast ends with AJ Howard encouraging citizens to request Savage’s services by way of a special hotline, 555-NO MUTANTS.

The Turtles head to Channel 6 and request April and Irma’s help in learning about Dirk Savage. April isn’t able to find much beyond him being “a professional soldier of fortune... he’s fought for governments all over the world!” Irma provides further details about Savage’s allegiances, noting that he typically fights against “rebels, misfits and other outcasts”. While at the station offices our heroes receive an incoming Turtlecom transmission from Napoleon of the Punk Frogs, who has just arrived in town with Genghis. It only takes a matter of seconds before Genghis manages to get his foot caught in a laser trap. From the bushes emerges Dirk Savage, who swiftly captures both frogs and carries them away.

Our heroes head to the spot where the Punk Frogs were captured, and determine this was indeed Savage’s doing: in a nod to the weariness that viewers may have been feeling after seven seasons of new supporting characters being introduced, Raphael notes that there are “eight zillion mutants in this series and [Savage] captures two of the good ones!” With no clear plan on what to do next, the team head back to the Lair to request Splinter’s advice.

Savage is seen transporting the Punk Frogs in his personalised truck to a special facility, where several mutants can be seen imprisoned in energy cages. The mutant hunter checks in with AJ Howard, who reminds him that the Turtles are still free: Savage assures his boss that capturing them is his top priority.

Splinter tells the Turtles that he senses Dirk Savage may be the key to solving their problem, and that they should focus on convincing him to change his ways by showing him his hatred for mutants is the result of ignorance. Later, while wandering the sewers, the Turtles discuss these words of wisdom. Donatello and Raphael are unconvinced by the idea that Savage can be reasoned with. Michaelangelo is then pulled into the air and captured in an enormous electromagnet, which Donnie helpfully explains has him “by the buckles of his bandoliers!” Before the team can free him, Dirk Savage appears, a gun in each hand and set to capture his enemies, as act one wraps up.

Act two opens with Savage angering the Turtles by calling them “mutant scum”. He attempts to capture all four members of the team, but after restraining Leonardo is pounced upon by Raphael and has a stream of water sprayed on him by Donatello from a nearby pipe. Ultimately the mutant hunter retreats, taking the tied-up Leo and Mikey with him. As he loads the two Turtles into the back of his truck, he makes a point of relieving them of their Turtlecoms, crushing the devices with his bare hands. Donnie and Raph head to the Turtle Van to give chase, but are alerted to further developments from April, who asks that they return to the station as Irma has made a major discovery.

Savage presents Michaelangelo and Leonardo to AJ Howard. The two Turtles are understandably furious and refuse to comply, but the billionaire forces them to don “compliance cuffs” - arm restraints that compel anyone wearing them to do his bidding. Napoleon, Genghis and the other assembled mutants can only look on as Leo and Mikey are brought to their knees. Meanwhile, Irma reveals her discovery to the Turtles: that Howard used to own a genetics lab which was suddenly closed, coinciding with the wealthy businessman’s disappearance for more than a year. (We can only take Irma’s word for this, as the report which appears on-screen contains no relevant information and seems to just be letters of the alphabet in sequence.)

While April and Irma are helping the Turtles, Vernon goes on-air with an editorial segment. Professing his allegiance to AJ Howard, he rails against the “nasty creatures” supposedly taking over the streets, before revealing that more than half of the city’s residents now wear the billionaire’s anti-mutant bracelets. Raphael is keen to give Vernon a piece of his mind, but is convinced to direct his energy elsewhere, as Donatello intends to infiltrate the mutant holding facility. Meanwhile, April and Irma will investigate the site of Howard’s in-construction skyscraper.

Donnie and Raph visit Mondo Gecko, making his first appearance since his debut two years earlier. As per the conclusion of that adventure he appears to still be residing in the sewers as a neighbour of sorts to the Turtles. Upon learning of the activities of Howard and Savage, Mondo agrees to assist, angered by the capture of his good friend Michaelangelo.

Savage places a table of food in an alley, luring Tokka and Rahzar into the open. This turns out to only be partially successful, as he’s able to capture the snapping turtle but not his partner. After escaping, Rahzar can only watch from a nearby rooftop as Tokka is loaded into the back of Savage’s vehicle and transported away; enraged by the loss of his buddy, he vows revenge before howling at the moon. On his way back to the mutant detainment facility Savage also encounters and captures Mondo Gecko. This time Donnie and Raph are ready, and follow the mutant hunter in the Turtle Van.

As April and Irma arrive at the Howard Building, which is covered in an enormous sheet and surrounded by guards, Donnie and Raph watch Savage unload his mutants at the facility. After he leaves again our heroes use a vent to gain entry to the mutant detainment building. Inside, they watch – along with the captive Leo and Mikey, as well as the other jailed mutants – as AJ Howard places his special cuffs on Mondo Gecko and Tokka. After an off-hand remark from Mondo about how the billionaire will never be able to kill destroy the city’s entire population of mutants, Howard reveals that isn’t his intent, and that his captured prey will serve as his own personal army. The assembled mutants are shocked as Howard removes his rubbery face mask to show his true form: that of a half-man, half-slug.

The impact of Howard’s revelation is watered down considerably by the fact that when we return for the concluding act, he’s seen pulling off his mask again, this time spouting new dialogue as he does so about being not only a mutant, but the greatest one of all. He further explains that it was an accident in his genetics lab that led to his current form (hence his year-long disappearance alluded to by Irma earlier). Donnie and Raph emerge to confront Howard, but through his compliance bracelets the slug turns the jailed mutants against them, forcing the two Turtles to retreat to their van. With his true intentions now known, Howard declares that he needs to implement the next phase of his plan immediately and marches off with his new mutant army.

Donatello is beginning to warm up to the idea suggested by Splinter earlier about Dirk Savage acting as a potential ally. From a phone booth, he calls the hunter’s hotline and leaves a message indicating that two mutant turtles have been spotted. Meanwhile April and Irma watch as Howard relays a message to the guards surrounding his building, informing them that as the mutant issue has been dealt with, they can stand down. With the coast clear, the two ladies sneak inside, finding what initially appears to be a relatively innocuous building.

Savage takes the bait, arriving at a fish market to find Donatello and Raphael. Before he can capture them Rahzar intervenes, still livid at the capture of his friend. The Turtles battle the mutant wolf, ultimately using one of Savage’s own restraining weapons to deal with their foe. It’s only after being saved by Donnie and Raph – and subsequently lectured by them about how not all mutants are bad – that Savage learns he was working for a villainous slug-man the entire time.

AJ Howard guides his army to his new skyscraper, revealing that its true name is not the Howard Building but rather the Mutant Building, a towering statue of his true form mounted on its roof. As he pulls away the sheets at ground level, April and Irma have made it to the top, and head inside to find a control room. Donnie and Raph are informed of this discovery and head off with Savage to confront the bad guys.

Michaelangelo and Leonardo are taken to the top floor by Howard with the other mutants, and due to the compliance cuffs are forced against their will to capture April and Irma. Both ladies are made by Howard to wear his “Down with Mutants” cuffs: far from being a mere propaganda tool, the slug reveals these are miniature versions of the restraints worn by his army. Soon, he announces, they’ll be used to bring everyone in the city wearing them under his control. Across town at Channel 6, Vernon is seen gushing about the bracelets to a surprisingly wary Burne Thompson. As the bracelets are powered up April’s rival is seen marching out of the room, his boss furious at the idea of him taking orders from anyone else.

Dirk Savage is also wearing one of Howard’s anti-mutant bracelets, which activates as he flies the Turtle Blimp, accompanied by Donnie and Raph. Despite this setback the team manage to open fire upon Howard’s statue, and the resulting destruction of the control room breaks the control of the bracelets over the humans who had been wearing them. Howard still has sway over the mutants, but only temporarily – it doesn’t take long for Savage to snatch the control unit out of the hands of his old boss and destroy it.

A further complication arises as the building begins to shake. Howard reveals that the explosion which destroyed the control room must have overloaded the building’s power generators. Donatello drops a dizzying number of ropes from the Turtle Blimp, allowing everyone to fly away safely before the entire skyscraper blows up.

Later, Savage makes a brief apology for the way he’s treated the assembled mutants, pledging to try and understand them in the future and offering his help if needed. Michaelangelo suggests this is almost a happy ending, but something is still missing: the Punk Frogs then step in, offering to buy the Turtles a jumbo pizza, and this is enough for Mikey to now be entirely satisfied.

Michaelangelo might be content with this conclusion, but I’m considerably less impressed. For the most part “Dirk Savage: Mutant Hunter!” is an exceptional episode even by the standards of what has been a surprisingly strong season. While the series was set up around the premise that the wider world would be hostile to the Turtles – in this continuity that was established from the outset as the reason Splinter trained them to be ninjas, a means of defending themselves rather than to kill Shredder – only season three’s “Turtles on Trial” explored this idea in depth. In the years that followed, the Turtles became real-world celebrities who spent more time selling cereal, raising awareness of public transportation and going on tour as musicians than they did being depicted as underdogs struggling in a world that didn’t understand them. Arguably this fed back into the series, as the team have spent years wandering around mostly without disguises, meeting little resistance from the residents of the city and often being treated as celebrated heroes. It’s only here – in the seventh season of the show, as the need for the Turtles to serve as real-world pitchmen and role models for hire fades away, that we begin to see a re-alignment take place, freeing the team to become ninjas who reside in the shadows once more. To that end, here we return to the idea of a media-driven narrative turning opinion against the Turtles. These themes felt worryingly prescient when I wrote about them in the Turtlethon entry for “On Trial” a few years back and viewed through the lens of this episode seem just as relevant to our real-world political and cultural climate now. The difference is that while the season three approach to this story resulted in an effective story with an ending that felt all too plausible, this one manages to stumble right before making it over the finish line.

I don’t know what it is about season seven: for some reason the overarching theme for this year seems to have been terrific stories that invariably wind up with half-baked, unsatisfying conclusions. (Baxter’s final appearance is the most obvious example of this.) Whereas Clayton Kellerman’s insistence on continuing to profit by directing hate at the Turtles even after being saved by them felt all too real, here Dirk Savage’s willingness to cast aside his hatred of mutants so readily comes across as entirely inauthentic. Far worse than this, though, is AJ Howard’s fate being omitted from the end of the show completely. Did he feel any remorse for treating the mutants the way he did? Was his perspective changed after being saved from the exploding buildings by the Turtles, or would he simply vow to get revenge? We’ll never know, and it’s one of the great missed opportunities that this villain – part Ross Perot with his pie charts and presumably paid TV broadcasts, part Richard Nixon in voice and general demeanour – didn't get used again. I could easily envision an alternative direction for seasons eight through ten where it’s Howard who becomes the main villain of the series as Shredder and Krang fade into the background, a cartoon counterpart to Null from the Archie TMNT Adventures continuity whose influence and power make life much harder for the Turtles.

Comparisons to “On Trial” notwithstanding, there’s no shortage of other things going on here that are genuinely interesting. The revelation that Shredder’s schemes led to the creation of a variety of unseen mutants is intriguing, but even here there’s a sense that much more could have come of this: we see several mutants in this adventure who are all original designs, but they could so easily have been existing characters from the Archie comics or the toy line. It’s not hard to imagine the likes of Scratch, Panda Khan or Halfcourt receiving cameos here, or even Ace Duck finally getting some proper screen time. At least we get guest appearances from Tokka and Rahzar, albeit years after their debut in The Secret of the Ooze. This is more relevant to Turtlethon entries for the live-action movies – which I still intend to do before this project is over – but the inclusion of this duo in the cartoon after so long feels particularly odd given that they were effectively an unsuccessful attempt to outdo its own Rocksteady and Bebop. Perhaps Playmates were keen to have Tokka and Rahzar incorporated into the show, as both did have a couple of action figures at retail during this period.

Without a doubt this episode is going on the Required Viewing list, but with the caveat that as good as it is, it had the potential to be something far greater than what we ultimately received. We say goodbye to the remaining Punk Frogs and Mondo Gecko here for the last time, with the conclusion of season seven and the classic era of TMNT looming on the horizon. Before then our attention must turn back to the Technodrome Crew for the subject of the next entry, “Invasion of the Krangazoids”.

[brokehorrorfan]

Lionsgate and Bloody Disgusting are teaming up to release Wolf Creek, Hannibal Rising, I Spit on Your Grave, You're Next, Sinister, Texas Chainsaw, and Leatherface on Steelbook Blu-ray + Digital exclusively at Walmart.

Featuring artwork by Bond, all seven titles will be released on August 20 for $24.99 each. Existing special features are included.

Be sure to check your local Walmart now for a Bloody Disgusting shelf in the electronics section, where you'll find an exclusive edition of Broke Horror Fan's Terrifier 2 VHS.

2005's Wolf Creek is written and directed by Greg McLean. John Jarratt, Nathan Phillips, Cassandra Magrath, and Kestie Morassi star.

2007's Hannibal Rising is directed by Peter Webber and written by Thomas Harris, based on his own novel. Gaspard Ulliel, Gong Li, Rhys Ifans, and Dominic West star.

2010's I Spit on Your Grave is directed by Steven R. Monroe and written by Stuart Morse. Sarah Butler, Jeff Branson, Daniel Franzese, Rodney Eastman, Chad Lindberg, Tracey Walter, and Andrew Howard star.

2011's You're Next is directed by Adam Wingard and written by Simon Barrett. Sharni Vinson, A.J. Bowen, Nicholas Tucci, Wendy Glenn, Joe Swanberg, Barbara Crampton, and Rob Moran star.

2012's Sinister is directed by Scott Derrickson from a script he co-wrote with C. Robert Cargill. Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance, Fred Thompson, James Ransone, Clare Foley, and Michael Hall D'Addario star.

2013's Texas Chainsaw is directed by John Luessenhop and written by Adam Marcus, Debra Sullivan, and Kirsten Elms. Alexandra Daddario, Dan Yeager, Tremaine Neverson, Tania Raymonde, Thom Barry, Paul Rae, and Bill Moseley star.

2017's Leatherface is directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo and written by Seth M. Sherwood. Stephen Dorff, Vanessa Grasse, Sam Strike, and Lili Taylor star.

[annieandro]

Happy Birthday Nickelodeon

Mighty Mouse, Pearl Pureheart, Dinky Duck, Heckle, Jeckle, Tom Terrific, Mighty Manfred, the wonder dog, Deputy Dawg, Sourpuss, Gandy Goose, Strong man, Tornado man, Cuckoo man, Rope man, Diaper man, Foofle, Sidney the elephant, Flebus, Farmer Alfalfa, Scrappy Mouse,Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo, Master Splinter, April o'Neil, Shredder, Krang, The big beast quintet, The Barbershop singers, The dog and the parrot, Stick Stickly, Doug Funnie, Porkchop, Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, Phil Deville, Lil Deville, Angelica Pickles, Susie Carmichael, Spike, Didi Pickles, Stu Pickles, Drew Pickles, Charlotte Pickles, Dil Pickles, Grandpa Lou Pickles, Chas Finster, Kira Watanabe-Finster, Kimi Finster, Betty DeVille, Howard DeVille, Randy Carmichael, Lucy Carmichael, Reptar,Ren Hoek, Stimpy, Sven Hoek, Mr. Horse, Powdered Toast man, Walrus, Rocko Rama, Heffer Wolfe, Filburt Turtle, Spunky, Ed Bighead, Bev Bighead, Rachel Bighead, Dr. Paula Hutchinson,Ickis, Oblina, Krumm, The Gromble, Arnold Shortman,Gerald Johanssen, Helga Pataki, Phoebe Heyerdahl, Eugene Horowitz,Rhonda Wellington Lloyd, Harold Berman, Mr. Simmons, Grandpa Phil,Grandma Gertie, Abner, Henry, June, Sniz, Fondue, Betty Anne, Bongo, Cat, Dog, Winslow T. Oddfellow, Cliff,Lube, Shriek, Rancid Rabbit, Eliza Thornberry, Nigel Thornberry, Marianne Thornberry, Donnie Thornberry, Debbie Thornberry, Darwin Thornberry, Spongebob Squarepants, Patrick Star, Squidward Tentacles,Sandy Cheeks, Mr. Krabs, Pearl Krabs, Gary the snail,Sheldon J. Plankton, Karen Plankton Spot,Mrs. Puff, Larry the lobster, Bubble Bass, Squilliam Fancyson, Perch Perkins, Bubble Buddy, Junior,Old Man Jenkins, Nosferatu, Slappy Laszlo,Painty the pirate, Oswald "Otto" Rocket, Regina. "Reggie" Rocket, Maurice "Twister" Rodriguez,Sam "Squid" Dullard, Ray "Raymundo" Rocket,Tito Makani, Pelswick, Ginger Foutley Deidre "Dodie" Hortense Bishop, Macie Lightfoot, Darren Patterson, Timmy Turner, Cosmo, Wanda, Poof "Peri", Chester McBadBat, A.J. Trixie Tang, Chip Skylark, Jorgen von Strangle, Remy Buxaplenty, Juandissimo Magnifico, Vicky, Denzel Crocker, Crimson Chin, Crash Nebula, Ani, Zim, GIR, Dib Membrane, Gaz Membrane, Jimmy Neutron, Goddard, Carl Wheezer, Sheen Estevez, Cindy Vortex, Libby Folfax, Nick Dean, Hugh Neutron, Judy Neutron, King Goobot V,Ooblar, Professor Calamitous, Rudy Tabootie, Snap, Penny Sanchez, Yakkity Yak, Jenny Wakeman/XJ9, Brad Carbunkle, Tuck Carbunkle, Sheldon Lee, Professor Nora Wakeman, XJ1, XJ2, XJ3, XJ4, XJ5, XJ6, XJ7, XJ8, Vexus, Britt Crust, Tiff Crust, Danny Fenton, Sam Manson,Tucker Foley, Jazz Fenton, Vlad Plasmius, Ember McLain, The Box Ghost, Youngblood, Dani, King Neptune, Princess Mindy, Dennis,Todd, Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph Beifong, Appa, Momo, Zuko, Iroh, Azula, Mai, Ty Lee,

Mr. Blik, Waffle, Gordon, Hovis, Kimberly, Katilda, Gomez, Mr. X, Trudy X, Truman X, Tuesday X, Mikey, Josh Redgrove, Parker Dinkleman, Otis, Pip, Abby, Bessy, Pig, Freddy, Peck, Duke, Manny Rivera,Frida Suarez, Tak, Bessie Higgenbottom,Happy Higgenbottom, Ben Higgenbottom, Penny Lefkowitz, Charlotte,Vendetta, Skipper, Private, Kowalski and Rico, Fanboy, Chum Chum,Kyle the Conjurer, Yo, Mr. Mufflin, Boog, Lenny,Dudley Puppy, Kitty Katswell, Keswick,Chief,Tammy,Daisy, Snaptrap, Birdbrain, Chameleon, Korra,Asami Sato, Mako, Bolin, Amon, Sanjay Patel,Craig Slithers, Robot, Monster, SwaySway, Buhdeuce,Harvey Beaks, Fee, Foo, Miriam Beaks, Irving Beaks, Michelle Beaks, Claire, Dade, Kratz, Piri Piri, Princess Roberts, Doctor Roberts, Jeremy, Pig, Goat, Banana, Cricket, Bubbles, The seagull crew, Lincoln Loud, Lori Loud, Leni Loud, Luna Loud, Luan Loud, Lynn Loud Jr., Lucy Loud, Lola Loud, Lana Loud, Lisa Loud, Lily Loud, Rita Loud, Lynn Loud Sr., Charles, Cliff, Geo, Walt, Watterson, Clyde McBride, Rusty Spokes, Zach Gurdle, Liam Hunnicutt, Stella Zhau, Mr. Grouse, Warren Rabbit, LaSombra, Pibbles, Zeus, Bunsen the beast, Mikey Munroe, Ansi Molina, Olly Timbers,Saraline Timbers, Felicity, Miguel, Yana and Athena, Ronnie Anne Santiago, Bobby Santiago, Maria Santiago, Arturo Santiago, Hector Casagrande,Rosa Casagrande, Frida Puga Casagrande,Carlos Casagrande, Carl Casagrande, CJ Casagrande,Carlota Casagrande, Carlitos Casagrande, Sergio Casagrande, Lalo, Sid Chang, Adelaide Chang, Stanley Chang, Becca Chang, Mama Lupe, Paco,Pinky Malinky, Lampo, Milady, Pilou and Meatball, Miko Kubota, Hector "hi-five" Nieves, Santiago Montes, Tomás Montes, Lorelai, Annie Brambley, Pony, Parker J. Cloud, Angus Shackleton, Russell, Narlene Narwhal, Nobby Narwhal, Squidina Star,Bunny Star, Cecil Star, Grandpat Star, Brendar,Evan, Horus Scrum, Stacey Owl, Axe, Morag, Angus,Sharkdog, Sammy Gupta, Raj Gupta, Zokie Sparkleby, Ruby Studebaker, Handsome Steve, Derek, Windy,Stumpy, Rock, Paper, Scissors, Hazel Wells, Max, Annette "Nan" Artifice and Clarion Wellspring, B.O.B, The Missing Link, Dr.Cockroach and Rabbid.

[brookstonalmanac]

Birthdays 10.18

Beer Birthdays

Chris Swersey (1964)

Toshi Ishii (1967)

Phil Sides (1967)

Nick Galton-Fenzi (1979)

Five Favorite Birthdays

Boyd Dowler; Green Bay Packers WR (1937)

Forrest Gregg; Green Bay Packers T (1933)

A.J. Liebling; food writer (1904)

Thomas Love Peacock; English writer (1785)

George C. Scott; actor (1927)

Famous Birthdays

Henri Bergson; French philosopher (1865)

Chuck Berry; rock singer (1926)

Peter Boyle; actor (1935)

James Brooks; artist (1906)

Canaletto; artist (1697)

Pam Dawber; actor (1951)

Jean Jacques Regis de Cambaceres; French gourmet (1753)

Mike Ditka; Chicago Bears TE, coach (1939)

Russ Giguere; rock singer (1943)

Hans Holbein the Younger; German artist (1497)

Fannie Hurst; writer (1889)

Keith Jackson; television sportscaster (1928)

Klaus Kinski; actor (1926)

Wynton Marsalis; trumpet player (1961)

Terry McMillan; writer (1951)

Mongkut; king of Siam, Rama IV (1804)

Rick Moody; writer (1961)

Erin Moran; actor (1960)

Martina Navratilova; Czech tennis player (1956)

Laura Nyro; singer, songwriter (1947)

Anita O'Day; jazz singer (1919)

Logan Pearsall Smith; writer (1865)

Ntozake Shange; poet, playwright (1948)

Howard Shore; composer (1946)

Vincent Spano; actor (1962)

Inger Stevens; actor (1934)

D.T. Suzuki; Japanese philosopher, writer (1870)

Jean-Claude Van Damme; actor (1960)

Wendy Wasserstein; comedian (1950)

Dawn Wells; actor (1938)

[justmoreocs-edits]

New edits for perspective character introductions made this week (2/2):

Ships Ahoy - Wreck OCs - Reeve Amos and Cali Pierce

Stories of Hope - Harry Potter OC - Hope Wood

The Butler and The Duke - Pennyworth OC - Hannah Duke

The Conman and The Investigator - Constantine OC - Charlie Doyle

The Making of a Hero - Nightwing (canon) and OCs - Dick Grayson, A.J. Kane and Teddy Kane

The St. Claire Mysteries - Prodigal Son OCs - Annie St. Claire and Harry St. Claire

Trust Your Instincts - Dexter: New Blood OC - Everleigh Howard

Truth Serum - Slow Horses OC - Millie Blake

Unexpected Partners - Alex Rider OC - Eliza Moriarty

Verstehen - The Order OCs - Abby Stone and Becca Warren

[yezzyyae]

I’m so happy Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson is making the hierarchy of white Hollywood & “gatekeepers” blacks uncomfortable speaking about their wages & not being paid properly. It is so many evil ways that systemic oppression is hurting talented black entertainers and been this way for YEARS! The blacks need to get together and make these people very uncomfortable, they can’t control the narrative anymore! These veterans actors/actresses have gave their careers entertaining us and they don’t have no safety net. It’s not fair at all smh Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie are not even half as talented as Taraji P. Henson, A.J. Johnson, Kimberly Elise, Viola Davis, CCH Pounder, Debbie Morgan, Tamara Tunie, & Lorraine Toussaint. These women was never given the security or pay as their white counterparts who is not at all as talented.

It makes me so angry & upset smh in America there is always going to be someone getting the short end of the stick! But I am tired of it being black women & men! I am so happy these conversations are being had & had loudly!

[ulkaralakbarova]

After she discovers that her boyfriend has betrayed her, Hilary O’Neil is looking for a new start and a new job. She begins to work as a private nurse for a young man suffering from blood cancer. Slowly, they fall in love, but they always know their love cannot last because he is destined to die. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Hilary O’Neil: Julia Roberts Victor Gaddes: Campbell Scott Gordon: Vincent D’Onofrio Estelle Whittier: Colleen Dewhurst Richard Geddes: David Selby Mrs. O’Neil: Ellen Burstyn Cappy: Dion Anderson Malachi: George Martin Shauna: A.J. Johnson Danny: Daniel Beer Moamar: Behrooz Afrakhan Gordon’s Friend: Michael Halton Assistant: Larry Nash Host of Jeopardy: Alex Trebek Jeopardy Contestant: Richard Friedenberg Jeopardy Contestant: Duncan Henderson Jeopardy Contestant: Bettina Rose Voice on Jetsons (voice): Howard Morris Annabel: Fran Lucci Bandleader: John M. Rosenberg Shauna’s Boyfriend: Patrick Cage Guest: Tim Bohn Film Crew: Novel: Marti Leimbach Screenplay: Richard Friedenberg Producer: Sally Field Producer: Kevin McCormick Original Music Composer: James Newton Howard Director of Photography: Juan Ruiz Anchía Editor: Robert Brown Editor: Jim Prior Director: Joel Schumacher Casting: Mary Goldberg Costume Design: Susan Becker Stunt Double: Pat Romano Movie Reviews:

[rpmtrish]

Team Summit Motorsports Park Wins the NHRA Division 3 Team Finals!

Thirty-two exceptional Edelbrock Super Series racers qualified to represent Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio at the North Central Division Summit Racing Series Team Finals, Sept. 13-17, 2023, at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Indiana, and they all played a part in propelling the team to the 2023 Team Championship.  On Sunday, Jim Ring earned the win in Sportsman, which qualified him to race toward a World Championship at the NHRA Nevada Nationals, Oct. 26-29, 2023 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Additionally on Sunday, John Boes earned the runner-up finish in Super Pro and Brandon Buchanan earned the runner-up finish in High School.  In a Summit Motorsports Park sweep on Saturday, Aubrey Collins won Best Appearing in Super Pro, Matt Ball won Best Appearing in Pro, Matt Short won Best Appearing in Super Bike and Scott Chitty won Best Appearing in Sportsman.  On Friday, Madie Fenn-Yasenosky won the Super Pro Bonus Race, Matt Ball won the Pro Bonus Race and Beth Hurst was the runner-up in the Sportsman Bonus Race.  The whole team, which rocked a Quarter Mile Mafia theme all weekend, featured Edelbrock Super Pro racers Jeff Fenn, Tim McGuire, John Boes, Austin Lenz, Lisa Boes, Madie Fenn-Yasenosky, Aubrey Collins, Greg Ross and Randy Scheuer; Edelbrock Pro racers A.J. Buchanan, Brian Green, Bryan Workman, Chris Howard, John Boes, Chuck Dague, Matt Ball, David Klippel and Robert Faurot; Wiseco/Cycle Tech Super Bike racers Craig Adams, Jason Keller, Ed James, Matt Short and Scott Sheppeard and Edelbrock Sportsman Delivered on Time by TFC Transportation racers Joe Galanek, Alyssa Galanek, Derek Simon, David Widmar, James Ring, Scott Chitty, Beth Hurst, Logan Buckley and Sandy Hensley. “I am proud to say that Summit Motorsports Park has some of the very best racers in the country, and they continue to show that at every race,” said Bill Bader Jr., president of Summit Motorsports Park, who was joined by his wife, Jayme Bader, to cheer the team on all weekend. “The racers who worked hard all season long to qualify to represent America’s Racetrack at this prestigious race, and subsequently contribute to our team championship, proved what they are made of, and they deserve all of the attention and accolades they are sure to receive in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. We could not be happier, and this celebration will last a long time."  Summit Motorsports Park is at 1300 State Route 18, Norwalk, Ohio. For more information, visit summitmotorsportspark.com or call 419-668-5555. Read the full article

[justmoreocs-writing]

Masterlist

Just some quick links to my story introductions.

STORY [FANDOM] (PERSPECTIVE CHARACTERS)

A Few More Hours [Until Dawn] (Lucy Hartley)

A Knife's Edge & Music and Lyrics [Stranger Things] (Belle Barrow, Robin Buckley, Mia Moreno and Eddie Munson)

A Matter of Blood [A Discovery of Witches] (Chizzy Duncan, Alina Driscoll and Monty Sanderson)

Bedtime Stories [The Librarians] (Bonnie Vasliliev)

Boldness Be My Friend [Grishaverse: Six of Crows] (Dmitry Kovalev, Annika Yahontov and Zariyah Yahontov)

Burns Knight [The Inheritance Games] (Fiona Dalton)

Crime, Friendship and Other Things [Detroit: Become Human] (Frankie Alverez)

Dearest Verona [Deadly Class] (Cassie Verona)

Elements, Brains and Fangs [Teen Wolf] (Renée Cobalt)

Flowers of Iron [Lockwood and Co.] (Violet Morello)

From Angels and Gods [The Devil in Me] (Angelica Lonnit and Castor Griffin)

Haly's Circus: All Grown Up [Titans] (Kit Cole, Viola Cole and Tae Lee)

Hunter's Delight [The Quarry] (Lacey Pearson)

Kindred [Shadowhunters] (Aoife Dawnfleur and Benji Fray)

Learn To Do It [Vampire Academy] (Cedric Nicholls and Frances Mazeika)

Listen to Your Hart [Kingsman] (Lily Robinson and Eggsy Unwin)

Misfits and Misinformation [Wednesday] (Carmine Bishop and Talia Hawkins)

No Matter What [Nowhere Boys] (Emie Thompson and Mal Thompson)

Our Legacy [Superman & Lois] (Mara Kent)

Prestige [MacGyver & The Mentalist] (Lilia Bennett-Hope)

Rising Light [Constantine {Written with @fiercefray}] (Kate Bastille)

Ships Ahoy [Wreck] (Reeve Amos and Cali Pierce)

Stories of Hope [Harry Potter] (Hope Wood)

The Butler and the Duke [Pennyworth] (Hannah Duke)

The Conman and the Investigator [Constantine] (Charlie Doyle)

The Making of a Hero [Nightwing] (A.J Kane, Teddy Kane and Dick Grayson)

The Piccola Rossa Series [Peaky Blinders] (Sylvain Alfonsi, Hal Brandon, Cece Hawthorne, Stan Shelby, Luce Turner and Wilf Turner)

The St. Claire Mysteries [Prodigal Son] (Annie St. Claire and Harry St. Claire)

Trust Your Instincts [Dexter: New Blood] (Everleigh Howard)

Truth Serum [Slow Horses] (Millie Blake)

Unexpected Partners [Alex Rider] (Eliza Moriarty)

Verstehen [The Order] (Abby Stone and Becca Warren)

[veryslowreader]

A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn

The Sopranos: "Christopher"

[brokehorrorfan]

Scream Factory has revealed the specs for its The People Under the Stairs 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray. Originally due out on April 25, the 1991 cult classic will now release on May 30.

Written and directed by master of horror Wes Craven, the film stars Brandon Adams, Everett McGill, Wendy Robie, A.J. Langer, Ving Rhames, Bill Cobbs, Kelly Jo Minter, Sean Whalen, and Yan Birch.

The People Under the Stairs has been newly scanned in 4K from the original camera negative, presented in Dolby Vision (HDR-10 compatible) with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 options. Special features are listed below.

Disc 1 - 4K UHD:

Audio commentary by writer-director Wes Craven

Audio commentary by actors Brandon Adams, A.J. Langer, Sean Whalen, and Yan Birch

Audio commentary by actor Brandon Adams

Interview with writer-director Wes Craven

Interview with actress A.J. Langer

Interview with actor Sean Whalen

Filmmaker Jeffrey Reddick on the film’s lasting impact

Theatrical trailer

Disc 2 - Blu-ray:

Audio commentary by writer-director Wes Craven

Audio commentary by actors Brandon Adams, A.J. Langer, Sean Whalen, and Yan Birch

Audio commentary by actor Brandon Adams

Interview with actress Wendy Robie

Interviews with special effects artists Greg Nicotero, Howard Berger, And Robert Kurtzman

Interview with director of photography Sandi Sissel

Interview with composer Don Peake

Making-of featurette

Behind-the-scenes footage

Theatrical trailer

TV spots

Storyboard gallery

Still gallery

Trapped inside a fortified home owned by a mysterious couple, a young boy is suddenly thrust into a nightmare. He quickly learns the true nature of the house’s homicidal inhabitants and the secret creatures hidden deep within the house.

Pre-order The People Under the Stairs.

[annieandro]

Mighty Mouse, Pearl Pureheart, Dinky Duck, Heckle, Jeckle, Tom Terrific, Mighty Manfred, the wonder dog, Deputy Dawg, Sourpuss, Gandy Goose, Strong man, Tornado man, Cuckoo man, Rope man, Diaper man, Foofle, Sidney the elephant, Flebus, Farmer Alfalfa, Scrappy Mouse,Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo, Master Splinter, April o'Neil, Shredder, Krang, The big beast quintet, The Barbershop singers, The dog and the parrot, Stick Stickly, Doug Funnie, Porkchop, Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, Phil Deville, Lil Deville, Angelica Pickles, Susie Carmichael, Spike, Didi Pickles, Stu Pickles, Drew Pickles, Charlotte Pickles, Dil Pickles, Grandpa Lou Pickles, Chas Finster, Kira Watanabe-Finster, Kimi Finster, Betty DeVille, Howard DeVille, Randy Carmichael, Lucy Carmichael, Reptar,Ren Hoek, Stimpy, Sven Hoek, Mr. Horse, Powdered Toast man, Walrus, Rocko Rama, Heffer Wolfe, Filburt Turtle, Spunky, Ed Bighead, Bev Bighead, Rachel Bighead, Dr. Paula Hutchinson,Ickis, Oblina, Krumm, The Gromble, Arnold Shortman,Gerald Johanssen, Helga Pataki, Phoebe Heyerdahl, Eugene Horowitz,Rhonda Wellington Lloyd, Harold Berman, Mr. Simmons, Grandpa Phil,Grandma Gertie, Abner, Henry, June, Sniz, Fondue, Betty Anne, Bongo,Cat, Dog, Winslow T. Oddfellow, Cliff,Lube, Shriek, Rancid Rabbit, Eliza Thornberry, Nigel Thornberry, Marianne Thornberry, Donnie Thornberry, Debbie Thornberry, Darwin Thornberry, Spongebob Squarepants, Patrick Star, Squidward Tentacles,Sandy Cheeks, Mr. Krabs, Pearl Krabs, Gary the snail,Sheldon J. Plankton, Karen Plankton Spot,Mrs. Puff, Larry the lobster, Bubble Bass, Squilliam Fancyson, Perch Perkins, Bubble Buddy, Junior,Old Man Jenkins, Nosferatu, Slappy Laszlo, Painty the pirate, Oswald "Otto" Rocket, Regina. "Reggie" Rocket, Maurice "Twister" Rodriguez,Sam "Squid" Dullard, Ray "Raymundo" Rocket,Tito Makani, Pelswick, Ginger Foutley Deidre "Dodie" Hortense Bishop, Macie Lightfoot, Darren Patterson, Timmy Turner, Cosmo, Wanda, Poof "Peri", Chester McBadBat, A.J. Trixie Tang, Chip Skylark, Jorgen von Strangle, Remy Buxaplenty, Juandissimo Magnifico, Vicky, Denzel Crocker, Crimson Chin, Crash Nebula, Ani, Zim, GIR, Dib Membrane, Gaz Membrane, Jimmy Neutron, Goddard, Carl Wheezer, Sheen Estevez, Cindy Vortex, Libby Folfax, Nick Dean, Hugh Neutron, Judy Neutron, King Goobot V,Ooblar, Professor Calamitous,

[brookstonalmanac]

Birthdays 10.18

Beer Birthdays

Chris Swersey (1964)

Toshi Ishii (1967)

Phil Sides (1967)

Five Favorite Birthdays

Boyd Dowler; Green Bay Packers WR (1937)

Forrest Gregg; Green Bay Packers T (1933)

A.J. Liebling; food writer (1904)

Thomas Love Peacock; English writer (1785)

George C. Scott; actor (1927)

Famous Birthdays

Henri Bergson; French philosopher (1865)

Chuck Berry; rock singer (1926)

Peter Boyle; actor (1935)

James Brooks; artist (1906)

Canaletto; artist (1697)

Pam Dawber; actor (1951)

Jean Jacques Regis de Cambaceres; French gourmet (1753)

Mike Ditka; Chicago Bears TE, coach (1939)

Russ Giguere; rock singer (1943)

Hans Holbein the Younger; German artist (1497)

Fannie Hurst; writer (1889)

Keith Jackson; television sportscaster (1928)

Klaus Kinski; actor (1926)

Wynton Marsalis; trumpet player (1961)

Terry McMillan; writer (1951)

Mongkut; king of Siam, Rama IV (1804)

Rick Moody; writer (1961)

Erin Moran; actor (1960)

Martina Navratilova; Czech tennis player (1956)

Laura Nyro; singer, songwriter (1947)

Anita O'Day; jazz singer (1919)

Logan Pearsall Smith; writer (1865)

Ntozake Shange; poet, playwright (1948)

Howard Shore; composer (1946)

Vincent Spano; actor (1962)

Inger Stevens; actor (1934)

D.T. Suzuki; Japanese philosopher, writer (1870)

Jean-Claude Van Damme; actor (1960)

Wendy Wasserstein; comedian (1950)

Dawn Wells; actor (1938)

[justmoreocs-edits]

Masterlist

Just some quick links to my story introductions.

STORY [FANDOM] (PERSPECTIVE CHARACTERS)

A Few More Hours [Until Dawn] (Lucy Hartley)

A Knife's Edge & Music and Lyrics [Stranger Things] (Belle Barrow, Robin Buckley, Mia Moreno and Eddie Munson)

A Matter of Blood [A Discovery of Witches] (Chizzy Duncan, Alina Driscoll and Monty Sanderson)

Bedtime Stories [The Librarians] (Bonnie Vasliliev)

Boldness Be My Friend [Grishaverse: Six of Crows] (Dmitry Kovalev, Annika Yahontov and Zariyah Yahontov)

Burns Knight [The Inheritance Games] (Fiona Dalton)

Crime, Friendship and Other Things [Detroit: Become Human] (Frankie Alverez)

Dearest Verona [Deadly Class] (Cassie Verona)

Elements, Brains and Fangs [Teen Wolf] (Renée Cobalt)

Family Legacy [Superman & Lois] (Mara Kent)

Flowers of Iron [Lockwood and Co.] (Violet Morello)

From Angels and Gods [The Devil in Me] (Angelica Lonnit and Castor Griffin)

Haly's Circus: All Grown Up [Titans] (Kit Cole, Viola Cole and Tae Lee)

Hunter's Delight [The Quarry] (Lacey Pearson)

Kindred [Shadowhunters] (Aoife Dawnfleur and Benji Fray)

Learn To Do It [Vampire Academy] (Cedric Nicholls and Frances Mazeika)

Listen to Your Hart [Kingsman] (Lily Robinson and Eggsy Unwin)

Misfits and Misinformation [Wednesday] (Carmine Bishop and Talia Hawkins)

No Matter What [Nowhere Boys] (Emie Thompson and Mal Thompson)

Our Legacy [Superman & Lois] (Mara Kent)

Prestige [MacGyver & The Mentalist] (Lilia Bennett-Hope)

Rising Light [Constantine {Written with @fiercefray}] (Kate Bastille)

Ships Ahoy [Wreck] (Reeve Amos and Cali Pierce)

Stories of Hope [Harry Potter] (Hope Wood)

The Butler and the Duke [Pennyworth] (Hannah Duke)

The Conman and the Investigator [Constantine] (Charlie Doyle)

The Making of a Hero [Nightwing] (A.J Kane, Teddy Kane and Dick Grayson)

The Piccola Rossa Series [Peaky Blinders] (Sylvain Alfonsi, Hal Brandon, Cece Hawthorne, Stan Shelby, Luce Turner and Wilf Turner)

The St. Claire Mysteries [Prodigal Son] (Annie St. Claire and Harry St. Claire)

Trust Your Instincts [Dexter: New Blood] (Everleigh Howard)

Truth Serum [Slow Horses] (Millie Blake)

Unexpected Partners [Alex Rider] (Eliza Moriarty)

Verstehen [The Order] (Abby Stone and Becca Warren)

[data2364]

Bruce McGill as Detective Vince Korsak 2014 in Rizzoli & Isles  "It Takes a Village"

https://rizzoliandisles.fandom.com/wiki/It_Takes_a_Village

[theoldschoolfashionfixer]

November 14, 2019

Charli Howard

Photographer: A.J. Hamilton