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kokiafans · 2 years ago

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KOKIA in flashback - 2006

The year of 2006 is an exciting one for KOKIA. She has gone abroad to perform before, but now she makes it all the way to Europe for concerts in Paris, France and represents Japan at MIDEM 2006, the World Music Market, in Cannes. Her new album aigakikoeru ('listen for the love') even gets a French/European release in November, ahead of the Japanese release next year and with an exclusive track. It is not her first album this year; she has enough songs to compile her first best of-album, resulting in the release of Pearl and Jewel, collecting her best of songs and promotional videos respectively.

Although KOKIA has been creating music for games and (animated) series and movies since the beginning of her career, the start of 2006 puts the spotlight on her with the single Ai no melody/chouwa oto ('melody of love/sound of harmony'), the opening and ending song for the movie Origin: Spirits of the Past (Giniro no kami no Agito in Japanese). Especially Chouwa oto ~with reflection~ turns into a much-requested hit, with KOKIA still regularly performing this song almost 20 years later. It is a new version of Chouwa, the first song on her album trip trip from 2002, which incorporates KOKIA-go ('KOKIA-language') by reversing the syllables of the Japanese lyrics.

And last but most definitely not least, 2006 is the year KOKIA becomes independent. In May, she decides to start her own private office, anco&co, which she runs to this day, in order to more freely express herself as an artist rather than being tied to the Japanese music scene. Aigakikoeru is her first release after her independence.

She starts her 47 Stories concerts this year, intending to visit all 47 prefectures of Japan, although in the end doesn't manage to get to all 47.

◆ Lives and events ◆

January 5 Giniro no kami no Agito (Origin: Spirits of the past) New Year's special event (Kawasaki, CLUB CITTA)

January 21 KOKIA Live in France: Bonjour Paris Bonjour mon ami! ('Hello Paris, hello my friend!') (Paris, L’espace Saint Martin) ※ First performance in Paris

January 23 MIDEM 2006 JAPAN NIGHT (Cannes, HOTEL MAJESTIC)

【KOKIA album tour 2006 Thank u!】 February 9 - Aichi, Electric Lady Land February 10 - Osaka, BIGCAT February 17 - Tokyo, DUO MUSIC EXCHANGE

February 26 Song for Winter Lovers in FACTORY (Sapporo Factory Atrium)

June 14 KOKIA 2006 keep moving vol.1 (Roppongi STB139 Sweet Basil) ※ 2 performances in 1 day. First live after going independent. Monthly performances spanning half a year.

July 1 at! Music Live (Queen's Square Yokohama) ※ 2 performances in 1 day

July 14 Enoshima Live Party 2006 (Enoshima Yacht Harbor Terrace)

July 24 KOKIA 2006 keep moving vol.2 ~birthday party~ (Roppongi STB139 Sweet Basil)

July 29 MAKE a day 06 in TIVOLI (Okayama, Kurashiki Tivoli park, Plainen stage)

August 12 First Izumo Legends festival (Shimane prefecture, Izumo city, Hamayama park) ※ Performed as a surprise guest

August 16 KOKIA 2006 keep moving vol.3 ~my favorite songs~ (Roppongi STB139 Sweet Basil)

August 27 6th Yuukyuu no mori ('forest of eternity') Shirakami festival (Akita, Goshonodai Fureai Park)

September 10 KOKIA concert ~47 stories in Shimane~ (Big Heart Izumo)

September 21 KOKIA 2006 keep moving vol.4 ~chello ni idakarete ♪~ ('embraced by the cello') (Roppongi STB139 Sweet Basil)

September 23 Kunimi mountain base music festival '06 (Nagasaki, Kunimi forest park)

October 14 Barefoot Kugenuma '06 Barefoot Concert (Prefectural Shônan Kaigan park, Surf Village, beach in front of the water plaza (mizu no hiroba)

October 22 KOKIA 2006 keep moving vol.5 ~neoclassic~ (Roppongi STB139 Sweet Basil)

November 27 KOKIA 2006 keep moving vol.6 ~finale~ (Roppongi STB139 Sweet Basil)

December 2 YAMAHA Stadium Mini Live (Shizuoka, Yamaha Stadium) ※ A capella opening live (Amazing Grace) and mini live after the match

December 8 KOKIA 47 stories in concert in Fukui (Mikuni cultural Miraikan)

December 24 KOKIA 2006 Christmas Dinner concert ~1 nenkan no jibun no gohoubi ni~ ('a reward to oneself after a full year') (Tokyo, Hotel Grand Pacific Meridian Palais Royal)

◆ Releases ◆

January 1 Release of the single Ai no melody/Chouwa oto ~with reflection~ ('melody of love/sound of harmony') (Victor Entertainment) ※ Both songs were used in the theatrically released animated movie Giniro no kami no Agito (Origin: Spirits of the past) as the ending and opening theme respectively

February 1 Best of album Pearl ~The Best Collection~ (Victor Entertainment) ※ First best of album. First released in France and Spain on January 20 with an European version (Discmedi)

February 1 Release of the DVD jewel ~The Best Video Collection~ (Victor Entertainment) ※ First video release. Collection of best music clips.

November 29 Release of original album aigakikoeru (listen for the love) (Wasabi Records) ※ First album after independence. Release in France ahead of Japanese release.

◆ Other releases ◆

January 7 Release of Giniro no kami no Agito (Origin: Spirits of the past) original soundtrack (Victor Entertainment) ※ Recorded the opening theme chouwa oto ~with reflection~ ('sound of harmony') and the end theme Ai no melody ('melody of love')

January 18 Release of the Yuki Ootake album Nemuru Kujaku ('Sleeping peacock') (King Records) ※ Composed the song Tokai no hitsuji (‘sheep of the city’)

March 24 Release of the Shirakami mountain region image song collection Shirakami no shi ('Poems of Shirakami') ※ Recorded and sang Yuukyuu no mori ('Forest of eternity')

April 19 Release of Iruka wan no koibito (‘lovers of the dolphin bay’) original soundtrack (Rock Records) ※ Japanese version of the soundtrack of the popular Taiwanese drama. The songs I catch a cold and shiroi yuki ('white snow') were used as background music in the drama. (Taiwanese version released on January 1, 2003.)

June 7 Release of compilation album THANK YOU!! (Victor Entertainment) ※ Victor version of the compilation album of the 39 (sankyuu ('thank you')) project by Fuji TV's Mezamashi TV ('wake-up TV'). Performed Kawaranai koto ~since 1976~ ('things that won't change')

June 7 Release of compilation album Arigatou THANK YOU (Ponyo Canyon) ※Ponyo Canyon version of the compilation album of the 39 (sankyuu ('thank you')) project by Fuji TV's Mezamashi TV ('wake-up TV'). Performed Arigatou... ('thank you...')

◆ Books ◆

August 30 Release of the piano score Arigatou... ('thank you...') (anco&co)

◆ Other ◆

April Sang the commercial song for KOMATSU Ltd.

May 21 Started the company anco (independent)

July 14~ Sang the song Tatta hitotsu no hada e hen ('just one collection for your skin') for the POLA cosmetics APEX-i commercial

August Shiawase no hanataba ('bouquet of happiness') is used as image song for the Red Feather Central Community Chest of Japan

October 2 Start of her internet radio program KOKIAyakkyoku ('musical medicine') (until March 20, 2012) ※ Live internet radio program held every first and third Tuesday of the month

#KOKIA #25 years of kokia in flashback

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jcmarchi · 20 days ago

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Connecting the US Coast Guard to MIT Sloan

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/connecting-the-us-coast-guard-to-mit-sloan/

Connecting the US Coast Guard to MIT Sloan

Jim Ellis II SM ’80 first learned about a special opportunity for members of the U.S. Coast Guard while stationed in Alaska.

“My commander had received a notice from headquarters about this opportunity. They were asking for recommendations for an officer who might be interested,” says Ellis.

The opportunity in question was the MIT Sloan Fellows program, today known as the MIT Sloan Fellows MBA (SFMBA) program. Every year for 50 years, the Coast Guard has nominated a service member to apply to the program. Fifty Sloan Fellows and two Management of Technology participants have graduated since 1976, and the 53rd student is currently enrolled.

With his tour nearly over, Ellis followed his commander’s recommendation to apply. The Coast Guard nominated him and his application to MIT Sloan School of Management was accepted. In 1980, Ellis became the fifth-ever Coast Guard Sloan Fellow to graduate due to the special arrangement.

“My experience at MIT Sloan has been instrumental throughout my entire career,” says Ellis, who, with his wife Margaret Brady, established the Ellis/Brady Family Fund to support the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative and graduate fellowships through the MIT Sloan Veterans Fund.

“The success of the people who have been through the program is a testament to why the Coast Guard continues the program,” he adds.

The desire to change the world

Throughout its 163-year history, MIT has maintained strong relationships with the U.S. military through programs like the MIT Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, the 2N Graduate Program in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, and more.

The long-standing collaboration between MIT Sloan and the Coast Guard adds to this history. According to Johanna Hising DiFabio, assistant dean for executive degree programs at MIT Sloan, it demonstrates the Coast Guard’s dedication to leadership development, as well as the unique benefits MIT Sloan has to offer service members.

This is especially evident in the careers of the 52 Coast Guard Sloan Fellow alumni, many of whom the program often invites to speak to current students. “It is inspiring to hear our alumni reflect on how this education has significantly influenced their careers and the considerable impact they have had on the Coast Guard and the global community,” says DiFabio.

Captain Anne O’Connell MBA ’19 says, “It is very rewarding to be able to pay it back, to look for those officers coming up behind you who should absolutely be offered the same opportunities, and to help them chart that course. I think it’s hugely important.”

One of the most notable Coast Guard Sloan Fellows is Retired Admiral Thad Allen SM ’89, who served as commandant of the Coast Guard from 2006 to 2010. One of the service’s youngest-ever flag officers, Allen is a figure beloved by current and former guardsmen. As commandant, he embraced new digital technologies, championed further arctic exploration, and solidified relations with the other armed services, federal partners, and private industry.

“When you leave MIT Sloan, you want to change the world,” says Allen.

Inspired by his father, who enlisted after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Allen attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and subsequently held various commands at sea and ashore during a career spanning four decades.

A few years before the end of his second decade, Allen learned about the Sloan Fellows Program through a service-wide solicitation. “The people I worked for believed this would be a great opportunity, and that it would match with my skill set,” says Allen. With the guidance of his senior captains, he applied to MIT Sloan.

Allen matriculated with a cohort whose members included Carly Fiorina SM ’89, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard; Daniel Hesse SM ’89, former CEO of Sprint; and Robert Malone SM ’89, former chair and president of BP America. Though he initially felt a sharp disconnect between his national service experience and their global private sector knowledge, Allen realized everyone in the cohort were becoming his peers.

Strong bonds with global perspectives

Like Allen, many of the Coast Guard Sloan Fellows acknowledge just how powerful their cohorts were when they matriculated, as well as how influential they have remained since.

“I have classmates with giant perspectives and unique expertise in places all over the world. It’s remarkable,” says Retired Commander Catherine Kang MBA ’06, who served as deputy of financial transformation for Allen.

The majority of SFMBA candidates come to Cambridge from around the world. For example, the 2023–24 cohort comprised 76 percent international citizens.

For Coast Guard Sloan Fellows with decades of domestic experience, their cohort’s global perspectives are as novel as they are informative. As Retired Captain Gregory Sanial SM ’07 explains, “We had students from 30 to 40 different countries, and I had the opportunity to learn a lot about different parts of the world and open up my mind to many different experiences.”

After the Coast Guard, Sanial pursued a doctoral degree in organizational leadership and a career in higher education that, professionally, has kept him stateside. Yet the bonds he built at MIT Sloan remain just as strong and as international as they were when he first arrived.

Many Coast Guard Sloan Fellows attribute this to the program’s focus on cooperation and social events.

“What impressed me most when I first got there were the team-building exercises, which made a difference in getting a group of diverse people to really gel and work together,” says Retired Captain Lisa Festa SM ’92, SM ’99. “MIT Sloan takes the time at the beginning to invest in you and to make sure you know the people you’re going through school with for the next year.”

The most recent Coast Guard Sloan Fellow alumnus, Commander Mark Ketchum MBA ’24, says his cohort’s connections are still fresh, but he believes they will last a lifetime. Considering the testimonies of his predecessors, this may very well be the case.

“My cohort made me stronger, and I would like to think that I imparted my strengths onto my classmates,” says Ketchum.

Big challenges with high impacts

Before earning the Coast Guard’s nomination and an acceptance letter from the SFMBA program, potential Sloan Fellows have already served in various leadership positions. Once they graduate, the recognition and distinction that comes with an MIT Sloan degree is quick.

So, too, are the more challenging leadership tracks.

After graduation, Allen served as deputy program manager for the Coast Guard’s shipbuilding program at the behest of the then-commandant. “For the agency head to say, ‘This is a bad problem, so I’m picking the next graduate from MIT Sloan,’ is indicative of the program’s cachet value,” he says. Allen then served in the office of budget and programs, a challenging and rewarding post that has become a hub for Coast Guard Sloan Fellows past, present, and future.

Like Rear Admiral Jason Tama MBA ’11 and Captain Brian Erickson MBA ’21, both of whom credit the office with introducing them to the vigorous work ethic necessary for both obtaining an MIT Sloan education and for becoming an effective leader.

“Never in a thousand years would I have gone on the resource management path until a mentor told me it would be one of the most challenging and high-impact things I could do,” says Tama. “You can never be fully prepared for the Sloan Fellows experience, but it can and will change you for the better. It changed the way I approach problems and challenges.”

“I owe MIT for the senior-level opportunities I’ve had in this organization, and I will probably owe them for some of the opportunities I may get in the future,” adds Erickson. “You should never, ever say no to this opportunity.”

From the early cohorts of Ellis, Allen, and Festa, to more recent alumni like O’Connell, Kang, and Ketchum, Coast Guard Sloan Fellows from the past half-century echo Erickson and Tama’s sentiments when asked about how MIT Sloan has changed them. Words like “challenge,” “opportunity,” and “impact” are used often and with purpose.

They believe joining the SFMBA program as up-and-coming senior leaders is an incredible opportunity for the individual and the Coast Guard, as well as the MIT community and the world at large.

“I am excited to see this tradition carry on,” says Tama. “I hope others who are considering it can see the potential and the value, not only for themselves, but for the Coast Guard as well.”

Participation by U.S. Coast Guard members in this highlight of prior MIT Sloan Fellows is not intended as, and does not constitute an endorsement of, the MIT Sloan Fellows MBA program or MIT by either the Department of Homeland Security or the U.S. Coast Guard.

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sunaleisocial · 20 days ago

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Connecting the US Coast Guard to MIT Sloan

New Post has been published on https://sunalei.org/news/connecting-the-us-coast-guard-to-mit-sloan/

Connecting the US Coast Guard to MIT Sloan

Jim Ellis II SM ’80 first learned about a special opportunity for members of the U.S. Coast Guard while stationed in Alaska.

“My commander had received a notice from headquarters about this opportunity. They were asking for recommendations for an officer who might be interested,” says Ellis.

“The success of the people who have been through the program is a testament to why the Coast Guard continues the program,” he adds.

The desire to change the world

“When you leave MIT Sloan, you want to change the world,” says Allen.

Strong bonds with global perspectives

Like Allen, many of the Coast Guard Sloan Fellows acknowledge just how powerful their cohorts were when they matriculated, as well as how influential they have remained since.

The majority of SFMBA candidates come to Cambridge from around the world. For example, the 2023–24 cohort comprised 76 percent international citizens.

Many Coast Guard Sloan Fellows attribute this to the program’s focus on cooperation and social events.

“My cohort made me stronger, and I would like to think that I imparted my strengths onto my classmates,” says Ketchum.

Big challenges with high impacts

So, too, are the more challenging leadership tracks.

They believe joining the SFMBA program as up-and-coming senior leaders is an incredible opportunity for the individual and the Coast Guard, as well as the MIT community and the world at large.

“I am excited to see this tradition carry on,” says Tama. “I hope others who are considering it can see the potential and the value, not only for themselves, but for the Coast Guard as well.”

0 notes

tikimoonvillashawaii · 2 months ago

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Experience the Best Local Attractions: Why Our Vacation Villas Are Perfect for Your Stay

Oahu, known as "The Gathering Place," is the heart of Hawaii, offering a vibrant blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and exciting activities. When planning a trip to this paradise, where you stay can significantly enhance your experience. Our vacation villas provide the perfect base for exploring the island's top attractions while enjoying the comforts of home. Here’s why our vacation houses in Oahu are ideal for your stay.

## Prime Location Near Top Attractions

### Beaches

Oahu is famous for its stunning beaches, and staying in one of our beach house rentals on Oahu puts you right next to the best of them. From the world-renowned Waikiki Beach to the tranquil Lanikai Beach, you’ll have easy access to the perfect spots for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves and enjoying your morning coffee with a view of the Pacific Ocean.

### Historic Sites

History buffs will love exploring Oahu’s historic sites. Visit Pearl Harbor to see the USS Arizona Memorial and learn about the events that changed the course of history. Our Oahu Hawaii beach house rentals are conveniently located so you can easily reach these significant landmarks and immerse yourself in the island’s rich past.

### Natural Wonders

For nature enthusiasts, Oahu offers an array of breathtaking landscapes. Hike up Diamond Head for panoramic views of Honolulu, or explore the lush rainforests of Manoa Falls. After a day of adventure, return to your beach house vacation rental in Oahu, where you can relax in comfort and prepare for another exciting day.

## Luxurious Amenities for a Comfortable Stay

### Spacious Accommodations

Our vacation houses in Oahu are designed to provide ample space for families and groups. With multiple bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and large living areas, everyone can enjoy their own space while still spending quality time together. The open layouts and tasteful decor create a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

### Modern Conveniences

We understand the importance of modern conveniences in making your stay enjoyable. Our Oahu Hawaii beach house rentals are equipped with high-speed internet, smart TVs, and top-of-the-line appliances. Whether you need to catch up on work, stream your favorite shows, or cook a gourmet meal, everything you need is at your fingertips.

### Outdoor Spaces

One of the highlights of staying in our beach house vacation rentals on Oahu is the outdoor space. Many of our villas feature private pools, hot tubs, and spacious lanais where you can enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian weather. Grill up a feast on the BBQ, dine al fresco with ocean views, or simply unwind in a hammock under the stars.

## Personalized Services for an Unforgettable Experience

### Concierge Services

Our dedicated concierge team is here to help you make the most of your stay. From booking tours and activities to arranging transportation, we take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying your vacation. Want to try surfing, go on a snorkeling adventure, or take a helicopter tour of the island? Just let us know, and we’ll make it happen.

### Local Insights

Staying in one of our vacation houses in Oahu means you have access to insider tips and local recommendations. Our team can guide you to the best restaurants, hidden gems, and must-see attractions. Experience Oahu like a local and discover the island’s authentic charm.

### Customized Experiences

We believe in creating personalized experiences for our guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic getaway, or organizing a family reunion, we can tailor your stay to meet your needs. From arranging a private chef to planning a beachside luau, we go the extra mile to make your vacation unforgettable.

## Conclusion

Choosing to stay in our vacation villas on Oahu ensures that you are perfectly positioned to experience the best local attractions while enjoying unparalleled comfort and luxury. Our prime locations, luxurious amenities, and personalized services make our vacation houses the ideal choice for your Hawaiian getaway. Book your stay with us and discover why our beach house rentals in Oahu are the perfect home away from home.

Ready to plan your dream vacation? Explore our range of Oahu Hawaii beach house rentals and find the perfect villa for your stay. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, our vacation villas provide the perfect base for an unforgettable Oahu experience.

#tikimoonvillas #vacation rentals

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bisluthq · 4 months ago

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Did you read the Josh Hartnett interview? I was drawn to the headlines about him attending Tay’s concert, but more drawn to the reason why he left Hollywood. Josh was my crush after seeing him in Pearl Harbor, partly because of his character type, the shy quiet type, plus he was cute. My experience with the shy guys is the all the energy they lack in public, shows up in personal, intense relationships in private. He left because he couldn’t take the stalking and public levels of scrutiny of being an actor seemingly destined for stardom.

he was everyone (I’m sorry me too) old’s crush after Pearl Harbour. This is a very interesting interview. Just finished watching.

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robertshawaiii · 5 months ago

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Exploring Paradise: An Unforgettable Oahu Circle Island Tour

The Journey Begins: Waikiki and Diamond Head

Your Oahu Circle Island Tour typically starts in Waikiki, the heart of Honolulu. As you leave the bustling streets behind, the iconic Diamond Head Crater comes into view. This extinct volcanic crater, known to the Hawaiians as Leahi, offers stunning panoramic views of the island and the Pacific Ocean. A brief stop here allows for photos and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty that defines Oahu.

East Coast Wonders: Hanauma Bay and Halona Blowhole

Continuing along the scenic southeastern coast, the tour takes you to Hanauma Bay, a protected marine life conservation area. This crescent-shaped bay is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, making it a snorkeler’s paradise. Though snorkeling isn't usually included in the tour, the views alone are worth the visit.

Next, you’ll witness the powerful Halona Blowhole, where ocean waves force water through a lava tube, creating dramatic geyser-like sprays. The nearby Halona Beach Cove, often referred to as "Eternity Beach," is a picturesque spot that has been featured in numerous films and TV shows.

Cultural and Historic Treasures: Byodo-In Temple and Kualoa Ranch

As the tour progresses, you'll head to the serene Byodo-In Temple, nestled at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains. This replica of a 950-year-old Japanese temple is a place of peace and tranquility, surrounded by lush gardens and koi ponds. It's a perfect spot to reflect and take in the serene beauty of the island.

Next on the itinerary is Kualoa Ranch, a private nature reserve and working cattle ranch. Known as "Jurassic Valley" due to its appearance in numerous movies, pearl harbor tours reviews Kualoa Ranch offers breathtaking landscapes and a glimpse into the island's history. Visitors can learn about Hawaiian culture, explore ancient fishponds, and even see remnants of World War II bunkers.

North Shore: Surfing Legends and Laid-back Vibes

The tour then heads to the North Shore, famous for its legendary surf breaks and laid-back atmosphere. Waimea Bay, Banzai Pipeline, and Sunset Beach are world-renowned spots that attract surfers from around the globe. Depending on the time of year, you might witness surfers tackling massive waves or see calm, crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming.

While on the North Shore, make sure to visit the charming town of Haleiwa. This historic town offers a slice of local life with its surf shops, art galleries, and food trucks. A stop at one of the famous shave ice stands is a must, offering a refreshing treat to cool off in the tropical heat.

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karmatourshawaii · 1 year ago

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Embark on an unforgettable journey through our guide: "Top Things You Must Do During Your Hawaii Vacation." Dive into the beauty of Hawaii’s beaches, indulge in local culture, and experience thrilling adventures. From exploring Pearl Harbor to relaxing on pristine shores, find your dream vacation activities. Join us on this tropical odyssey!

#Private Pearl Harbor Tours #Pearl Harbor Hawaii tour #Pearl Harbor tickets #Pearl Harbor tours

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authentictravelconnections · 8 months ago

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Unforgettable Romance: Exploring the Best Couple Tour Packages to Jamaica and Hawaii

Whether you're newlyweds looking for a dreamy honeymoon or a couple celebrating a special anniversary, Jamaica and Hawaii offer some of the world's most romantic couple tour packages and all inclusive travel packages. With stunning natural scenery, luxurious resorts, exciting activities, and rich culture, these two gorgeous island destinations promise to bring you closer together and create lifelong memories. In this blog, we'll highlight some of the best deals and trip ideas for couples wanting to get away to Jamaica or Hawaii.

Jamaica: Reggae Rhythms and Tropical Tranquility

Known for its laidback vibes, flavorful jerk cuisine, and sandy stretches of beach, Jamaica has long been a favorite tropical locale for enamored duos. Today, countless couple tour packages to Jamaica with resorts cater to lovebirds with amenities like overwater bungalows, private beach dinners, couple massages, and sunset catamaran cruises. Whether you're looking for an active, adventurous trip or pure relaxation, Jamaica delivers.

Some top trip ideas and package deals for couples include:

Negril beachfront all inclusive hotels with benefits such as Champagne breakfasts in bed and cocktail mixing classes held outside while breathing in the fresh ocean air as a hint for the spa treatments for two. Generally, the greater community in the area offers free wedding packages and vow renewals to veterans and their spouses.

Luxurious vacations of the mountains of Ocho Rios, where one can have private infinity pools, secluded villas, and scenic attractions like Dunn's River Falls, are not only fun but also a memorable experience. As with a spa treatment and a personal yoga class, completing the zen vibe.

Jamaica follows wellness trends having concrete, nature, yoga, and clean eating retreats. All of them center around the two main partners either enjoying a meditative experience together or going through art therapy, counseling services, and communication games.

Guests taking a well-rounded day hike will have the choice of the romantic coffee plantation inn or bungalows as a stay. Chose to get immersed more in rum, coffee tasting and authentic Land Rover adventure tours.

Hawaii: The Epitome of American Paradise

With its postcard-worthy beaches, volcanic peaks, luxe resorts, and vibrant aloha culture, Hawaii sets the gold standard for American tropical getaways. Luckily for lovebirds, Hawaii also offers endless couple tour packages catering to every interest, budget, and personality - from surfers to honeymooners.

Top Hawaii couple trip ideas include:

A classic multi-island honeymoon package to Hawaii, hitting highlights like Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, the Road to Hana, Volcano National Park, and the island of Kauai. Most offer newlywed extras like champagne, massages, and private excursions.

Luxury wellness retreats on the peaceful island of Lanai, with health-focused amenities like guided meditation, yoga by the sea, spa treatments for two, and farm-to-table dining. Reconnect with nature and each other as you unplug completely.

Beachfront condo rentals on Maui with full kitchens and amenities for independent couples wanting a home base for exploring the island's treasures like Haleakala, the Road to Hana, and snorkeling Molokini crater.

A surf camp getaway on Oahu's famed North Shore, where you'll take lessons together, enjoy sunsets by the sea, and soak up the vibrant surf culture alongside world-class waves and beaches.

Tips for Booking the Ultimate Couple's Getaway

The one venom is the one that can spell the success of a couple's romantic getaway or the one poison that can break it. Here are some tips for picking the perfect escape:

It is wise to know what your must-haves and deal breakers are from the beginning - If seeing something new and exciting is what you want or you prefer a relaxed atmosphere. Do you care more about whether you stay in cozy little boutique hotels or big splashy resorts? This will allow you to limit your choices to breeds compatible with your circumstances.

You have an easy tool on hand, comparison shopping! - Thus, don’t book the first package you see. Use websites like TripAdvisor to review deals and discover special offers. From learner to learner: Engaging with fellow language learners through platforms such as community chat groups, online forums, or language exchange apps can not only provide emotional support but also practical feedback and motivation.

One very important element to consider when comparing package pricing is airfare and transportation costs.

Be sure to get into the fine prints into exactly what they're offering - some deals may sound like they are giving so much that they are malicious and often don't include taxes, fees, tips or certain activities.

Travel insurance would be a good idea, even for more peace of mind, especially during the storm.

Go for containment systems that offer adaptation with optional variations in case the initial plan does not work.

Whether you select beachside or retreat in the middle of the forest, Jamaica and Hawaii will take your relationship to the next level and bring the two of you closer. As your relationship develops, the memories and experiences are certain to last a lifetime! Instead of staying at home, choose our vacation journeys to extraordinary places and escape the ordinary now. Immediately book your couple's vacation of a lifetime!

#couple tour packages to Jamaica #honeymoon package to Hawaii #all inclusive travel packages

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astoundingbeyondbelief · 3 years ago

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Mom wrote an essay about Godzilla and Japan a few years ago in which the late Akira Takarada featured prominently. She’s not on social media, so I asked if I could share it here.

Enlightened by a Japanese Monster

By Barbara Murphy

Akira Takarada entered the ballroom at the 19th annual Godzilla Festival in Chicago in 2010. Here was the Japanese actor whose character Ogata helped to save humanity in the original 1954 Godzilla movie. Erect and fit in his seventies, he wore a tailored, striped summer suit, a contrast to his ardent American fans, wildly clapping in their wrinkled cargo shorts and “Got Zilla?” t-shirts.

What in the world was I doing here? Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, I hated monster movies. Too much fighting. Not enough dialogue.

But then I became a mother in 1993 to a son who by age four had checked out every dinosaur book in our county library system. His fascination with prehistoric creatures led to a passion for fictional monsters, mostly Japanese—colorful Pokemon and no-nonsense kaiju. Library visits now included a full sweep of videos with titles like Godzilla��s Revenge; Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster; and Gamera vs. Zigra.

I found Ghidorah creepy with all those swinging heads, and Gamera, the flying turtle, almost comical. But I was taken by the rainbow-colored Mothra and her twin fairies in Mothra vs. Godzilla, another kaiju movie in which Takarada had a role. In the fairies’ song, they call Mothra a guardian angel who will come whenever the people need kindness and protection. Who doesn’t want someone like that in their lives?

No slouch when it comes to fighting, Mothra’s devotion to her people and her strength and beauty encouraged me to discover more about Godzilla’s world. By the time my son was 10, there we were, my husband, son, and I, driving 800 miles to an event that still turns human heads when we say it: The Godzilla Festival, or G-Fest. We have attended every year since, even in 2018 when my husband and I returned from an overseas trip at 10 PM the evening before we needed to depart.

While participating in the Godzilla Festival and learning about kaiju, I have seen my son grow from a shy youngster to a leader there of panel discussions in 2018 and 2019 (the most recent to have been held thanks to COVID-19), surrounded by “Big G” friends who live in Scotland, Kentucky, and California.

Beyond that, my knowledge and love of Japanese culture and its people have deepened, making the past two years of increased hate crimes and prejudice in our country against Asians even more troubling.

A soft spot for Japan was already alive in my heart when I was young, in spite of my being born 11 years after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It’s hard to recall what I learned where, in school or the culture, but I do recall some paradoxical sentiments.

I was taught that the Japanese were evil. Their aggressiveness in WWII was proof, and kamikaze pilots in movies underlined the point. I also ascertained that a lot of their post-war products, including toys, were an attempt to conquer the world in a new way, manufacturing and exporting the cheapest products they could. Everything was suddenly “Made in Japan” and, similar to some of today’s Chinese goods, everybody complained but bought them anyway. The Japanese continued to be our enemy.

Here came the tough part. I loved the cute toys.

I still have some of them: a glass tea cup decorated with pink flowers; a seven-inch stuffed mouse wearing a pinafore and striped beret.

That talent for creating cuteness became more visible when regular attendance at the Godzilla Festival led our family to a tour of Japan with other Godzilla fans in 2015, where we saw parking space cones decorated with smiling faces and cream-filled biscuits stamped with pandas. We also witnessed firsthand the generosity and star power of Mr. Takarada as he arranged for us a private tour of Toho Studios and signed autographs for waiting fans after dining with us on a boat on Tokyo Bay.

Preparing for that once in a lifetime journey also increased my awareness of the Japanese language. I had heard its rhythms often enough in those early videos and more recently during my favorite G-Fest tradition, interview sessions with a translator and Japanese guests such as Mr. Takarada. However, when one is trying to learn to speak a few phrases like “Thank you” and “Can you help me find my hotel?”, one’s appreciation grows.

As Takarada that day in 2010 said hello in English, we smiled, appreciating the gesture, but as everyone sat, and he spoke into the microphone in Japanese, we began to get what we had come for: the native language of our hero who never talked. Godzilla did not have to speak, his rage-filled roar plenty, fueled from being created out of American-made nuclear debris.

In that first black and white film, Mr. Takarada plays a sailor who accompanies Dr. Serizawa, a scientist with a conscience, into the depths of Tokyo Bay after Godzilla has nearly destroyed Tokyo. Both safely secured to a boat, it is Dr. Serizawa who carries his creation, the Oxygen Destroyer, a narrow tank that literally holds a solution. Once released, that chemical will deplete all living things nearby of oxygen. Knowing the enormous power of his invention beyond the current crisis, as Takarada’s Ogata rises to the surface and safety, Dr. Serizawa remains underwater, severing his own tie to the boat.

The first time I saw this sacrifice for the common good, I was in the darkened TV room of my son’s Japanese teacher. I did not know it then, but she was born in Hiroshima. When our tour group visited the Hiroshima Museum, it felt odd but affirming to stand next to Japanese museumgoers. My son and I got so caught up in the relics that the tour guide had to come find us to get us back on the bus.

Once I’d climbed one stage of Mount Fuji, tried to keep up with Kyoto morning commuters, and seen the decorated boats and shrine of Itsukushima, any remnants of my childhood stereotypes of the Japanese had dissolved.

During Mr. Takarada’s next visit to G-Fest in 2012, he sat in the front row of the annual costume parade. The ballroom was packed as adults and children stomped and swayed up the aisle to the table of judges across from Mr. Takarada. A wide variety of characters drew praise, among them a gray and silver fabric Anguirus, a long necked Rokurokubi who frightened onlookers like a good yokai should, and a crawling Mothra larva with eyes that lit up red and blue.

And then a young man dressed in a yellow costume, a replica of the diving suit and helmet Mr. Takarada himself had worn in Godzilla, carrying an Oxygen Destroyer, approached Mr. Takarada amidst camera flashes and cheers. Overcome with emotion, the young man removed his helmet and bowed to Mr. Takarada. As they hugged, I felt lucky to be present as a Japanese actor and an American viewer met in real time and to witness the convergence of history and art where one act inspires another. And the next day, at the closing luncheon, I was the beneficiary of Mr. Takarada’s attention.

Mr. Takarada, wearing the traditional yukata, entered the room from the back where we sat. The whole room stood up and applauded; he bowed and began to walk toward the front where a place had been reserved for him. As he moved forward, I too bowed, my hands together in a prayer-like position in front of my heart. Then, as I separated my hands to begin clapping again, he gently took my right hand and kissed it. No swagger. Just pure star decorum.

It’s impossible to predict what motherhood and monsters can bring.

#akira takarada #kaiju #writing #gfest #godzilla

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aion-rsa · 3 years ago

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Clark Gable and His WW2 Death Wish

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Clark Gable did not intend to see action when World War II came to America. Which is not to say he ignored the war. Gable was there that day in 1940 when President Franklin Roosevelt gave his famous “Arsenal of Democracy” speech from the Oval Office. And, indeed, the first thing the movie star did when he heard about the Pearl Harbor attack was cable FDR to offer his full support—and, tellingly, the besieged president promptly answered right back.

But then in the 1930s and early ‘40s, Gable was “the King of Hollywood;” the reigning movie star who could sell more tickets than anybody this side of Shirley Temple, and he didn’t have to sing or dance to do it either. He was a mustachioed and muscular alpha who appealed to everybody, even presidents, and was one of the few leading men who would tell Louis B. Mayer no (at least until casting for Gone with the Wind came along). The government saw the value in that kind of celebrity when the dark storm clouds of war gathered over Europe and the South Pacific, and so did Gable. Still, he was practically 41 when the bombs fell in Hawaii and more than happy to support the war from afar.

As he told fellow MGM stablemate Jimmy Stewart at the latter’s going away party in 1940—Stewart had just happily joined the Army—“You know you’re throwing away your career, don’t you?” When Stewart answered yes, Gable added, “You won’t catch me doing that, but I wish you godspeed.”

Gable had success, Gable had power, and for the first time in his four decades on this earth, Gable had something approaching peace thanks to his marriage to Carole Lombard, the firecracker screwball star. Yet in less than a year, all of those things turned to ash following Lombard’s violent death. When her plane went down in a fiery blaze, it was treated as a national tragedy around the country, and for her husband it was the beginning of the end.

The King became broken, despondent, and finally disillusioned enough to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Corps. To this day, some say he went to Europe with a death wish, and on at least one bombing raid, Capt. Gable almost had it granted as a Luftwaffe shell passed right between his feet.

Clark Gable and Carole Lombard posing for photographers shortly after their marriage in 1939.

The King and Queen of Hollywood

Women were always easy for Clark Gable, and for a time so were wives. The first Mrs. Gable was Josephine Dillon, 17 years his senior, and she was introduced to him as an acting coach by another woman who was his then-fiancée. As a handsome, if unrefined son of an Ohioan farmer, the 23-year-old Gable was perfect clay for Dillon. She turned him into her greatest student, teaching him how to lower his voice and hold your attention. As his patron and wife, Dillon also introduced Gable to all her Broadway connections and the adjacent stock companies. It was even as the star of one of those companies that he met Maria Langham, a wealthy widow and oil heiress who was also 17 years his senior.

As the second Mrs. Gable, Ria introduced Gable to Manhattan’s high society and exquisite living, teaching him social etiquette and the value of a finely tailored tuxedo. One wife taught him how to play at being an actor, and the other taught him how to play at being a gentleman. They served their purposes and they were both brushed off.

But Lombard? He couldn’t brush her off ever.

The first time Clark met Carole, it was a surprisingly chaste affair. The two were cast as the leads of 1932’s No Man of Her Own. Unlike many of his leading ladies in the 1930s, Gable made no passes at Lombard, who was married to movie star William Powell at the time and intended to remain that way. Nevertheless, they hit it off, as the breathlessly quick-witted Lombard did with almost everyone.

Gable wasn’t yet “the King of Hollywood” then, but he was well on his way. Two years later, he’d star in the film that popularized screwball comedies, It Happened One Night (1934), which won him an Oscar for Best Actor, and two years after that he would lead the granddaddy of all disaster movies, San Francisco (1936). By ’38, he was already Tinseltown royalty when then-gossip columnist Ed Sullivan overheard Gable’s drinking buddy and sometime-rival, Spencer Tracy, affectionately refer to him as “King.” Sullivan immediately lit upon the idea of holding a national poll for the “King and Queen of Hollywood.”

More than 20 million people voted and, by a huge majority, Gable was crowned “King” for the rest of his career. Meanwhile, Myrna Loy was elected “Queen of Hollywood.” The fact they were then filming MGM’s Test Pilot (with Tracy) certainly suggests the results might’ve been tampered with. It also likely struck Loy as ironic since her first encounter with Gable ended with her pushing him into a hedge bush after he drunkenly bit the back of her neck while his second wife, Ria, was sitting in a nearby car. Gable refused for years to talk to Loy socially after that rejection, including between takes on film sets.

So yes, the King was a womanizer—complete with a secret baby born out of wedlock to co-star Loretta Young—in a sham marriage at the beginning of his reign. But things began changing when he finally ran into Lombard again, and at last he found his matching monarch.

It was at the White Ball in 1936 that the pair’s paths crossed a second time. By now, Clark was fully estranged from Ria, and the two lived in separate houses. Lombard, meanwhile, had risen to her own stardom by bringing her transgressive life-of-the-party persona to recent screwball comedies directed by Howard Hawks and Ernst Lubitsch. Vivacious, whip smart, and an eventual inspiration for Marion Ravenwood in Raiders of the Lost Ark, Lombard was a hard-drinking and giddy star with her own orbit.

According to Clark Gable: A Biography by Warren G. Harris, when Gable saw Lombard on the dance floor, he went up and said, “I go for you, Ma.” After a moment’s confusion, Lombard realized he was quoting their characters’ nicknames for each other in No Man of Her Own from four years earlier. She responded, “I go for you too, Pa.”

For the rest of their lives, they’d always refer to each other as “Ma” and “Pa.”

Clark Gable and Carole Lombard play with horses at the Encino ranch in 1939.

The Love of His Life

That first night on the dance floor actually ended in the pair’s first of many fights. But in a trick that would come to define the pattern of their relationship, Gable woke up the next morning in his hotel room with two doves sitting on his chest. They’d been secreted there with a note on one’s leg: “How about it? Carole.”

Unlike Gable’s other romantic entanglements, Lombard always controlled the tone and tempo of their courtship while Gable offered Lombard an escape from the glamour goddess, society girl image she’d molded herself to in Hollywood. She was an athlete growing up and, alongside Pa, she picked up outdoor-living again.

Clark taught Carole rifling, skeet-shooting, and camping. In ’38, she joined what had up to that point been Gable’s all-male hunting club with fellow actors and Hollywood talent. When the other men complained about a woman being present and sharing their bathroom, she brought along her own trailer with a private bathroom—taunting Clark and the others by then keeping him out. She crawled in the mud next to the dudes, and would soon be on all of the Gables’ hunting trips.

The pair eloped in ’39 after three years of courtship. This occurred in large part because Photoplay magazine revealed the two were living in sin (Gable was still married and too chintzy to get a divorce). Shortly after the embarrassment, however, Gable paid off his second wife and Lombard became the third Mrs. Gable.

“I just think of that husband of mine all the time,” Lombard once said with her usual candor. “I’m really stuck on the bastard. And it isn’t all that great lover crap, because if you want to know the truth, I’ve had better. No, I’m nuts about him and not just about his nuts.”

When the two moved into their Encino ranch, Gable made his gun collection the centerpiece when you walked in the front door, and Lombard began raising chickens and cattle. It was about as far from Beverly Hills as you could get, or as Lombard enthused, “The best little shit house in the San Fernando Valley.”

It was here that Lombard planned to soon retire, beginning with a one-year sabbatical in an effort to have children. Yet after a year of trying, they only had two miscarriages to show for it. They agreed to keep trying, but they’d soon run out of chances.

Clark Gable and wife Carole Lombard circa 1940.

The Loss of His Life

When the bombs fell in Pearl Harbor, it was Carole who urged Clark to telegraph Roosevelt as soon as possible. She was also in the White House for the president’s fireside chat in 1940. And unlike Gable, she was furious when the president responded, “You are needed where you are.”

With the war finally here, Lombard urged Gable to join the Army in December 1941 while she hoped to join the Red Cross. For Christmas, instead of her usual lavish presents she sent all her friends engravings announcing she’d made a donation to the Red Cross in their name. And when she got wind of MGM publicity chief Howard Strickling trying to position Gable for a safe desk job in Washington D.C. for the course of the war, she told both men, “The last thing I want for Pappy is one of those phony commissions!”

Gable preferred helping the war where FDR told him he should—from the comfort of Hollywood. On Dec. 22, 1941, he presided over the first meeting of the Screen Actors Division of the Hollywood Victory Committee as its newly appointed chairman. The committee functioned as a way for Hollywood stars and leaders to organize all activities in support of the war effort. His wife was the first at the meeting to pledge her cooperation in donations, bond rallies, and touring the troops.

When a request came from the Treasury Department for the Victory Committee to launch Indiana’s participation in the national campaign of selling war bonds on Jan. 15, 1942, Gable recognized his Indiana-born wife as the perfect talent to send along. Carole was thrilled to go, although apprehensive about leaving Clark behind.

Gable couldn’t join his wife on her journey by train because he was about to start work on Somewhere I’ll Find You: his second film with Lana Turner. Up until then, Carole had been very open-minded about Gable’s continued infidelities and little affairs, even after they were married. She turned a blind eye to more than one rumor of him sleeping with a co-star here, or a starstruck journalist there, because she assumed you had to let Clark Gable be Clark Gable. But she drew the line over rumors about Clark and Lana, the latter of whom was infamously dubbed the “Sweater Girl” when she was discovered at a soda fountain at age 16. Blonde and buxom, Turner was 20-years-old when she first worked with the 40-year-old Gable. These stories did get to Lombard.

The evening before she left for Indiana, the couple had a huge blowout during which Clark failed to convince his wife he never slept with Lana Turner. The last night Gable and Lombard were under the same roof, they slept in different beds. The next morning, he did not see his wife off to the train station.

As with many of their fights, things cooled almost immediately. Before she left, Lombard still delivered a pack of handwritten love letters to her live-in secretary Jean Garceau to deliver to Clark, one at a time, everyday she was away. She also had the prank she planned before their fight still be delivered, so when Gable returned home from work that night he found a naked blonde dummy in his bed with a note. “So you won’t be lonely.” Gable reportedly laughed until he had tears in his eyes.

According to Garceau when the two talked by phone the next night, they sounded like “lovebirds” again. And according to the You Must Remember This podcast, Gable had Carole’s hotel room in Indianapolis be covered in red roses when she got in. But before even then, Lombard’s train stopped in Salt Lake City where she saw the troops marching and immediately telegraphed her husband, “HEY PAPPY, YOU’D BETTER GET INTO THIS MAN’S ARMY.”

On Jan. 15, Lombard intended to raise $500,000 in war bonds. Instead, she raised over $2 million. Afterward, she was so eager to get home to Gable following their fight that she decided she’d fly back to California instead of returning by train. This was expressly forbidden by the Treasury Department. Commercial travel was still relatively dicey, and they feared she’d be a target for Nazi saboteurs. Additionally, she was traveling with her mother Elizabeth Peters, a superstitious woman who’d never flown and was deathly afraid to start now. She was also there with Otto Winkler, Gable’s publicist and buddy who was best man at their wedding.

The morning their flight was to leave Indianapolis, Otto got Carole to at least agree to a coin toss. Heads they fly, tails they take the train. Carole won. From Indianapolis, they would make multiple stops, including Wichita, Albuquerque, and Las Vegas. TWA Flight Number 3 never reached Burbank.

That night Gable arranged a surprise party to welcome the three heroes back—as well as a surprise male dummy with an erection waiting for Carole upstairs. He was reportedly giddy waiting for the phone call from limo driver Larry Barbier, who was supposed to report when they landed. Instead, Clark got a call from MGM fixer Eddie Mannix.

“Can I get back to you?” Gable asked. “I’m expecting word on Ma’s arrival any minute.”

Mannix cut him off. “King, that’s why I’m calling. Larry Barbier just phoned from the airport. Carole’s plane went down just a few minutes after it left Las Vegas.” She was gone.

Clark Gable stands next to co-pilot Lt. Col. Robert W Burns beneath B-17 “The Duchess” after bombing raid in September 1943.

Clark Gable Goes to War

The fallout from the literal wreckage of Lombard’s flight was national news. A bewildered Gable joined Mannix and other MGM brass for their own chartered flight to Vegas. He could see the burning debris that Lombard’s flight smeared across Table Rock Mountain from the air. Locals in the city described it as “apocalyptic” and like an “inferno.”

Mannix refused to let Gable go on the rescue party climbing the mountain—convincing him Carole, Otto, and Bettie might have survived and were now walking to the city. So the star stayed behind and drank. The next morning, he received a cable from Mannix. “NO SURVIVORS. ALL KILLED INSTANTLY.”

In truth, the bodies of Lombard and everyone else on board had been more or less cremated by the fire after impact. And while Mannix couldn’t be certain, he believed he found what was left of Carole: a decapitated, charred body with a few blonde strands of hair and the remnants of a ruby and diamond pin Gable had given his wife the year before. He never told Clark about what he saw, but brought back the hairs and piece of ruby.

The next day, FDR sent Gable private condolences and publicly awarded Lombard a medal as “the first woman to be killed in action in the defense of her country in its war against the Axis powers.”

The official and (likely) reason for that flight’s crash is it was overloaded with servicemen and movie star luggage, and the pilot failed to see the mountain in front of him, on which all lights had been turned off to preserve wartime power. Although, according to Orson Welles (as per You Must Remember This), Hollywood and government insiders all knew Nazi saboteurs did in fact bring down the plane, and Roosevelt covered it up to prevent a nationwide panic.

In the months that followed, Gable grew quiet and despondent, losing 20 pounds despite drinking untold amounts of Scotch every day. He dined alone for all meals and began wearing a locket with Carole’s hair and ruby remnants within. According to household staff, he rarely slept and stayed up all hours of the night watching 16mm prints of Lombard’s old movies he had sent over (she’d given him the projector as a Christmas present). Now he had time for no woman except the one he lost.

When he discovered MGM was still trying to keep him from being drafted—with the age range now being raised to 45—Gable grew furious. A scriptwriter pal put him in touch with Col. Luke Smith of the Army Air Corps, who told Gable he should consider applying for training as an aerial gunner since it’s one of those jobs no one seems interested in.

“Everybody wants to be a pilot,” Smith told Gable. “Your becoming a gunner would help to glorify the plane crews and the grease monkeys.” Gable made up his mind to enlist in spite of the wrath of MGM head Louis B. Mayer. He also defied the constraints of his age of 41 by passing the physical—save for the need of getting triplicates of his new dentures (Gable had false teeth his whole career).

On Aug. 12, 1942, Gable enlisted into the Army air force. Right beforehand he told Jill Winkler, Otto’s widow, “I’m going in, and I don’t expect to come back, and I don’t really give a hoot whether I do or not.”

Capt. Gable posing for the press with a gunner’s weapon in June 1943.

The Aerial Gunner with a Death Wish

There is still much speculation over whether Gable actually wanted to die in World War II. His superiors eventually reached that conclusion based on his cavalier attitude, and he at least seemed ambivalent about the whole affair. However, it is interesting he joined the air force considering that, after Lombard’s death, he developed a fear of flying for the rest of his life. Following the war, he would always prefer to make his transatlantic crossings by ocean liners instead of planes.

But during the war? Frankly, he didn’t seem to give a damn one way or the other.

Gable’s biggest fear during the whole conflict was his struggle to pass officer’s training in a 90-day course stateside. A high school dropout, Gable was challenged by the academic course work, which he ultimately got around by treating each textbook like a script he needed to memorize.

Once he was an officer (and allowed to grow back his trademark mustache), he seemed in relatively good spirits for the first time in months. Before going overseas, he told Garceau, “I have everything in the world anyone could want, but for one thing. All I really need and want is Ma.”

In April 1943, Gable was shipped off to join the 351st Heavy Bombardment Group in Peterborough, England, about 80 miles north of London. Gable also received an automatic promotion to the rank of captain, although this had as much to do with the heavy losses of Allied officers as it did with Gable’s leadership.

In truth, Gable likely enjoyed playing the part of officer more than he entirely became it. The military loved letting him pose for the press as a gunner with a bombardier’s bullets wrapped around his neck, but that wasn’t his actual job. While Gable did on at least two occasions take on the role of aerial gunner in combat, his official role was as an observational gunner—he was there to pick up the weapons in the side or rear of a B-17 if the gunner operating it was injured or killed (which did happen).

Otherwise, Gable was there because the Army wanted him to film footage they could use as propaganda, glorifying the role of gunners. While in officer’s school, the Army reunited Gable with cinematographer Andy McIntyre, who would become his sidekick and cameraman in the air. And after his graduation, Gable arranged the transfer of his scriptwriting buddy John Lee Mahin, then a lieutenant serving as an instructor in Combat Intelligence, to join them. In all, Gable and McIntyre built a film crew of six men to film the other fliers on B-17 missions. They were called “the Little Hollywood Group.”

More than twice the age of many of the pilots and gunners he flew with, Gable found himself facing heavy skepticism in his early training.

“None of the kids believed he was going to do anything at all,” Mahin recalled in Warren’s Clark Gable biography. “They never thought he was going to expose himself to any kind of danger. They said it was all a lot of bullshit. It really killed Clark that the kids shunned him.”

The brass, however, loved Gable at first. Many of his superiors invited him nearly every night to dinner, an annoyance he’d soon relegate to one evening a week. And while he welcomed the press to photograph him at the planes, he also refused the special treatment of having private quarters set up, which earned him more respect from the young fliers.

He’d also soon prove himself as a member of Col. William Hatcher’s Chickens (a nickname for his bombing group) when he went up in the air on May 4, 1943. Hatcher was onboard the same B-17 that day as group commander and co-pilot; the 351st were tasked with taking out several factories in Nazi-occupied Antwerp, Belgium.

During Gable’s first combat mission, flak from ground defenses took out one of the plane’s four engines and its stabilizer. More unnervingly, after delivering the plane’s payload, a German’s 20mm shell pierced the center of the plane, with the corner of the shell passing through the heel of Gable’s boot—lifting it clean off—and then exiting the aircraft inches above Gable’s head.

On another mission, Gable took over for gunners who were wounded or killed (there was at least one of each that day). Fifteen holes were found in the fuselage. For Gable, such horrors were also a vindication, as he fully won the respect of the kids around him.

“They adored him,” Mahin recalled. “They couldn’t stay away from him. And he was proud that they accepted him.”

Portrait of Capt. Gable after arriving in England in 1943 as part of the the 351st Bombardment Group.

Hitler’s Prize

At Peterborough, Gable grew increasingly chummy with the other fliers serving. He bought a used motorcycle and would make small talk on trips around the base. And on more than a few weekends, he would head to London to screen at MGM offices some of the footage he shot in the air. He also would meet with his pre-war Hollywood chum, David Niven, who was serving as an instructor for British Commandos and had recently married and had a son.

“From then on our cottage became Clark’s refuge from military life,” Niven recalled. “With Carole’s death, he had been dealt the cruelest of blows, but on the surface at least, he was making the best of it. In his own deep misery, he found it possible to rejoice over the great happiness that had come my way, and he became devoted to my little family.”

Niven added, “Clark’s personal wounds seemed to be healing, but Carole was never far from him, and the very happiness of our little group would sometimes overwhelm him. [My wife] found him one evening on an upturned wheelbarrow in the garden, his head in his hands, weeping uncontrollably.”

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Still, Gable seemed to be settling into a new happy rhythm of camaraderie on the base, frequent trips to London, and even playing the field. He renewed an affair with a pre-Lombard paramour in London, the English (and now married with children) Elizabeth Allan. Nonetheless, he may have been enjoying himself too much for his superiors’ liking.

Robert Matzen, author of Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe and Fireball: Carole Lombard and the Mystery of Flight 3, told me he believed Gable had a death wish.

“Carole Lombard, his wife, wanted him to go fight and she’s killed,” Matzen said. “So he then decides, ‘Alright, I’ll go fight and hopefully I’ll be killed too.’ That’s why he wanted to be in the Eighth Air Force, because he wanted to die in a plane crash.” Also, unlike Stewart, Matzen stressed, Gable never fully adapted to military culture.

Said Matzen, “Gable was much more interested in being Clark Gable in England than Jim Stewart was interested in being Jimmy Stewart in England.” This weighed on the mind of Col. Hatcher, as did the growing understanding that every B-17 Gable was on became a prize for Nazi Germany.

The day the 351st arrived in England, Nazi radio propagandist William Joyce, aka “Lord Haw Haw,” broadcast from Berlin the following: “Welcome to England, Hatcher’s Chickens. Among whom is famous American cinema star, Clark Gable. We’ll be seeing you soon in Germany, Clark. You will be welcome there too.”

Adolf Hitler apparently adored Clark Gable, considering him his favorite American actor. A movie nut with a love for British and Hollywood cinema, Hitler even allegedly smuggled a film print of Gone with the Wind before it opened in the UK. Hitler therefore marked Gable as one of the most prized “war criminals” in the Allied Forces, offering a handsome reward to any German soldiers who can bring Gable to him alive.

The actor was terrified of being paraded through Berlin like King Kong and was only half-joking when he told a friend, “If Hitler catches me, the sonofabitch will put me in a cage like a gorilla and send me on a tour of Germany. If a plane that I’m in ever gets hit, I’m not bailing out.”

While his superiors might’ve appreciated the sentiment, they feared the humiliating spectacle of one of their gunners becoming a Nazi political tool—or the actor putting a bigger target on their bombing group. Additionally, Gable didn’t follow protocol as intended, at one point threatening a military doctor after the physician apparently said nonchalantly that Gable’s pal had hours to live while the young man was awake and listening. And, again, the opinion became that he wanted to be shot down.

So it was in October 1943, after only five combat missions, Capt. Gable was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for “exceptionally meritorious achievement while participating in five separate bomber combat missions.” Hatcher apparently pulled the strings to get Gable out.

Clark Gable in 1960 on the set of his last film, The Misfits, with Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift.

The End

Even though Gable’s time in combat ended in October of ’43, he still wound up with 50,000 feet of film at his disposal. He was apparently shocked when he learned the air force really didn’t care what he did with the footage since gunner recruitment was up. So he returned to Los Angeles, having been reassigned to the city’s photographic division. Allowed to cut the film at MGM, Gable put together five short films that could be used for instruction on operating B-17s. But by the time it made its way through the Pentagon’s chain of command… the war was over. The footage mostly still lies unused in government archives.

After finishing the films, Gable had expected to be assigned to a new bombing division in the Pacific Theater. As he waited months for the orders to come in, he found out on the news about the D-Day landing in Europe on June 6, 1944. Feeling forgotten and discarded by the Air Corps, he requested to be discharged on June 12, which was his right as a volunteer over the age of 42. A captain named Ronald Reagan granted Gable his discharge after 670 days of service.

Clark eventually re-acclimated to Hollywood and restarted his career, but by 1945 his days as “the King” were waning, and he saw more flops accompany his diminishing hits. He also had many more affairs with leading ladies, extras, and socialites. But for years he refused to marry, telling friends, “It wouldn’t be fair. I have nothing left to give.”

For the rest of his life, Clark mourned Carole, including on Jan. 15, 1944 when he was on hand for the launch of the SS Carole Lombard. Gable was supposed to speak at the event. Instead, he mostly cried.

Eventually he did remarry, twice, and finally had one child who wasn’t disowned in secret. But after the star died of a heart attack at age 59 in 1960, his fifth wife, Kay Williams, honored his final wishes: Gable was interred at Glendale’s Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Next to Ma.

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dragonrajafanfiction · 4 years ago

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West African Hybrids

“Hey… Hey! Wake up, we’re almost there.”

Ru’Yi felt a slight nudge at her side and opened her eyes. Her uniform was slightly rumpled. She managed to tie up her hair so it wouldn’t be too frizzy on landing. “Really?” She whimpered in a sleepy disappointment. “That was so fast…”

“Well, the executive department doesn’t like to waste time. So the gear department modifies planes for maximum speed.” Rodney gave her a shy smile, revealing a single dimple on his right cheek. “Are you okay? Can I get you anything?”

She shook her head. “I’m alright.”

It was still too dark to see much but, as people began to turn on their overhead lights, she noticed that his eyes were hazel, brown with flecks of green and gold mixed in, hidden behind his dark brown bangs. Everything from his hair cut, to his quiet voice, and hesitant demeanor spoke to his shyness, but now that she got a good look at him, she could tell that he was at least as strong as Brian. He had those same broad shoulders and muscles along his arms. He was also relatively tall, stretching his legs under the seat in front of him.

Around her all the students were always wide awake, shifting and speaking to their seatmates.

Ru’Yi only remembered flying once before. Back when she was fourteen when they were on the island, she had been so excited to take her first flight and she packed all her things early. She even watched videos of 757, 747 and 777 airliners to see how things would be. These massive jets with smiling Flight attendants, a friendly captain speaking over an intercom, and movies built into the seats.

But instead of a large bustling airport, her father and mother took a boat to another island where a sandy flat ribbon of land served as a runway. There were no customs, no shopping, nothing like that. Just a long silver luxury private jet in the middle of nowhere.

“Why can’t we just be normal?” She had lamented.

Her father answered her question in his usual succinct manner. The nearest airport was nearly a day’s travel away and she would never be able to use it anyway because she didn’t have a passport. He looked at her with a head slightly tilted, like a curious bird wondering what was wrong. The juxtaposition of his serious-eyed stare, his questioning gesture and his shirt with the bright yellow hibiscus flowers would have been funny but she wasn’t laughing.

This was better anyway, her mother had chimed in. They had the whole plane to themselves. There was an onboard chef ready to fix anything they possibly would want to eat, music, movies, games, and a good pilot that her father knew. She also was dressed in a yellow sundress to match her husband’s and together, they looked like the happy globetrotting couple.

Ru’Yi had relented, but didn’t smile. Deep down, he knew all the kids at school would envy her. They would question how some tour guide could afford a private flight to the United States.

She should be grateful.

Now sitting in the Beluga Aircraft, she realized that this was as close to normal as she could get. At least now, she was surrounded by other people who also didn’t seem to use passports, use airports or pass through customs. They were flying a jet with a jet tucked inside it like a Russian nesting doll and still managed to go faster than the planes she’d looked at as a child. She started to wonder if normalcy was as much as a fantasy to her as dragons were to ordinary people.

Aircraft Carrier, Aido-Hwedo, West Africa Branch.

The calm Atlantic waters broke beneath the unstoppable gun-metal bow of the moving wall of metal that towered a thousand feet high. It was topped with what appeared to be a flat road surface, as though a piece of highway had broken off a steel cliffside and set sail. On the side of this cliff was a name in large white block text a dozen feet high: Aido-Hwedo.

The original name of the vessel was the USS-Enterprise. This aircraft carrier was the one near enough to Pearl Harbor to participate in the famous World War II battle. It had scrambled several of its jets to help, but in the confusion of the sudden attack, many of them were shot down by their own countrymen. Later it saw intense battles of the South Pacific and then other missions during peacetime. But, for all its storied history, it still ended up at the shipyard to be turned into scrap at the end of its life.

According to history, it was scrap. Supposedly, all that was left of the ship was its bell, an anchor and the name plaque. Indeed, the name plaque was removed, but the ship itself moved about on the seas like a ghost of decades past, fighting battles under its new name.

The Aido-Hwedo was the great rainbow serpent that both created the world and sustained Earth’s form from falling to chaos -- A great beast that ate iron and, lacking iron, would instead eat its own tail.

Ordinarily, this floating runway would have been decorated with fighter jets, but for this occasion the landing surface was cleared to accommodate its incoming oversized cargo.

Within the control tower a tall man with skin the color of black coffee watched through his binoculars while a woman sat watching the radar screen. He was dressed in a black naval uniform, decorated with gold tassels. He was still, silent, and tense as he prepared to watch the plane land.

Landing on a flight deck is one of the most difficult things a pilot will ever do. The flight deck only had about 500 feet of runway space for landing planes, which wasn’t nearly enough for the heavy, high-speed jets like the modified Beluga coming in. To land on the flight deck, it would need a tailhook, which was exactly what it sounded like — an extended hook attached to the plane’s tail. The pilot’s goal would be to snag the tailhook on one of four arresting wires, sturdy cables woven from high-tensile steel wire. It would be precision flying at low speed and a high angle of attack. It was the definitive skill that tested Navy carrier pilots. The principle on landing would be to fly the plane aboard the ship at the slowest speed at which it can be done safely, to deliberately stall and drop into the landing.

Despite his confidence in the pilot, Foli Abalo looked through his binoculars with anticipation of a close call. The wire system was checked, rechecked and placed under guard. A back up emergency wire system was installed in case it failed anyway.

“Approach speed 450. Tail hook lowered.” The woman murmured.

The lights of the plane were suddenly visible as it made its approaching turn. It moved incredibly slowly, stalking the ship like a massive fat shark.

“Speed reduced 350…”

It was the moment of truth. By now, the plane was so low and flying so slow, it had two options, land perfectly on the aircraft carrier or land on the ocean. There would be no recovering from this descent.

“On final approach. Flaps full. Speed 300.”

The roar of the engines was now audible in the tower. It rattled the glass. This plane would take up every inch of the runway and its wings would span the full width of the ship. Compared to the plane, this aircraft carrier seemed more like a sheet of notebook paper.

“Landing in five… four, three, two…”

The plane suddenly dwarfed the runway. The weight of it rocked the carrier. A pair of reverse thrusters built into the engines ignited in front of it. The brake lines caught the tailhooks and screamed under the strain. The plane passed the tower, rumbled further and further to the edge and then stopped completely, its nose peeking over the water.

A smattering of applause echoed throughout the tower. “We did it! We did it! That was the hard part wasn’t it? Get the crew down, have medics on board just in case the force of the stop caused any injuries.”

While the crew scattered, Foli smiled, his teeth a brilliant white, his black eyes twinkling. “Grant… it’s been far too long. How have you been doing my friend? Will you still recognize me? I wonder.” He chuckled.

Foli was one of a set of quadruplets. His mother had two eggs fertilized that day and by luck, both of them divided into two sets of twins. They were all born on the same day and seemed to have the same spirit in them so it was impossible to tell them apart as babies even for the most experienced spiritualist. Normally, the children would be named after the day of the week until they were given their permanent names. As it turned out, they were given the names of their birth order and that was that.

The name Foli meant first son, Atsu meant the younger of twins, Do was the first child after twins, and Dofi the second child after twins. His three brothers were also on this ship, scattered throughout the crew. Those onboard had no trouble telling them apart thanks to the uniform system of the West Africa branch. The gold crown on his hat meant he was the First Officer. But without his hat, it was very difficult to tell for those who didn’t know them well, and it wasn’t uncommon for his brothers to disguise themselves as pranks. He wouldn’t meet his friend today. His youngest brother, Dofi, would meet him instead.

He walked out of the tower where his brother was waiting and passed his his hat. Looking at them was like looking at a reflection. The same curled hair, cut short in the same buzzed syle, the same smile, and broad nose.

It was Dofi’s idea to play the prank. He was always the jokester and the one who initiated play on the ship. Atsu, the Chief Engineer was up to his ears after making the modifications to the ship for this mission. And Do had to stay on watch, keeping a careful eye on the stirring atmosphere just a few hundred miles distant. Although they were all the same age, Foli was expected to be the responsible representative and more was required of him as the oldest brother, even if he was only the oldest by a few minutes. So he wasn’t allowed to be seen playing, drinking or smoking.

Dofi screwed the hat on his head. “I’ll say I stole it.” He said, turning on his heel with a wink and then, pulling his face into a stoic frown, marched straight towards the bridge. When the other crew saw him they quickly pulled up in a sharp salute, thinking he was the captain.

The West Africa Branch had managed to remain under the radar for much of history. Africa had few mountains to guarantee a sufficient amount of steady rains. So great buildings and permanent settlements were mostly confined to the coasts and river valleys. The rest of Africa was forced to follow the shifting weather. The most valuable items one had had to be portable. So the hybrids of Africa were always mobile and moving. They kept their secrets with them in oral traditions, and carried their alchemical knowledge in the form of clothing, necklaces and even scars and tattoos. When the tidal wave of destructive colonization smashed to ruins the cultures of millions and the cutting knife of modern country borders separated allies and grouped them with enemies, and the explosion of civil war blew countries into eternal cycles of poverty, the hybrid life of West Africa was like a serpent, sliding under it all, with a secret network of transportation, communication and trade.

Anjou landed on the shores searching for such treasures. They were aware of him immediately and shied away. After all, those Europeans were nothing but looters and could not be trusted. They offered him fakes in hopes of luring him off their land. He saw through their counterfeits, but showed a surprising amount of restraint and tolerance for their hesitance. After a few years of negotiations, they finally trusted him enough to grant him a single piece of exquisite art that contained the alchemical formula for a special kind of dragonslaying metal. In return, he agreed to keep them secret for seven years.

Those seven years passed and the promise was kept and the relationship grew a bit more open. They began to send their young men and women to the college. Foli attended along with Grant. Sadly, the death of Anjou was an uncertain time for the College. They didn’t know this “Lu Mingfei” or this “Von Frings”. But Foli knew Grant Baldwin and he couldn’t refuse a request for help from a friend. Grant said he needed people who could keep secrets and no one kept secrets like the West African Hybrids.

The crew that would welcome them rolled the tall stairway up to the plane’s door and arranged themselves in a long row spanning its length, hands folded behind their backs, looking like a row of sharply dressed dominoes.

The door finally opened and Grant exited first. He looked out over them and stepped easily down towards the ‘Captain’ who gazed at him with a serious air. For a moment, the two stared at each other not saying anything.

From his perch in the tower, Foli could hear what was being said through the wire Dofi wore. He grinned as he heard his brother say, “Welcome to my ship, Director.”

Grant’s voice, at its most deadpan and dry tone said, “Since when did Foli grow a mole on his cheek? Where is he? Which brother are you?”

Within the tower, Foli tilted his head back and howled with laughter, his joy at his brother’s prank failing was intensified by the fact that his friend still remembered him after all his time. “Which brother are you? Hahaha…” He leaned forward and clicked the PA system and his voice boomed over the speakers attached to the tower. “Good morning, Mr. Baldwin! Long time no see! Hahaha!”

“Was this a test?”

“Yes! And you half passed. For the second half, you will have to find out for yourself which brother is he!”

The rest of the line of crew also grinned but kept their laughter in check as Dofi gave a bow with an elegant leg. “We’ll show your students a good time. They need rest while we prepare the mission.”

The students piled off the plane in a rush, eagerly waving and looking around. Foli watched carefully, making a checklist in his mind of each face. He’d gotten the roster from Baldwin of those approved for the mission, so when he saw a woman get off he straightened with surprise.

He didn’t remember any women being on the roster. She seemed young, her skin was only the color of a latte, but her hair was long, coiled and beautiful. She carefully stepped down to the ground and took her place in line to wait for her luggage.

He turned off the PA. It seemed that Grant had his own surprises. “Ensign… who is the girl?”

The woman at the radar shook her head. She’s not on the roster. There’s no female name on the manifest.

He rubbed his chin. He knew he should trust Mr. Baldwin, but he also knew that he only had so much authority. The School Board would easily overrule him.

“Find out what you can about her.” He turned. “I will make my way down to the deck.”

#dragon raja #fanfic #Class of 2032

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atruththatyoudeny · 5 years ago

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Monthly Reads | December 2019

Oh, look, it's the 28th! Time to appreciate all the amazing authors who make this fandom as special as it is! ♥ Here are all the fics I've read and loved this month:

I Just Want You to Stay | SadaVeniren | a/b/o - kidnapping . friends with benefits - fake/pretend relationship - mutual pining - misunderstandings - fluff - angst - bonding - 35k Louis and Harry have been roommates for four years, comfortable in their routine and their relationship. But all of that is about to change.

When half spent was the night | juliusschmidt | Christmas - Girl Direction - pregnancy - labor - birth - 15k Hi Harry, I’ve skimmed your website and am interested in hiring you to be my doula. I’m 7 ½ months pregnant and not keen to do this whole labor and birth thing alone. After looking around, I thought you might be a good fit because you mention enjoying unusual people with unusual birth requests. I can meet up any day this week. Lou

I Think You're Already Home | jaerie | a/b/o - surrogacy - mpreg - strangers to lovers - panic attacks - famous/not famous - anxiety - mental health issues - 38k Seeing Louis Tomlinson today, it would be hard to guess that he was ever once a member of the world's most famous boyband. These days he doesn't even the leave his own house. The truth is he can't leave his own house. He can't even remember the last time just standing at an open door didn't send him into a debilitating panic attack. But, against his friend's advice, Louis is ready to add meaning to his life again. He's ready to start a family. So what if he doesn't have an omega? There are plenty of surrogacy services just waiting to help the rich and famous become parents. He just has to find the right one for the job.

Christmas Glows With Love | Beanno28 | Christmas - strangers to lovers - light bondage - 5k Harry, a photographer, is taking photos for a porn magazine cover. Louis, a solo porn star, is up for just about anything!

You'll Be Home For Christmas | 2tiedships2 | Christmas - a/b/o - friends to lovers - 15k “Honesty, Lou, just ask Harry for help.” Louis remained silent as he continued to scowl at the Christmas calendar Niall had hung on their refrigerator. “And be nice to my calendar filled with holiday cheer,” Niall instructed. “You’re going to burn a fucking hole in it from the way you’re glaring at the innocent thing. It’s not the calendar’s fault that your heat is starting so close to Christmas.”

Bigger Ain't Always Better! | lovelarry10 | Christmas - friends with benefits - hospitals - 10k Harry buys Louis a rather naughty birthday present, and they eagerly hurry back to Harry's flat, eager to try it out. Neither of them expect what happens next....

Santa's Lap | larryatendoftheday | Christmas - strangers to lovers - 4k Louis is a grown man, and he will absolutely not go see Santa with his siblings. And even if he gives in, he definitely won’t enjoy it. Right? A Christmas story about unexpected gifts, featuring Harry as a mall Santa and Louis as a great big brother.

Down From the North | Chelsea Frew (chelseafrew) | Christmas - fluff - 3k Single father Louis is anxious to introduce his boyfriend Harry to his small daughter now that their relationship has grown serious and Christmas is on the way. Little does he know that his daughter has already met his boyfriend....

Sugar cookies and Trash Brownies | Lemon_cakes_tea | Christmas - 4k Harry and Louis are rivals at their children’s school’s annual Holiday Bake Sale. Harry’s pristinely-shaped and iced cookies are the favorite every year amongst the soccer moms, but Louis’s “trash brownies” are threatening his reputation!

All Hearts Come Home For Chrismas | Beanno28 | Christmas - coming out - established relationship - 8k Harry told his new boyfriend, Louis, that he wanted to bring him home for Christmas with his family, assuming that he would have come out to his family by the time the holidays rolled around. It's now the day they're meant to leave and he still hasn't told anyone in his family he has a boyfriend. He decides to just show up at his Mom's house Christmas Eve with Louis and hope for the best.

(Im)Perfect Christmas | Harryskiwiposes | Christmas - meet-cute - 3k If you asked Harry where the last place he thought he'd find himself on Christmas Eve was, he'd have answered - knocking on his neighbor's door, during a blackout. Yet, here he is.

An Aurora Grove Christmas | dandelionfairies | Christmas - first meetings - 18k Harry gets lost on his way to St. Louis. The roads are horrid because of the snow and he ends up spinning into a ditch. Lucky for him, he finds a cabin nearby, as well as a cute blue-eyed man who immediately helps him. Unfortunately, his car is stuck for the night, but at least he has a place to stay with Louis. With the snow continuing to fall and another storm front coming through, will he ever make it out of Aurora Grove? Does he even want to?

Save me, call me baby | delsicle | a/b/o - mpreg - pregnancy - established relationship - light angst - 14k Louis didn't plan for him and his husband to be pregnant at the same time. Somehow, it works out. An omega/omega love story in three snapshots.

Listen To Your Heart | lovelarry10 | deafness - friends to lovers - mutual pining - 35k Louis has always been comfortable being Harry’s one and only. When Harry starts to branch out, Louis has a hard time letting him go. Harry is very lucky to have someone who listens to what he has to say, despite the fact that he’s deaf. He’s finally feeling like he’s coming into himself, but Louis seems bothered by his newfound confidence.

Waited All Year To Be Near | lovelarry10 | Christmas - light angst - mutual pining - kid fic - established relationship - deployment - past mpreg - 27k Harry’s preparing for the holidays at home with his four children while Louis is deployed. All he wants is his husband home for Christmas. But Louis’ half a world away...

The Truth I Can't Explain (Smoke and Mirrors) | FallingLikeThis | werewolves - blood mages - slavery - magic - telepathy - violence - 9k Louis Tomlinson scans the horizon. It’s dark, but his werewolf eyes are equipped for that. He sees clearly in the inky black of the forest around them. He and every other wolf can see the moment the first blood mage crosses the boundary into their compound. The mages must think they’ve disabled the wards on the edges of the boundary but the wolves did that themselves when they found out the mages were coming. Louis’ pack has opened the door and put down the welcome mat. It’s up to the mages whether that mat becomes stained in blood.

Brighten My Northern Sky | twoshipstiedup | fluff - humour - 10k Harry, Louis, a phone number and fate.

Swipe Right for a Clean Flat | lululawrence | roommates - friends to lovers - humour - 3k The one where Harry and Louis are flatmates and Harry is tired of Louis not doing the washing up. He figures signing up on Tinder as a hot girl might be just the fix for this issue.

Playing To Win | jacaranda_bloom | Big Brother AU - enemies to lovers - secret relationship - 36k Big Brother UK alumni Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles are selected for the UK vs Australia All Stars series with a massive one million dollar prize in the offing. They’re both fit and smart and would make a great alliance... if only they can stop their feelings from getting in the way. OR the one where Louis really doesn’t want to like Harry, Harry is struggling to quell his growing fondness for Louis, but sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t fight fate.

Heels Over Head | kingsofeverything (FullOnLarrie) | meet-cute - masturbation - voyeurism - 3k Louis Tomlinson returns from tour to find that his new next door neighbor doesn't realize his backyard is not completely private.

High Heels, Red Dress | Anonymous | World War II - mpreg - period-typical racism - period-typical homophobia - queer culture - drag queens - 15k Louis answers the call when Pearl Harbor is attacked and there is no way around it. The United States is at war. Hiding his queer identity isn't so hard until he attracts the attention of a particular soldier. It's all lies and secrets until the war is finally over. Maybe then Louis can finally have his happy ending. It's up to fate to decide.

#fic rec #my fic rec #monthly reads #my reads #larry fics #completed fics #28th appreciation

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