#Department Store Event Chicago

[stillwintering]

All's Fair in Love and Politics (a modern Nessian AU - where Rhys is running for president)

Summary: In the ruthless arena of politics, victory demands risking everything, even one's own heart. Rhysand has his eyes on the presidency. Feyre convinces her estranged sister, Nesta, to join the political campaign. Nesta and Cassian find themselves forging an unexpected bond as the campaign intensifies. But can their budding romance survive the treacherous waters of modern political warfare?

Read on AO3 / Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5

CW for this chapter: discussions of parental death

Chapter 6

"Balthazar Alvarez, ma'am," A fresh-faced young man introduced himself to Nesta. He was tall and lanky, with tanned skin and dark hair. His eyes were wide as he shook Nesta's hand. "Thank you for coming."

Cassian clasped the young man by his shoulders, smiling at him fondly. "Baz here has been recruiting volunteers for us in Iowa."

"Ms. Archeron," Baz said, looking at her nervously. "Would you like to go over the information packets that we'll be sending out to the local activists?"

"Please," she said. "Call me Nesta." She accepted the open laptop he handed her.

Baz nodded automatically. "Yes, ma'am."

"The voters in Iowa don't really know anything about the Congressman except that he's a Starborn," Nesta said, her eyes scanning through the screen. "We need to lead with the basic -- his biography, his values. The Democratic base needs to connect with his story first. What do you know about Rhysand, Baz?"

The young man shifted on his feet. "The Congressman is a decorated military veteran," Baz started. "He believes in immigration reform, pro-choice, universal healthcare, more stringent gun laws -- "

Nesta held up a hand. "Anyone can read about where Rhys stands on the issues by looking up his Wikipedia page," she stopped him. "But what do you know about him as a person?"

"Well, I've never met him in person, ma'am," Baz replied sheepishly.

Nesta looked the young man up and down. He wore an ill-fitting blue dress shirt, like something he bought in a department store without trying on different sizes. "Did you just graduate college, Baz?" she asked.

"This spring, ma'am," Baz confirmed. "I majored in political science at the University of Chicago."

"You could have worked for any number of political campaigns this cycle. There are many more established candidates," Nesta continued. "So why did you choose Rhysand Starborn?"

Baz considered and then replied, "Because the Congressman seems like he wants to do something new. He seems like someone who will lead with integrity. I think he's in politics for the right reasons, like he actually has principles."

"Good," Nesta approved. "That's what we need to communicate. When you're meeting with the local activists, start with that." She hands back the laptop.

Cassian grinned. "This is why we need you out here," he said. "Let's get started."

---

Over the afternoon, Nesta met with more volunteers and staffers. They discussed field strategy and planned campaign events through the summer and fall. Nesta asked for a litany of changes to canvassing materials and campaign literature. After the initial nervousness wore off, Baz demonstrated himself to be a capable and sharp operative.

Cassian took a late meeting with the leadership of the Iowa Democratic Party and left Nesta in charge of the field office. She held a volunteer training session over takeout. After she sent everyone home after dinner and Cassian was nowhere to be seen, Nesta called a taxi to take her back to the hotel.

It was dark when Nesta opened the door to her hotel room. The room's stillness enveloped her as she kicked off her heels and laid down in bed. She was tired from talking all day and meeting new people. She wanted to go to sleep early but found that she was restless. Finally, Nesta decided that she needed to move her body after, essentially, sitting all day. She fished her running gear out of her bag, smiling to herself that at least her best friends would be happy that she was training.

There was a paved trail along the Des Moines River, just a few blocks down the road from the hotel. The city had settled down for the evening. Storefronts were closed, and the roads were vacant. It was peaceful as she headed down towards the lit path along the riverfront, launching her body into movement.

Nesta had only run a mile when she started to feel out of breath. She frowned as she slowed to a walk, panting heavily and feeling out of shape. Out of the corner of her eye, she spots a tall man running on an adjacent trail. The long black hair was unmistakable.

"You couldn't sleep either?" Cassian called to her. His pace was brisque as he made the turn to meet her.

Nesta felt her face flush, even though she was already red from the exercise. "Do you always run at night?" she asked him instead.

Cassian's voice was steady, betraying no hint of fatigue. "I try to make time for as many workouts as I can," he answered.

"Of course you do," Nesta muttered.

Cassian slowed to jog in place near her. He was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, his muscles subtly flexed with each movement. He cocked his head towards the path leading to a bridge in the distance. "Mind if I join you?" he asked.

"I'll only slow you down," she said quickly.

Cassian smiled. "It's not a problem."

"Really," Nesta's heart was pounding. "You should go ahead."

"Come on, Nes," he was still smiling, but his eyes were issuing a challenge. "I won't show you up."

Nesta looked down the trail towards the lights from the bridge sparkling in the river water. It must only be a mile away. She knew continuing the run would be grueling, but she also couldn't resist the tacit challenge.

"Don't call me that," Nesta said as she propelled herself forward.

Cassian fell in step beside her, a soft chuckle escaping him as they ran side by side. Nesta willed herself to put one foot ahead of the other, even though every muscle in her body screamed in protest. She tried to remember the last time she had a real cardio workout -- it must have been months ago. The half-marathon she had committed to suddenly felt daunting.

Cassian didn't try to overtake her, allowing her to set the pace for both of them. Nesta did not falter. She couldn't let him know how utterly unprepared she was for this run. When they finally reached the bridge, Nesta felt like she was about to collapse.

"We can walk back to the hotel," Cassian offered.

Nesta's heart pounded in her ears, her body aching and roaring with exertion. Nesta shook her head. She didn't want him to have the satisfaction of seeing her weak and defeated from a measly two-mile run. She turned back the way they'd come.

Cassian followed wordlessly and matched her pace again. She could see a smirk on the edges of her vision. It irritated her, but it was also the push she needed to return to the trailhead. Only then did Nesta allow herself to bend over, bracing her hands over her knees, panting heavily. She felt like she was going to pass out, having pushed her body to its limits.

"Good run," Cassian commented, stopping beside her. He didn't even break a sweat -- the bastard.

Nesta flipped him off in reply.

Cassian chuckled and pushed a water bottle into her hand. "Drink up, sweetheart," he said.

She gave him a scathing glare that would have cut down a lesser man. But she was too out of breath to form words. She took his water bottle, tipped it back, and drained the whole thing.

He watched her throat work as she drank. "You're crossing your arms too much when you run," Cassian said, glancing away. "It tires you out faster."

"And you're some kind of running expert?" Nesta choked out, still breathless.

"I am actually," he looked back at her with a cocky grin. "We could train together, if you want."

She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and returned the empty bottle. "No thanks," she replied, almost reflexively.

Nesta started back towards the hotel.

---

Cassian had the undeniable sense that he had been dismissed. But the trouble was that they were staying at the same hotel, so he trailed behind her across the street. He could tell Nesta had pushed herself to finish that run -- that unyielding determination, it was captivating.

"How did the volunteer meeting go?" Cassian asked as he fell back into step beside Nesta.

"Fine," she replied, her breathing still ragged.

Cassian forced himself to keep his eyes ahead, not daring his gaze to linger over Nesta's body. She was clad in form-fitting leggings and a sleek racerback top, her skin glowing with a warm flush and her chest rising and falling rapidly from the run. The sight almost threatened to overwhelm him.

They walked in silence for a whole city block.

"I came back after my meeting," Cassian finally said, clearing his throat. "But the office was shut."

"Was there something you needed?"

"Not really," Cassian replied, trying to explain. "I wanted to check whether you had a ride. Since I took the truck."

"I called a taxi."

They reached the entrance of the hotel, where Nesta's breathing had become more even, though her cheeks still bore a rosy glow. Her hair shimmered like burnished gold under the artificial lights. A single drop of sweat traced a path from her neck down to her chest, disappearing beneath the neckline of her tank top. Cassian swallowed, feeling a rush of warmth despite the cool night air.

"Is there anything else?" she asked, a hint of impatience in her voice.

Cassian, momentarily lost for words, suggested, "You should stretch now or else you'll be extra sore tomorrow." He instinctively moved into his post-workout routine.

Nesta seemed to hesitate, her eyes darting towards the hotel lobby before settling back on him. She then gracefully sunk into a deep lunge, mirroring his movements. Cassian silently led her through a sequence of stretches.

"Happy?" she asked as they wrapped up.

Cassian only grinned. "You'll thank me tomorrow."

"I doubt that," Nesta said, turning on her heels and walking into the lobby.

Cassian trailed behind her again. They reached the elevator bay, where Nesta stepped into an already waiting elevator. She looked back at him, a question in her eyes, "Which floor?"

Cassian stood frozen at the threshold. The confined space of the elevator suddenly struck him as dangerously intimate. He felt an urge to close the gap between the two of them.

"I'll take the stairs," he quickly declared.

"Show off," Nesta retorted as the elevator doors closed, separating them.

Cassian turned towards the stairwell with his heart threatening to leap out of his chest.

---

The following day, Nesta felt aching throughout her body. She groaned as she climbed into the truck for their trip to Cedar Rapids. Cassian smirked at her knowingly but held his tongue.

They quickly settled into a driving routine: Cassian got them drinks and snacks, and then Nesta worked on her laptop while he drove. Cassian let Nesta pick the music. She liked that Cassian never seemed to mind the silence between them -- he mostly left her to her work, keeping the truck steady.

It wasn't until halfway through the drive, when Nesta shut her laptop, that Cassian spoke up, "Have you ever been to this part of Iowa before?"

Nesta stowed her laptop away. "Only once, as a child," she said, a tad wistful. Nesta watched the endless fields of young corn stretched out around them.

"Really?" Cassian reached to turn down the music.

"I must have just finished the fifth grade. Feyre was barely starting school," Nesta replied, letting the memory flood through her.

"What brought you all out here?" Cassian asked, his eyes sparked with curiosity.

Nesta leaned towards the passenger side window, taking in the monotonous green landscape under the vast, indifferent sky. Cassian's presence beside her was warm and comforting. "That summer, our father, in a rare moment of whimsy, decided to take us all on a cross-country road trip from Virginia to California," Nesta began, voice soft and contemplative. "It was a few years before our mother's passing. She despised road trips; I've never understood why she came. And the three of us -- Feyre, Elain, and I -- were crammed in the backseat, squabbling and bickering nonstop for ten days. These cornfields... they haven't changed a bit."

Cassian nodded, his voice tender, "Must've been quite a trip, with three kids in tow."

Turning towards him, Nesta's eyes held something like a flicker of old pain. "Did Feyre ever speak to you about how our mother died?"

"Feyre mentioned it was cancer," Cassian replied quietly. "And that she was too young to remember much."

The truck continued its steady course, carving through the expanse of the blue sky and green fields. Nesta fell silent for a moment. She didn't know why she had revealed so much to him. Except, Nesta knew it wasn't cancer that took their mother, not really.

"Feyre was..." Nesta stopped herself, not sure how to continue.

Cassian gave her an encouraging smile. "Your mother, what was she like?" he asked, his voice a whisper against the backdrop of the road's hum.

Nesta sighed, a sound filled with memory and loss. "She was... complicated. Strong in her own way, yet fragile towards the end," Nesta said. She hadn't talked about her mother in so long that the words were tumbling out of her.

"Our parents did not have a happy marriage, you see, so our mother, she had poured all her energy into us. She was very demanding..." Nesta continued. "Expected nothing less than perfection. We went to the best schools, had the best tutors. But it was never enough. Especially after the financial crisis, our father lost everything, and all his businesses folded. We were -- we lost our house, I think that was the last straw. She died shortly after."

"I'm sorry, Nesta," Cassian glanced at her with empathy etched on his face. "Losing a parent when you were so young, that's a lot for anyone to handle."

Nesta scanned the horizon in the distance. She suddenly felt like that little girl in the backseat of her family's car, looking out at a world too big and too confusing to understand.

Nesta had often found herself thinking about that year when her mother died. It was as if their mother's illness, her passing, it was a fulcrum on which the sisters' lives were balanced. After she was gone, everything tilted, and Nesta felt like she had been scattered, trying to find her footing in a world that was off-kilter ever since.

"And what was your family like?" Nesta looked away from the empty landscape outside.

"I never knew my parents," Cassian replied, frowning. "My mother gave me up when I was a baby. I grew up being passed from one foster home to another. In a way, I had many families, or maybe none at all."

Nesta's eyes widened. "I'm sorry. I had no idea," she said. "Did you ever want to find your birth mother?"

"I tried when I was old enough," Cassian said, his voice detached. "But she had died shortly after giving birth to me -- in a car accident. From what I could piece together... my birth father was an alcoholic. I think maybe that's why she had given me up. He was driving drunk when they crashed into a highway barrier at night."

"I'm so sorry," Nesta repeated, not sure what else she could say. "It must have been a difficult childhood."

"I turned out okay," Cassian shrugged, turning slightly to give her a reassuring smirk. "The Starborns sort of took me in during college."

Nesta took a moment to process the information. She watched Cassian's right hand drop to sit on top of the gear shift. "Do you ever think about what life would've been like if things had been different? If your mother hadn't..." Her voice trailed off, not needing to complete the question.

Cassian turned to her, his eyes a storm of gold and green. "All the time," he replied. "I wonder who we would have been, and the choices we would have made. Don't you?"

Nesta nodded, finding her throat dry. Unable to speak, she only reached over and rested her hand on top of his. Her hands looked so small and delicate against his. Cassian went wholly still. His other hand clutched the steering wheel, and his eyes remained straight ahead as if afraid to look down at their joined hands.

"Thank you," Nesta finally said, taking her hand back and letting the soft silence envelop them once again for the remainder of the trip.

[bracketsoffear]

TMA: The Musical, Version 2.0:

Thanks to all the posters whose ideas I added to this one.

EYE

Touch-Tone Telephone by Lemon Demon

Electric Eye by Judas Priest

Busted from Phineas and Ferb

Aha! By Imogen Heap

LONELY

Waving Through A Window from Dear Evan Hansen

Invisible from MLP Equestria Girls: Forgotten Friendship

I Am A Rock by Simon and Garfunkel

Love Like Ghosts by Lord Huron

Frozen Pines by Lord Huron

Drift Away from Steven Universe: The Movie

Mister Cellophane from Chicago

Have A Seat Misery by Shayfer James

VAST

Infinitesimal by Mother Mother

Major Tom (Coming Home) by Peter Schilling

Waiting For The Drop from Ride the Cyclone

Stranded Lullaby by Miracle Musical

Dream Sweet in Sea Major by Miracle Musical

Achilles Come Down by Gang of Youths

BURIED

Debt Collector by Jhariah

The Woods by San Fermin

Why We Build The Wall from Hadestown

Way Down Hadestown (Reprise) from Hadestown

Pressure by Billy Joel

Sixteen Tons by Tennessee Ernie Ford

DARK

Hometown by Twenty One Pilots

Come Wayward Souls from Over The Garden Wall

The Night by Aurelio Voltaire

Snuff Out The Light by Eartha Kitt

Friends Who Don't Go Out At Night by The Deadly Syndrome

STRANGER

Mirror Man by Jack Stauber’s Micropop

Faceshopping by Sophie

The Stranger by Lord Huron

Mr. Roboto by Styx

Doll Parts by Hole

Suit by Boom! Bap! Pow!

SPIRAL

The Mind Electric by Miracle Musical

Discord by The Living Tombstone

Crazytown from 35MM: A Musical Exhibition

Who's Crazy/My Psychopharmacologist and I from Next to Normal

Spiraling Shape by They Might Be Giants

SLAUGHTER

Culling of the Fold by The Decemberists

This is Why We Fight by The Decemberists

Courage Knows No Bounds by Heather Alexander

Ready to Die by Andrew WK

Ballroom Blitz by Sweet

The Ballad of Sara Berry from 35MM: A Musical Exhibition

Three-Five-Zero-Zero from Hair

Poisoning Pigeons in the Park by Tom Lehrer

Murder, Murder! by American Murder Song

Peacemaker by The Mechanisms

HUNT

The Mariner's Revenge Song by The Decemberists

Blood and Thunder by Mastodon

Catch You by Sophie Ellis-Bextor

One Way Or Another by Blondie

A Confession by PhemieC

Getting Into Knives by The Mountain Goats

FLESH

Body Terror Song by AJJ

We Started This Op'ra Shit from Repo: The Genetic Opera

A Little Priest from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

64 Little White Things by Cake Bake Betty

Final Form by Everything Everything

END

The Ballad of Jane Doe from Ride the Cyclone

Leslie Anne Levine by The Decemberists

Dead Girls by Penelope Scott

For The Departed by Shayfer James

The Yawning Grave by Lord Huron

Fall Fair Suite from Ride the Cyclone

Dust and Ashes from Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812

End of Life by Death Spells

EXTINCTION

Feed the Machine by Poor Man’s Poison

Countdown’s Begun by Ozzie Osborn

It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine) by R.E.M

Seed Song by The Mountain Goats

Welcome to the Internet by Bo Burnham

We Will All Go Together When We Go by Tom Lehrer

How Bad Can I Be? from The Lorax

DESOLATION

Lucky Sevens by The Mechanisms

No Children by The Mountain Goats

The Dismemberment Song by Blue Kid

The World Ender by Lord Huron

That's Not How the Story Goes from A Series of Unfortunate Events

Arsonist's Lullaby by Hozier

Burn It Down by Daughter

Until It Doesn't Hurt by Mother Mother

World Burn from Mean Girls

CORRUPTION

Dysentery World from The Trail to Oregon

Tongues and Teeth by The Crane Wives

I Love You Like An Alcoholic by The Taxpayers

Sweet by PhemieC

Sticks & Stones by The Pierces

Entomologists by Ghost and Pals

WEB

Candy Store from Heathers the Musical

New Invention by I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME

Wires by The Neighbourhood

Red Right Hand by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Kiss Me, Son of God by They Might Be Giants

Redesign Your Logo by Lemon Demon

.

[nickgerlich]

Looking For A Miracle

In the history of American retailing, there has never been a chain whose name became synonymous not just with an event, but an entire holiday season. While younger generations may not have the same level of intense memories as their parents and grandparents, it is still part of our fabric. It starts on Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is as much tradition as is the turkey that will be front and center on dining room tables later that same day. The parade dates to 1924, and it was a shrewd move on behalf of the department store to put its name on it. Little did they know then it would become synonymous with not just the parade, but also the day and the holiday shopping that would ensue the day after.

As if that weren’t enough, Hollywood picked up on this beautiful romance, and in 1947 released Miracle on 34th Street. It was almost like it was a 96-minute commercial for Macy’s as it spun the tale of a drunk man hired to play Santa Claus at their downtown store.

With all of that good fortune, it would be easy to think the company was set up for life. Alas, no one is immune to change, and even Macy’s, which continues to benefit from its association with the parade as well as the month that follows, is in trouble. They just announced 150 more store closings, leaving the chain with 350 stores. It once had many hundred more.

The news comes not long after Macy’s rejected a $5.8 billion buy-out bid. They must be feeling pretty confident that they can take it from here, choppy waters be damned.

But this does not address the elephant in the room, that being the one whose name is Change. Much has indeed changed in the century since the birth of that parade, when downtown flagship department stores were a matter of civic pride and family tradition. I remember my family always traveling to downtown Chicago to go to Marshall Field, then the leading store in the region. It was an event, complete with seeing Santa, dining in the restaurant, and shopping all day. Side note: Macy’s eventually bought Marshall Field and changed the name, but Chicagoans still refer to that downtown location as Field’s.

Today, department stores are in the throes of death, along with the suburban malls in which they reside. Whereas mall owners could once count on these anchor stores to attract the foot traffic that would keep the ship and its smaller tenants afloat, that is no longer the case. The US is littered with abandoned malls or those so eerily like a ghost town that you begin to wonder why we went down this road in the first place.

Of course, we can point to e-commerce as a big contributor for this decline. This includes Amazon as well as the upstart fast-fashion site Shein. But there’s more. COVID taught us that curbside pickup and delivery are also viable options. Mass merchandisers like Target and Walmart have upped their game, and provide more outlets for our shopping dollars. All of these have combined to create a perfect storm.

It’s not like Macy’s hasn’t mounted its own response with a reasonable e-commerce site. It’s just that through so many decades of focusing on its roots that it overlooked the need to grow in new ways. Worse yet, it has developed a rather stodgy image. Just like Sears did toward the end of its life, Macy’s is now where your old aunt shops.

Eeewwwww.

I have to wonder how much longer the chain will survive. I hope they do not face the same fate as Sears. For that matter, I would not wish upon them the challenges that JC Penney has faced. At best they can hope for the comparatively calm seas that Dillards finds itself in.

This is the challenge for every legacy retailer. You have to maintain relevance. And while an annual parade may stir romantic notions, I don’t think it is going to be close to enough to keep the company going for 12 months a year, not just one. I hate to rain on their parade, but it’s looking kind of overcast out there, and it’s time to reach for an umbrella.

Dr “But Miracles Do Happen” Gerlich

Audio Blog

[donnahinkleystaceytroy]

LeRoy Neiman (American, 1921-2012)The Eye, Playboy, 1966. Oil on board. 32 x 24 inches (81.3 x 61.0 cm). Signed and dated lower left. PROVENANCE: The Norton Herrick & Curtis Hendrix Fine Art Group, Inc.; Dyansen Gallery, California; Private collection, California.

EXHIBITED: London Playboy Club, London, 1966-85; Chicago Playboy Club, Chicago, Illinois 1985-86.

When LeRoy Neiman and Hugh Hefner met in the early 1950's, it cultivated a relationship of over 50 years. Hefner was fascinated with Neiman's fashion illustrations for the Carson Pirie Scott department store chain and soon after hired Neiman to work for Playboy. Neiman's new technique experimenting with enamel paint was a stylistic hybrid of Abstract Expressionism and Impressionism.

Typically, these Playboy covers consisted of full-length women seductively posing for the voyeur. Of the 11 magazine covers painted, The Eye is the most unique as it allows the viewer to imagine who is the brunette woman that we only get a glimpse of. Hefner could have picked any other cover to represent the iconic magazine, but he selected The Eye cover to be part of the collection, leaving us to use our creative minds to construct the rest of the figure. His signature use of bold lines, vivid colors, and abstract brushwork along with the iconic "PLAYBOY" lettering makes this original painting recognizable and dynamic. Neiman's long and successful association with Playboy was the prelude for some of his most distinguished work. We are very excited to feature this work in our upcoming auction!

The idea that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" certainly can be applied to people. Think Rodgers and Hammerstein. Abbott and Costello. Mantle and Maris. Neiman and Hefner.

It is somewhere between unfair and absurd to suggest that LeRoy Neiman's rise to an artist beloved around the world is solely a result of his friendship with Hugh Hefner. But it would be equally inaccurate that they did not both benefit from their decades of friendship.

After he became friends with the longtime publisher of Playboy magazine, he landed something of a dream job when Hefner helped the magazine commission an illustration in 1954 for the fifth issue. As Neiman's friendship with Hefner grew, so too did is role with the iconic men's magazine. Before long, he was sent to major sporting events, concerts, or gala events at casinos, telling his stories through eye-grabbing paintings and drawings conjured in a brilliantly colorful expressionist style that became instantly identifiable with the artist who created it.

"LeRoy Neiman's Man at Leisure editorial in Playboy magazine illustrated the excess and irreverence of the 1960s," Heritage Auctions Vice President Todd Hignite said. "In this time of social revolution, Neiman captured glamorous snapshots of life with his brush. Nowhere is this more evident in his renditions of Playboy magazine covers as seen in The Eye. Unlike most of the Playboy covers, this deceptively modest and alluring cover captures the bold and flirtatious new world of the 1960s."

This lot is accompanied by a copy of the Playboy Magazine that is signed by the Artist on the cover and on page 114. This lot is also accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Dyansen Gallery, California, dated October 30, 1989. https://tinyurl.com/3bafnmb6

[brookston]

Holidays 10.16

Holidays

Air Force Day (Bulgaria)

Allergist Day (Russia)

Armenian Press Day (Armenia)

Ask An Activist Day

Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters

Blog Action Day

Boiler Switch On Awareness Day (UK)

Bu-Ma Democratic Protests Commemoration Day (South Korea)

Clean Your Bug Zapper Day

Department Store Day

Ether Day

Global Cat Day

Healthcare Security & Safety Officer Appreciation Day

Heroes and Foreparents Day (British Virgin Islands)

International Day of Action for Peoples’ Food Sovereignty & Against Transnational Corporations

John Brown Day (Vermont)

John Dunsworth Day of Kindness

Kraft Heinz Pantry Day (Canada)

Learn a Word Day

Maintenance Personnel Day

National Boss’ Day

National Burns Awareness Day (UK)

National Childhood Hunger Day

National Cut Up Your Credit Card Day

National Department Store Day

National DGS Day

National Dictionary Day

National ‘Don’t Click It’ Day

National Eddie Day

National Elaine Day

National Feral Cat Day

National Fossil Day

National Report Truth in Negotiations Act Fraud Day

National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

National Sports Day

National Trey Day

National Veterans BBQ Day

National Wolf Awareness Day

Noah Webster Day

Ox Day (French Republic)

Pope John Paul II Day (Poland)

Population Control Day

Restart A Heart Day (UK)

Sarandi Battle Anniversary Day (Uruguay)

Steve Jobs Day (California)

Teachers’ Day (Chile)

World Allergy Awareness Day

World Anesthesia Day

World Endodontic Day

World Pandesal Day

World Spine Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

National Liqueur Day

National Texas Twinkie Day

National Veterans BBQ Day

United Church of Bacon Day

World Bread Day

World Food Day (UN)

World Pandesal Day

Independence & Related Days

Emeria (a.k.a. United Socialist Republics of Emeria; Declared; 2010) [unrecognized]

Oroquieta City Day (Philippines)

Pomerak'tèr (f.k.a. Maldico; Declared; 2016) [unrecognized]

Slovaland (Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

3rd Wednesday in October

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (a.k.a. BRA Day USA) [3rd Wednesday]

Day of National Concern About Young People and Gun Violence [3rd Wednesday]

E-Waste Wednesday (Canada) [3rd Wednesday]

Global Dignity Day [3rd Wednesday]

Global Ethics Day [3rd Wednesday]

Hagfish Day [3rd Wednesday]

Hump Day [Every Wednesday]

International Day of Action Against for Academic Integrity Day [3rd Wednesday]

International Day of Action Against Contract Cheating Day [3rd Wednesday]

International Narcissism Day [3rd Wednesday]

International Pronouns Day (a.k.a. Pronouns Day) [3rd Wednesday]

Lamh Day (Ireland) [3rd Wednesday]

Love Your Body Day [3rd Wednesday]

Medical Assistants Recognition Day [3rd Wednesday]

Missouri Day (Missouri) [3rd Wednesday]

National Disability Monitoring Day [3rd Wednesday]

National Financial Aid Day [3rd Wednesday]

National Teach Business Day [3rd Wednesday]

Ride to Work Day (Australia) [3rd Wednesday]

SUDEP Action Day [3rd Wednesday]

Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day [3rd Wednesday]

Take Your Parents to Lunch Day [3rd Wednesday]

Thank Your Cleaner Day [3rd Wednesday]

Unity Day [Wednesday closest to 10.22]

Wacky Wednesday [Every Wednesday]

Wandering Wednesday [3rd Wednesday of Each Month]

Website Wednesday [Every Wednesday]

Wiener Wednesday [3rd Wednesday of Each Month]

Weekly Holidays beginning October 16 (2nd Full Week of October)

National Food Bank Week [Week of 10.16]

Festivals Beginning October 16, 2024

Chicago International Film Festival (Chicago, Illinois) [thru 10.27]

Chile Challenge 4-Wheel Drive Trail Event (Caballo, New Mexico) [thru 10.19]

Circleville Pumpkin Show (Circleville, Ohio) [thru 10.19]

Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurt am Main, Germany) [thru 10.20]

International Rome Film Festival (Rome, Italy) [thru 10.27]

Lausanne Underground Film and Music Festival (Lausanne, Switzerland) [thru 10.20]

Feast Days

Anna Waser (Artology)

Arnold Böcklin (Artology)

Balderic (a.k.a. Baudry) of Monfaucon (Christian; Saint)

Benjamin Russell (Artology)

Bercharius (Christian; Saint)

Bertrand of Comminges (Christian; Saint)

Blue Whale Contemplation Day (Pastafarian)

Colmán of Kilroot (a.k.a. Colman mac Cathbaid; Christian; Saint)

Daniel Chodowiecki (Artology)

Day of Atonement (Nation of Islam)

Ed Valigursky (Artology)

Edward Ardizzone (Artology)

Eliphius (Christian; Saint)

Eugene O’Neill (Writerism)

Feast of ‘Ilm (Knowledge; Baha’i)

Fortunatus of Casei (Christian; Saint)

Gall (Christian; Saint)

Gerard Majella (Christian; Saint)

Günter Grass (Writerism)

Hedwig of Silesia (Christian; Saint)

Hugh Latimer (Anglicanism)

Junian (of Saint-Junien; Christian; Saint)

Kang Kyung-ok (Artology)

Laufey’s Day (Pagan)

Lullus (a.k.a. Lullon), Archbishop of Mentz (Christian; Saint)

Malcolm the Lion (Muppetism)

Marguerite Marie Alacoque (Christian; Saint)

Marie-Marguerite d'Youville (Christian; Saint) >li>Mummolin (a.k.a. Mommolin), Bishop of Noyon (Christian; Saint)

Nicholas Ridley (Anglicanism)

Opening the Bosom of Women (Hathor’s Temple; Ancient Egypt)

Oscar Wilde (Writerism)

Pamela Anderson Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Pascal (Positivist; Saint)

Pierre Paul Puget (Artology)

Primo Conti (Artology)

Silvanus of Ahun (Christian; Saint)

Thevarparampil Kunjachan, Blessed (Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Catholic Church)

Victor III, Pope (Christian; Saint)

Hebrew Calendar Holidays [Begins at Sundown Day Before]

Sukkot [15-21 Tishri]

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Butsumetsu (仏滅 Japan) [Unlucky all day.]

Fortunate Day (Pagan) [42 of 53]

Unlucky Day (Grafton’s Manual of 1565) [48 of 60]

Premieres

Alice’s Wonderland (Ub Iwerks Disney Laugh-O-Grams Cartoon; 1923)

Barfly (Film; 1987)

The Beach Nut (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1944)

Black Dynamite (Film; 2009)

Boss and the Blade or Sheik, Rattle and Roll (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S2, Ep. 64; 1960)

Bridge of Spies (Film; 2015)

The Bugs Bunny Mystery Special (WB TV Cartoon Special; 1980)

Christmas in July (Film; 1940)

College Spirt (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1932)

Crazy, by Patsy Cline (Song; 1961)

Dare by the Human League (Album; 1981)

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train (Anime Film; 2020)

Desolation Angels, by Jack Kerouac (Autobiography; 1965)

Electric Ladyland, by Jimi Hendrix (Album; 1968)

Etta Jones Sings Lady Day, by Etta Jones (Album; 2001)

Forever Amber, by Kathleen Winsor (Novel; 1944)

From A to Z-Z-Z-Z (WB LT Cartoon; 1954)

Fry Me Cookie, With A Can Of Lard, recorded by Will Bradley (Song; 1941)

The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson (Novel; 1959)

Hope and Glory (Film; 1987)

A Hull of a Mess (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1942)

It’s Only Rock N’ Roll, by The Rolling Stones (Song; 1974)

Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë (Novel; 1847)

The Kids in the Hall (TV Series; 1988)

Kill Your Darlings (Film; 2013)

The Last Angry Moose or Hot Scotch (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S4, Ep. 169; 1962)

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis (Novel; 1950) [The Chronicles of Narnia #1]

The Lobster (Film; 2015)

The Lyon’ Mouse (WB MM Cartoon; 1937)

The Mouse of Tomorrow, featuring Super Mouse (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1942)

Our Town or Home of the Grave (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S4, Ep. 170; 1962)

Pierrot Lunaire, by Arnold Schoenberg (Melodrama; 1912)

Practical Magic (Film; 1998)

Pygmalion, by George Bernard Shaw (Play; 1913)

Riddle of the Gold (Animated TV Show;Jonny Quest #5; 1964)

Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School (Hanna-Barbera Animated TV Movie; 1988)

Scooby-Doo! Haunted Holidays (WB Animated Film; 2012)

The Sensual World, by Kate Bush (Album; 1989)

Smallville (TV Series; 2001)

The Spider and the Fly (Disney Cartoon; 1931)

Sunken Treasures (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1936)

We Belong, by Pat Benatar (Song; 1984)

You’ve Got a Secret or Out of Sight, Out of Mine (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S2, Ep. 63; 1960)

Today’s Name Days

Hedwig (Austria)

Hedviga, Margareta, Marija (Croatia)

Havel (Czech Republic)

Gallus (Denmark)

Siret, Sirja, Sirje (Estonia)

Luna, Sirkka, Sirkku, Stella (Finland)

Edwige (France)

Carlo, Gallus, Gordon, Hedwig (Germany)

Gál (Hungary)

Edvige, Fortunato, Irene, Margherita (Italy)

Daiga, Daigone, Dainida, Egils (Latvia)

Ambraziejus, Dovaldė, Gutautas, Jadvyga, Margarita (Lithuania)

Finn, Flemming (Norway)

Ambroży, Aurelia, Dionizy, Florentyna, Galla, Gallina, Gaweł, Gerard, Gerarda, Gerhard, Grzegorz, Radzisław (Poland)

Vladimíra (Slovakia)

Beltrán, Eduviges, Eduvigis, Florentino, Gerardo, Margarita (Spain)

Finn (Sweden)

Avice, Avis, Gerar, Gerard, Gerardo, Gerrard, Hedda, Hedwig, Hedy, Heide, Heidi, Jerard, Noah, Noe (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 290 of 2024; 76 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 3 of Week 42 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Gort (Ivy) [Day 18 of 28]

Chinese: Month 9 (Jia-Xu), Day 14 (Gui-Chou)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 14 Tishri 5785

Islamic: 12 Rabi II 1446

J Cal: 20 Orange; Sixthday [20 of 30]

Julian: 3 October 2024

Moon: 99%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 10 Descartes (11th Month) [Malebranche / Locke]

Runic Half Month: Gyfu (Gift) [Day 10 of 15]

Season: Autumn or Fall (Day 25 of 90)

Week: 2nd Full Week of October

Zodiac: Libra (Day 24 of 30)

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 10.16

Holidays

Air Force Day (Bulgaria)

Allergist Day (Russia)

Armenian Press Day (Armenia)

Ask An Activist Day

Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters

Blog Action Day

Boiler Switch On Awareness Day (UK)

Bu-Ma Democratic Protests Commemoration Day (South Korea)

Clean Your Bug Zapper Day

Department Store Day

Ether Day

Global Cat Day

Healthcare Security & Safety Officer Appreciation Day

Heroes and Foreparents Day (British Virgin Islands)

International Day of Action for Peoples’ Food Sovereignty & Against Transnational Corporations

John Brown Day (Vermont)

John Dunsworth Day of Kindness

Kraft Heinz Pantry Day (Canada)

Learn a Word Day

Maintenance Personnel Day

National Boss’ Day

National Burns Awareness Day (UK)

National Childhood Hunger Day

National Cut Up Your Credit Card Day

National Department Store Day

National DGS Day

National Dictionary Day

National ‘Don’t Click It’ Day

National Eddie Day

National Elaine Day

National Feral Cat Day

National Fossil Day

National Report Truth in Negotiations Act Fraud Day

National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

National Sports Day

National Trey Day

National Veterans BBQ Day

National Wolf Awareness Day

Noah Webster Day

Ox Day (French Republic)

Pope John Paul II Day (Poland)

Population Control Day

Restart A Heart Day (UK)

Sarandi Battle Anniversary Day (Uruguay)

Steve Jobs Day (California)

Teachers’ Day (Chile)

World Allergy Awareness Day

World Anesthesia Day

World Endodontic Day

World Pandesal Day

World Spine Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

National Liqueur Day

National Texas Twinkie Day

National Veterans BBQ Day

United Church of Bacon Day

World Bread Day

World Food Day (UN)

World Pandesal Day

Independence & Related Days

Emeria (a.k.a. United Socialist Republics of Emeria; Declared; 2010) [unrecognized]

Oroquieta City Day (Philippines)

Pomerak'tèr (f.k.a. Maldico; Declared; 2016) [unrecognized]

Slovaland (Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

3rd Wednesday in October

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (a.k.a. BRA Day USA) [3rd Wednesday]

Day of National Concern About Young People and Gun Violence [3rd Wednesday]

E-Waste Wednesday (Canada) [3rd Wednesday]

Global Dignity Day [3rd Wednesday]

Global Ethics Day [3rd Wednesday]

Hagfish Day [3rd Wednesday]

Hump Day [Every Wednesday]

International Day of Action Against for Academic Integrity Day [3rd Wednesday]

International Day of Action Against Contract Cheating Day [3rd Wednesday]

International Narcissism Day [3rd Wednesday]

International Pronouns Day (a.k.a. Pronouns Day) [3rd Wednesday]

Lamh Day (Ireland) [3rd Wednesday]

Love Your Body Day [3rd Wednesday]

Medical Assistants Recognition Day [3rd Wednesday]

Missouri Day (Missouri) [3rd Wednesday]

National Disability Monitoring Day [3rd Wednesday]

National Financial Aid Day [3rd Wednesday]

National Teach Business Day [3rd Wednesday]

Ride to Work Day (Australia) [3rd Wednesday]

SUDEP Action Day [3rd Wednesday]

Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day [3rd Wednesday]

Take Your Parents to Lunch Day [3rd Wednesday]

Thank Your Cleaner Day [3rd Wednesday]

Unity Day [Wednesday closest to 10.22]

Wacky Wednesday [Every Wednesday]

Wandering Wednesday [3rd Wednesday of Each Month]

Website Wednesday [Every Wednesday]

Wiener Wednesday [3rd Wednesday of Each Month]

Weekly Holidays beginning October 16 (2nd Full Week of October)

National Food Bank Week [Week of 10.16]

Festivals Beginning October 16, 2024

Chicago International Film Festival (Chicago, Illinois) [thru 10.27]

Chile Challenge 4-Wheel Drive Trail Event (Caballo, New Mexico) [thru 10.19]

Circleville Pumpkin Show (Circleville, Ohio) [thru 10.19]

Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurt am Main, Germany) [thru 10.20]

International Rome Film Festival (Rome, Italy) [thru 10.27]

Lausanne Underground Film and Music Festival (Lausanne, Switzerland) [thru 10.20]

Feast Days

Anna Waser (Artology)

Arnold Böcklin (Artology)

Balderic (a.k.a. Baudry) of Monfaucon (Christian; Saint)

Benjamin Russell (Artology)

Bercharius (Christian; Saint)

Bertrand of Comminges (Christian; Saint)

Blue Whale Contemplation Day (Pastafarian)

Colmán of Kilroot (a.k.a. Colman mac Cathbaid; Christian; Saint)

Daniel Chodowiecki (Artology)

Day of Atonement (Nation of Islam)

Ed Valigursky (Artology)

Edward Ardizzone (Artology)

Eliphius (Christian; Saint)

Eugene O’Neill (Writerism)

Feast of ‘Ilm (Knowledge; Baha’i)

Fortunatus of Casei (Christian; Saint)

Gall (Christian; Saint)

Gerard Majella (Christian; Saint)

Günter Grass (Writerism)

Hedwig of Silesia (Christian; Saint)

Hugh Latimer (Anglicanism)

Junian (of Saint-Junien; Christian; Saint)

Kang Kyung-ok (Artology)

Laufey’s Day (Pagan)

Lullus (a.k.a. Lullon), Archbishop of Mentz (Christian; Saint)

Malcolm the Lion (Muppetism)

Marguerite Marie Alacoque (Christian; Saint)

Marie-Marguerite d'Youville (Christian; Saint) >li>Mummolin (a.k.a. Mommolin), Bishop of Noyon (Christian; Saint)

Nicholas Ridley (Anglicanism)

Opening the Bosom of Women (Hathor’s Temple; Ancient Egypt)

Oscar Wilde (Writerism)

Pamela Anderson Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Pascal (Positivist; Saint)

Pierre Paul Puget (Artology)

Primo Conti (Artology)

Silvanus of Ahun (Christian; Saint)

Thevarparampil Kunjachan, Blessed (Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Catholic Church)

Victor III, Pope (Christian; Saint)

Hebrew Calendar Holidays [Begins at Sundown Day Before]

Sukkot [15-21 Tishri]

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Butsumetsu (仏滅 Japan) [Unlucky all day.]

Fortunate Day (Pagan) [42 of 53]

Unlucky Day (Grafton’s Manual of 1565) [48 of 60]

Premieres

Alice’s Wonderland (Ub Iwerks Disney Laugh-O-Grams Cartoon; 1923)

Barfly (Film; 1987)

The Beach Nut (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1944)

Black Dynamite (Film; 2009)

Boss and the Blade or Sheik, Rattle and Roll (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S2, Ep. 64; 1960)

Bridge of Spies (Film; 2015)

The Bugs Bunny Mystery Special (WB TV Cartoon Special; 1980)

Christmas in July (Film; 1940)

College Spirt (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1932)

Crazy, by Patsy Cline (Song; 1961)

Dare by the Human League (Album; 1981)

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train (Anime Film; 2020)

Desolation Angels, by Jack Kerouac (Autobiography; 1965)

Electric Ladyland, by Jimi Hendrix (Album; 1968)

Etta Jones Sings Lady Day, by Etta Jones (Album; 2001)

Forever Amber, by Kathleen Winsor (Novel; 1944)

From A to Z-Z-Z-Z (WB LT Cartoon; 1954)

Fry Me Cookie, With A Can Of Lard, recorded by Will Bradley (Song; 1941)

The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson (Novel; 1959)

Hope and Glory (Film; 1987)

A Hull of a Mess (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1942)

It’s Only Rock N’ Roll, by The Rolling Stones (Song; 1974)

Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë (Novel; 1847)

The Kids in the Hall (TV Series; 1988)

Kill Your Darlings (Film; 2013)

The Last Angry Moose or Hot Scotch (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S4, Ep. 169; 1962)

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis (Novel; 1950) [The Chronicles of Narnia #1]

The Lobster (Film; 2015)

The Lyon’ Mouse (WB MM Cartoon; 1937)

The Mouse of Tomorrow, featuring Super Mouse (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1942)

Our Town or Home of the Grave (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S4, Ep. 170; 1962)

Pierrot Lunaire, by Arnold Schoenberg (Melodrama; 1912)

Practical Magic (Film; 1998)

Pygmalion, by George Bernard Shaw (Play; 1913)

Riddle of the Gold (Animated TV Show;Jonny Quest #5; 1964)

Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School (Hanna-Barbera Animated TV Movie; 1988)

Scooby-Doo! Haunted Holidays (WB Animated Film; 2012)

The Sensual World, by Kate Bush (Album; 1989)

Smallville (TV Series; 2001)

The Spider and the Fly (Disney Cartoon; 1931)

Sunken Treasures (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1936)

We Belong, by Pat Benatar (Song; 1984)

You’ve Got a Secret or Out of Sight, Out of Mine (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S2, Ep. 63; 1960)

Today’s Name Days

Hedwig (Austria)

Hedviga, Margareta, Marija (Croatia)

Havel (Czech Republic)

Gallus (Denmark)

Siret, Sirja, Sirje (Estonia)

Luna, Sirkka, Sirkku, Stella (Finland)

Edwige (France)

Carlo, Gallus, Gordon, Hedwig (Germany)

Gál (Hungary)

Edvige, Fortunato, Irene, Margherita (Italy)

Daiga, Daigone, Dainida, Egils (Latvia)

Ambraziejus, Dovaldė, Gutautas, Jadvyga, Margarita (Lithuania)

Finn, Flemming (Norway)

Ambroży, Aurelia, Dionizy, Florentyna, Galla, Gallina, Gaweł, Gerard, Gerarda, Gerhard, Grzegorz, Radzisław (Poland)

Vladimíra (Slovakia)

Beltrán, Eduviges, Eduvigis, Florentino, Gerardo, Margarita (Spain)

Finn (Sweden)

Avice, Avis, Gerar, Gerard, Gerardo, Gerrard, Hedda, Hedwig, Hedy, Heide, Heidi, Jerard, Noah, Noe (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 290 of 2024; 76 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 3 of Week 42 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Gort (Ivy) [Day 18 of 28]

Chinese: Month 9 (Jia-Xu), Day 14 (Gui-Chou)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 14 Tishri 5785

Islamic: 12 Rabi II 1446

J Cal: 20 Orange; Sixthday [20 of 30]

Julian: 3 October 2024

Moon: 99%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 10 Descartes (11th Month) [Malebranche / Locke]

Runic Half Month: Gyfu (Gift) [Day 10 of 15]

Season: Autumn or Fall (Day 25 of 90)

Week: 2nd Full Week of October

Zodiac: Libra (Day 24 of 30)

[veale2006-blog]

🚨#BREAKING: The Department of Defense are Preparing for Possible Bio Chemical Attacks at upcoming democratic national convention

📌#Chicago | #Illinois

As the Democratic National Convention is underway, local and federal officials are on high alert for a possible biochemical attack. CBS reported that the Department of Defense funded decontamination rooms to be set up at Rush University Hospital in preparation for such an event. Rush University is located in Chicago, Illinois, just minutes from the venue where the DNC will be hosted. Numerous store locations have boarded up their windows in anticipation of possible violence as thousands of protesters gather outside.

[williamsanderson123-blog]

Laptop deals under $500

Are you in the market for a new laptop? Whether you're a student, professional, or avid gamer, finding the best deals on laptops can save you a significant amount of money. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best laptop deals available in major cities like Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Chicago, as well as options for wholesale laptops and bulk Chromebooks.

Bulk Chromebooks for Sale:

Chromebooks are affordable, lightweight laptops that are perfect for students, educators, and anyone who primarily uses web-based applications. Buying in bulk can save you even more money, whether you're outfitting a classroom, office, or large family. Look for retailers or wholesalers offering bulk discounts on Chromebooks to get the best deal possible.

Best Laptop Deals in Houston:

If you're in Houston, you're in luck! There are plenty of retailers and online stores offering great deals on laptops. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option under $500 or a high-end gaming laptop, you'll find a wide selection to choose from. Keep an eye out for sales events and promotions at local electronics stores to score the best deals.

Laptop Deals Under $500:

Not everyone has a big budget for a new laptop, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality. There are plenty of options available for under $500 that offer solid performance and features. Look for brands like Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo, which often have budget-friendly models with decent specs. Whether you need a laptop for basic tasks like web browsing and word processing or light gaming, there are affordable options out there.

Wholesale Laptops on Sale:

If you're in the market for multiple laptops, whether for a business, school, or resale, buying wholesale can save you a significant amount of money. Wholesale laptop suppliers offer discounted prices for bulk orders, making it easy to outfit your organization with the technology you need. Look for reputable wholesalers with a track record of providing quality products and reliable service.

Best Laptop Deals in Dallas:

Dallas is another great city to find deals on laptops. Whether you prefer shopping in-store or online, there are plenty of options to choose from. Check out local electronics retailers, big-box stores, and online marketplaces for the best deals on laptops. Keep an eye out for special promotions and clearance sales to maximize your savings.

Best Laptop Deals in Los Angeles:

As a hub for technology and entertainment, Los Angeles is a great place to find deals on laptops. Whether you're a filmmaker, musician, or entrepreneur, having a reliable laptop is essential. Look for deals at local electronics stores, computer shops, and online retailers to find the best prices on laptops in Los Angeles.

Best Laptop Deals in Chicago:

Chicagoans looking for a new laptop won't be disappointed with the options available. From budget-friendly Chromebooks to high-end gaming laptops, there's something for everyone. Keep an eye out for deals at local electronics stores, department stores, and online retailers to find the best prices on laptops in Chicago.

Wholesale Laptops for Sale:

For businesses, schools, and organizations looking to purchase laptops in bulk, wholesale suppliers offer discounted prices and convenient ordering options. Whether you need a dozen laptops for a classroom or hundreds for a corporate rollout, wholesale suppliers can accommodate your needs. Look for wholesalers with a wide selection of brands and models to choose from, as well as flexible pricing and shipping options.

Laptops for Sale:

If you're in the market for a new laptop but don't want to pay full price, keep an eye out for sales and promotions at your favorite retailers. Many stores offer discounts on laptops throughout the year, especially during back-to-school season, Black Friday, and other major shopping events. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly Chromebook or a high-performance gaming laptop, there are always deals to be found.

Gaming Laptop Deals:

Gamers looking for a new laptop will find plenty of options available, from budget-friendly models to high-end gaming rigs. Look for laptops with dedicated graphics cards, high-refresh-rate displays, and powerful processors for the best gaming experience. Keep an eye out for deals on gaming laptops from brands like ASUS, MSI, and Razer, and don't forget to check out online forums and communities for recommendations and reviews.

In conclusion, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly laptop for everyday use or a high-performance gaming rig, there are plenty of options available. Keep an eye out for deals and promotions at local retailers, online stores, and wholesale suppliers to find the best prices on laptops in your area. With a little bit of research and patience, you can score a great deal on the perfect laptop for your needs. Read More

[styleasia23]

THE INSPIRED HOME SHOW 2024.🎉

💖Dear esteemed and valued customers, Retailers, Hoteliers, Restaurateurs, Department Store owners, Event planners, Resort managers, Chefs, and those seeking to transform their homes into a haven of style and functionality,

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at THE INSPIRED HOME SHOW 2024.🎉

We're thrilled to announce our Exhibition there! We'll showcase top-tier brands like Jim Beam for premium cast iron cookware and BBQ essentials, Le Regalo for exquisite stoneware bakeware, and NorthPoint for innovative multifunction lanterns & flashlights. 🍳🔥✨

Join us at Booth S3707 in the South Building of McCormick Place, Chicago, from March 17-19. Discover our curated collection of premium products designed to elevate homes, hotels, restaurants, and event spaces with unparalleled style and functionality. Don't miss this chance to explore industry trends and see how our offerings can enhance your business. See you there! 🏨🛍️🌟

[obaid01]

Things to Do Near Union Station Chicago: Exploring the Vibrant City

Are you planning a visit to Chicago and wondering about the exciting activities near Union Station? Look no further! In this article, things to do in union station,we will take you on a journey through the vibrant city and explore the numerous attractions and experiences waiting for you just a stone's throw away from Union Station. From cultural landmarks to delicious dining options, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So put on your walking shoes and let's begin!

Introduction

Welcome to Chicago, a city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Union Station, located in the heart of the city, serves as a transportation hub and gateway to various attractions that will make your visit truly memorable.

Millennium Park: An Urban Oasis

Just a short walk from Union Station, Millennium Park awaits with its remarkable art installations and lush green spaces. Marvel at the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, lovingly referred to as "The Bean," and capture stunning photos reflecting the city's skyline. Enjoy outdoor concerts and festivals at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or take a leisurely stroll through the serene Lurie Garden.

Art Institute of Chicago: A Masterpiece Collection

Immerse yourself in the world of art by visiting the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, located near Union Station. With a vast collection spanning centuries and continents, this cultural gem showcases works by masters like Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh. Explore the galleries, admire ancient artifacts, and let your imagination soar.

Navy Pier: Fun for All Ages

Head to Navy Pier, a lively entertainment destination overlooking Lake Michigan. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel for panoramic views of the city, indulge in delicious food at waterfront restaurants, or enjoy family-friendly activities like boat tours, mini-golf, and the Chicago Children's Museum. Navy Pier offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Magnificent Mile: Shop 'til You Drop

For the ultimate shopping experience, venture down the Magnificent Mile. This prestigious stretch of Michigan Avenue is lined with upscale boutiques, department stores, and luxury brands. From fashion enthusiasts to souvenir hunters, the Magnificent Mile offers an array of shopping delights, ensuring you find that perfect item to take home.

Riverwalk: Stroll Along the Waterfront

Discover the beauty of the Chicago River by taking a leisurely stroll along the Riverwalk. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city's iconic architecture, vibrant public art installations, and cozy outdoor seating areas. Indulge in waterfront dining options or rent a kayak to explore the river at your own pace. The Riverwalk is a hidden gem that provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city.

Willis Tower Skydeck: Breathtaking Views

Elevate your experience by visiting the Willis Tower Skydeck, located a short distance from Union Station. Step onto "The Ledge," a glass balcony extending from the tower's 103rd floor, and marvel at the panoramic views of Chicago's skyline. This thrilling attraction offers a unique perspective of the city from a dizzying height.

Grant Park: The City's Front Yard

Located in the Loop, Grant Park is often referred to as Chicago's front yard. Spanning over 300 acres, this green oasis is home to iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Fountain and the famous Cloud Gate. Take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic on the grass, or attend one of the many cultural events held in the park throughout the year.

Museum Campus: A World of Discovery

Embark on a journey of discovery at Chicago's Museum Campus, situated near Union Station. This lakeside complex houses three world-class museums: the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. Explore ancient civilizations, dive into the wonders of the aquatic world, or journey into outer space—all in one location.

Chicago Theatre District: Lights, Camera, Action!

Experience the vibrant theater scene of Chicago by visiting the famous Chicago Theatre District. Catch a Broadway show, immerse yourself in the magic of live performances, or enjoy the electrifying atmosphere of a comedy club. From timeless classics to cutting-edge productions, the city's theater district offers a diverse range of entertainment options.

Lincoln Park Zoo: A Wildlife Adventure

Escape into nature by visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the country. Located near Union Station, this free-admission zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. Stroll through beautifully landscaped grounds, attend educational talks, and get up close with fascinating creatures in their natural habitats.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise: Unveiling the City's Skyline

Embark on an architectural adventure with a river cruise along the Chicago River. Marvel at the city's iconic skyscrapers while knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the history and design behind each building. Witness the merging of old and new architecture as you cruise through the heart of the city.

Wrigley Field: The Home of Cubs

Baseball fans won't want to miss a visit to Wrigley Field, the historic home of the Chicago Cubs. Experience the thrill of America's favorite pastime as you cheer on the team or take a guided tour to learn about the ballpark's rich history. Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of this iconic sports venue.

Conclusion

Chicago, with its diverse array of attractions near Union Station, offers a captivating blend of culture, history, and entertainment. Whether you're exploring Millennium Park, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Navy Pier, or immersing yourself in art and architecture, the Windy City is sure to leave a lasting impression. So pack your bags, embark on an adventure, and let Chicago's wonders unfold before you.

[futurefounders]

Blog Assignment #8

Historic Downtown Milford, Ohio is home to many local businesses to fit your shopping, dining, and entertainment needs. Nowhere along Main Street will you find a chain business. Old Milford prides itself on being completely made of local and original businesses. Just along the Little Miami River, Old Milford’s restaurants have a beautiful waterscape and have one of the biggest kayaking and canoeing routes in Ohio. This area is in the process of becoming more pedestrianized as reflected in the new DORA area which allows residents and visitors to consume alcoholic beverages outdoors while walking from business to business. Nearby apartments and residences are lucky to have this area as it provides many daily life essentials such as the Milford Public Library, Harvest Market, the Milford Counseling Center, A Million Dreams Learning Center, and the Milford Fire Department. The buildings in Old Milford are in original condition dating back to the early-middle 1900s, which adds a historical story to the buildings. Written by Reagan Sears.

In Mason, Ohio our downtown area is a great example of Main Street. There is everything you need like restaurants, YOST (drug store), hair salons, auto shops, gas stations, a bank, etc. It is also within walking distance of the school and the municipal building so the kids and families can walk there after class, and all of the events/festivals the town holds. Since Mason is such a populated town (35,000 people), you don't always get the friendly small-town feeling. This downtown has started feeling more friendly and comfortable over the years with all of the small businesses going in. The owners fought for funding and support for the small businesses, and got it! This has improved the downtown in many ways. The shops and restaurants that have been located in Mason for years are what really draw some people to visit. For example, we have a pizza place called Two Cities that sells both flatbread and thick-crusted pizza to represent New York and Chicago styles. Their bathroom is made to look like a subway and it has won the award for the best bathroom in America in 2021! All of the buildings on this street are being used to their full potential and are very busy on the weekends. There is a gathering area with tables and seating areas to encourage socialization, along with large sidewalks that allow people to stop and chat with passing friends. This area (in the image)  is also used for live music and activities that are held in this space. Mason also recently passed the DORA law which allows people to legally carry their drinks into other shops while they walk around. Written by Bella Nelson. 

Bridge waterfalls are between Fairfield and Hamilton on Princeton road. A shopping center that has necessities like groceries, athletic wear, furniture, and more. The plaza has three entrances.

There is a street called Harrison Avenue that is well-connected to other neighborhoods on the west of Cincinnati, called Bridgetown and Westwood. 

I lived in Cheviot where there's a thrift store called the Goodwill. It is called Camvic and it happened about 7 years ago. It depends on who you are and where you live to the point essentials will always change, but to be honest, I enjoy living in my hometown, I believe it is good. There’s a police station with camera systems, so I hardly ever felt like I was unsafe in certain areas. It is very affordable down there, and rent is not very high compared to other places. I stayed with my mom and siblings. She would lock her car and put a door alarm in our home. It is exciting to get to know your neighbors on your street so that you can all trust each other. It is honestly a comfortable lifestyle. 

I also believe it is very walkable as well, the blocks are not insanely disconnected from each other and few new businesses reside. The biggest pro is that it is walkable. I see a lot of people walking with their dogs or job on the sidewalks. There always have a lot of social events that occur in the summertime, such as festivals and carnivals at Harvest Home Park. They usually have a section of Harrison Avenue, and parades are occupied at that time. Written By: Tori Walker-Gulley

[venusstadt]

The Met Gala. Fashion Week. Two facets of the New York fashion scene that are now so ubiquitous that it’s hard to imagine what the fashion industry would be like without them.

So it’s surprising that, despite how well-recognized these two events are, very few people discuss Eleanor Lambert, the woman who started it all.

Hello, and welcome to VENUSSTADT, a channel devoted to discussing women and gender in the realm of arts and culture. I’m Jiana; today, I’ll be covering Eleanor Lambert, the famed fashion publicist who helped lift the American fashion industry into international prominence.

EARLY LIFE.

Eleanor Olive Lambert was born August 10, 1903, in Crawsfordville, Indiana (Collins 2004), a city which at the time had around 6,700 citizens. Her father, Henry Clay Lambert, was a newspaper publisher-turned-circus advance man, going ahead of companies like Ringling Brothers and P.T. Barnum & Bailey during tours to publicize show dates, leaving behind his five children, including Eleanor, with their mother Helen (Collins 2004).

Early on, Eleanor displayed an interest in the arts. She attended the John Herron Art Institute in Indianapolis to study sculpture, using the money she earned from cooking and preparing meals for other college students and writing a shopping column for The Indiana Star and the Fort-Wayne Journal Gazette (Collins 2004). After marrying her first husband and moving to Illinois, she briefly attended the Art Institute in Chicago (Collins 2004). However, she eventually gave up her sculpting dreams, saying, “I have always loved and been inspired by beauty, but I realized quite early on that my own artistic production was mediocre. One has to know when one isn’t up to the task” (Thurman).

In 1925, Lambert moved from Illinois to New York City (Collins 2004). By this time, she had divorced her first husband, and made a living of around $32 a week writing a fashion newsletter called  Breath of the Avenue and working as a book publicist (Collins 2004; Harbster 2012). After observing her passion for promotion, Franklin Spears, her boss at the book company, recommended she start her own publicity business using his office (Wilson 2003; Collins 2004). Thus, she struck it solo, visiting various art galleries on New York’s 57th street and offering to do publicity for them for a weekly fee of $10 ($165 today), an offer which 10 galleries accepted (“Eleanor Lambert” 2022). Her early artist clients included Isamu Noguchi, Salvador Dali, and Jackson Pollock (Collins 2004; Harbster 2012). Eleanor also represented large entities, such as the American Art Dealers Association and the Whitney Museum of Art when it was founded in 1930 (Collins 2004).

CAREER.

Eleanor first entered the fashion world in 1932, after being contacted by designer Annette Simpson, who saw Eleanor’s publicity work in a newspaper (Collins 2004; Diliberto 2009). Though Annette never ended up paying Eleanor for any promotion work, she did inspire Lambert to go into fashion promotion (Collins 2004).

At the time Eleanor had arrived in New York, American designers were not as recognized as those in Paris, which was the fashion capital of the world (Harbster 2012) and had been since the days of King Louis XIV, who used the French fashion industry as a “soft power” to culturally dominate the Western world (Diliberto, 2009). Department stores and manufacturer’s encouraged American designers to copy Parisian designers, and most wealthy women got their clothing directly from Paris (Diliberto, 2009). Plus, New York fashion magazines like Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and Women’s Wear Daily exclusively covered French designers (Harbster 2012).

When Eleanor became interested in the fashion world, she decided she wanted to change this. According to Vanity Fair’s Amy Fine Collins, Lambert figured, “If American art was recognized as a legitimate school…why not American fashion? And why, for that matter, did Americans design anonymously, with only a manufacturer’s name on the label, when their French counterparts were world-famous?” (Collins 2004).

Diana Vreeland, who at the time was an editor for Harper’s Bazaar, basically called Eleanor crazy when Eleanor shared this idea, but Eleanor did not let this stop her (Collins 2004)! She began to shift to fashion publicity and put her all into promoting American designers, including supporting the Museum of Costume Art when it was founded in 1937 (Nemy 2003; Young 2012). Later, when the Museum was absorbed into the Metropolitan Museum of Art and became the Costume Institute, Eleanor Lambert devised a fundraising dinner referred to as the Costume Institute Benefit (Young 2012).

By 1939, her clients included, according to Jennifer Harbster, “department stores, beauty brands, perfumes, [and] American and European fashion designers” as well as “hotels, art galleries, nightclubs, [and] restaurants” (Harbster 2012).

Major opportunities to support the fashion industry came in the 1940s, after Eleanor became the New York Dress Institute’s press director (Nemy 2003; Collins 2004; Harbster 2012). World War II began in Europe in 1939, and in June 1940, Paris fell under Nazi occupation (De La Haye 2020). Like the rest of the French art scene, the Paris fashion industry took a hit as its aesthetics were deemed by the Nazis to be “corruptive” and “degenerate.” Its fashion publications shuttered, and resources refocused on servicing Nazi elite as opposed to the rest of the world (De La Haye 2020).

With Paris now isolated, there was a void in fashion which multiple New York department stores and manufacturers sought to fill with American products. That same year, the New York Dress Institute formed during the war to promote New York fashion and fill this void (Collins 2004). To advertise clothing, they initially approached the J. Walter Thompson agency, who created ads based heavily on pro-American propaganda (Collins 2004). The advertisements chided American women for only having one dress in Paris’ absence, while another utilized imagery of Martha Washington tending to dying soldiers (Collins 2004). Though these ads helped the dresses sell, the department store owners considered them tacky, and sought Eleanor’s expertise (Collins 2004).

The first thing that Eleanor did when she became the Dress Institute’s press director was demand they promote their designers (Collins 2004). This was accomplished by forming the Dress Institutes’ “Couture Group,” a group of the manufacturer’s best designers, which included Nettie Rosenstein, Jo Copeland, Maurice Rentner, and Hattie Carnegie (Collins 2004).

To further promote the Couture Group and American designers, Lambert in 1943 created New York Press Week (Collins 2004) where journalists could convene in one building on Seventh Avenue to cover collection showings (Diliberto 2009; Harbster 2012). Whereas prior to Press Week, only local NY journalists could cover collection showings, Eleanor offered to pay for the travel expenses of non-NY journalists so that they could spread the word in other areas of the United States (Collins 2004). Only a third of the journalists Eleanor invited showed up to the first Press Week in January 1943 (Diliberto 2009), but the novelty and convenience of Press Week helped it become more popular and respected as years went by.

One other idea that Eleanor implemented for the Dress Institute was the International Best-Dressed list, which began shortly after she became press director in 1940 (Collins 2004; “Eleanor Lambert” 2003). The idea wasn’t wholly original; Eleanor had borrowed it from the Paris Best-Dressed List, which had ceased operations under Nazi occupation as well (“Eleanor Lambert” 2003).

“I was desperate, reaching for anything that might help,” Eleanor said later of her decision to appropriate the list (Collins 2004).

To start, she sent out fifty ballots to international fashion experts like John Frederics, Jo Copeland, Lilly Daché, and the Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar editors (Collins 2004). The first list was topped by a woman named “Mrs. Williams;” others included socialites Dorothy H. Hirshon (then Dorothy Paley) and Millicent Rogers (Collins 2004). The second list in 1941 included fashion icons and celebrities like Diana Vreeland, Barbara Cushing, and Rosalind Russell, as well as Madame Chiang, and Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor (Collins 2004).

People included on the list were informed by a telegram, that stated:

“I have the honor to inform you that you have been designated to the newly created Fashion Hall of Fame of the International Best-Dressed Poll conducted annually by [the] Couture Group [of the] New York Dress Institute in permanent recognition [of] your distinguished tasted in dress without ostentation or extravagance. Announcement will be made January 5, meanwhile confidential” (Collins 2004).

The list was rather influential. People begged to be on the list, with one person even trying to bribe Eleanor with $50,000 (Collins 2004). First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote a complaint to Eleanor Lambert because she was not included on the list; while Byron Foy, a filmmaker whose finances were being investigated, complained that his wife was on the list because he didn’t want it to seem like his wife was spending too much money on fashion (Collins 2004). But the list wasn’t without its detractors. One of the most vocal was John Fairchild, editor-in-chief of Women’s Wear Daily, who called the list “a gimmick and a bunch of rot” (Collins 2004).

John Fairchild and Eleanor Lambert were basically industry rivals (Wilson 2003). John, the grandson of Fairchild Publishing founder Edmund Fairchild and turned Women’s Wear Daily into the “fashion Bible” during his tenure, worked briefly in Paris and was known for making or breaking designers (he was famous for feuds with designers like Valentino, Balenciaga, and Givenchy), heavily promoted Parisians and was often at odds with Eleanor over her promotion of Americans (Collins 2004).

“Fairchild wanted to decide everything to do with fashion,” former Tiffany & Co. director John Loring said to Vanity Fair in 2004. “If it weren’t for Eleanor, his power would’ve been absolute” (Collins 2004).

In the 50s, Eleanor represented designers, manufacturers, and industry groups like International Silk Association—basically most of the fashion industry (Collins 2004). Her day-to-day tasks included sending pictures to newspapers, arranging TV interviews, and admitting journalists to press week (Collins 2004).

“There wasn’t a soul on Seventh Avenue who didn’t have Eleanor behind her,” Joe Eula, who helped Eleanor produce the March of Dimes, said to Vanity Fair. “If you couldn’t afford her, and you wanted her, she’d work for free” (Collins 2004).

Eleanor took a brief break in 1959 when her second husband, Seymour Berkson, died of a heart attack. She went through deep depression, which she used her work to pull herself out of (Collins 2004).

After 1960, following the election of JFK, First Lady Jackie Kennedy, as well as her sister Lee Radziwill and friend Jayne Wrightsman, were all included on the Best-Dressed List (Collins 2004). Previously, Eleanor had helped Jackie endear herself to the American fashion press by introducing Jackie to Oleg Cassini after Jackie had been criticized by Women’s Wear Daily for wearing French fashion (“Museum at FIT”).

In 1962, Eleanor parted ways with the Dress Institute after what Vanity Fair called “a clash…between manufacturers and designers over Press Week show dates (which she viewed as a battle between commerce and creativity)” (Collins 2004).

From there, she went on to found the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the goal of which was to “further the position of fashion design as a recognized branch of American arts and culture” and to “advance [the trade’s] artistic and professional needs” (CFDA Staff 2012, 10).

“I’ve always said that getting people together as a community helps further their identity as a whole,” Eleanor later told WWD. “We were a group of people of equal qualifications and equal thoughts about moving forward” (CFDA Staff 2012, 10).

While the implementation of Press Week, the Best-Dressed List, and the CFDA all helped boost the American fashion industry’s reputation domestically, perhaps the Eleanor’s best and most well-known effort was the 1973 Battle of Versailles, which helped boost the credibility of American fashion designers internationally (Collins 2004; Harbster 2012).

Gerald van der Kemp, then the curator of Versailles, suggested that Lambert arrange a fundraising event to help restore the queen’s bedroom in Palace of Versailles (Wilson 2003; Fashion By Look 2013). To generate press, Eleanor conceptualized the Grand Divertissement á Versailles, best known as Battle of Versailles, in which American and French fashion designers would face off against each other (Harbster 2012; Borelli-Persson 2022).

Eleanor chose designers Bill Blass, Stephen Burrows, Oscar de la Renta, Anne Klein, and Halston to represent the Americans, while Givenchy, Yves St. Laurent, Marc Bohan for Dior, Pierre Cardin, and Emmanuel Ungaro were chosen by Marie-Hélène Rothschild and a committee (Harbster 2012). The guest list for the event included figures like Princess Grace of Monaco and Madame Grès, and a weeks’ worth of parties preceded and followed the event (Borelli-Persson 2022).

The Battle of Versailles wasn’t simply a battle of designers, but a battle of culture as well. Josephine Baker and Liza Minelli performed for the French and Americans, respectively; and the difference in the way of the old guard versus the new was evident in the Parisian’s direction choices—a star-studded cast, elaborate performances, grandiose set pieces—as opposed to the New Yorker’s snappy, relaxed flow (Borelli-Persson 2022).

Though the feature-film length display of the French designers certainly affirmed their grandiosity, the consensus among the guests and press who attended was that the American designers took the night, with their laid-back presentation, lively models, and up-to-date tastes.

“The entire French half of the evening was built around glories of the past,” journalist Eugenia Sheppard wrote for the Los Angeles Times in December 1972. “The Paris designers who opened the evening’s entertainment…did everything in their power to confirm the rumor that made-to-order fashion is going out of date. The stage settings were about as contemporary as a bustle and equally as cumbersome” (Borelli-Persson 2022).

In an interview with Women’s Wear Daily shortly before her death, Eleanor Lambert said that she did not set out to “prove” the worth of American designers to the French, and that she only intended for the event to be fun (Wilson 2003). Still, she also said:

“We sure did prove we were equal. People threw their papers in the air and screamed and yelled. It was wonderful. I do feel very proud that American designers are equal to anyone in the world, including the French. They should have had that equality. Versailles was a hilarious and unforgettable thing. It was exciting because, by accident, it became a special thing that proved a point” (Wilson 2003).

In addition to showcasing the talents of New York designers, the Battle of Versailles also had the effect of highlighting Black American talent, such as designer Stephen Burrows and models Pat Cleveland and Bethann Hardison (Keong 2016) and led Givenchy to start its black model cabine consisting of Cleveland, Hardison, Billie Blair, Alva Chinn, Jennifer Brice, and Ramona Saunders (Keogh 2018).

Lambert continued promote American fashion until closing her office in 2002, as she was approaching the age of 100 (Wilson 2003). Tiffany & Co. was among her last clients (Wilson 2003). Though she wasn’t incredibly interested in contemporary fashion after her retirement, and declared fashion shows no longer worth looking at, her last public appearance was at New York Fashion Week, a month before her death in October 2003 (Wilson 2003; “Eleanor Lambert” 2003).

LEGACY.

Much of what Eleanor instituted continues to function today. Press Week has since evolved into New York Fashion Week, and other fashion weeks, such as those in Milan, Paris, and London, capture the attention of fashion buyers, journalists, and enthusiasts twice a year in the spring and fall (Diliberto 2009). The International Best-Dressed List is now controlled by Vanity Fair, who Lambert bequeathed it to prior to her death (Collins 2002). The Costume Institute Benefit, known today as the Met Gala, is now controlled by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. ‘Fashion’s Biggest Night’ continues to draw massive attention to the New York fashion scene and raises millions of dollars for the Costume Institute each year (Widjojo 2022). The Council of Fashion Designers of America is currently run by Steven Kolb, its CEO & President, and fashion designer Tom Ford, who functions as chairman. It continues to foster and highlight American designers through its annual awards ceremony, scholarships, and grants.

If you liked this video and would like to be notified for more like it, be sure to click the subscribe button below. I also provide updates via email and the social media links listed in the description below. For daily education and inspiration from women in the arts, feel free to follow my Instagram archive page also linked in the description. Thanks for watching.

•••

SOURCES

“Eleanor Lambert: Defining Decades of Fashion.” YouTube, uploaded by Fashion By Look, 21 November 2013, https://youtu.be/inaLhwknn0g. 

“Eleanor Lambert.” Telegraph, 10 October 2003, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1443712/Eleanor-Lambert.html. Accessed 12 December 2022.

Borelli-Perrson, Laird. “Everything You Need to Know About the Battle of Versailles Before Seeing “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.” Vogue, 25 April 2022, https://www.vogue.com/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-battle-of-versailles-before-seeing-in-america-an-anthology-of-fashion.

Collins, Amy Fine. “The Lady, the List, the Legacy.” Vanity Fair, 1 May 2004, https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2004/04/eleanor-lambert200404. Accessed 12 December 2022.

Diliberto, Gioia. “Eleanor of Seventh Avenue: Where Fashion Week Came From.” Huffington Post, 9 November 2009, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/eleanor-of-seventh-avenue_b_268619.

Harbster, Jennifer. “Eleanor Lambert—Empress of Seventh Avenue.” Library of Congress, 19 January 2012, https://blogs.loc.gov/inside_adams/2012/01/eleanor-lambert-empress-of-seventh-avenue/. 

Keogh, Pamela. “How Hubert de Givenchy Brought Diversity to the Runway.” Vanity Fair, 13 March 2018, https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/03/hubert-de-givenchy-pat-cleveland.

Keong, Lori. “Relive the Magical Fashion Battle of Versailles.” The Cut, 8 March 2016, https://www.thecut.com/2016/03/relive-the-magical-fashion-battle-of-versailles.html.

Nemy, Enid. “Eleanor Lambert, Empress of Fashion, Dies at 100.” New York Times, 8 October 2003, https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/08/nyregion/eleanor-lambert-empress-of-fashion-dies-at-100.html. Accessed 12 December 2022.

Thurman, Judith. “Eleanor Lambert: Fashioning a Lifestyle.” Hearst Magazines, March 2001, http://proxy.library.vcu.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,url,cookie,uid&db=f5h&AN=4111195&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Widjojo, Conchita. “History of the Met Gala: How it Turned from Fundraiser to Fashion’s Biggest Night.” Women’s Wear Daily, 27 April 2022, https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/met-gala-history-how-it-turned-from-fundraiser-to-fashions-biggest-night-1235167840/. 

Wilson, Eric. “Eleanor Lambert Celebrates an American Fashion Century.” Women’s Wear Daily, 6 August 2003, https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/eleanor-lambert-celebrates-an-american-fashion-century-723223/.

Young, Greg. “The Origin of the Met Gala and its Surprising Roots in the Lower East Side.” The Bowery Boys, 1 May 2012, https://www.boweryboyshistory.com/2022/05/the-met-gala-and-the-mets-costume-institute-trace-their-origins-to-a-lower-east-side-playhouse.html.

[nickgerlich]

Where Credit Is Due

The holidays can be rough on a lot of people. It’s that time of the year when budgets are blown all too easily as we go out on a gift-buying frenzy. Never mind that we often gift ourselves too, because human nature. We have just made it through a rough semester or some other strenuous life event, and we feel like a reward is in order.

So we shop like there’s no tomorrow, often going into debt. Few stores offer layaway these days (believe it or not, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon still do). Those programs started to fade in the 1980s when credit became the new norm. But, those layaway programs forced us to budget better, because in order to take possession of a gift item before Christmas, you had to plan ahead and have it set aside a few months earlier, making micropayments along the way.

The last few years have seen a different form of payment option emerge, one that looks sticky sweet but may not be all it is cracked up to be: BNPL, or Buy Now, Pay Later. We see it on virtually every e-commerce site these days, an offering from a third-party provider like Klarna that operates on razor-thin slices of the action.

Oh, and late payment fees. And now the vultures of Christmas 2023 have come home to roost, because those payments have come due.

Typically when you use BNPL, you pay 25% down, take possession of the product, and then make three more payments, some starting as soon as two weeks after the purchase. There’s no interest charge, unlike credit cards. But if you forget to pay, you are slapped with a fee. And it is easy to forget payments when they are on a twice monthly schedule.

While BNPL bills itself as not being credit, it really is, and there is much worry to be had over whether missed payments affect your credit score. I am betting they do. Heck, a missed power bill can affect your score.

This last holiday shopping season saw BNPL spike in popularity, surging 14% and accounting for $16.6 billion in online spending. It’s kind of like getting an advance on your allowance. Except that you eventually—actually, pretty soon—have to pay it back or suffer consequences.

The typical BNPL person is also likely to be strapped with staggering credit card debt, mortgages, and car payments, and delinquency on BNPL payments is highly correlated with delinquencies in the others. In other words, these are high-risk persons.

It would thus not be much of a stretch to say that BNPL could be a form of predatory lending, preying upon those who have a hard time making ends meet, but who nonetheless want or need to keep buying things. It’s hard to go on a spending diet when there are gifts to be bought, as well as self-indulgences to be had.

But retailers are all too happy to offer these services, gladly ceding a small percent of the sale to Klarna or the like in order just to make the sale. Klarna makes a $0.30 flat fee per transaction, plus anywhere from 3.29% to 5.99% of the transaction. While the retailer is necessarily trimming its own margins, it effectively has outsourced its own credit department to Klarna, et al. Bingo. Big savings for retailer, and it adds significantly to sales.

The question now is how will those BNPL shoppers be able to pay for everything. I know. It is easy to be smug if you are able to avoid BNPL and simply pay cash for everything, or have so much available credit that it just doesn’t matter. That doesn’t help those who are now saddled with a lot of holiday debt that is due right now, not spread out over months and years like with credit cards. In the world of the mafia—I’m summoning my native Chicago memories here—this is where the enforcers come looking for you, carrying a baseball bat. Or worse.

I have never used BNPL, and pray I never have to. But I understand the allure and how easy it works. Klarna will grant credit—because that is what it is—to just about anyone. They are betting not on the certainty of the transaction fees from the retailer, but rather your inability to pay for it.

If there is a literal hell, maybe there is a special place for lenders like them, even though they will certainly defend themselves as having provided a bridge for those who need one the most. I get it, but I worry for the sake of our economy and everyone’s well-being if we depend on things like this to keep everything rolling along.

Dr “Pay As You Go” Gerlich

Audio Blog

[fmpnalogirlypop]

Resident evil researching part 3

Resident Evil 2

Gameplay

Resident Evil 2 is a third-person survival horror game which features the same basic gameplay as its predecessor, Resident Evil (1996). Set in Raccoon City, a fictional town in the Midwestern Arklay Mountains, the player chooses from one of two protagonists - rookie police officer Leon S. Kennedy or college student Claire Redfield - as they attempt to survive when a zombie apocalypse occurs in the city.

The player uses tank controls to move, identically to the original, along with the same set of abilities and interactions as its predecessor, and can bring up a status screen to show their inventory, view a map of the area, re-read obtained files, equip or combined their items for various effects, or check their health, shown via an electrocardiogram or through the character's posture - injured characters walk with a limp and clutch their stomach in pain. The player will take damage whenever they are caught by an enemy or hazard, and if they take too much damage, they will die, causing a game over and restarting the game from the last save - herbs and first aid spray can be used to heal. Safe rooms scattered throughout the city contain typewriters, where the player may spend ink ribbons to save their progress, and item boxes that can store any excess items.

Contrasting with Chris and Jill's different abilities in the previous game, Leon and Claire have identical stats other than their starting key items - a lighter and the lockpick, respectively - their stories contrast greatly. The game introduces a "Zapping System" where they are each confronted with differing puzzles, storylines, and encounters - after finishing the "A Scenario" as one protagonist, the player will unlock the "B Scenario" for the other, which changes elements to reflect the A Scenario protagonist's progress - e.g. enemies that weren't killed, solved puzzles, or hazards caused by a specific beneficial action in the A Scenario.

Plot

On September 29, 1998, two months after the events of the first Resident Evil, most citizens of the Midwestern American mountain community of Raccoon City have been transformed into zombies by the T-virus, a biological weapon secretly developed by the pharmaceutical company Umbrella. Leon S. Kennedy, a Raccoon Police Department officer on his first day of duty, meets Claire Redfield, a college student looking for her brother Chris. After being separated, they each make their way to the Raccoon Police Station. They discover that most of the RPD has been killed, and that Chris has left town to investigate Umbrella's headquarters in Europe. They split up to look for survivors and find a way out of the city. While searching for an escape route, Claire meets a little girl, Sherry Birkin, who is on the run from an unknown creature, and Leon encounters Ada Wong, who claims to be looking for her boyfriend John, an Umbrella researcher from Chicago.

RPD chief Brian Irons had been bribed by Umbrella to hide evidence of the company's experiments in the outskirts of the city. He concealed their development of the new G-virus, an agent capable of mutating a human into the ultimate bioweapon. Leon has multiple encounters with a Tyrant, a monster air-dropped into the police station by Umbrella to seek the G-virus. Irons tries to murder Claire but is killed by a G-virus mutant in the police station. Claire and Sherry escape through the sewers and become separated. After splitting up with Leon, Ada finds Sherry and picks up a golden pendant the girl loses while running away.

Meanwhile, Claire is reunited with Sherry and discovers that William has implanted his daughter with an embryo to produce offspring. Leon, Ada, Claire, and Sherry advance through an abandoned factory connected to Umbrella's secret underground research facility. An attack by William leaves Ada heavily wounded, and Leon explores the laboratory to find something to treat her wounds. He is interrupted by a psychotic Annette, who explains to him that Ada's relationship with John was only a means of getting information about Umbrella because Ada is a spy sent to steal the G-virus for an unknown organization.

Releases

After its initial release for the PlayStation in January 1998, Resident Evil 2 was reissued and ported to other systems, many gaining new features in the process.

Dual Shock Ver.

The first re-release is the Dual Shock Ver., which supports the vibration and analog control functions of the PlayStation's DualShock controller. Other additions include a new unlockable minigame called "Extreme Battle", and a "Rookie" mode that enables the player to start the main story with a powerful weapon and infinite ammunition. The Japanese release of the Dual Shock Ver. contains a "U.S.A. Version" mode based on the difficulty level of Resident Evil 2's Western versions.

Nintendo 64

Released on November 16, 1999, the Nintendo 64 version of Resident Evil 2 is one of the few games released for the console to have FMVs, overcoming the limited storage space on the cartridge. The PlayStation version with two CD-ROMs of up to 700 MB per disc was faithfully replicated (with unique enhancements) on a 64 MB Nintendo 64 Game Pak. In the process, audio and video assets had to be more aggressively and creatively compressed, using novel techniques that shift the burden away from storage and toward the console's high real-time processing power. Across twelve months and with a budget of $1 million, Resident Evil 2 was ported to the console by a team led by nine full-time and one part-time personnel from Angel Studios.

Other versions

A port of Resident Evil 2 for the Sega Saturn was developed at Capcom, with plans for it to use the console's 4 MB RAM cartridge, but technical difficulties led to its cancellation in October 1998.

Tiger Electronics released a black and white sprite-based 2.5D version for its Game.com handheld in late 1998. It includes only Leon's story path, and lacks many of the original game's core features, including cutscenes and music. This was the first Resident Evil game to be released on a handheld console.

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

Gameplay

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis is a survival horror game where the player controls the protagonist, Jill Valentine, from a third-person perspective to interact with the environment and enemies. The player takes control of another character for a brief portion of the game.

The player can use a variety of firearms to defeat enemies, ranging from pistols to a rocket launcher. Aside from enemies, parts of the environment, such as explosive barrels, can be shot at, causing them to explode and damage nearby enemies. The game also introduces the ability for players to dodge attacks or perform a quick 180-degree turn to evade enemies. The player has a certain amount of health which decreases when attacked by enemies. Health is regained with first aid sprays, as well as herbs, which can be used separately or mixed together to increase their healing effect. The game also features an ammunition creation system that allows players to create new ammunition from different varieties of gunpowder. In addition to engaging in combat, the player must often solve puzzles that focus on logical and conceptual challenges.

Additionally, a creature called Nemesis is encountered multiple times throughout the game as a recurring boss. Nemesis is considerably more powerful than the player and has the ability to use a rocket launcher as a weapon, dodge incoming fire, and pursue the player from one area to the next. During one of these encounters, the player can choose to either fight Nemesis or run until he is evaded. A variety of encounters are possible, with some being mandatory, and some varying in nature and location based on certain choices made by the player. Even if evaded or defeated during one of these encounters, Nemesis will inevitably continue to pursue the player until the end of the game

Once the player completes the game, a mode called The Mercenaries - Operation: Mad Jackal is unlocked. In this mode, the player must control mercenaries that Jill encounters during the main game and run from one side of the city to the other within a limited amount of time and resources. However, the starting time limit given is insufficient to actually perform this task directly, and the player must continuously receive time extensions by performing certain actions such as defeating enemies, rescuing civilians and exploring hidden areas.

Plot

On September 28, 1998, 24 hours prior to the events of Resident Evil 2, former Special Tactics And Rescue Service (S.T.A.R.S.) member Jill Valentine attempts to escape from Raccoon City. Most of the population has been transformed into zombies by an outbreak of the T-virus, the gruesome biological weapon secretly developed by the pharmaceutical company Umbrella Corporation. After fighting through zombies and mutants on her way to the Raccoon City Police Department, Jill runs into fellow team member Brad Vickers, who is later killed by a new enemy.

When they are finished repairing a cable car, Nikolai goes missing and is presumed dead. Nemesis then corners the remaining members of the group onto the car as they head to the tower. Mikhail sacrifices himself with a grenade, causing the car to crash into the tower's central courtyard and separating Jill and Carlos briefly.

Jill manages to temporarily defeat Nemesis but she falls unconscious due to the T-virus infection given by Nemesis. Carlos finds Jill and takes her to safety within the Clock Tower. Three days later, he finds a vaccine for Jill's T-virus infection in a nearby Umbrella owned hospital. He then returns and administers it to Jill, saving her.

After she regains consciousness, Jill proceeds towards the Raccoon Park to search for an escape route and enters the park caretaker's cabin. There, she runs into Nikolai, who reveals that he is a "supervisor" sent into Raccoon City to gather combat data on Umbrella's bioweapons. Nikolai retreats, and Jill later is confronted by the Gravedigger which is a massive worm-like creature.

Depending on the path taken by the player, Jill's final encounter with Nikolai will differ. In one version of the events, Nikolai will attempt to start a gunfight with Jill, only to be ambushed and killed by Nemesis. In another event, Nikolai will hijack Jill's intended escape chopper, and the player must either reason with Nikolai or destroy the helicopter. If Jill negotiates with Nikolai, he reveals that he has killed the other supervisors and boasts about collecting the bounty placed on Jill by Umbrella before escaping. Regardless of Nikolai's fate, Jill makes her way to the rear yard and confronts Nemesis one last time.

Marketing and release

Resident Evil 3 was featured at the Tokyo Game Show in March 1999. A playable version was available at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in 1999. At the time, the dodging feature had not been completed and was absent from the demo. To promote the game, Capcom included a brief demo of Resident Evil 3 in the US shipments of their earlier game, Dino Crisis, which had a successful launch in Japan. Prior to the release of the game, Capcom spent US$20 million on advertisement campaigns for Resident Evil 3 and Dino Crisis, as well as the Nintendo 64 version of Resident Evil 2.

[ghostgothgeek]

Map of Amity Park

So I did a bunch of research and traced over the map the GIW had in DCMH and extended it to try and build a map of Amity Park. I also paid close attention to locations and places named in canon. I am by no means an artist, map maker, photoshop pro, or civil engineer; I just wanted a general reference map for the phandom to use. 

Here is where I place Amity Park. We know AP isn’t in Michigan or Wisconsin, but is most likely a day drive away from Madison (Bitter Reunions). AP is a decent sized city of itself, so I can see it being an outskirt of a large city like Chicago. Lancer mentions the Northwestern Testing, and Northwestern University is in Evanston, IL, which is why I placed it where it is.

LIST OF PLACES (in great detail): 

Every city needs it’s basic services: energy supply, water supply, sewage, and trash/recycling. These of course are located more on the edge of the city, as they need a large amount of space and are typically isolated.

I placed a local airport in the city as well. Typically you would fly out of one of Chicago’s airports anyway, but private planes (Vlad, Mansons, etc.) can take off and land here. 

University of Amity Park is located at the north side of the city, and is home to a Nasty Burger location, an LGBT Center, and is probably near a gas station. The blocks surrounding the campus are more student housing. 

Near the University, we have the Science Center, Axion Labs, a Mental Institute, and the Museum, as a lot of research from the University would go into those places. 

In the more isolated areas, we have the Penitentiary, the abandoned North Mercy Hospital, and the GIW Headquarters. 

The Zoo is located on the north side of the park and is also close to the University for research purposes.

The Observatory is also located in a more isolated area, so you can actually see the stars without a bunch of light pollution.

Going into the center of town, where most things are actually located:

A community college, which is near the internet cafe where Danny and Tucker play games, a gas station, a liquor store, a thrift shop, a Planned Parenthood, Java Jive (the coffee shop), a tech store, and a gym. 

We also have a shoe store, the hunting goods store and Guitar Palace that Skulker and Ember take over in Reign Storm, the U-Ship Box Store the Box Ghost takes over, a barber and a hardware store.

There is a hair salon, tanning salon, and nail salon, where Paulina frequents. There is also Elmer’s Pharmacy, a dentist office, a law office, the TV repair store, butcher shop, and pet store (which we see next to each other in an episode), a toy store, and a vet office.

Government buildings include City Hall, a public library, a court house, a DMV, a bus station (for all mass transit in the city), a community center (likely where town halls are located and other smaller events; Ida plays bingo here every week), and a retirement home. 

There is also the post office, Amity Park Fire Department, a bank, the 24K Jewelry shop, a nearby ice cream shop, and another Nasty Burger location (this is the one right by Casper High that the trio usually hangs at). Also an animal shelter, a grocery store, and a pizza joint.

Education: there is a preschool and daycare, the elementary school, a playground/park, the middle school (yes, a Beetlejuice reference), and Casper High. Casper High campus also has the track, a fieldhouse, and the football field. 

Moving towards Amity Park Mall:

Bucky’s Music Mega Store, an apartment complex, Amity Park Police Department, a bookstore, doctor clinic, gas station, a Denny’s (where Phight Club happens), Material Grill restaurant, the mini golf course and bowling alley, Freddy Fazbear’s (which is actually a horror video game, but here it’s a kids pizza place like Chuck E. Cheese), a furniture store, a party supply store, and the movie theater (which is Marmel’s Multiplex 22, Amity Park Multiplex, and Googolplex Cinemas...it seems that they go to the same movie theater throughout the series and the names just change, or these could also be other movie theaters in the area (like near the college campus). I just picked Multiplex 22 cause it sounded very mall-y).

Along the interstate, there’s a pawn shop, a publishing house (which somehow prints all 5 of Amity Park’s newspapers), a homeless shelter, the diner, Safe House Motel, a laundromat, the 89¢ Store (a nod to Fanning the Flames), and the car dealership.

Also near the mall is Amity Arena, which hosts concerts, sports events, and other large entertainment events. There is a hotel near both the arena and the hospital (the one that isn’t abandoned and haunted). Towards the outskirts of the hospital, there’s a trailer park; north a few blocks is the TV station, where News 4 is headquartered. There’s also a construction site near Amity Arena, but that kinda went out the window when Undergrowth hit. 

On the other side of town, we have:

A-Mart, a convenience store. I named it like this because it can be like an offshoot of KMart, but A for Amity! 

Floody Waters, right off the interstate.

North of Floody Waters, East of Casper High, we have the main residences: the Foley household and only a couple blocks away is Fenton Works. 

There’s also another gas station and the Amity Park Radio Station nearby. There’s also a private school near ultra posh Polter Heights, but the A-Listers attend Casper High because the private school doesn’t have a football or cheerleading team.

Moving into Polter Heights and the surrounding area:

The Polter Heights Golf Course and Country Club are exclusive to those in the neighborhood, as well as their private neighborhood pool; members only. 

The Mayor’s Mansion (eventually Vlad’s) is located in here too.

All of the A-Listers’ houses are of course in this neighborhood, as well as Val’s previous residence and the Fenton’s temporary mansion from Living Large (which is of course right next door to Vlad, but with some distance, because the rich are always socially distancing with their big houses).

Polter Heights is adjacent to a bunch of farmland (this is the midwest, we like cows and stuff), and there is a church close by as well.

Just outside Polter Heights is the Manson Mansion (with Sam’s greenhouse). Lucky for Sam, the Skulk and Lurk Books and an occult shop are just down the street. The Manson residence is also near a funeral home and graveyard (how did Sam get so lucky? Oh, because I love her), a synagogue, Mario’s restaurant, and a dry cleaners. 

We get more spacious as we get away from the center of town! 

Along the shore of Lake Eerie, there are the docks which are home to many warehouses, including the mattress factory.

Also along the shoreline, there is a pier which doubles as an amusement park (think kinda like Navy Pier in Chicago in comparison) and alongside the pier is the public beach area. 

Camp Skull and Crossbones is located on the other side of Lake Eerie, and the fishing area is more on the north side of the lake. Lake Eerie is not one of the Great Lakes, it’s just its own thing in Amity Park. 

Back towards the park, we have event grounds space, which is where Circus Gothica is located, as well as the Meet Swap and flea market. Basically whatever rotating event hits town, it comes right here. Just next door is a theatre (for music, opera, Broadway, etc.). There is also the third and final Nasty Burger location in AP.

This is all surrounding the actual park Amity Park, which has a pond, a big fountain, and also hosts that really big hill that overlooks City Hall.

On the south side, across the bridge and over the interstate is Elmerton, where Val currently is resided. 

All the other blocks are filled with more office buildings, apartment complexes, houses, and businesses, but all of the main places are already listed and placed. 

Finally, yes, I did name some places for myself and my friends because they’re great and they deserve it. These include Steph’s (mine) Occult Shoppe, Nick’s Liquor Emporium (@ecto-american), Lexx R Us Toystore (@lexosaurus and appropriately named after the Lexxpocalypse), Laz’s Law Offices LLC (@kinglazrus), Dee’s Dentistry (@qlinq-qhost​), Lily’s Looks Thrift Store (@dannyphantomisameme​), Ceci’s Funeral Home (@ceciliaspen​), Vic’s Amusement Park (@babypop-phantom​), and Reverie Books (@wastefulreverie​). 

[one-chicago-fanfiction]

Camp NaNo Fics #1: The Punch

Word Count: 3k Pairing: Connor/Will Warnings: Homophobia, use of a homophobic slur by a cishet character, which is later repeated by a queer character.

Summary: AU version of the time Connor punched Cornelius. Connor and Will have been dating for a while now. Connor has never discussed this with his father, but Cornelius has seen them together. Ever since that day, Connor has known something like this was coming. The latest hospital benefit is a good a place as any...

The punch came out of nowhere. The benefit was in full swing, a quiet, dignified event to celebrate another one of Cornelius Rhodes’ generous donations to the hospital, this time allowing them to expand the emergency department. It was something to be celebrated, sure. Connor knew that. It was going to help a lot of people, and on the outside would look like a rich man’s simple kindness, a near casual act of selflessness, a golden plaque on the wall to commemorate his very giving spirit.

But Connor knew the truth

Or, at the very least, he knew a different side of it, everyone else basking in the glow of the donation while Connor saw the gesture for its shadows. His father had taken little to do with the hospital since the grand opening of the psych ward his last donation had facilitated. Connor had asserted himself a little, made threats without ever saying anything threatening, reminding his father that Connor knew enough of his dark secrets to be someone Cornelius shouldn’t want to provoke. Things had been settled after that, for a while. Almost a year, actually, and even as everyone had clapped for Cornelius Rhodes as he took the stage, Connor couldn’t help the nagging feeling that this was about him. His relationship with Will, to be specific.

Connor and Will hadn’t liked each other much to start with. There’d been a spark there, of sorts, but it was the kind that burned, not warmed. Connor saw the way people looked at the two of them together, the way they’d watch them as if the moments of tension—the recurring disagreements—meant something more than they did. It took Connor a while to realise that he’d gone from thinking Will was an ass, to wishing Will was there when things were bad, to taking some sort of comfort in him even before that first kiss at Molly’s, even before they truly became something more.

Cornelius had spotted them in public one day, hand in hand in the city, and since then Connor had known something like this was coming, known it from the moment he’d met his father’s eye across some department store that day, the way his lips had curled into a smirk, the way Connor had never had to tell his father he was gay, the way his father simply turned his back and kept walking. It was the closest Connor had come to a panic attack in years, his stomach dropping, his chest going tight, Will talking him through it as they burst back out onto the street, cold Chicago air to soothe his lungs, Will’s hand on his back. “It’s okay, Connor. It’s okay. I’ve got you.”

Connor hated that his father could still have this affect on him. Like he was a kid all over again, like part of him still lived in that house.

Will wasn’t at the benefit tonight. Will was holding fort in the ED, sending him occasional texts in quiet moments. And Connor was on high alert even before his father approached him at the bar, speeches done, plaque accepted. Even Claire wasn’t here this time. It was Connor, and his colleagues whose gratitude wasn’t as complicated as Connor’s own.

“So,” came the voice from behind him. “How many lives do we think our new ED might save per year?” Connor’s eyes slipped shut. He downed his whiskey, felt the burn in his throat as he turned to face his father.

“Yep,” was all he said, voice strained with the drink. He made to walk away and Cornelius put his arm out, not touching Connor, but halting him all the same.

“I’ve done a good thing here,” he said. “Don’t you think that entitles me to a little—conversation?”

“What do you wanna talk about, dad?” Connor asked, his voice low, going right back to clenching his jaw as his father shrugged in response.

“How’s your life going?” He asked, that almost sarcastic undertone driving Connor to grind his teeth right there at the bar. “I hardly know anything about you, son.”

“You’re talking about my relationship,” Connor said, and Cornelius tipped his head to the side.

“Imagine my surprise when I saw you two together,” he said. “No man expects to see his son like that.”

“Holding hands with someone they love?” Connor asked.

“You know what I mean,” Cornelius said.

“Come on,” Connor scoffed. “You and I both know this doesn’t matter to you. You’re just looking for any little thing you can use against me. It’s not gonna work.”

“I’m just worried, son,” his father said. “Modern day it might be, but that doesn’t mean people don’t talk. And it doesn’t mean people won’t pass you over in your career going forward. People still get uncomfortable about these things, you know.”

“People like you,” Connor nodded, folding his arms across his chest, that tiny extra bit of distance between them, the vague awareness that Doctor Charles—suit and tie and hair done nice—was watching them from the other side of the room now.

“Now that’s a hateful statement,” said Cornelius. Connor’s heart was slamming in his chest. Years of experience with dealing with his father, and still the adrenaline was flooding sickly through him, feeling how his fingers trembled, even his legs. But he kept his expression fixed, closed, jaw clenched, pissed off more than anything else. Done.

“I’m not having this conversation with you,” said Connor. “I’m not having any conversation with you.”

“Then why are you here?” Cornelius asked. “Seems to me like you knew this conversation was coming. I know you saw me that day in the department store. You and your—friend.”

“Come on,” Connor said.

“Do you hear what people are saying about you, Connor?” His father asked. Connor had long hated the way his name sounded when his father said it. He swallowed hard.

“I don’t care.”

“You should,” he said. “People are talking already, son. I’ve heard it. People are coming to me—important people, Connor—telling me they’ve heard my son is…”

“Is—what?” Connor asked, words clipped, hands already balled into fists. Cornelius held his hands up, still smirking. Across the room, Doctor Charles kept watching.

“Think about your future, son,” he said. “I’ve heard a lot of rumours about your redheaded friend, none of them very flattering. By all accounts he’s reckless, hotheaded.” Connor bit his tongue. He knew Will now, understood him. All Will wanted was to save people.

“He’s a good doctor,” Connor said. Cornelius made a face.

“Do you really see a life for yourself like that—dating some Southside fag?”

Connor didn’t plan the punch. He would realise almost the instant his fist connected with his father’s jaw that Cornelius had probably planned it, bad publicity for the hospital’s rising star surgeon, the son of a million dollar donor creating a violent scene at the benefit. None of that was going to look good.

Cornelius Rhodes fell hard. Connor heard the smack of it, the sharp sound of his fist against his father’s jaw. The crash of a grown man careening to the floor, the way the adrenaline staved off the pain in his hand for only a matter of seconds. It wasn’t until his father was on the ground, looking up at him, fingers at his jaw where Connor had struck him, that the pain began to set in, sharp, clawing, something broken deep within.

“What a name you’re making for yourself,” Cornelius said, voice low against the clamour, people rushing towards them suddenly. Connor scrubbed his good hand over his face, and turned to walk away before anyone tried to put their hands on him and make him. He held his hand up as if in surrender, and nobody tried to stop him, nobody interrupting his path to the lobby even as eyes followed him, as something shifted in him once he was out of that room, as his breaths became ragged and shaky and his hand—his hand fucking hurt.

He paused, chest heaving, almost lost for a moment. Connor’s mind was spinning. The moment he’d struck his father had been one of perfect clarity, but now? He stood in the lobby, pinching the bridge of his nose with his good hand, drawing in breaths to calm himself, to try and pull his thoughts back in line.

“Doctor Rhodes?” Came a voice behind him, and Connor knew it immediately. He didn’t turn to look, didn’t even glance up into the windows and see the figure’s reflection moving towards his own in the night.

“Doctor Charles,” he said.

“Think I could, uh, take a look at that hand for you?” Doctor Charles asked. “Looks like a doozy.” Connor let out a laugh then, humourless, just one sharp breath of it.

“I’m fine,” he said, but he held his hand out anyway, eyes on his own knuckles, how red they were, how he’d bruised his hand on his father’s jaw. His eyes slipped shut as Doctor Charles moved closer to him. He could still hear the din at the bar, his father’s voice in there somewhere, people making sure he was okay, Miss Goodwin’s voice trying to calm everyone, to reassure.

“Ouch,” said Doctor Charles, his fingers gentle at Connor’s palm as he looked at his hand. A long pause before he added, “Listen, buddy, I think we better get you out of here, get this checked out.”

“It’s broken,” said Connor. “I already know.”

“Mm,” said Doctor Charles. “I’m not sure about broken. Maybe a fracture. Gave the old man a zinger. And you know what? I’m betting he deserved it.” Connor felt Doctor Charles watching him for a long moment, and Connor nodded slowly.

“Yeah,” he said, meeting Doctor Charles’ eye before glancing away again. “Yeah.”

“Come on,” said Doctor Charles. “I’ll drive you to Med. This party was getting a little stuffy anyway.”

—

They barely spoke in the car. Connor didn’t offer Doctor Charles any more information about what happened, the reasons, his father’s words as they stuck in his head, in his chest, his throat. And Doctor Charles didn’t ask, just drove them, music playing softly through the speakers, his attention dutifully on Chicago’s roads as he drove them to the ED and Connor stared silently out of the window, bad hand held gently at his chest.

The ED. His stomach dropped the moment they parked in front of it, and if Connor had any say in the matter, he would probably have chosen not to stop there at all, to go home and try to fix things himself, to hope for the best as he worked up a makeshift splint, scoured the bathroom cabinets for his strongest painkillers, and turned his phone off to avoid Will’s calls. There was still some desperate part of himself that was capable of all that, but Doctor Charles was a strangely comforting presence, quiet and accepting. He parked the car, walked Connor into the ED, and when the nurse in charge asked what had happened, Doctor Charles said only, “Looks like a fracture, possible break. We’re not sure.”

Connor was in the ED all of three minutes before Will was at his side.

“Connor,” he said. “I heard it was you. What’s going on?” He looked first at Connor, then to Doctor Charles, who was already rising from his chair in the corner of the bay, gathering his coat to leave.

“I’ll leave you two to it,” he said, and with a knowing nod to Connor, he was gone.

“Connor?” Will pressed, voice soft, already standing before Connor as he sat on the edge of the bed. Connor couldn’t even meet his eye. A sharp gasp through his teeth as Will examined his hand, the bruise gone darker now, skin red at its edges. “What happened?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Connor said, practically a mumble. “It’s fine.”

“No,” said Will. “That’s not how we do things. Maybe a doctor can’t force the truth out of you, but your boyfriend actually needs to know.”

“Then just be my doctor,” Connor said, and glanced up at Will quick enough to see the flash of hurt in his eyes. “Right now, I mean. Just…just be my doctor right now. That is what I need. Please.”

“Fine,” said Will. “We’re out of supplies in this bay. I’ll be back.”

Connor should have known what would happen. He should have known that Cornelius Rhodes taking a punch at a hospital benefit—being struck by his own son, who works at that very hospital—was gossip as much as news. He should have known it would spread like fire, that Will would return to him already burned. Will staggered back into the bay, supplies in his hands, looking at Connor differently. His lips were gently parted, his eyes bright with concern.

“Connor,” he said, voice softer this time. And something in Connor ached. Will was probably the only person who would look at him this way, like throwing a punch meant something awful had happened to Connor. Connor let his gaze drop.

“Don’t, Will,” Connor said.

“No,” said Will, setting the supplies down on the bed, looking at Connor like something desperate. “I want to know. I wanna know what he did to you.”

“He’s an ass,” Connor said, trying to force his voice not to shake. “He was just being himself.” And Connor could fool most people, could keep the strength in his voice and the boundaries up around pretty much anyone else. But Will—things were different with Will. Despite the instinct to keep up these walls, with Will the fear of being seen, truly seen, was different. Almost gone. But he tried. Tried because it was his father in his head, that smarmy smile, the words placed so carefully, every one of them a trap he’d stumbled right into. This man who’d raised him and instilled in him that it wasn’t safe to open up to those close to you, that it wasn’t safe to trust.

But Will. Will folded his arms over his chest, stood there at the end of the bed and said, “I need you to tell me what he did.”

“It’s fine,” Connor said.

“It’s fine?” Will said. “You’re in the ED with a broken hand, Connor.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“You’re a surgeon,” Will said.

“I know.”

“I don’t care who threw the punch,” said Will. “I need to know what he did to you.”

“Please, Will…” Connor breathed.

“I’m your partner, Connor,” said Will. “You’re really gonna come home with a broken hand and not even tell me what happened? Lie to your doctor if you really have to, but—“

“It was you,” Connor said. Will halted, the words settling around them, turning the air thick. Connor pulled in a deep breath, feeling it tremble, before he set his eyes on Will and told him what he wanted to know. “He said something about you.”

“Me?”

“You,” Connor said.

“What did he say?”

Connor sighed, looked at Will long enough to determine that protecting Will any further from his father’s words was pointless. Will was openly queer, had been out for years. The insults he’d imagine in Cornelius’s tone would probably be even more hurtful than what he’d actually said.

“Connor?”

“He called you a Southside fag,” said Connor. Will blinked.

“A Southside fag?” He asked, shifting his weight to one leg. Connor nodded, and the sound he heard next surprised him. A laugh. A short burst of laughter from Will, before he brought his hand to his mouth and looked down at Connor, smiling, shaking his head.

“Baby,” he said, “that’s…not the worst thing I’ve been called, you know.”

“I know.”

“We’ve both been called worse than that.”

“I know.”

“So why—“

“Because he’s my dad,” Connor said, and Will fell silent. There was more Connor could have said about all this, more feelings that had spent years lying dormant in his chest. What it came down to was that it shouldn’t ever have been like this, but it was. Connor said nothing. Will knew, too, what it was for sons to have a strained relationship with their father.

“Okay,” said Will, and Connor watched him swallow. The quiet in the bay was thick, fit to choke on even despite the sounds of the ED going on all around then, just beyond the curtain that Will turned and drew shut. Just the two of them now, no one else even to see them.

Will moved forward, forward until he was on the bed beside Connor, shoulders touching. Will waited a moment, then leaned in, slow and gentle, pressing a kiss to Connor’s temple. Connor leaned into him, sat there for a long moment afterwards with Will’s forehead tipped against his temple, the two of them sitting there together and just breathing.

“I love you,” Will said.

“I love you too,” Connor replied. He let a few more moments pass before he spoke again. “Will?”

“Mhm?”

“My hand really fucking hurts.”

“Oh,” said Will. He shifted then, pulled himself away from Connor and rose to stand before him. “Let’s take a look. We’ll get you fixed up, then I’m clocking out and taking you home, okay?”

“Okay,” said Connor.

“Okay,” said Will, and got to work.