#Phil America project

[reluctantscribe]

Starting a writing project!!! The idea is to translate what works in the MCU into a comic. Strip away the things that didn’t work personally for me, and make something new from that, and with characters and stories that worked for me personally, I want to do something new with them. I may need help in creating this story and bringing it to life. Anyone out there wanna help? My inbox is open for those wanting to help!!

The main thing I didn’t like about the MCU, is Endgame. And my goal is to adapt that story and make it into a better experience (for me and those who share the same grievances with that film) as a comic book:

The first stories in my version of the MCU Earth-199999, will be “Iron Man” and “The Incredible Hulk.” And I’ll be doing something new with Tony. Not ENTIRELY new, but different enough to draw a line in the sand between the MCU and this version. The Hulk though, will be very similar to how Ruffalo played the Hulk in “The Avengers,” (2012). Since he never got a solo film, I wanna write a story specifically for THAT Bruce Banner.

[ttlmt]

sometimes i hate living in canada

[blondephil]

hello (one of the) resident phannie data analyst(s) here with some parasocial stats on dnp’s movie tastes! following: distribution of dan and phil's ratings overall, movies they each rated 5 stars, their lowest-rated movies, and the similarities + differences in their tastes

(lore moment: yes i am a data analyst in my real job. yes i surprised myself with wanting to do this in my spare time. but then i remembered when we read dracula in college (yes i was an english major) and i graphed like, how many times dracula was referred to as vampire versus monster or something. so i shouldn’t be surprised.

first up, their overall rating patterns and by ~special status~ (i.e., wall-e, kill bill, avatar, lmao, plus big hero 6 for the fun of it)

dan’s rated 304 movies and phil’s rated 305. both of them have mean and median ratings of 4 with min 1 and max 5.

both rated kill bill vols. 1 and 2 a 5. wall-e got a 4.5 from dan and a 4 from phil (phake phans). both gave avatar a 3.5. and big hero 6 3.5 (dan) and 4.5 (phil)

rating distribution:

i did analyses here by genre but i need to fix the output (i’m writing all of these based on the markdown document from my phone on the subway, but i need to fix the outputs and i don’t have my computer. so those are pending but there are other genre analyses that i could do & haven’t yet!)

while i was sorting through the data i got the impression that dan overall rated movies higher than phil. so, among movies that they've both rated, here's some information

number of movies dan rated higher than phil: 65

Empire Strikes Back, Blade Runner, Return of the Jedi, My Neighbor Totoro, Back to the Future II, Nightmare Before Christmas, Toy Story, Phantom Mence, Donnie Darko, Attack of the Clones, Finding Nemo, Oldboy, The Notebook, Batman Begins, Brokeback Mountain, WALL-E, (500) Days of Summer, Up, The Hangover, Drive, The Cabin in the Woods, The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, Life of Pi, Skyfall, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Whiplash, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Room, The Hateful Eight, The Force Awakens, Manchester by the Sea, Deadpool, La La Land, Moonlight, Rogue One, Call Me By Your Name, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2., Wonder Woman, Spider-Man: Homecoming, I, Tonya, Thor: Ragnorak, Phantom Thread, Roma, The Favourite, The Lighthouse, Toy Story 4, Midsommar, Ad Astra, Knives Out, Soul, The Green Knight, No Time to Die, Don't Look Up, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Turning Red, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Thor: Love and Thunder, The Banshees of Inisherin, The Fabelmans, Glass Onion, Beau is Afraid, Barbie, Oppenheimer, Poor Things

number of movies phil rated higher than dan: 55

Star Wars (New Hope), Blair Witch Project, Requiem for a Dream, Memento, Ocean's Eleven, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Moonrise Kingdom, Iron Man 3, Gravity, Prisoners, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Imitation Game, Nightcrawler, John Wick, Gone Girl, Big Hero 6, Jurassic World, The Martian, The Revenant, Nocturnal Animals, Split, Get Out, Baby Driver, The Disaster Artist, Dunkirk, The Shape of Water, The Greatest Showman, The Last Jedi, Ready Player One, Crazy Rich Asians, A Star is Born, Rocketman, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, Joker, The Rise of Skywalker, The Invisible Man, A Quiet Place Part II, Greenland, Tenet, Malignant, Eternals, The Matrix Resurrections, Scream (2022), Nope, Prey, Talk to Me, Avatar: The Way of the Water, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One

number of movies they rated the same: 99!

Alien, ET, Gremlins, Back to the Future, Top Gun, Aliens, Home Alone, Silence of the Lambs, Jurassic Park, Pulp Fiction, The Lion King, Se7en, Scream, The Fifth Element, Titanic, The Truman Show, The Matrix, Magnolia, Spirited Away, Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Spider-Man, Lost in Translation, Kill Bill, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Kill Bill Vol. 2, Mean Girls, Howl's Moving Castle, Children of Men, The Dark Knight, Pontypool, Inglourious Basterds, Avatar, Toy Story 3, Inception, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Black Swan, The Social Network, 21 Jump Street, The Hunger Games, Silver Linings Playbook, The Conjuring, Snowpiercer, Her, Thor: The Dark World, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Boyhood, It Follows, Guardians of the Galaxy, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), Interstellar, Ex Machina, The Witch, Avengers: The Age of Ultron, Mad Max: Fury Road, Inside Out, Ant-Man, Captain America: Civil War, Your Name., Arrival, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, mother!, It, Blade Runner 2049, Hereditary, Black Panther, Annihilation, A Quiet Place, Avengers: Infinity War, Captain Marvel, Us, Avengers: Endgame, Parasite, It Chapter Two, Marriage Story, Uncut Gems, 1917, Black Widow, The Suicide Squad, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Dune, Last Night in Soho, The Batman (2022), Everything Everywhere All at Once, X, The Northman, Top Gun: Maverick, Bullet Train, Barbarian, Pearl, M3GAN, Dungeons and Dragongs: Honor Among Thieves, Evil Dead Rise, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3., No Hard Feelings, Saltburn, Priscilla, Society of the Snow, Saw X, Leave the World Behind

i didn't analyse this by genre or anything, but i could -- so if you're interested lmk!

the 5 movies with the most different ratings between dan and phil

- Iron Man 2 (dan: 2, phil 3.5)

- The Greatest Showman (d: 2.5, p: 4)

- Malignant (d: 3, p: 4.5)

- Scream (2022) (d: 2.5, p: 4)

- Beau is Afraid (d: 3, p: 1.5)

Interesting that even though dan has more higher rated movies, 4/5 of these ones phil rated higher.

next, their 5-star movies

dan's five stars: 80

Alien, Empire Strikes Back, ET, Blade Runner, Gremlins, Back to the Future, Top Gun, Aliens, Stand by Me, The Grave of the Fireflies, My Neighbor Totoro, Back to the Future II, Home Alone, Silence of the Lambs, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Jurassic Park, Nightmare Before Christmas, Schindler's List, Pulp Fiction, The Lion King, Toy Story, Fargo, Scream, The Fifth Element, Hercules, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Titanic, The Truman Show, The Matrix, Fight Club, Magnolia, The Emperor's New Groove, Donnie Darko, Moulin Rouge, Shrek, Spirited Away, Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Finding Nemo, Kill Bill, Oldboy, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Shaun of the Dead, Kill Bill Vol. 2, Howl's Moving Castle, Revenge of the Sith, Brokeback Mountain, No Country for Old Men, The Dark Knight, Inception, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, The Tree of Life, 21 Jump Street, The Avengers, Life of Pi, Skyfall, Under the Skin, Whiplash, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Interstellar, Mad Max: Fury Road, Sicario, The Hateful Eight, La La Land, Arrival, mother!, Blade Runner 2049, Avengers: Infinity War, First Man, The Favourite, The Lighthouse, Parasite, Midsommar, Uncut Gems, 1917, Dune, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Top Gun: Maverick, Oppenheimer, Poor Things

phil's five stars:

Star Wars (New Hope), Alien, ET, Gremlins, Back to the Future, Top Gun, Aliens, Home Alone, Silence of the Lambs, Jurassic Park, Pulp Fiction, The Lion King, Scream, The Fifth Element, Titanic, The Truman Show, The Matrix, Magnolia, Requiem for a Dream, Memento, Spirited Away, Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Kill Bill, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Kill Bill Vol. 2, Howl's Moving Castle, The Dark Knight, Inception, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, 21 Jump Street, Interstellar, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Revenant, Arrival, Dunkirk, mother!, Blade Runner 2049, Avengers: Infinity War, Parasite, Uncut Gems, 1917, Dune, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Top Gun: Maverick, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, The Shawshank Redemption, Gladiator, Little Miss Sunshine

overlap: 39

Alien, ET, Gremlins, Back to the Future, Top Gun, Aliens, Home Alone, Silence of the Lambs, Jurassic Park, Pulp Fiction, The Lion King, Scream, The Fifth Element, Titanic, The Truman Show, The Matrix, Magnolia, Spirited Away, Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Kill Bill, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Kill Bill Vol. 2, Howl's Moving Castle, The Dark Knight, Inception, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, 21 Jump Street, Interstellar, Mad Max: Fury Road, Arrival, mother!, Blade Runner 2049, Avengers: Infinity War, Parasite, Uncut Gems, 1917, Dune, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Top Gun: Maverick

& their lowest rated movies...

dan: matrix resurrections (1) , thor: the dark world (1.5), the rise of skywalker (1.5)

phil: crimes of the future (1), attack of the clones (1.5), thor: the dark world (1.5), don’t look up (1.5), the matrix resurrections (1.5), doctor strange in the multiverse of madness (1.5), beau is afraid (1.5), black bear (1.5)

not even chris hemsworth could save thor the dark world, i guess (kat dennings, though…)

movies they logged on the same date:

note that this is like, non-exhaustive, because this is only based on their diaries that list the date. i think in reality they've watched most of these movies together. frequently dan logged a couple days after phil which aren’t shown here. procrastination queen

Pontypool, Eternals, The Northman, Nope, Barbarian, The Banshees of Inisherin, Glass Onion, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Beau is Afraid, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3., Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, Saltburn, Poor Things, Priscilla, Saw X, Leave the World Behind

movies that one logged and not the other:

dan but not phil: 85

The Exorcist, Stand by Me, The Grave of the Fireflies, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Home Alone 2, Schindler's List, Fargo, Romeo & Juliet, Hercules, Men in Black, Neon Genesis Evangelion, The Mummy, The 13th Warrior, Fight Club, The Emperor's New Groove, Moulin Rouge, Shrek, Legally Blonde, Monsters, Inc, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Scooby-Doo, 28 Days Later, Matrix Reloaded, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, School of Rock, Matrix Revolutions, Saw, Shaun of the Dead, Shrek 2, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Revenge of the Sith, The Devil Wears Prada, Borat, Casino Royale, No Country for Old Men, Death Proof, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, There Will Be Blood, Tropic Thunder, Slumdog Millionaire, Moon, District 9, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The King's Speech, We Need to Talk About Kevin, The Tree of Life, X-Men: First Class, Prometheus, Argo, Les Miserables, Django Unchained, World War Z, Pacific Rim, Under the Skin, 12 Years a Slave, American Hustle, The Babadook, The Lego Movie, x-Men: Days of Future Past, 22 Jump Street, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, The Theory of Everything, Green Room, Sicario, Spotlight, The Big Short, 10 Cloverfield Lane, The Conjuring 2, Train to Busan, Hacksaw Ridge, Doctor Strange, Hidden Figures, Logan, You Were Never Really Here, Game Night, Isle of Dogs, First Man, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Suspiria, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Glass, Hustlers, Pig, Violent Night

phil but not dan: 86

Jaws, The Terminator, Beetlejuice, Die Hard, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Groundhog Day, The Shawshank Redemption, Leon: The Professional, The Usual Suspects, The Frighteners, The Sixth Sense, Being John Malkovich, American Beauty, The Green Mile, Gladiator, Catch Me if You Can, Elf, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Little Miss Sunshine, Pan's Labyrinth, The Prestige, Zodiac, Spider-Man 3, Iron Man, Juno, Lake Mungo, Twilight, Zombieland, Kick-Ass, Brave, Evil Dead, The Great Gatsby, Now You See Me, Monsters University, Man of Steel, About Time, Dallas Buyers Club, Edge of Tomorrow, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, The Boy, Raw, Finding Dory, Suicide Squad, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, John Wick: Chapter 2, Lady Bird, The Ritual, Happy Death Day, Deadpool 2, Ocean's 8, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Bird Box, Booksmart, Crawl, Spider-Man: Far From Home, The Platform, Black Bear, Palm Springs, The Empty Man, The Innocents, Titane, Old, Free Guy, The Black Phone, Fresh, Watcher, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Ambulance, Aftersun, Crimes of the Future, Fall, Bones and All, The Menu, Sanctuary, Do Revenge, Smile, Hellraiser (2022), Mr. Harrigan's Phone, Plane, Missing, Infinity Pool, Past Lives, Knock at the Cabin, Scream VI

i’m interested to see how this varies by genre!

miscellaneous non-statistical things that made me parasocially emotional and/or laugh during this process:

they watched nope together on christmas eve 2022 <3

dan rated moulin rouge a 5 <3 nature boy <3

he also rated shrek a 5. of course. (valid).

4.5 from dan and 4 from phil from the notebook

5 from danny for brokeback mountain <3 and a 4.5 from philly

cmbyn, yes, has its issues, but dan rated 4.5 and phil 4

the shape of water got a 4.5 from monsterfucker phil lester (dan gave it a 4)

surprisingly phil rated rocketman higher than dan! surprising because dan liked so many musicals

dan gave hustlers a 3.5. i don't know why i think this is funny, but i do. phil doesn't have it logged or rated, lmao.

a 4 (d) and a 3.5 (p) for barbie!

phil gave twilight a 3. lol.

phil also gave do revenge only a 3.5. tragique.

phil watched a LOT of horror alone in october 2022 (aka while dan was on tour). anyway he's just like me <3

[oldschoolfrp]

Working on a project -- "Modelling Workshop: Fantasy Barn" by Phil Lewis, White Dwarf 140, August 1991. I think with minor variations this would work for any period of historical wargame in North America including Wild West, or WWII Eastern Front.

[ofmdrecaps]

08/20-21/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; Rhys Darby; Taika Waititi; Con O'Neill; Samson Kayo; Samba Schutte; Nathan Foad; Madeleine Sami; Guz Khan; Lindsey Cantrell Tim Heidecker; Articles; GalaxyConRaleigh Video; Fan Spotlight: Cast Cards; Never Left Podcast; Love Notes;

Hey crew, sorry I've been swamped with work/life again.. I swear I'll get back on track again one of these days. 8/22 will be up tonight or tomorrow.

== Rhys Darby ==

Reminder! Aug 28 is Rhys' episode of Expedition X!

Source: Moosh's Twitter

== Taika Waititi ==

Taika headed out of Italy!

Source: Instagram

Taika's in A LOT of the new episodes of Time Bandits (the season finales!) You can check them out on Apple TV!

Img Src: Collider Article

== Con O'Neill ==

Con's relaxing on vacation!

Source: Con O'Neill's Instagram

== Samson Kayo ==

Source: Samson Kayo's Instagram

== Samba Schutte ==

Advanced Chemistry is opening on September 12 and Samba has been kind enough to share lots of available links!

Laemmle Santa Monica

Wellington Delaware

Source: Samba Schutte's Instagram

You can also checkout the official full trailer here!

== Nathan Foad ==

Voyage of the Damned -- narrated by our fabulous Nathan Foad is finally out in North America! You can access it here.

Source: Audible.com

== Madeleine Sami ==

More of Mads and the Deadloch ladies out at the TV Week Logie Awards!

Source: Madeleine Sami's Instagram

== Guz Khan ==

Just a side view of Guz

Source: Guz Khan's Instagram

== Linds Cantrell ==

Linds was giving off some feels, her current project turned on OFMD for her!

Source: Lindsey Cantrell's Instagram

== Tim Heidecker ==

Our beloved Doug NoLastName is going to be touring! For tickets checkout https://linktr.ee/tim.heidecker!

Source: Tim Heidecker's Twitter

== Galaxy Con Raleigh Panel ==

Didn't get to go to GalaxyCon in Raleigh? Well you can access the OFMD Panel on Youtube! Sounds like the Livestream of San Jose will be up one of these days too!

Source: @JimJim531969

== Articles ==

Thank you @adoptourcrew for highlighting more articles!

== Fan Spotlight ==

= Cast Cards =

I am SO VERY behind on the cast cards from the lovely @melvisik who's been keeping them rolling! I'll try catch up on a bunch of them tonight!

First up is Abigail Swain, and Zhanda P., some of the Stunt performers / Action Talent! (According to ofmd-crew.com!)

Next up is the fabulous Hilda Rasula, one of our Series Editors from Season 1!

Next is another "civilian", Ellenette W.!

And who could forget Jeffrey Kushon, one of our fantastic Set Decorators!

Stacy Bisel was one of the Hair Co-Department Heads! Now this is super cool, @melvisik has given us some BTS to go along with some of the cast cards today! Check out her work with Buttons below!

And who could forget One of Jackie's Husbands, Hayden Bryant! Lots of BTS pics below as well!

Last tonight is a multi-job master Zak Enayat, who was workeding as both and actor and costumer according to ofmd-crew.com! You can see him working on the Calypso costume below!

Source: @melvisik's Twitter

== Never Left Podcast ==

New episode of Never Left Podcast is out! The theme of this one is birds! Check out the latest on your favorite listening platforms here!

Source: Never Left Podcast Instagram

== Love Notes ==

Hey lovelies! Do you know what time it is? It's time for you to take a second and remind yourself how frickn brilliant you are!

You just keep facing every day and keep going! EVERY SINGLE DAY! (Sure you might sleep in or something) but you still manage to face the day in whatever capacity you are able to (physically or mentally)!

It can be so very hard sometimes just to start your day-- but you're still doing it, no matter what you're facing!

I'm so proud of you for that, and you should be proud of yourself too! Even when things are tough, you're still doing little things, (or big things) to keep moving forward.

It might seem like something so small- but it means the world to people who love you, that you are still here and you are still with us. Remember that you are beautiful, and brilliant, and strong enough, even when you feel at your worst!

Love you crew <3 Rest up and keep on keep'n on!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by My Self-Love Supply™ (@myselflovesupply)

[probablyasocialecologist]

Consider the fertilizer sector. The tripling of fertilizer prices in 2020-22 – which drove up food prices – was partly fueled by higher costs for nitrogen fertilizer, which reflected the rising price of natural gas. But new data from GRAIN/IATP show that leading firms hiked fertilizer prices well beyond what was needed to cover increased production costs, increasing their operating profits to 36%, even as they sold less product. The resulting profit ratios were three times higher than before the Ukraine war began, and well above the 13% average posted by S&P 500 firms. Global grain traders have similarly been able to translate tighter supplies into record profits. In mid-2022, grain multinational Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) recorded its highest-ever quarterly profits. Its rival Cargill also banked record profits, with total revenues soaring by 23%. Such profiteering is made possible by growing corporate concentration in the food and fertilizer sectors. ADM and Cargill are two of the four “ABCD” firms – along with Bunge and Dreyfus – that control an estimated 70-90% of the world grain market. Just four firms account for 75% of nitrogen-fertilizer production in the United States, and 72% of the potash-fertilizer market globally. Through decades of mergers and acquisitions, such firms have been able to expand their influence up and down the supply chain, while amassing huge amounts of market data. Now, a proposed $34 billion merger between Bunge and Viterra – the grain arm of the commodity giant Glencore – would mean further concentration of soybean and canola processing and distribution across the Americas.

[doomwithaview]

honestly, as someone from Latin America, it’s so tiring to read people just telling us soooo many reasons why dan and phil might not be able to come and ignoring the reasons why they CAN and SHOULD. atp it feels like people see our project and start thinking a million reasons why they can’t come so they don’t have to care.

we’re not stupid, we know it’s hard and might take more work but honestly we don’t know what’s going on “behind the scenes” like everyone says because they don’t communicate with us!!!! maybe if we didn’t do this they wouldn’t even consider the chance of going more places. we need to at least TRY!!!!! and we know it’s harder to go to these places than the US or UK but we want them to know they have fans here and try, and if they can’t for all those reasons, TELL US.

anyways something to think about: why are you, someone who does have a show, so sure we can’t have one as well?

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Trump loyalist Russ Vought pushes fascistic ‘post-Constitutional’ vision for second Trump term

Beth Reinhard at WaPo:

A battle-tested D.C. bureaucrat and self-described Christian nationalist is drawing up detailed plans for a sweeping expansion of presidential power in a second Trump administration. Russ Vought, who served as the former president’s budget chief, calls his political strategy for razing long-standing guardrails “radical constitutionalism.” He has helped craft proposals for Donald Trump to deploy the military to quash civil unrest, seize more control over the Justice Department and assert the power to withhold congressional appropriations — and that’s just on Trump’s first day back in office. Vought, 48, is poised to steer this agenda from an influential perch in the White House, potentially as Trump’s chief of staff, according to some people involved in discussions about a second term who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private conversations. Since Trump left office, Vought has led the Center for Renewing America, part of a network of conservative advocacy groups staffed by former and potentially future Trump administration officials. Vought’s rise is a reminder that if Trump is reelected, he has said he will surround himself with loyalists eager to carry out his wishes, even if they violate traditional norms against executive overreach.

“We are living in a post-Constitutional time,” Vought wrote in a seminal 2022 essay, which argued that the left has corrupted the nation’s laws and institutions. Last week, after a jury convicted Trump of falsifying business records, Vought tweeted: “Do not tell me that we are living under the Constitution.” Vought aims to harness what he calls the “woke and weaponized” bureaucracy that stymied the former president by stocking federal agencies with hardcore disciples who would wage culture wars on abortion and immigration. The proposals championed by Vought and other Trump allies to fundamentally reset the balance of power would represent a historic shift — one they see as a needed corrective. “The president has to be able to drive the bureaucracy instead of being trapped by it,” said Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker who led the GOP’s 1994 takeover of Congress. Vought did not respond to interview requests and a detailed list of questions from The Washington Post. This account of his plans for Trump’s potential first day back in office and the rest of a second term comes from interviews with people involved in the planning, a review of Vought’s public remarks and writings, and Center for Renewing America correspondence obtained by The Post.

[...] Vought’s long careera s a staffer in Congress and at federal agencies has made him an asset to Project 2025, an initiative led by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, to lay the groundwork for a second Trump term. Vought wrote the chapter on the executive office of the president in Project 2025’s 920-page blueprint, and he is developing its playbook for the first 180 days, according to the people involved in the effort. “We’re going to plant the flags now,” Vought told Trump’s former strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, on his far-right podcast. “It becomes a new governing consensus of the Republican Party.”

[...]

From fiscal hawk to MAGA warrior

Vought was raised in Trumbull, Conn., the son of an electrician and a teacher and the youngest of seven children. Brought up in what he has characterized as a “very strong, Bible-preaching, Bible-teaching church,” he attended Christian camps every summer. He received a bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College, an evangelical Christian school in Illinois, and headed to Capitol Hill near the end of the Clinton administration. Vought mastered the federal budget working for fiscal conservatives, including Sen. Phil Gramm and Rep. Jeb Hensarling, both Texas Republicans, while getting his law degree from George Washington University.

Years before the Freedom Caucus enforced right-wing ideology on Capitol Hill, Vought was the bomb-throwing executive director of the conservative House Republican Study Committee. His prime targets: big government and entitlement spending. He worked under Pence, then a congressman, who called him “one of the strongest advocates for the principles that guide us” in 2010. That year, as the populist tea party movement was surging, Vought joined the Heritage Foundation’s new lobbying arm. From a Capitol Hill townhouse dubbed the “frat house,” Vought and his other brash, young male colleagues tormented Republican leaders by grading their fealty to fiscal conservatism. “Russ was determined to make our scorecard tougher than others out there,” said Republican strategist Tim Chapman, who worked closely with Vought at Heritage Action. “He wanted to separate the wheat from the chaff.”

Joining the Trump transition allowed Vought to put his principles to paper. Later, Pence cast the tiebreaking vote for his confirmation in 2018 as deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget. Vought ascended to the top post in 2019. But instead of slashing spending as Vought and other budget officials recommended, Trump resisted significant reductions to domestic programs and backed trillions in emergency pandemic assistance. The national debt ballooned by more than $8 trillion. Vought blamed Congress. And he stood by Trump throughout his tumultuous presidency, as a procession of other Cabinet officials balked at breaching what they viewed as ethical and legal boundaries. “A bunch of people around him who were constantly sitting on eggs and saying, ‘Oh my gosh, he’s getting me to violate the law,’” was how Vought later described the mat a Heritage Foundation event. By contrast, Vought found workarounds to fulfill the president’s ambitions that tested legal limits and his own record opposing executive overreach and deficit spending.

When Congress blocked additional funding for Trump’s border wall, the budget office in early 2020 redirected billions of dollars from the Pentagon to what became one of the most expensive federal infrastructure projects in U.S. history. And it was Vought’s office that held up military aid to Ukraine as Trump pressed the government to dig up dirt on Joe Biden, prompting the president’s first impeachment. Vought defied a congressional subpoena during the impeachment inquiry, which he mocked as a “#shamprocess.” The Government Accountability Office concluded that his office broke the law, a claim Vought disputed.

Near the end of Trump’s presidency, Vought helped launch his biggest broadside at the “deep state” — an order to strip the civil service protections of up to tens of thousands of federal employees. The administration did not have time to fully implement the order.

After the 2020 election, as Trump refused to concede, Biden officials complained that Vought was impeding the transition. Vought rejected that accusation — but wrote that his office would not “dismantle this Administration’s work.” He was already planning ahead; bylaws for what would become the Center for Renewing America were adopted on the day of Biden’s inauguration, records show. “There’s a marriage of convenience between Russ and Trump,” said Chapman, senior adviser at Pence’s group, Advancing American Freedom. “Russ has been pursuing an ideological agenda for a long time and views Trump’s second term as the best way to achieve it, while Trump needs people in his second term who are loyal and committed and adept at using the tools of the federal government.”

Radical constitutionalism

Since Biden took office, Vought has turned the Center for Renewing America into a hub of Trump loyalists, including Jeffrey Clark, a former Justice Department lawyer later charged in Georgia with trying to overturn Biden’s victory in 2020. Vought called Clark, who has pleaded not guilty, “a patriot who risked his career to help expose voter fraud.” “I think the election was stolen,” Vought said in a 2022 interview with Trump activists Diamond and Silk. He is no longer in touch with Pence, his longtime patron, who has said Trump’s efforts to overturn the vote disqualified him from serving as president again, according to people familiar with the relationship who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe a sensitive topic. The Center for Renewing America is among several pro-Trump groups incubated by the Conservative Partnership Institute, founded in 2017 by former senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C.). The center, a tax-exempt group that is not required to publicly disclose its donors, raised $4.75 million in 2023, according to its annual report.

As Vought and other Trump allies work on blueprints for a second term, he is pushing a strategy he calls “radical constitutionalism.” The left has discarded the Constitution, Vought argues, so conservatives need to rise up, wrest power from the federal bureaucracy and centralize authority in the Oval Office. “Our need is not just to win congressional majorities that blame the other side or fill seats on court benches to meddle at the margins,” he wrote in the 2022 essay. “It is to cast ourselves as dissidents of the current regime and to put on our shoulders the full weight of envisioning, articulating, and defending what a Radical Constitutionalism requires in the late hour that our country finds itself in, and then to do it.”

In practice, that could mean reinterpreting parts of the Constitution to achieve policy goals — such as by defining illegal immigration as an “invasion,” which would allow states to use wartime powers to stop it. “We showed that millions of illegal aliens coming across, and Mexican cartels holding operational control of the border, constitute an invasion,” Vought wrote. “This is where we need to be radical in discarding or rethinking the legal paradigms that have confined our ability to return to the original Constitution.”

Vought also embraces Christian nationalism, a hard-right movement that seeks to infuse Christianity into all aspects of society, including government. He penned a 2021 Newsweek essay that disputed allegations of bias and asked, “Is There Anything Actually Wrong With ‘Christian Nationalism?’” He argued for “an institutional separation between church and state, but not the separation of Christianity from its influence on government and society.” Looking at immigration through that lens, Vought has called for “mass deportation” of illegal immigrants and a “Christian immigration ethic” that would strictly limit the types of people allowed entry into the United States. At a 2023 conference organized by Christian and right-wing groups, he questioned whether legal immigration is “healthy” because, in a politically polarized climate, “immigration only increases and exasperates the divisions that we face in the country.”

WaPo reports that Trump loyalist Russ Vought is set to push for a fascistic "post-Constitutional" vision for second Trump term should Donald Trump get elected.

[lol-jackles]

Hello, I’m sorry if this gets a bit long. I’ll try to edit it down once I’m done

So, I’m not saying this to downplay its importance to fans or Jared’s truly wanting to help people, but Jared was also very smart to come out with the Always Keep Fighting campaign, no? I could be talking out of my ass I this, because I wasn’t in the fandom at the time, but as well as being brave to share his anxiety/depression with fans, it also seems smart to share it on his own terms before it could be used against him. I think I’ve read on your blog that actors with MHI are often considered a liability to a production because if they “lose it” or walk off of the project, the higher ups are screwed. But, by Jared volunteering his personal information to the huge SPN fan base (and I assume some amount of press coverage), isn’t this a good way the give himself a bit of insurance? If his bosses are starting to think he looks expendable, they can’t now act on any desire to get rid of him without him or even his fans being able to turn around and call them out for discrimination.

I’m not saying these thoughts were the reason for AKF but do you think Jared had the foresight to sort of protect himself with the campaign as well, or was it all risk for him?.

I’m asking this because I read your recent response on possible reasons Jensen isn’t as sought after as Jared post SPN, despite being the clear favourite of some crew on the show.

Jared must have an amazing reputation to overcome the possible mental health stigma, and the fact that some SPN crew seem to blatantly favour Jensen (Wanek, Phil Segricia, Bib Singer, etc).

On a side note: who on the production crew do you think favoured, or even just backed Jared over Jensen? Or treated them equally even?

Okay, this was a lot. But I’d be interested in seeing your insight on any of this (I know you’ll pick what you would prefer to focus on) because from what I can tell, you really do have a pretty good read on what was likely going on behind the scenes.

I think you’re on the right track because it was also my first gut reaction the moment the Variety article came out. For Jared to come out when his career is still hot is pretty telling, normally actor don’t admit to mental illness until their career is drying up.  It’s one less thing he has to hide and therefore one less leverage others BTS can’t use against or hold over him.   

"I wasn’t in the fandom at the time"

During the early season there were rumors circulating that Jared was always late to the set. My first thought was, "They're setting him up to have a difficult reputation". It's producer tactic 101, put out fake news that the actor is a diva who is always late and if the actor doesn't toe the line, escalate it to "difficult actor" so that the studio is not the bad guy if the actor suddenly leaves. 7 years later we find out that Jared was looking to break his contract, so the producer(s) were preparing to make him the fall guy. Once Jared stayed on, the "late to the set" rumor immediately evaporated.

I bring this up because it ties into our speculation that Jared's decision to out himself for mental illness was at least partly motivated by removing a leverage against him BTS.

It was also the right time because he proved that as the principal lead of the longest continuous genre series in America, he's not a risk because filming schedule was never disrupted, which costs a lot of money. Even when he had a breakdown on set in season 3, he still finished out the season. His subsequent breakdown after season 10 could have derailed that, but he returned for season 11 and again lead the show through it's rating resurgence. Impressed, CBS arrived two years later at his doorstep with a holding deal.

"On a side note: who on the production crew do you think favoured, or even just backed Jared over Jensen?"

My immediate thought was Jeremy Carver. He was not in favor of the season 10 Dean-centric arc that Robert Singer and Jensen were angling for, and even tried to head off their campaign during Comic Con prior to season 9. His wife is currently the showrunner of Walker. There's also writer Adam Glass, I'm not sure why but he just vibed being all about Jared.

ETA: thanks to others' reminder, I would also add Sera Gamble. I can't believe I didn't immediatley thought of her as she's one of my favorite writers.

[usafphantom2]

USAF's F-16 Viper demonstration team launches new painting scheme for the 50º anniversary of the iconic fighter

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 05/15/2024 - 18:53in Demonstration Squads, Military

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The U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team unveiled on May 15, at Edwards Air Base, California, a special 50º anniversary painting scheme in honor of the original YF-16 aircraft.

The red, white and blue painting scheme was the original paint used by the YF-16 prototype that first flew in 1974. The team worked alongside the 412ª Test Wing to complete the painting scheme in less than 8 weeks, a task that would normally take approximately three months.

"When I was hired to be a commander and pilot in the summer of last year, I made it clear that I hoped to find a way to paint our plane in the prototype scheme to take America back to the beginning of the history that began 50 years ago," said Captain Taylor "FEMA" Hiester, commander and pilot of the F-16 Viper demonstration team.

Tony Accurso, logistics manager of the 416º Flight Test Squadron, U.S. Air Force veteran and director of the 50º anniversary event of the F-16 at Edwards Air Base, acted as the link between the team and the 412º TW. He personally participated in the painting project as a historical consultant, his enthusiasm for the F-16 Fighting Falcon and vast knowledge of the YF-16 prototype bringing the design to life.

“The importance of this YF-16 painting scheme is the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the F-16 Viper,” said Accurso. “Everyone in Edwards is very proud not only to support the Viper Demo Team, but also to celebrate the 50º anniversary of the F-16, which began right here in Edwards in 1974.”

YF-16 prototype.

The YF-16 prototype accidentally flew for the first time on January 20, 1974, after a "mechanical accident" during a high-speed taxi test. Phil Oestricher, the YF-16 test pilot, decided to take off and fly for six minutes to prevent the jet from falling. The official inaugural 90-minute flight was carried out on February 2, 1974. The F-16 Viper demonstration team was combined with the East and West Viper teams in 2015.

The team decided to make small changes to differentiate the new aircraft, including the exchange of the term "General Dynamics" for "20th Fighter Wing" and the addition of "Viper Demo" at the tip of the vertical stabilizer.

"The only way to start was with the support of the leadership of the 20th Fighter Wing, host of the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team, who believed in the importance of this project and supported the vision we had in mind," Hiester said.

In 2024, the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team will represent the Air Combat Command and the U.S. Air Force in 25 shows in four countries, celebrating the 50º anniversary of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Here is the calendar of demonstrations for this year:

Tags: Military AviationF-16 Fighting FalconF-16 Viper Demo TeamLockheed MartinUSAF - United States Air Force / U.S. Air Force

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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[bedlamsbard]

“The soldier,” Thanos said. He flinched a little as one of Natasha’s widow’s stings hit him in the side of the head, but brushed it off as if it was nothing more than a mosquito bite. “The man out of…time.”

Thanos let the last word linger there between them. The Stones set across his knuckles glittered in the fading sunlight as he turned his left hand over, thoughtful.

He was a kid playing with a new toy, the kind of boy who burned the wings off flies with a magnifying glass and a sunbeam. Steve knew the exact instant Thanos realized he could use more than one of the Stones at the same time.

March 1945: With the deaths of Johann Schmidt and Steve Rogers only a month old, the SSR has spent the intervening weeks hunting down the last of Hydra’s holdouts. When Peggy Carter and the Howling Commandos are unexpectedly called back to London, however, the return of Steve Rogers from beyond the grave raises more questions than it answers – and draws the attention of a dangerous new enemy.  (Steve Rogers/Natasha Romanoff)

Previous: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13

14: Born to Run 176K, AU, WIP

Chapter preview:

Steve was shaking when Natasha put a hand on his arm, like the enormity of what was happening had suddenly caught up to him, the way she had seen it do a few times over the course of the past twenty-three days.  He stilled under her touch, his breathing slowly evening out, until he finally drew himself the rest of the way up and looked hard at the Sorcerer Supreme.  “The hell are you doing here now and not twenty-three days ago?” he demanded. “Before I got kidnapped, shot, and beat to shit?” The woman eyed him thoughtfully, that same calculating expression Natasha had seen a dozen times before on people meeting Steve Rogers for the first time and weighing him against whatever conclusions they had already come to about Captain America.  Usually Steve came off the better in that competition, but not always; there were plenty of people who preferred the idea of Captain America over the reality.  Phil Coulson had been one of them. “All right, hold up,” Morita said, sounding slightly strained.  He had his hand on what Natasha guessed was a hidden knife sheath; none of the Howling Commandos habitually carried sidearms inside the SSR. “We’ve got wizards now?  Like magic-magic wizards, not Schmidt’s bull?” The woman glanced at him.  “The sorcerers of Kamar-Taj have guarded the Time Stone for millennia,” she said.  “We prefer to keep to ourselves.  It’s better for everyone that way.” “There’s a war on, in case you haven’t noticed,” Peggy said coolly from Steve’s other side.  Her pistol barrel hadn’t wavered at all, still pointed squarely between the newcomer’s eyes. “Who says we haven’t been fighting it?” the other woman countered.  “There are more battlegrounds than even the Strategic Scientific Reserve knows.”  She looked back at Steve and Natasha and said gravely, “It’s time to go home.”

[mcsquared789]

SLATE / MASTERLIST

Banner by MrSteiners on DeviantArt

The slate for the planned canon rewrite, expansion and in-depth exploration of the ENTIRE Marvel Cinematic Universe.

This includes links to all the projects I've worked on thus far related to the MCU rewrite, as well as lists of what I'm planning on writing next (although, please note that this is always subject to change). And this goes beyond what already exists, as I plan to make high quality novel-length and novella-length fics diving into every corner I can of this big, beautiful universe — that are NOT always based on the movies.

INTRODUCTION

If you want to see the explanation for what and why this is, please check out this seperate post

There are four planned phases for this project:

ASSEMBLE

REASSEMBLE

INFINITY

ENDGAME

The first and second phases are the only ones where the fics in them have additional descriptions. The other phases have only their titles revealed. (See the series description for a rundown of all the major characters that will appear throughout these fics.)

1. All works that currently exist have links to them. If it does not have a link, I have not started writing it — and despite the order that everything is in, I might be skipping some works and circling back to them later for various reasons (mainly when it makes sense, I’m not going to write an Avengers fic until everything else beforehand is done).

2. This is the recommended order, but — unless it's specified — you can probably read any of them without spoiling any other work. There may be references or easter eggs, but unless it's substantial I will not list something as 'required reading' for another fic: start wherever YOU want.

3. If the work isn't bolded, it will most likely end up being the length of a novella (10-20k words). If it is in UPPERCASE, I expect it to be very, very VERY long. This is just an estimate however, and I just don’t know how far these things will go until I start writing it.

4. Lastly, EVERYTHING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

PHASE 1: ASSEMBLE

Iron Man

Tony Stark has to reinvent himself after he witnesses firsthand the consequences of his company’s dealings from the hands of rogue nations. Part 1 of the Iron Man series. COMPLETE (preview)

The Incredible Hulk

Bruce Banner seeks a cure for his terrifying condition while being hunted down by the military forces that intend to contain him. Part 1 of the Incredible Hulk series. COMPLETE (preview)

Iron Man: War Machine

Tony Stark grapples with both the military and rising competition in weapons production, while being unable to find a solution to keep his heart from killing him. Part 2 of the Iron Man series. COMPLETE (preview)

Widowmaker

Clint Barton is sent by SHIELD to kill the elusive ‘Black Widow’, but pressing circumstances form an alliance between them that will change the trajectory of their lives. Part 1 of the Black Widow duology. A novella (~10 chapters). COMPLETE

Thor

Thor is forced to live without power when he causes a war between realms, by being sent to Earth where he will have to learn how to be worthy of Mjølnir. Part 1 of the Thor series. WIP

Captain America: The First Avenger

Steve Rogers enlists to become the first supersoldier to defend war-torn America from the Nazis, which leads him and the Howling Commandos to battle HYDRA in the quest for peace. Part 1 of the Captain America series.

THE AVENGERS

When Loki arrives on Earth with the intention to rule, Nick Fury of SHIELD has to finally assemble his team of heroes to protect the world against this intergalactic threat. Part 1 of the AVENGERS series. An epic (~50+ chapters).

ONE-SHOTS

The Consultant (Tumblr | AO3)

Jasper Sitwell and Phil Coulson sit down to discuss an unusual request from the higher-ups at SHIELD. (after The Incredible Hulk)

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor’s Hammer (Tumblr | AO3)

Phillip Coulson is taking a road trip down to New Mexico when he is interrupted. (before Thor)

Agent Carter

Peggy Carter is assigned to retrieve a special kind of serum, while in the middle of creating SHIELD. (after The First Avenger)

Sanctuary

Loki searches for newfound purpose, until he wanders upon a sacred place. (before The Avengers)

Item 47

Jasper Sitwell visits a couple who have scavenged and tried to hide alien technology. (after The Avengers)

PHASE 2: ASSEMBLE

These fics follow up immediately from The Avengers.

The Indestructible Hulk

Bruce Banner tries to live with the Hulk and remain a scientist, while experiencing pressure from Tony Stark, Thaddeus Ross, SHIELD… and a new hostile force that seeks to create more Hulks like him. Part 2 of the Incredible Hulk series.

Iron Man: Extremis

Tony Stark, while suffering with PTSD and crippled with doubt, must deal with a new terrorist threat that is also connected to a conspiracy to weaponize genetic manipulation. Part 3 of the Iron Man series.

Thor: The Dark World

Thor maintains order through the cosmos of various realms, until he learns of a new threat that seeks a dangerous power beyond comprehension — that happened to be accidentally found by Jane Foster. Part 2 of the Thor series.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Steve Rogers adjusts to the present day while wrestling with SHIELD’s Project Insight, until a terrible secret exposes the return of HYDRA. Part 2 of the Captain America series.

Secret Empire

A new alliance is formed with the Avengers and former agents of SHIELD, to begin a plan of attack to take down HYDRA. A novella.

These fics are standalone and mostly separated from The Avengers.

Guardians of the Galaxy

A series of events lead to the formation of a new intergalactic group within the corners of the wider galaxy — a scavenger, an assassin, a warrior, a gun-toting raccoon and a talking tree. Vol 1 of the Guardians of the Galaxy series.

Galaxy’s Most Wanted

An alliance is formed between Rocket and Groot, as they break out of prison and establish roots in the vast, intergalactic Hub. Prequel to the Guardians of the Galaxy series.

Doctor Strange

Stephen Strange seeks a new power beyond his knowledge after a terrible car accident… getting what he wants, but also far more than he bargained for. Part 1 of the Doctor Strange series.

Black Panther: T'Chaka

The King of Wakanda raises his children in the great Afrofuturistic nation, while attempting to maintain secrecy of their existence under the continued exploits of arms dealer Ulysses Klaue. Part 1 of the Black Panther/Wakanda series.

The Brotherhood

Due to increasing dissatisfaction within Sokovia, two twins decide to join HYDRA and participate in experiments that will fully reshape the fabric of their own reality. A novella.

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

After regaining a powerful item, Tony Stark receives a vision that terrifies him — leading him and Bruce Banner to create a sentient AI that leads to devastating repercussions for the world. Part 2 of the AVENGERS series. An epic (~80+ chapters).

Planet Hulk

Bruce Banner wakes up to find himself in outer space, with a couple of familiar faces. In a trip that takes him from his past to his horrible future, he eventually discovers a world that is suitable for the Hulk… but not for him. Part 3 of the Incredible Hulk series.

Ant-Man

When Scott Lang pulls a simple heist, he is sucked by the Hope family into a seemingly impossible task that requires him to think small… but not too small. Part 1 of the Ant-Man series.

Spider-Man: Freshman Year

When high school teenager Peter Parker is taken on a field trip, he gains unprecedented powers that will shape his life and his place in the world. Part 1 of the Spider-Man series.

Captain America: Civil War

The Avengers are presented with a constitution intended to keep them in check: but after the return of a dangerous ally, Steve Rogers will have to fight for his freedom at the risk of destroying the team. Part 3 of the Captain America series. An epic (~50+ chapters).

ONE-SHOTS

Domino Effect

Something is let loose in Bruce Banner’s lab, and he makes an attempt to contain it. (after The Indestructible Hulk)

All Hail the King

An interview with the Mandarin, the leader of the Ten Rings. (after Iron Man: Extremis)

Helter Skelter

Peter Quill and Drax both join Rocket on a fun ‘team-building exercise’. (after Guardians of the Galaxy)

Ultimo

Vision finds a remaining remnant of Ultron. (after Avengers: Age of Ultron)

The Daily Bugle

J. Jonah Jameson makes a report on the strange little creep that’s been swinging around New York. (after Spider-Man: Freshman Year)

Team Thor

Thor returns to Earth to find that a lot of things have changed… and he decides to lighten up the mood. (after Captain America: Civil War)

PHASE 3: INFINITY

Descriptions of fics to be posted at a much later date.

Captain Marvel

Framed around Civil War, but takes place before Iron Man. Costars Nick Fury and Phil Coulson. Part 1 of the Captain Marvel series.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Takes place a year after Vol 1. Vol 2 of the Guardians of the Galaxy series.

Doctor Strange and the Circle Sinister

Takes place after Civil War. Costars a new character, Clea. Part 2 of the Doctor Strange series.

Release the Flerken

Starring Carol Danvers and the Guardians of the Galaxy. A novella.

Black Panther: T'Challa

Takes place after Civil War. Features a character from the Captain America series. Part 2 of the Black Panther/Wakanda series.

Black Widow

Takes place straight after Civil War. Part 2 of the Black Widow duology.

Secret Avengers

Deals with the fallout of Civil War. Starring Captain America and Black Widow. A novella.

Spider-Man: Sophomore Year

Takes place after Civil War. Features Tony Stark. Part 2 of the Spider-Man series.

Team-Up

Starring Tony Stark and Peter Parker. Features Pepper Potts. A novella.

Ant-Man and the Wasp

Takes place after Civil War. An important scene is being saved for a later fic. Part 2 of the Ant-Man series.

Vision and the Scarlet Witch

Takes place after Secret Avengers. Features Jane Foster and Darcy Lewis. Part 1 of the WandaVision duology. A novella.

Thor: Ragnarok

Takes place after The Circle Sinister. Features Jane Foster. Part 3 of the Thor series.

Captain Marvel: Secret Invasion

Takes place before Iron Man, and also after Secret Avengers. Sets up in part the events of Infinity War. Part 2 of the Captain Marvel series.

The Gauntlet

Prelude to Infinity War, featuring the Black Order. Starring Nebula. A novella.

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR

Part 3 of the AVENGERS series. An epic (~80+ chapters).

ONE-SHOTS

Luis Pays His Taxes

Howard the Duck

The White Wolf

The Uprising

Sanctum

Peter’s To-Do List

PHASE 4: ENDGAME

AVENGERS: ENDGAME

Part 4 of the AVENGERS series. An epic (~200 chapters). I’m not joking.

???

This will happen after Endgame. I will not reveal what it is until then.

Everything that follows is extremely vague and not in a strict order. I have some ideas for what this will become, but… I’ll be far too busy focusing on everything that comes before it to consider it in greater detail. Once phase 3 is done, I will have a better idea of where this will go: and let’s face it, it’s gonna take a while for me to even get there. Take everything here with a grain of salt.

WandaVision

Part 2 of the WandaVision duology.

Spider-Man: Junior Year

Part 3 of the Spider-Man series.

Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Features Captain America.

Hawkeye

Features Yelena Belova.

Armor Wars

Starring James Rhodes.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Features a forgotten character.

Ms. Marvel

Starring Kamala Khan.

Spider-Man: Senior Year

Part 4 of the Spider-Man series.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Features multiple Avengers. Part 3 of the Black Panther/Wakanda series.

Thor: Love and Thunder

Costarring the Guardians of the Galaxy. Part 4 of the Thor series.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

Will not feature a major character. Features some Avengers. Part 3 of the Ant-Man series.

The Marvels

Costarring Monica Rambeau and Kamala Khan. Part 3 of the Captain Marvel series.

The Holiday Special

Starring Drax and Mantis. A novella.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Costarring America Chavez and Wanda Maximoff. Features Clea. Part 3 of the Doctor Strange series.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Vol 3 of the Guardians of the Galaxy series.

Eternals

Features some Avengers.

Loki

Part 1 of a duology.

???

Part 2 of a duology. Features America Chavez.

ONE-SHOTS (titles only)

Ozymandias

FEAST

The Ship of Theseus

Don’t

Into the Forever

The One Who Remains

OTHER WORKS IDEAS

If everything here is subject to change, these works REALLY are: I don't know if any of them will happen.

Betty Ross

Spiderverse

Civil War 2

Fury + Coulson

You may have also noted that neither of the Defenders series, Agents of SHIELD or Agent Carter (the ABC series) are present in any capacity. I have no intention to bring them in as I have never watched them and I don't know enough about them to include them. I am considering bringing in a character from AoS, but if it happens their role is very likely to be minor. I posit an idea of bringing these particular franchises in at some point... but this is very unlikely to happen.

Thank you for reading! Again, if you have any questions about it please ask me anything and I'll do my best to respond. In the meantime, feel free to follow me if you want to stay updated on this project.

[she-wolf09231982]

Chapter 2-The Prodigal Soldier Returns

Summary: The day of the Super Solider Serum infusion arrives, and you may or may not emerge as the next gender bend Captain America. Either way, you survive Howard Stark’s experiment, and carry the torch supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic…and possibly intergalactic.

58 years later, Nick Fury and agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. discover Steve Rogers still alive and cryogenically preserved in ice. Rogers is returned immediately to New York for rehabilitation and recovery from his 66-year slumber under ice. When Steve is finally acclimated to his new 21st century life, he eventually bumps into you at the compound.

Author Note: Steve Rogers x Female!Avenger, Captain America x Female!Avenger, Y/N, L/N=Wolf, Reader!EnhancedAvenger, Avenger name She-Wolf, Avengers, Marvel movie references, Howard Stark, Maria Stark, Peggy Carter, Nick Fury, Agent Phil Coulson, S.H.I.E.L.D., story begins in 1953 ends in 2011, Military and Medical terminology, Pre/Post Captain America: The First Avenger, Pre Avengers

*Bold Italics represent character thoughts and flashbacks

~~~~~~~~

1953

The lab room suddenly became chaotic. Alarms started to sound off on the heart monitor connected to the Vita-Ray Chamber and red warning lights flashing. Your face began visibly wincing from pain in the window of the encasement you were locked into.

The serum made your blood pressure spike, edging you close to what could be a heart attack.

“Howard! Cut the infusion! Her heart rate is dangerously high!” Peggy called out over the commotion of white lab coats running around.

Howard Stark began to rush over to the main controls to shut down the serum transmission when he suddenly heard your voice through the container.

“NO! Keep going!” You pushed. You’ve worked too hard to stop now.

Peggy and Howard exchanged concerned glances.

“Stark, she’s only at 70% completion. If she’s already struggling now imagine what will happen to her at 100%.” Peggy cautioned.

Howard looked at the serum percentage meter indicating how much of the I.V. was imported into your blood stream. The meter continued to rise… 75%...80%...85%...

He glanced at your face in the viewing window of the chamber. Your eyes shut tight; jaw clenched doing your best to not black out.

…89%...90%...

“Stark??” Peggy yelled.

Your heart can take no more. Your heart rate reaches its limit causing you to go limp inside the box.

“Shut it down!!” Howard called out as he raced to the Vita-Ray Chamber door to force it open as fast as he could. Peggy joined him to assist.

You had flat lined. The sound of a steady drone from the heart monitor filled the room.

The extreme heat of the chamber had expanded the metal from within, making the door almost impossible to open.

One of the lab coats brought a crowbar to pry the latch. After a little bit of muscle and leverage, the door sprung open. Steam projected outward overflowing the room, blocking the view of you. Howard and Peggy began fanning the air so they could see you.

There you were, still vertically strapped in, head resting on your shoulder, eyes closed…still not breathing.

“…Howard.” Peggy said with breathy distress while looking at you.

Howard walked up to your lifeless form, placed two fingers to your carotid artery on your neck to locate a pulse. As soon as he pressed into your skin your eyes sprang wide open.

You gasp loud and harsh, frightening everyone in the room, causing Howard to fall backward into Peggy.

Exceptionally confused and panicked, your eyes darted side to side trying to get a grasp on what had just occurred. As the heart monitor machine came back to life beeping frantically, the lab started humming again, everyone calling out results and observations over eachother from their stations.

“Heart rate is detected and, on the rise…”

“Oxygen levels at 100%…”

“Blood pressure is getting high, Mr. Stark…”

“Her muscle mass increased by 70%!!”

“If we don’t calm her down, she may go into shock, Agent Carter…”

Peggy took the initiative.

“Everyone, simmer down!” She commanded the room. All the lab coats froze.

She walked over to you and in a soothing tone, spoke to you.

“Y/N, you’re going to be alright. The experiment was a success. You did it.” she said calmly.

She held your face firmly between her hands, so you focused on her. Your breath was short and fast as Peggy continued.

“Deep breaths, Wolf. In…” She inhaled with you.

“Out.” She exhaled with you.

You repeated this until you finally relaxed.

Howard approached you. “Y/N, how do you feel?”

You took a minute to assess yourself.

You noticed your white pajama set was suddenly quite snug. Some parts were even torn especially in the shoulder and thigh area. The hem of your pants that once hung closer to your feet were now shorter revealing your ankles and calves.

“I feel…taller?” You respond first. “And sweaty.”

Stark’s mouth curved into a triumphant grin. The serum worked. And it showed.

Your body was evidently more toned, developed muscles straining against the fabric of your white outfit. Pants now hanging at your calves instead of below your ankles, you’ve obviously grown at least 5 inches. You were a colossus compared to former your self.

Howard offered his hand to help you out after releasing the safety harnesses, but you stumble out like a newborn giraffe as both he and Peggy catch you before you hit the ground.

“Get a wheelchair over here now!” Stark called out.

He looked back at you. “This is the beginning of something big, Y/N. You are going to be part of some of the greatest stories in America’s history.”

You only nod at first since you are too weak to be excited about anything yet.

“Mr. Stark, I’d like to take a nap first if you don’t mind?” You finally responded.

The room chuckled in unison.

~~~~~~~~

2011

You spent the next 58 years battling local crimes in New York, and eventually deploying overseas mostly assisting medical squadrons or rebuilding critical structures for allies and joint forces in combat zones. You were utilized during conflicts such as The Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and The Global War on Terrorism. You were especially useful during Operation Iraqi Freedom clearing potentially hostile locations with Special Forces and patrolling with convoys to secure safe passage for American military to travel.

The Super Soldier Serum’s organic preservatives left you looking and feeling your best since the infusion in 1953. You didn’t look or feel a day over 25 in over five decades because of it. However, you were only able to withstand 90% of the serum’s deposit, therefore you weren’t at full potential of your superhuman capabilities, unfortunately. Nonetheless, you were still a success story in Howard Stark’s eyes.

Sadly, in December 1991 while you were tasked to a recovery detail in Eastern Europe, you returned to American soil to be met by an Agent Nick Fury with grave news. Howard Stark and his wife, Maria, were killed by a HYDRA assassin while you were away. This information absolutely ruined you. You didn’t take Howard’s death very well. You progressively became a shell of your former self, sinking into a depressive state. Since then, you became quite an introvert and kept a low-profile spending most of your time at the gym, in the library reading, or in your sleeping quarters.

Through it all, you still led a life of service to your country when called upon in memory of your surrogate father. Nick Fury assumed command of S.H.I.E.L.D. by this time and took you under his wing, making sure to commission you with new assignments to continue Stark’s legacy.

Even though you were one of Howard’s greatest accomplishments in decades, a resurfacing discovery by S.H.I.E.L.D had the entire compound particularly energetic today. You were leaving the gym and noticed all the lab coats buzzing back and forth whispering to eachother. You also hadn’t seen Fury in a few days, which was unusual because you would usually get a debrief from him of your assignments every night for the following day.

As that thought crossed your mind, he appeared before you.

“Y/N, just the woman I’m looking for. Come with me.” He ushered you down the hall.

You were utterly perplexed, but continued to follow him down the halls having no idea where he was taking you.

“Director Fury?” You began.

He continued walking at a brisk pace. “Hm?” was his response.

“Forgive me if I’m not up to speed on what’s happening here, but….”

You tread lightly about asking too many questions because Fury’s mind was obviously busy, and you weren’t sure if he was really listening to you. You pause as you arrive at a long observing window that peered into what looked to be a hospital room. He gestured towards the window.

“Have a look for yourself.” He invited.

You walk up to the glass and look through. In the hospital bed laid a man peacefully asleep.

Your heart stilled as you stared at this alluring stranger.

He had a thick head of blonde hair, disheveled strands laying softly across his forehead. A chiseled jawline, perfect nose, flawless skin, and the longest lashes any woman would be jealous of. And dear God, arms that look like they could crush concrete.

You stood there with your mouth agape staring at this brawny, angelic creature in front of you.

Fury tilted his head to the side observing your reaction. He was mildly entertained by your moment of shock that rendered you completely speechless.

“You know who this man is, Y/N.” He finally tells you.

You shake your head to snap out of your hypnosis. You look at Fury and raise an eyebrow at him. Clearly indicating you didn’t understand.

“Is that a question or a statement, sir?” You ask.

Fury chuckled as he continued.

“This, my friend, is the one and only Steve Rogers…TheCaptain America.” He explained.

You narrowed your eyes at him in disbelief.

“But sir…” You began.

“Yes, I know, but we discovered him conserved cryogenically under ice a few days ago.” He explained.

You look back through the window.

“Alive? But…how?” You manage to ask.

“Well, blood tests revealed that his blood contained excessive amounts of glucose as a result of his liver processing his glycogen storage, thus lowering the freezing temperature of blood-borne water and creating a 'cryoprotectant'. This process is similar to those of hibernating bears and wood frogs that metabolize glycogen in their liver to circulate ample amounts through their body to reduce the osmotic shrinkage of cells and prevents them from freezing. This, however, has never been seen before in humans.” Fury explained in a ‘matter of fact’ manner.

Your confusion must have reflected on your face because he reiterated by simply saying,

“Howard Stark’s preservative components in the serum allowed Rogers to survive freezing temperatures.”

You nod, “I see. You could’ve just led off with that, sir.”

~~~~~~~~

With Captain America resurrected, the atmosphere at the facility completely shifted. Agent Phil Coulson addressed the public to officially confirm Steve Rogers’ return. Which was an absolute honor for him since he was a huge fan of Captain America and everything he represents. All the lab coats walking around were all a flutter about Captain America’s presence in the building…especially the females which made you utterly nauseous.

You, on the other hand, thought everyone was being overdramatic. You were particularly curious about what would happen next, though. What did this mean for S.H.I.E.L.D.? For America? Where did this leave you? Questions stirred relentlessly in your head for days. Every thought of what could happen next now that Steve was back didn’t have a good outlook for you no matter which way you spun it. These intrusive thoughts keep your brain busy, causing you to lose sleep at night.

You became very irritable with the few people you came into contact with throughout the day, so you decided to spend more time training in the boxing gym hitting the heavy bag. Fury frequently gave you direct orders to hit the showers and sleep it off, which you begrudgingly comply with out of respect.

Fury knew you were less than pleased by Steve’s return, and he was correct in assuming so. Your mental and emotional balance was already thrown off by the passing of Howard and Maria. Now you felt your livelihood hung by a thread because of the sudden homecoming of the prodigal soldier. You felt resentment and anger with every passing thought. And as assignments grew scarce, there were less deployments to redirect your attention leaving you with little to no outlet for your concentrated emotions.

One sleepless night, you once again find yourself hooking deep punches into the midriff of a 100 lbs (45.359 kg) Everlast boxing bag. Your hands only ever wrapped in sports tape, your knuckles are constantly bruised and swollen by the excessive number of times you spend pummeling the cylinder sack.

Sweat beading on your forehead and soaking through your shirt, hissing out loud every time each hand makes contact, you’re so deep in the zone surrounded by fire and wrath that you didn’t notice Steve had entered the room. He stood there watching you intensely while holding his gym bag in one hand, as he held a towel in the other. You deliver one final blow to the bag, sending it across the room like a projectile into the brick wall opposite you. You stood there panting, staring at the pile of other destroyed boxing bags that you’ve launched with your fits of physical rage.

“Wow.” Steve said impressed with a half-smile.

You turn your attention to him, meeting his blue eyes from where you stood. Your eyebrows furrowed still trying to catch your breath. You realize it was only him, so you turned away without responding, (not before pursing your lips together in disdain while rolling your eyes). You pick up your hand towel and wipe your face, then retrieve a new heavy bag, lifting with one hand effortlessly hanging it, replacing the one you just demolished.

Steve coughed awkwardly, sensing the thick air in the room between the two of you.

You started to stretch in front of one of the mirrors that had a ballet barre, completely disregarding the man behind you.

“We haven’t formally met yet.” Steve stated.

You let out an audible exasperated sigh. You barely glance over your shoulder, almost acknowledging him, waiting for him to continue.

“I’m Steve Rogers. Brooklyn. It’s good to finally meet you…”

His voice was smooth and resonating…Like honey. He spoke deep from the chest and his voice projected, yet he didn’t need to yell. His voice just traveled through the room to you like music and almost had you melting into a puddle.

“Get it together, idiot…” You told yourself.

You decided to remain cordial. Even though you’d rather not engage with him at all, it’s what Howard would’ve wanted.

“You know who I am?” You finally responded with your back still facing him.

“I know of you, yes. Word is you were my protégé after I disappeared.” He replied.

“Is that all that was said about me?” You asked.

“Of course not.” He assured confidently.

You turned around while dabbing your neck with your towel, then draped it around your nape holding each end with your hands. You looked at Steve and started to walk towards him. Steve was positively handsome, and although he appeared intimidating and confident, he still had little experience interacting with women…especially if he found them attractive. As the gap closed between the two of you, his heart proceeded to beat faster. Your supersonic hearing picked it up right away, and you relished the effect you had on him.

Steve tried to diffuse his ascending apprehension as you stood feet from him.

“Um,” he started to scratch the back of his head bashfully, “if you’re up to it, maybe you can show me around the compound sometime?” He suggested.

You raise your eyebrows and inquisitively squint at him. Your mouth involuntarily curled into a grin because he looks so stinkin’ cute standing there tensed up in suspense, holding his breath, waiting on your response.

“Sure, Cap.” You say curtly. Steve let out a sigh of relief.

“Wanna start tomorrow?” You ask him.

“Uh, sure.” He replied.

“Meet me here at 0800?”

“Ok!”

You nod at him, shoulder your backpack and breeze past him without another word, leaving him slightly stunned and bewildered.

He watched you leave until he couldn’t see you anymore.

“Phew…that was exhausting.” Steve said out loud to himself.

You chuckle to yourself because you were totally close enough to hear that.

You kind of felt bad messing with him, but you’re the one that has seniority here. Even though he’s older than you and is the original super soldier, he’s “the man out of time” having been asleep under ice for almost 70 years. The horrific things you’ve seen and experienced during those years have hardened your heart and you weren’t one to coddle anyone anymore. Not even America’s favorite poster boy from Brooklyn.

~~~~~~~~

At 0745, you walk into the gym and see Steve sitting on a stool in a corner of the boxing ring. You shoot a perplexed look at him and smirk.

“How long have you been here?” You call out to him.

He looked up.

“Long enough.” He said simply smiling back.

“Waiting to go a few rounds with me, Cap?” You ask almost too flirtatiously.

Steve scoffed then stood up.

“No ma’am, I would never hit a lady.” He responded.

“I’m no average lady, Rogers.” You replied sternly. You weren’t about to let him categorize or underestimate you.

Steve’s smile faded to a look of fascination and curiosity.

“Should we head out then?” You ask.

Steve nodded and exited the gym with you.

~~~~~~~~

“I never knew a place could have so many…levels.” Steve said as you walk off the elevator where the living quarters were.

Up until now, you were the only one residing in dorms. Now Steve shared this building with you but had his room in another wing. It had a common area, an impressive kitchen, dining and living room and a full gym on a separate floor.

“S.H.I.E.L.D. obviously spared no expense.” You stated.

Steve nodded in agreement. He continued to admire the surroundings.

“So? What do you think, Cap?” You finally ask.

Steve looked at you confused.

You gesture to everything around you.

“All of this. What do you think?”

Steve let out a puff of breath and looked around again in thought.

“Well…” He started “it’s going to take a lot getting used to.” He finished.

“Mmhm.” You hum.

He continued.

“But I’ll manage.” He added confidently.

“I sure hope so.” A voice rang out from across the living room area.

Director Fury stood at the doorway, then proceeded to walk towards you.

“Director.” You greeted as he approached. He nodded at you.

“I see you two are getting along just fine.” Fury said with an almost visible smirk.

You released a faint laugh.

“Y/N has been very hospitable.” Steve responded earnestly then looked at you with a soft smile.

You felt yourself blushing when your eyes met his.

“Snap out of it, you idiot.” You scold yourself.

“Good, because one day, you’ll need to work as a team.” Fury explained.

You snap your head at Fury with anger rising in your chest like lava.

“Director??” You ask almost with panic in your voice.

Nick Fury released an irritated sigh, rolling his eye before facing you.

“Y/N, we discussed this. Why do you insist on acting this is the first time you’re hearing this?”

“Because, sir, I never agreed to it.” You pointed out.

“Last time I checked, Wolf, my title is ‘Director.’ I don’t need your consent nor your approval.” Fury retorted in a very parental tone.

Steve just sat, arms folded across his chest while his eyes flitted between you and Fury like he was watching a tennis game.

“With all due respect, Director, I refuse.” You declared.

“Excuse me?” Fury dared you to repeat.

“I refuse.” You restated boldly.

Fury began to open his mouth to reprimand you until Steve cut in.

“Ok now this is escalating quickly.” Steve said while inserting himself between you and Fury.

“Director, perhaps allow Miss Wolf and I to build more rapport before talking about working in the field together? We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” He suggested.

Fury studied Steve, then looked at you.

“Fine. Understand this now, though, when you two are called upon, you will be responding…together.” Fury declared.

You only respond by crossing your arms. Fury turned on his heel and exited, leaving you there with this annoyingly reasonable and infuriatingly gorgeous super soldier.

~~~~~~~~

[majaloveschris]

I’d say Chris is a legitimate source; if he claims they are together then that’s the fact/ I understand this anon's opinion. But I think a lot of people forgot pap pic's with Lily Collins at the restaurant, all the articles how they met during the after party. There even was an itw of Phil Collins saying how he was happy for his daughter. Red carpet for Age of Ultron and the journalist saying Captain America is off the market and Chris didn't giving any answer except this weird reaction. And not forget the other pap walk with the other Lily in London. For both his team and Chris let the rumor spread, he accepted the two contracts with the Lilies, to be seen with them. How many articles talked about the actresses after that, their projects. I'm sure if James didn't be catch with Dominic Chris and her will continue to let people think they were something between them. Chris was the source and let people think he was dating Lilies but at the end it was fake, like I think him and Ricci. He already participed to PR relationships in being himself the source. So him and his team saying he is dating AB is not to take as truth because they already lied before about other women.

I definitely get what you are saying; however, I also understand what the others say.

Those you mentioned, I would rather call PR sightings, pap walks. Those were just one-day things; they did it for whatever reason, and everybody went on with their lives. Neither of them posted or "confirmed" anything. They wanted people to pay attention to them and to the fact that something might be going on between them, which is usually more efficient if they don't say anything.

But this is different. This whole thing with Alba is, in my opinion, a full PR relationship. The pap walk was the same—more awkward, though.

There have been a lot of people in my inbox who completely missed the point I made.

I get that he confirmed the relationship or that they are supposed to be together, but to me and for a lot of people, because of the way they behave, their body language, the way this whole relationship is going, and because of a lot of other things, this doesn't seem like a real relationship. I just said that there have been and will always be PR relationships. I think this is one of them, and just because somebody "claims" someone or a relationship doesn't mean it's real or legit, because that's how PR relationships work. They have to make it look like it's real. They have to make people believe it's real, but to me, for a lot of reasons, it doesn't seem like it is.

[popculturelib]

This week, for Disability Pride Month, we are sharing some of our collection that addresses disabilities and chronic illness. Starting out is The Continental Quest: An Account of the First Wheelchair Crossing of North America (1984) by Fred McBee and Jack Ballinger. As the summary on the back says:

The Continental Quest is the humorous, irreverent, hardcore gimp story of Phil Carpenter and George Murray's 1981 wheelchair expedition from Los Angeles to New York as Special Ambassadors for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Written by Fred McBee, originator and director of the Quest, and Jack Ballinger, the expedition's paramedic and safety officer, the book covers the project from its origin as a wild idea generated under the steam of three beers to its flag-flying arrival at the United Nations three years later. It takes the reader through the complex process of planning the 3,400 mile adventure, the ordeal of camping the Mojave Desert, the gruesomely physical climbs up several mountain ranges, the thrilling 50 mph ride down the Rocky Mountains in parachute-equipped racing chairs, the crossing of the Mississippi River by canoe, and the marathon of hoopla surrounding the expedition's arrival on the East Coast.

The book is dedicated to the 35 million disabled people in the United States at the time of writing.

The Browne Popular Culture Library (BPCL), founded in 1969, is the most comprehensive archive of its kind in the United States.  Our focus and mission is to acquire and preserve research materials on American Popular Culture (post 1876) for curricular and research use. Visit our website at https://www.bgsu.edu/library/pcl.html.

[randomvarious]

2 Unlimited - "Get Ready for This" 1991 Eurodance / Eurohouse / House

Yuuuuup. Outside of that nutty megamix that was literally called "The Jock Jam" that fused together pieces of, like, 30 jock jams in total, this 1991 debut single from Belgian-Dutch dance project 2 Unlimited is the king jock jam of all other jock jams. And what I've always found to be most baffling about this group in particular is that, despite them being maybe the most overplayed act in US history–thanks to their permanent residency on sports arena playlists for about three decades now—most Americans would never be able to recognize either member of 2 Unlimited if they saw them in public. And that's really kind of wild to think about, considering the fact that, basically since Elvis, the music industry has operated on this truism that you will always need a face to sell the music. But in the case of this group that was easily one of the single-most popular in the world during the early-to-mid-90s, that standard clearly didn't fully apply to 2 Unlimited in the US.

But it's not that they ever wanted it that way. It's just that MTV was very averse to letting dance music bleed out of their niche programming into their regular video rotations. So, when this song was out, the only place on TV that you really could've caught the video for it was on MTV's own Club MTV show.

So, with that in mind, over the next handful of days, I wanna revisit a bunch of the music videos that 2 Unlimited put out when they were huge, since Americans were hardly ever exposed to them in the first place. You don't have to love their music—not even I will ever cop to that much—but a lot of their videos were cool and fun, and each one was really a vibe unto itself.

But first, some good 2 Unlimited history!

2 Unlimited started as a partnership in 1991 between a pair of Belgian guys named Phil Wilde and Jean-Paul de Coster. In '89, they released a couple dance hits as Bizz Nizz that were particularly popular in the UK: "We're Gonna Catch You" and "Don't Miss the Party Line." But no amount of listening to those hits could've prepared you for what they would unleash just a couple years later as 2 Unlimited, with "Get Ready for This."

This silly raver banged against European club walls in 1991, as it catchily cycled through happily revved-up string synths and acid-dotted comedowns. And you could have some fun in attempting to replicate its lead melody too, by repeatedly scratching your nails across your very own beautifully multi-colored 90s nylon tracksuit, because that's what it kind of sounded like ���.

But as 2 Unlimited at that point was only just a couple producers, outside of a pair of samples, including that of rapper The D.O.C.'s "It's Funky Enough" to get the iconic "y'all ready for this" line, the original version of this Euro-club hit was just an instrumental. And Wilde and de Coster knew that if they wanted to be a more popular act, and succeed in America, they would need to recruit a vocalist. So, they enlisted someone that they'd already had a relationship with: a Dutch MC named Ray Slijngaard, who had performed on a Bizz Nizz track that ended up going unreleased.

And this is where the overall trajectory of 2 Unlimited both suddenly and drastically changed. Wilde and de Coster gave Ray a tape of "Get Ready for This" for him to rap over, and when he came back to them with the finished product, there was unexpectedly a woman named Anita Doth singing on it too. And the contrasting dynamic between Ray's intense and inane Euro-rapping, and Anita's soothing singing that managed to relieve all the residual tension that he had built up, showed Wilde and de Coster a vision from Ray that they hadn't seemed to seriously entertain before: that 2 Unlimited could have more than one star vocalist; and they could also be of different genders.

And that moment is when the floodgates opened. This new vocal version of "Get Ready for This" would make its way Stateside, and by September of 1992, it would finally enter the Billboard Hot 100. Then, the following month, its corresponding album, Get Ready, would reach its peak position on the Billboard 200 at the 197th spot, which is definitely very low, but through the years, as countless Americans would continuously be exposed to "Get Ready for This" by way of their local tastemaking sports arena playlist compiler, the album would eventually achieve gold status, and the single would reach its #38 peak by April of 1995 as well. And perhaps the song's biggest point of American pride: it also served as the anchor track to open that aforementioned "Jock Jam" megamix!

So, now the video, which was a pretty electric one, as the cameraperson kept employing frantic and jostling zoom-ins and zoom-outs that transmitted a feeling of chaos while Ray and Anita danced and took turns playing the nearby synthesizer. And I'm also not sure exactly how 2 Unlimited became a fixture of seemingly every sports arena in the US, but maybe the very weird Los Angeles Kings visor that Ray was rocking here encouraged it. You have to remember that, because Wayne Gretzky was on the team, the Kings were one of hockey's biggest spectacles back then, and maybe Ray's donning of that...hat...was 2 Unlimited's way of trying to get the NHL's attention? 🤔

Anyway, the number of times that I've heard at least a snippet of "Get Ready for This" in my lifetime probably numbers somewhere in the quadruple digits by now, so, naturally, at this point, I've become pretty unflinchingly numb to it; but watching this music video for it really has me hype for this song in a way that I haven't been in an extremely long time, which should tell you just how enjoyable it is! 🤩

Yeah!

More fun videos here.