#Living in St Johns Florida

[sarahschwartzrealtor]

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[ericdeggans]

Why you should care about the TV Critics Association Press Tours, even if you are not a TV critic

Back in the day, years ago, it happened with regularity: A snarky story in one of the entertainment industry trade magazines taking a shot at the Television Critics Association’s twice-annual press tours.

Before we go on, a bit of inside baseball for context: the TCA is a group of critics and journalists who cover the TV industry, and two times a year we hold a conference of sorts in Los Angeles. Loads of major TV outlets participate, rolling out press conferences, receptions, set visits and interview opportunities to promote series and projects rolling out over the next six months or so.

The most recent TCA press tour, which I attended in Pasadena, Calif. (the picture above shows me giving the group's Heritage Award to Twin Peaks during the TCA Awards July 12), concluded in the middle of last week. And, predictable as an afternoon rain shower in Florida, The Hollywood Reporter rolled out a tough piece describing “The Incredible Shrinking Press Tour.”

“Frustrations with a staid press conference format, accelerated by Hollywood belt-tightening and the COVID-era shift away from in-person gatherings, to say nothing of severe budget cuts across the media landscape, have taken a visible toll on the press tour,” read the story, which quoted unnamed publicists of TV programmers sniping about having to participate. “An event that once stretched more than two packed weeks wrapped its latest cycle on July 17 after a thin eight days. Powerhouse streamers such as Netflix, Apple and Amazon were absent, and not a single programming executive took the stage to face down the press.”

(cast of Brooklyn Nine Nine at a TCA set visit)

True enough, this year’s press tour was smaller than previous outings; the event has struggled to return after COVID sidelined much of the TV industry. But Hollywood has also been buffeted by the impact of two strikes last year and concern – so far averted – that there might be a third this year.

A surplus of TV programming, increased production costs and caution about this year’s climate has led some big projects to be delayed until next year – more than one person in the industry joked to me about the phrase many are repeating in Hollywood, hoping to “survive until 2025.” Downsizing in media has also made it tougher for journalists to find the time and financial resources to attend press conferences at a swanky hotel which stretch out over more than a week.

Turns out, there’s lots of reasons why the tour has slimmed down this year, as the industry itself recalibrates and refocuses amid lots of institutional change.

But, as someone who has attended TCA tours since 1997 – yes, I’m THAT old -- I’m here to say that the tour remains a relevant and useful part of covering the industry, despite the anonymous sniping of assorted industry types.

(Yours truly visiting The Price is Right set during a TCA tour.)

When I first began attending tour, as the TV critic for the St. Petersburg Times in Florida, the event was filled with critics like me from regional papers from across the country. We were trying to give our local readers insight into an industry which came into their living rooms nightly for hours at time. And for me, the TCA tour was an invaluable crash course in modern television.

Over the years, I got to know publicists who arranged exclusive visits to the sets of ER, Six Feet Under, Sex and The City and Law & Order. I quizzed industry leaders at on the record receptions, including former CBS head Les Moonves, Fox News founder Roger Ailes, Survivor and The Apprentice executive producer Mark Burnett, FX head John Landgraf and Scandal/Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes.

When the late, lamented UPN network created a sitcom that felt a bit too close to being a veiled comedy about slavery – the show was called The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer, look it up – I was there to challenge the network’s executives and its producers. When Ailes and the Fox News anchor Chris Wallace tried to deny the way the cable newschannel favored conservatives, I was there, again, with access I would never have gotten any other way.

Most recently, in February, I asked producers from The Bachelor franchise why the show has struggled to handle racial issues – leading to losing its longtime host Chris Harrison and, possibly, the show’s creator Mike Fleiss. Their eight seconds of silence before a roomful of TV critics spoke volumes and sparked headlines nationwide.

There are few other major industries in America where the people who run things are expected to regularly face a group of journalists asking questions, sometimes pointed, about the decisions they have made. Given that media is occupying an increasing portion of our lives, having a forum where the press can interrogate the work of newscasters, documentarians, reality TV producers, media executives, series showrunners and big stars in public is incredibly valuable – both to journalists and the general public.

(former ABC entertainment president Jamie Tarses faced tough questions from reporters at TCA in 1997.)

The TCA tour has drawn lots of barbs over the years, from complaints from TV outlets about how much it costs to present press conferences, receptions and special events, to criticisms about the value of promotional items given to critics (that’s been severely toned down from the time, decade ago, when one network handed me a free cellphone after a press conference. I handed it back, noting it was far too valuable a gift to accept.)

But, as a former TCA board member from many years ago, I think what really rankles some in the TV industry is how little control they have over what happens at tours. Despite loads of coaching from experienced publicists, it is tough to predict what questions will be asked during a 40-minute press session, and an off-the-mark response can resonate for a while (Besides The Bachelor producers, I remember stars like Roseanne Barr, Katherine Heigl and even Donald Trump earning lots of critical coverage from bad press tour appearances.)

Entertainment trade publications have also often cast shade on the press tour, which regularly invites legions of less powerful and more removed journalists into the kind of access they usually enjoy.

What keeps the tour going, beyond its value to TCA members, is the ever-increasing need for publicity to punch through a media environment filled with more noise, distraction and competition than ever. Those who make TV need more ways to reach consumers, and the TCA tours still offer programmers the opportunity to reach journalists who connect with millions of consumers every day.

If the TCA press tours go away, what will be left is overly stage-managed press conferences wholly controlled by the TV outlets, with access severely limited to journalists and critics in big cities like New York and Los Angeles.

I hope that doesn’t happen. Because my time at the TCA has been among the most rewarding experiences in a long career, offering a window into the TV industry that is unparalleled and always enlightening.

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

An anti-Israel demonstrator was taken into custody following an altercation with a counter-protestor at an anti-Israel rally in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday when he allegedly hit a woman in the face with a megaphone. 

Shadi Abu Sammour, the man in involved in the incident, was subsequently charged with robbery, and had assault tacked on as a result of the nature of the alleged crime. 

According to First Coast News, the incident took place at around 5 p.m. during a protest. It took place on the 1600 block of Riverside Ave in the city's Five Points neighborhood. 

Shortly after demonstrators began making their way down the street, the suspect got into an altercation with a female pro-Israel counter-protestor who was carrying a megaphone. He allegedly grabbed the amplification device, hit her in the face with it, before proceeding to toss it into the nearby St. Johns River. He then drew his firearm, according to the report.  

Sammour was promptly arrested by an officer who had been keeping tabs on the protest and taken into custody. Once he had been removed from the scene, the event continued. 

"Jacksonville Sheriff's Office supports people's First Amendment rights to freedom of speech," Sgt. Karen Dukes told reports. "We want protestors and counter-protestors to be able to peacefully speak their mind and that's part of the great country that we live in and the freedom that we get to have. The issue is when– you can't break laws." 

Dukes explained that assault was "actually part of the robbery charge," pointing out that "robbery is stealing something by using force, so that's an element of it." 

According to Sammour's social media profile, he from Jordan and has made multiple anti-Israel posts.

[cymlea]

Things To Do In Tampa: A Comprehensive Guide to Florida's Gulf Coast

Tampa offers a dynamic and lively experience for visitors, showcasing a myriad of activities on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Florida is renowned for its diverse attractions, and Tampa stands out as a city designed for both entertainment and relaxation. With a captivating blend of historic architecture and modern landmarks, a culture enriched with Cuban and Spanish influences, bustling business districts, and scenic canals, Tampa emerges as a versatile destination that caters to work, exploration, and leisure.

Discover the myriad activities that Tampa has to offer with this comprehensive guide!

Things To Do In Tampa

Despite its vintage charm, Tampa boasts a multicultural atmosphere where historic buildings are being revitalized into vibrant food halls. Immerse yourself in the complete travel experience with our guide to Tampa's diverse offerings.

Discover Marine Life at The Florida Aquarium While in Tampa, Florida, don't miss the opportunity to explore The Florida Aquarium—an expansive 250,000-square-foot facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. As a 501 non-profit organization situated in downtown Tampa, it stands as one of the premier aquariums in the US. Witness a captivating array of sea creatures and immerse yourself in this publicly operated institution.

Location: 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

Operating Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Admission: $34.45 per person

Uncover Tampa's Past at Henry B. Plant Museum Venture into the historical realm by visiting the Henry B. Plant Museum, housed in the south wing of Plant Hall on the University of Tampa's campus. Located at 401 West Kennedy Boulevard, this museum offers insights into the Victorian lifestyle during turn-of-the-century Florida. Considered a hidden gem, it conveniently sits near hotels and restaurants around the university campus.

Location: 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

Operating Hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM (opens at 12 on Sundays)

Experience Artistic Splendor at The Tampa Theatre For a dose of cultural entertainment, make your way to The Tampa Theatre—an exquisite performing arts space in downtown Tampa. Designed by architect John Eberson, this atmospheric theatre-style movie palace hosts a variety of independent and foreign film productions. Treat yourself to a unique cinematic experience in this beautifully preserved landmark.

Location: 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

Operating Hours: Varies by show/screening

Relax Amid Nature at Lettuce Lake Park Nature enthusiasts will find solace in Lettuce Lake Park, a beloved green space in Tampa. Spanning 240 acres, the park offers walking paths, biking trails, and scenic benches for relaxation. Conveniently located on Fletcher Avenue between Interstate 75 and the University of South Florida, Lettuce Lake Park is complemented by the soothing presence of the Hillsborough River, providing a refreshing escape during warm spells.

Address: 6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637

Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM

Enjoy Live Performances at The Straz Center for the Performing Arts For aficionados of the performing arts, The Straz Center offers a captivating venue for shows, screenings, and live concerts throughout the year. Originally established in 1987 as the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and later rebranded in 2009, this beautiful complex is situated in downtown Tampa.

Location: 1010 N Macinnes Pl, Tampa, FL 33602

Operating Hours: Varies by show/screening

Embark on a Splashy Adventure at Adventure Island For a dose of fun in Tampa, look no further than Adventure Island—a conveniently located water park northeast of Tampa, Florida, just across the street from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This aquatic haven covers 30 acres and offers water rides, dining options, and various attractions. Many visitors opt for a full trip, combining the thrills of Busch Gardens and Adventure Island.

Location: 10001 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612

Tickets: $29.99 per person

Experience Thrills at Busch Gardens A must-visit for adrenaline enthusiasts in Tampa, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the largest zoo in the region, packed with exhilarating roller coasters and over 12,000 animals. This adventure park seamlessly blends high-caliber rides, adrenaline-pumping thrills, and family-friendly recreation. For a water-themed escapade, explore Busch Gardens' Adventure Island, Tampa's exclusive water park, spanning 30 acres of tropical excitement.

Location: 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612

Tickets: $84.99 per person

Unwind on the Beautiful Beaches Just a short drive away, Tampa offers access to approximately 35 miles of pristine Gulf of Mexico waters and white sand beaches on the barrier islands of St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Renowned for their exceptional sand quality and environmental preservation, standouts include Fort DeSoto Park, Caladesi Island, and Clearwater Beach. With its undeveloped coastlines, this area imparts a sense of being on a remote island.

Discover the wealth of beaches: Tampa boasts around 35 miles of white sand coastline, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and seaside enjoyment.

Discover the Glazer Children's Museum For families with kids, a visit to the Glazer Children's Museum is a must during their time in Tampa. Boasting around 20 interactive exhibits catering to children of all ages, this family-friendly museum offers an engaging experience.

Location: 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602

Operating Hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Indulge in a Beer Tasting Experience Tampa's brewing legacy dates back to 1896 when the Florida Brewing Company established itself in Ybor City's downtown. While facing challenges due to restrictions and laws, the craft beer scene experienced a resurgence with the establishment of the Tampa Bay Brewing Company a century later.

Diverse Beer Scene: Tampa boasts a thriving brewing culture, with the Florida Brewing Company being a popular choice in Ybor City.

Best Time to Explore Tampa, Florida

Tampa is at its best between September and December, offering a pleasant escape from the oppressive heat and humidity. The breezy conditions of autumn still provide warmth and sunshine, and during these months, hotels often offer enticing deals to attract visitors.

While the peak season for major attractions is from May to August, the weather can be uncomfortably humid. January through April, despite being cooler, tends to be a more expensive period for booking trips.

Optimal Transportation in Tampa

For seamless exploration of Tampa, visitors often find it beneficial to rent a car, especially if planning excursions to Clearwater and St. Pete's beachfront or the artistic enclaves of Sarasota. However, for those intending to stay within downtown or utilize the Telo Line Streetcar, walking or riding may suffice.

Given the residential and widely dispersed nature of the Bay Area, car rental costs, while subject to fluctuations based on supply and peak season factors, are generally reasonable. Commute times may be slightly extended due to the unique driving patterns in the region.

Guide to Tampa's Distinct Neighborhoods

Tampa's allure extends beyond its main attractions, inviting visitors to explore its vibrant neighborhoods that pulse with unique charm.

Hyde Park: Crafted around the time of the first Hillsborough River bridge by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant and Cuban immigrants establishing Ybor City, Hyde Park is a charming area exuding heritage and retro glamour. Nestled by the sea, with leafy tree canopies and early 20th-century brick lanes, Hyde Park features upscale Hyde Park Village, a walkable hub for dining and shopping. To the east, Bayshore Boulevard offers a waterfront promenade for biking and strolling.

Channelside District: Packed with tourist delights, the Channelside District hosts Sparkman Wharf—a riverfront entertainment venue offering microbrews, musical performances, and diverse dining options. The Florida Aquarium, home to over 8,000 species, adds to the district's allure with captivating exhibits on conservation initiatives, coral reefs, and marine life. Dolphin trips and hands-on experiences, like the No Bone Zone habitat, enhance the Channelside District's appeal.

Downtown: A blend of historical and contemporary cultural attractions defines downtown Tampa. Renowned sites such as the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, the Tampa Museum of Art, and the Glazer Children's Museum cater to art enthusiasts and families alike. The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway musicals, opera-ballet performances, and musical events. Corey Hixon Waterfront Park hosts year-round outdoor events, while the Tampa Riverwalk offers a scenic stroll along the Hillsborough River, lined with diverse eateries and bars.

Dining Recommendations in Tampa

The culinary scene in Tampa Bay mirrors its diverse culture, offering indulgent beverages at beachfront bistros and taverns. Visitors can savor iconic Tampa dishes, choosing from an array of options, including haute cuisine, farm-to-table eateries, and delightful seafood and traditional Spanish meals.

Top Breakfast Spots: Samaria Cafe, Nicki's Omelette & Grill, Oxford Exchange Lunch Favorites: Oystercatchers, Ulele, Al's Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que Dinner Hotspots: Vino E Pasta, On Swann, Wright's Gourmet House Best Bars: M. Bird, Fly Bar, The Orpheum, Bad Monkey

Where To Stay In Tampa, Florida

Tampa Bay offers a diverse range of lodging options, catering to both luxury seekers and those on business or leisure trips. Entertainment abounds, making Tampa an ideal destination for various needs.

Luxury Hotels

The Tampa Edition

Cost: Starting at $709 per night

Address: 500 Channelside Dr., Tampa, 33602

Amenities: Fitness Center, Outdoor Swimming Pool, Garden

Floridan Palace Hotel

Cost: Starting at $299 per night

Address: 905 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602

Amenities: Fitness Center, Restaurant

Mid-Tier Hotels

Hyatt Place Downtown Tampa

Cost: Starting at $349 per night

Address: 325 N Florida Avenue, Tampa, 33602

Amenities: Fitness Center, Outdoor Swimming Pool, Restaurant

Hotel South Tampa & Suites

Cost: Starting at $199 per night

Address: 3314 South Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL 33629

Amenities: Swimming Pool, Fitness Center

Budget Hotels

Hilton Garden Inn Tampa East

Cost: Starting at $166 per night

Address: 10309 Highland Manor Drive, Tampa, FL 33610

Amenities: Restaurant, Swimming Pool

Sleep Inn & Suites Tampa South

Cost: Starting at $179 per night

Address: 6231 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 33611

Amenities: Spa and Wellness Center, Fitness Center

Visiting Tampa: Helpful Tips

Sunpass Convenience: Consider obtaining a Sunpass, a prepaid digital permit for hassle-free highway travel to various destinations.

CityPASS Savings: Opt for the Tampa Bay CityPASS, providing discounted access to the city's premier attractions. Priced at $97 for children and $107 for adults, it offers substantial savings.

Freshwater Caution: Exercise caution when encountering freshwater, especially outside designated swimming springs. Florida's waters are home to over a million alligators, emphasizing the need for vigilance.

A Day Well Spent in Tampa

For those with just 24 hours, Tampa offers a condensed yet fulfilling experience. Explore Downtown Tampa starting with the Glazer Children's and art museums. Next, embark on an adventurous journey at Busch Gardens.

As the evening unfolds, consider a visit to one of the local breweries. Hyde Park beckons with its excellent dining and shopping options, while the Channelside District provides a vibrant backdrop for live performances.

Engage in Unique Activities

Even if water sports aren't your forte, Tampa's outdoor adventures offer compelling reasons to visit. The region boasts a diverse array of outdoor activities to suit various interests.

FAQ

Q: What is Tampa known for? Tampa is renowned for attractions such as the Florida Aquarium, the exhilarating Busch Gardens, the vibrant Ybor City, and being the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich. Additionally, the city is celebrated for its lush gardens, cigar manufacturing heritage, modern museums, fine dining establishments, and picturesque sidewalks.

Q: Is Tampa better than Orlando? Tampa is preferred by beach enthusiasts due to its proximity to the coast and the surrounding Tampa Bay. Orlando, another city in Central Florida, is favored by those who are fans of Universal and Disney attractions.

Q: Is Tampa Riverwalk worth visiting? Absolutely! Tampa Riverwalk is a must-visit attraction, offering a scenic stroll along the Garrison Channel and Hillsborough River. With water-based activities, beachfront restaurants, museums, and year-round festivals, it provides an enriching and enjoyable experience.

[la-femme-au-collier-vert]

From the Library of Anne Rice (Part 3)

Flynn, Gillian. Gone Girl. New York: Crown Publishing, 2011. Lightly annotated. 

Green, John. The Fault in Our Stars.  New York: Penguin Books, 2012. Ownership signature. Annotated.

Le Carre, John. The Spy Who Came in From the Cold.  New York: Bloomsbury, 2005. Ownership signature. Tabbed. 

Martin, George R.R. A Dance with Dragons. New York: Bantam Books, 2011. Ownership signature. 

Metalious, Grace. Peyton Place. New York: Julian Messner, 1957. Ownership signature. 

Sebold, Alice. The Lovely Bones.  New York: Back Bay Books, 2007. Ownership signature. Annotated.

Sheldon, Sidney. The Other Side of Midnight. New York: Willam Morrow & Company, Inc., 1973. Ownership signature.

Sienkiewicz, Henryk. Quo Vadis. New York: Hippocrene Books, 2002. Ownership signature. Annotated.

Silva, Daniel. The Kill Artist.  New York: Random House, 2000. Ownership signature. Annotated.

Susann, Jacqueline. Once is Not Enough. New York: Willam Morrow & Company, Inc., 1973. Ownership signature. Lightly annotated. 

Susann, Jacqueline. Valley of the Dolls. New York: New Market Home Library, 1996. Ownership signature. Annotated.

Turow, Scott. Identical. New York/London: Grand Central Publishing, 2013. Ownership signature. 

Turow, Scott. Identical. New York/London: Grand Central Publishing, 2013. Ownership signature. Annotated.

Bowman, Carol. Children's Past Lives. New York: Bantam Books, 1998.

Burpo, Todd with Lynn Vincent. Heaven is for Real. Nashville, Dallas, Mexico City, and Rio de Janeiro: Thomas Nelson, 2010.

Fronkzac, Paul Joseph and Alex Tresniowski. The Foundling. New York: Howard Books, 2017.

Greven, Philip. Spare the Child. New York: Vintage Books, 1990.

Joyce, Stephen H. Suffer the Captive Children. By the Author, 2004.

Malarkey, Kevin & Alex The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven. Carol Stream, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2011.

Mcfarland, Hillary. Quivering Daughter. Dallas, Texas: Darklight Press, 2010.

Postman, Neil. The Disappearance of Childhood. New York: Vintage Books, 1994.

Rafferty, Mary and Eoin O'Sullivan. Suffer the Little Children. New York: Continuum, 1999.

Reilly, Frances. Suffer the Little Children. London: Hachett UK, 2008.

Szalavitz, Maia. Help at Any Cost. New York: Riverhead Books, 2006.

Taylor, Marjorie. Imaginary Companions and the Children Who Create Them. New York, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999.

Tucker, Jim B. Life Before Life. New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 2005.

Woititz, Janet Geringer.  Adult Children of Alcoholics. Deerbeach, Florida: Health Communications, Inc., 1983.

Bloom, Harold. The Book of J. New York: Grove Weidenfeld, 1990. Ownership signature. Annotated.

Collins, Andrew. From the Ashes of Angels. Rochester, Vermont: Bear & Company, 2001. Ownership signature. Annotated.

Collins, John J. The Scepter and the Star. New York: Doubleday, 1995. Annotated.

Cook, John Granger. The Interpretation of the New Testament in Greco-Roman Paganism. Hendrickson Publish, 2002. Ownership signature.  

Ehrman, Bart D. Lost Scriptures. [Oxford]: Oxford University Press, 2003. Ownership signature. Annotated.

Enns, Peter. The Bible Tells Me So... HarperOne, 2014. Ownership signature.  

Fox, Everett. The Five Books of Moses. New York: Schocken Books, 1995. Ownership signature. Annotated.

House, H. Wayne. Charts of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1981. Ownership signature. Annotated.

Howard, Thomas. Evangelical is Not Enough. San Francisco: Ignatius, 1984. Ownership signature.  

Lockhart, Douglas, Jesus the Heretic. Shaftsbury, Dorset: Element, 1997. Ownership signature. Annotated.

Luckert, Karl W. Egyptian Light and Hebrew Fire. State University of New York Press, 1991.  

Parenti, Michael. God and His Demons. Amherst, New York: Prometheus Books, 2010. Ownership signature.  

Shaw, Russell. Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Catholic Doctrine. Huntington, Indiana: Our Sunday Visitors Publishing, 1997. Annotated.

Sparrow, W. Shaw. The Gospels In Art. New York: Frederick A, Stokes Company, 1904. Annotated.

Townsend, Mark. The Gospel of Falling Down. Winchester, UK: O Books, 2007. Inscribed by author.  

Valenti, Connie Ann. Stories of Jesus. Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 2012. Inscribed by author.  

Yallop, David A. In God's Name. Toronto: Bantam Books, 1984. Annotated.

Zuesse, Eric. Christ's Ventriloquists. New York: Hyacinth Editions, 2012. Ownership signature. Annotated.

Cayce, Edgar.  On Atlantis. New York: Grand Central Publishing, 1968. Ownership Signature. Annotated

Collins, Andrew. Gobekli, Tepe Genesis of the Gods.  Rochester, Vermont: Bear & Company, 2014. Ownership Signature. Annotated

Cremo, Michael A. and Richard L. Thompson. Forbidden Archaeology. Los Angeles: Bhaktivedanta Book Publishing, 2003. Ownership Signature. Annotated

Eno, Paul F.  Faces at the Window.  By the Author, 1998. Ownership Signature. Annotated

Fiore, Edith. The Unquiet Dead. New York: Ballantine Books, 1988. Ownership Signature. Annotated

Hoagland, Richard C. and Mike Bar. Dark Mission: The Secret History of Nasa.  Feral House, 2007. Ownership Signature. Annotated

Icke, David.  The Biggest Secret. David Icke Books, 1999. Ownership Signature.  

Joseph, Frank. The Atlantis Encyclopedia. Career Press, 2005. Ownership Signature. Annotated

Knight, Christopher and Alan Butler. Before the Pyramids.  London: Watkins Publishing. 1988. Ownership Signature. Annotated

Leshan, Lawrence. A New Science of the Paranormal. Wheaton, Illinois: Theosophical Publishing House, 2009. Ownership Signature. Annotated

Peake, Anthony. The Out-of-Body Experience. Watkins, 2011. Ownership Signature. Annotated

Redfern, Nick. Shapeshifters Woodbury, Minnesota: Llewellyn Publication 2017. Ownership Signature. Annotated

Roberts, Scott Alan. The Secret History of the Reptilians.  Pompton, N.J.: New Page Books, 2013. Ownership Signature.  

Spence, Lewis. The Occult Sciences in Atlantis. London: The Aquarian Press, 1970. Ownership Signature. Annotated

Temple, Robert with Olivia Temple. The Sphinx Mystery. Rochester, Vermont: Inner Traditions, 2009. Ownership Signature. Lightly Annotated

Thyme, Lauren O. The Lemurian Way. Lakeville, Minnesota: Glade Press, 2012. Ownership Signature.  

Wilson, Colin and Rand Flem-Ath. The Atlantis Blueprint. Delta Trade Paperback, 2000. Ownership Signature. Annotated.

[gentlyrowan]

Who Snapped Here Before Snapmaws?

Photo from Wikimedia Commons by James St. John

Dinoridge.org Crocodile Article

The landlocked state known for its towering Rocky Mountains and sprawling plains once featured dramatically different landscapes as seen in its geological formations. [...] Fresh water flowed through this bed into what was then the coastline of a large interior seaway. Today’s stone layers have an abundance of fossilized animal tracks including numerous parallel claw marks. [...]

Photo by James St. John from Wikimedia Commons

“Crocs had four toes on their hind feet, but often we see only the traces of the three longest toes,” Dr. Lockley* noted. “Often swim tracks are aligned in one direction because crocs were following a creek or moving with a current.” [...]

Today crocodiles can only be found in south Florida in the U.S. and are protected as a threatened species. Crocs that once thrived in Colorado were smaller than full-grown crocs living in Florida, which can reach up to 20-feet in length. “Based to the largest tracks we can infer that the larger animals were 13-16 feet long,” Dr. Lockley said. “Nonetheless, the larger crocs would have been fearsome, top predators in these habitats. Paleontologists think they would have ambushed unsuspecting dinosaurs, birds, and other creatures that strayed too close to the waterline.”

*Dr. Martin Lockley is a co-founder of the nonprofit Friends of Dinosaur Ridge, and world-renowned ichnologist and professor emeritus at University of Colorado Denver.

post 5 of 6 from Dinosaur Ridge

See Part 4 here: Who Strode Here Before Clawstriders?

See Part 6 here: short video introduction to Dinosaur Ridge and Red Rocks Amphitheater

NORA SACRED LAND

DINOSAUR RIDGE, NEAR DENVER

(Devil's Grief), COLORADO, USA

[trepans-apprentice]

A SHORT MEMORIAL TO THE DUSKY SEASIDE SPARROW.

THEIR EXTINCTION WAS CAUSED BY HUMANS, AND HUMANS ALONE.

THEIR COFFIN WAS BUILT BY HUMANS. THE FINAL CAUSES WERE HUMANS.

THEIR NESTING GROUND WAS FLOODED BECAUSE THE KENNEDY SPACE STATION WERE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE LARGE MOSQUITO POPULATION.

THE MARSHES THEY CALLED HOME WERE DRAINED IN ORDER TO BUILD A HIGHWAY.

THE LAST 6 DUSKY SEASIDE SPARROWS KNOWN TO US WERE ALL MALE.

5 OF THE 6 SPARROWS WERE CAUGHT, AND A CROSSBREEDING PROJECT WAS ATTEMPTED. IT COULD HAVE POSSIBLY BEEN SUCCESSFUL. LAWS AND POLICIES PREVENTED IT FROM CONTINUING.

THE LAST KNOWN DUSKY SEASIDE SPARROWS DIED AT WALT DISNEY WORLDS 'DISCOVERY ISLAND'.

MAY THEY REST AT LAST.

SEND LETTERS TO YOUR LOCAL GOVERNANCE IF YOU WANT. TAKE DIRECT ACTION.

IF YOU'RE IN THE USA. YOU CAN FUCKING CALL YR LOCAL DIRTBAG POLITICIAN

THEY WILL NOT LISTEN UNLESS THEY ARE CONFRONTED

ALSO FUCK DISNEY I HATE DISNEY

^^search up its common name. dusky seaside sparrow. recording of its call.

[3416]

How John Tavares is helping Matthew Knies prepare for his first Maple Leafs playoff run

By Joshua Kloke | Apr 16, 2023 | The Athletic

Matthew Knies looked around the Leafs dressing room and shook his head. It wasn’t long after the Leafs had finished an optional practice on Saturday afternoon, and many of his teammates were already nowhere to be seen. The highly-touted NHL rookie questioned a few Leafs staff members as to how the room gets so vacant so soon. Quickly, Knies threw on a Leafs ball cap, one he is still working in to fit just right, and realized he should probably hit the road too: his new roommate was probably waiting for him in the parking lot, having finished practice about 20 minutes earlier: John Tavares.

Almost immediately after Knies signed with the Leafs on Sunday, Apr. 9, the 20-year-old received a flurry of text messages from Leafs stars, all offering up a spare room in their house for the highly-touted Leafs prospect to stay in for the duration of the playoffs. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner texted Knies, but Tavares’ text came first. Knies happily jumped at the opportunity to live in Tavares’ basement.

And for what could be a roller coaster ride for Knies, having Tavares to lean on could help him understand the new life he’s now a part of.

“It makes me feel way more like part of the family,” Knies said.

Knies spent the majority of his first week with the Leafs on the road, playing in Florida, Tampa Bay and New York. He kept his head above water, registering his first NHL point and playing effective, physical hockey in tight spaces and showing impressive smarts with the puck in the neutral zone. Once he finally arrived in Toronto late last week and had a chance to breathe, he did so in Tavares’ basement.

In short, Knies has looked like a player who could be trusted to jump into an NHL playoff game if necessary. And maybe even become an X-factor.

But even Knies will admit there’s more to surviving in the NHL as a rookie than just making smart reads with the puck: with the intensity and physicality of games having ramped up, he knows he needs to treat his body better and improve his eating and sleeping habits.

He’s learning from one of the best in that regard. Tavares’ preparation and efforts to eat well have become renowned around the Leafs.

“Taking notes from a guy with such experience, I couldn’t pass that up,” Knies told The Athletic.

Knies said Tavares’ alarm goes off around 6:15 AM so the Leafs captain can tend to his two young children, with a third child on the way.

“He lets me sleep in a bit,” Knies joked.

The pair were among the first to arrive at the Leafs practice rink at 9:30 AM for an 11:45 AM practice on Sunday.

Tavares will drive Knies to practice, another chance for Knies to open his ears to Tavares’ experience. One thing Knies told The Athletic he’s gleaned from Tavares is how to balance the increased travel in the short amount of time he’s about to face, with multiple upcoming trips to Tampa Bay. Perhaps a few tips like leaving his window open on flights if a time zone change is coming to keep his circadian rhythm intact.

“He’s not cutting corners,” Knies said.

The two new teammates have had a few meals together, and Knies has spent a little time with Tavares’ children. But hey, it’s worth remembering here that Knies is essentially a child himself.

“I don’t know if I’d be the first one he’d ask to babysit,” Knies said.

There is precedent for what the Leafs captain is doing: a then 19-year-old Tavares lived with then New York Islanders forward Doug Weight when Tavares was a rookie.

“All year, he’s been there for me whenever I’ve needed him,” Tavares said in 2010.

Tavares is paying it forward, if you will, and ensuring that if Knies needs someone, he’ll be there for him. Knies’ parents are in Arizona. The new city Knies is living in is one he has only spent a few days in here and there during last summer’s development camp.

Assimilation at a stressful time of the season can be, well stressful, for a young player. But it feels less so for Knies.

“I didn’t want to be stuck in a hotel in my own bubble,” Knies said. “It’s made me feel more comfortable in Toronto.”

That sense of comfort could soon matter. Knies dressed as an extra forward during his first full Leafs practice on Sunday. Yet if the Leafs need some offensive pop, it feels likely he will be the first forward to draw in against the Lightning. He’ll need to keep up with the faster pace of play should he draw into the playoffs. But Sheldon Keefe has never been afraid to tinker with his lineup in search of a better solution.

“Every experience he gets is gonna help him,” Keefe said of Knies on Sunday. “Obviously the talent that he’s shown — he’s a guy that can help us and is another great option for us to have.”

Should that happen, Knies could feel more ready than he would have anticipated when he first signed with the Leafs. And he’ll have the captain.

“That’s going to help my experience,” Knies said, “and help me get accustomed to the NHL lifestyle.”

[sataniccapitalist]

Florida…

““It’s an incredible, incredible, incredible hurricane,” said John Morales, a hurricane specialist for NBC 6 South Florida, who choked up on air. “This is just horrific.”

[justanothercanuck]

My dreams are always so vivid. Last night I dreamed I was making the perfect road trip. One I dreamed of doing when I was younger. No itinerary and no rules and only my wit and daring to carry me. Much like all the other road trips I took as a wild child. This one was the big one though. San Diego, California to St. John's, Newfoundland.

It would have been my great adventure. I had gone east to west across Canada from Toronto to Vancouver more than once. And east to west from Toronto to Halifax a couple times. Also I had gone north to south as far down as Gainesville, Florida and east to west from Georgia to California. But that was the big one. And the one I never got to do. I guess life got in the way and then 9/11 and then the cost of being a vagabond became the realm of only the privileged. SO it never happened. But last night, in my dream I got off to a great start. And made friends who took me to a really crazy pub run by Tom Waits and there was Keith Richards at the bar. There was weird and wonderful stuff all over the walls and on the shelves and the beer was cheap and good. And Tom held court. When I told Waits what I was planning on doing he handed me an envelope and said "Ah can you give this to a guy in New York?" and I asked who, because there was no address on it, just a name, he replied "You'll know when you see him". Then I woke up. Which was a bummer. My dreams are always very musical and at one point before I went to the pub I had my ear buds in and I was listening to Blue Rodeo. This song in particular...

And I think I have learned that the music I hear in my dreams is a message. This one is a sad sweet one about lost dreams, people and places. And a life I used to live.

As the evening descends Your conscious of every breath And every moment is a crisis, I guess Starin' out the windows of your hotel room You lit one too many fires underneath that spoon Well I guess you deserve the chosen few Real life, just out of view If only...It would have been magical.

The song is one of my favourite songs. It actually is written about a friend of the band but makes reference first to Robert F. Kennedy's assassination "And there's a picture we've all seen, It was taken in the lobby of the L.A. Ambassador Hotel, It's the silhouette of a man in another's arms". And then about RFK's son David who died in Florida of a heroin overdose in 1984 "Yeah you forgot the lines of a part you rehearsed so well, Lyin' awake in the Brazilian Court Hotel". The song speaks to me deeply. And if you're not Canadian you probably never heard of Blue Rodeo. But they're an incredibly talented group of guys and wrote some of the greatest music ever to come from Canada. And they also were the house band in the movie "Postcards From The Edge" where Meryl Streep sings the song "I'm Checking Out" with them. Incidentally the book and movie are written by Carrie Fisher about her own life and she was a fan of Blue Rodeo. And another cool fact is the song Streep sings with them was written by Shel Silverstein. And so Jeff goes off on a tangent. because this is how my brain is wired.

[beardedmrbean]

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Moments after a Nebraska priest called 911 to report that a man was standing in his kitchen with a knife, a dispatcher on the line heard screaming and a struggle. A deputy arriving a few minutes later heard the priest shout, “Help me,” before he found the man lying near the kitchen, bleeding profusely, according to murder charges filed Tuesday.

Nebraska prosecutors charged Kierre L. Williams, 43, with first-degree murder, burglary and two weapons counts in the stabbing of the Rev. Stephen Gutgsell, a priest at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Calhoun. Authorities said Gutgsell was attacked during a break-in at the church rectory, a crime that rocked the small town just north of Omaha.

An affidavit filed along with the charges details what deputies found when they arrived at the rectory, which is a home next to the church.

The documents did not detail any motive for the attack except to say the killing happened during a burglary. There is no mention of any prior connection between Williams and the 65-year-old priest.

After Gutgsell called 911 around 5 a.m. Sunday to report that a man was standing in his kitchen with a knife, the operator heard a struggle and screaming over the phone, according to the affidavit.

Washington County Deputy Brady Tucker said in the affidavit that the front door had been forced open when he arrived at the house. After he identified himself, he heard a man call out, “I’m here” from the direction of the kitchen and “Help me.” When the deputy asked who else was in the home the voice said “an intruder.”

Court documents say Gutgsell was bleeding profusely from wounds on his face, hands and back when he was found lying in his kitchen with Williams sprawled on top of him. Williams was perpendicular to Gutgsell, with his back on top of the priest's chest.

The bloody knife used in the attack was found later in a bedroom next to a large pool of blood. Court documents did not explain how the struggle unfolded.

The rectory where Gutsgell lived is a one-story home with a two-car garage. It is newer but smaller than most of the homes in the neighborhood surrounding the church, which bears a cornerstone saying it was built in 1982.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office said Williams is from Sioux City, Iowa, which is about 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Fort Calhoun, a town of about 1,000 residents.

Tucker said in his affidavit that he learned Williams was a felon with multiple warrants. Public records show Williams has been convicted of crimes in multiple states, including a drug possession case in Texas and more than a dozen cases in Florida dating back to his teens. He was recently charged with misdemeanor assault in a July soup kitchen fight in Sioux City, Iowa. He was homeless at the time of the fight, court records show.

Williams does not have a lawyer yet in Nebraska and will make his initial court appearance Thursday. His public defender in the Iowa assault case said he did not know anything about the Nebraska case and hung up on an Associated Press reporter Tuesday.

Gutgsell's stabbing is the second killing in Fort Calhoun this year, unnerving residents of the normally tranquil town. Both killings happened during break-ins where there was no clear connection between the intruders and the victims, making them all the more troubling.

“It shouldn’t happen in a small town like this,” bar owner Andy Faucher said Monday as people gathered a few blocks from where Gutgsell was stabbed. Faucher said the fact that this latest killing involved a priest only “intensifies the scariness of the situation.”

[sirgiant-blog-blog]

Sometimes, living in Florida, we dream to switch places with the tourists if only to see the beauty of snow. But then we wake up and sit at the beach. This is simply watercolor on a greeting card. As with all the cards I’ve been painting lately, this one will also be at the Art Auction on November 23, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church, Ocala, Florida.

[proton-wobbler]

Round 1, Poll 7

Gray Vireo vs Dusky Seaside Sparrow

sources under cut

Gray Vireo Propaganda:

Noted as being one of the most plain looking birds in North America, Gray Vireo live in the Southwest in various scrublands: pinyon-juniper, mesquite, and oak.

Like other vireos, they will use the slight hook in their bill to help tear apart the insects they capture, typically beating them against branches before holding down the bug and ripping into it. Also like other vireos, they sometimes sing while sitting on their nest!

They're monogamous throughout the breeding season, with males singing consistantly from dawn til noon and running circles around their territory multiple times per day. Sometimes on these rounds, the female will wander with him, only singing if there is a territorial conflict with another pair. Both male and female will incubate eggs, and feed the young.

(this is my current focal species for work I promise I'm not biased, they're just perfect in every way)

Dusky Seaside Sparrow:

"extinct; RIP little guy :(" - declared officially extinct in December 1990

A subspecies of the Seaside Sparrow, this specific type was found in saltmarshes of Florida's Atlantic Coast on Merritt Island and the upper St. Johns River.

The main cause for extinction is likely linked to mosquito control measures: DDT use, the creature of "mosquito impoundments" that destroyed saltmarsh habitat, and finally the flooding of the marshes on Merritt Island after the Kennedy Space Center was built. Another huge blow was when the marshes were drained to facilitate highway construction.

As a species, Seaside Sparrows are incredible habitat specialists that remain in saltmarshes and brackish marshes their entire life. They nest in the tall grass of riverbanks, creating an orb-shaped nests just high enough from the water to keep from flooding daily. Once the chicks have fledged and been cared for by their parents, they will often form small flocks in order to forage together.

Image Source: All About Birds

[fantabulisticity]

Virgilio Aguilar Mendez, an 18-year-old indigenous-Maya teen from Guatemala, is currently being held without bond in St. John’s County for a crime he DID NOT commit. Virgilio was a victim of police brutality and violation of his 4th amendment right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure on May 19th, 2023 for standing outside the motel he was residing in while on a call with his dad. Sergeant Kunovich said he "looked suspicious" and began yelling at Virgilio. Virgilio expressed he didn't speak English on more than one occasion and that he was residing at that motel. This interaction led to an 8 minute struggle where Virgilio was physically abused and tased multiple times by multiple officers although he made it clear to the officers involved that he did not understand English, and despite Virgilio being 5-foot-4 and weighing 115 pounds. Sergeant Kunovich suffered a heart attack minutes after the struggle and died at the hospital. Medical examiners ruled that Sergeant Kunovich died of natural causes. Despite this ruling, The St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the State Attorney for the 7th Judicial Circuit of Florida have charged Virgilio with aggravated manslaughter of a police officer and are attempting to put Virgilio away for life for alleged crimes he did not commit. Sergeant Kunovich died from a heart attack as a result of an incident he himself started unnecessarily and unconstitutionally that was not caused by Virgilio, but by a pre-existing condition. Virgilio has been held since May 2023 without bond, completely isolated due to his primary language being Mam, for a crime he did not commit. After Kunovich's death, the elected sheriff of St. John County, Robert Hardwick, blatantly lied to the public on live TV by announcing during a press conference surrounded by other elected officials that Virgilio Aguilar was stopped because he was trespassing and that he had a pulled a knife on Sergeant Kunovich, which was the reason they declared Sergeant Kunovich and the other officers began to apprehend and use force to arrest Virgilio. Bodycam videos released after this press conference reveal that there was never a knife pulled on Sergeant Kunovich at all and there was no mention of a trespass in the videos or police reports, thereby undermining the credibility of the office Sheriff Hardwick leads and perpetuating the mistrust of people towards elected officials. Before Sergeant Michael Kunovich stopped Virgilio, there was no possible crime. We are demanding the immediate release of Virgilio Aguilar Mendez from custody and for the charges to be dropped immediately as his constitutional and civil rights were violated by the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office. These rights protect all people within this country, regardless of immigration status. If Virgilio is convicted and sentenced to prison for this incident it will create an extremely dangerous precedent in this country; because if a police officer dies from a heart attack during a police-citizen encounter, anyone in this country can be charged, convicted and sentenced to life in prison for that officer’s death. This precedent would run contrary to the fundamental tenants of freedom and Liberty, which are scared in our country. It is not a crime to stand outside your place of residence at any given time. We are demanding that Governor Ron DeSantis and 7th circuit state attorney, RJ Larizza get involved in the dismissal of this case immediately as Virgilio's right are being violated and neglected by the St. John's County Sheriff's Office. Virgilio has been sitting in jail for 7 months and will be kept there for an indefinite period unless they release him.

[offender42085]

Post 0537

Joseph D Roberts, Florida inmate 148566, born 1984, incarceration intake in June 2014 at age 30, scheduled for release May 2038

Murder, Battery on LEO by Detainee

In May 2014, Joseph Dean Roberts was sentenced to 30 years in prison in the July 2010 death of a Ponte Vedra Beach woman.

When Judge Michael Traynor asked Roberts if he had anything to say before he was sentenced, he apologized.

"Sorry, I never meant for any of this to happen, and ... sorry," he said.

Roberts was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Brittany Tavar, 45.

He was also sentenced to five years in a separate case for battery that occured in September 2012 in a county jail. He was charged with that while in the St. Johns County jail.

He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the case as part of a plea agreement, sparing him the possibility of life in prison.

Roberts was arrested in Seattle on a shoplifting charge after Taver’s disappearance and later told local detectives that he beat her with a hammer after an argument at her home. Tavar and Roberts met at a bookstore, and she later invited him to live with her. She was reported missing several weeks later.

Roberts was found after using Tavar's credit card in Oregon and after he was arrested on the shoplifting charge.  Roberts helped detectives find Tavar's body in October 2010 in woods of State Road 207.

He told them the argument was about DVDs that he helped make for evidence in a civil case Tavar was involved with, but Roberts was not involved in that case.

Roberts appeared without an attorney because he chose to represent himself.

Two charges against him were dropped as part of the plea deal: Grand theft of a motor vehicle, for stealing Tavar's car, and tampering or harassing a witness in the jail battery case.

Traynor adjudicated Roberts guilty of second-degree murder and battery in a jail.

Roberts received credit for about 1,300 days spent in the county jail.

In an unusual request, after he was sentenced Roberts asked that he be allowed time to organize his affairs while at Jail before going to prison.

Traynor said he did not have a problem with that, and the state did not object.

3m

[mastermindxmemoirs]

better together - introduction

Summary: After ten long years working in various roles in Hollywood–stemming from temp jobs to small gigs in TV shows and movies, you’ve gotten your break. You have headed to Hawaii to star alongside some big names in the new Jurassic World movie. 

Word Count: 1533

Warnings: Slow build. This is mostly just an intro, so no Chris in this installment, but he will be in the next! This is going to be more of a chapter story. Hang tight! It gets better, I promise :) 

so if I’m honest I think I’m beginning to question how much I want this

You took in a deep breath as you stepped off of the plane and onto the tarmac. A quick glance around–you realized you weren’t in Los Angeles anymore. The view was beautiful–lots of trees, palms and greenery. There was a sweet salty smell from the ocean you hadn’t breathed in since you lived in St. Petersburg, Florida. It reminded you of home, but you knew it was different.

This is it, the thought released butterflies in your stomach. Everything you had worked for over the last ten years amounted to this very moment. Thankfully, your feet found the will to move forward as you pulled your backpack up onto your shoulders. 

There was a man in a suit just ahead with your name neatly printed on the paper sign in his hands. “Y/N?” He asked just as you approached.

“That’s me,” you managed a smile, even though the butterflies were still fluttering rapidly about your stomach. You hadn’t had an appetite, but you were grateful for that; in this moment, you couldn’t be sure if you would throw up or not.

“Nice to meet you,” he smiled back. “I’m John, I’ll be your driver today. If you’d like to follow me, I’m parked just outside the terminal. Can I carry your backpack for you?” 

“Nice to meet you,” you replied. “And it’s okay, I’ve got it. Thank you, though.” You didn’t want to trouble anyone. Working for ten years in Hollywood just trying to make it, you had learned how hard celebrities were on ‘the little people’. You didn’t consider yourself a celebrity; this was your first big gig. But you were determined to take what you had learned and not make anyone working around you feel smaller than you.

“Not a problem,” he nodded as he began the trek to the terminal. “How many bags do you have, miss?” He asked over his shoulder.

“One suitcase and one duffel bag,” he seemed surprised by your answer. You tried to pack as light as possible. You also had a terrible fear that the director you were working with would realize you were an imposter and not what they were expecting and send you on a plane back home within a week. “Oh, and please, call me Y/N.”

“Y/N,” he repeated. “Not a problem. Max will gather your bags and bring them to the hotel. We’ll go ahead and get a head start so you can get settled. Do you have your checked luggage receipt?” 

You pulled your backpack to the side and reached in the front pocket to retrieve the paper receipt you had gotten when checking your bags. Once you handed it over to John, he took a quick picture with his phone. “The suitcase is gray with a teal ribbon tied to the handle, and the duffel is black–there’s a matching teal ribbon on the shoulder strap.” You described.

“Great, I’ll send that info and the receipt to Max,” he typed away on his phone as you continued walking through the terminal. “Have you ever been to Hawaii before?” He made conversation.

“No, this is my first time,” you had almost forgotten that you were in this tropical paradise for the first time in your life. It was too bad your nerves had gotten the better of you and you weren’t able to fully enjoy it.

“Well, welcome,” he beamed. “You’re going to love it. It’s a beautiful state.”

You kept pace just behind John as he led you through the sliding glass doors and out to a blacked out SUV. He opened the rear passenger door and held it for you as you stepped in. “Thanks,” you smiled. He nodded and closed it behind you.

It felt as though your ears were ringing from the complete silence. Your senses were overloaded before, but the silence and the scent of the detailed car stuck you with your thoughts.

You had somehow (unbeknownst to you) landed a major role in the new Jurassic World movie. Besides some supporting roles you had portrayed on TV and film over the last few years, you had never been involved in anything this big before. This was what you had wanted…or so you thought. But being here felt incredibly intimidating and you weren’t even on set yet.

“We should be at the condo in about forty minutes, with traffic,” John glanced over his shoulder as you clicked your seatbelt into its locked position. 

“Great, thank you, John,” you reached for your backpack and pulled out the familiar stack of papers that were bound with metal prongs. The sheets were worn, as you had read through them, written in your analysis and what direction you think the director might have for you. You had worked on memorizing; you felt fairly comfortable with not just your own dialogue, but the dialogue of your co-stars for the scenes you had together.

But you weren’t that naive…you knew you could mess up at any point. And that was what terrified you.

Mindlessly, you gnawed on the skin of your thumb just beside your nail as you read. Before you knew it, John was pulling into a small parking lot. Just ahead, there was a row of condos. It wasn’t too crowded–in fact, you were actually surprised at how few units there were. You liked that, though. You appreciated the quiet.

“I’ve been asked to give you about thirty minutes and then take you over to set, if that’s okay. I’m not sure your luggage will be in just yet, but I can have it brought to your trailer or have Max bring it back here for you to pick up after you’re back,” John explained. “You’re in Unit 207–second floor.” He passed back a set of keys.

“No problem,” you pressed the release button on your seatbelt. “I packed an extra set of clothes in my backpack. I will drop off a few things and be right back. Thanks, again.” You took the keys from John and stopped him before he could get out. “Oh, please don’t worry about the door. I’ve got it.” You smiled and reached for the door handle.

The scent of salt as you swung your legs outside of the car brought you a sense of calm, once more. You knew it would be just as quickly replaced once you were headed to set, but you pushed those thoughts and feelings down. You entered the condominium and headed for the stairs. There were maybe 30 units in total–15 on the first floor, 15 on the second. The building was clean and somewhat modern, but still had a nice Hawaii touch. 

You found the door that said 207 and slipped your key in the lock. It opened smoothly to a beautiful one bedroom, one bath unit. The kitchen was lovely, with light gray counters and stainless steel appliances. The condo was furnished with tasteful pieces–nothing fancy, but you appreciated that. You slid your backpack down your shoulder and placed it on the dining table set with two placemats. 

You hadn’t had an opportunity to check your phone, so you pulled it out and saw you had two voicemails.

You listened to the first:

“Y/N, it’s Monica,” ah, your agent. “Listen, I know you can handle it…but I’m sending Lori out to Hawaii tomorrow. I knew you would fight me on it, so I didn’t want to tell you until you were already there.” You chuckled, at least she knew you. Lori was your assistant, who you adored…but you wanted her to have some time off and catch a break; you knew you could handle yourself while you were out here. “She’s stoked–and you can still give her time off out there. Who wouldn’t want that?! It’s Hawaii, dammit. Anyway…call me when you can. Let me know if you need anything.”

The second message looked to be from Lori.

“Hey Y/N, it’s Lo. Monica said she left you a voicemail so I could check in. Listen, don’t be mad. I’m happy to help you out. Uh, HELLO–it’s Hawaii!! I’ll text you tomorrow once I get in. See you soon!”

You’d be lying if you said you weren’t excited for some familiarity. Lori had been a really good friend for six years or so. You had met her in a bar bathroom at a nightclub in West Hollywood during a really bad first date. She got you away from the date and introduced you to her group of girlfriends. A really bad night turned into a really great one quickly. When you got to the point where Monica felt like you needed an assistant, you wanted Lori to have first dibs. 

You changed into your change of clothes–nothing fancy, just denim shorts and a loose fitting Dr. Dre v-neck you had found at a thrift shop a few years ago. You pulled your slip-on tennis shoes back on and took a quick glance in the mirror hanging on the wall. 

Not terrible, but you still kind of looked like you had been on a plane for six hours. You threw some sunglasses on and headed back out the door to meet John in the car.