#I can imagine the other guys in that party wanting to kill Laurie

[justmeandmyships]

Emotionally I live in this moment:

"Amy did not know why he looked at her so kindly, nor why he filled up her book with his own name, and devoted himself to her for the rest of the evening, in the most delightful manner"

[inlovewiththefictionalcharacters]

SECOND CHANCE

CHAPTER - 1 : GARDNER

Pairing: (Dark) Andy Barber x Reader.

Warning(s): Non-Con; Dub-con; Slow-burn(Maybe); Possible Defending Jacob spoilers; Possessiveness; Grief; Angst; Any other possible warnings will be added in the future chapters.

Summary: Follow Andy’s journey after the horrible accident that turned his whole world upside down.

*****

Series Masterlist

*****

Never in his life did Andy thought he’ll go through what he did. His whole family and himself going through Jacob’s trial is one thing, but Laurie intentionally trying to take their son’s life by crashing the car to the side of the tunnel is another. He can’t even imagine why on earth did she even think that her son is capable of murdering someone. Sure, Jacob did do a lot of weird stuff that are not normally done by other teenagers. But he believed his son was innocent. And while his son was in coma, attached to IV’s, the woman who put his life in danger came out sustaining minimal injuries.

The events following that are even more ridiculous. No matter what Andy did, she always doubted him. He thought that he deserved it. After all, he did hid about his father from her and would have probably never told her about it if it wasn’t for Jacob’s trial. Andy was fine with her maintaining some distance from him after every thing that happened. After all, the distance was there between them and kept increasing during the trial. And then there was a lot of secrecy that confused him. They never maintained any secrets between them, well apart from Andy not telling her about his father. That really confused him. But what he couldn’t stand was the unbelievable hatred she’s got for Jacob and it kept growing each day. First, it was just her avoiding to look at any of Jacob’s pictures or things. He chalked it up to her feeling guilty about the accident. But then there was her literally just removing all the things that had any connection to Jacob and piling it up to one a corner in the room that those things were in. He didn’t understand why she did that. Not until one day he couldn’t find those things in those rooms anywhere and found them in trash, just as he found the baby pictures of Jacob in the trash can right before the car crash happened. And when he brought those things back inside their home and confronted Laurie about it, she just screamed at him, kept yelling at him that she didn’t want to see them anymore. It was during that time when she literally told him that she hates Jacob. Her own son. That she regrets giving birth to him and should have gotten rid of him like her friends told her to when Jacob was conceived. 

He can’t even fathom how a mother could hate her own son. And then she went on blaming Andy for everything that happened in their life. He tried taking her to therapy and even went to couples therapy with her, hoping to reduce the distance between them, but soon realized that nothing can fix things between them. Andy soon found out that one of the main reasons for the growing reasons between him and Laurie was the affair that Laurie’s been having  with some dude that kept visiting Newton frequently. He definitely didn’t peg Laurie for the cheating type, but oh well. 

But the final nail in the coffin was when Laurie tried to kill Jacob, again. He was visiting Jacob that day and Laurie insisted that she’ll tag along with him. Andy wasn’t up for it, but Laurie was persistent. Andy caved in and took her with him to the hospital. While Andy actually spent some time with Jacob in the unit, Laurie just stood outside the room, not even bothering to come. Then Andy went to talk to the doctor in-charge of Jacob’s treatment to check on the progress of Jacob’s health. When he returned, the sight in front of him chilled him to his bones. Jacob has his eyes closed and was struggling to breathe, his chest was moving frantically while Laurie just stared at him holding the oxygen mask he was wearing earlier, away from him.

“What are you doing?!” Andy growled at her, storming inside towards her while Laurie jumped and looked at him with wide eyes.

Hearing him, a nurse and doctor rushed in and helped Jacob breathe again and checked his vitals while Andy grabbed Laurie’s arm and dragged her away from his son. That was the final nail in the coffin. With some help from his previous employer, since he was still in her good books, Andy drew out a restraining order against Laurie for Jacob and also signed the divorce papers, also stating that he wanted to get full custody of Jacob. He had stayed in Newton till the divorce was finalized and also got full custody of Jacob since Laurie wanted to do nothing to do with the kid which made it easier. The house was sold too and he didn’t bother packing anything that Laurie had any input on. He just packed all of his stuff and Jacob’s sold some stuff and then gave some to charity and then moved to a place where all the ruckus and the media circus was far less. He wanted to live in peace and hopefully, Jacob will heal in time. He hoped that Jacob will be all good and healed in no time but the progress on his part is way less.

*****

It was another day spent working in the little bakery that Y/N owned. Y/N was truly lucky to find Gardner of all places to settle down for now. And she was even more lucky to find this gem of a bakery that was on sale. She literally placed almost all of her savings on it and didn’t regret it one bit about it in the past 3 years. The sales were good and the staff of 4 that worked in shifts were also good and understanding, never making a mess about things. They were like her second family and were there for her when things got a bit overwhelming. She hated dumping her stuff on them but they lived in a community and most were practically a few streets down from where she lived. 

It was a few minutes past 3 in the afternoon and Y/N looked at her watch and cussed.

“Damn, I’m getting late today...” she muttered and looked up at the older woman who was one of the staff.

“Agatha, could you mind taking over for today? Charlotte is closing today and I have to go... I made a promise...” Y/N started and the older woman just her off.

“Just go on child. Don’t worry. Char and I will look over the place. You stay safe on your way” she told her.

Y/N smiled gratefully at her, grabbed her purse and dashed outside. 

By the time she reached home, she sighed in relief and jogged towards the threshold, unlocked the door and walked inside, closing the door behind her. Walking into the living room, a smile broke on her face at the sight in front of her.

“MAMA!” a voice yelled enthusiastically upon her entering the living room.

Y/N crouched down as the toddler ran towards her as quickly as her little feet can take her and she wrapped her arms arounds Y/N’s neck.

“Hi baby!” Y/N cooed as she pressed kisses on the hair and forehead of the little toddler.

“Hi mama! I vuv you!” the little being said.

Y/N’s gaze then landed on Elie who was babysitting her little girl and smiled at her which was returned. The teenager has also been a savior babysitting the little girl whenever Y/N asked her too.

Y/N then looked at Ada, her little girl and told her “Baby, why don’t you go and get your things while mommy speaks to Elie?”

Ada nodded her head and quickly dashed towards the huge box of toys that she has. Y/N then looked at Elie and sighed.

“God, Elie. You are literally my savior, have I ever told you that?” she asked.

Elie grinned and replied “I think you might have mentioned it a time or two, but meh. Ada is the sweetest, and the most easiest to deal with. And I love hanging out with her.”

Y/N smiled gratefully. She still couldn’t understand how she got this much lucky with everything. She then pulled out thirty dollars out of her purse and handed them to Elie, who took them and bid goodbye for the day. Just then Ada ran towards her, with a few of her stuffies.

“Mama! Tea pawty!” Ada yelled enthusiastically. 

Y/N chuckled and grabbed a blanket along with a few of Ada’s stuff for the tea party with her stuffies and the two of them walked outside towards the tiny lawn they had. After setting all the things down, she sat down with Ada and was busy playing with her when the movement of a truck got her attention which was following a sleek black Audi that stopped in front of the house beside theirs. It used to be empty, but Y/N heard from Mrs. Williams that the previous owners have finally sold it to someone, but Mrs. Williams didn’t know any details about the new owner. 

Y/N saw the the truck stop behind the car and the packers and movers immediately opened the back of the truck, carefully moving all the stuff out and to the inside of the house while a guy got out of the car and lead them inside. From what she could see, he’s tall and got dark hair. While Y/N was looking at all the movement that was happening, little Ada’s gaze was transfixed at the sleek black Audi. The little girl, according to Y/N has an unhealthy obsession with cars, way more obsession that what a normal toddler has. 

“Look, mama! Carrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!” Ada said, prolonging the R, making Y/N look at her and giggle. 

She could literally see Ada’s eyes glowing while staring at the car and Y/N shook her head in amusement. Unbeknownst to them, the owner of the said car suddenly turned his attention towards his new neighbors and caught the cute little girl’s gaze on his car and a small smile grazed his lips.

[zen3to5]

J/H 4-01: It’s A Wonderful Life

Well, Eric broke up with Donna, just as in the show, and Hyde went and got Jackie and Kelso back together...what does that mean for Season 4?

(We're doing things a little differently this time. Because "It's A Wonderful Life" has only one storyline, and because all my changes happen in the middle of the episode, I didn't write out the entire thing. You can imagine this version of 4-01 beginning just the same as it does in the show, with Eric in bed, through meeting the angel, cancelling out the kiss, and the first look at life without Eric and Donna's relationship in the basement. Imagine, then, that after the angel tells Eric "I'm gonna show you a lot of neat stuff like this," the scene cuts, and we move on to:)

FF.Net AO3

***

INT. HUB - DAY   A sunny and busy afternoon. ERIC and the ANGEL stand in front of the pinball machine. Right in front of them, ALTERNATE ERIC, clad in letter sweater, plays chess with a NERD, while THREE DORKS stand around them, watching.   ERIC: This can’t be that bad. I’m wearing a letter sweater.   ANGEL: Chess club. Loser.   Alt. Eric considers the board, then makes his move with a smug grin.   ALT. ERIC: Ah, checkmate.   The nerd and the dorks walk away, defeated, as Eric and the angel share a look.   ALTERNATE FEZ enters, in full marching band uniform, with a trumpet in hand. He crosses to Alt. Eric.   ALT. FEZ: Hey, I made the marching band. Oh, at last I will be accepted by the cool kids and not get beat up.   Alt. Eric nods encouragingly. Unfortunately, a JOCK and a HUNK appear, grab Fez by the arms, and haul him back to the door.   ALT. FEZ (cont’d): Ai, no! Not again, guys!   A SECOND JOCK holds the door open, and they all disappear with poor Fez.   The bathroom door swings open, and out step ALTERNATE HYDE and ALTERNATE DONNA, Alt. Hyde’s arm around Alt. Donna’s shoulders. Alt. Hyde has lost his sunglasses and wears a ratty jeans’ vest over his T-shirt. Alt. Donna wears a leather jacket. She has her shirt pulled up, showing a tattoo across her stomach - “Question Authority.”   Alt. Eric glances up at them briefly before bowing his head over the chess board. His head snaps to the door when ALTERNATE KELSO bursts in and makes a beeline for Eric’s table.   ALT. KELSO: Is your sister home?   ALT. ERIC: Well, yes, but -   ALT. KELSO: Great.   He throws himself across the room over to Alt. Hyde and Alt. Donna.   ALT. KELSO: (to Alt. Donna) I need you to keep Jackie busy for, like, a half-hour. She’s out back and I need to get over to Laurie.   ALT. DONNA: Again? Kelso, I am not a babysitter for your midget brat girlfriend.   Alt. Hyde jostles her, gives her a peck on the cheek before clapping Alt. Kelso on the shoulder with his free hand.   ALT. HYDE: Don’t worry, man. I’ve got you covered. We need wheels for the drive-in tonight, so we’ll have Jackie drive us there.   ALT. KELSO: Great.   ALT. HYDE: Then we’ll swipe the keys and ditch her.   All three of them laugh.   ALT. KELSO: All right! (to Hyde) You know, you’ve gotten so much cooler since you dropped out of school!   Grinning ear to ear, he runs out of the Hub, and Alt. Hyde and Alt. Donna begin making out while Alt. Eric steals glances.   Eric steps toward the smooching couple for a better look.   ERIC: No, wait. That’s – this is all wrong. Donna wouldn’t get a tattoo, she and Hyde wouldn’t help Kelso cheat on Jackie, and... well, Hyde might drop out, but I’m pretty sure that’s where Red’s “foot in ass” theories on parenting would go into practice.   ANGEL: It’s not Red’s problem.   ERIC: What do you mean?   ANGEL: Look at you.   He indicates Alt. Eric and Alt. Hyde – or rather, the space between them.   ANGEL (cont’d): Between Donna going with Hyde and you turning into – that...   He gestures dismissively at Alt. Eric, who’s now fingering the chess pieces.   ANGEL (cont’d): You and Hyde started to drift apart.   ERIC: Wait... you’re saying Hyde and I aren’t friends?   ANGEL: Not good enough friends that you’d take him in when his mom left. That’s why Hyde dropped out. And without your parents’ influence, he went wild, and it rubbed off on Donna.   As if to illustrate, Alt. Hyde’s hand drifts down to Alt. Donna’s butt. They make out across the room until they’re bent over the pinball machine. Not once do they notice Alt. Eric.   ANGEL (cont’d): And once they went wild, they didn’t care what Kelso did, and never developed the soft spot for Jackie that led Donna to be her friend and Hyde to look out for her.   Alt. Donna moans with delight and kicks out. Her sandal flies off her foot and beans Alt. Eric in the head, knocking him from his chair and sending the chess set flying.

BUMPER   INT. FORMAN BASEMENT - NIGHT   Eric sits on the deep freeze with the angel standing nearby. Alt. Eric, watches TV on the couch. On the other end of the couch is ALTERNATE JACKIE, wearing her street clothes from 1-21 (“Prom Night.”) She lets out a long, loud sigh. Alt. Eric slowly turns to look at her.   ALT. ERIC: You don’t like Soul Train?   ALT. JACKIE: It’s just... that powder blue suit on Don Cornelius reminded me of the prom.   ALT. ERIC: Oh, right. That thing no one asked us to.   His voice trails off as he turns back to the TV. Eric leans back in disgust.   ERIC: I sat out the prom with Jackie? Oh, let me guess – Hyde had a magical freakin’ night there before having sex with Donna in the motel room I was supposed to get.   ANGEL: No. Hyde didn’t go the prom. He’s at home right now too.   Eric sits up straighter, smiles.   ERIC: Oh.   The angel turns to him and grins.   ANGEL: Having sex with Donna.   Eric throws his hands up.   ERIC: OH!   The basement phone rings. Alt. Eric gingerly picks it up.   ALT. ERIC: Hello? Donna? ...Uh-huh... uh-huh... but are you sure... oh. Okay. Great! Thank you. See you soon.   He hangs up. With a nervous glance over at Alt. Jackie, he stands and stretches.   ALT. ERIC (cont’d): So... that was Donna. There’s a party over at Hyde’s for after prom.   Alt. Jackie looks up, eyes shining, and hops to her feet.   ALT. JACKIE: Great! Then what are we waiting for? Will Michael be there?   ALT. ERIC: Well, yes... but you can’t be. You’re not invited.   ALT. JACKIE: (beat) And you’re still going? You’re leaving me here alone?   She’s either about to cry or about to kill him. Alt. Eric looks all over the basement in a futile search for the right answer. Finally, he holds up a hand.   ALT. ERIC: Or – you know what we could do...   CUT TO:   INT. HYDE’S HOUSE – NIGHT   If the Hyde residence looked dirty when his mother was still at home, it’s an absolute wreck now. Alt. Jackie stands outside, looking in through the window with a furious expression. Alt. Eric, inside looking out, gives her an apologetic shrug and moves into the party.   It isn’t all that wild an affair; a couple of couples dancing and some unsavory-looking characters roaming around the halls. Alt. Hyde and Alt. Donna sway together in the middle of the room, holding each other tight. Eric and the angel stand behind Alt. Donna, who has a fresh tattoo on her right bicep.   ANGEL: Hmm... another tattoo... (reading) “Property of Hyde.” Classy.   Eric rolls his eyes as Alt. Eric tries to pass by the couple. They bump into him as they dance. Alt. Donna looks up first; it’s clear that she and Alt. Hyde are both drunk.   ALT. DONNA: (slurred) Eric! You made it. It’s so good to see you.   ALT. ERIC: You too. I’m surprised you were able to call – did call. And Hyde, man – it’s really good to see you again -   ALT. HYDE: (slurred) Yeah, yeah, that’s great, Forman. Keg’s in the kitchen.   He claps Alt. Eric on the back and shoves him toward the kitchen door. Alt. Eric bumps into Alt. Fez, clad in Elton John glasses and acid-wash jeans. He has a record in his hands. Alt. Eric straightens up and looks down at the record.   ALT. ERIC: Hey, Fez. Whatcha got there?   ALT. FEZ: The new Leo Sayer album.   From nowhere, the jocks and hunk from earlier swoop down on them. A jock punches Alt. Fez in the jaw, the other jock catches him and drags him into the kitchen, and the hunk does the same with Alt. Eric.   The angel gives Eric a light elbow to the ribs, but Eric just scoffs and looks around the room. Alt. Hyde and Alt. Donna are back to dancing, but another couple catches Eric’s eye – Alt. Kelso and PAM MACY, making out on the arm of the couch.   ALT. KELSO: I wrote you a love poem, Pam. It goes like this: “I love your rack I’d love to shack Up with you And do it too.”   PAM: Oh, Michael... that is so deep.   ALT. KELSO: Yeah. I kicked that poem’s ass!   He leans in for more kissing, and the two of them fall down across the couch. Eric instinctively inches away from them.   ERIC: Kelso and Pam Macy... because Kelso and Jackie never got back together on prom night.   ANGEL: You see the domino effect? You never kiss Donna, Hyde doesn’t take Jackie to prom, she never makes up with Kelso. Now she’s out in the cold, and you and Fez are having your underwear stretched over your heads.   ERIC: I know. It’s like my relationship with Donna touched everyone’s lives for the better. And I was just gonna throw that a –   He blows a long raspberry in the angel’s face. The angel winces, wipes away the spittle.   ANGEL: Okay. You’re unpleasant.   ERIC: Just give it up. I don’t care. This still isn’t as bad as having Donna and losing her.   ANGEL: Oh, no? Well, it gets a lot worse. Come on, we’re going into the future. That’s right – the ‘80s!   Heard only by the angel and a stunned Eric, “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats begins to play.   MEN WITHOUT HATS (aud. only): We can dance if we want to We can leave your friends behind ‘Cause your friends don’t dance And if they don’t dance Well, they’re -   The music cuts out, and Eric looks to the angel.   ERIC: Man, what the hell was that?   ANGEL: Oh, you’ll find out.   FADE TO BLACK   COMMERCIAL   BUMPER   INT. FORMAN KITCHEN - DAY   The 1980s. They’ve had no impact on the Forman’s decorating sense, but some impact on Alt. Eric: he actually has sideburns now. He wears the same Price Mart manager’s suit his father used to wear as he eats a bowl of cereal at the kitchen island.   Behind him stand Eric and the angel. They watch as ALTERNATE KITTY, her hair now worn down and a brighter blonde, enters from the living room. She looks less than thrilled to see her son eating at the island.   ANGEL: Welcome to 1983, Eric.   ERIC: Wait... I still work at Price Mart? I still live here?   The angel nods. Eric moans, sits down at the kitchen table.   ERIC (cont’d): Good God, I wish I could just wake up.   ANGEL: Oh, you may never wake up. This could be a coma dream.   Eric drops his head onto the table.   Alt. Eric smiles up at Alt. Kitty. She attempts to smile back and goes immediately for a wine glass in the cupboard.   ALT. KITTY: Eric, honey, college registrations are going to be done soon. Have you thought at all about finally applying and enrolling - and moving away - to UW, or Chicago, or... or Africa?   Eric’s head snaps up.   ERIC: I haven’t even gone to college?   The angel throws his head back and laughs.   Alt. Eric stands, moves around the island to Alt. Kitty.   ALT. ERIC: No, but I have thought about putting in for another promotion at Price Mart so I can stay at home with my mother, who I just couldn’t stand to be away from.   He stands, hugs Alt. Kitty.   ALT. KITTY: Oh, God.   The kitchen door swings open, and in come ALTERNATE RED and Alt. Jackie. Alt. Red looks the same as always; Alt. Jackie has gained a giant ‘80s hairdo and a hell of a lot of mascara.   ALT. RED: (to Alt. Eric) Are you still here? For God’s sake, Eric! I told you to go pick up the Toyota from the shop over an hour ago!   ALT. JACKIE: And what about my dry cleaning? I need my green dress for the Price Mart ball. And you’d better remember those dance classes, or so help me, my foot is going right up your ass!   Alt. Red nods approvingly. Alt. Eric bows his head, cowed. Our Eric leaps to his feet and grabs the angel by the shoulders.   ERIC: No! Oh, dear sweet Jesus, please tell me, no! I cannot be married to Jackie Burkhart!   The angel shrugs himself free.   ANGEL: Relax, you’re not married. Neither of you are. You never found anyone. But Jackie needed someone to yell at and you’re always around, so she’s always over. It’s a little like marriage, but... you know, without any love or sex.   ERIC: (beat) You know, that actually makes it better.   Alt. Eric passes meekly by them, and they follow him out to:   EXT. FORMAN DRIVEWAY - DAY   The hedges may be a bit thicker, but otherwise, 1983’s passed the driveway by. The Vista Cruiser still sits in the garage. Alt. Eric pulls its keys from his jacket pocket as a motorcycle pulls into the driveway.   On it is Alt. Hyde and Alt. Donna. Alt. Hyde has gone full-on biker: a giant beard, leather jacket, chaps, and bandana. Alt. Donna has dreadlocks in her hair, a loose white dress, and a pregnant belly, along with several more tattoos. Her arms are wrapped tight around Alt. Hyde’s chest. He puts his left hand over hers, displaying their matching wedding bands.   ALT. DONNA: Eric?   ALT. ERIC: Donna? Is that you? And – and Hyde? Where have you two been? It’s been forever.   ALT. HYDE: Layin’ low ‘til the heat was off that jewelry store bust.   ALT. DONNA: Well, we were just down at the courthouse, but not for that.   Beaming, she wiggles her ring finger.   ALT. HYDE: Congratulate us, Forman – we just tied the knot.   ALT. ERIC: (beat) Oh... well, that is just – super!   He puts on his best fake grin. Eric and the angel share a pitying look.   Alt. Jackie stomps out from the kitchen and slaps Alt. Eric on the arm.   ALT. JACKIE: Eric! You can give money to hobos later! Now go, dry cleaning, now!   Alt. Donna and Alt. Hyde laugh.   ALT. HYDE: Oh, Forman, don’t tell me you’re still under the Man’s bitchiest boot heel.   He and Alt. Donna laugh again as Alt. Jackie glowers.   Alt. Kelso sneaks around from the back of the house. He has perfectly coiffed hair and a slick gray suit. His eyes are fixed on the kitchen door; he doesn’t notice the others, but they see him.   ALT. ERIC: Kelso?   He spins around, sees the gang.   ALT. ERIC (cont’d): What are you doing here?   Alt. Kelso stands up straight, flashes a huge grin.   ALT. KELSO: (anchor voice) This just in: your sister’s in town, and I never miss a home visit by Laurie Forman! (sees Jackie, drops voice) Oh. Hello, Jackie.   ALT. JACKIE: Hello, moron.   Alt. Kelso recoils, scoffs.   ALT. KELSO: Well, for your information, this moron is the number one anchorman of Cedar Rapids, whereas last I heard, you got thrown out of UW for making the cheerleading coach cry and had to settle for a job as a stewardess!   They stare each other down as the last member of this sad group appears: Alt. Fez slowly walks up the driveway. He’s got quite the look going on: Mike Score’s haircut, bright red pants, black leather vest and boots, an electronic keyboard tucked under his arm, and egg yolks everywhere.   ALT. FEZ: I was hired to play the national anthem at the high school football game. (beat) I don’t think they liked it.   The six of them all look around, swaying on their feet. The angel turns to Eric, who does his best to look unaffected.   ALT. ERIC: Boy, I sure am glad this isn’t uncomfortable.   Alt. Hyde reaches into his vest and pulls out a brown paper bag.   ALT. HYDE: I think I know how to take care of that.   Everyone realizes what he has in the bag; they all smile and nod.   CUT TO:   INT. FORMAN BASEMENT – DAY   THE CIRCLE. Alt. Eric hacks and sputters, while Alt. Jackie looks on disapprovingly next to him.   ALT. ERIC: (between coughs) You were right, Hyde. This – this is so much more comfortable...   Pan to Alt. Kelso.   ALT. KELSO: (anchor voice) We have breaking news: I’m toasted. (drops voice) Man, they pay me gobs of money to talk like that.   Pan to Alt. Hyde, his arm around Alt. Donna.   ALT. HYDE: (to Alt. Fez) Fez, do something with your hair, man. It’s making me paranoid.   Pan to Alt. Fez.   ALT. FEZ: Guys, I have discovered a band that will change music forever.   He starts up his electric keyboard and begins to sing.   ALT. FEZ (cont’d): And I ran I ran so far away I just ran I ran all night and day...   Pan to the angel. He takes a big inhale and cracks up.   ANGEL: You know, there are some things about Earth I really miss!   CUT TO:   INT. EVENT CENTER - NIGHT   A generic white room for renting out, a few round seating tables and a buffet line set up. A large green sign welcomes the class of 1978.   Eric and the angel enter through the veranda doors.   ANGEL: Okay, welcome to your ten-year high school reunion.   They survey the party. It isn’t much of one; a few scattered attendees and Alt. Fez as the entertainment, dancing to prerecorded music in yet another disastrous ‘80s outfit of pinstriped white suit and aqua T-shirt.   Alt. Eric, in a conservative suit, approaches the buffet table. A brown smear covers his upper lip.   ERIC: All right! I finally grew a moustache!   ANGEL: Actually, it’s chocolate cake.   Just to prove it, Alt. Eric wipes it away with a napkin.   Alt. Kelso enters from the hall, beer in hand. His hair is still coiffed, but he’s gained a large beer gut. Pam Macy, with the frizziest of ‘80s hair and a pregnant belly, is with him.   ERIC: What happened to Kelso?   ANGEL: Oh, he got fired. Yeah, he thought the news would be funnier drunk. Now he works for you, selling waterbeds.   ERIC: (laughs) What a loser. (beat) Wait, I sell waterbeds?   ANGEL: That’s right.   Alt. Kelso and Pam make their way to the buffet table. Alt. Eric sees them, frowns.   ALT. ERIC: Kelso, what are you doing here? You’re supposed to lock up the store tonight.   ALT. KELSO: But it’s our reunion, man! I’ll lock it up tomorrow, I promise. Unless your sister’s flight gets canceled, then I’m sneaking over.   Alt. Eric throws his hands up and Pam swats Alt. Kelso on the arm.   Alt. Jackie, who has been walking the floor throughout the scene, comes up behind Alt. Kelso. She wears a gray business suit with long skirt, straight hair pulled into a tight bun, tortoiseshell glasses, a clipboard and pencil in one hand and a whistle around her neck.   She raises the whistle and blows. Alt. Kelso, Alt. Eric, and Pam all jump.   ALT. KELSO (cont’d): Damn, Jackie! That’s even more annoying than your voice!   Alt. Jackie glares at him and starts furiously scribbling on her clipboard.   ALT. JACKIE: “Bringing alcohol to a school-sponsored function...”   ALT. KELSO: What? But Jackie -   ALT. JACKIE: “Not addressing the vice principal as ‘Miss Burkhart...’” “Neglecting the orders of your supervisor...”   ALT. ERIC: Thank you, Jackie, but -   ALT. JACKIE: Shut up, Eric! (looks Pam over) “Bringing your skank...”   Pam gives an offended gasp, and Alt. Kelso puffs out what passes for his chest.   ALT. KELSO: She is my wife! And we’re not actually in school, Miss Burkhart, so you’ve got no business telling us what’s -   ALT. JACKIE: “Being an idiot...”   She jabs the clipboard and looks up, a nasty smirk on her face.   ALT. JACKIE (cont’d): Know what that adds up to? YOU’RE OUT, MICHAEL!   She blows her whistle and points to the hall. When Alt. Kelso and Pam don’t immediately move, she blows again and advances, chasing them out.   Alt. Eric makes his way over to Alt. Fez’s stage. He’s busy singing “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” by Wang Chung.   ALT. FEZ: Rip it up Move down Rip it up Move it down to the ground Rip it up Cool down Rip it up And get the body feeling right   As Alt. Eric watches, Alt. Donna enters from the hall and takes a spot on the floor behind him. She’s come a long way from her wedding; she now has a short haircut and a conservative dress, very much a housewife look.   ALT. FEZ (cont’d): Everybody have fun tonight Everybody have fun Everybody Wang Chung tonight Everybody have fun Everybody have fun!   The crowd, such as it is, applauds. Alt. Eric glances behind and sees Alt. Donna. He straightens himself up and moves to her.   ALT. ERIC: Oh, hey, hi! Hey, Donna! It’s Eric Forman from, um, Point Place High School.   ALT. DONNA: Yeah, Eric. I know. It’s our reunion.   ALT. ERIC: Right, good one. So, uh, how’re you doing?   ALT. DONNA: Um... pretty lousy, until I saw how fat Kelso got. Made the drive from Joliet worth it.   ALT. ERIC: Oh, right, I heard you guys moved. How’s Hyde?   ALT. DONNA: Hyde’s good. The kids are good. (beat) He’s gone a lot. Prison, whatever. (beat) So, Eric, uh, how... how are you?   ALT. ERIC: I’m, uh, great. I’m the number three waterbed dealer in Wisconsin, so... (beat) Donna, you look great.   ALT. DONNA: Oh, thanks. (beat) You know, don’t laugh, but... (beat) Actually, never mind.   ALT. ERIC: No, no. What?   ALT. DONNA: I had a crush on you in high school.   ALT. ERIC: I had a crush on you too.   ALT. DONNA: You know, I almost kissed you once.   ALT. ERIC: What might have been, huh? (beat) So, are you still writing?   ALT. DONNA: Oh, God. Well... I mean, permission slips. Three kids, you know?   ALT. ERIC: Right. Well, you should start again. ‘Cause, you know, you were really good at it.   ALT. DONNA: Ah, well, it’s too late for that. It’s too late for a lot of...   She trails off. Alt. Eric can’t meet her eyes.   ALT. DONNA (cont’d): Hey, so, I’ll see you, Eric.   ALT. ERIC: Yeah, I’ll see you, Donna.   ALT. DONNA: ‘Kay.   ALT. ERIC: Okay.   She walks away. Alt. Eric bows his head.   Eric and the angel slowly approach, the angel gesturing to the scene they just watched.   ANGEL: Huh? Huh? Start the waterworks.   He pulls a handkerchief from his suit and offers it to Eric, but Eric just shrugs.   ERIC: Sorry.   ANGEL: Come on. You’ve gotta feel something.   ERIC: Yeah, envy. He never had to feel the pain of losing her.   Alt. Eric’s head snaps up. He crosses to them.   ALT. ERIC: Oh, wait a minute. You actually had a relationship with Donna?   ERIC: (to angel) Wait, I thought you said he couldn’t hear me.   ANGEL: I’m loose with the rules. So sue me.   ALT. ERIC: No, seriously, you had Donna?   ERIC: Look, we broke up. You’re much better off.   ALT. ERIC: Says you! Look at me – I’m 28 years old! The closest thing I’ve had to sex is whenever Jackie goes to kick me in my shins and ends up catching me in the nads!   ERIC: Idiot! You’re sad you were never with Donna? Well, you got off light, man! I had her and I lost her, and believe me, you don’t want to know how bad that hurts!   He storms off. The angel turns to Alt. Eric.   ALT. ERIC: So... you’re an angel, right?   ANGEL: Why, yes. Yes I am.   ALT. ANGEL: Could you, like... could you do anything to help me?   ANGEL: Listen closely – no.

***

And from here, the episode wraps up just as you know it, with the same credits scene of Fez singing. 

[rachaelwatchestv]

Baywatch - Season 1 Episode 1 Panic at Malibu Pier

My mom was obsessed with this show when I was a kid (for reference, I’m about to be 25), and the “remastered version” just appeared on Hulu so why not see what the fuss is all about. I’m gonna put a read more line here, so anyone who comes across this post but doesn’t want to scroll down through what could be miles of me talking doesn’t have to.

DISCLAIMER: There are a few things in this episode that some people might find triggering, there’s a character who is extremely mentally ill, has delusions, and is mentioned harming herself.  If you might find that upsetting, please do not continue on with reading about this episode.

So this is the “Pilot”? And it’s a whopping 95 minutes long so I guess we should just get right into it.

Okay I know this show was like an 80′s/90′s show but already the swimsuits have me dying...so 80′s lmao.

I already cannot get over how young David Hasselhoff looks.

The theme song is literally just beautiful people running on the beach.  I knew that was the premise of the show but I didn’t expect it to start right away

So we start with David Hasselhoff (whose name is Mitch, apparently) in a kayak  water ski boat thing with a kid (who is his son), racing another one of the lifeguards from the theme song.  Mitch and the kid win, and the lady lifeguard (Jill) accuses him of gaining weight.

So Hobie, Mitch’s son asks if it’s okay to rub sunscreen on a girl’s back and admits that he said no because he thought it would be too embarrassing.  To which Mitch (HA) tells him that under no circumstances should he ever say no to rubbing sunscreen on a girl’s back. This conversation has extremely creepy undertones.

This is Craig.  He’s a lifeguard and a lawyer and he’s decided to skip out on his lawyer job because the weather is just so nice that he has to go to the beach.  He also drives a corvette.  I want his life.

Rookie Shawnie came in 46th in her class, Rookie Eddie came in number 1.  Shawnie clearly has a crush on Eddie and clearly doesn’t take her job too seriously.  More trouble to come I assume.

Craig gets to the lifeguard headquarters right as Hobie is arguing with Mitch about having to go live with his mom.  He has to go to summer school and she thinks it will be too distracting to live so close to the beach with his dad.  I don't think she's wrong on that count.  It also seems like there might still be some feelings between Mitch and his ex-wife.

Craig meets up with an older lifeguard, Al, and says that he found a loophole in the mandatory retirement age so he won't have to retire.  Craig then gets his truck stuck under the pier as the tide is coming in.  Rookie mistake.  It’s lucky that he was there though (for the plot), because a girl was stupidly trying to balance on the Pier’s railing and she fell off.  Imagine that.

Craig saves her and gives her mouth to mouth.  She very creepily strokes his hair.  Later, someone at the lifeguard tower gives her Craig’s sweatshirt to keep her warm.  Seems like a bad idea to me...a later conversation between the two shows that she’s clearly into him.  Also we find out her name is Lori.

Mitch got promoted to lieutenant and everyone makes fun of his new uniform, yet they’re throwing him A GALA to celebrate.  Not a party...a GALA!! Seems a little excessive to me but what do I know? Also Craig and Mitch are BFFs for life and no one will convince me otherwise.

Back to the Rookies, Eddie gets assigned to tower 27 but Shawnie wants it because that’s where all of her friends hang out.  Mitch assigns Shawnie to a boat with Jill, but not until she changes swimsuits because what she’s wearing is not practical at all.  It really just seems like a way to make her character look stupider, and to give gratuitous near nudity to all the male viewers.  I guess in the 80′s this was viewed as a win-win for TV, but nowadays it just hits very differently.

Lori sneaks through Craig’s bag and grabs his key to the lifeguard tower before she's sent home.  

And we have our first lifeguard montage!  This one's not nearly as bad as I'm sure they're going to get.  Just a lot of random shots of lifeguards doing lifeguard things while an uplifting song plays in the background.  Also everyone on this beach (even the tourists) seem to have a perfect body...just feels unrealistic. 

Now we're introduced to Captain Thorpe who isn't sure that Mitch is the right person to be lieutenant.  He also seems skeptical of Shawnie and Al. And he forces Mitch to wear his dress shoes...the horror!

While Jill is complaining to Mitch about Shawnie, an Australian lifeguard from a private beach named Trevor climbs up the flagpole and into Mitch's office. His business card reads "shark fighter and virgin converter" and that's really all you need to know about him.

Lori surprises Craig with a visit on the beach, and is upset when she sees him with a girl who needs help (Yeah girl, you're not special).   Foreboding music plays as she watches him fix the other woman's toe. She then gets real freaky and keys the other woman's car.

Eddie gives us his backstory by telling a six year old kid that he was in foster care growing up.  Dude, that kid probably doesn't even know what foster care is.

A bunch of people are caught in a riptide and all the lifeguards jump in.  Shawnie freezes when a little girl stops breathing and needs CPR.  Trevor passes two drowning people to save the pretty girl who was drowning at the same time even though Mitch was much closer to her.  This, of course, is a problem between them.

Hobie UNHOOKS A GIRLS BIKINI STRAP and goes to put suntan oil on her back, but some kid swoops in and does it instead.  These kids are 13, and honestly the children actors look even younger...something seems so wrong with this story line.

Mitch and his ex get in an argument about custody because his ex wants Hobie to live with her so he doesn't grow up only wanting to be a lifeguard.  She wants him to have options.

Meanwhile, Lori the crazy girl (Whose name is shown to actually be spelled as Laurie) shows up in Craig’s tower at the end of the day with wine and in just a silk robe.

He very nicely gets her to leave the tower and tells her that he has a wife, Gina.  Laurie tries to kiss him and reveals that she's naked under the robe (Gasp!) right as another lifeguard drives up and sees.  Laurie runs off before he can say anything else.

Shawnie's in the shower crying over freezing earlier that day.  Jill comforts her and reminds her that the job isn't "all fun in the sun".

Captain Thorpe comes back and insists that Al be put on desk duty until mandatory retirement.  Mitch goes to talk to Al and finds him painting on his back porch.  Damn this guy can paint!!

But also how does a man on a lifeguard’s salary afford a massive oceanfront house like that?  

Anyways, Al offers to talk to Gail (Hobie's mom) about the custody arrangement and take Hobie out for a fishing trip.  He also declines Mitch's offer of a desk job.

It's time for Mitch's gala...which is more of a simple party at a really nice house.  No idea why they were calling it a gala in the first place.  But they also have a live girl group playing?  And Shawnie is dressed up like Madonna while Eddie swims laps in the pool AT THE PARTY?  This is the most confusing party I've ever seen.

Laurie shows up to the party (big shocker there) and creeps on Craig's wife, Gina in the bathroom.  She tells Gina that a lifeguard saved her life, kissed her, and then they "made love right there in the tower" Lovely Gina offers to help her find the lifeguard at the party and is stunned when Laurie points out Craig in the crowd.

Gina kindly but sternly points out that Craig is her husband, then Laurie causes a scene, shouting that she didn't know he had a wife and he's embarrassing her in front of the whole party.  The lifeguard from earlier that saw her naked basically confirms her story by staying silent when asked, and Gina storms out of party with Craig running after her.

At home, Gina is very obviously upset while Craig tries to insist that nothing happened.  Crazy Laurie calls the house and tells Craig to meet her at the tower or she'll kill herself. Gina tells Craig to call the police and not do it himself, but Craig insists.  Gina decides to tag along to try to help.

At the life guard tower, they find Laurie in the corner crying not to take her back to her parents.  She has bruises on her neck and tells Craig and Laurie that it was her father.  Craig decides to take her back to their house (bad move).

At home, Craig and Gina talk and Craig decides to go to Laurie's house tomorrow to talk to the parents before he calls CPS.  They kiss in their bed and surprise, surprise, the camera pans to reveal Laurie watching them

In the morning, Laurie goes through Craig's bag and finds a diving knife. She goes to the beach and practices her stabbing motions while having flashbacks to Craig and Gina's relationship.

Craig meets with her parents and is surprised to find that Laurie's father died ten years ago.  Her mom explains that Laurie gets violent and hurts herself and just got home from the psych ward at the hospital.  

Back at the house, Laurie sneaks up on Gina who by the way is an actual saint.  Like Gina treats Laurie so nicely and sweet and doesn't even care that Laurie stole her shirt, she just goes, "It's fine, it looks pretty on you." Laurie's craziness could not have happened to a nicer person.  Laurie convinces Gina to drive her back to the beach so she can release a letter she wrote Craig into the ocean and release all of her feelings towards him.

Laurie tries to get Gina to go into a super creepy place under the pier, to which Gina wisely says "No thanks." So Laurie runs in on her own and Gina chases after her out of the goodness of her heart.

Craig comes home to find the house empty and quickly drives to the beach to try to find them.

Gina catches up with Laurie who tricks her to get her to turn her back and pulls out a knife.  Gina realizes that the letter Laurie wrote is a fake suicide note to make it look like Gina killed herself.  Laurie tries to slit her wrist but Gina is able to pull away and throw sand in Laurie's eyes so she can escape. She runs, calling for help as Craig pulls into the parking lot and sees her car.  He hears her cries for help and finds her right before Laurie catches up.

Craig manages to talk Laurie out of killing his wife for a minute, but then she sees his wedding ring and freaks out again. Craig is able to grab the knife through the fence and stop the whole thing.

While the drama at the pier is gong on, Al and Hobie are out on a boat for their fishing trip.  Al overhears a woman remarking on how he’s too old to be a lifeguard. A crew member goes down into the cabin to cook Hobie's fish for lunch, but accidentally causes an explosion while changing out a propane tank. Luckily the whole boat doesn't blow up, but a massive fire breaks out and Hobie falls through the floorboards into the hull of the ship while Al shouts at everyone to jump off.

Back at Baywatch headquarters, the team assembles to go help, and they all know that Hobie and Al might be on the boat.  Al is shown in the water telling everyone not to panic and helping everyone grab onto floating pieces of wood.  Mitch, Jill, Shawnie and Eddie are all parts of the rescue team.

Mitch gets to Al but they don't know where Hobie is.  They find him in an air pocket in part of the boat that is now completely submerged.

Al and Mitch work together to get everyone out of the boat safely, but Al gets stuck on some rope on his way out.  Mitch finds him but it's too late, he has drowned and they are unable to revive him.  I don't know why, because we got very little screen time of him, but Al's death actually made me sad.

They hold a lifeguard funeral for Al which involves a bunch of trucks driving on the beach, and some boats lined up in the water.  Mitch gives a very touching eulogy about all the lives that Al saved over the years and how they'll never forget him.  

The episode ends with a montage of the lifeguards working the beach presumably the next day with an overarching feeling of "life goes on". No word on what happened to Laurie, but Gina and Craig are still happily married so I guess all's well that ends well.

[the-master-cylinder]

SUMMARY Father O’Sullivan is a Catholic priest who has lost his faith in God and who cannot forget the nun with whom he once had an affair (and a son). O’Sullivan serves as tour guide for archaeological student Cal, New Agers Wilbur and Clarisse Lemming, runaway Laurie, and tourists Dozois and Frost on a bus trip to Mexico. No one is more surprised than O’Sullivan when his love, Tessie, also boards the bus with her bratty son Ivan. In Mexico, Cal reveals his knowledge of a crucial ancient text, just in time for the Day of the Dead festivities. Meanwhile, evil Dr. Um-tzec is planning an apotheosis for himself that will culminate in his incarnation as the Death God, and what he needs to accomplish this is the hearts of sacrificial children … lots and lots of hearts. While Father O’Sullivan grapples with the emotions of seeing Tessie again, he is approached by Dr. Um-tzec to perform an exorcism; but Um-tzec has deceived him and O’Sullivan is thereafter occasionally possessed by the Death God. Fighting the possession, O’Sullivan tries to rescue Ivan, who is regarded as a perfect sacrificial victim. Now Tessie, Cal, Laurie, and the bickering Lemmings must pull together to stop Dr. Um-tzec and O’Sullivan from completing the apotheosis ritual.

DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCTION Not that I’m superstitious, but every seven years, I seem to change careers. My first was as an avant garde composer, my second a science-fiction, fantasy and finally horror novelist. The third seven-year stretch was coming up, so I showed up in Hollywood a year and a half ago with a vague notion of doing something in film. I took meetings, jacuzzed with grim determination, and flashed my fake Rolex watch at all the right people, but no new career emerged. One day, I read in Twilight Zone magazine that I was one of the ancestors of the literary splatterpunk movement. A number of other ancestors were mentioned, but they were all either twice my age or dead. I began to feel like a has been. Then, one day in June 1988, it all changed. Nine months later, much to my own astonishment, I looked on as my first film, The Laughing Dead, screened for a crowd of avid genre fans.

Lex Nakashima was the next person to show up. He was a young producer who had developed a number of large scale fantasy projects, and an old friend. “We have to gain credibility in this town,” I said. “We have to make a movie – no matter how small-scale–so that we can gain the clout to raise money for the huge projects we’ve both been dreaming about. A horror movie would be nice.”

“Can we set it in Oaxaca?” Lex asked.

I thought about it. Oaxaca, Mexico, is the home of the festival of the laughing dead, a strange blend of Catholicism and pre-Columbian religions- people dressed as skeletons dancing through the streets, celebrants feasting over the graves of their ancestors. “Sure,” I decided. “I can write that.” My mind was racing wildly, trying to figure out a plot.

“Fine,” said Lex, “I’ll get a second mortgage on my house. You’ll be the executive producer, and I’ll produce.” At his best, Lex is one of the most decisive people I know.

Lex went to a New Age bookstore in Santa Monica and came back with a couple hundred dollars’ worth of books about the culture of the ancient Mayans, and in a few weeks’ time, I had the beginnings of a viable story. I wanted to have a lot of spectacle, I wanted a lot of black humor, and I wanted colorful, imaginative gore that would really appeal to the crowd. Could we really do it on $250,000? Probably not, I told myself, although I did not then envision that the budget would eventually reach seven figures.

Who could direct the film? I thought of another friend, Wendy Ikeguchi, who had been an assistant director on projects as varied as Wisdom and The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd. Would she care to direct? I inquired, knowing full well that although I had conceived the story and already mentally cast it, I didn’t at that time know much about the technical aspects of directing. I only knew what I wanted to see on the screen.

“Direct it yourself,” Wendy told me.

I didn’t quite trust myself yet. I tried to talk Wendy into it for some weeks, but to no avail. She’s a member of the Director’s Guild and, in the final analysis, we couldn’t afford their rates. Instead, she signed on as executive producer and directorial advisor, in which capacity she could tell me what to do in no uncertain terms. “You’re supposed to say ‘action’ now, Somtow, she reprimanded me when my mind started wandering one day. We disagreed about many things in fact, it might be fair to say that we fought like cats and dogs but her input proved indispensible to the project.

We needed someone to design the production, someone who really understood the tone of the movie, who knew a lot about pre-Columbian cultures, and who wouldn’t be fazed at the number and variety of sets needed in The Laughing Dead: the Mayan temple interior, the labyrinthine caves, seedy hotel lobbies and scenes of macabre revelry. Ryan Ellner, a former roommate of mine who worked for Freddy’s Nightmares as, among other things, a maker of Freddy gloves, introduced me to Philip Vasels and Diane Hughes. They’re responsible for both sets in Los Angeles and on location in the western-set ‘town’ of Old Tuscon, Arizona, were designed and constructed by the team. They built the seemingly endless underground caverns and, for the film’s finale, the Mayan ball court of death.

Philip later confided, “I thought, Oh no, one of those movies.’ But after I read the script, I realized there was a lot more to it.” I knew we had hired the right people when one day Philip called to tell me, “I don’t dare go into that inner room. I’m too scared.”

He meant the inner chamber of Dr. Um-Tzec’s office, the scene of a demonic possession and a kinky, bloody heart exchange sequence, the dark midpoint of the film. What transpires in the room is the hinge, the corrupt center of the entire story. It’s a metaphor for the equation of sex with death. When I learned how disturbed Philip was by the meaning of the room, I knew we were on the same wavelength. Despite the flashiness of some of the other sets, the Dr. Um-Tzec “suite– the death god’s office and the inner room-is Vasels and Hughes’ most inspired creation.

The next person I called was the man with whom I used to share a house when I lived on the East Coast: writer, raconteur and madman Tim Sullivan Beside being a very fine writer of everything from elegant horror to “V” novels, Tim Sullivan had just done a bit of acting, a PBS thing in his native Philadelphia. I was thinking of Tim for the role of a Catholic priest who, tormented by guilt over having seduced a nun 12 years before, turns into a crazed killer when possessed by Um-Tzec, the Mayan death god. Tim had wanted to be a monster since childhood. Although he was a little surprised at being asked to drop everything he was doing, fly out from Philadelphia and act, he was used to my eccentricities. He was the first person (aside from Lex) to actually believe there might be something to my claim that we were about to make a movie. Two months later, he was on my doorstep, suitcase in hand, making the sign of the cross at my neighbors.

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Many of my friends are writers, so we soon had several well known ones roped in for cameos, everyone from science fiction author Ed Bryant (whose head gets crushed by a bus in the film) to longtime collector and fan Forry Ackerman, who does a charming little turn as a corpse. As other scribes ranging from Tim (The Anubis Gates) Powers to film critic Bill Warren began volunteering to die horribly, I realized that we had a pretty good gimmick going.

Two weeks before we were scheduled to start shooting on location in Arizona, we acquired our director of photography, David Boyd. Again, I felt fortunate to have found someone so sympathetic with my vision. The quirky neo-Expressionist angles, the Mario Bavaesque lighting, the painterly composition of his shots often provide an ironic undertone to the black comedy.

David Boyd explains what it was like to have writers instead of actors on set. ‘Actors,’ he says, ‘tend to be consumed by self-involvement. These guys were different. They understood my job much better than actors – you could talk about metaphorical lighting and camerawork and they would understand.’ Then crazy, star struck writers will do almost anything for almost nothing.

Thanksgiving came and went. We were on our way to Old Tucson for the most grueling 19 days of my life, some days with as many as 52 setups. The Arizona portion of the shoot had a party atmosphere despite the peculiar working conditions. Two other films were being shot on the same location, including Speed Zone, so Robert Shelton, who runs Old Tucson, was juggling as fast as he could. One day we shared the set with more than 1,000 high school students who were having a banquet, and I prayed that the sound of distant cheerleading choruses could somehow be disguised, in the audio mix, as the sound of crickets or birds through the use of clever signal processing.

On the opening day, I was in my UmTzec regalia atop a towering mountain and about to plunge a knife into my hapless niece Vanina, who was playing Victim #1. I couldn’t see a thing without my glasses, and I was trying to walk downhill toward Wendy Ikeguchi, whose blurry form was waving frantically in the distance, I took a Chaplinesque tumble, sprained my ankle, and thought that all was lost until my mother (who taught me everything I know about horror, and who was working with us as a production supervisor) explained to me that I shouldn’t have attempted to portray a god without making the appropriate blood sacrifice; now that my foot was bleeding onto the earth, everything would be OK. I limped away, wondering if I’d be completely useless for the rest of the shoot.

Soon everyone was ready to kill me, because my script was about warm tropical nights and the real temperature in Tucson in the middle of the night was below freezing. Timson Hill and John Anthoni, who played Dr. Um-Tzec’s evil acolytes, suffered in particular, as they stood in their skimpy costumes in the biting desert wind. One of the key FX-the crushing of Ed Bryant’s head under the wheels of a bus-didn’t come off the first time; the blood balloons failed to burst. I heard Wendy Ikeguchi cry out, “Where’s the blood, where’s the blood?” and we all rushed over to find that the head had been squashed flat. Was it ruined? We watched in astonishment as the head popped right back into shape the minute the bus pulled away. No one had ever dreamed that the head would be reusable.

We didn’t sleep much. We ate gargantuan portions of steak at the Pack ‘Em In Steak House across the street from our motel, and a week later we were ready to return to Los Angeles, where the Vasels and Hughes team had been wildly constructing sets in our absence. More spectacle was to come: Ryan Effner’s and my turning into monsters, the nasty Caesarean section dream sequence, the hotel lobby sequence in which Father O’Sullivan goes crazy and spatters the wall with women’s brains, and the climax, a recreation of the Mayan ballgame of death replete with zombies, dinosaur battle, a collapsing temple a la Last Days of Pompeii and an exploding hotel.

Interview with S. P. Somtow

Instead of wing for going for name actors, you’ve brought together a swill of self and horror writers S. P. Somtow: We didn’t have any money when I wrote the screenplay, so I found it easier to write the roles around people that knew, that would work for next to nothing. They really are playing themselves.

You describe the film as being a cross between NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD and KRAMER VERSUS KRAMER, with a little NIGHT OF THE IGUANA thrown in at the end. That sounds sick. S. P. Somtow: Now I guess I’d just call it a neo-expressionistic, black comedy. It has an exaggerated quality to it. I find it very hard to write about anything without looking at its absurd qualities. Horror is so close to comedy in its structure. They both depend on misleading the expectations of the audience. If a guy slips on a banana peel, it’s comedy. If he breaks his neck when he hits the ground, it’s horror.

But if they’re so close, then why does big-budget-Hollywood prefer comedy over horror? S. P. Somtow: Horror comes from a nasty part of the mind. People with a lot of money like to shield themselves, with their money.

Your books don’t have the humorous, satirical edge that LAUGHING DEAD does. S. P. Somtow: No, and in fact the novel version of LAUGHING DEAD. which I’m working on now. is not satirical. But it’s the ambiguity that I enjoy. And that is something that I see about my own work.

Where is your accent from? S. P. Somtow: I was born in Thailand, and left there when I was 6 months old. We went to Europe. I went back to Thailand when I was 7. and then I went to Eton Preparatory school in London. It’s a horrible little place. This was in the mid sixties. We were a bunch of 14 year olds discussing the sexual imagery in Bergman’s films. Then I went on to Cambridge, and received a degree in Music and English Literature. I went back to Thailand, and became a hideous figure in Thailand music.

How did you end up writing horror novels S. P. Somtow: Every time a horror writer talks about his roots, it always goes back to his mother. In my case, it was because my mother would take me to every horror film, and watch them over and over. She would watch them with her hand over her eyes for the entire movies. She made me go, because she didn’t want to go alone. To this day, she rents every sleazy B movie she can get her hands on. She worked on LAUGHING DEAD as a production supervisor

SPECIAL EFFECTS By carefully conserving his budget, Somtow had enough money to acquire the services of John Buechler’s Mechanical Make-up Imageries (MMI) studio and staff to create glorious special effects. Buechler, claimed that for him The Laughing Dead was ‘a labour of love’. The feeling can certainly be seen in the wondrous effects he and his people devised. For example: Tess has a nightmare in which she gives birth to a murderous version of her own son. A bus driver is squashed by his own vehicle. And people transform into grotesque, serpentine gods of the ancient Maya.

Also producing special effects for the film was relative newcomer Rik Carter and his LA team. They created the zombie make-up and some of the simpler but no less stunning effects. In one sequence, Father O’Sullivan stands paralyzed as UnTzec’s evil assistant bares and then tears open her breasts, removes her heart and buries it in the priest’s chest, thereby giving Um-Tzec possession of O’Sullivan’s soul. And Frost loses one arm to the possessed priest, then has it stuffed viciously down his throat, his swallowed fingers wriggling out of his neck courtesy of Carter’s effects work. A gripping death, so to speak.

After John Buechler came on board, the movie really began to gel. Buechler’s name was well known enough in the horror/fantasy field to lend us the clout to draw in many other figures. I was deeply moved when John offered to do the creature transformations and the makeup FX for The Laughing Dead. I hadn’t dared ask him, because–even though our budget had, by then, tripled-I considered him, with all his credits, too exalted a figure to want to take part in our little venture. “Trn intrigued by the script,” he said. “It’s disturbing, and it’s funny. He then proceeded to make us an offer we couldn’t refuse. Buechler also talked me into playing the somewhat-more-than-a cameo role of the evil Dr. Um-Tzec. “Why, Somtow,” he kept saying, “it’s you. Can’t you see that? Rik Carter signed on to do the rest of the makeup FX, in particular an arm-down-the throat gag that became one of the show’s highlights.

“Another reason I’m doing this for you,” John Buechler told me, “is that I’ve never seen anyone attempt so much with so little money!”

CAST/CREW Directed by Somtow Sucharitkul (as S. P. Somtow)

Writing Credits Somtow Sucharitkul (written by) (as S. P. Somtow)

Joey Acedo … Policeman #1 John Anthoni … Acolyte #1 (as John-Anthoni) Hank Azcona … Police Sergeant Bruce Barlow … Kukulcan George Barnett … Policeman #2 Edward Bryant … Bus Driver Michael Bustamante Boy In Graveyard Matt Demeritt … Harlan (as Matthew De Merritt) Premika Eaton … Laurie

Special Effects John Carl Buechler … designer: Magical Media Industries (as John Buechler) Rik Carter … special makeup effects Jake Johnson … special makeup effects Elinor Mavor … hair stylist / makeup artist Richard Rouse … hair stylist / makeup artist David Stinnett … special makeup effects (as Dave Stinnett) Jane Whitehead … special makeup effects

Michael Deak … location crew: Magical Media Industries (as Mike ‘Duct-Tape’ Deak) John Foster … location crew: Magical Media Industries / production manager: Magical Media Industries Mecki Heussen … lab technician: Magical Media Industries Robert Houghtaling … lab technician: Magical Media Industries John P. Jockinsen … special effects coordinator (as John Jockinsen) Timothy Ralston … coordinator: Magical Media Industries (as Tim Ralston) / location crew: Magical Media Industries (as Tim Ralston) / supervisor: Magical Media Industries (as Tim Ralston) Chris Robbins … head fabricator: Magical Media Industries / location crew: Magical Media Industries Wayne Toth … location crew: Magical Media Industries

CREDITS/REFERENCES/SOURCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY FEAR 08/1989 Horrorfan#03 Slaughterhouse#05 Gorezone#09

The Laughing Dead (1990) Retrospective SUMMARY Father O'Sullivan is a Catholic priest who has lost his faith in God and who cannot forget the nun with whom he once had an affair (and a son).

[disneydreamlights]

So, Skuld would probably have some abandonment issues due to, you know, her entire party ditching her once the way more popular Ephemer left. Which is why she mindlessly supports all of Ephemer's shady decisions in the Unchained State, she's terrified of driving her friends away and so avoids conflict to a rather unhealthy extant, which Ephemer would realize post KH4.

I HAD A WHOLE THING WRITTEN UP ABOUT HOW THIS MADE SENSE BECAUSE OF NOT JUST EPHEMERA BUT ALSO HER PARTY AND I LOST IT ASHUIPHEWIUFHIQUFOHOQIEU.

Anyways um...it’d also partially be due to her party too since if I’m remembering her backstory properly they also abandoned her and honestly I feel like Ephemera would feel so bad about this.

So, post KH4 Ephemer would hate himself. For failing Ava, for allowing Maleficent to enslave the Dandelions, and for causing Skuld's entire party to ditch her when he decided to ascend early. There's also the whole "accidentally destroyed the old world by pulling the Player into the Unchained State and setting Xehanort's plans in motion by banishing Ven" thing.

If Ava were alive she wouldn’t blame him. He did do his best after all, and most of this was Lauriam’s fault in the first place.

So, because Brain's hostility has to come back and bite him somehow, when Ephemer stumbles upon a Nightmare version of one of the pets Brain and Laurie created together, who do you think he's gonna accuse, the charismatic and friendly Lauriam? Or the antisocial jerk who insulted Ava literal hours after her death? Lauriam metaphorically backstabbing Brain when asked to vouch for him wouldn't help.

Okay so, Brain would be able to evade banishment but be forced to go into hiding in the dreams of the Dandelions with help from his Chirithy. Unfortunately, Ephemer is not about to let who he thinks is the foretold traitor escape, and would basically have each of the fake Foretellers from the Dandelions' dreams declare Brain to be a dangerous fugitive who must be killed on sight. Fortunately, Ephemer does realize he was pursuing the wrong guy when the specifics of Strelitzia's death surface.

So, the Player would meet Brain after witnessing Xehanort destroy Radiant Garden. He'd be in bad shape, he ran out of Panaceas shortly after escaping from his fellow Union Leaders and was forced to find a place dangerous enough that nobody would look for him there, but safe enough that he could at least survive long enough to TRY and find some way to clear his name. By the time you run into him, he'd be resigned to his fate. Good thing your Chirithy would be there to tell you he was framed.

As for how Chirithy would know Brain was framed? Easy, they'd see him getting attacked by Nightmares, something that wouldn't happen if he was controlling them. And as much as the Player would want to get answers from who they think is the Foretellers, they wouldn't be heartless (excuse the pun), and so you'd go on a quest to collect the VERY expensive materials needed to make a Panacea so that you can help Brain clear his name. You'd even make the Panacea yourself so he doesn't have to.

Or maybe Ephemer would tell Chirithy that Brain was misblamed after learning that Lauriam lied about how Strelitzia died? Hmm, I really seem to be out of it today. Either way, once Brain gets his eyesight back he'd be able to tell upon looking at you that you're not a Dandelion, but would be curious to know about how your Chirithy found out he was framed. Chirithy would then ask to have a moment alone with Brain, and would tell him about how you witnessed Strelitzia's death as soon as you leave.

So, while Chirithy is getting Brain up to speed on the events of the MMO, the Player would take the opportunity to sneak off to the Clocktower, where we get the boss of the update, a flowery Nightmare that has the other Union Leaders all bound in thorny vines. Brain would treat their wounds after you save them, still angry at Ephemer and Skuld for what he was forced to endure, but mature enough to acknowledge that Lauriam DID paint him as the bad guy with the Nightmare.

Damn fuck you Lauriam for throwing Blaine under the bus like that, he deserves better.

At least Ephemera realizes it in the end, though I’d imagine his relationship and friendship with Blaine is forever strained.

I kinda like the idea of a Player/Blaine friendship based on this entire shitty situation though in which Player helps him out considerably. 

Although, given the speed of the updates, do you think Brain would be framed before or after 2.8 releases? I mean, that would decide whether or not people would treat him as the Big Bad of Season 2 or not when the Nightmare appears. Though I can just imagine everyone's reactions to 2.8 revealing that Brain isn't evil (including all the "Called it!" posts regarding Lauriam being the true villain), plus all the people mourning Strelitzia like we got when she died in canon.

You’d have to establish the framing before 2.8. When 2.8 is revealed that’s when you have the first update of Player discovering Blaine. Up until that point you’d want to set up the fact that Blaine is evil only to reveal at the end that he’s a good guy after all.

Ava recruits the Union Leaders in the order she named them in her last words: Ephemer, Ventus, Skuld, Brain, Strelitzia. Because the Master of Masters is a troll, he wrote Brain's birthname, Minerva, on the list he gave Ava. This would also be the name Brain is listed under on the Character Bios, with his own bio ending with "He prefers to be called 'Brain'." Also, Back Cover would be where "Minerva" is revealed. Alongside his tragic backstory, which is narrated by his rant to Ava.

Running gag throughout half of Blaine’s early story is just him telling people to stop calling him Minerva I’m calling it.

[kansascityhappenings]

Smiles and memories of those killed in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS — One was a man who died shielding his wife from gunfire on their wedding anniversary. Another was a city of Las Vegas employee who died in his boyfriend’s arms. And two others were a veteran corrections officer and his girlfriend who died on the trip they had planned for weeks.

At least 58 people were killed and nearly 500 others were injured Sunday night, authorities say, when a gunman fired on an outdoor country musical festival from the 32nd floor of a Las Vegas hotel.

Here are some of the victims’ stories:

Rocio Guillen Rocha

Rocio Guillen Rocha and her fiancé were in Las Vegas to celebrate a friend’s birthday, and the couple were at the concert when she was shot.

She was taken to a hospital but didn’t survive, her family said.

A resident of Anaheim, California, she leaves behind four children, including a son born just weeks ago.

She was an assistant manager at a California Pizza Kitchen restaurant — and she once struggled through what was once feared to be permanent paralysis, said her eldest son, Marcus Guillen, 18.

“She was paralyzed having my brother” years ago, Guillen told CNN. “She had a blood clot in her spine. The doctors said she would never walk again. She proved everyone wrong. She was able walk. After that, she ran half marathons.

“She did everything she could. She always fought for us. I want (people) to remember just how much a fighter she was and how much she worked and how much she provided for us.”

She is survived by her fiancé, Chris Jaksha, and her children: Marcus; Christopher, 13; Sofia, 1; and a 1-month-old, Austin.

Brian Fraser

Brian Fraser of La Palma, California, attended the festival with about 20 people that included his wife and children. Nick Arellano, the oldest of Fraser’s four children, described him as “the most involved parent.”

He coached his children’s football and baseball teams and was in the school parents’ association. Arellano was 11 when Fraser married his mother and adopted him. The couple had three other children, who are ages 17, 10 and 4.”He took care of all (of) us,” Arellano said. “Every person he was in contact with saw his love and compassion and honesty.”

Jason Aldean, the last act of Route 91 Harvest, was Fraser’s favorite country singer. Fraser and his wife were walking toward the stage for his favorite Aldean song, “Dirt Road Anthem” when he was shot, Arellano said. A friend performed CPR on Fraser and loaded him into a wheel barrow to seek medical attention. Doctors and nurses did everything they could, but Fraser died of his injuries. “We don’t know who they are, but we want to thank them,” Arellano said.

Fraser was vice president of sales at Greenpath Funding. The company released a statement after his death: “Brian Fraser impacted everyone who crossed his path with his infectious positive energy, his tenacious will to succeed, and his willingness to help others.

“Our hearts are broken, and the Greenpath family will never forget you, Brian.”

Denise Cohen

Denise Cohen of Carpinteria, California, was a property manager in Santa Barbara with two children. She attended the concert with her companion, Derrick “Bo” Taylor.

The couple had been planning the trip for weeks, her friend Leana Orsua told CNN affiliate KEYT. Cohen was planning to volunteer at the California Avocado Festival the following weekend.

“She was a very active, social person. She touched so many lives. She was a super positive, genuine, kindhearted individual,” Orsua said.

She said Cohen and Taylor met at a social gathering and quickly became friends, then roommates. Orsua shared a text message with KETY from Cohen’s son, Jeff Rees, remembering his mother.

“Our mother was such a strong, beautiful and happy woman who made a difference to the lives of everyone she knew,” he wrote. “She was such a happy person and enjoyed doing the things in life that she loved. We can see by the last photo of her that she was indeed happy and with a person that loves her, Bo.”

Derrick ‘Bo’ Taylor

Derrick “Bo” Taylor, 56, was a veteran with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Taylor joined the department about 30 years ago, rising to the rank of lieutenant. He worked at the Ventura Conservation Camp, which houses up to 110 adult male inmates. The camp helps train inmates to become regional firefighters.

He attended the concert with his girlfriend, Denise Cohen.

Taylor’s loss will be felt deeply, Warden Joel Martinez wrote in a memo to staff, according to a department newsletter.

“There are no words to express the feeling of loss and sadness regarding Bo’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” Martinez wrote.

In the comments section of the notice on his death, people praised Taylor as a good co-worker and friend. As one person said, “Bo was a great man, as a supervisor he set the bar so high that no one will ever be able to touch it.”

Kurt von Tillow

Kurt von Tillow of Cameron Park, California, and his wife Mary Jo were best friends who did everything together. They golfed together and recently brought their two grandchildren to Disneyland. Together, they attended the country musical festival with their daughter and two more relatives.

Von Tillow’s wife and daughter escaped unharmed. But the 55-year-old truck driver died of his injuries, a relative told CNN. Von Tillow’s sister and niece were hospitalized Monday and are expected to survive, Janet Carson-Tenney said.

“He lived a perfect life. He was loved by everybody, he didn’t have an enemy, he didn’t have a mean bone in his body. He was the life of the party,” Carson-Tenney told CNN. She’ll remember his laugh and how much he loved his family.

Jack Beaton

Jack Beaton of Bakersfield, California, and his wife Laurie were celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary with friends at the concert.

He was shot while shielding his wife from the gunfire, CNN affiliate KBAK reported.

“He never passed up an opportunity to give somebody a hand,” Beaton’s father-in-law Jerry Cook told KBAK. “He always had a smile on his face. He had countless friends. Everybody that came in contact with him loved the guy.”

Three hours before the shooting, he posted a blurry photo on Facebook of the gang lounging on the lawn, koozie-covered beers in hand.

The day after the shooting, Beaton’s son shared a picture on Twitter of his father and asked for prayers.

“He jumped in front of my mom and got shot,” he wrote. “I love you dad.”

Later, he posted on Facebook: “Lost my best friend. I love you so much more (than) you could ever imagine.”

John Phippen

John Phippen, a 56-year-old father of six, was fatally shot while shielding a woman from the gunfire, Phippen’s neighbor said.

Phippen was hit after his son stopped to help someone else, said Leah Nagyivanyi, Phippen’s neighbor and close friend for 17 years. His son was wounded in the arm, she said.

Phippen lost his wife three years ago, said Nagyivanyi. Her family went on camping trips with Phippen and his clan. He was the kind of person who got along with both children and adults, she said.

“Our kids look up to us, and look to us for guidance, but these kids considered John their best friend,” Nagyivani said. “That tells a lot about the kind of person you are. He was everybody’s best friend.”

One time, when a boat flipped over during a camping trip, Phippen and his son sprang into action just like they did at the concert, she said.

“He was a man of integrity who always had your back,” she said. “There is nothing he couldn’t do for you, wouldn’t do for you. You didn’t even have to ask.”

Thomas Day Jr.

Thomas Day Jr., 54, of Riverside, California, was with his four children at the festival, said Bruce Abbey, a vice president of a California construction company where Day worked.

His daughter Whitney Day wrote the following about her father:

“My sisters Candice and Kelsey and brother Nolan and I just want to say that he was our rock, he was our everything. Anyone he came across he put a smile on their face. All our friends would call him Daddy Day because he treated everyone like one of his own and it was an honor to us all to be able to share our dad with the world.”

Day was an estimator at Portrait Construction in Corona, California, and had been at the company for more than 20 years, Abbey said.

Austin Davis

Austin Davis, a pipefitter from Riverside, California, was at the concert with a friend and her family. The friend’s father, Tom Day Jr., was also killed.

His girlfriend of nine years, Aubree Hennigan, said he loved playing softball. Katelyn Hood, who said Davis was her best friend and her baby’s godfather, described him as a man’s man with a contagious smile.

“He worked so very hard and took the most pride in that and anything he did. Austin didn’t half-a** anything in life. If he knew you, he loved you. That’s just how he cared for people,” Hood said.

Davis’ mother, Lori Quick, said he was her everything. In his last text to her, he said, “I kinda want to come home, I love home,” Quick said in a Facebook post.

“He is coming home not in a way that any parent would want him to. We wanted to bring him home in our arms,” she said.

Chris Hazencomb

Chris Hazencomb, 44, was excited to see one of his favorite artists, Jason Aldean, at Route 91 Harvest.

Hazencomb went to the festival with his friend Nikki Torres. Torres said she and her husband knew Hazencomb for years and considered him part of their family.

“He was the nicest person I have known. He loved to help people and thought of others before himself,” she told CNN.

Like many attendees, they thought the first round of gunshots were firecrackers. “After the second or third rounds, we realized that it was bad,” Torres said. “That is when I looked over and he was on the ground.”

After that, Torres said her memories blur together. She saw a man try to help Hazencomb while others led her away from the scene.

Hazencomb’s mother told the Ventura County Star that he was a sports a junkie who worked at the Walmart Neighborhood Market in Camarillo, California.

Laura Shipp

Laura Shipp, 50, spent two days at the festival with her son, Corey. They were “big concertgoers, especially when it came to country,” a family friend said in an online fundraiser.

At some point the two were separated and Corey Shipp spent the day after the shooting looking for his mother. By Wednesday, she had been identified, her brother confirmed to CNN.

Shipp, an avid Dodgers fan, moved to Las Vegas about five years ago to be closer to her son, the Ventura County Star reported.

“She was his world and he was hers,” her brother told the newspaper.

Victor Link

Victor Link of Aliso Viejo, California, described himself on his company’s website as a “tequila quality control tester.” He also enjoyed traveling, snowboarding, golfing, cooking and wine tasting with family and friends.

Andrew Soss said that Link worked for his mortgage originator business.

“He was the most genuine, stand-up guy you’ll ever meet. He brought a smile to everyone’s face,” Soss said.

Link was attending the concert with his fiancée and their friends.

“They came back from a two-week trip from Europe a month ago, and they were traveling and living life,” his nephew Vincent Link told The Bakersfield Californian.

Christiana Duarte

Christiana Duarte had recently started working for the Los Angeles Kings after graduating from the University of Arizona in May with a degree in mass communications. The NHL team put out a call for information about her Sunday night.

“Our organization is overwhelmed with grief over the loss of our colleague Chrissy,” Kings President Luc Robitaille said in a statement. “In just a brief period of time, Chrissy had an immeasurable impact on all of us. We want to make every effort to ensure that everyone knows how special she was and the impact she already had made on so many people.

She had worked with the Los Angeles Rams as well as the Arizona Diamondbacks. She enjoyed playing intramural soccer, softball and volleyball.

Her alma mater confirmed her death. The school said it is reaching out to those who knew her, including her Sigma Kappa sorority sisters.

“All of us in the University of Arizona community are saddened that Christiana Duarte, one of our graduates from this past May, is among the victims from Las Vegas on Sunday night,” President Robert C. Robbins said in a statement. “This attack is a terrible tragedy for hundreds of families, and it is a shocking and horrific event for all of us. I know I speak for the UA community in expressing our deepest condolences to Christiana’s family and in asking for their privacy to be respected.”

Carly Kreibaum

Carly Kreibaum’s passion for art lives on in a Sutherland, Iowa, flower shop, where she painted flowers on the storefront. Florist Bonnie Wallinga, owner of The Menagerie, told CNN affiliate KTIV that the married mother of two didn’t have a mean bone in her body.

Kreibaum’s sister-in-law confirmed that she was among the victims of the mass shooting.

Brennan Lee Stewart

Las Vegas native Brennan Lee Stewart shielded his girlfriend and helped others to safety before he was shot dead, his family said in a statement.

“Brennan was the kind of guy who always put others before himself, including up to the moment he lost his life,” the family said.

Stewart loved country music, played the guitar and wrote music, his family said.

Last year he posted to Facebook his cover of the Cole Swindell song “You Should Be Here.” As of Wednesday, the post received more than 134,000 views and more than 1,170 shares.

“His love for country music was shown through the songs that he wrote, and the music he played on his guitar. Brennan rarely missed an opportunity to attend a country concert,” his family said.

Dana Gardner

Dana Gardner of Grand Terrace, California, was the deputy recorder of the San Bernardino County assessor-recorder-clerk’s office.

“We are devastated and still in shock trying to comprehend what happened last (Sunday) night,” her daughter Kayla Gardner posted to Facebook on Monday. “My family and I appreciate the outpouring of love and support and ask for prayers at this time.”

Dana Gardner was a county employee for more than two decades and was known for her “can-do” attitude and vibrant energy, said Bob Dutton, San Bernardino County’s assessor-recorder-clerk.

“Dana will be dearly missed by family, friends, and co-workers. San Bernardino County mourns her loss. We offer our deepest condolences to Dana’s loved ones and to all those impacted by this horrific event,” Dutton said.

Cameron Robinson

Cameron Robinson lived in southwestern Utah but commuted to Las Vegas, where he worked as a legal records specialist, said his sister, Meghan Ervin.

He was at the concert with his boyfriend, Ervin told CNN affiliate KUTV.

Dorene Anderson

Dorene Anderson, 49, of Alaska, was at the concert with her daughters, CNN affiliate KTUU in Anchorage reported.

The Alaska Housing Finance Corp., which employs her husband, John, confirmed her death.

Dorene Anderson’s family released this statement through the employer:

“Due to this horrific and terrible situation, our family is dealing with a great loss. She (Dorene) was the most amazing wife, mother and person this world ever had. We are so grateful and lucky for the time that we did have with her. We are greatly appreciative and want to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers you have been sending us. We are dealing with the situation as a family, and would appreciate our privacy as we grieve for our loss.”

Lisa Patterson

Lisa Patterson, from Los Angeles’ San Pedro community, was a mother of three. She was attending the concert with four friends.

Patterson was active in church, helped coach in a girls’ softball league and was devoted to her family, said her husband, Robert Patterson.

After hearing about the shooting, he drove to Las Vegas with his son and eldest daughter on Monday morning but couldn’t immediately find out what happened to his wife.

A coroner called him Monday evening to tell him she’d passed away. He returned to Los Angeles, where he broke the news of her death to their youngest daughter, who’s 8.

“I can’t believe she’s gone. … She was such a warm, caring person. There was nobody that cared more about people and life than my wife, Lisa,” Robert Patterson told CNN affiliate KCBS.

“She was such an amazing person. She cared for so many people,” her eldest daughter, Amber Patterson, told CNN. “She was so enthusiastic. She was literally the best mom, and she was my best friend.”

Amber said she appreciated hearing people’s fond memories of her mother.

“When I got my belly button pierced and her going with me … that kind of stuff really is what makes me think of her and makes me happy to remember her,” she said.

Steve Berger

Steve Berger of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, was killed in Sunday’s attack, his father told CNN affiliate WTMJ.

He was celebrating his 44th birthday with friends in Las Vegas, the TV station reported.

Berger moved to Minnesota about 10 years ago and was a financial adviser for EFS Advisors.

“Steve was passionate about his work as a financial adviser, and was beloved by his clients,” the company said in a statement. “He cared so much for others and was always willing to take time to listen to clients, friends, and co-workers to offer a helping hand.”

The father of three children was able to run a successful financial planning business, get his kids to school in the morning and off to soccer practice in the evening, his father, Richard Berger, told CNN affiliate WCCO.

“He was the greatest father for his three kids that you’d ever want,” the elder Berger told the TV station.

Bill Wolfe Jr.

Bill Wolfe Jr. was a youth wrestling coach in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.

“It is with the most of broken hearts, the families of Bill Wolfe Jr. and his wife, Robyn, share that Bill has been confirmed to be among the deceased as a result of the mass attack in Las Vegas,” the Shippensburg Police Department said on Facebook.

Carl Bert, owner of a surveying and engineering firm, told CNN affiliate WPVI that Wolfe had once worked for him as an engineer. Bert described him as personable, fun, easy to work with and a devoted Christian, WPVI reported.

Jordyn Rivera

Jordyn Rivera was in her fourth year at California State University, San Bernardino. The university released a statement confirming her death.

“It is with the utmost sadness I must report that a member of our campus community is among the victims,” university President Tomás Morales said.

Rivera was warm, optimistic and kind, he said.

Katie Ortega, who has known Rivera for years, said they played softball together as kids.

Rivera “was and always will be a role model to many,” Ortega said. “She would always make it a point to make every single individual feel special, always laughing at my stupid jokes.”

She was passionate about softball.

“That softball diamond was her heaven,” Ortega said.

Heather Warino Alvarado

Heather Alvarado, 35, was a mother of three and married to Albert Alvarado, a firefighter in Cedar City, Utah. The couple loved traveling with their three children.

“She always saw the good in others. She spent her whole life serving others in her family and community,” the Cedar City Fire Department said in a Facebook post.

“She was happiest when she was together with her family, especially her children and she would do anything for them.”

“They appreciate your many words of kindness and concern,” the post said.

Candice Bowers

Candice Bowers was a single mother of three. Her family described her as a superhero who loved country music.

“It was a gift that she was able to spend her final moments doing what she loved with those she loved even more,” her family said.

“Her strength, fierce loyalty and memory will live on through their lives and those of her family and friends who loved her so dearly.”

Her children included a recently adopted 2-year-old, her family said in a statement.

Adrian Murfitt

Adrian Murfitt, 35, was a commercial fisherman from Alaska.

Murfitt had surprised his friend with a weekend trip to Las Vegas when the shooting happened. His friend Brian MacKinnon held him in his lap as he passed away from gunshot wounds.

His mother, Avonna Murfitt, told CNN that her son was jolly and caring.

ʺEvery one of his friends was his best friend,ʺ she said. ʺHe will be missed by all who knew him, and most of all by me.ʺ

The outpouring of love has been amazing, Avonna Murfitt said.

“We are humbled by the way everyone who knew him has offered assistance to help in bringing him home and celebrating his life,” she said.

Kelsey Meadows

Kelsey Meadows, 28, was a substitute teacher in California’s Taft Union High School District.

Meadows graduated from Taft Union High School in 2007 and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Fresno State University. She returned to the Taft community, where she had worked as a regular substitute teacher with the district since 2012, the district said in a statement.

Taft Union High School Principal Mary Alice Finn said Meadows was “smart, compassionate and kind.”

“She had a sweet spirit and a love for children,” Finn said. “Words cannot adequately capture the sorrow felt by her students, colleagues and friends in learning of her passing.”

Melissa Ramirez

Melissa Ramirez graduated from California State University Bakersfield in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Flags at the school were lowered on Monday in honor of Ramirez and the other victims and will remain so through sunset on Friday, the school said in a statement.

“We are terribly saddened to learn that we lost a member of our CSUB family in this senseless act of violence. Our entire CSUB campus community is heartbroken, and we send our deepest sympathies to Melissa Ramirez’s family and friends,” the school said.

Rachael Parker

Rachael Parker was a 33-year-old records technician for the police department in Manhattan Beach, California. She also had eyes on higher education.

Parker earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Colorado State University in June 2016, Manhattan Beach Police Department said. She was in the process of applying to graduate school, police said.

She worked for nearly a decade at the front desk of the police station. Even in those stressful confines, she was known for her “cheerful and compassionate demeanor,” police said.

“Rachael’s smile could light up a room, even on the most difficult of days.”

She had a particular passion for working with older adults. She completed her undergraduate practicum by working with Manhattan Beach’s Older Adults Program.

She loved her two adopted dogs, Maddie and Izzy. She enjoyed baking, country music and Los Angeles Kings hockey, police said.

“Rachael, we love you and we miss you. Our hearts are breaking,” police wrote. “Please keep Rachael’s family and friends in your thoughts during this difficult time.”

She was one of four off-duty Manhattan Beach police employees who attended the Vegas concert. She died at the hospital. Another police employee, a sworn officer, was shot and suffered minor injuries, the department said.

Jordan McIldoon

Jordan McIldoon, a 25-year-old from Maple Ridge, British Columbia, died holding the hand of a stranger at the concert.

Heather Gooze told CNN she somehow ended up next to McIldoon. Even though she didn’t know him, she held his hand during his final minutes. She felt a squeeze from his fingers, then felt his hand go loose.

Gooze said she knew there was nothing more to do. Yet, she stayed with McIldoon for hours. When his phone rang, she answered it and learned his name and told the caller everything was not OK.

She relayed the news of his death to his long-term girlfriend and his mother, all the while staying by his side, she said.

“I didn’t want Jordan to not have somebody with him,” she told CNN through tears. “I didn’t want him to just be a no-named body. I knew who he was, and now I had an obligation to make sure that everyone knew who he was.”

McIldoon’s mother told Gooze he was a good, nice and fun person.

“He loved his girlfriend and had great family and great friends,” Gooze told CNN.

Christopher Roybal

Christopher Roybal, 28, was a general manager at a Crunch gym in North Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was known there for his “big teddy bear smile and infectious laughter,” said David Harman, managing partner at Crunch.

“More than a team member, we lost someone who was a son, mentor, friend and hero, as a Navy veteran who served in Afghanistan,” Harman said.

Ryan Chiaverini, Roybal’s former brother-in-law, told CNN that Roybal was attending the concert with his mother to celebrate his 29th birthday. He had a really good sense of humor and had a “fun, sweet, innocent way about him,” Chiaverini said.

In a Facebook post from July, Roybal poignantly reflected on what it’s like being shot at from his time overseas.

“My response has always been the same, not one filled with a sense of pride or ego, but an answer filled with truth and genuine fear/anger,” he wrote.

He said his first fight was something he’d never forget. He felt sensory overload and extreme adrenaline, making him “excited, angry and manic.” But as the fights continued, the excitement faded, leaving just the anger, he wrote.

“What’s it like to be shot at? It’s a nightmare no amount of drugs, no amount of therapy and no amount of drunk talks with your war veteran buddies will ever be able to escape,” he wrote. “Cheers boys.”

Hannah Ahlers

Brian Ahlers told CNN his wife of 17 years was “shot in the head while dancing” with him at the music festival.

Hannah Ahlers, 34, was a stay-at-home mom of three who had lived in Beaumont, California, for the last five years, but was originally from Redlands.

“She was a full-time house wife and mommy and she was amazing at it,” he said. “Very active in moms groups and our daughter’s volleyball team. She wasn’t too good for anybody. Beautiful inside and out.”

Ryan Chiaverini, who was friends with Ahlers, told CNN that “she couldn’t hurt a fly.”

“She was one of the kindest people I’ve met,” he said.

Stacee Etcheber

The San Francisco Police Officers Association confirmed Tuesday that Stacee Etcheber was killed in the attack.

Etcheber attended the concert with her husband, Vinnie Etcheber, a San Francisco police officer who was off-duty. When the shooting began, Vinnie Etcheber told his wife to run as he began to render aid to those wounded, the police union said in a statement.

“With heavy hearts, we’ve learned that Stacee Etcheber has passed away. Stacee was a wonderful, caring wife, mother, and daughter. She will be terribly missed,” union President Martin Halloran said in a statement.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the entire Etcheber family and our thoughts and prayers are with all those who lost a loved one during this tragic attack.”

Denise Salmon Burditus

Denise Salmon Burditus, 50, was a retired banking professional who had just returned to college. She was the former president of the Association of the US Army subchapter in Lacey, Washington, according to NorthwestMilitary.com.

She and her husband, Tony, were in Las Vegas enjoying a weekend away from their West Virginia home.

The couple, who were married for 32 years, posted pictures on social media of themselves lounging by the pool and having dinner with friends. About 30 minutes before the shooting, Denise Burditus posted a picture of the two standing in front of the Route 91 Harvest stage.

The couple were dancing together when the gunfire started and continued through the first burst of gunfire, not sure what it was. During the second burst, Tony Burditus said he was leading his wife through the crowd when a bullet hit her.

A stranger helped him move her, and someone rode with them to a hospital in the back of a truck. Tony Burditus said his wife died in his arms.

“It saddens me to say that I lost my wife of 32 years, a mother of two, soon to be grandmother of 5 this evening in the Las Vegas Shooting,” he wrote on Facebook. “Denise passed in my arms. I LOVE YOU BABE.”

Charleston Hartfield

Charleston Hartfield was many things: a Las Vegas police officer, an accomplished Nevada Army National Guard sergeant first class and a youth football coach.

But beyond those titles, he “epitomizes everything good about America,” said Brig. Gen. Zachary Doser, commander of the Nevada National Guard.

Hartfield was off-duty and attending the Route 91 Harvest concert when he was shot and killed, the Guard said in a statement.

Though just 34, Hartfield wrote a memoir titled “Memoirs of a Public Servant,” which documented the “thoughts, feelings, and interactions of one Police Officer in the busiest and brightest city in the world, Las Vegas.”

“Charleston Hartfield lived to serve the public and protect his family,” Brig. Gen. William Burks, the adjutant general of the Nevada National Guard, said. “He is the epitome of a citizen-soldier.”

Hartfield — or “Coach Chucky,” as some called him — was also a coach for the Henderson Cowboys youth football program, the group said on Facebook.

“Coach Hartfield touched many lives both on and off the field. He was a great man who we all lost way (too) early,” the program said.

Stan King, the father of one of the players on the team, said he was “an absolute all-American kind of guy.”

“He is one of the nicest guys I know and helped countless youth become winners through NYS football here in Henderson, Nevada,” King said. “This kind of guy comes around once in a blue moon. He was a very special guy to the community.”

Angela Gomez

Angela “Angie” Gomez was a “fun-loving, sweet young lady with a great sense of humor” who loved the stage, the Riverside Unified School District said in a statement.

Gomez attended Riverside Polytechnic High School in California and was a member of the class of 2015. She acted on stage with the Riverside Children’s Theater, was involved in the middle and high school choir, and was a cheerleader for the high school, the school district said.

She challenged herself academically with honors and Advanced Placement courses, the school district said. And she “was always seen with a smile on her face whenever she was on campus.”

“Angie was a loyal friend who loved her family and will be forever missed by all those who knew her,” the district said.

Her English teacher and cheer coach Lupe Avila said the school was “deeply saddened by the loss of a wonderful young woman who had her whole life ahead of her.”

Sonny Melton

Sonny Melton, 29, a registered nurse from Tennessee, was shot and killed in the attack Sunday night, according to the Henry County Medical Center in Paris, Tennessee, where he worked.

His wife, Heather Melton, an orthopedic surgeon at Innovative Orthopedics, survived the mass shooting, the statement reads.

In an interview with CNN affiliate WSMV, Heather Melton said her husband saved her life amid the gunfire.

“He saved my life. He grabbed me and started running when I felt him get shot in the back,” she said. “I want everyone to know what a kind-hearted, loving man he was, but at this point, I can barely breathe.”

Sonny Melton graduated from Union University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Accelerated degree and was president of his BSNA class, according to the university.

“You know how when you met someone and you just know that they’re good and kind? That was Sonny,” said Christy Davis, assistant professor of nursing at Union. “He just had a sweet, kind spirit about him.”

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam tweeted that he was praying for those affected by the shooting, including Melton’s family.

“In particular, Crissy and I extend our condolences and prayers to the family of Sonny Melton from West Tennessee who was among those killed in this tragedy,” Haslam said. “We know other Tennesseans were in attendance or performing at the event, and my thoughts go out to them as we grieve and process the enormity of this attack. Tennessee stands with Las Vegas during this difficult time.”

Sandra Casey

Sandra Casey, a special education teacher at California’s Manhattan Beach Middle School, was fatally wounded in the shooting, according to Mike Matthews, the Manhattan Beach Unified School District Superintendent.

Casey had taught there for the past nine years and will be remembered for her sense of humor, her passion for her work, her devotion to her students, and her commitment to continuing her own learning and to taking on whatever new projects came her way, Matthews said.

“Our students, employees, and parents are devastated by Sandy Casey’s death. We lost a spectacular teacher who devoted her life to helping some of our most needy students,” Matthews said.

Several other members of the Manhattan Beach school district attended the music festival as well but were unharmed, the school district said.

Jenny Parks

Jenny Parks, a kindergarten teacher for the Westside Union School District in California, was among those who died in the Vegas shooting, according to Steven McCarthy, her husband’s uncle.

“She was truly one of the most loving people you could ever hope to meet,” McCarthy said. “She always went out of her way to help anybody.”

He said that he never saw her upset, and never saw her sad.

Her husband, Bobby Parks, is currently in surgery after a bullet injured his arm and finger, McCarthy said. He said that Bobby Parks is responsive and aware that his wife passed away.

Jenny Parks has two brothers who lived in Las Vegas, and the couple was visiting them.

Quinton Robbins

Quinton Robbins, from Henderson, Nevada, “was the most kind and loving soul,” his aunt, Kilee Wells Sanders, said on Facebook.

Robbins’ uncle, Mike Wells, confirmed that Robbins died and said his family was in disbelief. Quinton Robbins coached his younger brother’s flag football team, and the two siblings had just attended a Dodgers game together.

“Everyone who met him, loved him,” Sanders wrote. “His contagious laugh and smile. He was truly an amazing person. He will be missed by so many, he is loved by so many. So many awesome talents. I can’t say enough good about this sweet soul.”

Neysa Tonks

Neysa Tonks, a Las Vegas resident and single mother of three, attended a company event before going to the concert with her co-workers from Technologent.

A bullet hit Tonks in the head, killing her. Someone called her family around midnight Sunday.

“I was in my bed and I heard my brother yelling and my dad was crying, which didn’t seem normal,” her 14-year-old son, Greysen, told CNN.

Greysen turned to his dad for answers. “And he said, ‘Your mom was shot in the head. She is dead.’ I froze,” the boy recalled this week.

She also leaves behind her sons Kaden Manczek, 24, and Braxton, 17.

Manczek said although he is numb, “you are so happy for the life that she had.”

“And what an amazing life she lived,” he said.

Tonks’ mother, Debbie Davis, said the family would like to live by something her daughter used to say.

“If you ever said something like, ‘Oh, I just hate that,’ she’d say, ‘Don’t be a hater.’ She said that all the time,” Davis said. “Even if you said you hated broccoli, she’d go, ‘Don’t be a hater.’

“She just (was) a wonderful person with a huge light, that we will not let be dimmed.”

Technologent has established a GoFundMe page on behalf of Tonks’ family. The effort had raised more than $155,000 by Wednesday.

Susan Smith

Susan Smith, a 53-year-old mother who was the office manager for Vista Elementary School in California, was killed in the shooting, according to Jake Finch, the Simi Valley Unified School District’s media relations coordinator.

Smith, who had been with the school district for 16 years, was a “big country music fan” and had gone to Las Vegas with a couple of friends for the music festival, Finch said.

She was “always so welcoming,” Finch said, and served as the “right hand to the principal.”

Smith was married with two young-adult children, Finch said. Her own kids were once a part of the school district and she was very active as a parent, Finch said.

“Everybody knew her,” he added. “She touched a lot of lives.”

The PTA at Vista Fundamental Elementary School posted condolences for Smith on Facebook, saying “she was a wonderful woman, an advocate for our children, and a friend.”

Bailey Schweitzer

Bailey Schweitzer was with her mother watching some of their favorite bands at the Route 91 concert in Las Vegas when the 20-year-old was shot and killed, according to CNN affiliate KBAK.

Schweitzer graduated from Centennial High School, where she was a cheerleader and played volleyball. She was also a member of the Valley Bible Fellowship Church and helped run her family’s business, Bakersfield Speedway.

Matt Woessner, a family friend, watched Bailey grow up and said she “had a heart for people.” He told KBAK that “the whole community has lost a great person in Bailey Schweitzer and she’s going to be truly missed everywhere.”

Jennifer T. Irvine

San Diego-based attorney Jennifer T. Irvine, who was on vacation in Las Vegas to attend the concert, was one of the victims of the shooting, her publicist Jay Jones said.

Irvine practiced criminal and family law and owned her own boutique firm. Her website describes her as a “tenacious litigator” who is passionate about assisting clients during difficult times.

The website also notes other unique interests out of the courtroom. She earned a black-belt in taekwondo, enjoyed practicing hot yoga, was an avid snowboarder, and aspired to learn indoor rock climbing and to experience sky-diving, the site says.

Jones, her publicist, released the following statement:

“Remembering a dear friend & colleague whose life was cut short by an unspeakable tragedy. Our sincerest thoughts to those affected during this difficult time. May our unity & strength shine over the darkness.”

Lisa Romero-Muniz

Lisa Romero-Muniz, a secretary for Gallup-McKinley County Schools in western New Mexico, was killed in the shooting, school district superintendent Mike Hyatt said.

Her son, Anthony Romero, told CNN she was generous and kind.

“She wore her heart on her sleeve … she would give you the last dime she had with no questions asked and treated everybody like family.”

Anthony Romero said his mother’s smile would “brighten the darkest of nights.”

She had worked for the school district since 2003 at three different schools and specifically worked as a discipline secretary, acting as an advocate for students during times of discipline.

“As many students have mentioned in some Facebook posts and to many of us, she was there for them and she respected them and tried to work with them as much as she could,” Hyatt said.

He said Romero-Muniz was outgoing, kind, and considerate of all those she worked with.

“We cannot express enough the loss that our organization feels at this time, and the heartache we feel for Lisa’s husband, children, grandchildren and family,” Hyatt said.

Rhonda LeRocque

Rhonda LeRocque of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, was one of the victims in the shooting, her family said.

Her mother, Priscilla Champagne, told CNN that LeRocque was a “beautiful woman inside and out.”

“A truly great mother, daughter, wife, aunt, sister, worker, and a good, kindhearted friend. She had a great faith in Jehovah God, and had a wonderful family life. She loved Hawaii, Disney, and country music.” she said.

“She was the best of the best. She was the hostess with the mostess … the glue who kept our family gatherings together. She will be greatly missed by us all.”

Her sister, Korina Champagne, said in a Facebook post on Monday that her heart was broken.

“My Beautiful Sister Rhonda LeRocque lost her life in the Las Vegas mass shooting,” Korina Champagne posted. “My heart is broken, I’m numb, I feel paralyzed. This doesn’t seem real. All I can do is turn to God’s Word for comfort, just as she would want me to. May she rest now until her name is called and she is awakened in paradise.”

She added a Bible passage to the end of her Facebook post, “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.”

Erick Silva

Erick Silva, 21, was among the victims of Sunday’s shootings, his stepsister Daisy Hernandez said. His family is holding a vigil for him tonight in Las Vegas, where he lived. She said that he had recently started working in security because he loved helping people.

“All I can tell you is that he was a great son, brother, uncle who was loved by so many people,” Hernandez said. “He had just turned 21 this August and I’m pretty sure he died trying to protect people at that concert.”

Jessica Klymchuk

Jessica Klymchuk, a resident of Valleyview, Alberta, was also among the victims of Sunday’s shooting. A single mother of four, she was an educational assistant, librarian and bus driver for St. Stephen’s School in Valleyview, Holy Family Catholic Regional Division Superintendent Betty Turpin said in a statement.

“The scope of this tragedy is worldwide and we are feeling its impact here at home,” the statement said.

Calla Medig

Calla Medig, a resident of Jasper, Alberta, was one of the people who died in Sunday’s mass shooting, her employer confirmed.

Medig was “super mature, light heartened, grounded, down to earth,” said Scott Collingwood, general manager at Moxie’s restaurant in Edmonton, where Calla worked as a waitress since September 2015.

This was her third year attending the festival, Collingwood said. “She left a big hole in our hearts here,” he said.

Tara Roe

Tara Roe was an educational assistant with Foothills School Division in Alberta, Superintendent of Schools John Bailey said in a statement identifying her among the dead.

She also was a model for Sophia Models International, the agency said in a Facebook post.

“She was always a friendly face and had a very caring spirit. We are saddened, shocked and pray for everyone affected by this tragedy.”

Michelle Vo

Michelle Vo, a New York Life Insurance employee in its Greater Pasadena office, was among the victims of the shooting, a New York Life spokesperson said.

“Like all Americans, we are shocked and saddened at the terrible tragedy that has unfolded in Las Vegas. Our grief is deepened by knowing that a member of the New York Life family, Michelle Vo, an agent in our Greater Pasadena office, was among those killed. During this terrible time, our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and loved ones.”

Carrie Barnette

Disney employee Carrie Barnette was one of the victims of Sunday’s shooting, the company’s Chairman and CEO Robert Iger said Monday.

“A senseless, horrific, act, and a terrible loss for so many. We mourn a wonderful member of the Disney family: Carrie Barnette. Tragic,” Iger tweeted.

In a statement, the company said Barnette had worked for Disney for 10 years “and was beloved by her friends and colleagues.”

“Another valued Disney cast member, Jessica Milam, was also seriously injured and we are praying for her recovery,” the statement said.

This article has been updated to reflect a change in the victim death toll.

Correction: This story has been revised to give the correct name of the school district where Jenny Parks was a teacher. She taught at Westside Union School District in California. Also, an earlier version of this story mistakenly identified the author of a Facebook post as the daughter of Susan Smith.

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports http://fox4kc.com/2017/10/05/smiles-and-memories-of-those-killed-in-las-vegas/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2017/10/05/smiles-and-memories-of-those-killed-in-las-vegas/

[push511]

APRIL MEMBER OF THE MONTH

                       CONGRATULATIONS LAURA PANOZZO

A few words from her fellow peeps & coaches.....

People who know me, know that I am an extremely sappy person. So, in true form, this comment about Laura will not be any different. I have been a member of the PUSH community for nearly 2 years, and I am truly blessed for all of the wonderful people that I have met and become friends with. There are so many people at the box who I admire and strive to emulate. However, of all the people that have walked into my life, I can say with the utmost confidence that Laura stands at the top of the list of people who has changed my life in the most positive way possible. To say that someone has actually changed your life, is a true testament of how amazing that person truly is. Well, Laura really is that amazing and the reason why I nominated her for MOM.

My friendship with Laura and the rest of the 6 am crew truly has grown over the past year. With spending countless hours with the girls figuring out how to entertain everyone with our costumes, exchanging HUNDREDS of texts per day (yes, we do work), pushing each other to our limits during WODs, getting our pump on and doing "beach body" workouts as a trio with Krista, "annoying" the coaches because we never stop talking at 6 am, and always shooting for a goal together as a team, I really can't imagine the void that would be created if Laura was not around. Laura brings such happiness and laughter, and is the type of friend that everyone deserves to have because she instills confidence in you when you do not believe in yourself and always pushes you to be better in the box and in life.

I think that this nomination is so timely, especially with all of the achievements that Laura accomplished during this past Open. I have never really been a believer of the "Open magic," but I am now a believer after witnessing the new benchmarks that Laura has created for herself -- from PR’g a 135# squat snatch and getting not one but EIGHT first bar muscle ups!  Laura is living evidence that nothing is impossible when you work your butt off and believe in yourself.

I am so proud to call Laura my friend and very grateful to have her as an awesome training partner to obsess over CrossFit together! Good job Laura and keep on being amazing!

*****

Yeah Laura! She is such a happy person, always smiling, laughing, lifting heavy barbells, and cheering her peers. She is PR’ng all over the place, killing the open, motivating people to follow and she is such a great supportive friend! It is super exciting to see her grow into a strong confident athlete.

*****

When you hear Laura saying that she is incapable of doing something tell her to stop with the "fake news". First CrossFit competition - podium finish, bar muscle ups in the open - she got 8 of them, 135# Snatch - no problem. All as a result of hard work and dedication. And a little chalk powder magic.

***** Seriously, Laura is a CrossFit rock star. Her double-unders are the nectar of the gods. Her snatch is a work of art! She’s so good, and she doesn’t even realize it!  Most importantly, Laura is an amazing dancer! I got a PR because of her performance to Will Smith song “J”.  She’s one of those people that you feel like you’ve known forever, and she makes everyone feel so welcome. We hang out on the couch with coffee after the WOD because it’s the best part of our day. She inspires everyone to do better while busting out some serious moves. She’s incredibly dedicated to becoming better without taking life too seriously. And her Moscow Mule is incredible! I think I want to marry her!

***** Laura is always smiling and putting in the extra work. It's not uncommon to see Laura show up on a Saturday at 8 am and stay until Noon while she sits on the couch, cheers on other athletes, drinks excessive amounts of coffee and occasionally walks over to the pull-up bar to try a few butterfly pull-ups or bar muscle ups. She is always there for her morning crew, cheering them on, encouraging them through a tough workout. She recently started the Renaissance Periodization "diet" and toughed it out through all the initial cravings (which is kudos in itself) but really transformed her body (and even attitude) by doing it. Congrats on all your recent successes, Laura!

*****

Can't think of a more deserving person!

Laura (or Laurie as we fondly refer to her) is absolutely deserving of this award! I mean, who else will forgive you when you decide to sleep in and miss working out with her even though you planned it?...(Still sorry lol).

In all seriousness, Laura is a fantastic athlete, and more importantly a wonderful human being. She's one of the reasons I truly enjoy getting up in the morning to make the 6 AM class. She's patient, funny, and an awesome competitor/athlete - a true blast to be around. She's either crushing WODs, giving strong encouragement to the rest of us, or...dancing...This gal pushes us all to be better and exemplifies what makes the PUSH Community so great. Congrats again!!!!!

***** Determined – Fun – Level Headed – Amazing Human Being!

***** Laura is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to snatching but also a force for fun.  She is the first to throw down & play along with a funny theme, crazy costume or just silly music - that she can't help but dance to. She'll push you to put a bit more weight on the bar & probably make you laugh while you do it. 6 am wouldn't be the same without her.

***** Laura is one of my morning opponents and also one of the most coachable ladies in the gym. While she typically is laughing at me instead of with me, she's truly been a great smile to see on a daily basis. She may carry on that she hates a movement in a WOD, but her competitive spirit comes out in full force once that clock starts. Extra curricular work, some Neanderthal diet, and the latest gym fashion trends, Laura keeps pushing for more. I'm almost certain she's unemployed and stays at the gym to drink the coffee....but you know what, I'll take that company any day.

                             Now A Few Words From Laura

Shut the front door! You guys are all so awesome!

Started CrossFit: July 2013, came to PUSH511 August 2015

What is your fitness background: My family is really into sports so I have been playing something since I was around 5. I spent most of my years playing softball, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Started rugby in high school and tried out for the USA U-19 team (sadly, was not picked). I also figure skated for about three years as a kid and danced (tap and ballet) for almost ten years (as evidenced by my killer dance moves). I played college basketball and did some cool things like set some records and stuff. It was neat. After college I learned how to snowboard, coached college basketball and spent way to much time thinking cardio was the only way to be fit.

Favorite Movement: Anyone that knows me knows this answer: power cleans, snatches and double-unders!

Least Favorite Movement: Just one? Nah, you get all of them: burpees, HSPU (ha, 17.4....), ring dips and air squats.

Occupation: Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of Baltimore School of Law

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family: I grew up outside of Detroit and moved to Baltimore four years ago with my boyfriend. I was the oops baby when my parents thought they were done after two kids. Apparently, they went to a really great party. I am a self-identified cat lady and have three furballs roaming around my house (yes, feel free to make fun of me). I am also an aunt to two small humans and teaching them ways to annoy my sister and brother-in-law has become a hobby for me.

Tell us something we don’t know about you: So, I am not making this up, I seriously did not know my sisters real name until she got her drivers license. My whole life we have called her Annie, and when she showed me her license it said "Anne." I told her they spelled her name wrong and forgot the i. Turns out, her legal name is Anne and I had no idea. Basically, I am the best little sister on the planet.

Words to live by or Favorite Quote: If you are going through hell, keep going. - Winston Churchill

How has CrossFit affected your life outside the gym: It has reminded me of what it means to be consistent, which was something that was lacking in my life. I wasn't very consistent with my training the first two years (I would take a month or two off, using work as an excuse) and would get upset about my lack of progression. I finally made the decision when I came to PUSH that I was going to implement consistency into my gym time and was amazed with how quickly I have improved. It has forced me to look at all aspects of my life (diet, relationships, work) where consistency was lacking and make changes. Life is so much better when I am purposefully consistent.

What do you enjoy most about PUSH:  I started CrossFit initially to meet people after I moved, but it wasn't until I came to PUSH that I finally found the awesome community I didn't realize was missing from my life. It has brought me together with people who understand the joy in hitting a PR and the frustration of feeling like you aren't progressing. There are so many people I admire at the gym and so many people I want to be like! You all push me to keep trying new movements, add more weight, and remind me to believe in myself when I just want to quit. I love waking up early and heading to PUSH to hang out with the morning crew!

Fill in the Blank: I like… the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pirates, coffee, peanut butter, a good beer or gin and tonic, working out in the morning and quoting movies. I eat… green beans, rice, peanut butter and casein pudding everyday. I do… spend way too much time on my phone looking at lifting videos, shopping on amazon and wasting time on Instagram. Shout out to the 6 am text message thread that gets me through the work day haha. I am…always saying hi to people on the street. Apparently, that is weird here.   Favorite Cheat Meal…Thai food. All the freaking Thai food. Favorite Real-Life Hero/Athlete…Pat Summit, she was, hands down, the best basketball coach. I really wish I had the chance to play for her.

I can't thank you all enough for bringing so much joy to my life and nominating me for this! You guys are all awesome people and make working out so much fun!