#Vintage PA System

[toms-amps]

1951 McGohan Suitcase PA

2 6L6 head, 2 12″ speakers. Amp base slides into the bottom slot of the 2 speaker cabs that buckle together and have brand new leather handles from Hawkstead Leather on Etsy. Demos by Erik Gustafson, clean Strat and LP with humbuckers. Videos recorded at the Berkley Music Company, Berkley MI.

All of my amps and guitars are available for Detroit Studio Rental and players are always welcome to come experience vintage amps they won’t find elsewhere. Royal Oak MI 248-808-2951

[stone-cold-groove]

Some of the finest musical instruments ever made are loudspeakers. JBL K Series speakers ad - 1975.

[sarahowritesostucky]

Art: @hopelessartgeek

📖 "Medically Necessitated" Ch 2

Rated: Explicit Pairing: Bucky x Steve Tags: a/b/o, age gap, past rape, rape recovery, trauma recovery, pregnancy, medical trauma, hurt/comfort, mentions of CSA, religious fundamentalism, first time, gender dysphoria, male omegas are intersex (peen & vagine) Summary: After a medical emergency brings him into the ER, Bucky escapes the religious cult he's been raised in. It's up to Steve, nurse practitioner and omega sex & repro specialist, to see him through a medically supervised heat.

Wait! I haven't read an earlier chapter! Story masterlist 2. Jerrica

Steve's newest patient takes an unexpected turn for the worse when he hits heat

Omegas are people just like anyone else, but they have to fight so much harder just to have basic things, just to build lives for themselves that they can be happy with.

Steve’s seen how hard the world and their own biology come down on them time and again, no more so than in his own family. His mother had been a single omega parent and Steve spent his entire childhood watching her struggle to scrape together a good life for herself and her young son. The system wasn’t fair to people like his mother, and Steve is a firm believer that if you can help, you should.

That’s why he carries groceries up three flights for the single father who lives in 4b. It’s why he volunteers at the local shelter for battered and abused omegas, and helps at an organization for disabled omega mothers. It’s why he always makes an extra effort to be kind to his omega coworkers when he sees them struggling in an already demanding field. And it’s why, when Steve was seventeen and watched his mother die from a very preventable gynecological cancer, he made the decision to become an omega sexual and reproductive health practitioner.

There’s a poster Steve has in his living room; vintage, framed, cheerful advertising from a 1940’s housing company. “Give her the home she deserves to make,” it reads, showing a tall, strong alpha in his World War 2 dress uniform. He’s holding the hand of a smaller omega woman, the two of them smiling and walking towards a sparkling new house in the suburbs.

Steve’s mother always taught him that as an Alpha, he had a duty to take care of those weaker and more vulnerable than himself. He promised her that he’d always look out for the little guy. Then she’d died. He’d registered for college the following spring, beginning what would turn into almost a decade of education and training on how to help omegas who were experiencing trauma.

He’s never regretted any of it, because it allows him to help people. People like Bucky, and his neighbor in 4b, and the woman in 416 who doesn’t want the hysterectomy that she desperately needs. People like Amy Lewis.

Steve trails slowly through the store, carrying the shopping basket for the woman in front of him as she finds things off her list that she needs for her upcoming birth. They’re at Twig & Tuft, a store that caters to nesting, expectant and new mothers. Steve is helping Amy to do her shopping. Amy is omega, single, eight months pregnant, and she has an intellectual disability.

Steve feels guilty because even though it’s his second day off and all he’s supposed to be focused on is his weekend volunteer gig, he can’t help how his thoughts keep drifting back to the new patient in his ward: Bucky.

Steve can’t be at the hospital every day. Logically he knows this. He’d go insane or die from exhaustion if he did. But this is the first time in a while that he’s had two days off in a row and it’s the first time in even longer where he received a critical care patient on his last shift of the week. Steve had left detailed instructions with the ward staff, and he knows his team of nurses, therapists, techs and PAs (and hey, even sometimes the doctors, too) are very capable people. They can take care of Bucky. It’ll be fine.

He’s still found himself thinking about it almost all weekend though.

Amy stops halfway down the aisle, looking up at the shelves that are full of different baby formulas and feeding accessories. “Baby bottle,” she mumbles to herself, frowning as she sees the choices. There are all sorts of bottles in various materials, shapes and colors, all with different packaging proclaiming them: easy! clean! ergonomic! Preemie! or Silicone! Natural! or BPA-free!

“Oh man,” Amy says, flustering. “There’s too many.” She holds her list closer to her face, tongue working around in her mouth as she puzzles it out. “I dunno which one.”

Steve waits patiently as she figures it out. He’s only supposed to step in to help when she asks him, since it’s important that Amy be allowed to practice her decision making skills and build her self esteem. Steve’s biggest job being here is to intimidate anybody who might try to take advantage of her; financially, sexually, or otherwise.

He just wishes he’d been there to beat the ever loving crap out of the man responsible for getting her pregnant in the first place. All the caretakers at Amy’s group home know that it was someone employed at her old vocational school. Apparently the issue’s been “handled.” They won’t tell Steve the guy’s name. Probably smart.

Amy is a twenty-four year old woman who has Down syndrome. Steve first met her when her mother dragged her into the hospital’s free clinic, demanding an abortion. Amy hadn’t wanted it, and even when Steve explained the difficulties that would lie ahead for her, she’d been adamant: she wanted to keep her baby.

It’d caused quite the uproar amongst the clinic staff and OmCare social workers. Everybody had an opinion on it. The police couldn’t do anything without a statement from Amy, and all Amy did when asked who the father was, was cry. Amy’s mother hated Steve’s guts for giving her daughter’s wishes priority over her own.

ASHDOM, or alpha supports helping disabled omega mothers, is the charity that Steve got involved with after meeting Amy. They provide her with housing and anything else she needs to achieve her dream of being a parent.

Another visibly pregnant shopper approaches from the other end of the aisle, though it’s a male and he’s not as far along as Amy is. The man pauses and stares for a second when he spots them. Steve catches his eye and the man flushes and looks away, continuing down the aisle in their direction. He scans the shelves and quickly spots the items he needs—right in front of where Amy is looking.

Amy misses social cues that would have other shoppers smiling apologetically and stepping out of the way, so the man is forced to reach around her awkwardly to grab the items he wants. “Excuse me,” he says, sighing rudely when it becomes an effort. He puts the items in his basket and tries to move on past her, but Amy is distracted by her list and when she doesn’t move out of his way fast enough, he huffs and pointedly squeezes by, so close that their clothes brush together. “I said excuse me,” he grunts, clearly annoyed.

“Sorry!” Amy says, smiling because she’s friendly and hasn’t picked up on the man’s attitude.

“Hey.” Steve glares at the guy as he passes. He turns and speaks quietly so that Amy can’t hear. “You don’t have to be so impatient. Not everybody is as fortunate as you.”

The man tenses at being called out on his rudeness. He keeps walking but looks back over his shoulder at them. His eyes flick from Steve to Amy and back to Steve, disapproving. Steve grinds his teeth together at the assumptions he can see the guy making. The man rounds the end of the aisle and walks out of sight, and Steve sighs.

“Steve?”

“Mm?” Steve makes sure to get the scowl off his face by the time he turns back around.

Amy is holding out a three pack of basic baby bottles and looking expectantly at him. “This one is good for my baby, right?”

Steve smiles and praises, “Yeah Ames. That’s a good pick.” He holds the basket out so she can drop them in. “What’s next on the list?”

She looks carefully at her paper. “Um, dipe … diapers!”

They move on to the diapers section.

Some days, Steve thinks he must take more showers than any other human being alive.

He works out, so that usually accounts for one of them per day, but then there’s his before shift shower, after shift shower, and usually one or two others between certain patients. Because he’s not just a nurse practitioner. Before he completed the schooling necessary for that, he’d gotten his certification as a registered therapeutic heat support, and then as a registered medical heat technician. It’d helped him pay for college, and most hospitals wanted at least one of the two additional certifications if they were going to pay for an alpha’s salary on the OOBGYN ward.

Steve still takes on the occasional heat partner. But it’s less common now that Mercy General upped their staffing budget and hired more dedicated heat specialists. Hell, with Odinson on staff, the patients who need partnered usually request him, once they get a look at his picture in the profile binder (there’s a running joke on the ward that Thor used to work as a romance novel cover model).

So yeah, Steve doesn’t get intimate with as many patients as he used to. But when you spend your days around (and sometimes inside of) sick, pregnant, birthing and/or heat-ripe omegas, you tend to develop a funk. And if there’s one thing you don’t want to do to upset a vulnerable omega patient, it’s to come into their room reeking of a different omega’s pheromones.

So Steve showers a lot.

He’s just finished drying his hair when he leaves the staff locker room and hears a commotion from down the hall. He’s come up to the OOBGYN ward to shower, but he’s actually scheduled for clinic duty downstairs. He just wanted to check on Bucky before the start of his shift.

He doesn’t get too alarmed at the yelling until he gets down the hall a bit and realizes where it’s coming from. He sees a male orderly rushing into Bucky’s room. He hurries after him and sees the orderly moving for the bed, Bucky cowering away, and a female nurse standing back with a sedative prepared. The room reeks of Bucky’s fear.

The orderly grabs for Bucky and Bucky yelps and scrambles out of the bed, crying out loudly in pain when his IV stand gets dragged along and scurrying backwards into the corner of the room with it. The orderly moves after him.

“Stop!” Steve yells, rushing forward. “Stop, stop it. Now just hold on!”

Bucky is crying, cowering in the corner, and when he sees Steve he practically throws himself at him. “Steve!”

“Whoa, hang on Honey.” Steve catches him. “Sh sh. Calm down, it’s okay.” He can’t do anything but hold him and pet his back to try and calm him down enough to make sense of the situation. “What the hell is going on?!” he demands angrily from the nurse.

Like most staff on ward, she’s beta, and she looks fed up with Bucky. “He won’t calm down.” She holds up the sedative meaningfully, and Steve smells another wave of acrid fear coming off the omega who’s clinging to him. “Omcare was just here, explaining his custody arrangement. He freaked out when we tried to go over his care plan.”

“You need to back off,” Steve growls at the nurse. He tells her and the orderly to clear the room while he gets Bucky back into his bed. The poor kid is clearly in pain as he climbs onto the bed and lies down. “What hurts?” Steve asks, and Bucky puts his hand on his lower belly. Steve instructs him to lie still for the moment. “Bucky,” he says, careful to keep his voice quiet and soothing. “Talk to me. What happened? What got you so scared?”

The omega won’t look Steve in the eye when he says, “The social worker guy came. He told me about … about what I’m gonna have to do.” He peeks up at Steve but quickly averts his eyes again, face pinched. “They said I don’t have a choice, cause the hospital has custody of me now. Is that true?”

“Yeah, Honey. It’s for your safety. So that you don’t have to go back to … to where you were living before.”

“They said I have to have a heat.” He says it like it’s the worst possible thing ever. “I don’t want to!”

Steve inhales and lets it out slowly. “I was hoping to get in here before they told you. So I could explain it to you.”

Bucky scoffs. “Oh they explained it. Every shitty detail.”

Steve gently takes Bucky’s arm and examines the IV port for any damage. It looks fine, but the tape is all warped so he fetches another Tegaderm and tells the kid to hold still while he sterilizes the site and replaces the bandage. “I’m sorry they treated you like that,” he says quietly as he works. “I’ll talk to them, and I’ll make sure you’re assigned different nurses who won’t behave that way.” Bucky seems reassured by his promise, and his scent, while still upset, has at least calmed down from the panicked tone it'd had when Steve came in. “Tell me about your pain,” he says as he finishes up the IV. “Where is it and what number is it one through ten, one being none at all and ten being the worst pain you’ve ever felt?”

Bucky shrugs, tears in his eyes. He looks miserable. He points to his belly and pelvis, quickly removing his hand. “There and there. And I dunno. A five I guess. Sometimes a seven or eight when it gets really bad—Ah!” he gasps and grabs Steve’s wrist, grimacing for a second. “That,” he sighs, the pain obviously passing. “Like that.”

Steve pats his hand. “You said it’s a sharp pain?”

Bucky nods. “That time it was. It’ll be achy, usually, and then get real sharp for a second or two.”

Steve nods. “You’re cramping. We gave you a temporary heat suppressant to prevent you from withdrawing too quickly when you got here.” He hesitates, then says, “And an emergency contraceptive. Your body might be reacting to that.” He watches as Bucky pales and looks at him with wide eyes.

“Oh god,” he whispers. “I hadn’t … I hadn’t thought of that.”

“I know. I’m sorry. You shouldn't worry though. Your IUD was placed correctly so there's little chance anything would've implanted anyway.”

Bucky sniffles, looking sour. "This really sucks."

Steve knows what the nurses and social workers told Bucky to get him so upset. Before Steve’s shower in the locker room, he’d stopped by the nurses’ station and read over the treatment plan that’d been handed down by the OmCare custody team over the weekend. Steve recommended half of it, but he’s still nervous about Bucky having to endure it all when he knows the boy was just raped.

He holds Bucky’s hand and says, “You’ve been through something really awful, Honey. And it honestly sucks, but I promise that they wouldn’t write your treatment plan this way if it wasn’t absolutely necessary. Your body is really—”

“Screwed up,” Bucky says despondently.

“Yeah, that’s one way to put it. We really need to make sure that you don’t slip back into a dangerous place like you were when they brought you into the ER.”

Bucky looks up at him fearfully. “The nurse said that I could’ve died. Is that true?”

Steve grits his teeth and thinks about how he’s going to have to seriously lay out the new hire who obviously hasn’t finished her sensitivity training. “Yeah honey,” he tells Bucky gently. “We got you stabilized, but you were in pretty bad shape.” He feels Bucky’s hand shudder in his, and presses it back down on the bed. “I promise we’re not gonna let it get that bad again, okay? We’ll get you healthy. I’ve already seen your weekend test results and it looks like the antibiotics we’ve got you on are helping the infection to clear up fast. So that’s good news.”

Bucky makes a quiet whining sound in his chest. “But the things they said I have to do … Dr. Steve—”

“Just Steve,” Steve reminds gently. “I’m not a doctor.”

“Steve. Please. I don’t want to do it. I’m scared and … and embarrassed.” The tears that’ve been swimming in his eyes for so long finally break, rolling down each of his cheeks. He sniffles and hurriedly wipes them away. “I’m so fucking embarrassed, I can’t stand it.”

Steve’s heart is breaking all over again for this kid. It’s not often that he's presented with an omega who isn’t comfortable with their designation. Bucky really is an unfortunate combination of circumstances. “I know, Honey,” he tells him. “I understand. Some of the treatments you’re going to have to go through involve a lot of intimate touching and I know you’re embarrassed. But I just want you to remember that everybody who works here is very used to it all. It’s routine for us, and nobody is gonna judge you or think bad things about you. We just want to help you get healthy, okay?”

Bucky nods, but Steve can still smell his distress, can see the tension pulled throughout his body. “I have to have a heat,” he says—very quietly, like he doesn’t even want to say the words out loud.

“Yes,” Steve nods. “We’ll bring you into it slowly though, I promise. We’ll keep you very comfortable.” Bucky snorts derisively, like he doesn’t think the words ‘heat’ and ‘comfortable’ should go in a sentence together. “Hey,” Steve says softly. “Hey, so when we know that a patient’s been … hurt, like you have, we have special procedures in place. To try and make it easier on you.”

“... What are they?”

“We can assign you a support alpha,” he says. “Someone who’s trained for these situations. You’ll get a private room where you can nest and have all the things you want that make you feel safe, and nobody but you and your support will be allowed in there. The support will conduct all the procedures you need, so that they’ll be the only person who touches you.” Steve watches as Bucky takes that information in. He looks mortified, and Steve’s chest aches in sympathy for the kid. “It’ll make it all a lot more private for you,” he says softly, giving Bucky’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “Does that sound good?”

“No,” Bucky says glumly, avoiding Steve’s eyes.

Steve chews his lip, knowing that he can’t do any better for him. It’s a shit situation, but when you specialize in trauma OOBGYN, you wind up dealing with shit situations more often than not. It’s kind of in the job description. Steve just hates this case more than most. “We can also give you a counselor,” he offers gently. “Somebody who you can talk to.”

Bucky shakes his head. “Mm mn. No.”

“I really, really think you should have somebody to confide in,” Steve says. “We have all sorts of counselors. All designations, male and female, young and old. You can choose who you want.”

Bucky appears to be thinking about it at least, his face still pinked up in discomfort. “... Omega,” he decides quietly. “A guy, please. Somebody … I dunno. Not an old person.”

Steve nods, relieved that the kid is taking his advice. “Okay, good. I’ll make sure that’s what you get. They can come and talk to you today, and everything you talk about is completely private between the two of you.”

“Everything?” Bucky checks, peeking up warily at Steve.

“Unless you say you’re going to hurt yourself or someone else, then yes.” Steve watches as Bucky takes that in, and is pleased when he doesn’t see any reaction that would indicate the omega had been thinking of self harm. “Okay,” he says, patting Bucky’s hand and standing. He’s probably going to be late for clinic duty now. “I’m gonna go yell at the nurse and orderly for you.” He sees Bucky’s lips quirk the barest bit, and feels about a hundred feet tall for it. “That won’t happen again. I’ll personally assign your new nurses and I’ll put in for a counselor to come in and see you this afternoon.”

“You’re still gonna be my doctor though, right?” Bucky asks, looking hopeful.

Steve nods kindly. “Yeah, Honey. Not a doctor though, just an NP. I’m your attending.”

“Attending. Right.”

He heads for the hallway but looks back when he's at the door. “Watch some tv and try to relax, okay? I’ll make sure nobody tries to implement anything until I’m back on shift up here.”

Bucky looks so vulnerable and sad sitting in the bed by himself, but Steve can see how he tries to put on a brave face. He nods. “Okay. Thanks Steve.”

“You’re welcome. Bucky.”

He finds the orderly and nurse at the nurses’ station. “You two,” he says sternly, pointing at the two betas who already look wary of him. “Grab his chart and walk with me down to clinic. We need to chat.”

Even though he just showered, Steve has to grab a bunch of scent wipes from the dispenser and wipe himself down after being in Bucky’s room when the kid was so upset, and he spends the whole time plus the trip downstairs chewing the two betas out. Thoroughly. He has the nurse scribble down the changes he wants made to Bucky’s chart, and warns her that she’s got sensitivity training in her near future. He makes it very clear that neither of them are to deal with Bucky again, and makes sure that a younger, male omega counselor familiar with rape cases and gender dysphoria will be in that afternoon to talk to him. “Go back to work,” he tells them once they reach the hallway outside the clinic. “I’ll be up later for my second shift.”

They both hightail it away from him and back toward the elevators. Steve sighs, then pushes in through the double glass doors to the hospital’s community clinic.

Steve has just managed to get two seconds to himself to take a piss and then try to shovel some food down. He’s crouched in front of the minifridge behind the clinic desk, half a burrito stuffed in his mouth, when a pair of electric blue Danskos step into view.

“Wow Rogers. You know some people’d consider that a marketable skill.”

Steve glares up at her. He rises to his full height. But she’s never intimidated by him. “Nebula,” he grumbles once he’s swallowed. She’s not one of his nurses, thank God. He only ever sees her in clinic. “What do you want?”

She shoves the chart she’s holding into his chest and he’s forced to grapple for it, his burrito smearing on the back of the clipboard. “Exam four,” she says, then goes to sit in front of one of the receptionists' computers.

Steve makes a face at her back, taking one more huge bite of his burrito before sticking the sad remainder back in the fridge. He glances at the clock: 4:10, Less than an hour to go with clinic duty, then he’s got a break for dinner, then he’s on the ward for first night shift. He glances down at the clipboard Neb had handed him. Intake apt. : Termination of pregnancy. He winces and goes to wash the smell of chorizo off his hands.

“Hi.” He’s still facing the door as he starts speaking in his overly friendly doctor’s voice. He can already smell pregnant omega, which means it’s not a first trimester abortion. Great. “I’m Steve, I’m an NP here at Mercy General. What’s brought you into the clinic today?” He turns around and sees who he’s dealing with, and forces himself not to visibly react.

A girl who can’t be older than fourteen years old is sitting on the exam table, in an examination gown and socks. A woman whom Steve assumes is her mother stands beside her, looking impatient. “We’ve been waiting for almost an hour,” she complains.

“I’m sorry.” Steve goes and sits on the rolling stool, already knowing that this is going to be the low point of his shift. “It’s an open clinic, ma’am. Waits can be long, but we do our best.” He turns his attention to the girl. She’s got brown hair and a ruddy complexion and looks anything but happy to be there. “Hi,” he says gently, holding out his hand for her to shake. “I’m Steve. What’s your name?”

“Jerrica,” she says.

“Hi Jerrica. It’s nice to meet you. Do you want to tell me why you’re here today?”

“I’m sure that’s obvious,” her mother snaps, impatient and nodding at the clipboard Steve’s holding. “She’s hid it till now. I found the test in her bathroom trash.”

“Uh huh.” Steve can see how uncomfortable the daughter is as her mother angrily tells Steve about her personal business.

“She won’t tell us who did it. We think it was one of the construction workers.” When Steve raises an eyebrow, the mother explains, “We’ve been having the basement renovated. Her stupid father hired a bunch of college kids to do the work.”

Steve inhales deeply. ‘College kids’ means over eighteen, which means he has to notify OmCare. “Have the police gotten involved?” he asks.

“Of course. But there’s nothing they can do if she doesn’t tell them who it was.” She glares at her daughter, making it obvious they’ve already gone over this multiple times.

“Mom,” Jerrica complains. “Nobody raped me. I told you.”

“You are too young to be having sex, Jer! It’s called statutory rape.”

Steve gives the girl his attention. “Jerrica?” he says. “Would you like your mother to be here for this appointment?”

“Excuse me,” the mom says, angry. “I am her mother.”

“And this is a very sensitive situation where I want to make sure Jerrica feels heard,” Steve says pointedly. Normally he’d make more of an effort to be in everybody’s good graces, but he’s not very pleased with how the woman seems to be walking all over her daughter from the get-go. He looks to Jerrica for an answer, and she straightens up stubbornly.

“She can wait outside,” she says.

“Well I don’t care what you want. You’re not even in high school yet and look what you’ve gotten yourself into!”

It’s obvious the woman isn’t planning on respecting her daughter’s wishes, so Steve stands up and guides her to the door, using his size to intimidate her. “Ma’am. I’ll send the nurse out for you to re-join the discussion in a little bit.”

The mother turns when she’s just outside the door and whispers harshly at him, “She needs an abortion! You know that.”

Steve smiles tightly and sees Nebula walking by. “Nurse, please show this lady back to the waiting room while I talk with her daughter.” Nebula purses her lips at him, and Steve doesn’t wait to watch her deal with that. He closes the door and turns back to Jerrica with an apologetic wince. “Your mom seems very concerned,” he says, and Jerrica rolls her eyes.

“She’s a bitch.”

Steve sits back down on the rolling stool and nods at the girl’s stomach, sobering. “So, you’re pregnant.”

Jerrica nods, hands going to her stomach. “I don’t want an abortion,” she says. “I already thought about it. My friend Stacy was gonna take me to planned parenthood. But I changed my mind.”

“Okay.” Steve is already having an unpleasant flashback to the time Amy's mother dragged her into the clinic, demanding the same exact thing. To focus himself, he glances down at his clipboard. It looks like the mother filled out the intake form. “Do you know who the father of the baby is?”

Jerrica huffs. “Yes. I’m not telling her though. She’ll just get him arrested.”

“Were you forced to have sex against your will?” Steve asks. He knows the law on statutory rape backwards and forwards, and this girl is practically a baby, but he’ll be much more concerned if anything was forced. “Jerrica? Were you raped?”

“No!” She scowls at him. “I wanted to have sex. It was my idea.”

Steve inwardly cringes. “Okay. Let’s talk about this baby then. Do you know how far along you are?”

Surprisingly, she nods. “We only did it one time. It was right after Thanksgiving. Like two days after or something. So that’s like three months ago.”

“About fourteen weeks, actually,” Steve says, marking it down on the chart. “I’ll do an exam to confirm. Abortion is only legal in New York up until twelve weeks.”

Jerrica starts to look gleeful.

“Unless there’s a medical need for termination. A concern for the mother’s health.”

“But I’m healthy. And I want to keep it.”

“I know, I know,” Steve tells her. “But I just want to give you all the facts, all of your options. If you did want an abortion at this time or later, I would consider you a medical risk due to your age. I’d approve the procedure for you.” When she just gapes at him, he explains, “Your body isn’t developed enough yet for childbearing. I can tell by looking at you. A woman’s pelvis has to widen and shift before a baby can safely pass through the birth canal.” She squirms and blushes at Steve discussing her anatomy, which is just another indicator of how horribly young she is. “How old are you, Honey?” he asks her.

“Thirteen.” She juts her chin out. “Almost fourteen.”

“Have you ever had a pap smear?” he asks her, rolling his stool over to the counter so that he can grab some gloves.

“A what?”

He sighs to himself. Fuck. “A pap smear,” he repeats, making sure to give her a friendly, neutral expression. “It’s when the doctor checks your vagina for irregularities.”

Her face goes bright red. “No,” she mumbles, tangling her hands in her lap. “Do I have to do that?”

“You don’t ‘have’ to do anything,” Steve tells her. “But it’s normal to do a prenatal exam when a patient is pregnant. And at this stage that would involve a pap smear and a transvaginal ultrasound.”

Jerrica won’t meet his eyes. “I don’t want to do that,” she says quietly. She shakes her head and crosses her socked feet over each other. “I don’t want to.”

“It’s for the baby’s and your health. It’s important, but I’m not going to make you.”

“You can’t make me get an abortion either,” she asserts. “I Googled it.”

“That’s correct,” Steve says. “But Jerrica, can I level with you?” She nods cautiously at him and Steve says, “I can tell that your mom is bossy and that you two probably don’t always get along. Me? I’m just a nurse practitioner. I don’t know you and I don’t have any stake in what you decide to do or not do with your body, okay?” He waits for her to nod, then adds, “You are very young to have had sex with someone, especially someone who’s over the age of eighteen. Your mother’s right when she says that’s illegal.”

“But I wanted to!”

Steve shakes his head. “Even if you wanted to, it’s still legally considered rape on his part. Now, I’m not going to force you to tell me the father’s name, but I’m required to report this to our social services department.” When he sees Jerrica’s face fall in panic, he hurriedly adds, “You don’t have to tell them who the father is, either. You're not in trouble. But you will have to speak with a counselor and a social worker. My advice for you would be to take advantage of that. Talk it out with the counselor and really think hard about if you’re actually ready to have a baby. If you decide at any time that you do want to terminate, I’ll approve the procedure. And if you keep the pregnancy, then you’ll need to see a doctor at some point to be examined.”

Jerrica looks tense, but she doesn’t shake her head again or insist that she wants to keep the baby. She shrinks into herself, looking even smaller and younger than before. “... Do you think I should do it?” she asks, voice wavering.

Steve decides to be honest. “Personally? I think you should consider termination. You’re very young and the birth could be dangerous for you. You’d still have your whole life ahead of you to have a baby one day if you want, when you’re ready for one.”

Jerrica nods tearfully and scoots off the table. She hurriedly pulls on her jeans and then turns her back to Steve as she drops the hospital gown and yanks her shirt back on. She doesn’t look at him again as she turns for the door. “I’m gonna go find my mom,” she mumbles, and leaves the room.

Steve sighs, feeling wrong for having given her his opinion on what she should do. He’s really not supposed to do that, but this girl is so young. He wanted to at least give her some perspective. Figuring that his shift is pretty much over and he’ll soon be on break for dinner, he chucks the exam gloves in the trash and grabs the clipboard with Jerrica’s paperwork on it, heading out to go file the OmCare report.

He spends his break eating dinner in the cafeteria and then napping on an empty bed. His phone alarm wakes him up and he heads to the ward for his second shift. Clint’s walking down the hall in his civvies, backpack slung over his shoulder, and he greets Steve with a small wave. “I put my case notes in,” he says. “Sorry, Phil’s waiting in the car. We’ve got reservations for seven, otherwise I’d stay to go over—”

“I’ve got it,” Steve says, tossing his head in the direction of the elevators. “Go on. Have dinner with your husband, for once.”

Clint smiles tiredly, grateful as he continues on down the hall. “Thanks man.”

Sharon and Hope are on for the night. Steve has a quick meeting with them where they review ongoing cases and he gives them the run down on their newest patients. Hope agrees to spend some extra time with the woman in 416 who’s still refusing to have the hysterectomy that she definitely needs, Sharon makes the rounds with meds, and Steve grabs Bucky’s chart and heads to his room.

“Knock knock,” he says from the doorway, seeing the omega awake and sitting up in his bed. When Bucky sees him, he grabs the remote and mutes the room’s tv. Steve smiles and walks in. “How’re you doing?”

Bucky shrugs. “The counselor came. He was nice.”

“Who’d you get?” Steve knows just about everybody in OmCare, but turnover is high. “Clint?”

“Yeah.”

“He’s really good.”

“Yeah,” Bucky agrees. “He listens.”

Steve walks over and stands next to the bed. He sees the tray of food sitting on the bedside table: meatloaf and veggies that are barely touched, a half full glass of water, and an empty jello cup. “You didn’t eat much of your dinner,” he comments lightly.

Bucky glances over at the tray. “I haven’t been very hungry.”

Steve checks the kid’s chart, sees the notes that the day nurse wrote down in a messy scrawl:

Intravenous suppressants titrated down to 40mg/4 hrs at 12:00pm OmCare counseled patient 1:45pm–2:30pm 3:00pm–antibiotics dose administered Titrated intravenous suppressants down to 20mg/4 hrs at 4:00pm

Preheat symptoms observed. Agitation, low appetite, bellyache, cramps, elevated temperature. Patient reports mild vaginal bleeding but no pain, breast tenderness. Refuses exam. Patient has pain upon bearing down on pelvic floor. Ultrasound shows slick glands impacted with no improvement. Request form for on-ward heat suite submitted. Patient is resistant, refusing to select a support.

Steve finishes reviewing the notes and sets the clipboard aside so that he can take Bucky’s hand when he sits down on the side of the bed. “Bucky,” he says, keeping his voice coaxing and soft. “You’re getting close to your heat. Remember how we talked about getting you a support alpha?” Bucky shakes his head and tries to pull his hand back, but Steve holds fast. “It’s important, Honey. Come on now. Do you think you’d prefer a male or a female support?”

“Male,” Bucky says automatically, but he’s still shaking his head in denial. “But I don’t want one. I don’t.”

“It’ll be much better for you if you go through this with a support,” Steve says. He’s got no intention of forcing Bucky to utilize the service, but he knows that in a case like this, it’ll be borderline dangerous not to bring an alpha in. “We’ve got a binder full of choices. Here, let me go grab it for you.” He hurries out to the nurses’ station and gets the binder. When he sits back on the bed, he opens it to the first profile and hands it to Bucky. “You can look through and pick someone you’re comfortable with,” he says kindly, though he can see the dubious look on Bucky’s face as the kid flips through a few of the pages.

“I’m not gonna be comfortable with anybody.”

“I know it’s hard, Buck. I promise we’ll do our best to get you whoever you want to—” Steve pauses when Bucky gives a little gasp and freezes in place. “What?”

“You,” Bucky says, staring at the page.

“Me?”

“It’s you.” He points at the page, and Steve looks over to see his own profile picture. Shit.

“Um, I can’t—”

“I want you,” Bucky says firmly, looking up with large, hopeful eyes. His mind is made up. “You. It has to be you.”

“I wish I could, Sweetheart, but that’s not how it works. I’m your attending, so I’ll still be watching over you, but your alpha support has to be someone else.” He sees how devastated Bucky is at this and he absolutely hates being the cause of it, so he quickly takes the binder and flips through the pages to try and find a profile that might tempt Bucky. “Um, let’s see here. We’ve got a guy named Thor who’s really nice, and—”

“No!” Bucky throws himself forward, hugging onto Steve and shaking his head in refusal. “No I don’t want anybody else. I don’t want to. Please don’t make me!” He begins keening, distressed and grasping onto Steve desperately, rubbing his face against his wrist. Steve stares, dismayed by this turn of events. He tries to calm him down, but each time he goes to pull away the boy cries out and tries to bite him.

“Bucky, stop! Stop it. You need to calm down.”

He doesn’t stop and he doesn’t calm down. He just gets less verbal and more frantic, shoving himself into Steve and scenting stronger and stronger, until it fills Steve’s nostrils and consumes his senses. He grabs Bucky’s shoulders to try and push him off, but the omega fights back with an unnatural strength and gets his face in Steve’s neck, and that puts Steve’s face in his neck, and—oh no.

Steve is instantly hard underneath his scrubs. He’d neglected to wear any blockers before starting his shift. He’s getting the full force of Bucky’s scent, the scent of a young omega on the cusp of heat, and now Bucky is surely smelling him, a fully–aroused alpha. It all comes to a head when Steve loses his composure for the barest of seconds, and a low growl starts up in his chest.

Bucky hears it and stiffens, and then he bursts out in tears, frantic, crying and moaning and scraping his teeth over Steve’s neck. He’s humping Steve’s leg and Steve gasps when he feels a gush of slick leak onto his scrub pants. “Nnnn!"

"Bucky,"

"Nuh! need it, you. Please, Alpha, it hurts. Steve, Steve, Alpha please!”

Steve realizes that he’s been backed into a corner. Refusing the kid now will only cause more harm than good. So, holding onto Bucky with one arm, he reaches for the call button with the other and presses it. “Nurse, I need a heat suite prepped now.” He gasps and jerks in pain as he feels Bucky bite into his neck, hard. “Fuck!” He grabs the back of Bucky’s neck and squeezes into his glands, forcing him into submission long enough to reach the call button again and bark out, “And bring a sedative!”

Art: @hopelessartgeek

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[awesomefringey]

Let’s crowdfund it and buy it together!!! www thesun co uk /tvandshowbiz/ 23342977/louis-tomlinsons-scooby-doo-campervan-one-direction/amp/

It’s listed for less than £40k on Autotraders?! Did Zouis break up? 😭😭😭

The Scooby-Doo inspired Mystery Machine was used to transport One Direction members to gigs.

Designed by supercar customiser Yianni Charalambous, the 2012 Volkswagen Crafter was custom-built for former One Direction stars Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik.

The duo forked out around £70,000 in 2013 to convert the touring van into a Mystery Machine, made famous in the iconic TV show Scooby-Doo.

The impressive motor also boasts an 55-inch Sony plasma TV, as well as an Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Wii. It even features vintage consoles, such as the Atari and Super Nintendo, so the band members didn't get bored on their way to the next concert.

One Direction fans will also be blown away by the two luxury passenger seats, which have the letters 'LT' and 'ZJM' stitched into the leather.

Surprisingly, it includes CCTV cameras, a PA system and water jets in case any fans get too close to the van.

The Mystery Machine will go under the hammer for £39,990, which is currently listed on AutoTraders.

[audio-luddite]

Nothing is real or correct.

I am making headway on the ARC amp, but it made me think.

Decades ago a rather pompous man created an audio magazine because only he knew best. Actually come to think of it that has happened several times. I am currently talking about "The Absolute Sound" from just outside of New York City in the 70s.

His concept was two fold. The sound of any component should be judged only in comparison to live performances in Jazz clubs and concert halls or some similar site. It sounds like a good idea but is it even a little realistic? The second fold was to not take advertising from manufacturers as that is a conflict of interest. That fell away after a few years as it takes money to produce a real printed magazine. A friend and I were early subscribers and devoured each new issue. I know better now.

In a symphony concert every seat in the place is slightly different. I have sat in several concert halls and listened to lots of music from different seats. It is not the same at home on the system. I find my home system sounds better than live performance in general. I guess I cannot afford the best seats, but recording engineers tend to place mikes in the best places. Yes that big drum in the back is impressive live, but the rest....

In a Jazz club all the sound you get comes through a PA system of not necessarily high end quality. And be real, you are there for the performance not the audio or should be.

In a Stadium Rock event I need ear plugs as it is always so FN loud.

So comparing a system to live is not truly valid. Whatever you get is a matter of taste and luck

Consider the rather long chain of custody the sound endures from musician to your ears.

Start with the venue. Most recordings are done in purpose built studios with usually extensive sound treatments. Likely totally unlike your listening cave. How the musicians are set up and what equipment they use is very dependent too. How many times have you seen singers and instrumentalists in isolated boxes or behind barriers in a studio so the mike they use does not conflict with the ones around them. How natural is that?

Or how about recording a Piano. You always see several mikes around pianos for Jazz or solo or small group performances. I only have two ears solidly fixed to either side of my head.

Next microphones and mixing consoles all have characteristics and a voice. The type and brand and technology of the microphone all are adjusted and tuned. The sound in the mix is adjusted to get just the right effect. Accuracy, what's that?

One of my favorite audiophile albums is Cowboy Junkies "Trinity Sessions" Nice big room with natural sound, the band set up around a single 3D microphone using the gear they use on tour and basically no mix. WYSIWYG. But if you were there it would have sounded different than the recording as you would not be where the mike was. Still likely as accurate a recording as you can get.

Another is Steely Dan's Aja. Every track is fiddled and massaged and made to sound just so coming out of the studio speaker. Very clean and totally unreal.

A very good album is Diana Krall live from Paris. Listen to the group and "see" where the mix has placed each musician. Then look at the photo of the group on stage. Not the same is it?

Then the fun really starts. Is it analogue tape and which brand of machine Ampex or Studer and which vintage? Is it DSD digital or lowly PCM? Which processor! All those have a voice.

And now jump into your media. How is the product distributed? Vinyl rules! Well that's my thing. Which master remixed the master, what plant pressed it?

Both streaming and hard copy digital are valid and can claim lower noise and distortion usually. But those are just numbers.

Each electronic device has a voice some more subtle than others. The higher you go the clearer and cleaner it gets or should at least.

Thinking of phono pickups there are so many methods and products. It is really impressive how linear and consistent those things are in spite of all that. Many writers go on and on about velocity versus displacement and when that happens I know they are full of it. It turns out that blind tests show that what some call clarity and detail is just a slightly different frequency response. Or even a resonance in a convenient place. A few db here a few db there makes all the difference.

Still I find it remarkable that I can extract as much information off of a flat disk as I do with my modest three figure phono pickup. At the very base of the issue is like choosing a microphone. People have favorites.

In the digital domain you are depending on microchips. A DAC may have exotic this or that attached to them, but all the chips come from one factory or another made by people in bunny suits. Discrete components cannot keep up to digital speeds so the chips rule.

And we have not even got to preamplifiers and amplifiers. Tube verus solid state you have to choose a tribe. Both are best and neither is. Frankly it is the place you choose the type of distortion you like. The flaw with every tube amplifier is the output transformer. They all need them and they have a major hit on the sound. The flaw with every solid state amplifier are the gain devices and the feedback used to tame them. Tubes use feedback too!

Designs that avoid or just minimize feedback just force you to accept an acceptable distortion.

As I am bouncing between the tribes now recall that tube amplifiers are rated at 1% distortion. Transistor amplifiers at about ten times less. (Sometimes tens times ten times ten less.) Much better, but not better. It is the sound of the distortion that makes the difference and the preference. Some people like different stuff.

Oh time for the worst offender, the speakers. The frequency response is pathetic compared the quality of the signal going in. Why fret about an amplifier being plus or minus 0.2 db when the speaker is plus or minus 6 db. And the room has modes and reflections and well unless you are rich enough to build very special room you just have to hope your brain gets fooled.

And that is it really. Your brain wants to be fooled. If you listen to any system long enough you get used to it and adapt. If you only listen to single ended triodes into horn speaker you come to think that is the way things should sound. And you will find a tribe to support you like a cult.

It is a flawed process from beginning to end. But it lets you experience brilliant music and performances when you want to. With care and attention to detail you can solve the puzzle in many different ways.

And no it is never like a live performance, its maybe better.

There is no best.

[blueelectricroom]

Well, that got out of hand in a hurry. Or as I like to say when I'm loitering 'neath the dark towers of Clermont-Ferrand, "la situation s’est aggravée!"

Of course I'm referring to the frequent faux pas inherent in your basic autocorrect system. To wit:

Last Friday evening I shared via social media that a friend and I were at sixes and sevens with a vexing crossword (5-letter word for a narrow stream, starts with "g," for example).

Within hours, numerous friends expressed concern that I was sharing "cross words" with my friend.

Bright and early Saturday an old pal of mine sent word via text that he'd heard I was planning to "cross swords" with a new foe. He offered to be my second, which is adorable, but I mean, damn.

Seriously, I've not been party to a proper duel since 1989, when a heated debate over the merits of mink oil versus silicone spray for waterproofing your various hides led to an agreed-upon dust-up before witnesses. My opponent chose weapons, and, being of an ironic hipster bent, he insisted on lawn darts.

This led to several weekends at estate sales and antique malls in a vain search for the giant projectiles of yore. We discovered during our quest a mutual enthusiasm for vintage bottle openers and a disdain for carnival glass. It goes without saying that he remains a dead friend to this day.

(dear friend). DEAR. Prouver qu’on a raison and all that, I guess.

[djmossback]

Spacebar Thrd Spc Sat 16 Sept 2023

THE SETLIST

Let The Music Play, Shannon (lp cut)

Bad Life, PiL (12" 45 RPM)

Give Me Some Slack, Cars (lp cut)

Every 1’s A Winner, Hot Chocolate (lp cut)

Ms. Fat Booty, Mos Def (12" explicit)

Jive Talkin’, Bee Gees (7" 45)

Oh Sheila, Ready For The World (7" 45)

Rock The Casbah, The Clash (7" 45)

Back & Forth, Cameo (12" 33 1/3 )

Roxanne, Police (7" 45)

I Thank You, ZZ Top (lp cut)

Ex’s & Oh’s, Elle King (lp cut)

Walk This Way, RUN D.M.C. (12" 33 1/3 )

2200 hrs

Metal Gods, Judas Priest (lp cut)

You Dropped A Bomb On Me, Gap Band (lp cut)

Sex Shooter, Apollonia 6 (12" 45 RPM)

Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man, Bob Seger System (lp cut)

Let’s Dance, David Bowie (12" 33 1/3 )

Pick Up The Pieces, Average White Band (lp cut)

Got To Be Real, Cheryl Lynn (7" 45)

Couldn’t Get It Right, Climax Blues Band (7" 45)

Love Action, Human League (lp cut)

Love Plus One, Haircut One Hundred (7" 45)

Knock On Wood, Amii Stewart (12" 33 1/3 )

Boogie Oogie Oogie, Taste Of Honey (lp cut)

No Scrubs, TLC (12" 33 1/3 )

Declaration Of Rights, Abyssinians (lp cut)

2300 hrs

Clint Eastwood, Gorillaz (12" 33 1/3 )

She’s Crafty, Beastie Boys (lp cut)

Boys Are Back In Town, Thin Lizzy (lp cut)

The Futures So Bright, Timbuk 3 (lp cut)

Do The Du, A Certain Ratio (12" 45 RPM)

Black Sap Scriptures, Plague Vendor (lp cut)

Hair Of The Dog, Nazareth (lp cut)

Dirty Rat, Orbital (lp cut)

Pressure, Ari Lennox (lp cut)

Keep On Movin, Soul II Soul (12" 33 1/3 )

YAH, Kendrick Lamar (lp cut)

Joan Of Arc, OMD (12" 45 RPM)

West End Girls, Pet Shop Boys (12" 33 1/3 )

Mama Used To Say, Junior (12" 33 1/3 )

Nothing Left To Lose, Everything But The Girl (lp cut)

Midnight

Original Sin, INXS (lp cut, Dance Music comp)(Pictured!)

Rock With You, Michael Jackson (7" 45)

Maneater, Hall & Oates (12" 33 1/3 )

Rise, Herb Alpert (12" 33 1/3 )

Money (Dollar Bill Y’all), Jimmy Spicer (lp cut, hits comp)(Pictured!)

Funk You Up, The Sequence (12" 33 1/3 )

Chameleon, Herbie Hancock (lp cut)

Open The Iron Gate, Max Romeo (lp cut)

Who Do You Love, Bo Diddley (lp cut, mono, hits comp)

Seven Nights To Rock, Moon Mullican (lp cut)

blue bones (deathwish), Billy Nomates (lp cut)

Remembering Me, Cate le Bon (lp cut)

The Meaning Of Love, Depeche Mode (12" 45 RPM)

Little Fluffy Clouds, The Orb (12" 45 RPM Drum & Bass mix by Youth)

Love my Spacebar people.

TASTING NOTES

I was kind of prepared. Lots of new records. New old records, too: a wealth of vintage mid-70s funk and disco 12” records came into my possession. But, none of those made it into the crate; I had plenty of other acquisitions to integrate into the flow. I am constantly on the search for the familiar unexpected, and the unfamiliar unexpected, without falling prey to the obvious. And I did what I set out to do. Some of the best segues I have ever done happened tonight... often followed up with the most ham-handed and poor transitions in the history of Third Space Saturday. I’m just happy DJ IGA was not there to witness it, and scowl at my transgressions!

It probably didn’t sound like anything in the house, but your audience or listeners aren’t concerned with the details or technicalities. They want to play Centipede, or get nice with someone.

Cyberjewel gave herself the night off, which probably lent itself to me getting stuck in the elevator, and getting to the booth at 2058, for a start time of 2100 hrs. I wanted to get there early to set up, because there was a live event the night before. Luckily, except for the house sound, things were largely in order. I struggled with volume in the house, problems that weren’t solved until Jules showed up unexpectedly halfway through. Within 5 minutes, the PA was set properly, and I had an Athletic NA in a glass. 

Will was in the house, stationed at the print shop bar. It was great to play for the man who is piloting the spaceship. “She’s Crafty” was played for him. He was excited to get to “hear a Mossback set.” He set up my backgrounds on the TVs you can see on the video and busied himself breaking down the stage setup in the performance area. He works hard. I’m so happy I get to contribute to this thing he made happen. And I will stay as long as they want me. 

The crowds, as usual, were several waves of different people rolling through. At first there were normals. And that’s when the two “request” inquiries happened. Lately I’ve been engaging with people to help read the room, without actually playing what they request. Tonight, I was just trying to get situated. So, I politely declined. But the third person that came up asked about the Shannon track that I opened with, so I was pumped for that! I loved seeing the early 20s kids dancing around to “Maneater” by Hall & Oates, too. The kids are alright. The ones that come through the bar during my sets are game for anything. Well, not the guy who came up and asked for Drake. No bueno. 

I worry that my approach to things is too laid back, like part of the atmosphere. Perhaps my lack of self promotion, and my “let the music be the program” attitude, doesn’t lend itself to making Mossback sets an “event.” Maybe I need to get on the mike and relentlessly exhort people to wave their hands in the air, and relentlessly name check “MOSSSSS-BAAAAAACK!” ad nauseum. I am going to get some coasters made, maybe that will help.

There were some slack periods, unusual for a Saturday night. It made set construction challenging. The energy from the people in the bar contributes to your set in subtle ways, and it was challenging to play without it. But I found my footing, and learned to play without it. I made choices I might not have made with a crowd there. 

The Shannon track I started with was from an LP, but it was a 12” dance mix. It’s a “dance”-oriented compilation from Atlantic Records that also has INXS (which I played) and Phil Collins (which I didn’t play but may in the future). “Sususudio” kicks! The comp is set up in a good way, three songs per side. It almost feels like cheating, but there is a lot of useful stuff on there and it doesn’t take up a ton of space in the crate. And the three-songs-per-side format sounds good, lots of low end. For what I’m doing, it works out fine. 

Compilations can be too loaded with material to be useful in this setting, too many songs crammed onto a side, bad remastering, no thump or presence. So I’m sparing in my use of them. But I carry several around with me just for fun, like Soul Jazz comps and the Trojan Records Toots and the Maytals collection.

Will loved the Jimmy Spicer track I played from the Ace Records subsidiary BGP collection chronicling the first decade of hip-hop called “Dollar Bill Y’All.” It consists of records released by the Spring label, which was run by an industry lifer Bill Curtis, who was also a member of the band Fatback. Dude heard the potential in the hip-hop sound early, and the Spring offshoot Posse had early work from Ice-T, Afrika Islam, Marley Marl and artists promoted by Russell Simmons, like Jimmy Spicer. I followed that up with a Sugar Hill Records group, The Sequence. I like the old hip-hop sound. It still sounds good in the club. Will also dug the Herb Alpert “Rise” mix I have. It was so much fun to see him and the crew dancing around to it. 

I ended right at 0100 hours. Funny how that worked out. I just didn’t feel like going any longer. Maybe I got too much rest that day. I usually like to go until close, just because I like it there, but tonight it wasn’t right, so I bugged out and got home at a decent hour.

Next Third Space is 21 October, 2023. 9PM to 1AM, unless I get inspired to stay.

[bizzna-pop]

Creating the Perfect Balance: Classic and Modern Balcony Design Tips

In the vibrant city of Bangalore, where outdoor spaces are a luxury, balconies serve as vital extensions of the home—a serene spot for relaxation, entertainment, or simply enjoying the fresh air. Whether you live in a cozy apartment or a sprawling villa, an intelligently designed balcony can transform into a private haven. Today’s balcony design trends lean towards the beautiful fusion of traditional and modern elements, blending cultural richness with contemporary style. At WeDezine Studio, we specialize in this artful balance, creating balcony spaces that are stylish, functional, and reflective of your unique personality. Here’s how you can achieve this blend and elevate your balcony into a sophisticated retreat.

1. Material Mix: Stone Meets Metal for Timeless Appeal

Traditional Indian materials like stone, wood, and terracotta are making a grand comeback in balcony designs, thanks to their rustic charm and natural beauty. To modernize the space, pair these with sleek, contemporary materials like metal or glass. For instance, opt for stone or terracotta flooring to ground your balcony in traditional warmth, while complementing it with minimalist metal railings or glass partitions for an airy, modern look. This contrast of raw, organic materials with smooth, sleek finishes creates a space that’s both grounded and cutting-edge.

2. Furniture Fusion: Classic Forms with Modern Comfort

Balcony furniture is the perfect opportunity to blend tradition and modernity. Imagine cane chairs, intricately carved wooden swings, or low diwans—hallmarks of Indian design—updated with contemporary upholstery in bold colors or subtle neutrals. A traditional jhoola (swing) can be paired with a modern side table or minimalist planter stands, offering a perfect mix of old-world charm and new-age functionality. This combination ensures your balcony not only looks stylish but feels inviting and comfortable.

3. Greenery that Bridges the Gap Between Old and New

No balcony is complete without plants, and they are central to bridging the gap between traditional and modern design elements. Incorporate traditional clay pots, brass planters, or terracotta urns alongside sleek metal or ceramic planters. You could also introduce vertical gardens or hanging planters, which offer a modern, space-saving solution without compromising on the natural beauty that plants bring. This layering of greenery in both traditional and modern containers creates a lush, dynamic look.

4. Lighting with Character: Old-World Charm Meets Modern Tech

Lighting is an essential element in balcony design, especially for creating ambiance during the evenings. Traditional Indian lanterns, brass lamps, or hanging diyas can add a touch of ethnic charm, while modern LED strip lights, recessed lighting, or sleek floor lamps introduce a contemporary edge. Consider integrating smart lighting systems, where you can adjust brightness and color tones with a touch of a button. This blend of vintage warmth and modern convenience creates a beautifully lit space that feels both intimate and sophisticated.

5. Textile Stories: Heritage Weaves and Contemporary Styles

Textiles can instantly elevate the mood of your balcony. Consider incorporating handwoven rugs, block-printed cushions, or dhurries that celebrate India’s rich textile heritage. Pair these with modern, weather-resistant outdoor fabrics in solid colors or geometric prints for a balanced look. Combining traditional Indian weaves and patterns with clean, contemporary lines in your textiles can make your balcony feel chic and cozy at the same time.

6. Accent Décor: Where Tradition Meets Minimalism

Décor elements can make or break a space, and balconies are no exception. For a balanced aesthetic, consider using brass statues, traditional pottery, or carved wooden accents, all of which pay homage to India’s rich craft traditions. To keep the space feeling fresh and uncluttered, pair these heritage pieces with minimalist, modern décor like sleek candleholders, abstract sculptures, or geometric planters. This careful selection of décor strikes the perfect balance between heritage and minimalism, ensuring your balcony is both culturally rich and visually clean.

7. Artistic Flair: Traditional Indian Art in a Modern Context

Another growing trend in balcony interior design is incorporating traditional Indian art forms, such as Madhubani paintings, Warli art, or Pichwai artwork. These timeless art styles can be introduced through murals, framed prints, or even hand-painted pots. Against a modern, minimalist backdrop, these art pieces serve as striking focal points, adding depth and cultural significance to the space without overwhelming it.

8. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection: A Modern Must-Have

A hallmark of modern design is the seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Achieve this by opting for sliding glass doors or floor-to-ceiling windows, which create a visual flow from your living room to your balcony. Extend the same flooring or color palette from the indoors to the outdoors to create a sense of continuity. This fluid connection not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also makes your balcony feel like an extension of your living space, offering the perfect blend of modern design philosophy with traditional indoor-outdoor living.

9. Privacy with Style: Traditional Jalis with a Modern Twist

For those who value privacy in their balconies, jalis (intricately carved screens) offer both beauty and functionality. Traditionally seen in Indian architecture, these screens can now be reimagined with modern materials like laser-cut metal or acrylic. Not only do they offer privacy, but they also cast stunning light and shadow patterns, creating a visually dynamic play of light that brings an artistic element to your space.

10. Sustainability Meets Tradition: Eco-Friendly Balcony Design

Modern design trends emphasize sustainability, and this can easily be integrated with traditional Indian elements. Use recycled wood for furniture, upcycled décor, and eco-friendly paints to create a space that is both environmentally responsible and aesthetically pleasing. Traditional Indian handicrafts, such as handwoven baskets, ceramic pots, or bamboo planters, further enhance the eco-friendly vibe, resulting in a balcony design that feels timeless yet forward-thinking in its environmental impact.

Conclusion: The Perfect Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Your balcony is not just an extension of your home; it’s an expression of your personal style. By blending traditional Indian design elements with modern aesthetics, you can create a space that is uniquely yours—rooted in cultural heritage while embracing the sleek sophistication of contemporary design. At WeDezine Studio, we excel in curating personalized balcony interiors that harmoniously balance the old with the new, ensuring that your outdoor space is a sanctuary of style, comfort, and functionality.

Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful retreat or a stylish outdoor lounge, embracing this fusion of tradition and modernity can transform your balcony into a space of elegance and relaxation. Let WeDezine Studio guide you in crafting a balcony that reflects your unique taste, blending the timeless beauty of tradition with the clean lines of modern design, all tailored to your lifestyle.

[brooklynbutterflyarts]

The Treachery of Images by René Magritte Framed Print The Treachery of Images by René Magritte The Treachery of Images (French: La Trahison des Images) is a 1929 painting by Belgian surrealist painter René Magritte. It is also known as This Is Not a Pipe,[2] Ceci n'est pas une pipe[2] and The Wind and the Song.[3] Magritte painted it when he was 30 years old. It is on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.[1] You can customize size and mat color above to suit your decor. Perfect for a professional setting like an office or study. Molding: Custom 1" Flat top black made of Maple wood Mat:Double mat, Achival 100% Acid Free Print: Bonded & Dry-mounted Print on Foam Core. Perfectly flat and smooth finish Glass is included, Comes Fully Assembled With Metal Wire Hooks. Ready For Your Wall Ideal for office or study display. The double mat accentuates the image giving it depth and a looking through a window appearance. You will be amazed by the impact of this high quality display will make on your wall. The print is dry mounted and bonded on a hot vacuum press to special foam core. This bonding gives the print a perfectly flat and solid appearance. This process also insures that the print will never fold or fade over time. This wonderful display makes a thoughtful and original gift containing a classic vintage touch yet modern design, allowing it to fit alongside both modern and classic decor. BUY WITH CONFIDENCE. ALL OF MY DELICATE ITEMS ARE SHIPPED WITH A SPECIAL 3 LAYER PROTECTION SYSTEM.

[princesscolumbia]

Code of Ethics - Ch. 21 - Walkable Landing

This is the largest separation between publications of chapters I've had for this fic to date, but that's only because I've been focussing on new stuff going to my Patreon. Enterprising followers will also note the addition of this fic on my AO3 page, though I haven't gotten all chapters up-to-date yet.

Also, if I keep writing at my current pace, I may have to increase my release frequency.

Diane's Commander's Ability has given her a foothold into the slaver's station, now to just finish them off...

Preview below the cut:

She wound up selecting, ‘Swinging on a Star,’ having been inspired by the bouncy, bold brass of the big band sound she’d not-quite-on-purpose summoned to break into the station. She was apparently so ‘in the zone’ with her Commander’s Ability by that point that all it took was for her to start the music up over the starbase’s PA system (and, apparently, her comms as indicated by Russe gasping in childlike wonder) was to step off the lift and ‘snap’ her fingers while thinking of the song. As soon as her armor-clad middle finger ‘clacked’ against the palm of her gauntlet (the physics of the finger snap were, she would wind up researching later, completely broken and meant that if you had your hand in any sort of glove just wouldn’t create an actual ‘snap’ sound) the sound of drums and horns kicked off the song.

What followed was about one and a half minutes of a practical slaughter set to music that was nearly two-hundred years old and, by the time she’d heard it the first time in kindergarten, was considered a children’s song and usually set to a jouncy-flouncy piano tune. Her father had been a collector of vintage (meaning genuinely antique) vinyl records. Almost as soon as he heard six-year old Dylan singing it to a group of carefully arranged action figures he dug out an old (really old) recording that had been salvaged from some collection somewhere. To Diane’s later shame, she hadn’t ever paid enough attention to her father’s stories about his collection before her mom died, and after mom’s death he just shut down before committing suicide when she was 11 and Tiffany proceeded to sell off or trash anything she didn’t see value in keeping from Diane’s parents, including all her dad’s old records.

This is for you, dad, she found herself thinking as she sang, “...and by the way, if you hate to go to school, you may grow up to be a mule!” before delivering to a charging slaver a superfluously new orifice in the center of his chest.

A couple of centuries ago some man named Frank Sinatra had poured just an absolute master-class level of sass into a song that seemed, on the surface, to be about a bunch of animals and their associated behavior. It was just non-sensical enough that if the listener wasn’t paying attention, they might miss that the lyrics were highlighting behaviors that were antisocial or undesirable in a civil society and comparing them to less than appealing animals.

She racked another round into her shotgun’s chamber and did a sliding Charleston step to dodge an energy round from a pistol fired at her from down the hall before returning fire with the kind of accuracy and resulting carnage a shotgun in an urban combat environment could bring. “Would you like to swing on a star?” Naturally, the lyrics felt particularly appropriate during the chorus, which was all about the ambition to stride the heavens as a metaphor for being successful at life.

She did a little dancing twirl, as though she were wearing ballet flats instead of combat-rated gravity boots and took out two more crewmen with two trigger pulls on the beat, “Carry moonbeams home in a jar,” after all, her entire purpose as a player in this game was to become a truly phenomenal station commander and eventually be powerful enough to change the astropolitical space-scape, right?

Diane’s mental count of shots fired from her shotgun told her she’d discharged the last round, so she slung the long-gun over her shoulder, letting the carry strap catch it against her back, as she lifted the P390 to her shoulder and flicked the fire select switch from ‘Full’ to ‘Burst’ and ventilated four slavers trying to cram into the hallway she was walking down through a door clearly meant for a single person at a time, “And be better off then you are...or would you rather be a pig?” Of course, she was supposed to be looking for rogue A.I. and infiltrating spaces they were supposed to be hiding so future hunts could eliminate the threat to humanity, but it was decidedly unlikely that any of these goons she was popping were A.I. beyond the ‘dumb’ kind that managed NPCs in games. She was more likely to find a rogue either in Ops or hidden-in-plain-site among the slaves.

So why not have some fun in the meantime?

There was a natural break in the song between the end of the chorus where the next animal to be discussed was named and the actual verse featuring its attributes, so Diane started doing a skipping dance down the hallway to the music, section now free of hostiles. Russe’s voice cut in, “Oh, lookie there,” he said as preamble, “Someone’s asking nicely to use the comms!”

Diane paused in her dancing stroll and glanced around. She spotted a room with an open door, someone’s office from the looks of it, and ducked inside before saying, “Really? Think they’re offering to surrender?”

“Only one way to find out, you want me to put ‘em on?”

She grinned, perhaps a little savagely, “Why not? It’s only sporting.”

Read the rest on Scribble Hub

[limocloud9]

Luxury on Wheels: Best Wedding Party Transportation Options

Introduction

Transportation is a crucial aspect of any wedding celebration, ensuring that the bridal party arrives in style and on time. Choosing the right wedding party transportation adds an element of luxury and sophistication to your special day. This comprehensive guide explores the best options for wedding party transportation, focusing on luxury vehicles that enhance comfort, style, and convenience without any company names or section divisions. Let's delve into how you can make your wedding day even more memorable with luxury on wheels.

Choosing the Right Wedding Party Transportation

Selecting the appropriate transportation for your wedding party involves several considerations, including the size of the party, the theme of the wedding, logistical needs, and personal preferences. Here’s a detailed look at the options available:

1. Limousines

Limousines are synonymous with luxury and elegance, making them a popular choice for wedding transportation. They offer spacious interiors, plush seating, and amenities that cater to comfort and style. Limousines come in various sizes, from classic stretch limos to larger SUV limousines or even party buses. Here are some key benefits:

Luxurious Interiors: Limousines provide a lavish setting with leather seats, mood lighting, and often include amenities such as minibars and entertainment systems.

Privacy and Comfort: The partition between the chauffeur and the passenger area ensures privacy, allowing the bridal party to relax and enjoy intimate moments.

Capacity: Limousines can accommodate small to large bridal parties, depending on the vehicle size. They are suitable for transporting the bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and immediate family members.

2. Classic Cars

For couples seeking a touch of nostalgia or a vintage theme, classic cars offer a charming and romantic option. These timeless vehicles, such as vintage Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, or classic convertibles, add a sense of elegance and sophistication to the wedding day. Key features include:

Timeless Appeal: Classic cars evoke a sense of nostalgia and elegance, perfect for couples with a vintage-inspired wedding theme.

Photographic Opportunities: The sleek lines and iconic designs of classic cars provide stunning backdrops for wedding photos, capturing timeless memories.

Chauffeur Services: Professional chauffeurs ensure a smooth and stylish arrival at the ceremony and reception venues, enhancing the overall experience.

3. Luxury Sedans

For couples preferring a more understated yet luxurious option, luxury sedans are an excellent choice. These vehicles, such as Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series, offer sophisticated interiors, advanced technology features, and a smooth ride. Benefits include:

Comfort and Style: Luxury sedans provide plush leather seating, climate control, and advanced sound systems, ensuring a comfortable and stylish journey.

Elegant Arrival: The sleek and modern design of luxury sedans makes a sophisticated statement upon arrival at the wedding venue.

Efficiency: Ideal for transporting the bride and groom or smaller bridal parties, luxury sedans offer convenience and efficiency without compromising on luxury.

4. Exotic Cars

For couples with a passion for speed and luxury, exotic cars provide a thrilling and unforgettable wedding transportation option. These high-performance vehicles, such as Lamborghinis, Ferraris, or Aston Martins, offer a unique experience. Key features include:

Exhilarating Experience: Exotic cars combine luxury with high-speed performance, creating a memorable and exhilarating ride for the bride and groom.

Statement-Making Arrival: The sleek designs and powerful engines of exotic cars make a bold statement upon arrival at the wedding venue, leaving a lasting impression.

Photogenic Appeal: Exotic cars are often featured in wedding photos, adding a touch of glamour and excitement to the visual storytelling of the day.

5. Party Buses

Ideal for larger bridal parties or those looking to extend the celebration on wheels, party buses offer spacious interiors with amenities designed for fun and comfort. These vehicles often feature:

Ample Seating: Party buses can accommodate large groups of wedding party members, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, and close family.

Entertainment Options: Amenities may include plush seating, LED lighting, sound systems, and sometimes even dance floors or minibars, creating a festive atmosphere.

Convenience: Party buses provide a single, centralized transportation option for the entire bridal party, eliminating the need for multiple vehicles and ensuring everyone arrives together.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Wedding Party Transportation

When selecting wedding party transportation, consider the following factors to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience:

Capacity: Determine the number of people who need transportation to choose a vehicle that comfortably accommodates the entire bridal party.

Amenities: Consider the amenities that will enhance your experience, such as refreshments, entertainment systems, or specific decor options.

Theme and Style: Match the vehicle choice to the overall theme and style of your wedding. Whether classic, modern, vintage, or extravagant, the transportation should complement the event’s ambiance.

Logistics: Plan the transportation timeline carefully, considering the distance between venues, traffic conditions, and any photo stops along the way.

Professionalism: Select a reputable transportation provider with experienced chauffeurs who prioritize punctuality, safety, and customer service.

Making the Most of Your Wedding Transportation

To maximize your wedding transportation experience, consider the following tips:

Schedule Early: Book your chosen vehicle well in advance, especially for weddings during peak seasons or popular dates.

Personalize: Customize the decorations and amenities in the vehicle to reflect your wedding theme and personal style.

Photography Opportunities: Plan for photo opportunities with the wedding transportation, both before departing and upon arrival at the venues.

Coordinate with Your Planner: Work closely with your wedding planner to ensure the transportation logistics align with the overall wedding day timeline.

Relax and Enjoy: On your wedding day, relax and enjoy the luxury and comfort of your chosen transportation option, creating cherished memories with your loved ones.

Conclusion

Choosing the best wedding party transportation involves selecting a vehicle that matches your style, accommodates your party size, and enhances the overall wedding day experience. Whether you opt for a classic limousine, a vintage car, a luxurious sedan, an exotic vehicle, or a festive party bus, luxury on wheels adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your special day. By considering factors such as capacity, amenities, theme, logistics, and professionalism, you can ensure a seamless and memorable transportation experience that complements your wedding celebrations perfectly.

[gazellefamily]

SUMMER OF SAM (1999)

"Spike goes full Scorsese and the result is... not relaxing! I tried watching this a long time ago and it caused a headache, but now that I wish i could press refresh on GOODFELLAS and watch a similar but different story in the goombah-verse, it fills that need. As much about a serial killer as it is Jon Leguizamo's confused penis. Eye-Ti 'Madonna / Whore" complex. Mira Sorvino tho? Marone. You become an adult when you realize you'd rather go to jizz-soaked Studio 54 over urine-soaked CBGBs. Donna Summers probably sounded unreal on the PA system and at least you could fight your way out of 54 when you get claustrophobic" -Sonny Gazelle

"Went to a show at CBGB one time only, to see a Gorilla Biscuits reunion show. Within seconds of GB starting their set, I realized that the ENTIRE CLUB was now a vintage 80s hardcore pit and I had to pretty much fight my way through the show or die. Pretty stressful. So yeah - - I would rather do the Studio. I saw this movie in the theater and I was arrogant enough to think I knew better about punk than Spike and that it was dumb that Brody's character was so into the Who. But I'm the idiot: early punk fans HAD NO PUNK to be a fan of. They all liked The Who and Iggy and The Stones and like...Blue Oyster Cult. My favorite part of S.O.S. is when the dog talks like John Turturro. Spike...bro...the Knicks last won a championship 51 years ago...take those banners down from your office. You're embarrassing yourself." -Tommy Gazelle

[prnanayarquah]

Romain Virgo Excites Fans With U.S. Tour Date Announcement During VP Records’ Record Store Day Celebration

New Post has been published on https://plugzafrica.com/romain-virgo-excites-fans-with-u-s-tour-date-announcement-during-vp-records-record-store-day-celebration/

Romain Virgo Excites Fans With U.S. Tour Date Announcement During VP Records’ Record Store Day Celebration

On Saturday afternoon, the VP Records store in Jamaica, Queens, was abuzz with excitement. For Record Store Day 2024, visitors flowed freely through the historic space, combing through rows of CDs and vinyl, meeting and taking photos with Romain Virgo, and enjoying an hours-long sound system session outside. Around 6 p.m., the event culminated with Romain Virgo’s announcement to the large crowd that he would be bringing ”The Gentle Man” tour to the Crown Hill Theatre in Brooklyn on June 7 and 8 – his first shows in the city since last year.

Hosted by Garfield ‘Chin’ Bourne of Sound Chat Radio, the event brought together Reggae fans from all of NYC’s five boroughs – and beyond. It featured sound systems like Bass Odyssey, LP International, Nexxt Level, Super Force, and Dub Electric playing vintage dubplates in VP Records’ parking lot, with artists like Valiant and Tarrus Riley making special guest appearances.

Authentic sound system culture was on full display as the various “sounds” went dub-for-dub against each other – a segment that was followed by Romain Virgo toasting over classic dancehall riddims.

Pictured: Richard Lue (left), Romain Virgo (center), Garfield ‘Chin’ Bourne, Dane Bogle (right)

For hours, fans took advantage of the opportunity to get CD copies of The Gentle Man, Romain Virgo’s new album, signed by the artist. Many were quick to scoop up this year’s exclusive Record Store Day titles: re-issues of Don Carlos’ Pass Me the Lazer Beam LP, The Aggrovators’ Dubbing at King Tubby’s, Vol. 1 and 2, and of Yellowman’s Zungguzungguguzungguzeng.

“The turnout on Saturday was a strong reminder that people still have a deep love for vinyl, Reggae music, and sound system culture. It was a great day for the community, and we look forward to putting on more events like this in the future,” said Chris Chin, President of VP Records. “Thanks to the VP Records team for their contributions to the event’s success, especially Dane ‘Fatman’ Bogle for his coordination of the sound system activities.”

Romain Virgo’s upcoming shows in Brooklyn are part of a longer string of U.S. East Coast concerts, beginning at Toad’s Place in New Haven, CT on June 6 and wrapping up at The Ave Live in Philadelphia, PA on June 9. The tour is in support of his latest album, which features Masicka, Patoranking, Capleton, and Jesse Royal.

More information on the tour will be announced soon.

[o-link]

Love's Divine

Biographie Seal

Avec son timbre de voix unique, Seal est un auteur-compositeur-interprète avec déjà une longue carrière derrière lui. Seal a signé de nombreux hits, dont « Les Mots » avec Mylène Farmer, « Kiss From A Rose », ou encore « Love’s Divine ».

Ses débuts dans la musique Né le 19 février 1963 à Londres, Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adelo Samuel possède des origines nigériennes et brésiliennes. Son surnom Seal vient de ce qu’il collectionne les phoques en porcelaine. Il commence des études d’architecte, qu’il abandonne, et vit ensuite de petits travaux, tout en se produisant dans des clubs et des bars.

Au début de sa carrière musicale, Seal affiche un look bien à lui. Ses dreadlocks lui permettent notamment de dissimuler ses cicatrices dues à une maladie, le lupus. Quelques années plus tard, Seal affiche un look nouveau en se rasant le crâne. Au fil de sa carrière musicale, Seal a beaucoup varié les univers. Entre la pop, le rock, la soul ou encore la house, il assure sur tous les styles. Dans les années 1980, il fait parti du groupe Push, et part en tournée au Japon, mais le groupe ne parvient pas à percer. « Crazy », son premier succès De retour en Angleterre, il rencontre Adamski, producteur de house et de techno, avec qui il enregistre le titre « Killer » qui devient un hit en 1990. C’est en 1991 qu’il enregistre son premier album en solo « Seal ». Il connaît son premier grand succès avec le single « Crazy », un titre soul sobre, teinté d'un mysticisme new age, qui se vend à plus de trois millions d’exemplaires dans le monde. L’artiste anglais s'inscrit alors dans le renouveau de la soul britannique des années 1990.   « Seal », le premier opus En 1991, son premier album « Seal » connaît un succès mondial. En 1994, il enregistre « Manic Depression » de Jimi Hendrix avec Jeff Beck, qui sort sur l'album « Stone Free » en hommage au guitariste. Son deuxième album, sorti en 1994, porte le même titre que le précédent et suit le même chemin.En 1998, l’opus « Human Being » ne marche pas très bien. De retour avec « Love's Divine » Après avoir renoncé à sortir l’album « Togetherland », qu’il juge mauvais, le résident de Los Angeles retourne alors à ses racines londoniennes où il se ressource en énergie. Grâce à l’album manqué, Seal repense à son amour de la musique et au moyen de l’exprimer. Dans « Love’s Divine », l’amour est là, et la voix est divine. Dans « Seal IV », celui qui tient à provoquer des réactions et à laisser une place à l’interprétation déclenche tout un tas d’émotions, mais ne les commande pas. « Les Mots », son duo avec Mylène Farmer qui l’avait remis en haut de l’affiche en 2001, figure dans la version française de l’album de Seal. « System » Après quatre ans de silence Seal revient avec un cinquième album studio de toute beauté baptisé « System ». Seal s'est entouré cette fois du musicien et compositeur Stuart Price, qui a notamment coécrit et produit « Confessions On A Dancefloor » de Madonna. La tonalité est donnée d'emblée : Seal a choisi de faire un retour aux sources en proposant le style dance qu'il avait déjà expérimenté à ses débuts. En y apportant un côté pop, plus actuel, il parvient à délivrer 11 chansons très contemporaines magnifiées par son timbre de voix enveloppant. Bien sûr, les sentiments et la nostalgie sont à l'honneur (« Just Like Before », « The Right Life »...), mais le chanteur sait aussi manier sa plume de façon à écrire sur des sujets plus larges, qui permettent à chacun de s'approprier ses textes. « Soul », la consécration de Seal Malgré tout, en un an d'exploitation, ce disque ne se vend qu'à 115 000 exemplaires aux Etats-Unis. Pour redresser la barre, Seal enregistre rapidement un nouvel album en collaboration avec le producteur David Foster (Michael Bublé, Josh Groban). « Soul » se compose de onze reprises tirées des répertoires de Sam Cooke, James Brown, Al Green, Otis Redding, The Impressions, Ann Pebbles ou encore Deniece Williams. Sur des arrangements vintage habillés de cuivres et de cordes, Seal rend ici un vibrant hommage aux parrains de la soul. Le public est conquis et l’album s’écoule à plus de 800 000 exemplaires, notamment grâce au single « A Change Is Gonna Come », repris de Sam Cooke, qui est utilisé lors de la campagne de Barack Obama à la présidence des États-Unis. « Commitment », de nouvelles chansons originales En septembre 2010, un septième opus vient enrichir la discographie de Seal, « Commitment ». Après son disque de reprises soul, le chanteur propose onze nouvelles chansons dont une ballade en guise de premier extrait intitulée « Secret ». En 2012, Seal fait partie des coaches de la version australienne de The Voice, aux côtés de Keith Urban, Delta Goodrem et Joel Madden.

[jdeanscs]

Vintage Portable PA Speaker System Amplivox Roving Rostrum

Vintage Portable PA Speaker System Amplivox Roving Rostrum - Good Condition, Working See Photos / Video ... Warehouse Liquidation Sale - FREE SHIPPING -- Click Here https://www.ohiosellestate.com/product-page/vintage-portable-pa-speaker-system-amplivox-roving-rostrum