#Amy's trip to NYC

[izloveshorses]

Hello, can u pls share a face claim/how u envision Anya and Dmitry for five of ur fics (of your choosing) 💕

(Also u can’t use Derek or Christy, or any performer who has professionally held the role 😈)

ooooooooh i LOVE this question. what a challenge!! it's hard not to picture christy and derek at this point, especially in canonverse fics, but i have collected a few other faceclaims over the years for aus, i must admit. some of these will be predictable lol but some i feel like you will just have to trust me on. (given we've been friends for nearly 5 years now i feel like you know my brain enough to Get It 🙈)

this gets a little long bc of course we have to include visual references, so the list is under the cut:

obligated to start with the road trip au, as it's my current wip: Kennedy McMann and Alex Saxon

you might know them both from the cw's nancy drew. i chose them for this au bc i feel like they got the soft friendship/ angsty hurt/comfort thing going. look at them it's perfect

paris au (or other modern-ish aus where they live in paris): Alba Baptista and Lucas Bravo

also pls look at them together in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022)! dimya <333

assistant!Dmitry au (or other modern aus, especially ones that take place in nyc, such as the neighbors au): Zoey Deutch and John Bubniak

you probably know Zoey, but John was the model for ps4 spiderman my beloved. nyc romcom when

baseball au (or any fic where they're younger, even in canonverse): Sonya Priss and Fedor Fedotov

yes, of Silver Skates (2020) fame. every time i think of anya and dmitry as 17 and 19, or just an au where they meet before the revolution, i can't help but picture these two. look at them those are my kids

i know i said no canonverse fics, but i feel like we gotta do the ghost au: Audrey Hepburn and (don't laugh at me but) Robert Pattinson (but like specifically the way he looks in Remember Me (2010))

listen. i couldn't not include audrey on this list at least once, given she was the inspiration for animated anya. and as for robert? look at him. he's exhausted. that's what dmitry looks like for the entirety of this fic. that man is so tormented

honorable mentions?

julia roberts and young hugh grant (this felt like cheating since i'm writing a notting hill au rn lol) amy adams young matt damon????? milo ventimiglia lol

[measuringbliss]

Spider-Man Read-Through 077 Vulture, Wings of Vengeance (ASM 240-243, Ann 17)

MASTERPOST

Ah, my favorite moment: going to sleep at 9pm and waking up at 1am. Welp, I guess it's Spidey time!

You know, when I think of the Vulture, two stories come in mind. The first one is the murder mystery in the middle of the Harry Osborn New Goblin saga, and the second one is a more recent one, when the Vulture is at a care home and gets influenced by Nathan.

Which type shall we see today?

Vulture backstory! I don't know if I'm fond of this cover or if I hate it. The blue is gorgeous though. Still, in this post, the Vulture slays 💅 And he's not the only one. Everyone's bisexual here!

Also: the return of Mary Jane! Which is a problem, given that Spidey has just entered a relationship with Black Cat...

Aww this is a really cute way to credit the team! (+ colors by Bob Sharen and Shooter as editor in chief).

When Toomes gets an offer to play gin rammy with fellow old people, he thinks, "Gin rammy? I wish my generation displayed a little more ambition." Like killing people and stealing stuff.

Learning that Gregory Bestman, a guy he doesn't like, is working in NYC, Toomes is pissed off and asks for a flight. So he won't use his suit? That's surprising, but oh well.

Meanwhile, Peter's having a nightmare.

I like how his hair's drawn!

Amy Powell wants to get a hold of him, but he's already left.

The Vulture thinks to himself he would have been just as fast flying to NYC alone, which, yup, absolutely.

After a nostalgic trip near Midtown High, Peter learns that Anna is about to visit May. Yay! Nathan's elated because he finally has cable TV. Ah, technology! And this is how Peter learns that the Vulture is back. Tired of letting all his foes (him, Ock and the Hobgoblin) get away, he very much intends to fix things.

The fight is nice, and it ends with Spidey being shocked and Bestman being an idiot.

Oh I love that panel.

The comments tell me this issue had "Lonesome" Pinky's last appearance, which is sad because he was a real highlight.

In #241 (already!), MJ's back in town with Anna.

Meanwhile, Spidey steals a radio from Keating to track the Vulture, and track him, he does...

What does he find?

OH. He's Toomes's ex! I had a feeling and almost made the joke, but I didn't expect so much closeness. Hell yeah, we love to see it.

In his flashback, Toomes says "The months of slaying have paid off!"

...Okay, he says "slaving", not "slaying", I misread that. But still!

The backstory isn't anything special, Bestman betrayed Toomes, Toomes got his revenge, but now he wants more revenge because Bestman being successful is outrageous.

Interestingly, the issue features a lot of low-ground action; it's on Staten Island, and then there's this:

You don't see Spidey on that level that often.

The Vulture is caught, Keating decides Bestman will be investigated, all's well that ends well.

Later, at the Bugle, Amy speaks to Petey.

Yeah, let's deal with that!

In the letters, everyone's enthuastic about Monica Rambeau (as I am!) and praises the Romita team-up (me too!).

In #242: "The menace of the mad thinker and his awesome android"! I'm never fond of robots in Spider-Man comics...

Today's the day Peter finds out if ESU will still have him! But the final results are posted for everything, except biophysics...

Sloan gets antagonistic again (I'm starting to think I preferred Miles Warren!), but he explains that since Debra's no longer here, he doesn't have a secretary and needs another day to correct the exams. Peter asks if Debra's alright (that's a first!) and Sloan answers that it seems so, but she has a lot of things to think about.

I'm annoyed that we don't get to see Peter's date with Amy (it's still not clear why he would even entertain her...), but I love those dice on Lance's car.

Peter's so gorgeous.

So he's clearly on a date with Lance, because Lance takes him out in his car, he buys him a drink and confides his deepest desires.

Dear readers, I'm kind of digging their relationship and might ship them. I'm happy that Lance's not so antagonistic and actually asks for Peter's help (kind of). If it'd been written earlier, they would have come to fists.

Relatably, Peter doesn't care about these mind games and decides to settle the thing right here and there.

HAHAHAHAHA. Peter's faces are priceless.

Peter leaves and thinks, "I thought Amy was just a sweet lady" hahaha you dumbass. Come on.

In Chelsea, MJ asks Ms. Muggins if Peter's home, and leaves unsuccessful.

In his cell, the Thinker, a F4 foe, has been doing some thinking and has decided to confront Spidey for the lulz with his psychic robot commanding power or whatnot.

That last bubble... Hahaha.

Spidey stops the robot, wonders about who commanded it, meanwhile the Thinker is now certain Spidey can sense incoming danger.

Later, at Peter's appartment...

Peter's top is kind of nice.

Oh.

And then...

Oops.

MJ looks snazzy. Is there something to say about gender here? It's not the first time she has a semi-masculine outfit...

What a stellar issue, it would have been even greater if the villain was more compelling but it's alright.

In the letters...

Awwww!

Dear readers, I'm here for whatever messiness we can see in #243!

I mean, were they? MJ didn't accept the proposal, so...

Amy's pissed off that Lance's here, so she storms off.

Lance is SO funny hahaha

When MJ asks if she missed anything, Peter answers, "not much". Which is true. Not a lot has happened in six years of publication...

Anyway, Peter quickly explains the situation and she's amused. Still, she only came here to tell Peter she was back and give him his keys back.

Amy didn't take back her basket of food, which has a "Château Armando" wine from 1966. The year is vaguely significant for being when Romita took over Ditko, but aside from that...

Anyway, Spidey ends up going out (the narration says he's the "Spectacular Spider-Man", which is usually kept to its respective magazine, and ditto for "Amazing Spider-Man"...) to ESU to find Connors (haven't seen him in a while!) to get more info about the piece of the robot he retrieved last issue. Connors can only say it comes from a robot (no shit, Sherlock), then Sloan arrives, Spidey says they did meet (in SSM 34! I sure didn't remember before he mentioned it) and discreetly checks out his grade. It's an A. He passed! Good for him.

Thanks to Roger Stern, Spidey's consistently funny again. This is excellent.

You know, I'm happy that Connors hasn't been the Lizard in years, it feels great to know that at least some evolutions have staying power.

In a café, Lance and Amy rekindle. Aww!

Because we need action in Spidey comics (I can do without, but not the audience apparently), some goons attack a church or something.

I couldn't get a confirmation, but it looks like the same church as the first page of ASM #153. Anyway, the right panel is great.

Hahaha.

After a quick visit at the Bugle, Spidey goes to see Felicia (remember most of their story has been in SSM, so it's surprising!).

Oh, MJ's positively hideous here.

I have a feeling I'm developing something for that kind of kiss. Not sure what does it. Look, I'm even gonna have to make another post to review the annual, can you believe it?

Such a great panel, once more.

As Spidey swings, we get all kinds of reminders that time exists, which doesn't sound good because this is very TASM2-like. Spidey's worried about the usual, + Black Cat's medical bills. Maybe she should return to thievery...

Later, at ESU, fellow student Roger Hochberg finds Peter...

It's hilarious how ugly the faces can be suddenly, but also... poor Roger, he looks so sad :( We basically never saw him, but baby did nothing wrong.

Such a good idea, what the hell. I love this page's composition, and the close-up in particular. Extremely solid.

In the letters, everyone loves the Hobgoblin (unsurprising!), and one letter lists every clue... and concludes it must be Jameson. Hahaha, I don't think so! (Watch it being him and me being blindsided.)

In the comments, I learn that the robot question is dropped. I'm fine with that.

For Annual 17, Bill Mantlo and Roger Stern write together! Stern plots, Mantlo scripts! How interesting.

For Kingpin lovers, we see him in a tight G-string, if that's your thing.

So Peter's invited at a Midtown reunion, and who else is there but Harry and Liz, yay! And Liz is pregnant. Ooh, here you go, little Goblin Jr.!

Everyone at the party looks like they're 50 or 60, which isn't exactly encouraging.

You can bet your ass people will stay similar things to me when I'm thirty. "Still translating video games?!"

That barista is not only gorgeous, but also very likely bisexual.

Peter thinks they admire him, but I'm not so sure.

Flash's here too. He and Peter are besties now, yay! They reference a future plot (SSM 85, haven't gotten there yet).

C.J. Vogel arrives, and Peter remembers him as his first gay crush his classmate who would distract his bullies with jokes. He may have inspired Spidey's constant joking...

Later, Peter sees C.J. and Louie Minelli chatting very mysteriously about one Remington Colt... Hmm!

At the Bugle, Ned and Betty helpfully inform Peter that that name is actually a pen name used by dozens of writers of... unchristian stories.

Also, Milton Farr was abducted by the mob. Farr is the publisher of the raunchy stories.

No way I'm summarizing that.

Spidey saves C.J., and when C.J. wakes up, he explains the situation to Peter. He wrote under the Remington Cole pseudonym, but he's now about to write for a children's TV show, and Minelli knew about the previous fact. Minelli threatened C.J. to tell people if he didn't take the package to the warehouse.

C.J. soon leaves Peter's appartment, and thinks that Peter, being "a newshound", might betray him. Consequently, he decides to get Farr's evidence on him by himself.

Spidey finds the file and leaves, but C.J. gets there and is held at gunshot by Louie. Turns out Louie was also a Remington Colt and was tired of hearing praise about his predecessor.

C.J. ends up burning the files, to Spidey's dismay, who wanted to use them to get the Kingpin in prison. As if! He gets faux philosophical about it.

Later, at the reunion, C.J.'s jokes make his classmates uncomfortable. And while Minelli gets arrested for the murder of Farr, Peter calls out C.J. in the backstage.

Lmaooooo Peter, you look frankly ridiculous. Bill Mantlo, that issue was oddly preachy and unsubtle.

The concept was neat but I wasn't very fond of it in the end.

Oh well, they can't all be winners!

[justzawe]

Why this sudden outrage about a nanny? I just assumed they had a nanny. Many middle class families with two working parents have a nanny or au pair, why the sudden surprise that two extremely wealthy individuals have a nanny? Zawe's parents and sister do have their own lives, they're not on call 24/7.

And while we're on the topic, I'm 100% certain Zawe and Tom don't clean their own bathroom or do their own yard work either.

There’s an outrage? I was just surprised since based on Zawe’s interviews, it seemed like they didn’t have one. I don’t mind them having one though, good for them! I only wondered if her sister went with them because she’s not opposed to traveling with Zawe (their trip to NYC when she was pregnant) to help out. I know Amy has her own life, you guys. 😪

[twwpress]

Weekly Press Briefing #76: December 3rd - December 9th

Welcome back to the Weekly Press Briefing, where we bring you highlights from The West Wing fandom each week, including new fics, ongoing challenges, and more! This briefing covers all things posted from December 3 - December 9. Did we miss something? Let us know; you can find our contact info at the bottom of this briefing! 

Challenges/Prompts:

There are no open challenges/prompts that we know of this week. Do you have a challenge or event you’d like us to promote or know of one we’re missing? Be sure to get in touch with us! Contact info is at the bottom of this briefing.

This Week in Canon:

Welcome back to This Week in Canon, where we revisit moments in The West Wing that occurred on these dates during the show’s run.

Season 5, Episode 9: Abu el Banat aired on December 3, 2003.

Season 6, Episode 8: In the Room aired on December 8, 2004.

Season 7, Episode 8: Undecideds aired on December 4, 2005.

Photos/Videos:

Here’s what was posted from December 3 - December 9:

Amy Landecker posted photos of herself, Brad, and friends at LA Comic Con and The Ice House Comedy Club. 

Amy Landecker posted a photo of herself and Brad with some of their former Transparent castmates, including Trace Lysette, Our Lady J, and Zackary Drucker at Our Lady J’s show at The Wallis. 

Dule Hill posted a clip from A SAG-AFTRA Foundation video, ‘Exploring Identity and Healing Through Acting For Black Male Performers’, where he appears as a member of the panel. 

Josh Malina posted a video of himself performing Suddenly Seymour with Zoe Hall when Thrilling Adventure Hour performed at The Bourbon Room. 

Josh Malina posted a video of former University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill and Representative Elise Stefanik during congressional hearings discussing whether calls for genocide of Jewish people should be considered harassment. 

Josh Malina posted a photo of himself in a Chanukah sweater. 

Josh Malina posted a photo of Tom Waits along with a belated birthday wish and song lyrics. 

Josh Malina posted a photo of a batch of latkes he made. 

Josh Maline posted the lyrics to the song National Brotherhood Week by Tom Lehrer. 

Marlee Matlin posted a Happy Chanukah video. 

Peter James Smith posted photos from his Thanksgiving weekend trip to NYC.

Rob Lowe posted videos and photos from an interview with Abby Hornacek about his upcoming documentary, Liberty or Death: Boston Tea Party. 

Rob Lowe posted a photo of a billboard for his new reality tv show The Floor, which premieres on Fox January 2nd. 

Donna Moss Daily: December 3 | December 4 | December 5 | December 6 | December 7 | December 8 | December 9

Daily Josh Lyman: December 3 | December 4 | December 5 | December 6 | December 7 | December 8 | December 9

No Context BWhit: December 3 | December 5 | December 6 | December 7 | December 8 | December 9

@twwarchive: December 4 | December 7 | December 9

@JanneyUpdates: December 7 (1) | December 7 (2) | December 8

Editors’ Choice: 

This week, we’re recommending stories that feature one of our favorite tropes: there was only one bed! Be sure to share your favorites we didn’t include, as well!

I want to get stuck in your head like Everlong playing on the late night radio by starsontheceiling for joshatella (shuuuliet) | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | “It’s just a bed,” she says, and it feels like a lie. “Haven’t you ever shared a bed with a friend  before? Like, in college or something?” “Yeah but not with a…” he trails off. “With a what?” :: There was only one bed - I don't know what else to tell you the warmest bed i’ve ever known by mikaylawrites | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | “Okay,” he says. “What does that have to do with you kicking down my door at three in the morning?” I had to leave my room. It’s below freezing in there and if I stay another minute I’m gonna get frostbite. I went to the front desk but no one was there and Ginger said she wasn’t coming back tonight so I didn’t know where else to go.” one of the greats by rearviewmirror | Rated G | Jed Bartlet & Leo McGarry (No Pairings Listed) | Complete | during a late night on the bartlet for america campaign trail, jed and leo have to share a motel room. and there's only one bed Mr. Sandman, Bring Me a Dream by ABSea | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | Then tell him that his lonesome nights are over… just wrong enough to make it feel right by Luppiters | Rated G |  | Danny Concannon/C. J. Cregg | Complete | “Hey, CJ. I have a room reserved nearby. They might have more – come with me?” CJ swallows her surprise at the familiar voice – one she hasn’t heard since after Inauguration; one that both calmed and unnerved her. For TWW Press' Wheel of Destiny challenge: Only One Bed, S4 and the Bartlet Farm.

Please hold for the reblog with all of this week's fic updates!

[danieljradcliffe]

Happy nice ask day (weekend? I'm making it a weekend) Here's some Lone Star questions for you!

Suprise, Tim Minear has put you in charge of LS! (In a perfect world where everyone gets paid a fair wage for their work.) What's next for Tarlos besides the Gabriel of it all?

If you could bring one past character back, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

You get to do a crossover with *any* other show, past or present, what show would it be?

Pick a special episode: Valentines day ep, Halloween ep, Christmas ep, musical ep, animated ep, AU ep (like Mateo's sitcom dream)

You get to delete one thing from the show's history without it messing anything up, what do you get rid of?

Pick a celebrity guest star. What would their role be?

Firefighter TK or paramedic TK?

For Carlos: Officer Reyes, Detective Reyes, Ranger Reyes, or something completely different (non law enforcement?)

Flashback episode for TK's life in NYC (pre Alex), or a flashback episode of young Carlos growing up on the ranch (including his friendship with Iris)

A (new) work partner for Carlos or a new recruit at the firehouse?

Buttercup or Lou II?

TK's cousins or Carlos' sisters?

Andrea calling TK mijo or Owen calling Carlos son?

Reyes-Strand or Strand-Reyes?

OMG these are so fun. OKAY let's go:

What's next for Tarlos besides the Gabriel of it all? Can I just request the plot of @three-drink-amy's There's Always Tomorrow

If you could bring one past character back, dead or alive, who would it be and why? Gabriel because I want Tarlos to be able to have their wedding without all of the grief and trauma and pain hanging over them.

You get to do a crossover with *any* other show, past or present, what show would it be? I'm gonna reference another fic. On the Scene by @goodiecornbread where David and Patrick from Schitt's Creek are on a trip to Austin and witness a classic 911 LS disaster. I want that!

Pick a special episode: Valentines day ep, Halloween ep, Christmas ep, musical ep, animated ep, AU ep (like Mateo's sitcom dream). I NEED A HALLOWEEN EP LIKE I NEED AIR (mostly because it's my favourite holiday).

You get to delete one thing from the show's history without it messing anything up, what do you get rid of? The entire Carlos and Iris marriage plot-line.

Pick a celebrity guest star. What would their role be? I don't know who should play Enzo but I want to meet him sooo bad.

Firefighter TK or paramedic TK? This is sooo hard but firefighter TK just hits different.

For Carlos: Officer Reyes, Detective Reyes, Ranger Reyes, or something completely different (non law enforcement?) Social worker Carlos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Flashback episode for TK's life in NYC (pre Alex), or a flashback episode of young Carlos growing up on the ranch (including his friendship with Iris) I think young Carlos. We gotta see why this man is the way he is.

A (new) work partner for Carlos or a new recruit at the firehouse? A new work partner for Carlos because I would love to see more of him as a character in general.

Buttercup or Lou II? LOU 2! LOU 2! (I'm not a dog person)

TK's cousins or Carlos' sisters? None? They were all pointless to the story lol.

Andrea calling TK mijo or Owen calling Carlos son? Owen calling Carlos son!!! We know he didn't call any of TK's previous partners this.

Reyes-Strand or Strand-Reyes? Reyes-Strand is the only correct answer!

[dissmal]

2022 A Year in Emotions

Memories: 

Started off the new year with Jon in NYC! Homey takeout dinner with my parents, Moma, climbing with Greg and Dior exhibit. 

Uncertainty, Relief.  The moment I met Totoro! I picked her up and heard her meowing in the carrier. I released her in the carrier and she immediately started rubbing herself on me and purring. I was so relieved that she liked me. 

Fear, Accomplishment. Trying ice climbing. Woke up at 5am, and when we got there it was negative 13 degrees. I felt the least athletic and didn’t have the right gear but I overcame my fears and had a great first climb. 

Newness. First ski trip with Halle, I remember driving her car for the first time and being scared. But I realized from this trip that I really like roadtrips. 

Togetherness. Trying molly for the first time and going out to Basement. I felt so loved and protected by my friends. I wanted to party my heart out and the DJ Tool was so good and dropped some sick beats. 

In Love. Paris - sitting by the Seine and watching the sunset behind Jon. The last night we were there the Eiffel Tower sparkled in a special way and we kissed.

Proud. Going to Tesla gigafactory and see the graffiti that Jon was working on made me so proud of him. I was glad he was doing so well in a foreign country. 

Brave. Going to the fetish wear store and trying something that was completely out of my comfort zone. I struggle with feeling comfortable in my body when I truly felt different when I looked at myself in the mirror- it was like I could turn even myself on. 

Seeing Xin in London, going to the art museum but then getting a UTI, but also having really good English breakfast at the 100 Shoreditch hotel

Creative. Spray painting for the first time with Chanel, touching new medium, getting it on my nails. 

Accomplished, Amazed. First 4 mile race in Central park and eating a colorful bagel with Rebecca after and my first 10k in Prospect Park 

Happy. Dancing at the Elsewhere rooftop with Ami, Keo, Alp, Tim, Corey. The sunset was so beautiful and I felt so at ease and happy with a great group of people who were willing to be vulnerable, let lose and dance without inhibition.

Content, Simple Happiness. Sitting on the balcony at Lake Como, feeling so at peace and content in my relationship with Jon. I remember dunking myself into the cool water right before we had to leave and feeling so happy, simple and refreshed.

Inspired, in Awe. Also seeing the Biennale was truly inspiring. Some of the coolest art pieces, like the falling lava, and taking the water taxi.  

Relaxed, at Peace. Sitting on the beach in Rugen with Jon. Just eating a really good hot dog and ice cream (all courtesy of Jon) and reading so much of the Overstory.

Comfort. Eating at Barra in Berlin.. maybe my favorite meal of the whole year. I still remember the sea aster and dessert. Staying with Jon made me realize that home is wherever he is and I still feel nostalgic for his old apartment where we had hot pot and cooked meals together. 

Anticipation. Seeing the US Open with Rafa and Tiafoe had me at the edge of my seat! 

Nostalgia. Going up to Ithaca for the Rev finale, I stayed at the Dorm Hotel which was so memorable, and got dinner with Eme at the Rook. 

Frustrated. My parents putting pressure on me about the house renovation situation, having a mental breakdown in Cindy’s room and then Michelle passing out on me. 

Intrigue. Norway- seeing the art pieces at the museum like the twisting benches, or the spinning water, there was something new at every corner. Fresco Hallen had an amazing ambiance for breakfast. 

Loved. My friends coming together for my 25th birthday, and even Jon being there! It was honestly the best birthday I could hope for, from multiple cakes to karaoke to EEAAO costumes.

Youthful Joy. Day trip to Fishkill Farm to apple pick with Ami, Maya, Benji, Tim, and Alp - just a wholesome day where the weather was so beautiful and I got to do all the fall activities I wanted! Pumpkin patch, corn maze, cider donuts, riding a truck, it was genuinely so much fun. 

Excited, Proud, Touched. PISTE Showcase Benefit, getting a shoutout from Nzingha, seeing her realize this dream and being so proud to see my work, in flesh, everywhere I looked at Samsung 387. 

Intimacy, Vulnerability. Xin staying over for 3 nights, made me feel so close to her again. I put on candles and we turned down the lights, and sang together over Tom Misch’s songs. 

Sophisticated. I hosted Ami, Kush and Keo and brought out wine, nice wine glasses, and even put together a chacuterie board. I felt like a great host. 

Moved. The Moth, with Maya Michelle and Niki, 5 stories about “now you see me” were told in such an impactful way, I could never forget. Daniella Faith singing at SoFar Sounds gave me goosebumps, and I loved that she told us to sing with her. 

Creative. Nude sketching at Happy Medium made me realize that I missed art so much. Mugler exhibit also reminded me of this creative world that exists in NYC that I haven’t tapped into

Intimacy, Beauty, Appreciation. Ending the year with horny thoughts and the cozy comfort of 2 duvets, and a scenic 4 mile run around Boston with Jon that made me feel so happy and appreciative of my body, of Jon, and of the beautiful world.

[cynthiabertelsen]

Julia Child's Benedictine-Infused Soul

(Julia Child died on August 13, 2004. “Julie & Julia,” a film about “The Julia Project,” one of the first food blogs ever, came out in 2009.) The movie, “Julie & Julia,” stars a be-wigged Meryl Streep as Julia and Amy Adams as depressed and bored NYC secretarial temp Julie Powell. The celluloid promised to be a real trip, hopefully delicious, but likely not. When I read Julie Powell’s Julie &…

[nnjzz]

MARCIA BASSETT & SERGEJ VUTUC + IGNATZ + EVE ABOULKHEIR

MARDI 10.10

MARCIA BASSETT & SERGEJ VUTUC us / bih IGNATZ / be EVE ABOULKHEIR / fr

chez TREIZE 24 rue Moret 75011 M° Couronnes

P.A.F. 6€

20:00 portes 20:30 action !!!! [ ( 22:30 fin ) ] OUI il s'agit d'un + ou - EARLY SHOW venez à l'heure car on commencera vraiment relativement tôt pour pouvoir terminer au plus tard vers 22:30 MERCI pour votre compréhension !

MARCIA BASSETT & SERGEJ VUTUC us nyc bih paris Marcia Bassett - que nous eûmes déjà plusieurs fois le plaisir d'accueillir - est une artiste sonore et visuelle prolifique, active depuis de très nombreuses années. Membre co-fondatrice de plusieurs groupes importants dont GHQ ( avec Steve Gunn et Pete Nolan), DOUBLE LEOPARDS, HOTOTOGISU ( avec Matthew Bower), ZAIKA ( avec Tom Carter ), elle joue aussi fréquemment en duo avec Samara Lubelski, solo en tant que ZAIMPH ou sous son nom civil et continue divers projets collaboratifs.Parmi ses travaux récents, citons " Midnight Xpander " enregistré dans les fameux studios Elektronmusikstudion EMS à Stockholm ou " À la maison ", fruit d'une résidence parisienne de plusieurs jours avec Ursula Sherrer à la Maison Printing, entité fondée par Cécile Maycec et Sergej Vutuc avec qui elle performera le soir du 10/10.

Boucles de Buchla, home made electronics, field recordings, voix, guitare âpre... Entre drone caverneux, lacérations soniques, dissonances et nappes épaisses et stridences, elle crée un univers claustrophobe où l'on se meut comme happé par un mauvais trip éveillé.

" De la musique psychédélique qui sonne et qui nous évoque un Klaus Schulze lo-fi voire le meilleur des Cosmic Jokers. Élégant, cradingue et lysergique." ( Metamkine )

Nombreuses sorties - entre autres chez Hospital Productions, No Fun, KYEmais aussi sur ses propres labels : Yew Recordings, Heavy Conversation and Heavy Blossom.

Sergej Vutuc, ami de longue date de Marcia est un artiste pluridisciplinaire (photo argentique / musique / dessin / performance ) & nomade, né en "ex-Yougoslavie" - - vit & travaille actuellement à Paris.

IGNATZ / be bxl Alter ego de Bram Devens, talentueux musicien flamand néanmoins bruxellois... En groupe ( The Beautiful Band, Ignatz & De Stervende Honden ..) et surtout en solo, avec une guitare électrique mais le plus souvent une guitare acoustique amplifiée et passée à travers quelques effets, il se spécialise dans un idiome d'Euro-Blues, nourri de l'improvisation.

" ( ses ) chansons découlent d’un cadre folklorique dépouillé, clairsemé, toujours limpide et émotif. Toujours hors des clous, le spectre sonore d’Ignatz navigue dans une sorte de primitivisme à la dérive, quelque part entre le Velvet Underground et Henry Flint. La touche froide voire sombre qui peut s’échapper de ses compositions révèle en réalité une chaleur étouffée et profonde." ( Sonic Protest )Plusieurs albums à son actif dont la plupart chez KRAAK, mais aussi chez Fonal, Feeding Tube Records, Okraina Records ou Ultra Eczema. .

EVE ABOULKHEIR / fr Musicienne électroacoustique prélevant les " bruits du réel " et jouant avec dans ses performances ou installations sonores. " Elle construit ainsi un univers onirique et artificiel, suspendu et hyperactif, à la fois vortex électronique nous aspirant et ballet mécanique développant ses arabesques autour de nous, piégés et fascinés par ces volutes de sons qui se fractalisent comme un kaléidoscope dans lequel sont plongés nos yeux-oreilles. " ( INA / GRM )

Fly - Jo L'Indien

[hbhughes]

Lawrence “Larry” Daniel Mac Donald, Esq.

Lawrence “Larry” Daniel Mac Donald, Esq. 72, Plains, PA, beloved husband, stepfather, brother, uncle, nephew, colleague, and friend died Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Allied Services Hospice in Wilkes-Barre, PA following a long-term illness surrounded in love by his family.  

Born December 2, 1950, in Highland Park, MI, Larry was the oldest son of Lawrence C. Mac Donald and Dorothy A. (Wilson) Mac Donald. Creative, talented, and a loving mentor to his six siblings, he was affectionally referred to as “The Man” for his “polished esquired” appearance during his college years including a pipe (the brunt of many pranks and jokes), and his incredible knowledge and wit of historical, sporting, musical, and geographical facts.

Larry was a proud graduate of Detroit - Catholic Central High School, Class of 1969, receiving his graduate degree in Business Administration from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA (1973) and his Juris Doctorate from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing, MI (1976), passing the bar exam in both Michigan (1976) and Pennsylvania (1977).  He was admitted into the U.S. District Court, Middle District of PA (1977), the U.S. Tax Court (1976), and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit (1996). Larry opened a private practice in Wilkes-Barre, PA specializing in Family Law for over 45 years retiring from his professional career as the Hearing Officer for the Luzerne County Domestic Relations in Wilkes- Barre, PA in 2022.

As a member of the Wilkes-Barre Rotary Club, Larry provided service to others, promoted integrity, world understanding, goodwill, and peace through his fellowship as a business, professional, and community leader receiving The Paul Harris Fellowship Award. Being a member of the Wyoming Valley Country Club, and the Westmorland Club fulfilled his love for the game of golf, fine dining, and connecting with others. A nod goes out to his best buds, the Lawyers, the Judge, and the Psychologist for their years of devoted friendship.  After marrying his wife, Dorothy (Yatsko) Mac Donald in 2004, cruise travel, and trips to the Jersey shore and Broadway in NYC fulfilled the simple joys of life.

Larry was pre-deceased by his parents, and grandparents, Gordon and Margaret (Woodcroft) Wilson, and John and Winifred (Bertrand) Mac Donald, his mother’s partner, Bob Mehrman, his brother, Paul Mac Donald, his brother-in-law, Robert DiGennaro, his sister-in-law, Sue (Sklarcheck) Mac Donald, his wife, Dorothy’s daughter, Lori Sokoloski, sister-in-law, Mary Ann Yatsko, and brother-in-law, Michael Murphy.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy; her daughter, Amy (Sokoloski) Connolly, husband, Michael Jr. and their children,

Michael III and Jack. His stepson, Nolan Margo, his wife, Jamie and their children Chloe and Isla Findon-Henry. His siblings, in-laws, and their spouses, Margaret Mac Donald, Terri (Hassett) Mac Donald, Betsy (Mac Donald) Geheb and husband, Fred, Mike Mac Donald and wife, Louise (Christensen) Mac Donald, Chris Mac Donald and partner, Annette Krasinski, and Fred Mac Donald and wife Jo Ellen (Beck) Mac Donald, brother-in-law, Robert Yatsko, sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Yatsko) Murphy, and sister-in-law, Catherine (Yatsko) Charnitski.  His maternal aunts, Betty (Wilson) Blackett, and Georgia Ann (Schaffe) Wilson and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Family and friends are invited from 4 to 7 PM on Thursday, July 13th, at the Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Friday, July 14th, at Immaculate Conception Church, 605 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston, PA 18643, with Monsignor John Sempa, officiating. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the church. Respectfully, the burial will be private.

His wife, Dorothy, and the family express their gratitude to the outpouring of support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Allied Services Hospice, 200 S. Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. https://www.allied-services.org.

Or to: Detroit Catholic Central High School – The Paul R. Mac Donald Music Scholarship Fund, 2722 Wixom Road, Novi, MI 48374. https://www.catholiccentral.net/giving/make-a-gift

You can also access it at https://www.facebook.com/hughbhughes

[ladyanthropologie]

Bonjor mes amis! Ça va?

LadyAnthropology once again travels across the pond, this time to FRANCE!

Once again, I am studying abroad, this time in France. I have always loved the French language and culture. The country is beautiful, the language elegant, the food exquisite - or so I hear. I have spent the last year learning the French language and have the wonderful opportunity to spend over a month in France, learning and seeing all I can.

We start our trip in Paris, then we travel to Normandy, and then to La Rochelle. I have heard great things about this program and everything that is planned so it's safe to say I'm excited.

France is one of the first countries to pioneered fencing as a sport and have an interesting history with patriotism and nationalism. Their culture is thought to be as elegant and classy as their language. I have two recent exposures to anything related to France. One is the children's TV show Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Chat Noir, sometimes just called "Miraculous Ladybug". This show is set in Paris and follows the adventures of two teenagers as they transform into superheroes and fight supervillains while trying to balance their social and school life. It's originally broadcasted in France, so the language is originally French (which makes the NYC Special funny because the English dub of course has them all speaking English when the script clearly is supposed to show the language barrier between French and English speakers). The show first aired in 2015 and season 5 recently premiered in October of 2022. Another exposure that a lot of people probably had but don't realize is the recent live action re-make of The Little Mermaid. While the original 1989 animated version was set in/around Denmark (most popularly believed), this 2023 re-make was set in the Caribbean, the Caribbean was first colonized by Spain and quickly followed by France. This upcoming Fall, specifically in October/November, I will have the absolute pleasure of being involved in the musical Once on This Island, which is set in the French Antilles. It's called out in the musical that it's set in the 19th century, 4 generations after the Napoleon Era. I highly recommend checking it out, it's fun, beautiful, and entertaining.

There are other media like An American in Paris, Moulin Rouge!, Anastasia, and more.

If you're new, I have a previous blog titled: "A London Adventure!", chronicling my time in London, UK, last summer. That blog was a combination of a class requirement and myself wanting a way to look back on my travels. A blog is not required this time, so the posts will look a bit different as I don't have certain things, I need to put in them. I highly recommend checking it out, if you haven't already.

Here, I'm going to talk about my travels, places and things I have seen, food I've tried, and more. I will also briefly talk about what I learned in class that day (French is difficult to learn, it's a fast language and I have trouble with hearing).

I am going to do my absolute best to learn as much as I can. I've decided that when I apply to graduate programs, I will apply for both Theatre and for Cultural Anthropology. If I get accepted into a Cultural Anthropology program, I want to focus my attention on the Polynesian Islands and the Caribbean. The French colonized some of these regions and as such French is a language spoken on some of these islands in addition to their native language. My goal is to help create a bridge between the different cultures and people of the world and learning French is just one of the first steps towards that goal.

[stefanp1]

Sean Kavanagh Dowsett

Another Irishman with a British accent and a store in NYC's Greenwich Village. I cannot say it any better than so so many others have already done today. One of the kindest, nicest people I have shared this planet with. May your next chapter be full of the love and laughter you gave to us all..........I am devastated by this news and will miss sitting on the bench for hours discussing politics, both national and local, all while watching you treat everyone who came by with so much love and respect.

Amy Pickard

1h  · 

This guy. Sean Kavanagh-Dowsett. Funny, punny, beautiful. So many memories of laughing and joking with him. There was almost nothing he couldn't take care of and he was always looking out for me (and everyone!). I will miss him terribly and my trips to NYC will not be the same without his presence. My heart goes out to Nicky Perry, Audrey and his family. An unbearable loss that they must bear. He will always live on in our hearts.

COOL FOR CATS! One of my dearest friends Sean Sean Kavanagh-Dowsett @kavanaghdowsett has left us..and has left a hole in my heart. We met in the 1980s and years later saw Sean at Bleeker Park in NYC he was the only dad in a Fluffer shirt and would pass the time watching our kids play and grow up. Every Halloween with the amazing costunes he made for Audrey, he and I would walk around Chelsea with our kids. But the really amazing thing Sean did was to accompany me on my annual cancer check ups and after we would go to Tea & Sympathy for my fav skineheads on rafts, cottage pie, and a cuppa. We would talk about fashion and denim of course, rant about politics, or he'd tell me a totally inapproriate joke. He would pick me up in his English taxi and was always there with a smile and a joke. We had this routine for many years and I feel gutted that will not see or talk to my amazing and true friend. My heart goes out to you Nicky ( one of the strongest woman I know ) and I have always admired your unbinding love for each other...and Audrey... may your love be your strength. I will miss You Sean! Thank you for being my friend...the Pearly King of NYC!

I’m devasted by the passing of one of the most joyful and charismatic people I’ve ever met - Sean Kavanagh-Dowsett, co-owner of Tea & Sympathy. A loving husband, father, community leader, gracious host and all-around character, his absence leaves a hole in all our hearts. Upon meeting him for the first time, Sean would treat you with the same jocularity, kindness and familiarly as someone he had known for decades. My heart goes out to his wife Nicky and daughter Audrey, whom he loved more than life itself.

Oberon Sinclair

We lost a British King in New York today. Sean Dowsett-Kavanagh. Loving husband to @nickyperry.kd & father to @audrey.kav. Sean was a friend for 30 years. I met him when he started dating Nicky, and I’ve never seen a man swoon over a woman, like he did with Nicky. They married and was always boastful about how much he loved her. Would always share his joy at finding rare gifts that were impossible to find for her. He never minced his words and could take the Mickey out of anyone, myself included and you’d tear up laughing. He was kind to everyone and didn’t suffer fools. We raised our daughters together and would pop into Bleecker Park back in the day, often by the sandpit with @abekton @samanthahall666 & bring us @teaandsympathynyc food and alcohol disguised. We’d sit on the park bench and laugh with Nicky for hours. They both made parenthood bearable amongst all the competitive parents we had to endure back then. He’d often be riding around the west village in his British Black taxi Cab and one day we took our girls to see One Direction at Jones Beach and were in line to get into Jones Beach-traffic line for days. He had a British flag on the taxi and as people passed us in line, Sean screamed out the window, “I’ve got the boys in the back”- he was referring to One Direction and of course it caused a Beatlemania craze around the taxi. Girls scrambling to look in the car. I cried laughing so hard. I never thought I’d be writing these words so soon, to someone that gave so much love to our community. He showed all of us how much he loved Nicky and Audrey. Today, I salute this fine gentleman, friend, one of a kind man that will remain in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, Sean. Love to you @nickyperry.kd & @audrey.kav

Adam Nelson

To have lost such a light seems so incredibly unjust. What a twinkling spirit! What a bawdy beaut of a man! Sean Kavanagh-Dowsett encapsulated love in all of its vividness and that was evident in every single pebble pressed into the asphalt of Greenwich Avenue. It shined through his everlasting devotion to his soul mate Nicky and their divine daughter Audrey, the blockbuster businesses they built together which thrived with theatricality, his fantastic dialect delivered with devilish delight, his comradery with longstanding customers, the joy he derived from political finger-poking and the problems of New York City proper, the grand jokes that always gassed the guts, his keen insights into almost everything. To say he was unique, impressive, charming, kind, dapper, and absolutely cool as fuck would be a disservice to description. He was quite simply one of the wisest, quick-witted wonders of the world. One the best blokes under the sun and I will love him forever. From the very bottom of my broken heart, it hurts to say goodbye. — with Sean Kavanagh-Dowsett at Tea & Sympathy.

Lady Bunny 

3d  · 

Last weekend was a sad one, because we lost Sean Kavanagh-Dowsett. One of the friendliest faces on Greenwich Avenue, along with his wife Nicky, Sean ran Tea & Sympathy--the quirky english restaurant which somehow manages to make UK food tasty. (One trick is pureed parsnips to thicken and slightly sweeten their divine soups.) The restaurant's been on my block for decades, and a familiar pattern emerged. I'd see Nicky outside, she'd gripe about something and I would, too. Then Sean would pop out and punctuate our bitchfest with a dirty joke. He loved people and joking, even though sometimes his delivery was better than the jokes themselves. (He loved a looong joke with a suspect punchline.)

Together, Sean and Nicky cultivated a scene which attracted celebs from Boy George to David Bowie to Dame Judi Dench to SJP--along with neighbors like myself, and passersby like Flotilla Debarge. While I'll miss being "tag-teamed" by this couple of Brits, I know that Nicky is a right ol' scrubber who will grieve for a while and then get back to her old ways. Just without dear Sean. He'd been battling cancer for months, so his passing wasn't sudden or a shock. But that doesn't make it any less final or less depressing. After his diagnosis, Sean would refer to himself as a "skinny bitch" due to his dramatic weight loss. I wondered if he was aware that was a Trixie Mattel saying.

One day, I'd found some furniture on the street and was trying to drag it home. Sean ran up to help, grabbing it and single-handedly managing this dresser on the stairs in a way which would've taken me hours to do. In a world where so many frown on Alpha males, Sean was a benevolent Alpha, who used his brain and brawn to help others. A loyal friend, he once tried to hook me up with the producer of a radio show in the UK to do my own show. Sitting here crying now, and this time it ain't allergies.

Here's Sean, in all his gorgeousness, with his daughter Audrey on his left side. (I'm Aunt Bunny.) A young lady now, I bumped into her yesterday outside the shop and she seemed to be coping. And the circle of life continues.

R.I.P. Sean. You made so many of us oddballs feel welcome 'round the old avenue, and every single one of us misses you terribly. My condolences to his wife Nicky, who must be going through it like anyone who loses a loving spouse would be. Maybe even a little more, because these two made one helluva team. But Nicky will be holding court again outside Tea & Sympathy before you know it. And in Sean's honor, I'll tell the long, crappy jokes for him from now on to keep his memory alive.

A memorial is planned for May 9th. See less

[paulisded]

The Ledge #552: Covers

With my brain focused on "Teenage Kicks" covers these days, it seems natural for me to put together another show of nothing but covers of classics tunes from the past. And tonight's show could not have been timed better, as today Kepi Ghoulie of the Groovie Ghoulies put our a fabulous covers record, Full Moon Forever. Plus I've uncovered a number of other great new remakes the last few days, including Juniper's lofi redo of "James" by The Bangles, Devil Love's lovely tribute to Big Star's "Thirteen", and a trip back to my childhood with Jenny Dee & The Deelingquent's rousing "Fox On the Run".

But, of course, the main focus is on the "52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks" series, and tonight features the very first submission! It may be a bit fitting that said cover is by the one and only Malibu Lou at Rum Bar Records!!! Yes! He's a huge fan, as you can tell by the accompanying email: "It's one of my top 5 personal favorite songs ever. I covered it many years in many bands!! Here's a demo version of Malibu Lou & The Attackers performing it circa 96 in NYC!!"

I couldn't be more thrilled, and I'm also so pleased to receive a couple other submissions that I'll be airing during the next two shows. Please, please, please, if you love the song and have any sort of musical talent, or have some friends with a band that could do the song justice, record a cover and send it to paulisded@gmail.com!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SHOW!

1. Malibu Lou & The Attackers, Teenage Kicks

2. Soviet Malpensa, The Ledge

3. Laser Geyser, Answering Machine

4. Irene Sciacovelli, Achin To Be

5. Jim Mannez, I Will Dare

6. Green Day, Alison

7. Elvis Costello & The Imposters, So You Want To Be A Rock ‘N’ Roll Star

8. Devil Love, Thirteen

9. Juniper, James

10. Jeff Rosenstock & Laura Stevenson, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere

11. JD McPherson, Lust For Life / Sixteen

12. JD McPherson, Let's Rock

13. Old 97's, Big River

14. Old 97's, Wreck Of The Old 97

15. Weeklings, I've Just Seen A Face

16. Smitt E. Smitty & The Feztones, Rebel Rebel

17. Stay, I Can Hear The Grass Grow 

18. The Photocopies, Velocity Girl 

19. THE BEATERSBAND, Be My Baby

20. THE BEATERSBAND, Runaway

21. J.T. IV, Caroline Says II

22. J.T. IV, Celluloid Heroes

23. Tropical Fuck Storm feat. Amy Taylor, This Perfect Day

24. Randells, Surf Goddess 

25. The Blue Aeroplanes, I Wanna Be Your Lover

26. Dany Laj and The Looks, I'm So Glad 

27. Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents, Fox On The Run

28. Kepi Ghoulie, Heroes 

29. Kepi Ghoulie, Happy When It Rains 

30. The Standells, Paint it black

31. The Standells, My little red book

32. The Kinetics, You're Gonna Mis Me

33. The Continentals, Gloria

34. The Swamp Rats, Psycho

[sexonastickstan]

Today I saw three of my faves omg. Kara Lindsay, Corey Cott, and Laura Osnes. And I got pictures with Corey and Laura! I also got a picture with Michael Campayno who plays Fiyero in Wicked and dear Lord is that man attractive. Then leaving Bandstand I saw Kristolyn Lloyd, Michael Park, and Rachel Bay Jones across the street leaving DEH. NYC is my fave.

[justzawe]

So sweet of Zawe’s sister Amy to accompany her on this NYC trip 🖤

[renzatelier]

3. Their pyjamas

Sonic: Probably a sell-out and wears on brand “SONIC THE HEDGEHOG” pyjamas and everything.

Tails: Some worn oversized t-shirt he got travelling. Something like “I survived a trip to NYC!!” LMAO

Knuckles: Sees no reason for pyjamas but secretly owns a pair of cute fluffy socks

Amy: I’d like to think that she wears the most comedic emo/goth band t-shirt ever. Imagine the stereotypical pink cutesy girl WITH MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE T-SHIRTS. Shadow is quaking rn

Shadow: AGAIN with the comedically emo shirt for Amy but make it the opposite. He wears hello kitty merch I know it. I will die on this bridge i don’t care

Rouge: You’d think she’d wear the stereotypical sexy pyjamas but no she’d wear a onesie.

[the-real-tc]

Review: Heartland Season 15 Finale: Leaving a Legacy

I'll keep this (relatively) short and sweet.

I loved the finale. I cannot believe Season 15 has sped by so quickly, so thanks are once again in order to the entire cast and crew who stuck out some incredibly grueling conditions to make it happen. Your efforts are fully appreciated.

First things: I am so pleased I was right about how Amy would use her "windfall". Naming the Centre after Ty was really the only logical thing to do. Now kids like him will get another shot at a future, just like he did at Heartland. I made comparisons years ago between Heartland and another old Canadian TV series "Neon Rider", but I think enough time has passed since that show was on the air to keep up that comparison, and the Dr. Ty Borden Equestrian Therapy Centre is bound to be its own unique thing.

On a related note: the character of Logan has been a revelation this season. Drew Davis is extremely charming in the role, and I like the ultimatum Clint gave him, which bodes well for the character to return for potential future seasons.

Secondly: I've always been "Team Peter", so it was great hearing Lou say the things she said about their relationship, and it was great hearing Katie's heartfelt words about how her camping trip with her mother went down. (Baye McPherson is rocking the role as Katie 4.0!) It seems all Lou needed was someone like Rick in her life to call her out on her B.S. and force her to confront her true feelings. (Rick's facial expression when he left Lou's office to make Lou and PW finally hash it out... LOL, Aidan, you campy idiot! 🤣)

Third: I wish there had been more time in this short 10-episode season for a good lead-up to the Platinum Bow storyline. I would have liked to have felt more anxiety for the horse's race. Winning the Kentucky Derby is no small feat, but it sort of felt like any other race he might have won. But Yay, Lisa, and Yay, Fairfield Stables, and Yay, Carlos, jockey-in-the-waiting. (I imagine the photo they teased earlier of Jack and Lisa toasting each other at Heartland was a post-Derby celebration. Alas, another cutting room floor scene for JISA fans to lament... le sigh.)

Fourth: Jess has been avoiding phone calls since coming back from selling her condo in NYC, and Tim is suspicious, especially after he picks up her phone and it's a doctor calling... It's almost a replay of when Lisa had a health scare a few seasons ago. Thankfully, Jess is clear, just as Lisa was, so disaster averted.

All through Season 15, I've been wondering about the very curious choices in how the moon phases were depicted. It's like it was always a full moon, regardless of the time of the month. Now I get it: the moon is a reference to Lyndy's moon drawing, and her line that it's her Dada—Ty. The moon hanging over Heartland is symbolic of Ty's presence hovering over his loved ones, which was felt very strongly this episode with Amy's discovery of his final anniversary present. Someone started chopping a bunch of onions in my room when Amy read Ty's card, so I'm sure I missed a few important words, but it was great that Graham Wardle was able to provide some voiceover work for that scene.

Okay, I lied about keeping this short, but it's shorter than my usual treatises.

Overall, I've loved Season 15 and the "maturity" level of the stories. There were some serious issues, and I feel like several characters were *finally* given permission to say things and do things they were previously unable to do and say, either out of plot contrivance or sloppy writing.

I certainly hope we get a 16th season, because I have to admit I have long lived with the thought Heartland would call it quits at 15, if it was ever granted that long a life. There are still lots of stories to tell, because Heartland is about life, and life goes on. Life goes on even when loved ones leave or pass away. We might not like change, but change is what makes life interesting.

So thanks once again to everyone involved with bringing this show to our screens, and blessings to Jessica Steen, aka Lisa Stillman, who celebrates her 56th birthday today (Dec. 19).