#Outstanding Display Award

[blowflyfag]

Pro Wrestling Illustrated: 1995 THE YEAR IN WRESTLING. March 1996

MOST POPULAR WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: SHAWN MICHAELS 27,783 votes

The day after WrestleMania XI, “Psycho” Sid Vicious attacked Shawn Michaels, the man who was employing him as a bodyguard. What happened next put Michaels on the road to winning our Most Popular Wrestler of the Year award for the first time.

When Shawn’s good friend Diesel, who had been his enemy for several months before this incident, saved “The Heartbreak Kid” from further punishment and chased Sid away, fans responded with cheers for both men that set Michaels on a course toward unprecedented popularity. Those who once enjoyed despising him became eager to embrace him. And even before Michaels became a full-fledged fan favorite, he had his share of fans. 

“Michaels always struck me as being extremely arrogant,” wrote Nate Suarez of Montreal. “But now I'm seeing a different side of him. He’s more appreciative of the fans. He’s still cocky, but I can overlook that now.”

What Michaels has in abundance is charisma. He is naturally a very attractive personality, and the fans responded to that.

“He’s very charming,” wrote Sandra Trell of Cheyenne, Wyoming. “He’ll do something that’s really rotten, but then he’ll give the crowd a certain look, and everybody will think his opponent deserved exactly what Shawn did to him. It’s like I cheer in spite of myself.”

It doesn’t hurt, of course, that Michaels is a handsome man. For some of his supporters, that is more significant than any wrestling maneuver he uses.

“My heart skips a beat everytime I see him on TV or at the arena,” gushed Roberta Ashanti of St. Paul Minnesota. “How could you not love him?”

However, it isn’t Michaels’ good looks that have carried him to the peak. He is without question one of the sport’s outstanding technical wrestlers. ”That’s why I like him,” wrote Sam Gray of North Bergen, New Jersey. “Forget all that glitz and the hype; the guy isa terrific wrestler. He could beat anybody in the world.”

Clearly, Michaels is the most popular wrestler in the WWF, and one who doesn’t mind sharing the spotlight with his friend Diesel. After the Sid fiasco, Michaels displayed no jealousy toward “Big Daddy Cool” while he was World champion. It is an attitude that added to his popularity.

Next year could be different. Michaels could turn rulebreaker again. But for now, Shawn deserves all the favorable attention he gets.

RUNNERS-UP

STING: 17,728 votes

First runner-up: Last year’s winner is the most popular athlete in his federation, WCW. Sting even hears a few more cheers than his friend Hulk Hogan. One possible reason: He seems more sincere and reachable than the “Hulkster.” Supporters respect Sting for always playing by the rules and for not abandoning WCW for other opportunities. 

DIESEL: 13,450 votes

Second runner-up: He isn’t quite as popular as Michaels, but “Big Daddy Cool” still has a wildly enthusiastic following. Aside from displaying vastly improved skills, Diesel has proved himself quite articulate in the talk-show circuit, and that doubtless has won him fans who don’t normally watch on TV or travel to the arenas.

HULK HOGAN: 11,831 votes

Third runner-up: a decade ago, Hogan was more popular than any professional wrestler ever had been. Today he hears a few more boos, but there are still thousands of loyal “Hulkamaniacs” who believe there’s nobody better than their man. It is a popularity that persists on the strength of what he has done on the movie set, but in the ring.

VOTES FOR OTHERS (8,730)

Some of the top vote-getters who did not capture a runner-up spot include: Bam Bam Bigelow, Tommy Dreamer, Bret Hart, Public Enemy, Razor Ramon, Randy Savage, Tracey Smothers, and The Undertaker.

[shineemoon]

ONEW•JONGHYUN•KEY•MINHO•TAEMIN… '15th Anniversary' SHINee's 'RACE'

Since the debut in 2008, SHINee has been considered a role model for many K-pop artists as both a group and solo artists. Not only did all the members release solo albums, but they also have a solid career in various fields such as entertainment, acting, musicals, and fashion. SHINee, who has been developing personal skills not only through the team but also through solo activities, announced that they will reunite to mark the 15th anniversary of their debut this year. While high expectations are being placed on the synergy that 'Complete SHINee' will show, we looked back at SHINee's brilliant solo career.

Unrivaled ‘VOICE’ Onew. Onew, who sang many drama OSTs and collaboration songs, released his first solo album ‘VOICE’ in December 2018, which was filled with his own lyrical music, once again proving his warm tone and outstanding singing ability. He solidified his position as a unique vocalist by presenting a fresh and refreshing charm with ‘DICE’ and a healing song that comforts the listeners with his first regular album ‘Circle’ Last March, he held his solo concerts in Korea and Japan, thrilling his global fans with a high-quality performance that combines colorful music, performance, and scent production. He also played the role of Haram in the musical 'Midnight Sun' and received favorable reviews for his delicate portrayal of his shy character. Unchanging team's ‘BASE’ Jonghyun Jonghyun, who was recognized for his solid skills early on with his refreshing vocals, has released his first solo album ‘BASE’, his first collection 'Story Op.1', his first full-length album 'She Is', his second collection 'Story Op.2' and his second full-length album 'Poet | Artist', the albums that show a wide spectrum of music have received enthusiastic responses from music fans. In addition, he participated in the lyrics and composition of various songs that cross genres, such as his solo album songs, SHINee's hit songs 'Juliette' and 'View', Taemin's 'Pretty Boy', and EXO's 'PLAYBOY'. For about three years from 2014, he communicated with listeners every night as a radio DJ and gave warm comfort, and he was active in various fields such as publishing the novel “Skeleton Flower: Things That Have Released and Set Free”.

Always new ‘FACE’ Key Key is showing off his versatility in music, entertainment, fashion, etc. to the extent that he is called 'all-around cheat key'. He opened wide the door as a solo artist with his first full-length album 'FACE', and with the so-called 'retro trilogy' leading to his first mini-album 'BAD LOVE', his 2nd full-length album 'Gasoline' and repackage 'Killer', he presented music and performances with a unique charm that can be heard. In addition, Key is displaying an excellent sense of entertainment in popular entertainment programs such as tvN's 'Amazing Saturday' and MBC's 'I Live Alone'. Accordingly, it was realized that he was receiving high public attention by winning the Male Excellence Award in the variety category at the '2022 MBC Broadcasting Entertainment Awards', and winning the '2022 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards' and the '2022 Brand of the Year Awards' for two consecutive years in the entertainment idol male category. Challenges with passion ‘CHASE’ Minho Minho, a 'passionate character' in the music industry, has played a prominent role in various entertainment shows, including sports variety programs since his debut, combining his superior physique, passion that burns like a flame, wit and sense. He also showed his smooth hosting skills as an entertainment MC, including various award ceremonies and the original TVing ‘Webtoon Singer’. In addition, Minho showed a variety of performances across the spectrum through dramas such as tvN's ‘The Most Beautiful Goodbye’ and Netflix series ‘The Fabulous’, as well as movies 'Inrang' and ‘Jangsari: Forgotten Heroes’. In December last year, he released his first mini-album ‘CHASE’ filled with hip-hop and R&B genres with his own emotions, filling the last puzzle piece of SHINee's solo album. K-pop ‘ACE’ Taemin Taemin announced his solo debut as the first member of SHINee with his first mini-album ‘ACE’ in 2014. With the hit songs ‘MOVE’ and ‘WANT’, he caused the so-called ‘Move’ and 'WANT' syndrome and won awards in the album and best dance performance solo categories at various awards ceremonies. In addition, Taemin is loved by fans all over the world for his excellent vocals and powerful performance skills, as he has various modifiers such as 'Yeoksolnam (all-time solo male singer)' and 'Taemdol (Taemin is also a role model)'. He has established himself as an irrefutable "ACE" of K-pop by proving his powerful global power by successfully completing his first arena tour 17 times in six cities across Japan in 2019.

SHINee is set to release a new full-length album to mark the 15th anniversary of their debut this year. (Source: xportsnews)

[ausetkmt]

Encyclopedia of American Race Riots [2 volumes]: Greenwood Milestones in African American History [2 volumes] Illustrated Edition

Click the title to download free, and please share it

2008 Ida B. Wells and Cheikh Anta Diop Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Africana Studies

2007 Choice Outstanding Academic Title

Race riots are the most glaring and contemporary displays of the racial strife running through America's history. Mostly urban, mostly outside the South, and mostly white-instigated, the number and violence of race riots increased as blacks migrated out of the rural South and into the North and West's industrialized cities during the early part of the twentieth-century.

Though white / black violence has been the most common form of racial violence, riots involving Asians and Hispanics are also included and examined. Race riots are the most glaring and contemporary displays of the racial strife running through America's history. Mostly urban, mostly outside the South, and mostly white-instigated, the number and violence of race riots increased as blacks migrated out of the rural South and into the North and West's industrialized cities during the early part of the twentieth-century.

While most riots have occurred within the past century, the encyclopedia reaches back to colonial history, giving the encyclopedia an unprecedented historical depth.

Though white on black violence has been the most common form of racial violence, riots involving other racial and ethnic groups, such as Asians and Hispanics, are also included and examined.

Organized A-Z, topics include: notorious riots like the Tulsa Riots of 1921, the Los Angeles Riots of 1965 and 1992; the African-American community's preparedness and responses to this odious form of mass violence; federal responses to rioting; an examination of the underlying causes of rioting; the reactions of prominent figures such as H. Rap Brown and Martin Luther King, Jr to rioting; and much more. Many of the entries describe and analyze particular riots and violent racial incidents, including the following:

Belleville, Illinois, Riot of 1903 Harlem, New York, Riot of 1943 Howard Beach Incident, 1986 Jackson State University Incident, 1970 Los Angeles, California, Riot of 1992 Memphis, Tennessee, Riot of 1866 Red Summer Race Riots of 1919 Southwest Missouri Riots 1894-1906 Texas Southern University Riot of 1967

Entries covering the victims and opponents of race violence, include the following:

Black Soldiers, Lynching of Black Women, Lynching of Diallo, Amadou Hawkins, Yusef King, Rodney Randolph, A. Philip Roosevelt, Eleanor Till, Emmett, Lynching of Turner, Mary, Lynching of Wells-Barnett, Ida B.

Many entries also cover legislation that has addressed racial violence and inequality, as well as groups and organizations that have either fought or promoted racial violence, including the following:

Anti-Lynching League Civil Rights Act of 1957 Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 Ku Klux Klan National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Nation of Islam Vigilante Organizations White League Other entries focus on relevant concepts, trends, themes, and publications.

Besides almost 300 cross-referenced entries, most of which conclude with lists of additional readings, the encyclopedia also offers a timeline of racial violence in the United States, an extensive bibliography of print and electronic resources, a selection of important primary documents, numerous illustrations, and a detailed subject index.

click the title to download - free, and please share it

[statelibraryqueensland]

In times of war, our furry companions often work side by side with armed forces. In World War One, dogs were used as part of the Red Cross to bring wounded soldiers away from the frontlines, smaller dogs would live amongst the trenches as "ratters" to keep vermin populations and disease lower, and messenger dogs would run communications from the trenches to deliver information up the chain of command.

In 1943, the Dickin medal was created to award displays of outstanding gallantry or service by animals in wartime. According to the Australian War Memorial (Source), 74 animals have been recipients of this honour, and of those 74, 37 were dogs.

Image credit: Page 21 of The Queenslander Pictorial, supplement to The Queenslander, 10 March 1917 (link to catalogue record)

[rsdesignsravit]

I'm thrilled to announce that my beaded jewelry display received the Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2023 Wilmette Art Fair organized by Amdur Productions! I'm grateful for the recognition and want to extend a heartfelt thanks to Amy Amdur, who presented me with the award during the fair. It's an honor to be recognized among so many talented artists, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with the community. Looking forward to creating more beautiful pieces in the future! - Ravit Stoltz

[gravesung]

DRAKARTH CONSERVATORY for Arcane Excellence and the Drakarth Archival Preservation Society (called the Archive for short) are technically one and the same. The Archive came first, with the Conservatory built next to it by arcane researchers who wanted to mold from each generation an upper echelon of societal perfection: soldiers, politicians, researchers to lead the charge into every new era. Drakarth, crowned by its star arete student and its globally-recognized faculty, stands as an institution to strength that, if you can survive it, guarantees a successful life.

Key phrase: if you can survive it. Not all is well here, and the people who uphold Drakarth's ideals would do just about anything to keep their secrets buried.

Be careful, now, and don't follow the moths.

STRUCTURE & EDUCATION.

Honor, virtue, reason and might are the four tenets of what Drakarth sees as excellence. Each class attends three years of school: the honing year, the building year, and the trial year. The honing year is spent on basic training, though its true purpose is weeding out those with outstanding potential from the crowd. During finals at the end of the year, all of the freshmen are pulled solo, in pairs, or in threes for individualized Surprise Tests made to test their weaknesses and push them to their limits. These can be anything: 1v1 tournaments, grueling survival challenges, written exams, dungeon delves... the list goes on.

By the end of year one, less than ten percent (80-100) of the students pass their trials and continue on. The rest are shunted into Drakarth's sister schools and outer universities for lower-intensity studies. The ones who pass are called CENTURIONS, and even if they don't graduate top of their class, the title in itself is incredibly prestigious.

Year two, the building year, is spent exploring what makes each student special. Their advisors craft and constantly adjust custom curriculums that balance the student's strengths and weaknesses within the four tenets.

It's supposed to be individualized, that is. The academic system fails so many young people, and Drakarth is not only no exception to this, but a stunningly cruel example of it. (hiii jupiter.) Some of the students who are rejected, or who drop out mid-year, are literally never seen again by their peers. No clue where they went, no contact, nothing. No one seems to think this is weird. They just couldn't cut it, you know.

Third year: tournament arc! Students spend their time fine-tuning the skills they have built over the last two years and training for a schoolwide capstone tournament after finals. These serve as a display of Drakarth's newest exceptional stock to interested parties: military, government, scientific agencies, like sports recruiters coming to games.

Being top of the class each year is a high enough honor in itself. At least, from an outside point of view. Those in the school, the faculty and staff, and the attached families know the truth: there is one particular honor that everyone is chasing.

There is an opportunity every year for someone to be awarded the title of ARETE. For the last two decades, that opportunity has come and gone: the Conservatory and Archive staff simply haven't seen a student who exemplifies the four tenets at an outstanding, better-than-perfect level.

That doesn't stop every student from shooting for it, though.

Drakarth's arete is treated somewhere between a political hero and a messiah. They become the face of the Conservatory and, to an extent, the country it resides in. They attend conferences and war meetings, make speeches to young hopefuls, fight in wars — essentially, they go where the society needs someone to look up to.

LAYOUT.

The Conservatory itself is built from a set of old stone buildings, their architecture Gothic with a twist of occasional surrealism and a focus on open space. At the entryway, flags bear the school crest: two eagles locked in combat in front of a crossed pen and sword, framed by the area's native wild roses. The eagles represent might, the pen represents reason, the sword represents honor, and the roses represent virtue. 

The ballroom, where public-facing functions and schoolwide formals take place, resembles a modified cathedral without pews. Along the back wall, where altars may sit, the leftmost refreshment table bears stacks of wine glasses filled with red, white and bubbly varieties. The center table is adorned with savory hors d'oeuvres, and the rightmost table shows off sweets and pastries of many types: tiny cakes, croissants and canele and cups of custard, spiced honey cake and filled buns, and more. The food and drink items seem to replenish themselves. 

The Archive, directly adjacent to the ballroom, is two floors high and three floors deep. The ground floor acts as a public library for basic arcane knowledge. The second floor acts as the Conservatory’s private library and study space. Underground levels are for artifact storage and Archive property that is only accessible with a research permit and an approved written request detailing what exactly will be used or studied. 

There is definitely not an ancienty secret society involved. There is no eldritch deity of forbidden knowledge sealed under the Archive. Don't follow the moths.

The school training grounds take up about a football field's worth of outdoor space, different sections of the field set up for different types of training. A large dirt square provides space for hand-to-hand combat; dummies of different materials provide resistance to elemental damage for spellthrowing; one entire half of the field is for sports rather than combat. Things do get mixed up sometimes. 

This field is also cleared out when it comes time for end-of-year trials, challenges that test the might, honor and knowledge of each year's students. Most don't make it out of them alive. That's just how things are. The trials with the most fanfare are Tournaments, which are the capstone of Drakarth's graduating class. The students are placed in small groups and pitted against what is essentially a public dungeon crawl. Those who succeed receive a magical artifact and graduate from the Conservatory, some with honors and some simply good at surviving. 

And, of course, there's the college town. Drakarth is out in the countryside, but establishments, homes and businesses have been built around it over the centuries as many alumni and their families end up teaching after they graduate. Favored by Conservatory students is CODA, a lounge that transitions from a cafe to a classy bar in the evenings.

Questions?

graphic template credit

[techtow]

Celebrating the Stars: David Tennant and Michael Sheen at the BAFTAs

Celebrating the Stars: David Tennant and Michael Sheen at the BAFTAs

In a dazzling night at the BAFTA awards, the spotlight shone on the incredible talents of David Tennant and Michael Sheen. Fans of the dynamic duo, known for their outstanding performances and undeniable chemistry, flooded social media with the hashtags #DavidTennant and #MichaelSheen, expressing their admiration for the actors.

The online community, represented by users like @byaurore, @userbbelcher, and @tuserrachel, came together to share their love for Tennant and Sheen with the hashtags #DTennantEdit and #MSheenEdit. The creative prowess of fans was evident as they showcased their artistic skills, with special mentions to @jemmablossom, @userbecca, and @tuserhan for their exceptional edits.

The hashtag #GoodOmens also made waves, resonating with fans who appreciated the duo's brilliant portrayal of Crowley and Aziraphale in the hit series. The camaraderie displayed by users like @usereena and @userelio in celebrating these characters added a heartwarming touch to the online festivities.

As the BAFTA awards unfolded, the excitement reached a peak, with users such as @userpris and @userisaiah passionately discussing the event. The virtual red carpet was rolled out for Tennant and Sheen, with fans eagerly awaiting glimpses of their favorite stars.

The evening was not only a celebration of talent but also a testament to the strong and supportive community that has formed around these actors. The influence of icons like David Tennant and Michael Sheen transcends the screen, creating a bond that unites fans from all corners of the world.

In the spirit of recognition, applause, and creativity, the hashtags #BAFTA and #BAFTAs echoed through social media platforms, emphasizing the global impact of these remarkable actors. The online realm, fueled by users like @tuserpris and @tuserhan, became a hub of shared joy and appreciation.

In conclusion, the BAFTA night was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a testament to the enduring love and admiration that fans have for David Tennant and Michael Sheen. The hashtags #DixonScarol and #ByAurore served as virtual applause, echoing the sentiments of a worldwide audience captivated by the magic of these two extraordinary talents.

[whoiwanttoday]

The SAG Awards were this weekend and it's red carpet was pretty amazing. For a few weeks now we've had a real display of just outstanding style. I feel spoiled. Of course, on the other hand I can't post everyone and that's a shame but you should go look it up, basically top to bottom good looks. I almost posted Zendaya again today actually. Went back and forth but I also really like how Jenna Ortega looked so I am posting her instead. It's crazy how she has gone from "who" to "major star" since I first posted her which is barely over a year ago. Boy has her star risen. Today I want to fuck Jenna Ortega.

[callsign-owl]

Unspoken Rules - Part 1

London, United Kingdom - April 1999

In the grand ballroom of the family estate elegantly dresses guests mingled. The air was filled with the soft hum of conversation, punctuated by the clinking of champagne glasses and the occasional burst of laughter. The gala was small yet it was still a grand affair, organized by Bartholomew to celebrate yet another successful business endeavour. It was a display of power and prestige, attended by politicians, business moguls, and socialites who moved through the room with practiced grace.

In a corner of the room, Owl stood awkwardly, clutching a glass of orange juice, not even ten years old at this point in time. His gaze darted around the room, taking in the sights and sounds that were both fascinating and overwhelming. Owl's older brother, Percival, stood nearby, already dressed like a miniature version of their father. At fourteen, Percival exuded a calm confidence that seemed far beyond his years. He navigated the social currents of the event with ease, charming the adults with polite conversation.

"Remember to smile," Percival whispered to his younger brother, leaning over to give him a gentle nudge. "And don’t fidget so much. People notice."

Owl nodded, though the words barely registered. His mind was a whirlwind of sensory input—the clinking glasses, the rustle of dresses, the overpowering scent of perfumes mixing in the air. He tugged at the collar of his shirt, which felt like it was suffocating him.

"*redacted*, for goodness' sake, stop fidgeting," Bartholomew hissed as he passed by, his voice low but sharp. Owl's attempt to stand still only lasted a moment before his fingers found the edge of his jacket, tracing the seams for comfort.

Trying to mimic Percy's, Owl eventually approached a group of guests, determined to make his father proud. But their conversation was a blur of meaningless words, and he struggled to find an entry point. As he stood on there, a thought struck him—a joke he had read in a book recently. It seemed like the perfect way to break the ice.

"Why did the scarecrow win an award?" Owl blurted out, his voice louder than he intended.

The adults paused, a few eyebrows raised in surprise at the interruption. Owl continued, oblivious to the growing tension, "Because he was outstanding in his field!"

There was a brief silence before a polite chuckle escaped from one of the guests, but the others merely exchanged puzzled glances. To Owl, their reactions were confusing. It was a good joke, wasn't it?

Bartholomew, overhearing the exchange, felt a surge of anger rise within him. He swiftly crossed the room, placing a firm hand on Owl's shoulder and leading him away from the group. "This is not the time for childish antics, *redacted*," he said through gritted teeth. "Go and find your brother. Learn from him how to conduct yourself."

Owl nodded, the rebuke stinging more than he let show. As his father turned away, Owl retreated to the edge of the room, feeling a little lost. He scanned the crowd for Percy, finally spotting him engaged in conversation. But Owl didn't want to be like Percy. He didn't understand why he had to play a part he didn't feel fit him. He only knew that every attempt to be himself seemed to end in disaster.

As the gala continued, the guests eventually started drifting towards the grand dessert table set up at one end of the ballroom. It was laden with an array of exquisite sweets—miniature tarts, rich chocolate mousse, colourful macarons and an extravagant croquembouche towering over the rest. The enticing aroma of sugar and chocolate was irresistible, drawing people in.

Owl, having retreated from his previous attempt at socializing, found himself drawn to the tablle as well. As he approached, he noticed a group of elegantly dressed guests gathered nearby, engaged in conversation. Among the guests was Lady Constance, along with a few of her friends, all of whom were influential figures in the social circuit. They were discussing a recent art exhibition.

Owl reached for a macaron, the vivid colors of the pastries catching his eye. As he took a bite, a thought popped into his head—something he had read about macarons being notoriously difficult to make. Maybe this would be a good opportunity to share a fun fact and engage with the adults in a topic he found interesting.

Owl turned to the group. "Did you know," he began, his voice cutting through their discussion, "that making macarons is so hard because of something called the 'macaronage' process? You have to fold the batter just right, or they won't have those little feet at the bottom."

The adults turned their attention to Owl, most with an expressions of mild surprise. Lady Constance paused, her head tilted slightly as she regarded Owl.

"That's quite an interesting fact, young man," she said, her voice laced with a touch of disdain. "But we're discussing the symbolism in contemporary art right now."

The implication that his contribution to the conversation wasn't welcome, flew right over Owl's head and he continued. "And did you know that macarons were originally Italian, not French?"

The group exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond. Lady Constance however now looked clearly annoyed by the interruption. Not noticing the obvious shift in atmosphere, Owl remained undeterred. He gestured to the towering croquembouche, eager to share another tidbit he remembered. "That’s a croquembouche," he said, pointing at the tower of cream-filled profiteroles. "It means ‘crunch in the mouth’ in French!"

"You certainly know your desserts," Lady Constance said, her tone dismissive. "Perhaps you'd like to sample a few more?"

"No, thank you, I've had enough dessert," Owl replied earnestly.

Lady Constance's expression tightened, momentarily taken aback by Owl’s literal interpretation of her suggestion, but before she could respond, Bartholomew appeared, his face a mask of barely contained fury. He placed a firm hand on Owl's shoulder, his grip tight enough to make the boy wince.

"Lady Constance, I apologize for my son's interruption," Bartholomew said smoothly, his voice cold and controlled. "*redacted*, come with me. Now."

As Bartholomew led Owl away, the boy looked up at his father, confusion and hurt in his eyes. "But I was just talking about the desserts," he said quietly.

"This is not the time or place for your random facts," Bartholomew snapped, his voice low but harsh. "You need to learn how to behave appropriately in these settings. You're embarrassing yourself and the family."

Owl's heart sank at his father's words. He looked down at the floor, feeling a familiar mix of confusion and frustration bubble up inside him.

"But I was only trying to talk," Owl mumbled. "Percy said I should try and join conversations."

Bartholomew sighed, exasperation written all over his face. "Joining the conversation means listening, understanding, and contributing in a way that's appropriate," he said, his tone clipped. "Not interrupting with irrelevant facts."

"I thought they were interesting," Owl replied quietly, his voice barely audible over the clinking of glasses and murmurs of the crowd.

Bartholomew paused, looking down at his son with a mixture of impatience and disbelief. "Interesting to you, perhaps. But this isn't the place for...for your little trivia games, *redacted*," he said, struggling to find the words. "These are important people, and they don't have time for your nonsense."

Owl felt the sting of tears forming in his eyes, but he blinked them away, not daring to show weakness in front of his father. He didn't understand why sharing something he found fascinating was considered wrong, and the more he tried to fit in, the more it seemed he was out of place. It was like being in a room full of people speaking a language he couldn't understand. No matter what he did, it was never the right thing. Owl wished he could just understand the rules that everyone else seemed to know instinctively.

"I'm sorry," Owl said, though the words felt hollow. He wasn't entirely sure what he was apologizing for, but he knew it was what his father expected.

Bartholomew released his grip on Owl's shoulder with a sigh of frustration. He glanced around the room, ensuring no one had overheard their conversation. His reputation mattered more than anything, and any perception of weakness or embarrassment was unacceptable.

"Just...stay out of trouble." Bartholomew said, his voice harsh. Without another word, he turned and walked back towards the crowd of guests, leaving Owl standing alone.

As Owl watched his father's walk away, a sense of isolation washing over him like a cold wave. Everyone else seemed to fit seamlessly into this world, while he felt like a piece of a puzzle that didn’t belong. He felt a profound sense of loneliness, as if he were adrift in a sea of people who could never understand him. He knew he was different, and that difference felt like a barrier he couldn't breach.

Continue reading here

[moneeb0930]

➡THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN TO BECOME A NOTED FASHION DESIGNER

Ann Cole Lowe (December 14, 1898 – February 25, 1981) was the first African American to become a noted fashion designer. Lowe's one-of-a-kind designs were a favorite among high society matrons from the 1920s to the 1960s. She was best known for designing the ivory silk taffeta wedding dress worn by Jacqueline Bouvier when she married John F. Kennedy in 1953.

In 1917, Lowe and her son moved to New York City, where she enrolled at S.T. Taylor Design School. As the school was segregated, Lowe was required to attend classes in a room alone. However, segregation did not stop her, and she still managed to rise above her peers in school. Her work was often shown to her white peers in recognition of her outstanding artistry, and she was eligible for graduation after attending school for only half a year. After graduating in 1919, Lowe and her son moved to Tampa, Florida.

The following year, she opened her first dress salon. The salon catered to members of high society and quickly became a success. Having saved $20,000 from her earnings, Lowe returned to New York City in 1928. During the 1950's and 1960's, she worked on commission for stores such as Henri Bendel, Montaldo's, I. Magnin, Chez Sonia, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. In 1946, she designed the dress that Olivia de Havilland wore to accept the Academy Award for Best Actress for To Each His Own, although the name on the dress was Sonia Rosenberg.

As she was not getting credit for her work, Lowe and her son opened a second salon, Ann Lowe's Gowns, in New York City on Lexington Avenue in 1950. Her one-of-a-kind designs made from the finest fabrics were an immediate success and attracted many wealthy, high society clients. Design elements for which she was known include fine handwork, signature flowers, and trapunto technique. Her signature designs are what helped her eventually become recognized for her work. In 1964, the Saturday Evening Post later called Lowe "society's best kept secret" and in 1966, Ebony magazine referred to her as "The Dean of American Designers. Throughout her career, Lowe was known for being highly selective in choosing her clientele.

In 1953, Janet Lee Auchincloss hired Lowe to design a wedding dress for her daughter, the future First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier, and the dresses for her bridal attendants for her September wedding to then-Senator John F. Kennedy. Auchincloss also chose Lowe to design her own wedding dress for her marriage to Hugh D. Auchincloss in 1942. While the Bouvier-Kennedy wedding was a highly publicized event, Lowe did not receive public credit for her work until after the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

Throughout her career, Lowe continued to work for wealthy clientele who often talked her out of charging hundreds of dollars for her designs. After paying her staff, she often failed to make a profit on her designs. Lowe later admitted that at the height of her career, she was virtually broke. In 1961 she received the Couturier of the Year award but in 1962, she lost her salon in New York City after failing to pay taxes. That same year, her right eye was removed due to glaucoma. While she was recuperating, an anonymous friend paid Lowe's debts which enabled her to work again. In 1963 she declared bankruptcy. Soon after, she developed a cataract in her left eye; surgery saved her eye. In 1968, she opened a new store, Ann Lowe Originals, on Madison Avenue. She retired in 1972.

➡LEGACY

A collection of five of Ann Lowe's designs are held at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Three are on display at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. Several others were included in an exhibition on black fashion at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan in December 2016.

A children's book, Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Ann Cole Lowe written by Deborah Blumenthal was published in 2017. Author Piper Huguley wrote a historical fiction novel, By Design: the story of Ann Lowe, Society's Secret Fashion Designer, about Lowe's life.

Her work has been admired by the designer Christian Dior, as well as the famous costumer Edith Head.

[axisdesigners1234]

Axis Designers: Award Winning Exhibition Company in India

In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of exhibitions and trade shows, one name stands out as a beacon of innovation, creativity, and excellence: Axis Designers. As an best exhibition company in India, Axis Designers has redefined the standards of exhibition design and execution, establishing itself as a leader in the industry.

A Legacy of Excellence

Axis Designers' journey to becoming the top exhibition company in India is marked by a commitment to quality and a passion for creativity. With a team of seasoned professionals, the company has consistently delivered outstanding exhibition solutions that captivate audiences and create memorable experiences. This dedication to excellence has earned Axis Designers numerous accolades and awards, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier exhibition company in India.

Innovative Design and Execution

At the heart of Axis Designers success is their innovative approach to design and execution. The company's design philosophy centers on creating unique, immersive environments that not only showcase their clients' products and services but also tell a compelling story. Each exhibition stand is meticulously crafted to reflect the client's brand identity and objectives, ensuring a seamless blend of aesthetics and functionality.

Axis Designers leverages cutting-edge technology and design trends to create exhibition stands that are not only visually stunning but also highly interactive. From advanced lighting solutions to immersive multimedia displays, the company's exhibitions are designed to engage and inspire visitors, leaving a lasting impression.

Comprehensive Services

One of the key factors that set Axis Designers apart from its competitors is its comprehensive range of services. The company offers end-to-end exhibition solutions, from initial concept development to on-site execution and post-event support. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of the exhibition is meticulously planned and executed, allowing clients to focus on their core business activities.

Axis Designers' services include:

Exhibition Stand Design and Fabrication: Custom-designed stands that reflect the client's brand and message.

Project Management: Seamless coordination and execution of all exhibition-related activities.

Graphic Design and Printing: High-quality graphics and promotional materials that enhance the exhibition experience.

Audio-Visual Solutions: State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and support for engaging presentations and displays.

On-Site Support: Dedicated on-site teams to ensure smooth and successful exhibitions.

Client-Centric Approach

Axis Designers' success is built on a client-centric approach that prioritizes the needs and objectives of each client. The company takes the time to understand the unique requirements of every project, offering personalized solutions that deliver exceptional results. This commitment to client satisfaction has earned Axis Designers a loyal clientele that spans various industries, including automotive, technology, healthcare, and more.

Award-Winning Excellence

The numerous awards and accolades garnered by Axis Designers are a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to excellence. These honors not only recognize the company's outstanding achievements in exhibition design and execution but also highlight its role as a trendsetter in the industry. Axis Designers' award-winning projects serve as benchmarks for innovation and creativity, inspiring other companies to strive for similar levels of excellence.

The Future of Exhibitions

As the exhibition industry continues to evolve, Axis Designers remains at the forefront of this dynamic landscape. The company is constantly exploring new ideas and technologies to enhance the exhibition experience, ensuring that clients stay ahead of the competition. With a forward-thinking approach and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of design and execution, Axis Designers is poised to shape the future of exhibitions in India and beyond.

In conclusion, Axis Designers is more than just an exhibition company; it is a symbol of award-winning excellence, innovation, and client-centricity. With a rich legacy of success and a vision for the future, Axis Designers continues to set new standards in the world of exhibitions, making it the go-to choice for businesses seeking to make a lasting impact.

[lboogie1906]

Dr. Orlando Patterson (born June 15, 1940) in Westmoreland Jamaica is one of the foremost sociologists in the US. The son of Charles, a detective, and Almina, a seamstress, he displayed academic talent at a young age. A frequent visitor to his local library, he gained the scholarly skills that saw him rise to the top of his classes. He earned a scholarship to the University College of the West Indies and graduated with his BS in Economics. He earned a Ph.D. in Sociology at the London School of Economics. He served as a member of faculty at both colleges, before taking the role of Harvard’s John Cowles Professor of Sociology in 1971, where he now works today.

His scholarship focuses largely on race relations, slavery, and freedom, has written several important books including Slavery and Social Death and Freedom in the Making of Western Culture, which won the National Book Award for nonfiction. He wrote The Ordeal of Integration. One of his most recent books is The Cultural Matrix: Understanding Black Youth. His most recent work, Modern Trafficking, Slavery, and Other Forms of Servitude.

He served as the Special Advisor for Social Policy and Development to Prime Minister Michael Manley of Jamaica (1972-79). He was a founding member of Cultural Survival, a group that promoted the rights of indigenous peoples in different countries around the world including Asia, Africa, and South America. He served as a board member for several years for Freedom House.

He received the award for Freedom in the Making of Western Culture he was co-winner of the Ralph Bunche Award for the best book on pluralism from the American Political Science Association. He won the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Lifetime Achievement. The government of Jamaica awarded him the Order of Distinction. He received honorary degrees from La Trobe University in Australia, the University of Chicago, and UCLA. One of his more recent awards came in 2015 when the Institute of Jamaica awarded him the Musgrave Medal for his outstanding work in literature. He married his second wife Anita (Goldman) (1995) and the couple had one daughter. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[dumpingground6]

Rating:

Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning:

No Archive Warnings Apply

Category:

Gen

Fandom:

Dislyte (Video Game)

Character:

Li Xiao (Dislyte)

Additional Tags:

Angst and Hurt/ComfortSelf-HarmSelf-HatredMinor Character(s)Implied/Referenced Abuse

There's probably a panic attack in there

Language:

English

Summary:

A solo one shot of li xiao during his award ceremony, a little what happened after and how the guilt consumed him post false alarm.

Disgusting….he was disgusting for standing here.

Li Xiao had stopped processing what was being said after he'd been called up to receive his award. This really wasn't something he deserved.

Stealing a glance at the crowd, their gazes felt suffocating.If they knew what their captain had done surely their awe would turn to vindication .

Surely they'd call for his death as penance.

The Li Clan still claims to have caught the criminal responsible for the stampede all those years ago…yet the true perpetrator was standing right here to receive an outstanding citizen award

Each continued second passing was becoming agonisingly long, Xiao's vacant smile might have just cracked then and there if he hadn't caught himself.

He froze up when his name had been called.

It looks like His superior was finally done with that painstaking speech.

Xiao's breath hitches but he knows he can't make a scene. He can't make a fool out of himself lest the people who so graciously took him in put him back where he came from.

There's that look again, that piercing practised smile. To the crowd there's warmth,to Li Xiao it's a reminder that every second here was precious. That there were several other places he'd rather be than here with the stray he'd taken in

A pair of hands reach into a box carried by another, who xiao hadn't bothered to notice until that moment.

And the glint of a medal shined through the glaring sunlight.

"And as a token for your service-"

They were touching him, They were touching him, They were touching him-

His practised mask of composure came off, just for this moment. Xiao attempted to soothe himself

This was just to put the medal on him, he wasn't being harmed

Not this time

Blinking to keep his mind off the heavy pit that had formed in his stomach, Xiao turned to the crowd to face them. There was already an applause forming when the medal was being fitted on him

He didn't deserve to wear this. The blood and lives on his hands were a testament to this. Even the uniform on his back felt wrong to be in, he was meant to be a symbol of purity. He was meant to uphold a standard close to that of a deity.

Untouchable and incorruptible.

The applause didn't feel like it was for him.

A hand was placed firmly on one of his shoulders

"Your posture" a whisper from a voice hardly registered from the roaring of the crowd

Has Xiao been slouching? He'd hardly noticed that with how much his mind has been racing, he swore to himself he'd stopped and every part of himself wants to look over to see the face of his superior.

To be prey who knew at least the face of its Predator before it was devoured

"Eyes on the crowd"

Another harsh whisper was enough to stop him.

Xiao had to keep blinking to push back any temptation to display any emotion other than vacant enthusiasm.

The rest of the day was filled with idle small talk and hand shaking, all with the same oppressive figure behind him.

……he could never consider them as anything familial no matter what the papers said

~~~~~~~

Li Xiao came home to an empty apartment.

Once he'd turned on the lights one could be forgiven for believing that this was a display for a real estate agent to show off to their clients. He just hadn't been using his apartment much since Yun chuan had last been here

The first thing he did was rip away the medal he never should have received, throwing it to the side where it landed on the couch

His eyes try not to focus on it, the person who used to inhabit it is gone.

The walls feel crushing, after xiao had his shoes positioned neatly near the entryway of the door he went to the bathroom to clean off.

The bathroom is small, with white tiles that decorated the walls. At the sink there lay a mirror, it was at this sink where Xiao was faced with the person he hated the most.

Xiao's features were gaunt . The Dark circles under his eyes were getting worse and from the moment he'd stopped smiling, his frown gave off the impression that he was older than he actually was.

His hair is already coming undone, with the ends fraying with split ends.

Xiao's hands rested on either side of the sink, his breathing once controlled now hitching more often. Now with no one to watch his breathing is shallow and quick.

Breathe, breathe slowly this time

In and out, he sucked in a choked breath

In

Out

In

Out

In out In out InoutInoutInoutInoutInout

Now it's bordering on hyperventilation.

Great, now you're making yourself look like a bigger fool

He needed to do something to alleviate this. Looking down, one of Xiao's hands has already curled itself into a fist.

Shower, he needs a shower. He peeled away the layers covering him from head to toe, folding and putting his clothes away , frees his hair from its coiled prison and steps into the shower.

The water is just below room temperature when it first hits his back. Like it's instinct one of his hands reaches for the temperature dial.

It's punishment isn't it, Xiao muses over turning it all the way up to Mark himself in a way no one else can, the burns would ensure he never forgets what he did. However from previous experience he needed to be slow with this lest his survival instinct pulls him away

Like the frog inside a skillet, he turns up the dial over periods of time. He hissed when the water gets especially hot, probably close to boiling at this rate.

His skin is red and burning at this rate, as he scrubbed , Xiao still feels the dirt and grime on his body. The blood just doesn't go away even as his nails dig deeper into his skin to scrape it all away.

For the first time since the beginning of the day he finally allows himself the privilege of tears while masked by the faucet's water.

He wraps his hands around himself as he squats down to sob.

Disgusting, how disgusting he was for crying when he was the one with blood on his hands.

And disgusting he will be no matter what he does.

-------

After an undisclosed time Xiao stands up to turn off the shower and dry himself off once he gets out.

His skin is already stinging against the towel and it continues to sting when he puts on a new set of clothes.

Staring at the mirror once again,his fist still shakes even after all that time.

**Crack-**

His reflection has been split into a spider web of pieces. Xiao doesn't register his fist bleeding, Nor does he register the pieces of glass that remained on him.

Xiao stares blankly at his reflection with his remaining tears still streaming down

What a pity, he'll have to replace this mirror soon.

Picking out the glass was the last thing he did in the bathroom before he turned in for another sleepless night

Another night to prepare himself for a day of keeping up the facade

[hphmmatthewluther]

Back By Midnight: Operation BULLSEYE - Part 3/4:

Taglist of peeps who might be interested (lemme know if you want to be added or removed!): @akaisenhatake​ @camillejeaneshphm​ @catohphm​ @fangirl-screaming​ @rosachaotic​ @ag907​ @nikyiscreepy​ @oseathepebble​

Also! This chapter features cameos from characters by: @ag907, @stupendousbookworm, @fangirl-screaming and @camillejeaneshphm !!

(contains discussions of trauma and death, blood, and missing persons)

The only sounds that rang out through the building were the three pairs of feet that sped through the reception, a large open place with a few benches along the walls, and a large array of constellations and planets on display on the domed roof above them, as well as a large wall behind the stairs with a large carved logo of the moon and several stars, with the initials “TMF” carved next to it. Two of the three flashed passes of some kind to a receptionist as they beckoned the third to follow them. “C’mon!” Agent Terra said, panting, “We should be able to make it!”

Matthew nodded, trying his best to keep pace with the twin agents as they darted down a corridor. However, they had the slight advantage over him in that they had not spent their night fighting for their lives and scrambling through a building full of people wanting him dead. The prize Matthew had won by doing so, in his hands, his other hand went down to clasp his hip. Of all the times he could have developed a stitch, he supposed it was once again his luck that it would occur at the final hurdle. Still, he gritted his teeth and sprinted towards the others as they went up the stairs and turned the corner, before slowing as they came to a door.

They had gone down a corridor labelled “Senior Astronomers’ Offices”, running past various cabinets filled with trophies with awards labelled with “The Midnight Foundation” for outstanding services, charity work, or other such endeavours. However, Matthew’s eyes only focused on those for a moment before turning to the door the Agents had stopped in front of, seemingly deciding which one of them would open the door. Eventually, Gaia relented and knocked thrice below the sign that read “Professor Helena Ravenclaw - Senior Astronomer” The three looked at each other, Matthew unable to risk looking down at his watch.

“Come in.” said a voice from within. Wiping the sweat from her brow, Agent Gaia opened the door, revealing a larger-than-expected room with a large window at the back, providing a view of several London landmarks along the river Thames. The other walls were adorned with various astronomical charts, as well as a projector screen, Matthew’s eyes widening when he saw it was showing camera footage from the Reflection building. Once again, however, his eyes were drawn to what was directly before him, namely the woman sitting at the silver desk.

Between a Newton’s cradle and a clock that read 7 minutes to midnight (Matthew had to force himself not to weep with joy when he saw that) sat a woman who looked to be in her thirties, with long black curly hair tied behind her back. She had a dark blue suit jacket on with a matching tie, and pale silver-blue eyes that glared at the group that had entered her office. Her eyes flitted between the twins, to Matthew, to the ID Machine he held. Her expression did not change as she leant forward, pressing a button on the keyboard in front of her.

“Agent Gaia. Agent Terra…Agent Moon.” she said finally. “What do you have to report?”

Gaia looked at her brother and gestured; clearly since she had knocked it was thus Terra’s turn to speak. “Agent Galileo, we are pleased to report that our mission was a success. Agent Moon was able to locate and secure the device used to identify and eliminate agents of MI6.”

Galileo (somehow the name already replaced Helena in Matthew’s mind) blinked, her expression unchanging. He was sure that she would address that technically two Agent Moons had been involved in this mission, but instead simply said. “Very good. Agent Moon, if you would allow me to examine the device?” she said, making it sound equal parts a request and an order. He stepped forward and held out the ID machine, and while he had hoped to do it silently, he couldn’t help but mutter the word he said more than any other. “Uh, here, ma’am, um, sorry-”

She stopped in her tracks, both their hands on the device. “Sorry? Whatever are you sorry for?”

He could feel Gaia and Terra glaring into the back of his head, unsure if they were angry at him or simply confused at why he’d apologised. To be honest, he wasn’t sure why he’d done it either. The adrenaline from the mission gone, he felt the memories of the previous night weighing upon him. “I just…well, there was the whole mess with the earpiece and me suddenly just becoming Agent Moon and the stuff with the sniper and-”

“Matthew.” Galileo said, slowly taking the machine. “I may call you that, yes? It is quite alright. Believe me, this was one of the cleaner missions we’ve had, especially for an unofficial one. And you don’t have to worry about the nature of your recruitment. I joined the Midnight Foundation in…a similar way.”

“You did?” Gaia and Terra asked simultaneously. Matthew merely nodded along, his mind still full of flashes of gunfire, the flashbang, the decision to use his bracelet as a knuckle duster, the consequences it had.

“You’ve been through a lot, tonight, but you’ve managed something incredible. Agents Gaia, Terra, Moon, your mission is accomplished at four minutes to midnight. And worry not, we’ve had many far closer calls than this.” Galileo reassured Matthew, sitting down at her desk once again, and gesturing for the others to take a seat. “Now then, I suppose we should move on to the debriefing, as long as Agent Moon is not too badly injured. Agent Moon?”

The question barely registered with him. The knuckle duster. The punch, the glazed, confused look, the stagger out of the lift shaft, the gunshot, the way the card fell from his bloodstained suit-

“Matt!” Terra said, finally causing him to look up. “You’re …”

He looked down, and saw that there were multiple cuts and scratches that had been made along his arms and chest. He must have got them when the Knight of Swords (the card in the guard’s pocket) had a hold of him and was trying to force him out of the shaft. “I…sorry, I didn’t…”

“Take him to the medical area.” Galileo ordered. “Once he’s ready, return here for debrief. And Matthew, you do not have to apologise. You had no warning whatsoever for this…your predecessor, however, did.”

Gaia and Terra helped Matthew out and back down the stairs, both of them seeming just as nervous as he was. When they were a fair distance away from the office, Gaia sighed. “Can’t believe her! Blaming M-, er, Bill like that!”

“Quiet! You know how she can listen in via camera.” Terra hissed. “Besides, it’s…not like she’s wrong, he even said it himself.”

Gaia rolled her eyes. “Still, it’s cruel, especially since he’s in the hospital. I dunno…how you holding up, Matty.”

Matthew simply shrugged, clutching the bruise that hurt the most. “S-Sorry, I just…never been good at describing pain and…all suddenly washed over me.”

“Don’t worry, we get it, Galileo’s pretty scary at times-” Terra admitted.

“No, it wasn’t her. She actually helped. She was nice.”

The twins looked at each other, a little confused. “If you say so…” Gaia said, sighing. “Here we are. These guys are the best at what they do, you’ll be fine.”

Matthew felt his stomach churn, and not just because of the bruises and cuts across it. “I…I just hope I’m not wasting their time, I’m sure they deal with far worse and to deal with someone who’s as much of a mess as m-”

On reflection, Matt felt that it was quite frankly embarrassing how quickly the feelings of dread vanished from his mind as he walked into the so-called medical area. Before him stood a woman who somehow seemed more than fine with being awake past midnight. She had silver-white hair and a lab coat over medical scrubs, and was taking a sip from her coffee when the group came in. She smiled softly as she got up, kicking her chair under her desk as she walked over. “Ah, hello! You must be the new Agent Moon! Galileo sent me a message in advance! I’m Agent Luna, why don’t you sit down and we’ll take a look at you?”

Matthew suddenly felt less like he was in a spy headquarters and more like he’d gone to the doctors for a check-up. Bewildered by this change in tension, he obeyed Luna’s instructions and scooted over to the bed/chair/seat that the room had. He tried to shake himself out of the state he was in and turned to Gaia and Terra. “Th-thank you, really, I…I don’t know what I’d be doing without you, especially with everything going on around here, I, um…”

“It’s alright.” Terra reassured him. “We’ll be waiting for you outside, too. Got to debrief after all. Just let yourself relax. That’s what this place is for.”

He and Gaia waved and left the room, but as they opened the door to leave Matthew saw someone short with black hair walking past. He was convinced he was seeing things, but they closed the door before he could see them properly, leaving Matthew feeling as alone as he had in the lift going down in the Reflection building. He remembered that Agent Luna was there, however, and turned to her.

“So, you just got recruited, is that right?” she asked, typing away at her computer (which actually seemed quite modern, which was new for computers in doctor’s offices that Matt was used to seeing). “Thrust straight into a mission? That certainly would explain the state you’re in, my word…how were the twins? They didn’t bicker too much, did they?”

Matthew shook his head, only now realising the earpiece was still in his ear. “Not really. I mean, sometimes, but it wasn’t too bad. They still helped me through everything, saved me a lot of times.”

“Mm, that sounds like them, yeah.” Luna chuckled. “So, what’s the damage?”

Matt looked down at himself, the suit which had looked brand new at the start of the night now dirty and bloodstained. He wasn’t sure if it made him more or less nervous that the blood seemed to be his and not the guard. “Well, I’ve got cuts and bruises across my stomach, that’s where most of the pain is, as well as across both my arms.”

“No bullet wounds or anything? Hmm, quite impressive for a rookie. You not had any formal training, then?” Luna asked, pushing her office chair over to him.

“Well, not really, just sort of the basic training they give everyone in MI6 but…not as intensive, seeing as I was in IT.”

“Ah, the classic downfall of the MI6 types. We never really saw the point of dividing things like that. Sure, people have different strengths, which is why they tend to take different roles, but we all had the same start and then specialised. Like you, right? You said you were an IT guy but then completed a successful field mission! The old Agent Moon definitely picked well, if you don’t mind me saying.” She said, before going a little pink. “Sorry, didn’t mean to ramble.”

“I-It’s ok, I…tend to ramble a lot too, goodness I was a mess in front of agent Galileo, um…”

“No, I totally get that. If you could roll up your sleeves and lift up your shirt?” she asked, examining each injury once Matt did so. “Nothing too major, but some of them will scar going into the next few days. Hey, Aquila! Can you bring the box of sprays out?!” she yelled, apologising when Matthew winced.

The other door in the office opened, and a woman with black hair and a chocolate bar in her mouth appeared from within an attached office. “De boffs dof sbrays?” she asked before removing the chocolate. “Sorry, the box of sprays, right? One sec. That the new guy? Glad to see he made it in one piece, ha!”

Luna sighed. “That’s Agent Aquila’s way of saying hello. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it…eventually.”

Aquila returned with a box full of various containers, presumably with sprays within. “Here ya go! And don’t worry babygrill, if you end up sticking around, we’ll be sure to patch you up! And we give out free chocolate!”

“That was meant to be a surprise!” Luna said, exasperated. “S-Sorry-”

“Really, you don’t have to apologise, she seems nice.”

Luna nodded, pulling a few of the sprays out of the box. “Well, it’s lovely to meet someone so accepting. Hold still now, these might sting a little.”

After several sprays, and several winces from Matthew, Luna allowed him to put his shirt back down. “Now, I’d also say you need to get out of those dirty clothes, but since you don’t exactly have anything else that can wait for a while. Oh, and here’s your chocolate!” She got off the chair, inviting Matthew to do the same, and handed him a wrapped piece of circular chocolate. “It’s a moon! It’s even got little craters in it, which I suppose means you get less chocolate, but still, that means it’s healthier, right?”

Matthew laughed, and felt like a weight had released itself from his shoulders. “Thanks so much, Luna.”

“Don’t mention it, Moon! Welcome to the Midnight Foundation!” She said, waving. Aquila stuck her head out again and waved too, Matthew repeating the gesture as he left the room.

He found Gaia and Terra sitting just outside, the both of them immediately getting up from their seats. “You ok? Get some stuff for the injuries?” Terra asked, pausing to yawn. It had barely registered to Matthew that it was so late, he’d more or less been running off of adrenaline since sunset. Still, he nodded in return.

“Good, good.” Gaia said, looking just as tired as her brother. “Come on, let’s get back to Agent Galileo. I get the sense that this is going to be one hell of a debriefing.”

They made their way up the stairs once again, once again returning to the part of the building that looked like an astronomy society. “So, everyone’s got agent names based off of…well, space names?”

Terra nodded in reply as they once again passed the receptionist, climbing the stairs past the large wooden carving of the Midnight Foundation’s logo. As they walked, Matthew kept his eyes on a swivel, just in case he saw whoever it was he thought he’d seen earlier. “Yeah, so you’ve got me and Gaia, both old names for the Earth, you and Luna being names for the moon, Galileo being, well, Galileo, plus a lot of people named after constellations.”

“Oh yeah,” Matthew remembered, “I met Agent Aquila while I was with Luna, so that makes sense.”

“Did she call you babygrill? She tends to do that. A lot.” Gaia said, her face growing uneasy as she approached the door once again, gesturing for Terra to knock.

“Come in.” said Galileo, in an identical cadence to the first time. The three walked in and she gestured for them to sit down, not looking up from whatever she had in front of her, which included her computer, some papers, and of course the ID Machine. Once they had sat down, she finally turned her head to look at them. “Well…I think to say that this mission had some unexpected turns to it would be something of an understatement, wouldn’t you?” The other three agents nodded before she continued. “But let’s review this from the very beginning. Three weeks ago, I tasked Agents Gaia, Terra, and Moon…that is, the current Moon’s predecessor, with investigating MI6 from within to find a cause for the high number of casualties that were occuring. Now…” she said, turning to the twins, “When and how did your group first make contact with Matthew Luther?”

It was Gaia who spoke up. “W-We found that one of the people that MI6 had tasked with investigating the problem had discovered an actual connection, and so worried that they would squash it, as MI6 have been doing recently, the, uhm, former Agent Moon decided it would be best to intervene directly and work with that person to properly investigate the area that was triggering these incidents.”

Galileo simply nodded, her fingers still on the ID Machine. “Very good. Now, you are all on the same page, I feel comfortable informing you of certain developments. Namely regarding William Weasley. He’s currently being treated and is in a stable condition. You’ll be able to visit him tomorrow if you wish, as visiting hours are over for now.” She gestured to the time, 25 past midnight, before turning to Gaia and Terra. At last she held up the ID machine. “I’ll have you two take a look with it alongside Agent Scorpio and Agent Andromeda, but it seems a fascinating contraption based on my own investigation. Not to mention the fact that I found this.” She opened the machine up fully, both the screen and the case itself, and pried away some sort of drive. Underneath it was a card identical to the one Matthew had found on the guard. He pulled that one out of his pocket on instinct.

“You were informed that we had noticed a group using tarot cards as identifiers, yes?” Galileo asked, not waiting for a full answer before continuing, “It would appear that this group is far more dangerous than we first assumed. That card was the Knight of Swords…as for this one…”

She turned the card and laid it face up on the table. It depicted an angel-like figure with two goblets in hand, passing water between them, with the word “TEMPERANCE” written below in large lettering. “Temperance, meaning balance and moderation, or if reversed, an imbalance or excess, or in some cases re-alignment.” “Could it mean something?” Matthew asked, “Like, why would whatever this group is put that card out of all…however many cards are in a deck-” “78-” “Thank you, Terra. Out of 78 cards…maybe…”

“It’s certainly something to look into, as we will with the Knight of Swords as well as the High Priestess, just to be sure. It seems you’re starting to form something of a collection here, Moon.” she said, smiling for the first time as she collected the two cards together. “Now to deal with the elephant in the room: your agency.”

Matthew suddenly felt like that sniper was once again aiming at his chest. “Y-Yes?”

“Well, it’s certainly unorthodox. Most transfers of agency don’t come mid-mission, and certainly don’t result in a successful mission. Bill’s faith in you, it seems, was well-placed. Despite your current occupation as a member of the IT department, you showed initiative and skill that we expect from our field agents. You impressed a lot of people with your actions tonight. As did you two.” she pointed to Gaia and Terra, who both looked like they’d almost fallen out of their seats. “You guided a rookie through a dangerous mission and got him out of there with this.” she said, pointing to the open ID machine. “You all saved a lot of people’s lives, and prevented deaths from going unchecked. Well done. At the same time…”

She sighed, looking at Matthew, this time with a degree of empathy. “It’s clear that this experience has taken a toll on you. Which is why I want to emphasise that there is no pressure on you to remain part of our foundation. If you want, you can give up the agency, leaving it vacant, and return to your normal life. I’ve read your file and understand that you’ve had…difficulties…as a result of things that have happened in your past. And so…I imagine tonight has caused you a lot of mental anguish. Would that be an accurate assessment?”

Matthew nodded, not saying a word. Could he really just…leave? He’d blundered into a secret spy organisation that not even MI6 knew about, and was entrusted with a mission by someone who in a few short days had given him more support than anyone else ever had. Looking back at the “difficulties” Galileo had mentioned, it was as if they had far less impact on who he was. Tonight, it was like he’d seen more of himself than he had in the past several years.

“I understand this is a difficult decision, Matthew. And again, I want to emphasise that there is no imperative for either choice. We would be thrilled to have you join our organisation.”

Gaia and Terra nodded, the latter leaning forward. “Yeah, you were amazing out there! If you went through basic training too, you’d be one hell of a spy!”

Matthew went slightly pink. “W-Well, I mean…it was…” he paused, took a breath, and continued, the words almost painful to get out into the open. “...my brother was the one who went out in the field as an agent. He worked in British Intelligence too, so…guess it runs in the family?”

“In more ways than one, Matthew.” Galileo said cryptically, causing Gaia to raise her eyebrow in confusion. Galileo, meanwhile, pressed on what looked like an intercom system. “Send Agent Eclipse in, if you’d be so kind.” There were footsteps, the sound of the door opening, and a short man with black hair walked in. Matthew immediately got up off his seat in shock.

“Atticus?”

*** In that moment, an old memory emerged from years before this long, long night. It had been 3 weeks or so, maybe 4. Matthew had tried to keep count, but it just made him feel worse. His aunt and uncle were around, trying their best to help him and his Dad, but eventually they’d have to leave, and it would just be the two of them. To be honest, Matthew hadn’t even expected anyone from his mother’s side of the family to show up, it wasn’t like they ever did for anything else, after all. But after everyone else had gone out for some police questioning thing (it had all sort of gone in one ear and out the other when he heard it) there was a knock on the door. Quickly getting dressed, he’d left his room and approached the door. He opened it, and standing there looking a little uncomfortable in the warm weather was his cousin, Atticus.

“Ah, hello, Matthew. Are the others in?” he asked, his slightly German accent coming through.

Matthew shook his head. “N-No, they’re out, um…I’m not sure when they’ll be back, sorry-”

“I know, it’s ok, worry not. To be honest, I wanted to see how you were doing more than anything else.”

“Oh. I’ve…um…” he trailed off, unable to find the words. “It’s…been a lot.”

“I understand…I know I have not been around much, but…I wanted to see if there was anything I could do all the same. Especially since…your mother, my aunt is…somewhat unreachable.”

Matthew tried not to scowl at the mention of his mother. He was honestly surprised that she cared, after all, it was not as if she’d said anything. “Oh, ok…well…thanks for stopping by, ah…”

Atticus suddenly stepped forward, and yet did not move fully, stopping Matthew from shutting the door. “...I just wanted to say that…well…I understand that you were ready to take an entrance test for MI6, yes? In their computing department?”

“Yeah, but…now I don’t know…I mean, it’s where…”

“I understand, believe me. I’m not very good at all this condolences and grief stuff, but I think that at the end of the day…something like this might help you work through what’s happened. And…I think he’d want you to do it.”

Matthew blinked, his green eyes staring at Atticus’ identical ones. “You think I should still go through with it? What if I fail?”

“There is no shame in failure. Take it from someone who took years to learn that lesson.” Atticus said, his face softening. “...I should go. I…I’m sorry about what happened.”

***

“Ah, hello, Matthew.” Atticus, no, Agent Eclipse said, closing the door behind him. “I managed to catch glimpses of your exploits tonight, a lot of the agents were curious about just what the new Agent Moon was made of.”

Matthew couldn’t speak. Several times throughout the night, he’d wondered if he’d blink and wake up back in his bed, the names and events rapidly fading as his dreams tended to do. But this was the one that genuinely made him question himself. He stepped forward, looking him up and down. “...What the hell are you doing here?!” he exclaimed, blinking rapidly as he tried his hardest to process all of this.

“I work here, cousin.” Atticus chuckled. “...Maybe now wasn’t the best time to drop this on you, but…if anything would be the deciding factor in your choice to stay or leave, I figure it’d be this.”

“Eclipse, there’s no pressure for him to do so.” Galileo interjected. “From any of us.”

“Forgive me, but that’s clearly not the case.” Atticus pointed out. “Matthew, I am afraid that there is a fair bit of pressure on you. But has tonight not shown you are capable of dealing with it? Of not ignoring it, not ignoring that nagging part of you that wants to do something-”

“Lay off, Eclipse, for once in your life-” Terra began to say, Gaia turning around to protest as well. For Matthew, however, the argument around him just turned into white noise as he thought. He thought of his bedroom, where he’d sat so many times regretting and remembering. He thought of his desk at MI6, where so much of his work trying to make some small difference faded into nothingness. He thought of the building, the way he had scaled it like a knight climbing a tower to fight a dragon. He remembered the sheer joy he felt at sprinting across the reception, moonlight shining through the windows upon him and the bracelet. He turned to the large window, seeing that same moon. Tonight, unlike many other nights, he didn’t feel guilty for being up this late.

“I’ll do it.”

The argument stopped at once as the four other agents turned to look at Agent Moon. “You…will?” Terra asked.

“Really? I thought I’d screwed my argument over, thank goodness.” Atticus said, breathing a sigh of relief. “Good choice. You’ll make a fine agent.”

“We’ll be having words about this, Eclipse.” Galileo sighed, “Go on, here, take this to the tech group and see what they make of it. Gaia, Terra, you two go with him…and I’ll get Agent Moon home and explain what’ll happen from here.”

Gaia and Terra looked over at their new colleague. “Well, welcome I guess. Glad Eclipse didn’t scare you off.”

“I can’t believe you’re his cousin!” Gaia shook her head, looking between the two. “You’ve got the same eyes, but you’re so much nicer, friendlier, taller-”

“C’mon, let’s let them talk.” Atticus said bluntly, opening the door for the twins, who waved goodbye as they walked through it. “It is good to see you again, Matthew, or should I say, Moon. Welcome to Midnight.”

He closed the door, and Galileo sighed, switching off the projector and starting to move the chairs back. Matthew immediately moved to help, but she stopped him. “No, no, it’s alright…you’ve done enough helping for a night.” She yawned, suddenly looking a lot more casual than she’d done previously. “Oh, if you must, go on.”

They put the chairs away and rolled up the projector, closing the curtains as well. Galileo took a few items off of her desk and put them in her bag, the two cards included.

“S-So, uhm…” Matthew began, “what exactly happens now?”

“Now, we go down to my car while I explain the next four months for you. See, you are still Agent Moon, but I think you’d agree it’d be wise to put you through basic training just to be 100% sure. You’ll be fine, don’t worry-” she added, looking at Matthew’s worried face, “you can retake it as often as you’d like. The next round of training starts in two weeks, so really you’ve shown up just in time.”

Matthew followed her out of her office and down the stairs once again. “You’ll be in with a whole batch of recruits, who thankfully won’t know that you’re technically an agent, so it’ll be a level playing field.”

Before they could get out of the building, however, the receptionist stopped them. “Apologies.” they said, holding out a phone, “Call for Agent Moon.”

Galileo shrugged, gesturing to the phone, and so he took it. “H-Hello?” he asked, before hearing a coughing he’d heard at the very start of the night.

“Sorry, hey there, Matt!” Came the voice of Bill, “I hear you had one hell of a night, even by our standards. Don’t worry, this is a secure line, I’m at a Foundation Hospital. Oh, hang on, Herc, it’s ok-”

“What’s-” “Sorry, had a fellow agent visit and they fell asleep…me talking must have woken her up, that’s all.”

Matthew found himself chuckling as he heard this develop. “Glad you’re ok, Bill.”

“Oh never mind me, I’ll be lucky if they let me back in the building after this. You’re the one who finished the mission. Speaking of, how’d it go?”

Matthew looked at Galileo, who’d been listening in. She shrugged. “Take all the time you need. Most of my nights involve staying up like this.” Matthew nodded, finally letting himself relax, and Agent Moon proceeded to recount the successful mission.

[denimbex1986]

'An acclaimed director and two rising young actors headline the '2023 new movie All of Us Strangers, a supernatural drama that has already earned a bit of buzz following its screening at various fall film festivals.

Searchlight Pictures is behind All of Us Strangers, which comes from BAFTA-nominated writer/director Andrew Haigh, and features some high-quality talent on screen as well, including Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal and Claire Foy.

Find out everything you need to know about All of Us Strangers right here...

All of Us Strangers plot

Based on a novel by Taichi Yamada, Haigh wrote the script for All of Us Strangers. Here is the official synopsis for the movie:

"One night in his near-empty tower block in contemporary London, Adam has a chance encounter with a mysterious neighbor Harry, which punctures the rhythm of his everyday life. As a relationship develops between them, Adam is preoccupied with memories of the past and finds himself drawn back to the suburban town where he grew up, and the childhood home where his parents, appear to be living, just as they were on the day they died, 30 years before."...

All of Us Strangers reviews

The majority of critics who have already seen the movie are fans, with the movie having a 93% "Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes as of December 23. What to Watch is no different, our All of Us Strangers review describes it as "heartbreaking, but essential viewing."

Here is a quick sampling of some of the things other critics have said about the movie:

Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly: "All of Us Strangers will break your heart — but it just might mend it too."

Tomris Laffly, The Wrap: "A sublime masterpiece. A rumination on grief and love, Haigh's poignant and understated ghost story is one of the best films of the year."

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter: "Prepare to be wrecked."

All of Us Strangers cast

The leads of Adam and Harry are played by Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal, respectively.

Scott is best known for his role as the "hot priest" in Fleabag, but he has been catching people's eyes for a while now, with memorable performances in Sherlock, Oslo and Catherine Called Birdy.

Mescal is one of the biggest rising stars in recent years thanks to his work in Normal People, The Lost Daughter and Aftersun, the latter of which earned him a Best Actor Oscar nomination. All of Us Strangers is his second movie coming out in the final months of 2023, as he also stars in Foe.

Playing the ghosts of Adam's parents are Claire Foy and Jamie Bell.

Foy broke out with her as Queen Elizabeth in the first two seasons of The Crown. Since then she has gone on to star in First Man, A Very British Scandal and Women Talking.

Bell has been appearing in movies since he was a kid in Billy Elliott. Some of his more recent notable work includes Turn: Washington's Spies, Rocketman, Without Remorse and Shining Girls.

All of Us Strangers trailer

The talents of the four actors leading All of Us Strangers are on full display in the movie’s trailer...

All of Us Strangers awards

We're keeping track of all the major end-of-year nominations and awards that All of Us Strangers earns. Check out what the movie has racked up so far below:

BAFTA Film Awards

Outstanding British Film (nominee) Best Supporting Actor — Paul Mescal (nominee) Best Supporting Actress — Claire Foy (nominee) Best Director — Andrew Haigh (nominee) Best Adapted Screenplay (nominee) Best Casting (nominee)

Golden Globes

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture Drama — Andrew Scott (nominee)

Gotham Awards

Outstanding Lead Performance — Andrew Scott (nominee) Outstanding Supporting Performance — Claire Foy (nominee) Best Screenplay — Andrew Haigh (nominee) Best International Feature (nominee)

British Independent Film Awards

Best British Independent Film (winner) Best Director — Andrew Haigh (winner) Best Lead Performance — Andrew Scott (nominee) Best Supporting Performance — Paul Mescal (co-winner) Best Supporting Performance — Jamie Bell (nominee) Best Supporting Performance — Claire Foy (nominee) Best Screenplay — Andrew Haigh (winner) Best Casting (nominee) Best Cinematography (winner) Best Editing (winner) Best Makeup & Hair Design (nominee) Best Music Supervision (winner) Best Production Design (nominee) Best Sound (nominee)

Film Independent Spirit Awards

Best Feature (nominee) Best Director — Andrew Haigh (nominee) Best Lead Performance — Andrew Scott (nominee)

London Critics' Circle Awards

Film of the Year (nominee) Screenwriter of the Year — Andrew Haigh (nominee) Actor of the Year — Andrew Scott (nominee) Supporting Actress of the Year — Claire Foy (nominee) Supporting Actor of the Year — Paul Mescal (nominee) The Attenborough Award: British/Irish Film of the Year (nominee) British/Irish Performer of the Year — Paul Mescal (nominee) British/Irish Performer of the Year — Andrew Scott (nominee) Technical Achievement Award, Casting (nominee)

Los Angeles Film Critics Awards

Best Leading Performance — Andrew Scott (runner-up) Best Screenplay (winner) Best Editing (runner-up)

Andrew Haigh movies

British director Andrew Haigh may not be a household name with audiences, but his work has been some of the most lauded amongst cinephiles in recent years. Here is a look at his list of previous credits for feature movies:

Greek Pete (2009) Weekend (2011) 45 Years (2015) Lean on Pete (2017)

He has also directed episodes of the acclaimed TV series Looking, as well as its TV movie, and The OA.'

[starsbiobuzz]

Jacob Tremblay: The Rising Star Illuminating the Silver Screen

In the enchanting realm of cinema, where dreams and imagination intertwine, one young actor has emerged as a beacon of talent and charm, capturing the hearts of audiences across the globe. With a magnetic presence and a gift for evoking genuine emotions, Jacob Tremblay has become a name synonymous with exceptional acting prowess and undeniable star power.

From his unforgettable performances that transcend age boundaries to his infectious smile that lights up the screen, Tremblay has carved a path of success, leaving a trail of awe and admiration in his wake.

Brace yourself for an exploration of Jacob Tremblay’s mesmerizing journey through the captivating world of cinema, where his talent shines like a supernova, captivating hearts and leaving an indelible imprint on the silver screen.

Early Life

Jacob Tremblay’s story begins on October 5, 2006, in Vancouver, Canada. Where he was born to parents of diverse heritage. His father is a cop and his mother is a homemaker. Growing up in a supportive environment that fostered his love for the arts, Tremblay exhibited an exceptional talent for acting from a tender age. With his parents’ encouragement, he proceeded on a road that would eventually bring him to the glamorous world of show business.

At the age of just six, Tremblay made his debut in the entertainment industry, showcasing his innate abilities in commercials and television appearances. His natural talent and magnetic presence garnered attention, earning him recognition as a rising star on the horizon. His breakthrough role in the critically acclaimed film Room brought him to prominence. And he established himself as an outstanding young actor.

Rising Stardom

In 2015, Tremblay delivered a tour de force performance in the film “Room,” directed by Lenny Abrahamson. Portraying the character of Jack, a young boy held captive with his mother in a confined space, Tremblay displayed maturity and depth beyond his years. His portrayal of innocence, vulnerability, and resilience struck a chord with audiences worldwide. Leaving an indelible mark on their hearts. The film received widespread acclaim, and Tremblay’s extraordinary performance earned him numerous accolades. Including a Critic’s Choice Movie Award and a Screen Actors Guild nomination.

Building upon this early success, Tremblay continued to impress with his subsequent roles. In the heart-warming drama “Wonder,” (2017) based on the best-selling novel by R.J. Palacio, he portrayed the character of Auggie Pullman, a young boy with facial differences navigating the challenges of fitting in at a new school. Tremblay’s heartfelt performances once again resonated with audiences, and his ability to convey a wide range of emotions cemented his reputation for genius.

Read the complete Biography: Click Here