#Division of Laura Lee

[tabithatwo]

hi hello thinking about how neither lottie or taissa is advocating for their sight or championing themselves.

lottie quietly doing the best she can to lean into what she hopes is real to give the others protection and faith, yes! but it isn’t I CAN LEAD YOU (especially this season) it’s I can quietly do the things that can’t hurt, in case they help. it can’t hurt to prick my finger and they’ve come back safe so far and I’m aware of my mental health I’m OH so aware and I know the dangers of delusions being proven correct by happenstance by setting up an infallible cause and effect by building my own reality BUT but. it’s just a prick and it’s just a sip and if I don’t do it now and they don’t come back safe then I AM the reason. it can’t hurt IT CAN’T HURT.

but see, now she’s stuck. she’s wedged into this place of having followers and she can’t tell them how she feels, partly because she isn’t even sure how she feels to begin with because nothing is real and everything is far too real!! (because BECAUSE lottielee jackieshauna parallels and so much post laura lee was not in our view, we didn’t fall as deep deep deep into the rabbit hole with lottie as we did with shauna, but this season has confirmed it for us. lottie and shauna both lost reality when they lost Them and they were both already girls with a loose grip of reality to begin with) so it’s That, but it’s also because she isn’t Lottie The Girl From New Jersey Who Shoplifts, she’s not herself, she’s what they make of her. she’s Lottie The Reason We Will Survive This.

she was on the other side of this dynamic, she felt that anger at jackie, she felt that sense of betrayal, she felt that letdown, that rebellion in her heart. because jackie wasn’t serving them the way they wanted needed craved being served. jackie couldn’t be that person. jackie who had been divisive in her leadership before they even crashed, because what is leadership if not a spotlight that people can adjust to make you glow like something ethereal or to point out all your flaws with great illumination? jackie had larger than life expectations put on her (and they were warm and sunny and positive some of the time yes, but that all curdles when it’s left in the spotlight too long.)

so suddenly lottie is divisive. there are teams around her and against her and myth built up, but the myth isn’t that she’s the bratty unhelping girl who gets whatever she wants like it became for jackie, the myth is she is our only hope. she is our savior and salvation and seer. and she doesn’t need to even say anything to make that so. jackie didn’t need to say anything to make them color her selfish (other, but bad). lottie doesn’t need to say anything to make them color her anointed (other, but good). she is girl vessel, girl hopes, girl dreams, a witch hunt where she Better Be A Witch.

doomcoming lottie snapped. she was On drugs and she was Off drugs and she was tired and she gave them something to cling to that they could shape into more with the seeds of the past (bear and blood and you get the picture) that they’d already been trying to plant in her image. (jackie did the same that night. she snapped, she yelled, she gave them something to cling to that they could shape into more with the seeds of the past that they’d already been trying to plant in her image, do you SEE??)

and of COURSE natalie understands both lottie and jackie. of course she knows what it’s like to be doing nothing but your best, to not want the responsibility, to be seen more as liability than asset, even though the only reason you can fail so hard is because you provide so much. before the crash and after, because girl carrying the weight of family secrets and girl who bears their insecurities and girl who SEES that they are insecure so she cannot even bring herself to be ANGRY with them and girl who hunts. girl who hunts and feeds, but now who hikes and disappoints, because there is no game to bring home, but that can only be Her Failure because it is Her Contribution, do you hear me are you with me??

so natalie walks for miles and she eulogizes jackie and she steps out of her reward her one small comfort and she makes sure that lottie sinks into the hot water and she apologizes, she apologizes, she apologizes. because maybe she’s mad, maybe she says it isn’t fair in the heat of the moment, but at the end of the day she knows who she is and what she is and all that they’ve made her and she carries that responsibility. (like jackie the girl she wasn’t home to save and lottie the girl she doesn’t know how to reach. it’s too late for them, there are no words to undo it. jackie was sealed when she made captain and natalie was sealed when she pulled the trigger and lottie was sealed when she warned van.)

and taissa finally TAISSA. she has hidden her secret. little girl looking in the mirror and seeing something that shouldn’t be there and older girl who is hearing things that she shouldn’t hear and leading people places she shouldn’t be able to lead them to. she doesn’t want it and she’s made it the Most Known of them all. don’t tell lottie, don’t tell the others, don’t bring it up. and van who champions her so naturally, so routinely, so lovingly for all the normal things. van who believes in the supernatural. van who has simply refused to die. van can’t hold it in anymore, because taissa’s sight Brought Back Javi. but tai doesn’t want her to mention it to the others. tai is perceptive and tai understands power struggles and she’s tired and hates this part of herself and she’s scared and she’s logical and she doesn’t want to Be Lottie (not lottie the girl from New Jersey who shoplifts, but lottie who better be a witch).

so maybe I’m seeing things myself, maybe I’m reading too deep, but here’s what I saw in old wounds.

lottie, who sits quietly while the others discuss her prophecy. lottie, who seems to have developed an openness to a different view of jackie in her death, because she was girl there and now she’s girl gone and she served them again in death and maybe lottie didn’t quite have the right idea of her and maybe lottie is in her seat now, in a way. lottie, who wanders into the snow without ever really agreeing because it was never really a choice, and cuts her hand because it can’t hurt IT CANT HURT.

natalie, who signed up to hunt when it was spring and warm and possible, who knows that it will be hers always and forever now. natalie, who will always be the reason they are starving, more than the reason they are fed. natalie, who is jealous of the girl who is bone, because she was allowed death. natalie, who has sympathy for all of them and knows that lottie has been made her rival through the mechanisms of group projection than her own volition. so she bathes her and tends to her and apologizes to her.

taissa, who has always been a leader and always been under scrutiny but did so in a way She Could Control. taissa, whose deepest secrets are being unfolded before her eyes because she can’t stop herself from divulging them when she is unconscious. taissa, who might start to think that maybe lottie didn’t ask for this.

so jackie is bone, and natalie is hunter, and lottie is seer, and taissa might be even more so. natalie alone in the realm of the mundane (for this), but aware of them all, so I’ll set her aside for a moment.

jackie accidentally opened the door to this spiritualism. she was the seance and doomcoming (and the first communion), but she didn’t mean for it to be that. she meant to cheer them up.

lottie thought that jackie had it wrong, thought that she didn’t use her position to protect the girls, because she refused to work with the woods and lottie tries to save them and protect them and negotiate with the wilderness for them.

taissa thinks that lottie has it wrong, because she feeds into their delusions and her power is a runaway train in this setting and taissa wants to keep them alive in the best way. the practical way. except that logical leadership never led to anything out here and her other self, her spiritual self, found javi after months.

pedestals and wrecking balls and clearer views once you’re hoisted up with the girls on them. girls who are not Them but who are What Others Say. shauna dictating jackie and mari dictating lottie and van dictating taissa and everyone dictating natalie. everyone meaning the best and riding the high of delivering it, until it’s cut out from beneath them. you don’t go from great to fine. the mighty don’t fall to land on a straw bed with the rest of them, thanks for trying and welcome back. they are Icarus and their love for the others is flight and their belief that They Can Do It Better is the sun and the sun burns. in death or in life or in dreams.

and maybe in old wounds lottie understood jackie a little more and taissa understood lottie a little more and nat, who has always been able to understand them all, can watch and wait and hope that it changes things. but it won’t. because they aren’t driving their own stories anymore.

so they’ll hunt and they’ll bleed and they’ll walk in their sleep and, no matter what they say or don’t say, the others will fill in the gaps.

[before-it-felt-like-a-sin]

Ok, how about Natalie X reader, the scene where they find the lake, but reader is too self conscious to strip down in front of everyone and go for a swim?

Pretty Girls

Anon this is a lovely request but imma be so Fr I can't remember the exact dialogue so enjoy my bullshit <3

Warnings: insecure reader, mentions of body image issues, no smut but a bit of a heated make out, not proofread and also written on my phone <3

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"I found a lake," Taissa announced as she returned from her hike,"It's about four miles from here. We should hike it."

"We aren't leaving. What if the rescue team comes?" Jackie responded, clearly annoyed.

"I hate to break it to you, but it's been three days. They aren't coming, and we're running out of water. We need to head to the lake." Taissa's voice was firm.

Secretly, you agreed with Tai, but you weren't going to get in the middle of this argument. The last thing you needed was Jackie pissed at you. There was enough division as it was.

"We should put it to a vote," Jackie announced. So much for no more division, "All for staying here, raise your hands."

Three people agreed. Jackie, Lottie, and Laura Lee all raised their hands.

"Okay, all for heading to the lake?" Taissa asked now, and nearly all of the group put up their hands. Even Shauna, which was shocking. Who knew she'd go against Jackie like that.

"Looks like we're heading to the lake. Get your shit." Wit that, everyone began packing up any belongings not already in their suitcases.

About twenty minutes later, you all were ready to start your hike. You fell into step beside Lottie as you walked.

"Hey. I know you didn't want to do this," you said.

"Honestly, I was more worried about Jackie's reaction than actually leaving the plane." Lottie smiled at you. You laughed lightly in response.

The two of you walked in silence for a while, listening to everyone chatter on and on. A few girls had started complaining, and you heard Jackie say something about how Tai must have been wrong about the distance from the crash site.

That's when Van saw the lake.

"Hell yeah bitches!" She exclaimed, jumping up and down. Soon, everyone was racing down to the water, stripping off tee shirts and shorts. You hung back, not entirely wanting everyone to see your bare stomach.

"You don't want to swim?" Natalie spoke softly into your ear. You jumped at the unexpected closeness. The two of you hadn't really had time to spend together since the crash.

Your relationship to Natalie was a complicated one. You had began hanging out with her because Van and Tai had started spending more time with each other, leaving the two of you with each other. You'd had a crush on Natalie for a while, and you enjoyed spending time with her. Recently, though, she'd begun to flirt with you. Nothing major, just jokes about how pretty you were, or messing with your hair, or good-natured teasing about your interests. You weren't entirely clear on where you stood.

"Just not totally sure how I feel about stripping in front of everyone." You laughed as you spoke, as if trying to convince both Natalie and yourself that it really was a joke. Even if you knew it wasn't.

"You afraid they'll stare?" She teased.

"Yeah, actually. Just not for the reason you think." You giggled again, but it was harder to be convincing this time.

"Hey, if you're set on not swimming, that's fine. But no one is going to judge you for the way you look. I think we've moved past that point."

"Yeah, well, the rest of you have been changing in front of each other for ages. This kind of thing is new to me."

"Whatever you say, gorgeous. I'm swimming. You should too. I know I wouldn't judge you." She smirked at you in a way that made heat rise to your cheeks.

"Mm. And you've also never seen me naked, so I don't think you can say that yet."

"Okay, y/n." With that, she walked to the edge of the lake, stripping her shirt and pants as she walked across the pebbles.

You didn't stare. You in fact made a point not to stare. But it seemed that as soon as you looked up at her, she moved her head to catch you looking. She smiled at you, and nodded her head toward the lake.

As you looked back at her, you rolled your eyes and shook your head. There was no way you were getting in that water. The whole team didn't need to see your stomach and stretch marks.

Well... maybe you'd take off your shirt. You had a sports bra on. That was full coverage enough, right? Plus, your jeans had a high waist on them. Not much would be on display.

Cautiously, you peeled off your t-shirt, hoping no one would notice. Or care. As you shook your hair free from the confines of the fabric, you felt eyes on you.

In the middle of the lake, you caught Natalie staring at you this time. When she saw that you caught her, she averted her eyes. But something about her eyes on you made you feel good.

Not good enough to take your pants off, but you'd take what you could get.

You balled up your shirt and put it down on the rocky beach so you'd be able to lie down. If nothing else, you were going to enjoy the sun. Maybe not in the same way as everyone else, but you were going to enjoy it.

You lay in the sun for a bit, letting it warm you and only worrying a little bit about the sun damage that was occurring to you. You survived a damn place crash. Cancer seemed so irrelevant now.

It was nice, you thought, that even after what had happened, you were all able to have fun like this.

"Y/n! Get your ass in here!" Van called.

"No!" You yelled back, laughing.

"Lame ass," she responded.

"That's me." With that, you went back to your sunbathing and daydreaming. The only thing that would make this better would be-

"What the fuck!" You exclaimed, dripping water. Somehow, someone had managed to dump a whole bucket of water on you.

You looked up to see it was Van and Taissa. You'd expected Van, but Tai was a low blow. Although, best friends would do that kind of shit to you.

"Taissa Turner I swear to god. I could kill you right now." Your hair was soaked, your mascara was running, and your pants... well, wet jeans aren't ever the move.

"Now you have to swim," Van said, clearly not sensing your anger.

"No, now I have to fucking change out of one of the few pieces of clothing that's actually clean. Thanks for that."

"Whoa, sorry. We didn't think you'd be upset about it. We just wanted you to have fun." Taissa looked at you apologetically. You found yourself forgiving them almost immediately. They were just trying to get you to have fun. There hadn't been much of that lately.

"Still a little pissed at you. But it's fine. I'll just change." You started getting up to find your suitcase.

"Or... hear us out... you come swim with us. It'll be fun." Van looked at you expectantly, hoping you'd say yes.

Maybe...

No. You couldn't. What if they stared at you. What if Natalie stared at you. What if she saw you in your underwear and decided she was done flirting with you.

"Y/n, come on. We all know each other here. No need to be a prude," Van teased.

"Oh, well in that case." You rolled your eyes.

"You know you want to." Taissa poked your shoulder. And she was right. You did want to swim. You just didn't want to swim in front of everyone.

But it would feel so nice. And you'd be able to wash away some of the dirt and sweat from the last few days. Maybe you'd feel less... disgusting.

"Fine." You began to peel off your wet jeans.

Deep breaths, you thought, as the warm spring air hit your thighs. No one was looking at you. Right? Well, except Taissa and Van. But they'd seen you change before. You surveyed the rest of the team. No one was looking at you. Except-

Natalie.

Goddammit.

She just kept staring as you stripped down to your underwear. Luckily for you, you were wearing something full coverage.

The way she was looking at you was almost hungry, like she was drinking in your entire body. Nothing would take her eyes off you.

This was it. This was when she decided all the flirting was over. She didn't like the way you looked under the sweaters and baggy pants. She-

Was walking towards you. Out of the water. Away from everyone else.

"Tai-" you started, before you realized that she and Van had walked away. Shit. Shit shit shit.

Without thinking, you started walking towards the lake. The sooner you were submerged, the better. And you really didn't want to talk to Natalie when you were this exposed.

As you passed Natalie, you wrapped your hand around her wrist and drug her along with you.

"Come on. We're swimming. You can't get out as soon as I decide to get in." She doesn't resist as you pull her behind you, back into the lake.

"Whatever you say. I'm glad you decided to get in."

"Well, Taissa thought it was a good idea to dump water all over me. I would've had to change in front of everyone anyways. Might as well suck it up and get into the water while I'm at it."

"I told you no one would stare." She smirked and pushed the water toward you, splashing you a bit.

"Mm. Someone was staring," you responded, trying to get her to tell you why she had looked at you the way she did.

"Who?" She asked. You couldn't tell if she really didn't know who you were talking about, or if she was feigning innocence.

"Um. You?" You replied, looking at her with a quizzical look on your face.

"That was because I wanted to see if you were really going to swim. Not to judge you."

"Oh, yeah, sure. Whatever you say."

"Did you want me to be judging you? Because I wouldn't do that. To anyone. But especially you. You're like, really pretty or whatever."

"Really pretty or whatever? Such a romantic, Scatorccio." With as much force as you can, you splash her.

After she recovers from the shock of the water being splashed in her face, she looks at you with a challenge.

"No Nat please I didn't-"

Before you could finish your sentence, finish apologizing, she shoved you under the surface of the lake. You didn't have time to do much, except inhale right before she pushed you down.

When you resurfaced, the first thing you heard was her laughter.

"Wow. That was a bit excessive," you said, once you had caught your breath. She was still giggling.

"Had to retaliate somehow." She shrugged, but she did look slightly apologetic.

"Asshole."

"It's how I show my love."

"Awww, you love me?" You mocked.

"Oh, fuck off."

You just laughed at her.

She was doing it again. Staring at you. Subconsciously, you tried to cover yourself up with your arms. It didn't really have the desired effect.

"You're gorgeous," she said, eyes still on you.

"You don't have to say that." You tried to be nonchalant, but you felt your cheeks heating up.

"I'm not just saying that." She moved closer to you. When she reached you, she gently moved your arms out of the way of your body, leaving you more exposed than you'd like.

She looked at you straight in the eyes. Something about it made your knees weak. There was so much love in her face. She was looking at you like you were the only girl in the world.

"I want to kiss you so bad," she whispered in your ear. You shivered at the closeness.

"Maybe not in front of everyone," you whispered back.

"Embarrassed of me?" She joked.

"No," you laughed, "I just hate PDA"

"I have an idea then." She beckoned for you to follow her out of the lake.

You walked behind her as she led you across the beach. The only person that seemed to notice you was Taissa, and she just smiled as you passed.

Natalie continued to lead you to the edge of the woods, in a place just secluded enough. You could still hear everyone, but they wouldn't be able to see you.

Before you knew it, you were pressed up against a tree, the bark scratching your bare back.

"Can I kiss you?" Natalie asked, brushing your hair out of your eyes.

You nodded, and as soon as she got your consent, her mouth was on yours. Her lips were slightly chapped, and you appreciated the roughness of them. But her movements were soft.

Her hands rested on your hips, and her fingers were cold. Her lips felt too good on yours for you to care. You tangled your fingers into her damp hair, pulling her closer.

She pulled away for a moment to whisper to you.

"Do you believe me about you being gorgeous now?" She asked, looking at you with her pupils blown out and lips puffy from kissing.

You laughed, "I guess."

Seemingly satisfied with your response, she went back to kissing you. But now, she was kissing any inch of skin available to her. Your forehead. Your jawline. Your ear. Your neck. She didn't go any lower than that, which you appreciated. You weren't sure how ready you were for anything more. Especially in the woods.

"Y/n? Natalie?" You heard Tai's voice from a distance. "Lottie saw something. We're going to go see what it is. Come back, please."

With that, Natalie looked at you again, eyes full of hunger and want.

"Do this again later?"

[knightofleo]

TRA​И​Ƨ​A by Red Hot Org

"Storied activist and music production non-profit Red Hot presents its latest project, TRAИƧA out November 22nd. With production beginning in 2021, and over 100 artists contributing, TRAИƧA marks one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by Red Hot - a spiritual journey across 8 chapters and 46 songs, spotlighting the gifts of many of the most daring, imaginative trans and non-binary artists working today. It softens the edges of the world we know, and invokes powerful dreams of the futures that might one day thunder from its cracks. The album's instantly memorable cover speaks to the tension between nature and constructed environments, and the tension of transness in the western gender binary."

Adrianne Lenker, Ahya Simone, Alan Sparhawk (Low), Allison Russell, Am Taylor, Anajah, André 3000, Ana Roxanne, Anjimile, ANOHNI, Arthur Baker, Asher White, AV Maria, Babehoven, Bartees Strange, Belina Rose, Benét, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Bill Callahan, Blake Mills, Bloomsday, Calvin Lauber, Caroline Rose, Cassandra Croft, Cassandra Jenkins, Ceyenne Doroshow, Christian Lee Hutson, Claire Rousay, Clairo, CLARITY, Cole Pulice, Devendra Banhart, Dirty Projectors, Eileen Myles, Eli Winter, Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland, Ezra Furman, Faye Webster, Fleet Foxes, Frank Cosmos, Gary Gunn, Gia Margaret, Green-House, Grouper, Hand Habits, Heart Shaped, Helado Negro, Hunter Schafer, Imara Jones, Jamal Shakeri, Jay Dee Daugherty, Jayne County, Jeff Tweedy, Jlin, Joy Guidry, Julianna Barwick, Julie Byrne, Julien Baker, Kara Jackson, Kathi Wilcox, Kb Borins, Kelela, L'rain, Laaraji, Laura Jane Grace, Lauren Auder, Lee Ranaldo, Lightning Bug, Lomelda, Lucy Liyou, Lynn Avery, Lyra Pramuk, Mary Lattimore, Mizu, Mojo Disco, Moor Mother, More Eaze, Moses Sumney, Nico Georis, Nina Keith, Niecy Blues, Nsámbu Za Suékama, Quinn Christopherson, Pepper Mashay, Perfume Genius, Pharoah Sanders, Rachika Nayar, Sade, Sam Smith, Sharon Van Etten, SOAK, Soft Rōnin, SKY, SPARKLE DIVISION (William Basinski), Taryn Blake Miller, Teddy Geiger, Time Wharp, Wendy & Lisa, Yaeji, Yaya Bey

[jokeson-u]

So I was thinking about the part of Sophie's interview where she mentions that the town thinks she killed her father. And I feel like the school/town could generally be split into two factions in the wake of the news of Natalie's dad's death spreading.

#1: People who were aware on some level that Natalie's dad was abusive. This division has two subsections:

A. they think that maybe she did it, but they don't necessarily blame her/think she's crazy because of it. Some are avid believers that he had it coming, others just don't think she should be crucified for being an abused kid who maybe had enough or did it in self-defense. Van, Lottie*, and Taissa types.

B. they'd rather not think about it too hard, and find it easier to go along with the rumors. This ranges from actively participating in rumors, to being a passive listener. Mari, Jackie, and Shauna (mostly out of influence, otherwise she'd be in subcat A- but usually, she's a silent listener in these moments) types. I'd say most of the school is split between this, and the 2nd/final category below.

#2: People who didn't register any abuse and think she's some psycho junkie or whatever. This would largely be peers who were engrossed in themselves and their friends, and townsfolk who only knew of the Scatorccio family by word of mouth.

*I'd also like to say that I think Lottie knew Nat didn't kill him. We know that Lottie had a level of clairvoyancy even on her meds pre crash. I don't think she knew the details, but I think she had a very strong 'gut feeling' that the gun went off in front of Natalie, but she wasn't the one who pulled the trigger. She can't speak on that without further questioning from people, and she can't confirm it, obviously, without asking Natalie directly. But that's part of why she's in the first subsection of #1.

Also, I didn't mention Laura Lee because I think she's her own category lol. She tried remaining neutral, but strongly condemn murder, but also wanted to like. Let Natalie know she can be 'absolved of her sins,' especially because her father wasn't a 'holy man' LMAO. She was warned not to say any of that and does her best not to 💀

[majingojira]

A while back I commissioned some art from @cadhla182 and it came out very well! The idea was that Nico and Laura had infiltrated an underground fighting ring before teaming up to take it down. A comment on the post of this on twitter about how mismatched the fight would be got me thinking... and thinking... And I overthought it.

I ended up working out an entire powers-free MMA AU for the women of the Marvel Universe, complete with taking into account first appearances 'prime fighting' ages, and the like. I've got SPREADSHEETS for this thing. So, it turned out Nico and Laura are in different weight divisions. Nico's a Strawweight. Laura Kinney ended up in Flyweight. So, I got to thinking -- who should Nico and Laura be matched against? I managed to work out a list of top contenders in the various weight classes. Some would utterly trounce Nico even in an MMA AU, but others might be better matches. I can't decide myself, who do you think would be a good match for her? Yes, I plan on commissioning this once the poll is over!

There are others in the division, but what I'm looking for is someone on her level, not someone who would overwhelm her. Specifically, Kate Pryde, Jeanet Foucault, Nadia Van Dyne, and Daisy Johnson round out the "Top 16" in that division. "But what about--" Probably not in that division, or you're thinking of a very obscure character, "What about Janet Van Dyne?!" Retired Champion, currently mentoring Nadia, but might be coaxed out of retirement for one more match... If I can ever really round down a Top 8 from this list! (What about Laura and her opponent? Well, that I've narrowed down to 4: Kate Bishop, Illyana Rasputina, Mantis, and Squirrel Girl -- but that's hopefully going to be easier to figure out...)

[effeminateboyninja]

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konoha 13 music hcs

↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺

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I can’t listen to a song without making it about characters so here’s some headcanons for what kind of music each of the Konoha 13 characters would like/listen to

note: big ty and credit to @kingkonoha, my resident Neji-expert for getting me started with his part! your mind is wonderful.

more here:

jonin sensei | sand siblings | akatsuki

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team 7

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Naruto - Yung Gravy // Lil Nas X // Post Malone // JAWNY // Lewis Capaldi // Ed Sheeran // Imagine Dragons // The Chainsmokers

Sasuke - MCR // Minor Threat // Dead Kennedys // Against Me! // The Offspring // XXXTENTACION // $uicideboy$ // Killstation

Sakura - Taylor Swift // MARINA // Lucy Dacus // Mitski // SZA // Roach Girl // King Princess // Avril Lavigne

Sai - Mitski // MCR // The Cure // Joy Division // Depeche Mode // Cocteau Twins // Alex G // Florist

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team 8

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Kiba - Jack Harlowe // Yung Gravy // Drake // Travis Scott // Tyler, the Creator // Childish Gambino // Lil Yachty // NF

Hinata - Leith Ross // Beach Bunny // Taylor Swift // mxmtoon // Mitski // The Staves // Hozier // Laura Marling

Shino - death’s dynamic shroud // Nmesh // 2 8 1 4 // Gorillaz // Death Grips // Denzel Curry // JPEGMAFIA // Injury Reserve

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team 10

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Ino - Nasty Cherry // Charie XCX // Doja Cat // SZA // Saweetie // Megan Thee Stallion // Miley Cyrus // Avril Lavigne

Shikamaru - Mac Demarco // Tame Impala // MGMT // Alt-J // Cage the Elephant // Goodbye Honolulu // Frank Ocean // Metallica

Choji - The 1975 // Wallows // HUNNY // Hippo Campus // Red Hot Chili Peppers // Mac Demarco // Tame Impala // SZA

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team gai

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Neji - Ludovico Einaudi // Claude Debussy // Maxence Cyrin // Boil the Ocean // Carlo Boscoli // Lullatone // The Blasting Company // Christian Camarao

Lee - Queen // Wham! // Tears for Fears // Electric Light Orchestra // Elton John // Journey // Harry Styles // BØRNS

Tenten - Paramore // Lorde // MARINA // Grimes // Orla Gartland // No Doubt // HAIM // Mitski

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[elizabeth-mitchells]

lottielee / 15

15.  “Aren’t you tired of this?”

Their already small group was divided. 

It wasn’t even a clean and stable division. Some of the girls changed their minds and their allegiances more often than they changed their clothes nowadays, quite more often, really. Van consistently struggled between her loyalty to Tai and her belief in Lottie’s abilities. Misty was regularly kicked out and invited back into each group. Nat and Tai often joined forces just to break apart all over again. Shauna was happy to help any and everyone that didn’t question how often she went off on her own to talk to the ghost of a long-gone best friend whose body was no more than a distant memory. Tensions were high, survival never got easier, and nobody ever felt truly safe.

In the midst of it all, Lottie had only one source of peace and reassurance: Laura Lee.

It was the beginning of their second winter in the wilderness. The lake was far too cold to swim, but not frozen at all yet. Still, it was unlikely that anyone would take the trouble to walk all the way there around sunset. No one had bothered them every time they met there. 

Laura Lee, described by Lottie at least, was a real angel. She refused to take sides in their petty rivalries and conflicts. She was unchanged. She was a vision, sitting by the lake as the sun started to go down, her blond hair blowing delicately in the wind, her cheeks blushed pink with the cold, snuggled inside one of Lottie’s jackets, and smiling as gently as ever down at Lottie.

“Aren’t you tired of this?” Laura Lee asked her.

“Of what?” Lottie wondered. She was lying down, resting her head on Laura Lee’s lap, and trying her hardest not to fall asleep even when Laura Lee’s careful fingers combed through her hair in a truly soothing way. “Of fighting for my life every other day? Having visions of every way we could all die and having almost no one believe me? Tired of missing you? So much more than that. There aren’t words to describe how exhausted I feel.”

As usual, every time Lottie so much as hinted at the reality of Laura Lee’s death, the familiar vision flickered, blurred, or lost some of its consistency. For a brief, terrible second, Lottie was able to feel the sharp little rocks on the ground against the back of her head.

A moment later, Laura Lee was back. As real as ever.

“You’ll always have me with you,” Laura Lee said, with the usual kind tone and a delicate hand pressing against Lottie's cheek, cradling her jaw. “For as long as you want me,” Laura Lee promised.

Lottie felt like crying, because she knew the only possible answer was Forever. And she knew that it was exactly what she would never get to have.

“Thank you,” she answered instead, doing everything she could to offer Laura Lee a smile.

Laura Lee gave her a smile of her own, a knowing little grin that said she could easily read Lottie’s mind. After all, wasn’t she a part of it? Either way, she leaned down as best as she could, and she left the most gentle of kisses on Lottie’s forehead.

Lottie sighed contentedly. If this was all she’d ever have from Laura Lee, she could be happy. She would dream and yearn of scenarios where Laura Lee put down her faith and they stepped away from their restricting circumstances and that angelic pair of lips descended finally on Lottie’s lips. Lottie blushed, afraid that Laura Lee could read her mind. She very decidedly didn’t think of how, if this was a product of her imagination she could manipulate the other girl’s actions. It didn’t work like that. It wouldn’t be real. But this? Resting together by the lake, Laura Lee kissing her forehead and Lottie blushing like a little kid. This could have been real. In fact, it should have been real. Lottie could fool herself into believing it was. She didn’t mind. This would always be all she’d ever have from Laura Lee, and she would have to be happy with it.

[the-one-where-casey-watches-tv]

Yellowjackets episode 2.04 "Old Wounds"

Title sequences are so important. If it’s a good one, you shouldn’t have to look any further to get a sense of what the show is ‘about’, in the philosophical sense of the word. I’ve been so impressed with the Yellowjackets title sequence from the beginning, so when they played a different version of the theme song for this episode only, I knew there was a reason. The title sequence is off-putting, jarring, and jumping through time in every way possible from frame sizes to character ages- a fast paced dose of the overarching tone of the show. They really put a lot of work into it, so throwing in a new version of the theme song is certainly deliberate. And doing it for just one episode doesn’t mark the beginning of a new direction in the story, as I thought before watching the next episode; it means this one in particular is significant.

So what’s so special about this episode? I would argue that the confirmation of there being ‘something’ in those woods came and went in season one when pilot Laura Lee exploded moments after takeoff. Leonard the teddy bear ignited for no reason whatsoever, and that explosion is the first major event with no real logical explanation. While that was a blow, and things have certainly been pretty eerie since the shrooms doomcoming party, I think the events of this episode are the real turning point in the Yellowjackets’ time in the wilderness.

Liv Hewson and Jasmin Savoy Brown in "Old Wounds". Image courtesy of Showtime.

A few things happen, but most loaded is Natalie and Lottie’s duel to bring home the most food. The survivors have created such an emotional division into two camps of logic vs spirituality, with Lottie being the fearless leader of the latter, but I don’t think the situation- or Lottie- is that cut and dry. Natalie’s biggest gripe with Lottie is her perception that she and Travis are the only ones providing for the group, but I have to say that both Laura Lee and Lottie are very spiritual people who don’t overlook physical needs and their physical solutions. Laura Lee wasn’t waiting for divine intervention to rescue them; she read a technical manual and learned how to fly a plane. I don’t know yet what all Lottie is getting herself into (and I don’t think she does either), but she’s only ever tried to enable the group’s vital, practical chores. When Natalie scoffs at her pre-hunting ritual, she replies “you’ve come back alive every time, haven’t you?”.

But, like most cult leaders I suppose, teenage Lottie has found herself some followers more insistent than she is herself, and she agrees to this head-to-head between her and Natalie. The two part ways in the woods, Nat with the gun, Lottie with a little knife to perform a blood sacrifice. As they press on, they both make some pretty crazy discoveries. I’ll start with Lottie’s: the plane we all watched explode in midair, intact right where they found it. She gets inside and opens a hatch, revealing a ladder down into a well-lit, clean, cozy restaurant. She descends and joins her friends, including Laura Lee, at a table, but soon she’s shivering again, covered in snow, soaking wet, and seemingly in another world from her friends despite sitting right next to them. Finally, it’s Laura Lee who tells her she needs to go, or she’ll freeze to death. She pushes Lottie, who falls backwards into the snow, where there is no evidence of her experience in sight. Not even the plane. Whole thing was a hypothermia-induced hallucination from the start.

Courtney Eaton in "Old Wounds". Image courtesy of Showtime.

Nat, meanwhile, has been much more productive. She found a moose frozen into the surface of the lake- the same moose she saw for an instant while out hunting the other day, confirming that she is in her right mind, then and now. She rushes back to the cabin to enlist help breaking the ice and pulling it out. Some people (ahem, Misty) aren’t pleased with Nat getting help in what was supposed to be a one-on-one competition, but everyone else instantly puts the contest aside, as I’m confident Lottie would herself. The group is great at teamwork, honestly, and they’re a well-oiled machine working to break the ice, tie ropes to the moose’s antlers, and heave in unison. Yet despite a truly great effort, they lose their grip and the moose sinks down to the unreachable depths of the lake. Nat is devastated, contest or no contest, just sobbing “we need it” over and over.

This is a really emotional moment, and a huge blow for the group emotionally and physically. This was the first glimmer of hope they’ve had in so long, and now the question still remains: what are they going to eat? I don’t know exactly how things are going to progress, but we all know where this show is going, right? I really think this event is going to be the turning point that sends things in that direction. The thing that really puts into perspective that they are out of options. I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear Nat say at some point that none of the unspeakable things they did in those woods would have happened if they hadn’t dropped that moose.

After a demoralizing, empty handed return, the group returns to the cabin to find Lottie still isn’t back. Nat recovers in a warm bath while team Lottie goes looking for her. When they stumble back in, Lottie barely conscious, Nat jumps out and helps Lottie into the tub. The two hold hands, no hard feelings. The group has made them the symbols of two very different philosophies, but really, Nat and Lottie are both pro survival. They just have different skills.

The results of this competition seem to suggest that Nat, and everything she’s come to represent, are correct. The woods made a fool of Lottie, and even though they both came back empty handed I don’t think anyone can disagree that Nat came out on top. The pair’s present-day storyline also plays a big role in this episode, and I think the timelines really come together well to take us a solid step forward towards understanding what’s going on in the wilderness.

Present-day Natalie has found the cult of the purple people, and their leader Lottie. Clearly some bad blood has formed between the two of them since their good-natured competition because Nat is hell bent on exposing Lottie’s cult. But so far, Lottie seems bulletproof. Her followers know what they’re getting themselves into and honestly Lottie is so likable that I find myself rooting for her even though I’m sure the rest of the gang’s skepticism of her will be warranted in due time. A lot goes on within the cult in this episode, but the really significant part comes at the very end. Lottie is outside in the dark alone, slicing her hand open and dripping blood into an altar, just like she did in the woods, but this time she’s saying, “please let this be enough”.

Teenage Lottie has no idea what she’s praying to, and the events of their hunting competition suggest that the answer might be nothing. But this present-day development sheds a new light on those events: there is something in the woods, but it is not a friend.

But Van and Taissa already knew that. Taissa is staunchly team Natalie- I’d say because she doesn’t want to acknowledge what she already knows deep down- but she indulges Van by attending Lottie’s little spiritual groups. On a personal note, Van is the best character, and I am thrilled to see her join the present-day timeline- played by Six Feet Under’s Lauren Ambrose no less.

Lauren Ambrose in Yellowjackets. Image courtesy of Deadline.

I can’t ignore that major development, but while Taissa’s storyline is the most terrifying, it’s also maybe the least complex. The Leftovers comparisons abound with her character- the practical, good-natured bystander who’s been chosen by a force against their will and beyond their understanding. And the fallout gets worse the longer they ignore it.

So, after hiding from her nighttime escapades that have already left her son terrified of her, adult Taissa wakes up in her car with no gas and no cell phone battery. She deduces her alter ego’s destination and hitchhikes to Van’s place- something that will surely be reaching the press very soon. Whatever’s lying in the woods, Taissa will be the one really in the center of it. Her and Van’s discovery of Javi in the wilderness, in the exact spot that Van and Nighttime Taissa knew was significant, confirm that.

The really interesting thing about this show to me is that I really can’t figure out who to root for. Shauna, Natalie, and Taissa seem to be the heroes, but these ladies are all so nutty. Right now, we still have a lot to learn about what exactly goes down in these woods, but we have a pretty good idea and it’s safe to say that no one survived without getting their hands dirty.

But the best thing about this show is that literally anything goes! So what do you think is next for the Yellowjackets? Which characters are the kind of crazy you can get behind? What will become of poor coach Ben? And dare I even plant the seed that Shauna might eat her baby…

And I’ll end with a friendly reminder to support TV writers! The creators of Yellowjackets have closed the writer’s room for season 3 that had only just gotten started last week and are now picketing as I type. The Writer’s Guild strike means we might get an abridged season 3, as is the case for many current shows, but writers are getting shafted in this behemoth of an industry, and they’re fighting for the conditions that will let them both do their best work and live their best lives.

[termagax]

43...

DIRTY LOVE - DIVISION OF LAURA LEE

MAN okay so brief context hog and fish initially met + fell in love before all the apocalypse stuff. they both have this kind of abandonment of identity thing going on and both of them spend a lot of the time between "apocalypse" and "whenever the game is supposed to happen" in this kind of dissociated funk. (a lot of roadhogs canon stuff from this time is him brooding about how he Aint Nobody and Nothing Matters and yknow that kind of thing). so i think during that time period for each other they r the "final chance to really exist". theyre the only ppl who really know who the other used to be, theyre kind of the last tie to any identity the other has and i really like the turning into a ghost imagery i think its cool. like what if u killed the person u used to be but someone who loved them still lives in yr house yk. theyre both kind of each others ghost and i think thats where the self destructive insanity part of their hookups comes in because like, theyre dying, might as well find a way to live.

[maddmuses]

Ship Wish List

(Not all Romantic, specifying when a dynamic I want isn’t)

Conner Kent -Young Justice Members (Friendship) -M’gann M’orzz -Cassandra Cain -Cassie Sandsmark -Teen Heroes in general to relate to -Clark Kent (My boy needs his father blz) -Lois Lane (he needs a mom in his life too) -Basically any Kent (family vibes, and to meet his daughter)

Martha Kent -Other kids of JL members (Just connections bls) -Witchy vibe gfs would be great in general please she is known magic strong-girl -Pretty much same on Superfam and Kentfam as Conner

Caroline Kent -Other next-gen Teen Titans plz (all kinds) -Pretty much same on Superfam and Kentfam as Conner

Cassandra Cain -Other Batfam Sibs (Family, please she needs these) -Bruce (Give this girl her dad dammit!!) -Conner Kent (#1 Boyfriend tbh) -Stephanie Brown -Rose Wilson (-confused bi noises-)

Peter Parker -Other Spider Folxs (Spider-Verse what what?) -MJ Watson -Felicia Hardy -Cindy Moon -Gwen Stacy -Kitty Pryde -Mayday Parker (I need him to be a dad or meet an alt-timeline version of the daughter he could have someday) -X-Men (I like this in general, I definitely like the idea of him being connected to other ostracized superhumans in general)

Rachel Summers -ATTENTION ALL MUTANTS (Here she is, right there) -Kitty Pryde -Mayday Parker (future timeline gfs ftw :3) -Laura Kinney  -Logan (I need surrogate dad vibes, lbr her current dad leaves things to be desired)

Gwenpool -If it’s chaotic I’d love to have it

Ty Lee -Fuck me up w/ your ATLA muses (Ty Lee needs interacts) -Also Azula ofc :3

Mina Ashido -Ochako Uraraka -Nejire Hado -Momo Yaoyorozu -Honestly I just want her to interact w/ other hero muses in general (Var.) -Could give her some adversaries in the form of villains too tho (Var.)

Isane Kotetsu -Kiyone Kotetsu (She needs to interact with her little sister!!!) -Other 4th Division Members -Rangiku (”>////////////////<” -- Isane Kotetsu (19XX-20XX)

Rukia Kuchiki -Ichigo Kurosaki (A variety of dynamics are desired but romantic too yes) -Renji (Frenemies but actually Frenemies) -Byakuya (She requires her older brother) -Orihime (Besties but also gfs???? 👀👀👀👀) -Tatsuki -Ask me about my Rukia ship tier list it’s p good -Gotei 13 (What if The Office, but it’s samurai ghosts????) -Her gf from when she was in the Shinigami academy

Byakuya Kuchiki -Same as Rukia reg. Gotei 13 (Just need coworkers tbh) -Renji (Obviously he needs his main subordinate to bully) -Kenpachi (Battle Boyfriends???? 👀👀👀) -Same as Rukia I have a ship tier list ask about it

Isshin Shiba-Kurosaki -Masaki Kurosaki -Basically any Kurosaki he needs his kids lbr -People he knew early in his time in the living world -Various Bleach muses for various reasons

Goku -Chi-Chi >:3 -His kids kindly (My Goku is still not best dad but he’s peak Goku-style dad) -ppl to fight???? -Also his besties/squad

Goba -Other Son family members -also ppl to fight -Time Patrollers to train with -also ppl to date -Hot Saiyan Girls™ 👀👀👀👀 Mun: *slaps Goba’s hands* OFF MY COMPUTER BRAT!!

Broly -Look I’m not picky here???? -Raditz might be nice -So would Cheelai tho

Itachi Uchiha (My main verse is him as Hokage) -Basically anyone from konoha should get to interact with this delight -Sasuke (he needs to make sure his brother doesn’t turn to the dark side) -Akatsuki members fs -idk about romantic ships but I’m down to clown -other Kage

Sakura Haruno -Naruto Uzumaki (besties) -Ino (😳) -Hinata -Karin -Temari -Tenten

Yuharu Kaiba -Honestly she’d love to interact with almost anyone from DM or GX, possibly even 5Ds

Toru Caushan -The Strawhats (though lbr they aren’t a crew he goes after hardcore) -Nami (I miss the old ship w/ him and missvvave but definitely open to exploring it w/ other Namis) -Kaido -other Mythical Zoan users -Any other Marine canons or OCs

Korosensei -Just give this man students plz? -Superman (I think they’d be wholesome) -Aguri Yukimura

Donovan Greyback -Lily Potter II (They’re besties your honor) -Era-dependent but honestly Donovan would love to interact w/ anyone

Hermione Granger -Other Golden Trio and GT-era Hogwarts characters -Ministry of Magic characters -Luna Lovegood (<3)

Sora -I picked him because he can interact w/ literally any verse -Could definitely go for other Destiny Island and FF chara tho

Roxas -Axel (Besties) -Xion (Also Besties) -Org XIII muses and just generally other Nobodies -Other Keybladers tbh

Vanitas -Just anyone for him to torment tbh -Wayfinder Trio -Other Villains -Disney characters who can possibly redeem him (🥺🥺🥺🥺)

Zack -Aerith -Cloud -Angeal (mentor pls) -Tifa -Basically any party member or SHINRA character

Cloud -Honestly I would like more variety but also will never say no to a Tifa or Aerith ship -Just like all kinds of ppl please

Tifa -Aerith -But also just give her gfs -Clouds are also likely ye from me -Patrons of her bar

Dante -Lady -Trish (But like, they’re brother-sister vibes) -Vergil (let him annoy his big bro) -Nero (also let him annoy his baby nephew) -Like just let me throw Dante at you

Ahri -She needs victims -Sona (Romantic/Seggsual) -Sett (Romantic) -Akali (Romantic/Seggsual/Bandmate) -Evelynn (Romantic/Seggsual/Bandmate) -Kai’Sa (Romantic/Seggsual/Bandmate) -Seraphine (Romantic/Seggsual/Bandmate) -Lilian (Prey/Romantic/Seggsual) -Neeko (Prey/Romantic) -Wukong (Prey/Playmate/Bestie/Seggsual) -Irelia (Rival/Enemy/Prey/Seggsual/Romantic) -Xayah (Rival/Romantic/Seggsual/Throuple) -Rakan (Seggsual/Teasing/Throuple) -Kayn (Romantic/Pining) -Teemo (Victim) -Gwen (Romantic) -Viego (Hateship/Complicated/Pining) -Miss Fortune (Seggsual/FWB/Romantic) -Fiora (Fling/Hateship) -Garen (Hateship) -Lux (Rival/Romantic/Seggsual) -Ashe (Rival/Romantic/Seggsual) -Nidalee (Honestly sorta OTP) -Katarina (Hot/Hateship/RWB) -LeBlanc (Hot/Seggsual) -Riven (Rivals/RWB/Romantic) -Rell (RWB/Romantic/Seggsual) -Samira (Hot/RWB) -Taliyah (Rivals/Playful Rivals/Romantic) -Sivir (Romantic/Tension/Seggsual) -Renta (Enemies/Hot/EWB) -Zeri (Rivals/RWB)

Settrigh -Hey, does anyone want to work for a criminal? -Also could use interacts w/ his mum because he loves his mum

Luffy -Nakama (for crew-related reasons) -ShiraCrybabyhoshi (for shipping reasons)

Nami -Luffy (Her Ride and Die) -Usopp (Her Ride but not Die) -Zoro (lbr frenemies) -Sanji (GBFF) -Hina (Hot Marine GF) -Tashigi (Hot Marine GF The Sequel) -Just Hot Marines of both genders to date tbh -Boa Hancock (”Could be us baby”/Ship)

Ty Lee -Azula (Her First Love)(Toxic) -Suki (Her Second Love)(Wholesome) -Sokka (If I Had To Pick A Dude) -Mai (Eagle 2)

[pcwpolwrestling]

10/26-PCW Extreme Political TV

Last Week on PCW Extreme Political TV: -Johnny Suave opens the show and runs down tonight’s show. -‘The Ultimate Political Operative’ Kathryn Randall Collins tells interviewer Mindy Taylor she feels insulted that she has to earn her title shot at Extreme Election Night 2024 against PCW Women’s Champion Catherine Cline. -PCW owner Dawn McGill announces they will be taping a house show at Madison Square Garden on October 27th.  This brings out James Carville who compares PCW running a show at MSG to Hitler’s Nazi Rally at MSG in 1939. ‘The Extreme Equalizer’ Whiskey Tango Foxtrot runs down and chokeslams Carville. -‘Colorado Gunslinger’ Laura Brobert cuts a promo before the three-way match tonight against KRC and Sarah Mae Smith for a shot at the Women’s Title.  Brobert says she’s going to show everyone why she’s called the ‘gunslinger’ and the ‘coastal elites’ and ‘small-town sweetheart’ don’t have a chance. -Candidate for PCW CEO Kamala Harris holds a town hall with Main Street USA that doesn’t go very well. -Sarah Mae Smith tells interviewer Woodward Bernstein that Main Street USA is made of grit, determination, and good old-fashioned American values. -Democrats pitch their brand to a voter. -Kathryn Randall Collins (Progressive Alliance) defeated Sarah Mae Smith (American Heartland Coalition) and Laura Brobert (American Patriots) in a Women’s division #1 contender’s match. KRC will now face PCW Women’s champion Catherine Cline for the title at Extreme Election Night 2024. -Dave Ramsey interviews Kamala Harris… it doesn’t go well. He’s supporting Donald Trump. -Republicans pitch their brand to a voter. -‘Mr. Hollywood’ Kevin Daniels (Progressive Alliance) defeated Kirk Walstreit (American Patriots) in a #1 contender’s match. Daniels will challenge PCW Champion Charlie Blackwell for the title at Extreme Election Night 2024. -Backstage, Kamala Harris watches Donald Trump’s appearance at the Al Smith Dinner.  Jim Gaffigan gets a couple of sharp lines off on Harris. Harris gets on the phone with her aide and reams her out.

Political Championship Wrestling Extreme Political TV Taped at Twining Hall Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania Saturday October 26th, 2024

Announcers: ‘The Voice of PCW’ Johnny Suave AGE: 50 / HT: 5’ 11” WT: 195 HOME: Philadelphia, PA HAIR: Brown / STYLE: Like Ronnie Dunn / FACE: Goatee DRESS: Brown suit without tie

Colleen Crowder ‘Low-Level New York Times Reporter Trying to Make a Name for Herself’ AGE: 38 / HT: 5’ 5” WT: 142 HOME: New York City, NY HAIR: Black / STYLE: Curly / FACE: Narrow face with rounded jaw, turned-up nose, faint freckles, and thin lips. Bulging blue eyes, thin eyebrows. DRESS: Black pants suit

PCW Champion: Charlie Blackwell (American Heartland) Since 2/10/2024 Contenders: ‘Mr. Hollywood’ Kevin Daniels (Progressive Alliance) Kirk Walstreit (American Patriots) Mike the Mechanic (Main Street USA)

PCW Women’s Champion: Catherine Cline (Independent) Since 9/21/2024 Contenders: Kathryn Randall Collins (Progressive Alliance) Laura Brobert (American Patriots) ‘American Girl’ Sarah Mae Smith (Main Street USA)

PCW World Television Champion: Starz N. Stripes and ‘The One-Man Anti-Hollywood A-List’ Stone Chism (American Patriots) Since 3/3/2024 Contenders: The Deplorables: Ray McAvay/’Prairie Populist’ William Daniels Bryan (American Heartland Coalition) The Green World Order: GreenPete/’Extreme Vegan’ Brock Cole Lee (Progressive Alliance) The Sports Entertainment Corporation: Gator Bates/The Alabama Kid (SEC) Bi-Partisan Dream Team: Blue Dog D/RINO Main Street USA: Ken Worth-American Trucker/Farmer John Deer

Opening The arena explodes and the camera zeros in on ‘The Voice of PCW’ Johnny Suave as the show begins.

PCW! PCW! PCW!…

Johnny Suave: Hello ladies and gentlemen and welcome to PCW’s Extreme Political TV! Joining me tonight is the ever-delightful Colleen Crowder- a low-level New York Times reporter trying desperately to make a name for herself.

Colleen rolls her eyes, her lips pursed in a tight frown, her hands adjusting her glasses.

Colleen Crowder: Let’s just get this circus over with.

Johnny Suave: And boy, do we have a show for you tonight! Extreme Election Night is just two weeks away and…

The crowd roars as Dawn McGill struts into the ring, her blonde hair catching the spotlight. The video screen flickers with the more modest selections from her Henhouse Magazine shoot, adding sizzle to her entrance.  She’s dressed in a form-fitting blazer and skirt that accentuate her statuesque figure, commanding attention with every step.

Johnny Suave: …hold on.  PCW Owner Dawn McGill has just come out and she is headed toward the ring.

Colleen rolls her eyes again- not pleased at the sight of the PCW Owner.

Colleen Crowder: Yay.

Dawn takes the microphone, her blue eyes scanning the audience.

Dawn McGill: First and foremost, I want to thank each and every one of you for coming out tonight. I keep saying this, but you have to understand that I truly mean it. PCW isn’t about the big shots. PCW is all about YOU – the people. We do this for you.

The crowd cheers, and Dawn’s lips curl into a satisfied smile.

Back at the announcer’s table, Colleen scoffs, her voice dripping with disdain.

Colleen Crowder: She’s just sucking up to the rabble.

Johnny turns to her, his brow furrowed.

Dawn McGill: I’ve come out here tonight to introduce the matches for PCW Extreme Election Night 2024…

PCW WOMEN’S TITLE: Catherine Cline (IND) © vs. ‘The Ultimate Political Operative’ Kathryn Randall Collins (Progressive Alliance)

PCW TAG TEAM TITLE: ‘The One-Man Anti-Hollywood A-List’ Stone Chism and Starz N. Stripes w/Zachary Levi (American Patriots) © vs. The Green World Order (‘Extreme Vegan’ Brock Cole Lee and GreenPete w/Peta from PETA) (Progressive Alliance)

PCW TITLE: Charlie Blackwell (American Heartland Coalition) © vs. ‘Mr. Hollywood’ Kevin Daniels (Progressive Alliance)

PCW CEO: Kamala Harris w/Tim Walz (Progressive Alliance) vs. Donald Trump w/J.D. Vance (American Patriots)

Dawn McGill: Tonight, Catherine Cline is HERE-

The crowd explodes at the mention of Cline.

Dawn McGill: …and she will be in the main event. Stay tuned and have fun!

PCW! PCW! PCW!…

The camera pans across the packed arena, settling on Johnny Suave and Colleen Crowder at the announcer’s table.

Johnny Suave: What a way to kick off the night!  Dawn McGill knows how to make an entrance and set the tone for PCW.

Colleen Crowder adjusts her glasses, a frown creasing her brow.

Colleen Crowder: I found it distasteful and pandering. Is this wrestling or a swimsuit competition?

Johnny Suave: Why can’t it be both? But speaking of spectacles, we need to cut to the concourse. You won’t believe what’s happening at the concession stand!

Colleen Crowder: What?

Do You Want Fries with That? The feed switches to the bustling hallway of Twining Hall. A massive crowd has gathered, cheering and waving. At the center of the commotion stands American Patriot candidate for PCW CEO- Donald Trump, wearing a PCW-branded apron and flipping burgers with exaggerated flair.

Donald Trump: Order up!

Trump tosses a wrapped sandwich into the crowd.

Donald Trump: Nobody flips burgers like me, folks. Believe me!

The crowd goes wild, hands outstretched to catch the flying food. Suddenly, a shrill voice cuts through the din.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: This is an outrage!

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez pushes through the throng, her face flushed with anger… her voice high-pitched and shrill.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: You’re mocking hardworking Americans! Food service is not a joke!

Trump grins, unfazed.

Donald Trump: Lighten up, AOC. The people love it. We’re having fun here!  We’re ALL having fun here, right?

The crowd roars in agreement, drowning out AOC’s protests. Back at the announcer’s table, Suave and Crowder exchange glances.

Johnny Suave: Well, that’s one way to serve up controversy. Trump’s certainly drawing a crowd.

Crowder shakes her head.

Colleen Crowder: It’s a circus, plain and simple. This isn’t politics or wrestling – it’s a mockery of both.

MATCH #1: The Bi-Partisan Dream Team vs. The Green World Order The arena erupts as Kimber Marshall struts into the ring, her sequined red, white, and blue bodysuit catching the spotlight. She grabs the mic, her infectious energy palpable.

Kimber Marshall: Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for our first match.  Introducing a team that’s trying to bridge the political divide. They’re here to show us that red and blue can make beautiful music together. Give it up for… The Bi-Partisan Dream Team!

The opening riffs of “Let’s Work Together” by Canned Heat blast through the speakers. RINO, the Wonk Machine, emerges first, his massive 275-pound frame barely contained in a fire-engine red singlet. Blue Dog D follows, sporting a royal blue outfit that accentuates his lean 195-pound physique.

Kimber Marshall: From Detroit, Michigan, standing at 6 feet and weighing in at 275 pounds… RINO, the Wonk Machine! And his partner, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, 6 feet tall and 195 pounds… Blue Dog D!

The odd couple climbs into the ring, awkwardly attempting to high-five each other.

Kimber Marshall: And their opponents…

She pauses for dramatic effect.

Kimber Marshall: They’re lean, they’re green, and they’re ready to make the political scene… The Green World Order!

A cacophony of nature sounds mixed with heavy metal guitar riffs fills the arena. GreenPete leads the charge, his 5’11” frame rippling with eco-warrior energy. ‘Extreme Vegan’ Brock Cole Lee towers behind him at 6’3″, his spiked green hair adding another foot to his height. PeaceNick and Peta from PETA flank them, all wearing matching green ‘GWO’ shirts.

As they enter the ring, Brock Cole Lee snatches the mic from Kimber. His eyes wild with fervor.

Brock Cole Lee: WE’RE CHANGING EVERYTHING!

The crowd is split, some cheering for the eco-warriors, others rallying behind the unlikely bipartisan alliance.

The bell rings and the crowd roars as RINO and Blue Dog D circle GreenPete and Brock Cole Lee. Johnny Suave’s voice cuts through the chaos.

Johnny Suave: Here we go.  The Green World Order is challenging ‘The One Man Anti-Hollywood A-List’ Stone Chism and Starz N. Stripes for the PCW Tag Team Title at Extreme Election Night.

RINO: Let’s have a clean match, fellas. We’re all Americans here.

GreenPete slaps the hand away.

GreenPete: Clean? Like your fossil fuel lobbyist friends?

The crowd oohs as RINO’s face reddens. Blue Dog D puts a hand on his partner’s shoulder.

Blue Dog D: Easy there, big guy. Remember our message.

RINO nods, taking a deep breath.

RINO: Right. Unity. Compromise. The American way.

Brock Cole Lee scoffs, his green hair quivering with indignation.

Brock Cole Lee: Compromise? On the future of our planet? Not a chance, meat-breath!

The match begins in earnest, with RINO and Blue Dog D attempting coordinated moves that fall just short of clicking. GreenPete and Brock Cole Lee, meanwhile, move like a well-oiled machine – if that machine ran on sustainable energy, of course.

Johnny Suave: The Bi-Partisan Dream Team is preaching unity but their in-ring chemistry is about as cohesive as a congressional budget meeting!

RINO thinks, ‘We’ve got to get it together. Show these green bean extremists what real cooperation looks like.’

But as he reaches for a tag, Blue Dog D hesitates, unsure which hand to extend. GreenPete capitalizes, yanking RINO into a wrenching arm bar.

Brock Cole Lee: Tag me!

GreenPete obliges with a fluid motion. They whip RINO across the ring, and GreenPete delivers a devastating knee…

Johnny Suave: THE CLIMATE KICK!

…which is followed by a picture-perfect Senton from Brock Cole Lee.

RINO struggles to his feet, dazed.

GreenPete sets up for his finisher.

GreenPete: Time to harpoon another capitalist whale!

He drives RINO into the mat with a vicious spear.

Brock Cole Lee: Finish it!

GreenPete rolls up the stunned RINO for the three-count.

The bell rings.

Johnny Suave: The Green World Order wins!

Colleen Crowder: Score one for the good guys!

Johnny Suave: We’ll be back with more after these messages.

Commercial Break As the screen flickers to life, a sea of grey cubicles stretches as far as the eye can see, each one housing a corporate drone more lifeless than the last. The camera pans across rows of identical desks, each occupied by a blank-faced worker staring mindlessly at a computer screen.

A silky voice oozes from the speakers, dripping with false sincerity.

Silky Voice: Here at MegaCorp, we’re not just a company, we’re a family. A family that’s available 24/7 to meet your every need.

The camera zooms in on a disheveled employee, bags under his eyes, as he answers a phone at 3 AM. “Thank you for choosing MegaCorp, how may I optimize your synergy today?”

Silky Voice: At THE Corporation, we work harder, faster, and longer than the competition. Soulless automatons chained to our desks… working for you.

The camera pans across a sea of exhausted faces, fingers flying over keyboards at inhuman speeds. A man suddenly face-plants onto his desk. But incredibly, horrifyingly, the man’s hands keeps on typing.

Silky Droning Voice: Our employees are dedicated to YOUR success.

A woman in a crisp blazer gives birth under her desk, her eyes never leaves her computer screen.

Silky Voice: At MegaCorp, we don’t just think outside the box. We demolish the box, set it on fire, and dance on its ashes while singing our quarterly reports.

The scene cuts to a group of employees forced to participate in a cringe-worthy team-building exercise, fake smiles plastered on their faces as they fall backward into each other’s arms.

A manager appears on screen.

Manager: That’s right.  At THE Corporation, we’ll do ANYTHING for our clients.  We are available twenty-four-seven.

The shot zooms in on a bathroom stall, feet visible beneath the door.

The narrator’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper.

Silky Whispering Voice: That’s right. At MegaCorp, even if we’re doing our business… we’re still doing yours.

As the commercial reaches its crescendo, the voice becomes almost manic.

Silky Manic Voice: Because at MegaCorp, we’re not just changing the game. We’re rewriting the rules, flipping the board, and declaring ourselves the winners of a game no one else knew we were playing!

The screen fades to black, and a shrill, cringy slogan appears: “MegaCorp: Turning Your Dreams into Our Profits!”

Backstage Progressive Alliance candidate for PCW CEO Kamala Harris is on her phone… again. The phone clutched so tightly her knuckles have again gone white.

Kamala Harris: What the *BLEEP*!

Harris screams into the phone, spittle flying.

Kamala Harris: Donald Trump is serving people at the concession stands. Look at all the *BLEEP*-ing attention he’s getting out of that. What didn’t you think of that?

The phone shakes in her hand as she fights the urge to just hurl it across the room.

Kamala Harris: ARGGHHH!

She jabs the ‘End Call’ button and walks off.

And now, a PSA about gun safety Narrator’s voice: Fall is here and that means hunting season is upon us.  It’s a great time to review gun safety.

The sharp crack of gunfire echoes across the range as Lucas Kunce, candidate for US Senator from Missouri, squares up to another steel target. Beside him, Adam Kinzinger fumbles with his rifle, the eye protection perched uselessly atop his head like a fashionable headband.

Lucas Kunce: This is what freedom feels like, folks!” Kunce bellows, his voice carrying over the gunshots. “Nothing like bonding with our union brothers over some good old-fashioned target practice!

Kunce’s mind races, calculating the political points he’s scoring. These union guys’ll eat this up. Second Amendment rights and worker solidarity – it’s a winning combo!

A metallic ping rings out as another bullet finds its mark. Suddenly, a yelp of pain pierces the air. A reporter, notepad in hand, stumbles backward, clutching their arm.

Lucas Kunce: Oops.

His politician’s smile doesn’t waver.

Lucas Kunce: Always keep that first aid kit handy, folks! Shrapnel’s just part of the game when you’re exercising your freedoms!

As Kunce tends to the reporter with practiced concern, a stern-faced woman in a “Gun Safety Expert” vest storms onto the range.

Gun Safety Expert: What in the name of responsible firearm ownership is going on here?

She points to the steel targets mere yards away.

Gun Safety Expert: You’re shooting rifles at close-range steel? Are you trying to get someone killed?

Kinzinger blinks owlishly through his high-powered scope, still aimed at a target five feet away.

Adam Kinzinger: But… but it makes the targets look bigger!

The expert’s gaze falls on the table downrange, her face paling.

Gun Safety Expert: Is that… Tannerite? Near active shooters? Have you all lost your minds?

Kunce’s smile falters for a moment. This isn’t quite the photo op he’d envisioned. But hey, any publicity is good publicity, right? He plasters on his best “concerned leader” face and addresses the gathered union workers.

Lucas Kunce: See, friends? This is why we need more education on responsible gun ownership. Now, who wants to try their hand at the Tannerite challenge?

The Gun Safety Expert slaps her forehand with her hand as the PSA comes to an end and PCW cuts back to Johnny Suave and Colleen Crowder at the broadcast table.

Johnny Suave: Can you believe the irony, folks? A candidate from the ‘guns are scary’ party, proving they can’t handle firearms safely! It’s like watching a clown juggle chainsaws… blindfolded!

Suddenly, Martha Raddatz from ABC News appears, wagging her finger at Suave.

Martha Raddatz: Now, now, Mr. Suave. Let’s not exaggerate. Only one reporter was hit by shrapnel. The others were not.

Suave’s eyes bulge comically.

Johnny Suave: Only one? Oh, well that makes it all better then! Should we give them a safety award?

From the sidelines, Colleen Crowder nods in agreement with Raddatz.

Colleen Crowder: She’s right, Johnny. We need to report this accurately.

Johnny Suave: It’s not about the number of reporters hit, it’s about the monumental stupidity on display!

How Dare You? The camera pans across the arena, catching the glint of sweat on muscled bodies and the flash of sequined costumes. Suddenly, Hillary Clinton storms onto the stage, her face a mask of righteous indignation.

Johnny Suave: And speaking of divisive…

Colleen Crowder: Johnny!  How dare you say that towards a great American… a trail blazer… a woman who should have been the first PCW CEO!

Hillary Clinton: Dawn McGill.  I demand you come out right now.

Johnny Suave: Uh oh.

Colleen Crowder: It’s about time.

Dawn McGill steps out from the back.

Hillary Clinton: How dare you! You’re holding a political freak show at Madison Square Garden this Sunday, and I won’t stand for it!

Dawn scrunches her face and wonders what the hell.

Hillary Clinton: PCW is nothing more than a Nazi-style propaganda machine!

Johnny Suave: Oh, not this again.  Didn’t James Carville do this last week and get choke-slammed by the Extreme Equalizer Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?

Colleen Crowder: And that was totally uncalled for.

Johnny Suave: Let’s go back to last week.

(REPLAY: Last Week’s PCW Extreme Political TV) …James Carville: You think you’re so clever, don’t you? Holding your little wrestling show at MSG? We all know what this really is – a recreation of the infamous 1939 Nazi rally at MSG!-

The opening riffs of a heavy metal song blasted through the speakers. The fans went wild as the ‘Extreme Equalizer’ Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, all 6’11” and 350 pounds of him, stormed down the ramp.

Carville’s eyes widened in terror as he tried to scurry away, but his aging legs betrayed him. WTF effortlessly hoisted the political pundit into the air and delivered a thunderous chokeslam, silencing his offensive comments with one powerful move.

Colleen Crowder: There was no reason to show that again.

Dawn raises the microphone to respond.  But before she can speak, a small figure darts past her.

Johnny Suave: What the-

Colleen Crowder: Oh, not her again.

It’s nine-year-old Gracie McAvay’s young voice that cuts through the tension.

Gracie McAvay: How dare YOU!

Hillary stumbles back, clearly taken aback. Gracie’s eyes narrow. Suddenly, game show music blares through the speakers.

Announcer Guy (voiceover): Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to… Who’s the Fascist?! With your host, Gracie McAvay!

Colleen Crowder: What the hell is this?

Gracie grins, relishing the moment.

Gracie McAvay: Question one, which party used the judicial system to remove candidates from state ballots… just because they could ‘steal’ votes from their candidate?

Hillary’s mouth opens and closes, but no words come out. She looks like a fish out of water, Gracie thinks gleefully.

Gracie McAvay: Time’s up! The answer is… The Democrats!

Hillary’s face reddens. She clenches her fists, barely containing her rage.

Gracie McAvay: Question two, which party also abused and corrupted the judicial system in an attempt to use lawfare to prevent Donald Trump from running for PCW CEO?

Hillary fumes, her nostrils flaring. She looks like she’s about to explode, Gracie notes with satisfaction.

Gracie McAvay: The Democrats!

Hillary’s face is now a deep shade of crimson. Gracie can almost see the steam coming out of her ears.

Gracie McAvay: Final question, which party actively put pressure on Facebook and social media to censor political views and comments, shut down the free exchange of ideas and opinions and shut down the First Amendment?

Hillary’s entire body trembles with barely contained fury. She looks like she’s about to have an aneurysm, Gracie thinks.

Gracie McAvay: The Democrats!

Gracie throws her arms up in victory. Hillary turns on her heel and stalks off, her rigid posture betraying her anger.

Gracie, caught up in the moment, then does an exaggerated ‘up-yours’ gesture with her arms.

Dawn McGill: GRACIE!

Gracie freezes, suddenly remembering where she is. She turns to face her mother, shoulders slumping, looking genuinely contrite.

Gracie McAvay: Sorry.

In the announcer’s booth, Colleen Crowder sputters incoherently, her professional facade crumbling.

Johnny Suave: Well, well, well.

There’s a smirk evident in Johnny Suave’s voice.

Johnny Suave: Looks like our esteemed colleague is at a loss for words.

Colleen Crowder: This… this is unconscionable! She can’t do that to Hillary Clinton!

Johnny Suave: Oh, lighten up, Colleen. The people want entertainment, and we’re giving it to them. Speaking of which, Catherine Cline is in the house tonight!

Colleen’s groan of frustration is audible even over the crowd’s renewed cheers.

Catherine Clark Arrives The crowd erupts as Catherine Cline bursts through the doors of Twining Hall, her championship belt gleaming under the fluorescent lights. Fans surge forward, hands outstretched, desperate for a high-five or autograph. Catherine’s heart races with adrenaline as she navigates the sea of admirers.

Cline! Cline! Cline!

From the corner of her eye, Catherine spots Kathryn Randall Collins watching with a predatory gaze. The Ultimate Political Operative stalks forward, her presence parting the crowd like Moses and the Red Sea.

Kathryn Randall Collins: Well, well, if it isn’t our illustrious champion.

Catherine squares her shoulders, ready for the verbal sparring match.

Catherine Cline: Kathryn. Come to get a preview of what you’ll be facing at Extreme Election Night?

Kathryn’s lips curl into a smirk.

Kathryn Randall Collins: Oh, sweetie. You think being champion is about physical prowess? About determination? About never giving up?

She circles Catherine like a shark.

Kathryn Randall Collins: How quaint.

The crowd’s murmurs grow restless. Catherine feels her pulse quicken but keeps her face impassive.

Kathryn Randall Collins: Let me educate you, they call me the Ultimate Political Operative for a reason. At Extreme Election Night, you’ll learn what really determines a champion.

With a dramatic flourish, Kathryn spins on her heel and struts away. The crowd rallies behind Catherine, their cheers a comforting blanket of support. She allows herself a small smile.

Johnny Suave: Well now. The tension between the Progressive Alliance’s KRC and the Iowa wonderkid who’s taken PCW by storm Catherine Cline continues to build.

Colleen Crowder: This all could have been avoided had Catherine done the right thing. Give KRC the respect she deserves and wait her turn.  Instead, she embarrassed KRC and she’s going to learn a harsh lesson at Extreme Election Night 2024.

Johnny Suave: All right.  We will be back right after this.

PSA-Leave People’s Political Signs Alone As the screen fades from the first match of the show, a pristine suburban landscape materializes. The camera pans across manicured lawns and cookie-cutter houses, each adorned with limp American flags that seem to sag under the weight of suburban conformity.

Narrator: Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt our regularly scheduled programming for an important public service announcement. Do you know the importance of exercising your right to vote, but did you know that defacing or stealing campaign signs is a crime?

The camera zooms in on a shadowy figure creeping across a perfectly trimmed lawn. Dressed in all black, complete with a ski mask and gloves, the vandal approaches a yard sporting a “Trump 2020” sign.

As the masked figure reaches for the Trump sign, a series of hidden trapdoor springs activate, launching the would-be vandal into the air.

The perpetrator flails wildly, arms and legs akimbo, as they soar through the air. As the vandal crashes back to earth, the camera pans out to reveal the pristine lawn now marred by a human-shaped indentation.

Masked Figure: Ow.

The sign, however, stands tall and unscathed.

The deep-voiced narrator cuts through the laughter, his tone serious yet tinged with amusement.

Narrator: That’s right, these signs don’t just support a candidate, they’re also the property of private citizens.

The PSA continues, showcasing a montage of increasingly outlandish deterrents. A would-be Harris/Walz sign thief triggers a motion-activated water cannon, sending them sprawling backwards in a comical arc.

Next, the camera zooms in on a spring-loaded mousetrap. As a gloved hand reaches for a Trump/Vance sign, it snaps shut, unleashing a glitter bomb that explodes in a dazzling cloud of sparkles.

Finally, a masked woman tries to spray over a Harris/Walz sign, the lights come on… the fence containing several dogs open up and charge forward.

It’s not a pretty sight.

The crowd in Twining Hall roars with laughter, their reaction a mix of shock and delight at each inventive setup.

Narrator: So, the moral of this story is… if you see a political sign you don’t like… just leave it alone and walk on by.

The last shot is of the masked woman running for her life with five dogs chasing after her.

Johnny Suave: That’s a very good message for what’s been a very divisive campaign.

Colleen Crowder: We are the media are providing the truth. It’s the Trump folks who are being divisive.

Johnny Suave: Speaking of being divisive, how about the Washington Post and the LA Times deciding NOT to endorse Kamala Harris?

This catches Colleen off guard.

Colleen Crowder: What?

Johnny Suave: Yep.  The Washington Post is trying to stake an ‘independent’ stance going forward and foregoing endorsing a PCW CEO candidate.

Colleen Crowder: That… that’s… unacceptable.  We set the tone.  We decide the narrative.  We tell people what to think.

Johnny Suave: It’s time for our main event.  Let’s go back to Kimber Marshall in the ring.

MAIN EVENT-NON-TITLE: PCW Women’s Champion Catherine Cline vs. Soccer Mom The ring spotlights flare to life, illuminating Kimber Marshall in all her glory. She’s a vision in a sparkling silver blazer and matching pencil skirt, her brunette waves cascading over her shoulders. The mic gleams in her hand as she lifts it to her red-painted lips, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Kimber Marshall: Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for our main event of the evening!

She takes a dramatic pause, savoring the moment.

Kimber Marshall: Introducing first, standing at 5’6″ and weighing in at 120 pounds, she’s here to fight for your minivans and PTA meetings… Soccer Mom!

On cue, a woman emerges from behind the curtain, clad in mom jeans, a polo shirt, and pristine white sneakers. Her hair is pulled back in a practical ponytail, and she’s clutching a travel mug of coffee like it’s her lifeline.

Soccer Mom: IT’S FOR THE CHILDREN!

Soccer Mom’s voice cracks with fervor as she power-walks down the ramp, occasionally pausing to chastise an imaginary child.

Kimber Marshall: And her opponent, hailing from Iowa City, Iowa, standing at 5’9″ and weighing 125 pounds of pure Midwest muscle, she is your reigning, defending PCW Women’s Champion… Catherine Cline!

The arena erupts as Catherine bursts onto the scene, her long athletic frame coiled with energy. Kimber watches in admiration as the young champion bounds down the ramp, her confidence palpable.

The crowd’s roar swells as Catherine Cline raises her championship belt high, a broad smile lighting up her face. She’s soaking in the adoration, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of competition.

Colleen Crowder: Would you look at that shameless pandering?

Crowder’s acerbic voice cuts through the commentary booth.

Colleen Crowder: I bet she kisses babies and poses for selfies too.

Johnny Suave ignores his co-commentator’s snark, focusing on the action.

Johnny Suave: Cline’s connecting with her base, Colleen. That’s Politics 101.

Catherine lowers her belt and begins slapping hands with fans at ringside, her energy infectious. She’s in her element, a natural face of the company.

Colleen can’t resist another dig.

Colleen Crowder: Oh please, she’s one step away from tossing out campaign buttons. When’s the last time she actually wrestled?

In the ring, Soccer Mom is pacing, muttering about PTA meetings and bake sales. The bell rings, and Catherine squares up, ready for action.

Johnny Suave: This is Cline’s tune-up match before Extreme Election Night 2024.

The match begins with a collar and elbow tie-up. Soccer Mom surprisingly overpowers Catherine, whipping her towards the corner. “IT’S FOR THE CHILDREN!” she shrieks, charging forward.

Catherine nimbly sidesteps her at the last second. WHAM! Soccer Mom slams into the turnbuckle face-first, stumbling backward in a daze.

Johnny Suave: Cline gets out of the way and Soccer Mom hits the turnbuckle hard.

Catherine seizes the moment, rolling Soccer Mom up for a quick pin. The referee’s hand slaps the mat. One! Two! Three!

Johnny Suave: And that’s it!

The arena erupts as Catherine springs to her feet, arms raised in victory. Suave is on his feet.

Johnny Suave: What a statement by our champion! Cline proves once again why she’s the future of this company!

Colleen rolls her eyes.

Colleen Crowder: Yeah, yeah, she beat a suburban mom with a travel mug. Call me when she faces a real challenger… like Kathryn Randall Collins at Extreme Election Night 2024.

Suave, still riding the high of the match, wraps up the show. “That’s all for tonight, folks! Next week, we will be in Madison Square Garden for our final show before Extreme Election Night 2024, see you then!”

[ulkaralakbarova]

A European prince terrorizes the local peasantry while using his castle as a refuge against the “Red Death” plague that stalks the land. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Prince Prospero: Vincent Price Juliana: Hazel Court Francesca: Jane Asher Gino: David Weston Ludovico: Nigel Green Alfredo: Patrick Magee Scarlatti: Paul Whitsun-Jones Guard: Robert Brown Señor Veronese: Julian Burton Lead Villager: David Davies Hop Toad: Skip Martin Señora Escobar: Gaye Brown Esmeralda: Verina Greenlaw Anna-Marie (as Doreen Dawne): Doreen Dawn Grandmother: Sarah Brackett Senor Lampredi: Brian Hewlett Dancer: Jenny Till The Man in Red: John Westbrook Film Crew: Producer: Roger Corman Screenplay: Charles Beaumont Screenplay: R. Wright Campbell Director of Photography: Nicolas Roeg Editor: Ann Chegwidden Casting: G. B. Walker Production Design: Daniel Haller Art Direction: Robert Jones Set Decoration: Colin Southcott ADR & Dubbing: Allan Morrison Special Effects: George Blackwell Camera Operator: Alex Thomson Costume Supervisor: Laura Nightingale Hairstylist: Elsie Alder Makeup Artist: George Partleton Associate Producer: George Willoughby Assistant Director: Peter Price Sound: Richard Bird Sound: Len Abbott Stunts: Peter Brace Stunts: Joe Powell Stunts: George Leech Short Story: Edgar Allan Poe Original Music Composer: David Lee Choreographer: Jack Carter Movie Reviews: John Chard: Bold, Daring, Lurid. Visually appealing and trippy in its telling, The Masque of the Red Death is a very acquired taste. Directed by Roger Corman, the film stars Vincent Price as the diabolical Prince Prospero who holds fear over a plague infested peasantry while jollying it up in his castle. The screenplay by Charles Beaumont and R. Wright Campbell is based upon a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe, while part of the film contains a story arc based on another Poe tale titled Hop-Frog. It’s the 7th of 8 Corman film adaptations of Poe’s works. Sinister yet beautiful (Nicolas Roeg genius like on photography), “Red Death” has proved to be the most divisive of all the Corman/Poe adaptations. Choosing to forgo blood in favour of black magic dalliance and general diabolism, the film is arguably the most ambitious of all Corman’s love affairs with Poe’s literary works. With Price gleefully putting gravitas of meanness into Prospero, the film also greatly benefits from the intelligent input to the script from Beaumont (many Twilight Zone credits). This is, strangely, an intellectual type of horror film, offering up observations on the indiscrimination of death and proclaiming that cruelty is but merely a way of life. God, Satan and a battle of faith, are all luridly dealt with as the story reaches its intriguing and memorable closure. It’s a very tough film to recommend with confidence, and certainly it’s not a film one wishes to revisit too often (myself having viewed it only twice in 30 years!). However, the one thing that is a cast iron certainty is that it’s unlike most horror film’s from the 60s. It’s also one of Price’s best performances. Gone is the camp and pomposity that lingered on many of his other horror characterisations, in its place is pure menace of being. A devil dealer shuffling his pack for all his sadistic worth. You may feel afterwards that you must have eaten some weird mushrooms, or that the last glass of wine was one too many? You are however unlikely to forget “The Masque of the Red Death” in a hurry. 7/10 Wuchak: ***Castles, peasants, diabolical princes, plague, death and Vincent Price*** During what appears to be the late Medieval era in (presumably) Britain, pompous Prince Prospero tyrannically reigns, terrorizing the serfs, while holding up in his castle with other “royals” during the plague of the Red Death. Hazel Court plays his seasoned nefarious babe in the castle whereas Jane Asher appears as his new interest, a virginal, God-fearing peasant girl. Produced & directed by Roger Corman for American International, “The Masque of the Red Death” (1964) is Gothic horror with a huge r...

[saranghae444]

cultural information: articles

“The hidden rules and structure of Korean dating” by Laura Senior Primo

The author explains dating in South Korea is a relatively new concept that started to develop in the 1960’s. Their professor at Yonsei University asserts modern dating culture was borne out of a deviation from the “Confucian family model,” where marriage is a means to social and economic stability and romantic love and connection isn’t required. A direct result of the shift to a marriage and family structure based on love matches is therefore dating. The author cites these origins as one reason why Korean dating is generally a very “systemized practice.” Another reason is societal division by age and gender; the author claims people tend to hang out with people of the same sex, creating “little opportunity for spontaneous meetings,” and making way for 인만추 dating where people meet through 소개팅 (blind dates). Lastly, the author discusses 썸, similar to the “talking stage” in western dating culture. (Note these norms were borne out of, exist in, and serve a very heteronormative perspective on love and dating; being socially confined to same-sex spaces would not hinder queer relationships, for example.)

“Navigating the minefield of dating in Korea” by Ellie Goodwin

This article offers an overwhelmingly negative take on dating culture in South Korea from the perspective of foreigners. The author notes several barriers to foreigners forming long-term relationships in the country, such as pervasive toxic masculinity and a lack of sexual education that together result in experiences of dubious consent. Additionally, the author notes that when foreigners in relationships speak up against offensive or inappropriate attitudes from their Korean partner, they’re usually met with immediate dismissal; they tend to get a response that’s some form of 'well, in my culture it's OK, so it's fine.’ Goodwin directly quotes many such experiences and exemplifies these negative dating experiences are compounded for foreign and/or nonwhite women. Foreign women are generally fetishized by Korean men (foreign men are fetishized too, but not nearly to the same extent obviously) while women of color and black women in particular can be perceived as more promiscuous and sexually experienced than Korean women. One response highlights the dichotomy of dating as a (femme) foreigner in South Korea: "meanwhile going on dates with Korean men just feels very unbalanced with two extremities ― you're either seen as a sexual experiment or immediately caught up in a very intense relationship." 

“Inside South Korea’s Competitive Blind Dating Culture” by David D. Lee

Lee’s article discusses a particular dating practice under the category of 인만추 dating: using matchmaking agencies, dubbed “marriage information companies.” As the name suggests, these companies match their clients with potential marriage partners according to several criteria besides looks and personality, such as “education, profession, income, and family background.” Lee highlights competitive marriage information companies servicing an uber rich Korean clientele. These companies have stricter, more exclusive entrance rules like income requirements and multiple rounds of interviews, with requirements differing between male and female clientele. The author asserts using matchmaking agencies is a pretty common practice across social class, however. The societal/family pressure to get married and exhausting your own social circle for blind date opportunities are two reasons Lee proposes for the high demand for marriage information companies.

“Study Abroad Series: Dating Culture in South Korea” by Chelsea Nguyen

In their article, Nguyen discusses a few of the most visible aspects of South Korean dating culture from their study abroad experience. First they note matching clothing, or 커플룩, is very popular and can take the form of identical items of clothing or items that resemble or compliment each other.  Contrary to the country’s conservative public image, Nguyen notes, public physical displays of affection are also popular. In addition to Valentine’s day, a day reserved in Korea for women to confess or show their love to a partner/crush; White Day (화이트데이) is celebrated, and men take on the role of confessing and doing big displays of affection. Lastly, Nguyen discusses a kind of group date popular among younger generations, 미팅; it’s a relatively laidback outing where a couple invites some of their single male and female friends to mingle. 

“Quirks of Korean dating explained (1) Love confessions, a rite of passage for all couples” by Choi Jae-hee

This article gives a small window into love confessions as a part of Korean dating culture. According to Choi, love confessions are a crucial step to starting a romantic relationship. They mark the transition from the 썸 stage - the “talking stage” where the relationship isn’t exclusive or clearly defined - to an exclusive, explicitly romantic relationship. The author notes there’s even a love confession day in Korea where single people are encouraged to express their romantic interest and make a move. The holiday falls on September 17th, 100 days before Christmas, so that if a pair successfully couple up on that day, they can celebrate their 100 day anniversary on Christmas day. 

[updatesandnews]

AAHOA Leaders Commemorate India’s Independence Day

AAHOA leaders came together on August 15 to celebrate the 76th anniversary of India’s Independence Day through various social media platforms. The association took the opportunity to commend its members, acknowledging their strong connections to their Indian heritage.

This day marks the end of British rule in 1947, following the enactment of the Indian Independence Act on July 18 of the same year, leading to the establishment of an independent Indian nation. Additionally, it marks the division of the subcontinent into two nations, India and Pakistan, which occurred from midnight on August 14 to 15, 1947.

Laura Lee Blake, President, and CEO of AAHOA, shared in a LinkedIn update, “AAHOA represents a vibrant community of 20,000 hoteliers, a significant portion of whom maintain deep ties to their Indian heritage and undertake annual journeys between the U.S. and India. These journeys serve various purposes, including advocating for the hospitality industry on a global stage and making meaningful contributions within India.”

Bharat Patel, Chairman of AAHOA, echoed the sentiment in a LinkedIn post, saying, “On this momentous day of India’s Independence, I am reminded of the remarkable journey undertaken by my family, friends, and numerous individuals in the hospitality sector, all working towards their current positions.”

India’s Independence Day holds special significance for AAHOA members, embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship and the values encapsulated by the American Dream, as stated in an official association statement.

Amidst the celebrations, AAHOA also drew attention to a recent arbitration ruling against Choice Hotels International. The ruling cited contract violation due to insufficient negotiation of discounts through its preferred vendor program. This incident further underscores the need for comprehensive reform in hotel franchising, aligning with AAHOA’s ongoing advocacy efforts through its 12 Points of Fair Franchising. Source: https://www.asianhospitality.com/aahoa-leaders-celebrate-indias-independence-day/

[crankitupswe]

Divison Of Laura Lee - Vänersborgs Teater (2022-04-08)

Divison Of Laura Lee – Vänersborgs Teater (2022-04-08)

[admiralties-blog]

[Consider an 80s AU or, as @vipercrash says, a modern AU where Bill never left the 80s.]