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cityofdreams-writing · 3 years ago

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Nothing But A Slut Jacket

Type: One-shot

Rating: E

Pairing: Jimin x M!Reader

Word Count: 1K

Genre: Smut

Warnings: Swearing, pet names, a teensy bit of degrading, praise kink, and I think that's it.

Author: @cityofdreams-writing

Description: Jimin wears nothing but a suit jacket at his PTD x Black Swan concert, and you get some ideas…

Notes: This was a lot of fun to write but I apologize if it seems rushed. I am trying to clean out my drafts so I can update my AO3 and Wattpad. Enjoy! This was inspired by this post (see for GIF of Jimin).

Soundtrack: None

"Jimin!"

"Hey look it's Jimin!"

"Park Jimin!!"

"Jimin looks so handsome tonight!~"

The fans squeal and murmur over the group currently dancing on the stage, but Jimin's fan comments irk you the most.

All you want to do is grab him off that stage and kiss him right there in front of everyone.

But alas, it's a scandal waiting to happen.

Not only would their managers almost literally kill you, you'd have a camera shoved up your ass with no privacy whatsoever. How these boys did it was a question you still harbored.

Your thoughts turn to your boyfriend dancing on the stage, wearing a glittery suit jacket, black pants and...hold on.

HE'S WEARING NOTHING UNDER THAT JACKET!

He looks like a slut…and I love it.

The fact that you could see this was because you had VIP tickets since you know...the one and only Park Jimin was your boyfriend.

You watch him spin and dance around the stage, revealing a tattoo that your fingers traced so many times, the familiarity brought you back to reality.

And suddenly, the concert is over, and the fans are all squealing and clapping.

You head backstage, seeing Jimin's back stripping as he starts to take off his outfit. He's laughing and joking with Jungkook about how his feet hurt. The both of them had the hardest moves of all, Jungkook lifting Jimin in the performance and Jimin struggling to keep the pose because of how tired he already was.

You encase him in a hug, feeling his body against yours. It's hot and sweaty and it's ruining your suit but you don't even mind.

You trace the taut muscles of his back and kiss his neck gently. "Baby~!"

Jimin moans softly, turning around to tiptoe and place a kiss on your lips. "M/N-hyung.~"

You smile. "That's right, angel. You did so well tonight. And you look amazing. I wish I could have seen you sooner but the fangirls are so loud..." You rub your head, agitated by how much the girls next to you squealed.

"Ah, don't worry about them. They just don't know that I'm already owned." Jimin smirks and nuzzles your nose, relishing the purr that falls from your parted lips.

You kiss him, sucking on his bottom lip, humming in response as he obediently opens his mouth.

You slip your tongue into it, slowly moving it around and watching the man beneath you equally as slowly unravel under your touch. He's a sucker for slow, sensual things.

"Yo! I love this stuff that's going on, but get a room y'all. We don't want you getting spicy here." Jungkook said, pretending to take notes in a notepad. You shove him aside and playfully laugh, watching as Jimin blushes his head off.

"Come on, let's go somewhere more private." You take his hand and lead him to a secret room. That room's there in case a member needs rest between songs because they work so hard.

"Can we use this room?"

"I'm sure our manager won't mind. We're just going to have to clean up the room so it doesn’t seem messy and smell like sex." He giggles, such a sweet, delicate sound.

With that, you push him up against the wall, his jacket pushed down his arms, exposing sculpted muscle.

"Fuck, baby. You looked perfect under the stage lights, and you look delicious now…"

Something about him turns you on immensely. Perhaps it's the way his plump lips part, his lipstick smudged, breathing hard under yours, a little more and he'd be whimpering under you.

Perhaps it's the way he tastes, of lust, heat, sweat and roses.

Or perhaps it is the proximity. But something about him really has you hot and bothered.

Your fingers trace over the "Nevermind" tattoo on his rib, feeling where the pen pressed into his skin that day, engraving him with this tattoo.

He shivers. "Please...I need you, hyung, need you so bad right now..."

You slip the jacket off, taking in his strong body. You pull him closer with the chain harness that he has on, the only other thing that he has on that is separating you from him.

You take it off, letting it slowly slide to the floor with a clink.

Your hands trail down his chest, one of them slowly going to palm at his cock, still trapped in his pants.

He whimpers in your ear, a melodic sound.

"Can I take this off?" You hum, ushering him over to the bed and letting him fall on it with you, hands and knees, on top of him.

"Please." Such a simple, yet powerful word, especially coming from him.

"I want you right now, hyung. Please, just...inside me." He flips over.

You coo in his ear. "Such a desperate little whore, aren't you? A good little cockslut, ready to take me at a moment's notice?"

Jimin moans softly. "Y-yes hyung..."

You pull your clothes and his remaining ones off, exposing his pink hole to the air, already clenching around nothing.

"Baby, I haven't even entered you yet, why are you clenching? Are you that eager f'me?"

"M-mhm!~"

You push two fingers in, marvelling at how it sucks you in immediately.

You start to thrust them in and out, the man's mouth falling open and little whimpers and melodical whines coming out.

You bite at his ear and hear a louder moan from him.

"Ready, love?"

There is a responsive nod from the man, his hole puckering for you.

You slowly push your cock in, groaning at how it fits around you perfectly.

You start a rough cadence, watching as the ravishing boy underneath you screams and writhes in pleasure.

You and him both are already so wrecked, you can't even last ten minutes at least. You last about five, and he lasts about three before both of you cum together.

"A-a-ah!~ Hyung~! P-please~!" Jimin screams as he cums.

You quickly pull out and wrap your arms around him, letting the room soak up the scent of sex and roses and musk.

"I love you, (Y/N)-hyung."

"I love you too, my darling."

#Bts army #bts #bts jimin #park jimin #bts x male reader #bts writing #park Jimin x male reader #Park Jimin x male reader smut #Bts x male reader smut #Queue will never be King 👑#King's fics #time to empty my drafts

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drabblemesilly · 5 years ago

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Matthew Tkachuk #8

Requested by Anon: Can you please pleaseee make a Matt Tkachuk fwb to lovers one, kinda angsty but still cute please? thanksxxx

*Hi!! Thank you so much for this! I’m always apprehensive when doing an M Tkachuk angsty one because I just always think I write him the best. And I’m always scared that the next Matt drabble I post is the first one you wouldn’t like but I had so much fun writing this! I think I’m getting back on my groove. I just love the angsty drabbles the most. I took inspiration from this song by Ingrid Andress entitled Both. Enjoy!! :)*

Word count: 995

If only the VIP passes could kill, you would have been cold by now; probably lying on your carpeted floor. Alas, they are just two pieces of laminated cardboard harmlessly set on your breakfast bar. You’re supposed to show them to the security at the arena tomorrow night, like it’s some kind of badge or something that says: “I’m banging one of the players!”

Yeah, no. You’re really not in the business of kissing and telling. Besides, Matthew has been a little bit confusing lately, you’re not even sure him giving you passes is still in the realm of the casual hookup that you are. Huh, you know what they say, there’s a fine line between like and lust.

“You know those tickets aren’t gonna eat you alive, right?”

Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

Turning around, you saw Matthew leaning on your bedroom door, shirt half buttoned, pants half zipped.

“Huh?” you asked, hoping you didn’t sound like the fool that you are.

He nodded towards the breakfast bar, “those are just tickets,” he smirked, sauntering over, “you look like you’re being handed a death sentence or something.”

You snorted.

Matthew turned the stool you were sitting on until he had you facing him, “it’s just a game.”

As if.

“You’ve never invited me to a game before,” you pointed out. Going to a Flames game and sitting with legit wives and girlfriends were never on the table when you started hooking up with Matthew Tkachuk.

And honestly, after the whole I-miss-you debacle of last month, you’re not really certain where things are with him.

Standing up, you buttoned his shirt completely, “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

A month ago, you were so sure that you had with him was casual. Purely casual.

The rules were pretty simple too: no overnights, no unnecessary texts, no lingering around. Everything was going smoothly too, until feelings got in the way. Your feelings.

One time you were kicking him out of the bed, the next you were brushing your teeth three times in his bathroom just so you could stay a little longer. It’s both scary and freaky at the same time.

Just when you were about to run far away from Matthew Tkachuk and his undeniably hot body, he suddenly sent you the worst message you could ever receive from a fuck buddy, “I miss you, I miss having you around.” They were in the middle of an east coast road trip and you haven’t seen each other for more than three weeks.

You were still contemplating what to say to that when he uploaded an Instagram story of him and a completely unknown girl getting hot and cozy in New York City. Right.

The pang in your heart was why you never did relationships in the first place. Especially relationships with overgrown boys who skate around bang other overgrown boys onto fiberglass.

And now he’s confusing things even more with these passes.

“You can just go to the game and we can grab some dinner after,” he suggested, wiggling his eyebrows.

“We don’t do dinners either,” you pointed out.

Matt just quirked and eyebrow, “there’s a first for everything?”

Bringing the whole casual arrangement thing might not be the best idea but balls to the wall, bitches. Oh gosh, this is going to change a lot of things. Heck, you might end the night without Matthew Tkachuk and without the tickets.

Whatever.

“What are we doing?” you whispered so softly, you were afraid he didn’t hear you.

Matt grabbed the stool beside you before saying, “I don’t know.”

You grinned despite your heart giving beating a million kilometers per minute, “well, that makes two of us.”

He sighed, “take the passes.”

You shrugged, “I’m still not sure about that.”

For seven months, you’ve skirted around the lines of staying casual or having more. Did you like it? Of course not. But you liked him enough to take whatever he’s willing to give you.

“I’m not sure you know what you want,” you continued, “you can’t make me feel special and then disappear for weeks on end.”

“I travel for a living,” he pointed out.

Okay.

“I mean,” you sighed, “you get my point, dork,” you lightly kicked his shin, “what are we doing?”

“I don’t know,” he answered softly before cupping your cheeks in his hands. Matt leaned forward until his breath tickled your cheek, his eye glimmering with some emotion you’re too afraid to identify.

“Matthew,” you warned, your hands balling his shirt, “you have to make up your mind.”

“I don’t know,” he repeated, leaning further until his lips hovered above yours. Gosh, how easy it is to just tip your head and feel his lips against yours. How easy it is to just forget and go back to the comfortable. Not that you weren’t horizontal and in your bed just fifteen minutes ago.

“We need to talk,” you told him.

He nodded, his lips still a centimeter above yours, “kiss me.”

Shaking your head, you stared deep into his eyes, “not until after we sort this out.”

“I like you,” he clarified, as if that wasn’t clear enough, “I like having you beside me,” he continued, nuzzling your neck with the tip of his nose, “I like the idea of you watching me on the ice,” he carried on, landing light kisses on your throat, “I miss you when I’m away,” his lips now teasing the soft spot just below your ear, “and I really hate that we’re still keeping this casual,” he finally pushed from his seat, his hands still cradling you as he stood up, “and I kinda hope you hate it too.

I like you,” he said again, like he was afraid you didn’t hear it the first time.

“Matt,” you answered him, sounding as breathy as you felt, your hands clutching his sides, “kiss me?”

He smirked, eyes glinting, “I thought you’d never ask.”

#matthew tkachuk #matthew tkachuk imagines #nhl imagines #hockey imagines #fanfic #drabble #drabbles #imagines #my writing #calgary flames

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thewhumpstuff · 5 years ago

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Ezekiel - Gifts [YaIMaY - D2]

[CW: References to: Human trading/trafficking]

[Teaser and Master List]

Introducing - The Bloody Blitz

He had been kind to her. It had taken effort. But he really wanted to give her a chance to see him for more than his usual cravings. He wished she had been more than a conquest. Alas, she was detached and distant, and Eze’s patience was wearing thin. He got her the best things, bestowed upon her the most ornate compliments, and all she had to offer was resignation and haphazard facts about her research. She talked about her work a lot. It was amusing at first, but got dull quickly and Eze’s interest waned. Then she said something in bed one night. “... I suppose it is actually nice that we’re not at war. And I hope we won’t be, but then... Alcyone said, if we were-” Nova truly did hope it would be an if and not when. “-I'd have had no way to perfect the serum…” Alcyone thought something Nova was doing was worthy enough to warrant a conversation? That piqued Ezekiel’s interest again. He coaxed details out of her. How naively she shared the information about her serum. Almost brightly. Ezekiel was potentially sitting on a goldmine. How could he not cash in? So, he took matters into his own hands. And made some arrangements. Today, it was time for him to collect. He looked at his watch to confirm that it was. The blonde hated having to do his own work, but this deal called for special discretion and did promise entertainment. He did not use his Q.B. sanctioned hover car for this. It was the time of the month where he had to settle for an archaic, rented van and today, he had to drive it himself. All this better be worth the trouble.

Ezekiel ambled in his study, on an end-to-end encrypted call with a Contact. The unknown, the unnamed, mysterious people that made things happen, for the right price. “Yes, but I need in, I want my own candidate… candidates preferably…” Ezekiel leaned against his study and tossed an eclectic paperweight in his hand absently. “Do you just want a person, or do you want to participate and win?” The Contacts knew how to read their customers too and they had their own way of collecting intelligence. It was easy to try lure Ezekiel. “Good doesn’t come cheap.” The mechanical genderless and toneless voice on the other end stated. Too bad Ezekiel could not really shuffle the cash to get the kind of funds he would need for a real champion in the Bloody Blitz. “You know I have to work within the budget that can be overlooked and won’t prompt an inquiry.” Ezekiel gripped the ornate paper weight tightly, his knuckles whitening as he reigned in his frustration. He did not like feeling like a dog on Q.B.’s leash. And somehow, despite all the privileges he had garnered, it never felt like enough. He never felt truly liberated. “People always break in the Bloody Blitz… Just pick up the pieces if you need someone to fix Ezekiel. Maybe you will get lucky and get a cheap Fighter that way. There are some good bouts scheduled for the next Blitz, say the word and I’ll get you in, you know they’re always happy to have you.” Eze disconnected on that pleasant note. The reminder that the organizers of the Bloody Blitz eagerly maintained the mutually beneficial relationship with him, was soothing. Out of his fondness for the expedient system, Eze did play his part and helped them keep things off Q.B.’s radar. They owe me, I am sure I’ll get what I want. - He parked the van and checked the shock-implements lay on the black faux leather of the passenger seat. The little inconveniences had already taken their toll on the blonde. He really did not like driving himself. This was not the first time he had accepted an invite to the Bloody Blitz, and it would not be the last. The conceivable venues for the event were changed too often. Enough fake information floated, to make it impossible for anyone who was not invited, to be able to pin down a location. The structures erected for the event were easy to dismantle without trace. It only happened bi-yearly. And their promise of security, so far, was delivered flawlessly. Ezekiel had a hand in maintaining this… Which earned him many privileges. - Ezekiel picked up a flute of a sparkling beverage off a tray, absently. Those in the VIP lounge were afforded certain palatable luxuries. He stood in the enclosed balcony, watching the skirmishes – to death or knock out – rage on, in the pit below. The current battle was a classic speed versus strength showdown. He overheard a snippet of a soft conversation. “I hope Lieder wins…” “Lieder is the strength guy? You don’t own him, do you?” she sounded aghast, because she had deemed him to be the weaker candidate. It was uncommon for the VIPs to memorise the names of the Fighters, unless they owned them. “No no, I’m just friends with his Trainer.” The man replied, slightly offended. He pointed at the guy who stood by the arena below. Ezekiel followed his finger and noticed the man in the black overalls; the word TRAINER visibly plastered on the back in bold white letters. The Trainer was anxiously muttering something into the ear of the man in the sweat and blood-stained orange bodysuit inside the pit – Leider. Leider leaned against the chain-link fence that sealed an area that was the size of four boxing rings. He was exhausted and tried to focus on what his trainer was saying, over the din of the crowd. His eyes trained onto the other guy in orange, his speedy opponent, being similarly attended to by his trainer. “I don’t see it happening.” The woman countered hotly. “Leider has the bets, in greater value and numbers.” Ezekiel scanned the riffraff below him, the kinds that had bid on tickets just to witness this charade and irresponsibly gambled on the outcomes of the brawls and challenges. Being unable to pay a debt is sometimes what forced people to surrender their lives as Fighters or Units. The time-out period was extended. There was a cry about a foul. The people who sat in chairs on bleachers placed on either side of the arena wore red—The Units. Their spokespeople were shouting. “NO! We agreed on the concentration and the units beforehand!” the stout woman in red, sprung off her seat and was making a beeline towards the other side. “But the dose should be duration based, not quantity based, how is our Fighter supposed to outlast yours, if yours works for-” A lankier woman responded, rankled. She too slid out of her chair; her motions were meeker as she slunk to meet the other woman halfway. Upon being interrupted, her smaller posse strode to her side for support. “-That sounds like something that should have been discussed before.” Eze could not hear the words anymore, but saw the mouths move as the women closed in on each other. Arguments that were deemed truly dull affairs were muted within the lounge. He could not hear the jeer of the crowd either but did feel the floor tremble under him as the people below stamped their feet in unison. The pleasing instrumental piece lilted in the balcony instead was interrupted by soft discontent mutters and sighs, the VIPs were more reserved in displaying their displeasure. “That dose-administration issue again!” The woman exclaimed. The man showed no interest in the specifics of the foul. He was too busy hungrily staring at the teams that had followed their leaders and were dangerously close to duking it out outside the pit. Ezekiel too, watched them with mild intrigue. The team on the side of speed was bigger. The Units were either teams of scientists or solo researchers responsible for inventing the products and prototypes. They did so either voluntarily out of academic curiosity, or out of necessity and desperation. Men in navy blue uniforms intervened and the crowd’s reaction was palpable again as the Units were ordered to their knees and then asked to retreat. The man near Ezekiel slapped his knee and laughed, earning some derisive looks from the other VIPs and outright disgusted from the woman beside him. “You’re embarrassing yourself, Julien.” “What…? Give me a break, I love it when the Handlers get to take charge. Too bad none of them defied the Handlers. They should be doing more with the Units, honestly. Fuckers need to work faster.” She cleared her throat and prattled on as the situation was managed and the referee made their final call. “I want Leider to lose because my sister has a twenty-three percent stake in the development of that enhancement. She narrowly misses the top shares though. So, her proposal about making the drug short-acting but more efficient is not being accepted.” “Get her to convince the other stakeholders.” The man snorted, like it was the most obvious thing ever. “I suppose if she manages and it passes, I’ll have to agree, the Handlers better make the Units buck up.” Her eyes glinted with their own hungry streak. Funding the Units granted the VIPs shareholder stakes on cutting-edge technology. Greater the ownership, the more autonomy one could have on how they wanted the research to proceed. The Handlers promised to do their best to make it happen. It prompted a smirk from Ezekiel. Lucky for me, I have my own personal ‘Unit’ in Nova. “We’ll see… I’m really looking forward to the next bout…” the man said, before he picked up an appetizer from the tray and slid the bite off the toothpick with his teeth cleanly. “That is bound to get truly bloody.” The woman agreed, having already forgotten her brief revulsion for the man. Ezekiel looked up at the announcement screen. Next up: ‘Genzo vs Zizi – Prosthetic Prototypes.’ - The fight truly was a spectacle, the woman, won against that Genzo guy, by the skin of her teeth. “Where are they going to take the Fighters?” Ezekiel asked the man in the purple uniform, standing by the gate to the VIP lounge. The guard was chewing a gum noisily and eyed the blonde, he wearily assessed the situation. “I doubt they’ll go to the wards; they’ll be in body bags soon.” “Yes, but where are they taking them now?” “Immediately? Backstage and then probably to the greenrooms for quick assessment, if they survive all that…” “Perfect.” the guard narrowed his eyes as Ezekiel nodded. Something about his manner must have made his intentions obvious. “Sir… Guests are not allowed backstage, so you can’t go there…” Ezekiel just patted the man’s shoulder reassuringly, but in an off-handed manner as he crossed him. Someone else’s problem, I guess… The guard thought. Ezekiel cut through any resistance like butter and was soon witnessing the deranged babble of Zizi’s trainer. The man stood between two gurneys, he loomed over his Fighter and beseeched the medics to reconsider. “Come on! There must be something. Something you can do. She is good, she brings in good cash, I will give you a cut…” “It is over… Let it go, they will give you another Fighter soon. You know better than to get attached Jerry.” The Biohacker was done with this conversation and Jeremy wasn’t. He clearly had made exactly that mistake. To Eze, he looked prohibitively attached to Zizi. This felt very exploitable. “I have a way to save her…” There was a confident cadence to Eze’s offer as he strolled up to the two medics and the trainer. “You do? What do you want for it?” There was an accent of suspicion in Jeremy’s question. No one did anything for free. Ezekiel clicked his tongue and addressed the BioHackers instead. “Where is the guy’s trainer?” “They rarely come to check on Fighters who lost and are presumed dea-” “What do you want for her?!” Jeremy spoke over the medic with an urgency. “Her… and him. I’ll save them, but they’re mine.” Ezekiel answered simply. Jeremy did not have the chance or the time to hesitate and the medics were thrilled to hand Genzo and Zizi over, they even rolled them into the black van for him. - He went to fetch the shock collars and cuffs. A pair for the ankles, a pair for the wrists and one for the neck. They were snapped onto his new subjects with a vapid efficiency. Ezekiel did not take risks. Transaction done. It was oddly relieving to drive away from the Bloody Blitz, gifts in hand. Tonight, the two Fighters would meet a new devil--or fallen angel rather-- and it wasn’t him. “It’d be fucking hilarious if I was rescuing you right?” He was not sure if they were conscious enough to hear his dark joke, but he was certain that they were in no state to respond. He drove past the East-facing cells by the arena and then the sign that read Quantum Brigade Living Quarters. The car slowed down, but he didn’t take that first turn. He took the dingier off road that followed. “Alas... Zizi and Genzo… I am the law. And you two are mine.” He took the back route to the officer’s apartment and parked the car by some trees off the road. Someone would come collect the car later. It had served its purpose and had now been appropriately discarded. He ambled to the secret exit to the officer’s houses, to make his entry. More secret pathways. And the grand house… Perks of being second-in-command. “SuperNova! I’m home sweetheart. And I brought you something special, but I’ll need you to help me bring them inside.”

[Category - 2]

[Tags: @lettuceknighted, @quirkykayleetam and @beckstriad - Thank you for being an awesome beta and helping me edit!]

#new plot arc #references to human trading #references to human trafficking #bloody blitz #oc Ezekiel #oc Zizi #oc Novara #oc Genzo #whump

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cfslugclub · 6 years ago

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Janna L. Miller @tyjannasaurus

September 1st holds a special place in the heart of Harry Potter fans…this is the day that the students of Hogwarts, Hogwarts, hoggy-warty Hogwarts return to school! Universal Studios Orlando celebrated this by hosting an exclusive social media meet-up to celebrate #backtohogwarts! They limited the number of available tickets to 40, and needless to say, they were gone in seconds…but I, and a few other Slug Club members must have finally gotten our Felix Felicis potion right, because we got our letter to Hogwarts!

The event’s check-in started at 8:45pm on Saturday night and my hubby, as my plus-one, and I arrived at around 8:30pm only to find that we were not the first ones there! As we chatted with our new HP friend, who also happened to be in the Slug Club our eyes were drawn to the check in table where we saw boxes upon boxes of Ollivander wands! As more people queued up, we all were trying to get additional information out of the Universal VIP Staff, but all they did was smile and tell us that we had such a great night ahead…and they were right!

So we started to get checked in and received our lanyard…AND A WAND! While they were not “character” wands, like Harry’s or Hermione’s, they were interactive wands! They also gave each of us a large Wizarding World merchandise bag…I let the staff member know that I could put both my wand box and my hubby’s wand box in the same bag to cut down on waste…she leaned forward and said in a conspiratorial tone, “Take both bags. You are going to need them.”

They then walked us back through the park in groups to the London Waterfront area near the Eros Fountain and Knight Bus where we chatted and checked out our new wands. After a short wait, the Universal event staff gathered us around to tell us that for the next hour, we had the run of Diagon Alley…plus free butterbeer…plus we would be the first to play the new ‘choose your journey’ twitter scavenger hunt: Back to Hogwarts! We all got a very nice hand out for the scavenger hunt (which has a map of Diagon Alley on one side and Hogsmeade on the other) and we set off at a run!

How the game works…The hunt proposes questions like, “where is the fountain that you can practice your wand skills?”, then you go to that spot in the Wizarding World, take a picture and then post it as a tweet to reply to that step in the hunt! You don’t have to have a twitter handle to play, you can just play on twitter through a web browser on your phone.

The shops were open, Escape from Gringotts had zero wait, and even always spectacular Celestina Warbek was on hand to serenade us! But alas, the hour we had in Diagon Alley was up and we went back to London to get to Kings Cross Station!

Before we were able to board the train, the wonderful folks at Universal had to give us a couple of more things to help us on our way…tickets to Hogwarts (and one back to London) and candy! I chose chocolate, because, you know, dementors! The Kings Cross Porters, muggles to the core, asked us why were taking the train so late and why one of us was wearing a bathrobe…but that didn’t stop one from agreeing to a selfie with me!

After navigating our way to Platform 9 ¾ we were seated in our Hogwarts Express compartment and whisked away to Hogsmeade where we were greeted outside the station and told what our activities on this side of the park were: VIP tour of Hogwarts Castle and no waiting for the ride; Class Pictures; Food & Drink at the Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head Pub.

We went through the empty, winding streets of Hogsmeade and, as Hogwarts Castle came in to view, we were all stunned by how it was lit up for the evening – just for us! In front of the entrance to the castle, one more table was set up…this time we had our choice of House scarves and notebooks (Slytherin for me; Gryffindor for my hubby – we balance each other out well)!! We were as giddy as first years at the start-of-term feast!

Then Kelly gave us our VIP tour of the castle, asking us trivia questions (which our groups’ Ravenclaw inevitably knew), giving us facts (did you know that the name of Hogwarts architect is unknown?), and pointing out the small details one might miss if you were just standing in line (I now know where Snapes’ office is)!

After the tour, we decided to go get our Wizarding World moving class pictures taken and because we couldn’t conjure any food or drink (remember the five exceptions to Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration?)…we apparated over to Three Broomsticks and the Hog’s Head Pub.

We all were provided a drink ticket for something a little stronger than Butterbeer and then had a wonderful appetizer buffet that included pumpkin tarts! It was a great time to chat with other Harry Potter super fans and relax a bit as quite a few of us had spent the majority of the day in the parks and it was about midnight!

Soon our generous hosts came though the pub inviting us all to head back to Hogwarts Castle for a class picture to further commemorate our night. After the picture was taken, we all walked out of Hogsmeade full of Wizarding World love! It truly was a magical event and if I could wave my magic wand and give everyone reading this the same experience that we were lucky enough to have that night, I certainly would!

Read a member recap of the Universal Orlando’s #backtohogwarts Social Media Meet-Up Janna L. Miller @tyjannasaurus September 1st holds a special place in the heart of Harry Potter fans…this is the day that the students of Hogwarts, Hogwarts, hoggy-warty Hogwarts return to school!

#Back to Hogwarts #Harry Potter #social media meetup #universal orlando #Universal Orlando Resorts #Universal Social media meetup

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artbyjenisse · 7 years ago

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Creative Talent Network Expo. CTNX 2017 Review

I have been going to CTN for about four years now, and this will probably be my last year at the event.

CTNX is one of the very few events (I’ll talk about the others later) that are geared to the animation industry.

Recruiters. The recruiters are all super nice and will answer your questions about the hiring process, studio life, what they like to look for, ect and yes you can connect with them on LinkedIn but I’ve had more than a few admit they don’t actually go to their LinkedIn profiles often. They also don’t act ready to give you an e-mail to contact them by, probably because they don’t want to be spammed with the whole ‘dude I am poor and need a job, pls gimme one.’ Which I get I do, but maybe I just want to drop them a line when I’ve updated my portfolio? Or see if they know a good coffee shop nearby? Also when it comes to the line ‘hey can you get me a job’ they will always direct you to the company job page, because yes you have to go through that process.

Yes, there are big studios there. Disney, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Sony Pictures, Blue Sky, Pixar, Blizzard, Hasbro, they are always there. I have yet to see Cartoon Network there though, I’m sure there are reasons they are just unknown to me. Disney and Pixar do offer a portfolio review but only if you a specific ticket then sign up for a review by a specific date, and your review is like 15-20 minutes long. The other studios have turned to doing reviews by sign up onsite or you can wait in line (like I did for DreamWorks). But go talk to small studios, they are usually nicer.

And yes the animations schools are there, CalArts, Animation Mentor, Pasadena ArtCenter, SCAD has been there in the past, they be there. I have already graduated college and am drowning in debt from it but it’s still good to talk to these places because sometimes you can get info on workshops you can attend online or in person. CalArts does a few and I’ve heard SCAD does, but alas that’s all I know. I did try to talk to CalArts about their Visual Development Portfolio workshop they do in the summer… but the guy at the table was not only on the phone the whole ten minutes I was there patiently waiting to ask him about it-but you could just feel the whole ‘I’d rather be anywhere but here’ vibe coming off him. You are there to do a job, please do it.

Artists. Talk to the artist. DO IT. A LOT of well-known artists go to this event and either have a table to sell their stuff or they are doing workshops/panels. Many of them are freelancers and they are happy to answer your art questions, give advice, and yes they might look at your portfolio. I recommend you make a connection/network with them and not the big studios so much. You’re learn more from the artists themselves, and they are more ready to really talk with you than most of the studio staff I ran into (I think the studio staff gets burned out fast from all the gimme-a-job talk). I will usually try go talk to about 5-10 artists, sometimes it’s hard because their tables are flooded with other fans, but hey give it a try. Find artists who do what you want to do and just talk to them, they won’t bite.

Examples: I talked to Ty Carter while I was there and he is a really cool guy, I’m one of his patreons so I made it a point to thank him in person for what he does on patreon because it helps me in my background work. I also talked to Casey Robin and asked for advice on approaching boutiques/shops so I could maybe do a few pop-up shows, because she does that. Another artists I talked with was Elsa Chang, I was asking how she balancing her work at the studio with all the shows she does.

The Venue. So this event is held every year at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport. It’s right across the street from the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, CA. The hotel is very nice, we stayed there this year, friendly staff, thick walls so you don’t hear the airplanes taking off, large rooms, soft beds (YAY!), and it does have a small convention center attached to it. It’s easy to go up to the room and leave stuff there or just chill for a bit.

Now that you’ve read all that, let me tell you the bad things about CTNX.

Price. This event is A LOT of money. I bought the three day floor pass and spent like $97 on it. A VIP Pass will run you upwards of $300. In my opinion, that’s too much money for what little you get (I’ve been a VIP in the past). On top of what you pay for your ticket, you also pay for parking (discounted but still), and some of the other special events are a separate ticket price. I really don’t feel this event is worth the price tag it comes with.

Venue. Yes, it’s at a hotel. BUT they need to move the convention. It has gotten too big for the Marriott. In the Marriott’s separate convention space they have the workshops, VIP lounge area, and the WACOM work station-which sucked because I wanted to talk to WACOM and couldn’t. They also have workshops and panels in the rooms at the convention center AND they use pretty much all the meeting rooms in the hotel itself at the same time. It can be confusing to navigate all this and find the workshop or whatever that you want to attend.

There is a tent that takes up half the parking lot, that’s where all the vendors and studios are. The tent does NOT work. The ales they create are smaller than your average artist alley ales way and it gets really crowded around the tables, making walking through next to impossible. And when studios are giving portfolio reviews, the lines are a problem and they typically make you go outside to wait and come in. It gets loud and hot as hell. They need to have two separate tents, in my opinion, one for the studios and the other for the artists.

Lack of communication and organization. This a reoccurring problem I’ve seen at the show. When will the schedule be on the webpage? Usually two weeks before the event starts if you’re lucky. What artists/studios will be there? You might find out a month before. Might. Wanna take the shuttle to the Center Stage Gallery? Good luck! Not only is the shuttle spot not clearly marked until the end of day two, but even the info booth admitted, ‘it’s not very reliable.’ First day in and you can’t find the ‘theater’? Oh well that’s the Pasadena Room in the hotel lobby, the sign just isn’t up and it’s not listed as such on the program.

One thing they did this year that really annoyed me was an e-mail they sent out about the Disney pre-show party, you got an e-mail with an excel spreadsheet and you’re told to check and see if you got on the list. They sent that e-mail to everyone. No. You should only send that to the people who actually got in. Don’t get me all excited about something only to tell me I’m not on the list. Just don’t send it do me if I didn’t get in. It’s not that difficult.

As I said at the start, this is probably my last year going to CTN. I just don’t feel the event is worth it for me.

What other events are there?

I know of two:

ACM SIGGRAPH. I haven’t been to this show, SIGGRAPH is for those of you who do more of the tech side of things. Computer driven graphics, interactive design, VFXs (so I hear), 3D modeling, things like that. This event is held up in Vancouver around the August-September time frame so you’ll want a passport. They do also have one in Asia.

Ground Zero Animation Expo. This event is relatively new and I haven’t gone yet, but I’m really thinking about going this year. In it’s 3rd year, GZAExpo will be in Santa Ana this June. It’s been in Anaheim in the past. Admission and parking are free and while there is a separate charge for panels and stuff, it only starts at $15. Again, I might be going to this show in 2018 to see what it’s all about.

Have you been to CTNX? What are your thoughts about it?

Know of any other events like it? Spread the love!

#ctnx #my cons

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btobscenarios · 7 years ago

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#5: Misunderstanding

NOM: (1/7)

Kind of long, that's why it's only one member. I was too much into when I was writing it. It actually feels like an actual fic, should I continue writing it? You tell me! - Peniel: BTOB was having their Time Concert in Hong Kong tomorrow. It's going to be Peniel and I's anniversary in a few days and I've been following them around. Their manager is the only one who knows about it. Don't worry, I've been paying for my expenses. Except for the airfare, because that shit's expensive. Right now, we're in the Philippines for BTOB's performance, and other idols', in a concert. I was supposed to surprise him here but their manager said that right after the concert, they're going to fly to Hong Kong. Their appearance here was short and that I should be preparing to go to Hong Kong in a few hours. I went to the concert arena and I watched my Peniel's performance, alongside the other members. They were spectacular and they all looked so lovely. I wish they performed more because I love it when they sang on stage. I wasn't backstage because they might see me. I was somewhere in audience. I was located at a VIP area. Surprisingly, there was an area that was empty so I claimed it for myself. Alas, only a few songs were sung because of the appearance of other idol groups. Right after they sung their last song, I headed out and returned backstage. I was being a quiet as possible so I wouldn't bring attention to myself. I went to find BTOB's manager so I can tell him that I'm going to the airport until I got caught. Luckily, it wasn't Peniel that spotted me. When he saw me, I quickly turned around and hid behind a curtain. What was this doing here? "Yah!" I heard Minhyuk say, "I'm not stupid (Y/N). I already saw you, babo." Dang. I thought he wouldn't say anything. "Minhyuk-a, don't tell Peniel that I'm here." I pleaded, pulling him behind the curtain that I used as a shield. "I was going to surprise him but I don't have a lot of time, so I'm going to do it Hong Kong instead." "You're going to Hong Kong too?" Minhyuk asked, already in awe by my effort. "That's so sweet of you." "Ne, I am. I'm heading to the airport now too. Where can I find your manager?" "Are you going by yourself (Y/N)?" I nod, "I have the first flight to Hong Kong. Your flights' are the second, if I'm correct." "I can go with you if you want," Minhyuk offers. "So you won't be lonely for the ride." "Jinjja?" I confirmed. To be honest, I didn't want to be alone again in an airplane. I feel uneasy when I'm in the air and I have no one to talk to. It's really nice for Minhyuk to tag along with me. "That would be really nice!" He smiles at your reaction, "I'll meet you in the car outside? Which one is it?" 'The last one on the left. I'll ask the driver to keep the hazzard lights on, okay?" And he nods in reply. "Just tell your manager that I need my tickets and you should get yours too. I'll just pay for the movement of your ticket." "No need (Y/N)." He says, reassuringly. "I'm sure he has an extra ticket for those in the first flight. Just meet me outside, okay?" I nod and I went out cautiously because the other guys might see me, like Minhyuk did. I wondered a bit if Minhyuk was caught up by the other members. When I saw him heading towards the car, I felt relieved. It took a good 30 minutes before Minhyuk was able to get to the car. I hope that the others wasn't able to question him much. "You came!" I said, scootching over, giving him space to sit beside me. "Of course," he said, chuckling. "Why wouldn't I?" "I thought the others caught you." He shook his head and the driver turned the engine on. We went on our way to the airport. - Even though our flight was the first one to leave, the plane had some minor problems. The plane had to take a u-turn and land back to the airport because of the unexpected problems that we encountered. I'm pretty sure that Peniel and the others were ahead of us, due to the unforseen mishap that happened. Eottoke? My plan is going to get ruined! How am I going to surprise Peniel now? After 37 long minutes, the plane was ready to take off, again. I hope that the boys won't suspect anything from Minhyuk. The plane ride was actually really short. It only took 2 and a half hours to get here, but because of the problems, it took 3 hours, which isn't that bad. When we arrived in Hong Kong, it was pretty dark since it was night time. Minhyuk was all over the place, worried about what the others would think if he went to the hotel so late. We got our luggage and went to the nearest taxi line. We had no security and our only hope was that there were no fans. "Look!" I heard someone yell, "It's Minhyuk-oppa!" Oh no... I thought. I hope that they won't recognize me. "Minhyuk-oppa!" I heard a fan say, "Can you please sign this for me? And take a picture too?" Luckily, it was a small group of fans and you decided to walk away from them. Leaving Minhyuk in the middle of the small group of 13 people. When they had finished, Minhyuk was able to walk with all four limbs towards me. "Phew," he huffs. "At least there were only a handful of them, right?" I smiled and nodded, "We should hail a taxi, you do know which hotel your staying at right?" "Ahni." He said, realizing that small detail could ruin everything. "You know it right?" "Of course," I said, starting to laugh at this babo. "You're such a babo, Minhyuk-a." "Yah!" He said, slightly pushing my shoulder. "You should be thankful for me." "I am," I said, raising my hands slightly to the air. I did a little bow and said, "Gomabda." After our slight bickering, a taxi was available and made our way to the hotel. From the entrance, you could see a group of people upfront. So Minhyuk asked the taxi driver to go around to the back, hoping the people would let us pass there. - The employees were accomodating and understanding. They were able to give us the key cards to our rooms and that's where we're headed now. Minhyuk, being the gentleman that he is, brought my luggage to my room. "Are you sharing a room with anybody?" I asked him, as we walked through the hallway. "Ahni." He says, "I have the room all by myself. There's actually good outcomes of this little trip." "Yah!" I slapped his stomach slightly. "Do you regret coming with me?" He paused for a second and smirked, "Maybe a littl-" I smaked his stomach again, this time it was harder. "I'm just kidding!" "It's not funny." I said, crossing my arms together. When we reached my room, he placed my luggage on the side of my bed and looked around. "I have to go to my room now," he walks to the door. "Just text me if you need anything, okay?" "Wait!" I suddenly remembered something, "Where's your room?" "Um, I think it's a few floors up." He said, as he inspected the number on his key card. "I'll bring you to your room too." I said, getting my favorite pink cap that Peniel got me for my birthday. "So I'll know where to go, just in case I need anything." "Ne," He responds with a nod. "Kaja." - Minhyuk's room was three floors up from mine. It was slightly bigger than mine, I honestly don't know why. I looked around to see that everything was the same as mine but his room had a bigger sized bed. "Your bigger bed might have costed you extra." I joked. "Beds like those make me lonely," he said, non-chalantly. "That's why I enjoy sharing with the others, to be honest." I just smiled, not knowing what to reply. "So, Minhyuk-a, thanks for accompanying me here. I really appreciate it." "Yah," he said, flipping the cap off of my head. "you're being cheesy, I don't like it. But, no worries. I just didn't want you to feel lonely." He was really sincere, even though half of his sentence was a joke. Without any other words, I just hugged him. It was my way of saying thank you one last time. Without any warning, there were voices heard from the door. The noise was very muffled, maybe because of the door but you can definitely hear it. Both Minhyuk and I's eyes widened when the room's doorbell rang. He looked at the peep hole and realized it was 3 of the 6 members at his door. We panicked and I didn't know what to do. Minhyuk pointed to the only area he could think of, the clothing cabinet. I went inside the cabinet, thankfuly it was a decent size and I easily fit in it. I heard him slide on the chain lock on the door and he opened it afterwards. I couldn't hear clearly but I heard them having a conversation. "Oh, hey," he said, trying to be as casual as he could be. "What are you guys doing here?" "Hyung, we heard that you just arrived from your late flight." It was Ilhoon. "Changsub thought it was weird that you didn't fly with us." Eunkwang added. "So, we went to see how you're doing. We even bought pizza!" The last voice that I wish I didn't hear, Peniel's. "Um," Minhyuk said, not opening the door for his members. "I'm actually naked right now." He was what?! "That never stopped us from entering your room. Put some pants and let us in Minhyuk-a." It was Eunkwang. I heard the shuffling of their feet. They were entering the room. I'm so nervous that they might see me, so I tried my best to steady my breathing. Or else I might get a mild panic attack from the anxiety that I'm feeling. "Hyung," I heard a voice ask, "where did you get this?" "Ahhh, that?" Minhyuk, trying his best to find an excuse to what Peniel was curious about. "I had that with me during the flight." "But this is (Y/N)'s?" Oh shit. I left my cap outside. "Ahh, jinjja?" "I bought this for her on her birthday." He explained to his hyung. "What is this doing here?" I could feel Peniel gritting his teeth together. He did that when he was angry and I could hear it in his voice that the anger was accumulating inside of him. "I-I don't know what to say." Minhyuk said, in defeat. I thought that Peniel was going to pick a fight with his hyung, but everything got silent. Like any cliche moment when someone was hiding, I could feel my nose betraying me. I could feel a sneeze coming along. It came, but I tried to keep it in but I failed. It took me a few seconds to realize that the door of the cabinet flew open. I looked up, and I saw a very confused Peniel. "What are you doing here?" He pulled me out of the cabinet, a little too forcefully. "I-" "Were you fooling around with Minhyuk-hyung?" He asked, trying to put the pieces together. "Is that why he took a later flight? To be with you?" "Ahni," I said, quickly trying to clear up the situation. "Omo!" I heard Ilhoon gasp, "Minhyuk-hyung was naked before we came in, right?" I shot Ilhoon a glare, "Not helping, Ilhoon-a." He raised his hands, like the way when you give up on something. "Let me explain, please." I begged Peniel. "Give me five minutes." Peniel was contemplating on whether or not to listen to you, his eyes betraying him, and his heart was sinking. "Hear her out, Donggeun-a." Minhyik said, cleary being serious since he used Peniel's real name. "She's sincere when she says that nothing happened.' "I think we should take this outside." I pulled Peniel out of the room. "Explain." And as fast as I could, without wasting any breathe, I explained to Peniel what happened and what I had actually planned. "I'm sorry for what happened, Peniel." I said, starting to tear up. "I just wanted to surprise you for our anniversary that it got out of hand." Once he saw the first tear fall onto my cheek, he immediately pulled me into a hug, kissed my forehead and said, "Miahne, (Y/N). Sorry for misunderstanding. And thank you for surprising me." "Not what I expected to happen," I said, chuckling at the outcome of my actions. "But it was all a misunderstanding." ~ Word Count: 2.1k Damn, that took me days to write. I really like this and I might be able to turn this into a fic, maybe short but I don't know how those work... This is pretty long so I can't think of any other situation for the other members. Might update this, might not. Who knows. Thank you!

-N

#btob #born to beat #btob scenarios #btob preferences #btob scenes #btob reactions #btob reacts #kpop scenarios #kpop scenes #kpop reactions #eunkwang #minhyuk #changsub #hyunsik #peniel #ilhoon #sungjae

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trekadvisers · 6 years ago

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Surprise and (Mostly) Delight: Across the Atlantic in Business Class on Air Europa’s 787-8

Courtesy of The Points Guy by Nick Ellis

TPG Rating

77/100

6 Ground Experience

18 Cabin & Seat

8 Amenities & IFE

23 Food & Beverage

22 Service

PROs

Friendly and relaxed service, great food and competitive amenities.

CONs

Middling hard product on this aircraft, and the cabin was kept far too warm.

TPG employees are no strangers to doing crazy travel-related stunts. Hawaii for 12 hours? Yep. Singapore for even less? Absolutely.

However, I recently embarked on one of my crazier trips since I started working here just over three years ago. As the trip grew closer, my parents and friends would ask, “Where are you going again?”

And I’d reply, “Bogotá, via Madrid.”

Cue the blank stares.

Basically, the goal for this trip was to review Air Europa’s 787-8 Dreamliner. We hadn’t reviewed the Spanish airline since TPG himself flew its A330 between New York and Madrid. Since then, though, the airline has grown quite a bit, and taken delivery of new Dreamliners in the process. Currently, the airline has a mix of the -8 and -9 variants, and each version features lie-flat seats in a 2-2-2 arrangement up front, though it’s an … interesting … inward-oriented product that objectively isn’t as good as its hometown rival Iberia, never mind some of the world’s top carriers.

However, the airline recently shared plans to equip its forthcoming -9s with a much more competitive 1-2-1 reverse-herringbone product, similar to what you’d find on airlines like Air France on (some of) its 777s and 787s and Royal Air Maroc on its new 789s. Once the newest -9s with the latest biz product enter service, we’ll definitely be there to review, but on this trip, we were focusing on the -8 to see how it stacks up �� and to see if it surpassed the wholly underwhelming experience TPG had way back in 2011.

In This Post

Booking

When we began looking for flights to book, we noticed that there were reasonably priced fares that included a segment in business and in coach (review coming soon!) from Madrid (MAD) to Bogotá (BOG) and Lima (LIM). I’d been to Peru before, so I decided that I’d spend the weekend in Bogotá. But, I figured that I might as well review some more products on this trip, so I ended up making things a lot more interesting by booking three separate tickets that would allow all of this to happen:

A round-trip economy ticket from New York-JFK to MAD (already flown) and then from MAD to Paris CDG to New York-JFK (upcoming)

A round-trip ticket between MAD and BOG with one segment in biz and one in coach (already flown)

A round-trip ticket business-class ticket from MAD-CDG-JFK (already flown) and then from JFK-MAD (upcoming)

Basically, I’m crazy. But, hey, this is what we do, right?

As Air Europa is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, a good place to start searching for award flights is Air France-KLM’s FlyingBlue program, which is probably the best engine for searching SkyTeam availability. However, FlyingBlue doesn’t maintain an award chart, meaning you can’t count on redeeming miles at a fixed rate for flights. I did a search on the site for some of Air Europa’s flights between its base in Madrid and the US cities it serves (New York-JFK and Miami) and found one-way business-class tickets for as little as 59,000 miles on select dates, though more commonly they were hovering around 70,000 to 100,000 one-way. You can expect to pay around $65 in taxes and fees when you book award tickets through FlyingBlue.

The benefit of booking through FlyingBlue, of course, is how easy it is to amass miles in the program. It’s a transfer partner of all three major transferable points currencies — American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou — so even if you don’t have enough points in one account, you can combine points from the various accounts in order to acquire the FlyingBlue miles necessary for booking the flight you want. If you’re short miles in any of these accounts, you could sign up for a card like The Platinum Card® from American Express, which is currently offering 60,000 bonus points after you make $5,000 in purchases in the first three months of cardmembership. Depending on your travel dates, it may not get you all the way to a ticket, but it’ll certainly get you close.

Since we paid cash for this ticket, I was eager to add my Delta SkyMiles number to the reservation so that I could earn MQMs and MQDs for my trip. Tragically, though, I made a critical error. I booked my round-trip Air Europa ticket without double checking which fare classes I was purchasing, and when I called Delta after noticing I earned 0 miles for the trip, I was kindly informed that the business segment had booked into the “O” class, and economy into the “P,” meaning I wasn’t eligible to earn any miles at all for the trip. SIGH. You’d think that after three years in the biz (get it?) I wouldn’t make mistakes like this, but, alas, I am merely human. I guess that’s what I get for trying to be clever and flying all the way to Madrid to pick up a discounted business-class ticket to Bogotá.

Ground Experience

TPG Rating

6/10

Tail

EC-MIG

Age

3yr

Departure

15:37

Duration

9h 19m

I arrived in Madrid earlier on the morning of my Air Europa flight, but since Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is so close to the city, I decided to take a 20-minute Uber ride to meet TPG senior writer and Madrileña Lori Zaino for a quick meal in the city before hopping back across the Atlantic (though this time around I’d be landing in South America). My flight was scheduled to depart at 3:15pm, so I showed up at Madrid’s Terminal 2 around 1:30pm.

Things were quiet when I arrived, so I was able to drop my bag and made my way through the VIP security line in under 10 minutes.

Flying SkyTeam out of Madrid means that you don’t get to hang out in the iconic terminal that Iberia and its Oneworld partners call home. T2 is still clean, relatively bright and has plenty of shopping and dining for those with time to kill.

AirEuropa doesn’t have its own lounge in Madrid but rather uses a third-party lounge, called Sala VIP Cibeles, for its business-class passengers. This lounge also happens to be in the Priority Pass network, so even if you’re flying economy, you can access the lounge if you have your membership credentials and a boarding pass for same-day travel.

In total I spend about an hour in the lounge — I had just eaten a full meal in Madrid and was feeling the effects of my red-eye flight the night before, so I stuck to water and walking around the lounge so I wouldn’t fall asleep in a chair and miss my flight to Bogotá. The lounge was bright, open and airy, but it was quite crowded (it emptied out toward the end of my visit) and was essentially one giant room, so it got loud — and very warm.

It did, however, have interesting features that gave it extra oomph. Take, for example, the wide and varied selection of wine and cava — this was Spain, after all.

Or the outdoor deck — perfect for planespotting if you’re me, or tanning and smoking if that’s your thing.

I went back inside and took a look at the food selection. It was nothing special, but I did think everything was presented nicely, and employees replenished selections often.

As a Priority Pass lounge, Cibeles was great. There was plenty to eat and drink, it was clean and even had a lovely outdoor space. As a business-class lounge, though, it felt a little bit crowded and just very large — it felt like the Delta Sky Club at JFK T4, which I firmly believe isn’t up to a business-class standard, especially with American and United providing top-notch lounges for premium flyers.

Eventually, I couldn’t take the heat, so I made my way to the gate in hopes of cooling down a bit. I arrived to a crowded gate area, as a Saudia flight to Jeddah (JED) was boarding next to our gate, and there wasn’t a ton of differentiation between the two areas. Things calmed down once that flight was boarded, and just a few minutes later, gate agents appeared to start our boarding process.

Business-class passengers were called on board after those who needed extra time, though we were met with a traffic jam in the jetway, and it was apparent gate agents weren’t aware that no one had even gotten on the plane yet because the line kept building up behind me. After what seemed like an eternity (really it was only a few minutes), I was aboard our Dreamliner.

Cabin and Seat

TPG Rating

18/25

Configuration

2-2-2

Width

20.5

Bed Length

78in

Lavs

My first impression of the cabin was that it was quite small and intimate — similar to the feeling I got when I flew Korean Air last year and Xiamen Air before that.

The seats themselves were arranged in an all-forward-facing 2-2-2 configuration across four rows.

This specific product, though, is fairly uncommon and a new one for me. Each seat faced slightly inward, so passengers were oriented toward each other. It was basically the same seat that Royal Air Maroc chose to use on its 788s, though the seats on RAM are staggered in the sense that one seat is higher than the other within the same pod, and Air Europa’s were on the same level.

On paper, this kind of configuration is outdated and not competitive, but the cabin was just about half full, which meant that I had a set of two seats to myself — as did just about everyone else.

I was seated in 2G, an aisle seat in the middle section. I wasn’t able to score a window seat because I booked fairly close to departure.

It didn’t have a ton of storage. There was a bin behind the headrest that I used for my passport, wallet and phone, and then a shelf below the inflight-entertainment screen and a cubby under the footrest where my shoes went. When I wasn’t using them, I stored the blanket and pillow on the seat next to me.

On the left side of the seat were the universal AC outlet, USB port, headphone jack, privacy divider, seat controls, reading light and IFE remote. The USB port wasn’t working for me, so I dug out my charging “box” and plugged it in to the AC outlet, which charged my phone quickly.

Each of the 22 seats was about 20.5 inches wide and when fully flat offered a bed of 78 inches (6 feet, 6 inches). There was a mattress pad, too, which frankly shocked me (in the best way possible). I was able to get comfortable with no issue, but after a while I got really warm with both the mattress pad and the duvet — there were no individual air vents.

Business-class passengers had access to two lavatories — one in the front of the cabin and one in the back. Predictably, the rear one was also used by economy passengers, so sometimes there were lines. They were about as standard as they come, though the front lav did have a few amenities.

Amenities and IFE

TPG Rating

8/15

Movies

TV Shows

Live TV

Tailcam

Wifi

0.21↑4.92↓

When I got on board, I found a large pillow wrapped in a fabric bag, a pair of mediocre headphones, a blanket and mattress pad wrapped in plastic and an amenity kit.

The amenity kit fabric had a chevron design I actually liked quite a bit — it reminded me of a cozy sweater.

Inside, I found a pair of socks, an eye mask, earplugs, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a comb and various creams and lotions that would ensure I stayed moisturized and fresh for my arrival in Colombia.

I found the IFE system to be generally intuitive, and the screen itself was sharp.

The seat felt quite far from the screen, so even though it was a touchscreen, I preferred to control it with the provided remote, which also had a small touchscreen built in to help control the system.

I especially liked playing with the globe from my seat with the remote.

The selection of movies and TV shows wasn’t particularly extensive, but I found enough content to keep me occupied while I wasn’t working or sleeping.

The Wi-Fi situation was a little less pleasant. It worked — and quite well at that — but it was ridiculously priced. It cost 22 euros (about $25) for a 100 MB plan. I wanted to be able to stay in touch with the ground, as I was flying for most of the US work day, but I ran through 100 MB in a matter of minutes. So I ended up buying two more packages — spending almost $70 in the process — in order to just stay kinda, sorta connected intermittently.

Food and Beverage

TPG Rating

23/25

Meals

Champagne

Ramón Raventós Dissident Brut Cava

Dine on Demand

Before this flight, I truly had no idea what to expect from Air Europa’s catering. Long story short, I was very pleasantly surprised. Just reading the menu got me excited — it seemed to me that the airline really wanted to present unique dishes with a Spanish tilt. Cabin service started shortly after I sat down. I was offered a choice of cava or orange juice, and went for the cava, which I was a big fan of. In fact, I asked for another glass before we even pushed back from the gate, and the flight attendants were happy to give me a refill.

We experienced quite a bit of turbulence on our climb out of Madrid, so the start of the meal service was delayed, but it was no bother, since we had plenty of flying ahead of us and it was a daytime flight.

First, FAs came around to take orders for another round of drinks. I asked for a still water and a Diet Coca-Cola. When they came back with my beverages, they also asked if I would like some sushi. This took me by surprise, as it was nowhere to be found on the menu, but I happily accepted their offer. I also got a bowl of potato chips, which reminded me of Spanish bars that serve tapas with each drink. The sushi came with a seaweed salad on the side, and I thoroughly enjoyed it — it wasn’t of the quality that you’d find on, say, Japan Airlines, but it did the trick.

After the sushi course was complete, flight attendants returned to take orders for the starters and main course. The starters on the menu included: red and yellow cherry-tomato salad with duck breast, mozzarella and pesto; and cod rillettes with paprika mayonnaise, olive oil and salad.

Since these were distinct dishes, I thought I had to choose between the two, but when I asked which was better, the FA told me that I would be having both. OK, cool! I’ll take it! Then she told me that I got to choose between a pineapple, lemon and ginger detox juice (no, this wasn’t a trendy Downtown New York City cafe) and a pumpkin-and-orange soup. I chose the soup. I frankly was blown away by the quality and taste of the food — everything was fresh and packed with flavor. Even the cod rillettes, which I was initially skeptical about, turned out to be quite delicious when paired with the provided crackers.

I was already getting full at this point, but it was time for the main course. I had the choice of: grilled Iberian ham with mushrooms, cream sauce and sherry vinegar; grilled sea bass with roasted leeks, grilled mushrooms, peas and mashed potatoes in a wine sauce; and eggplant and scamorza panciotti with a cava sauce, Parmesan cheese and chives.

I wanted to have the Iberian ham dish because, well, Spain, but the FA told me they were out of it, which was sort of shocking to me given how empty the cabin was. The pasta was my second choice, and they did have a dish for me. It did not disappoint, either. It was gloriously rich — more than enough to put me into the mood for a nice nap.

At this point, I was so stuffed that I had to refuse dessert, which involved both a selection of cheeses and a caramel and coffee cake.

After a lovely nap, more work and movies and about two hours before we were scheduled to touch down in Bogotá, it was time to eat again!

The evening snack consisted of a selection of fruit, crudites with black olive tapenade and then a choice of either chicken breast with roasted baby potatoes and broad beans or a prawn curry with seasonal vegetables. I chose the chicken and found it to be just as good as the main meal I’d had several hours earlier. I loved the presentation, too — the chicken dish was served in an adorable miniature Dutch oven that had some real weight to it. And the fruit and crudites were presented in a way that made me think that I was in a cosmopolitan cafe in New York or London, not on board Spain’s second airline.

Overall, I was blown away with the menu options, presentation and quality of the food. I really wasn’t expecting any of it, and it left with me a great impression of the airline. Even a simple thing like midflight water bottles was made cool with a carton of boxed water instead of the regular plastic bottle.

Service

TPG Rating

22/25

Extra Pillows

Yes

Turndown Service

Yes

I found the service to be excellent on all fronts. The flight attendants were attentive, generally on the ball, friendly and patient with me as I spoke to them in Spanish. They knew it wasn’t my first language, but were happy to see me putting my years of classes and study abroad into practice. They were eager to chat, and it genuinely felt like they were enjoying their jobs and serving the customers.

Overall Impression

I really had a great first flight with Air Europa. Despite a wholly average experience on the ground, Air Europa impressed me. The business-class hard product may be middling on the 788, but the rest of the experience stood out. It wasn’t because it was over-the-top luxe — it certainly wasn’t — but friendly and relaxed service, unexpected amenities like a mattress pad and delicious food presented in a fun and totally different way made me a fan of this airline.

Air Europa isn’t an airline that can rest on its laurels like any of the other major European carriers. It has to set itself apart somehow to attract business that would normally go to Iberia, Air France, Lufthansa and many others. Once it takes delivery of the new 789s with a very competitive hard product — in some cases much better than its peers — I have no doubt that this quirky airline will continue to grow and win plenty more fans along the way.

Original Article: https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/air-europa-787-8-business-class/

Check out the original post here: http://www.jamcosolutionsllc.com/surprise-and-mostly-delight-across-the-atlantic-in-business-class-on-air-europas-787-8/

#travel #traveler #traveladdict #travelblog #travellife

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grapsandclaps · 6 years ago

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GRAPS AND CLAPS REVIEWS - PCW 'ROAD TO GLORY' 2019

Hello and welcome to this edition of Graps and Claps, this time taking me to Blackpool for PCW’s Road to Glory weekender with what was advertised of being two tournaments taking place with the Singles on Saturday and the Tag Team tournament on the Sunday. However, in a change to the advertised schedule there was a removal of the tag tournament probably due to the non-availability of suitable tag combinations. In its place on the Sunday we instead had a TV style taping session for PCW’s new show on the Fight Network which will be launched in the coming weeks. Also being televised will be the Road to Glory Singles Tournament which involved a total of 16 wrestlers – with 8 First Round matches, followed by the Quarters, Semi-Finals and Final all on one enormous day of wrestling.

Now how we are going to do this as it was a ram-packed weekend of grappling action, is to run you through some of the highlights on show and also take you into detail about the Blackpool beer scene or lack of thereof. Arriving into Blackpool at 12 Noon, after a journey of two and half hours coming from my house to Manchester and then to the seaside mecca, we met up with Andrew Campbell who we had been with at the PCW show in Leeds the night before (this will be reviewed by our Geoff later in the week).

With a small amount of time before the show started, we were planning to visit a local real ale choice in the form of The Pump and Truncheon, sadly though this was closed due to a refurbishment. So Instead we plumped for The Castle (a proper Geezer Pub), which looks inviting from the outside, but once you are inside it reminds you of a weekend away in Magaluf with a packed pub full of tourists dancing away to DJ Otzi, getting pissed on gassy lager whilst listening to the styling’s of Joe Curran’s Marmite Show – think of him as Blackpool’s answer to Bernard Manning handing out sharp barbs to anyone daring to walk past him to the toilets, so sharp were these barbs he had to have a bouncer stand next to him in-case anyone decided to spark him out!.

With the 1st PCW show starting at 1pm, we made our way to the venue with what I would say around 100 in attendance for the first show, meaning those who had bought the cheaper tickets got moved forward into the VIP front row seats, so lucky for me I could stretch my legs for the duration for 3 out of the 4 shows. In general, the attendance was around the same level for all 4 shows with Show 2 and Show 4 providing the larger crowds which was a shame. However, with that said and it can’t be denied is that PCW produced 4 solid shows on this weekend – so let’s start with the show 1.

Best matches:

Jeff Cobb vs Tom Lawler – A masterclass in grappling and the pure wrestling style with Olympic trained wrestler and current ROH TV Champion Jeff Cobb taking on the current MLW Champion, Tom Lawlor. If you like your wrestling full of Suplex variations from both guys, plus hard lariats this was the one for you with the former UFC star Lawlor getting the victory with a rear naked choke on Cobb to advance to the next round in around 15 minutes and for me the best match of the 4 shows taking place in Blackpool. Lawlor is easily someone I can see like a certain Matt Riddle who can reach that top level in the world of wrestling, as he has done in the world of MMA.

Sheikh El-Sham vs Philip Michael – Two of PCWs standouts from the Academy, took to the squared circle in the match before the interval and once again they proved why they are both so highly rated by many people on the local scene. One constant you will read through this report is how good Sheikh El-Sham is getting nowadays from a character and an all-round package standpoint – from the promos, the sneers and subtle winding-up of the crown, plus a look of someone who can go very far in his wrestling career – he is coming off with that star quality. Philip has a star quality from a wrestling standpoint, but I do feel he needs that little bit of pizazz added to his repertoire ala Zack Sabre Jr to push to that next level, but that will come with time. What would become Philip’s downfall in this match, would be played out for the rest of the weekend, as he went to leap at Sham, but on landing he jarred his knee – something that both Sheikh El-Sham and Tel Banham would target on the other shows.

Another thing to point out from this match, would be the first appearance of Referee, Mark Alexander Price who the previous evening cost T-Bone winning the PCW Heavyweight Title off of Tel Banham, by reversing a decision a replacement ref made whilst Price was knocked down. The story with Price was that being hinted was he the main heel group ‘The Buyout’ paid off official in which he would somehow always get in the way of The Buyout’s opponent and in turn costing them the match with his biased officiating. As a weekend long story, this was fantastically done with every time that Price made his entrance to the ring he got mercifully booed from the crowd in attendance.

As per this match, Price got in Philip Michael’s way causing Phil to be caught with the roll-through spear by Sham who advanced to the next round to the jeers of the audience. Before this match we had an appearance during an interview segment by Tel Banham who challenged Philip to a Cruiserweight title match that would take place later on in the second show due to Philip being eliminated – more on that later!

Sugar Dunkerton vs MJF – Plenty of shenanigans in this one with Sugar riling up MJF by nicking his Burberry scarf and duly wiping his arse with it. MJF who impressed when he was over last May, was once excellent again as the cocky ‘Better than You’ antagonist compared to the fun-loving Dunkerton who had the crowd firmly on his side on this what was the 1-year anniversary of his first tour of the UK. Unfortunately for Sugar, it wouldn’t end so well as MJF kicked Sugar in the bollocks whilst Referee Des wasn’t looking and rolled up Sugar whilst having a hand on the ropes for more leverage to advance to the next round.

Other results from Round 1 were as follows:

‘Magnificent’ Matthew Brooks beat Dave Birch when hit the Big Leg for the three count. A big plus for Brooks this weekend, was the usually temperamental microphones were on amazing form this weekend, so his beautiful singing voice could be heard at full capacity.

Puerto Rico’s own Franco Varga who comes out to the Ricky Martin classic ‘Living La Vida Loca’ beat ‘Big Time’ Bruce Wheeler who is an Academy Graduate who has been wrestling for the last 8 months and whilst some of his ring work needs a bit of fine tuning, his mic work is very good for someone who hasn’t been doing this long. Franco who impressed on this weekend, especially with the kids in attendance who swamped him for photographs at the end of the show advanced to the next round when he hit a F5 into a stunner and then a Moonsault for the three count.

Jaxon Stone Everybody!! Who has the look of former Newcastle player Jonas Gutierrez put away Planet Bolton’s own Arcadian in a good contest that was back and forth for the duration of the contest, which ended when Jaxon put away Arcadian with a powerbomb to advance.

In what was supposed to Daniel Thorley (Academy Trainee) vs Iestyn Rees, never got going due to BIG T who felt jilted that he wasn’t in the tournament came in to lay waste to Daniel in the end racking him, to leave Iestyn just to walk to the ring to get the forfeit victory which had people thinking that Rees would be soon to be a member of the Buyout, despite him saying that he wanted to be his own man at the last show in Blackpool – this would be played out later in the show and the weekend.

Main event of show 1 was battle of former friends with Danny Hope taking on Joey Hayes. In what was very much a slow burner type of a match, that turned good near the end – Joey Hayes advanced when he locked in the Cross-Hayes on Danny to win via submission. Hope had earlier during the match thought he had won, but the referee noticed Hope had his feet on the ropes and promptly stopped the count.

Show one done – a quick drop off of my bags at our B&B for the evening, that being The Trentham B&B which cost £41 for the night, but the only down point being the low roof in my roof, meaning me and Geoff would have to very careful once we rolled in at 2 am half cut! Two pubs were visited in between Show 1 and 2, that being the local branch of Hogarths for a pint of Cheadle House Bitter at a cost of £1.95 to wet the taste buds whilst observing the bouncer in there who had the look of MJF less the Burberry scarf.

The other pub we tried in between was The 1887 Brew Room, which is the site of the formation of Blackpool F.C and has been turned into in the last year, into a brew pub as of West Coast brewery. This has been well needed in the town, as there is very much a lack of real ale choices apart the two ‘Spoons. Two pints in here were had including a Tiny Rebel Rise Lager (4.2% £3.90) and an 1887 Brew House Lager (4% £2.85), both which were very good being accompanied with a foot-long sausage and nachos for £4.25. This pub would be visited again after Show 2, for another two-hour session this time with The Indy Corner boys (Benno, JP and Joe and Colin) who had come up for the weekend – all cracking company throughout the time they were there.

Show two now, so let’s get into the best of the action:

MJF vs Joey Hayes – in a rematch of a cracker, MJF took on Joey Hayes, with Joey looking to avenge his defeat in May and once again they didn’t disappoint as MJF looked to finish off Joey with his rope-assisted piledriver, but only got a two count as he complained to the referee which soon led to his downfall as not long after this, Joey hit the JKO to get the three count and to advance to the Semi-Finals. Good crowd head especially with MJF who once again was a star on the microphone – this fella is money!!

Tom Lawlor vs Jaxon Stone & Franco Varga vs Iestyn Rees followed next in what were two very good big lad’s matches, with the Stone vs Lawler being probably the best of these two with Lawlor very much being on the defensive surviving close countouts at the count of 9 to carry on. Lawlor however managed to choke out the BIG Jaxon at the third attempt to advance to the Semis. In the other quarter, after a valiant effort by Franco Varga, he finally succumbed to iestyn Rees who beat him with the Alpha Lock to also cement his place in the Semi-Finals.

Shenanigans galore in the final Quarter match when Sheikh El-Sham scrambled through against ‘Magnificent’ Matthew Brooks after Sham was in a pinning position on Brooks, but with the aid of Danny Hope holding Brooks foot on the outside for added leverage to get the three count BOOOO!!! So your final 4 – Lawlor, Sham, Rees and Hayes!

Half-Time Main Event was a proper tour de force of emotions as Philip Michael challenged Tel Banham once again for the Cruiserweight Title, after losing in Blackpool the last time at Club Domain, so for Philip this was a chance at retribution. Fully based around Banham working on the already injured knee of Michael from earlier on, he was trying everything within his power to make the man from Accrington tap out. However, at one stage near the end of this match it looked like Philip would do the unthinkable and make Tel tap in a modified ‘Rings of Saturn’ but to the sadness of the crowd in attendance, Tel would get to the ropes. With the match reaching around the 20-minute marker it would be Tel who had done enough work on Phil to make him pass out from the pain to deflate the crowd into one big huff – an excellent match up though, that the crowd were fully invested in for the duration of – well done lads!!

Semi-Finals of the tournament we had Iestyn Rees facing Joey Hayes, which was all going well until BIG T got involved once again on this day to remonstrate with Iestyn who he had been courting on behalf of his group. This led though, to distract Iestyn enough to be rolled up by Joey who advances to the Road to Glory final leaving an angry man from Gloucester baying for BIG T’s blood.

In the other Semi-Final we had Sheikh El-Sham vs Tom Lawlor in an interesting styles clash, which on paper many people thought Lawlor would advance, but once we saw who the official was for the match doubt set in (Mark Alexander Price once again!!). Price would get involved once again as he gave a fast count as Sheikh had Lawlor pinned much to the disgust of the crowd. After the match, Lawlor would get his revenge as he choked out Price enough, that it ruled him out from reffing/spoiling the final.

Before the final we had a 6-man tag to break things up with ‘The Buyout’ (BIG T, Danny Hope and Nightshade) taking on Sugar Dunkerton, Matthew Brooks and Arcadian. In a really fun break from singles action, it would be ‘The Buyout’ who would get the victory as BIG T hit the final sentence to Arcadian to get the 3 count.

Final time now, with Sheikh El-Sham coming out on a royal throne carried by security in a proper WrestleMania type entrance – that had me applauding like a seal – taking on Joey Hayes in the Road to Glory Final. This match is very poignant for Sheikh, as his first ever match was against Hayes at the PCW Academy when he was defeated by the man from Leigh, since then though Sham has had the upper hand, but would it be the same on this evening. Lots of interference in this one including ‘The Buyout’ getting involved, that was until Referee Des ejected them, we had signs of tension between Sham and Banham as well – which in the future we could see played out!

As the match was reaching its climax and with Sham on Top, BIG T came in as well to put the final exclamation to Hayes whilst Des was floored, but out comes Iestyn Rees with a chair to wallop T over the head to send him packing. This in turn lead to Joey Hayes locking in the Cross Hayes at the second attempt to get the Submission to send the crowd home happy and to win the Road to Glory tournament and an opportunity at the PCW Title at a later date. A fitting way to end a fantastic, storyline driven tournament!

Show done, it was time to visit the bright lights of Blackpool, as mentioned spending a couple of hours once again in The Brew Room till around 10:15pm. That was before we made our way to The Castle only for that to be shut! However, we did end up going to The Layton Rakes Wetherspoons to sample the £1.95 bottles of Sierra Nevada, followed by Knobby’s Karaoke Bar to here many songs being mercifully murdered by the locals – including a rendition of The Cranberries hit ‘Zombie’

Next on the beer crawl of Blackpool, was local Irish bar ‘Shenanigans’ which can only be described as a shithole, where we stopped for an hour only before my dancing got even worse! Last pub for us was The Miffin which was a decent café style bar, but it was a bit dead like that scene out of The Inbetweeners whilst we sang along to ‘Sugar Sugar’ by The Archies as requested by my mate Andrew! That said it was time for me, Geoff and Jan to leave The Indy Corner boys and Andrew to party the night away in the local Popworld – of which I had reports of stunning barmaid from Andrew.

Waking up the next morning at 930am, we made our way down for breakfast which was a good effort, but I never understand why all B&B’s insist on only giving you 1 sausage??? Meeting up with Jan and Andrew we made our way in for Show 3 of the Blackpool weekend, not before being surprised when walking into the local CEX to see a DVD of something called ‘The Brave Little Toaster’, supposedly a Children’s film from the late 80’s costing the pricey sum of £28 – FUCK ME!!

Anyways, less about toasters and let’s get into what happened in Show 3 and 4 – these being the TV tapings for the Fight Network shows, so be aware of spoilers to come! Starting off the first taping we had Philip Michael who was still carrying a bit of a knee injury from the previous evening taking on Dave Birch! A very good start to proceedings here, with both wrestlers impressing, but if I am being a bit picky it maybe could have had a couple of minutes shaved off it as they were trying to hit all the moves – still excellent by all accounts. Philip got the victory here with the Rings of Saturn to Birch after earlier hitting a Canadian Destroyer on Birch for a two count.

The sounds of Big T’s entrance were heard next as he came out to take on Arcadian. As expected this was a bit of a mauling apart from Arcadian at least getting the big fella down to one knee with kicks. T finished off Arcadian in quick fashion with The Final Sentence to get the win, once again teasing us with the non-appearance of his famous rack move ‘The T-Break’.

More comedy stylings next as ‘BIG TIME” Bruce Wheeler took on Sugar Dunkerton. Plenty of talk prior to the match was of Bruce Wheeler saying that he had the writing credits to the tune ‘Sugar Sugar’ like a 1960s version of Gary Barlow nicking all of the writing credits – which got a few laughs from my mate Andrew about this! Sadly, this was no laughing matter for Wheeler as he was put away with a roll-through X-Factor for the win.

Non-title Women’s action with Desi Derata taking on the PCW Women’s Champion Nightshade. Derata who had been beaten by Nightshade in a 3-way match on Friday in Leeds was looking for revenge here. Early portion of this match was a bit rough around the edges, but as it went on it turned into a good contest, in which Derata got the shock victory by hitting a spinning bomb to Nightshade to get the 3 and as we would see later in Show 4 – a title shot. Unfortunately, though in the later match, it wasn’t meant to be for Desi as she was put away by Nightshade with a high-angled German Suplex to get the win. Nightshade it has to be said is very good at getting the crowd riled up and it is good to see her getting some newer opponents to start off 2019 – keep an eye out for her!

Next two matches were a decent Big lads match with Jaxon Stone taking on Franco Varga in which Stone got the victory and Iestyn Rees disposing Danny Hope in quick time – let it be known this wasn’t a good weekend for the Sheriff of Tasseltown, as apart from the 6-person match, he lost every match!

Up next we had the unveiling of a new PCW signing that being Joe Hendry, who we would find out was a supposed attacker of Matthew Brooks (which was announced at the start of the show that Brooks would not be appearing because of this). With Hendry proclaiming that he is a better singer and a wrestler than Brooks, this prompted Brooks’ friend Sugar Dunkerton to come out to remonstrate with Hendry – in a very good back and forth talking segment, it would be Sugar who ended up sending Hendry packing to the back with a right hook, but not before Hendry challenged Sugar to a time of his choosing which would be later on in the Second show. Good stuff this!

Main event of the first show was an All-Star tag with Sheikh El-Sham and Tel Banham trying to work out their differences, taking on Joey Hayes and Tom Lawlor. A chaotic tag match that ended up with the crooked referee Mark Price getting involved once again with some underhanded skulduggery and also the rest of Buyout interfering to stop Lawlor doing any damage. With Danny Hope and BIG T occupying both Tom Lawlor and Jeff Cobb, the latter who had come out to save his mate, this left Banham free to clock Joey with the PCW Title belt to Joey Hayes to floor him to get the three count as Price counted the fall to get the tainted win for The Buyout!

After the match though, Joey dusted himself off to challenge Banham for the PCW Title in the second show to send the crowd off for an hour break before the 4thand final show started. During the break, it was time to get some Fish and Chips from the Chippy next to Coral Island, which were are solid 8/10 standard costing £6.55! I forgot to say whilst I am typing, that beer was shunned in the first show by quite a few of us nursing hangovers – instead plumping for £2.50 cups of Slush Puppies – many a brain freeze was had in the space of 2 hours.

4th and final show now, starting off with 4-way action with Jaxon Stone taking on Dave Birch, Bruce Wheeler and Franco Varga respectively. In a really fun opener to get the crowd warmed up once again, the popular Franco got the victory here by hitting the F5 stunner to Birch to get the victory here to end what was successful first time showing here in the U.K for the Puerto Rican! After the match, Dave Birch got onto the mic, to say that he was sick of all the losses and needed to seek change to get his fledgling career back on track.

After the aforementioned Women’s match we then had 3rd on – Danny Hope taking on Arcadian. After a prolonged beat down of Arcadian by Hope, out of nowhere the man from Planet Bolton shocked The Sheriff with a springboard cutter from out of nowhere to get the shock win! Which was nice to see as Arcadian impressed quite a few onlookers on this weekend, including Joe and JP, whilst we are on the subject got us all talking about Babylon Zoo which Arcadian uses their hit ‘Spaceman’ as his theme – only at the wrestling can these conversations ever come up!.

Next up was announced as an ‘I Quit’ match between Sheikh El-Sham and Philip Michael (something to be probably explained on TV to this stipulation). An added stipulation to this match was if the Sheikh won, then Phil would have to join The Buyout, if Phil won – The Buyout would have to disband! This was very much a match to show off the Sheikh’s dominance as he beat down on Phil’s already injured right leg, constantly targeting this throughout the match and after around 15 minutes he eventually made Phil scream ‘I QUIT!’ after the pain was too much for the lad from Accrington – so with that said – A reluctant Phil now has to be The Buyout’s slave for the foreseeable future.

Joe Hendry vs Sugar was up next to settle out their squabble in the earlier interview segment. In another good storyline driven match, for which PCW are very good at nowadays, it would Joe Hendry who would get the victory with a roll-up and a hand on the rope similar to an MJF victory the night before – very much to the boos of the crowd in attendance. So with that win, it looks like Hendry is going to be moving into a feud with Matthew Brooks, expect the Sing-Off and many other singing related games between these masters of the voice.

Three matches to go and we come back with a return match from Show 1, with Jeff Cobb once again taking on Filthy Tom Lawlor in a similar type of match to that one, with both hitting hard strikes and throws, but on this occasion, it would be the man from Guam getting the victory as Jeff Cobb hit the ‘Tour of the Islands’ to give Lawlor a hard landing to get the three count in a hard-fought contest with both lads giving each other a deserved show of respect!

More big lads action with Iestyn Rees and BIG T trying to settle their differences. Even though this was short, it still had some great spots including Rees doing a wonderful dive to T on the outside and also managing to slam T in the centre of the ring. With Rees locking in the Alpha Lock to T and with him ready to tap, Sheikh El-Sham ran in to attack Rees with a Chair to cause the DQ. It now looks like this is the direction for the next couple of months in PCW with Rees taking on Sham – which I am certainly all for! Rees is certainly getting over well in this new babyface role.

Main event time now and your final match for the weekend was for the PCW Heavyweight Title with the Champion, Tel Banham taking on the No.1 Contender Joey Hayes. Luckily for Joey fans at the start, PCW Honcho Steven Fludder ordered the dismissal of crooked referee Mark Price, leading to Price being fired and then duly removed by security - an excellent way to end the weekend long storyline with him. You would think as well with all of the wrestling that had just passed that the crowd would be tired, but this match the whole audience engaged from the start. None more than the moment Tel Banham went to hit Joey with the belt only to be thwarted by Referee Des, and then hit with a JKO for the nearest of three counts that had the crowd on the edge of there seats.

Thankfully though for Joey, he was wise once again when Banham went to hit him with the belt again, only for Hayes to lock in the Cross Hayes on Tel to make him tap out onto the belt (great visual) to become PCW Heavyweight Champion to a great reception from the crowd.

There we have it then! A tour de force of a weekend, which a couple of thank you's go out to the young lad in the front row who didn't stop chanting all weekend and gave me a rest which was needed much on the Sunday shows. Also a thank you to Rick 'The Rock' (PCW Regular) with his help with some of the results and his thoughts on the weekend - go and check him out on Youtube (The Peoples WWE Channel)!

In closing, despite some low attendances, the outlook for PCW does look good from a storyline stand point with the main baddies looking a threat especially Banham, BIG T, Hendry and Sheikh El Sham. From the goody side Hayes, Rees, Sugar and Brooks look to be their dance partners with also Philip Michael looking on within the buyout - I for one am excited from a story standpoint of things!

I hope you have enjoyed reading this review of PCWs weekend in Blackpool - give them a check out online or when they are on The Fight Network. I will see you next time when I go to Leeds once again for Tidal Wrestling so until then - BYE!!

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sevenclowds · 8 years ago

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Frank Weekend

My account of going to see Frank Iero and the Patience play at the Baltimore Soundstage in Maryland, Sat Apr 22 2017.

My companions for the weekend are my 19 yr old and my friend's 16 yr old daughter. Both their names begin with C and will henceforth be known collectively as C&C. My teen was forced to listen introduced to MCR from the age of 7 and obviously has great musical taste. My friend's teen is a huge fan of the Emo Trinity, but is not familiar with Frank's non-MCR work. "Is Frank the drummer for MCR?" she asks innocently. Oh dear. We gotta lotta educating to do this weekend. Someone needs to save this poor child.

[Very long post. You probably want to put the kettle on for this.]

We leave North Carolina at 8am and make our first stop at 10am at a Starbucks. It is here that I purchase a fateful cup of coffee that will keep me buzzed for the next 19 hrs. Just how strong is Starbucks Pike Place Roast? And what on earth possessed me, a caffeine lightweight, to get a grande instead of a tall? It'll help me keep awake while driving, I thought. Someone punch me.

I treat C&C to my music on the drive. My iTunes music library appears to be like my blog: 95% MCR with the occasional snippet of something random. We make sure to play plenty of Frank, for educational purposes. C&C are huge Hamilton nerds and we listen to the soundtrack as we near DC. As we pass the capital city, I point out that Washington is now literally on our side. Groan. #momjokes

We arrive at our hotel in Baltimore around 4pm, then go out around 5pm. We walk past The Soundstage and there are lots of people lined up waiting to get in. I'm so happy to see several Frank fans wearing the same Death Spells hoodie as me and as we walk past I feel really fucking cool! These are my people! My tribe! They will see my DS merch and know that I am one of them! Whereas last week, walking round Harris Teeter, I felt vaguely conspicuous in my black hoodie with the scorpion on the back, but now, I fit in. I am home. If I didn't have C&C with me I would be lining up there with them. But I have to feed my teens and not leave them to stand outside in the rain, so I sigh, and head toward Shake Shack for some food that we'll loosely call "dinner", like a grown up.

After eating some fries, we head to a spiffy steampunky Barnes & Noble where C&C, both devoted book nerds, are in heaven and bond further over their love of fiction. I'm itching to get to the venue but it's still raining and cold and they're having so much fun that we don't head over there until about 7.30pm.

VIP Ticket Fiasco Two months previously, when buying the tickets online, I wasn't quite fast enough to get the VIP tickets and I sat at my computer spitting curses and venom at those who managed to buy them in 0.2 milliseconds flat. The VIP experience included a private acoustic session before the show, a copy of Parachutes, and a seat in the posh table-and-chairs bit near the side of the stage. But alas, it wasn't to be so I made do with the regular tickets.

So, as we enter the venue, we're informed that we can upgrade to the posh section for an extra $10 each. C&C look thrilled at this idea, and my kid has issues with being in crowds and had been intending to stand quietly near the back, so this is a fantastic opportunity to get a great view without the crush. I relent and upgrade, even though I'm crying inside because I know we've missed out on the private session earlier and I just want to die. Fuck me, I get to sit at a table like somebody's mom. Kill me now. My plan is to stay with C&C for a couple of songs and then venture out into the crowd, but that damn parental mode kicks in and I feel guilty about leaving them so I stay. But actually, the view is really great, even though the atmosphere in the VIP area is nonexistent.

Dave Hause and the Mermaid open the show with some so-so rock stuff. Perfectly fine and competent band to fill the time, although nothing too exciting until the last song, dedicated to Trump, and called Dirty Fucker, causes the crowd to go wild.

Then Frank Iero and his Beardy Wondergroup come out, launch into World Destroyer, and time ceases to exist. It's the first time I've seen Frank since 2007 when he wore his Black Parade jacket (sniff) so I'm very emotional and I'm grinning the whole time. I realize I don't know as many lyrics as I'd like to, on account of Frank lyrics being hard to learn without serious study, which I haven't had time for. I do my best and probably sing a pile of nonsense for the most part. He tells us that today is the first time he's showered in 5 days. Why so gross? He tells us a story about how bad the crime is in Baltimore, which makes everyone nervous about getting home tonight.

I take some great photos

And some not so great photos

After the show, we head to the pizza place next to the venue to kill time until the band hopefully come out. We huddle in the corner by the door and eat pizza. I can't really taste it. Maybe it's because it's gluten free and vegan, maybe it's because I'm really not quite in my body. I realize I'm shaking and figure it's still The Coffee I had earlier plus added adrenaline and fatigue.

I message Kyle @casesandcapitals to come meet us in the pizza place because I know he's here somewhere and we've never met before. Next thing I know, Jen @jen--ne--sais--quoi and Kyle are walking in and I realize three fundamental truths at the exact same time:

1. Jen has intimidating make-up skills

2. Kyle IS recognizable without the 5ft tall metal flamingo

3. These people are way too cool for me

I am a little excitable and extra when meeting them and their friends Abbi @grewuponyourbackporch and Cole, but mainly because Jen's jacket is all kinds of awesome.

My new friends eat pizza and go outside to wait again but it's too cold for us so we stay in the restaurant. I feel really sick, I'm still shaking and I feel like crap. In my fevered state I manage to post the same pic to Facebook twice and cannot for the life of me get anyone's name right in the above photo that I post to tumblr. My brain has gone. I'm a mess. I'm not really in my body and I wonder if they'll put "death by frank" as my cause of death.

We go to join everyone outside at about 1.30am because those band members aren't going to meet themselves and we don't want to miss it. It's fucking freezing! You can tell the direction that everyone has traveled to the show by how many blankets they're shivering under. Southerners are suffering and northerners don't give a shit because they're tough as nails. My kid discovers their Hamilton hoodie isn't at all warm but I'm not going to give them my hoodie because I need to meet Frank in my Death Spells hoodie because I'm shallow and a really bad parent. I actually choose to let a child freeze because I want Frank to know I'm a fan and not just someone's mom. Priorities, people!

Evan and Alex keep appearing and disappearing again. They mill around and meet folks, clearly enjoying themselves or at least faking it really well. Me and C&C go stand in the parking garage entrance for a bit because it's possibly 5 degrees warmer than outside. It's 2.20am. C&C want to give it until 2.30 before we leave. It's clear by now that Frank isn't going to come out. But he ALWAYS comes out. I'm faced with the reality of having to leave without meeting him and I'm distraught. I comfort C&C because I feel bad for making them wait all this time but they end up comforting and hugging me. They tell me to wait until 3am and to come speak to Evan because he's being adorable and there's hardly anyone left so we'll have him to ourselves. And so we do, and he's just the loveliest, sweetest man and he fixates on the fact that me and the kiddo are British, haha! We tell him we drove 8 hrs today and he should come to North Carolina. He agrees and says he loves Chapel Hill so maybe that'll happen some day (yeah right). He imparts wisdom on doing what you love and not being obsessed with grades because they won't matter once you leave school. He starts talking to someone else and just as we're thinking of leaving, there's a tap on my shoulder and someone behind me yells, "Oh! Nando's!" It's Evan again, wanting to tell me about his favorite British experience - a restaurant that serves the best chicken. He's so enthusiastic as we discuss Nando's menu, particularly the veggie options and the bean burger. Hilarious! He's my new favorite person without a doubt.

It's 3am and we leave, jogging back to the hotel (because Frank's made us nervous about Baltimore). We get to the room and I get into bed in my clothes because it's too cold to consider taking anything off. My body is still buzzing (can it STILL be The Coffee from this morning or is it shivering?). I get maybe 1-2 hrs sleep because my mind insists on composing Hamilton/FIATP hybrid songs and some of them are actually quite good so I stay up and listen to the inside of my head.

Next day we drive back to NC. It takes 7.5 hrs. I force C&C to listen to the entire Death Spells album and even a little bit of Leathermouth just because I know it's what Jen would have wanted 💜

#frank iero #frank iero and the patience #fiatp #evan nestor #matt olsson #alex grippo #apr 22 2017 #apr 22 show #baltimore #maryland #baltimore soundstage #adultishbandomnet #my show #my photos

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yoshi4sushi · 8 years ago

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(purupurupuru) (purupurupuru) (click!) (coo!) (coo!)

Happy Monday, minna-san! I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter day with friends and family. Not into the holiday, but we do like munching on the sweets they sell at the stores. You can’t pass up chocolate. All righty! Enough talk about sweets, we have tons of goods and news to share with you so you know the drill. First off, last week’s chapter really tipped off a lot of fans to see that Sanji’s sweet comment to Pudding’s third eye made her weak on her knees to hear someone call her beautiful. Despite her being different, Sanji sees beauty any girl. Except for okama. That is not beauty to him. Anyway, with Pudding stalling the plan to kill Sanji, BM’s plan is ruined, and to make matters worse, her wedding cake is eaten by a bunch of Luffy clones making their grand entrance. GUA! Too bad, so sad! NOT! Anyway, no cake for Big Mom, let’s see how ballistic she’ll get this week’s chapter. Also, next week, the story will take another break. I know, constant breaks, but you have to let Oda-sensei take a breather so he can recuperate for a bit. Be patient. This past weekend’s episode was really nerve wrecking. Poor Luffy is suffering from the poison he ate from the fish, and we finally meet Yonji and Reige. As the gang beg Yonji for help, he refused and threatens them, but alas, the beautiful big sis, Reige, puts him in his place. Next week, let’s see if Reige is kind enough to lend a hand to save Luffy. Now on with the news! First off, as you already know, the cover for vol.85 has been released last week that has Luffy and the gang with Reige in the middle. It will cover from Chopper stuck in Mirror World to Luffy meeting Capone. It will be released on May 2nd during Golden week. Next, guess who’s the lucky monkey whose birthday is approaching? I’ll give a hint: he wears a straw hat. DUH! It’s none other than the future king of the pirates, Luffy-kun! His birthday is on May 5th which is Children’s day! The Mugiwara Stores will be giving away birthday bromide cards if you purchase over 1000 yen. Details of birthday goods will be released later on. Next, we mentioned the KUTANI plate last week. The Mugiwara stores and Jump Stores will be taking reservations for anyone who wants to make a KUTANI plate. It is a workshop where you can make your own plate. You can either give them a phone call or drop by at stores in person. The Mugiwara Store at the tower will also be having this workshop. If you live within the country and need details, please don’t hesitate to drop a message on our den den mushi question box. (DING!) (DONG!) Gua! Who could that be? Tongari-san! OMG! Please get out of the rain, and come in before you catch a cold. BOYS! Get some hot lemon tea, towels, and a blanket. HURRY! Please keep yourself warm, my friend. Take your time. So what’s the buzz that can’t wait, my friend? Tongari-san says that the tower is about to get SUPER excited for the third live action show that will premiere in two weeks! The title is “PHANTOM.” It’s hinting on who will be the lucky character that will be in the new show. Could it be Bon-chan? Maybe Hancock? Or the handsome Sabo? Possibly Mihawk? Or the beloved Ace? Who?! Who?! GUA! Everyone is excited to see this new show. As we mentioned last time, new tickets will be for sale on whether you only want to play with the attractions, or enjoy both the attractions and show. If you need more details, let us know. MAN! We can’t wait to see this new adventure. We are sad that the handsome Law-kun will be gone, but maybe we’ll see him again near in the future. Next, Odaiba still has the Whole Cake island exhibition open until May 28th. They have included other new goods at the Fuji TV store such as these original Whole Cake island poster, note pad, file folder, or a note clip. Also, here are some other awesome goods of Sanji they also have in stock like these business card memos, notepads, a file folder, some chocolates and sweets, a white photo frame acrylic stand, a mobile battery for your mobile phone, and an acrylic keychain. If you order more than 1500 yen, customers will be given a free bromide card of Sanji. KYA! Everyone will surely want to kiss this handsome cook! Moving on. Get ready for the summer cause it’s about to get wild! YES! Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has announced some awesome summer events! First, they will have 4 anime events such as Dragon Ball, Gintama, OP, and Jojo’s Bizarre adventure. For the OP event, they have announced dates for the Premiere show and Sanji’s Restaurant. For those who have USJ VIP, registration will be open next Monday at 3:00 pm. Those who have an account with USJ, registration starts on April 27th at 3:00 pm. General registration will start from May. The Premiere show will be from June 30th until Oct.1st. The restaurant will begin reservations next Thursday at 3:00 in Japan. Be quick cuz’ online reservation will be sold out quickly. Menu dishes will be updated next Monday. The restaurant will begin on June 2nd until Oct.1st. If you can’t reserve the tickets online, you can go on the day you visit the park. Tickets will be sold at the Beverly Hills restaurant. We will leave a link with info on everything. You must purchase park ticket in order to participate in the events. No park ticket, no entrance. All are sold separately. Moving on, next Tuesday, arcades will stock this Glitter and Glamorous figurine of Jewelry Bonney. She will come in two versions. Wanna win? PUT UP N’ SHUT UP! Go win yourself won. Beat the crane. Next, Coca Cola will have another OP collaboration. Find your local supermarkets and buy any coke, tea, or water and you get a free original goods. Also, if you apply the barcode online, you can enter in a contest for a chance to win a ticket to the OP Premiere show. If you need with this, let us know. Next, the team lab star will hold their OP event in Akita Furusato village which is located in the prefecture of Akita which up north on the way to Aomori. They will some games, arts and crafts, and much more. Google for direction of the place. They will also sell some original goods. Event will go from July 22nd to Aug.27th from 9:30 to 5:00 pm. 1200 yen for adults, 700 yen for under 12, and free for toddlers. Next, this past weekend, the Kumamoto International Manga Festival took place, and many famous manga artists, including the Kumamoto and pirate mangaka legend, Oda-sensei, drew their characters to support the Kumamoto relief from the earthquake a year ago. Oda-sensei drew Luffy to show his support. GUA! Home is where his heart is. Gotta love the green nature. Last, but not least, last week, our Mugiwara seiyuu and staff got a visit from Jinbei’s seiyuu, Katsuhisa Hoki-san. GUA! He’s so happy to be back as Jinbei and possibly, and hopefully, pray that he will be the 10th member of the Mugiwara gang. Cross fingers! PHEW! I think we covered everything. Well, that’s all we got. Tune in next Monday for more news and upcoming events. Special thanks to Tongari-san for his kind visit. Stay for the night, my friend. This is your second home. Kikko! Momon! Let’s call it a night.

USJ show and restaurant: http://www.usj.co.jp/jump/onepiece/summer2017/

OP tower tickets and new show: https://onepiecetower.tokyo/?lang=en

Kutani Plate workshop: http://www.mugiwara-store.com/info/3265

#one piece #seiyuu #merchandise #event

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captainignatiuspigheart · 4 years ago

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I’m now three days into a mostly well-earned week off and have no real knowledge of what came before… We’ve been trying to do more things, or at least more things that involve the outside world. It’s been a fortnight of new firsts. I’ve finally been into Nottingham city centre for the first time since mid-March. It was very strange to wheel back in – I only visited for an eye test – and see what seemed like millions of people. In retrospect it was probably the equivalent of a disappointing Tuesday morning. I went back in a week later to pick up my new glasses and it was certainly a lot busier. I cycled around for a bit, and there’s just nothing there I need any more. My desire to wander round a shop is at a new low (unless it’s a charity shop, bookshop, or LEGO shop. And there were none of those available), and I find it hard to imagine that changing much. I guess I’m not gonna be the shot in the arm our economy needs… We’ve also finally been to a pub, for a spot of birthday lunch with my mum. It was great to see her, because it has been ages, but the weirdness of being back in the Victoria was overwhelming. Not just having to wait to be seated, and leaving my name and phone number, but its gaping emptiness. We were the only people dining inside on a Saturday lunchtime, except for the group that briefly ate directly behind us (there was so much other space!) and perhaps fifteen people in the beer garden. I didn’t feel unsafe, just a little weirded out with thinking “what’s the point of this place?” I imagine some of this feeling will fade as these places become normal again with more activities being arranged in them.

Oh yeah, and I’ve been swimming! My beloved Lenton Centre is open again, and I am delighted. I’m not a huge fan of evening swims, since I’m normally well into wind-down and the sleeping drugs are kicking in, but I couldn’t miss the opportunity. They’ve done what they can for safety: super-wide swimming lanes, restricted numbers, widely spaced changing rooms, and (alas) no showers. Mind you, can you be safer than when immersed in a giant tank of coronavirus-murdering chlorinated water? I did the full hour, taxing muscles which have been utterly forgotten for four months. The next day I felt like I’d been crudely hewn from wood. It was a joy to be in water again. So much so that I’m getting up before midday on my birthday to do it again! Plus, we’re going to the cinema this week – The Empire Strikes Back is available on my birthday, and that’s the kind of normal I can’t resist. I’m even contemplating a trip to a real live LEGO store this week, though I may not if I don’t have my AFOL flag added to my card for the VIP day next Saturday. Who knows! It’s not like I’m short of LEGO at home…

LEGO: Merging Hidden Side Sets

I’ve been really happy with LEGO’s Hidden Side line, even though I’ve little interest in its augmented reality play features – the sets are just really cool! I was very taken with the Shrimp Shack Attack and Wrecked Shrimp Boat, which were both a delight to build with nifty techniques and great colour scheme. They seemed to have that same nice subdued sand-green/blue vibe as the stunning LEGO Ideas Old Fishing Store, so why not combine them… Originally, I wasn’t going to change very much at all. I wanted to retain the fantastic shrimp shack sign and the generally grungy vibe of the shrimp shack, plus the whole shrimp boat. As you can see, it did get a little more complicated. I ended up curving the shack round so it could fit in a corner of the baseplate and leave room for the boat, but it didn’t leave enough room, so… the boat became part of the shack, and into a nice little cafe. Making a floor I could tile around the three sections of the restaurant was challenging, but I like how it turned out. Inevitably, including the boat meant taking it apart and rebuilding the underside with different elements. There’s an awful lot of junk under the pier which was a nice chance to use my many crates and lobsters. I had a little fun making an ice-cream stand too, with a rather nice LEGO Friends sticker. I’ve hidden many things in the build and intensely enjoyed its construction. I reckon it looks pretty sweet next to the Old Fishing Store too. Hurray.

Watching: Snowpiercer

I expected to have a lot to say about this TV show, but I… don’t. It’s a good, more detailed, and fuller version of the movie that came out a few years ago, but it doesn’t really add anything. It’s equally bonkers – the conceit being that a super-train 1001 cars long that continuously circles the ice-choked globe – but has more detail, like seeing more of the engineering and a slightly better sense of this ten mile-long train as an environment. The story is much the same too (I guess that’s not surprising), it’s one of social revolution as the tailies (the “freeloaders” who jumped on the train without a billion-dollar ticket) seek to escape their appalling conditions and democratise the train by uniting with third class (who keep the train going – wait, that might be second class… doesn’t really matter) against the total wanker rich class who live in luxury in first. It’s fun, violent, fast-paced, and has many things to make you shake your head at the excesses of the wealthy. Jennifer Connelly is excellent, as is Daveed Diggs in the two (mostly) opposing leads, and the rest of the cast is well chosen. It works! I assume we’ll watch season two, even though we got confused about whether we’d actually finished season one.

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Reading: Djinn City by Saad Z Hossain

I’ve continued to struggle with reading, and I think this was a change in pace that really worked for me. Djinn City has a familiar setup: Indelbed is a sad lonely kid living with his alcoholic father, who discovers that his dad’s actually a magician deeply involved with the djinn we’ve shared our world with for millennia. He only finds this out when his dad ends up in a coma and he’s kidnapped by bad guys and dumped in a magical oubliette filled with horrifying flesh-eating dragons and an utterly sociopathic djinn who kinda befriends him… This is profoundly weird reading, both funny and very grim at the same time. There are lovely splashes of Bangladeshi society alongside the wildly arrogant and powerful djinn cultures, against the really awful things that happen to Indelbed (experimented on and then burned alive…), and the fantastical worlds and creations of the djinn themselves. Super-dark, full of intrigue and deep dark conspiracies, there is a huge amount to love and get into here. I am… perplexed that this isn’t book one of a series (or isn’t yet) as the ending feels an awful lot like it needs to continue. Read it, even if there isn’t a book two!

We Are What We Overcome

We met up again for our last fortnightly webchat. Much sadface for me as this has been one my anchoring events through lockdown. However, it’s quite a time commitment for those of us with exciting new jobs, so we talked about how we feel about the future. Not just our post-COVID future, but how we look forward in general. It turns out we somewhat suck at it. I’ve always been bad at imagining the future – I just can’t see myself in it. Still, interesting to ponder on, and I found it both thought-provoking and reassuring to hear the others’ attitudes. We’re planning to meet up in person late in August and get back on track with the regular podcast. Speaking of which, I keep forgetting to mention that new episodes are going quite regularly. Check ’em all out here: https://anchor.fm/we-are-what-we-overcome.

Workstuff

It’s been a busy couple of weeks, especially running up to a week off (to continue being at home, without work to do…). Much finalising of cover art, preparing books for print, for very soon our first books will be published! September sees the first two – Wrath of N’kai and Tales from the Crucible: A KeyForge Anthology, but we sorted those out months ago, before the whole pandemic thing flipped the world upside down. It’s October I’ve been working on, and will hit November’s books the second I return! In the last week we’ve finally been able to show off the first two Marvel novel covers we’ve been working on: Domino: Strays and The Head of Mimir – check ’em out at Marvel.com. Full credit to the wonderful Joey Hi-Fi and Grant Griffin for the two covers.

We followed that up with a little chat about how they came together on Facebook Live:

Watching: Preacher, season three

I’m not sure I know how to summarise Preacher. Ex-man of the cloth / career criminal Jesse has the voice of God (the power to command anyone to do anything) but dark super-Catholic religious corporation, Grail, wants that power so they can invest it in the actual descendent of Jesus – a heavily inbred idiot. In this exciting season of insane and hilariously grim adventures, Jesse and his best friend, the vampire Cassidy, bring the recently killed Tulip to Angelville, the hell hole where he grew up because his grandmother can save people’s lives, by eating their souls… It’s a very over the top show, with great fight scenes, lots of swearing, blasphemy and gore. All the good stuff. I’ve given up trying to understand what’s really going on and am just here for the ride. The return to Angelville explains a great deal of why Jesse is such a mess, while Cassidy’s adventures in New Orleans both delightfully mock The Vampire Letsat etc and subvert it. A lot of what I like is the largely British cast having an absolute whale of a time. Also, Hitler working at Subway and using that to restart the third reich is kinda special…

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MissImp: Making Monologues Work for You with Jon Nguyen

We still can’t do proper in-person drop-ins and it looks like there won’t be much in the way of live shows this year, so we’re continuing with our video series inviting great improv humans to share their brilliance with us. These are now fortnightly so we can do a live online Gorilla Burger on alternate weeks! Jon is splendid.

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Last Week: Preacher, Snowpiercer, Djinn City, LEGO Hidden Side, Aconyte Books, “leaving the house”, LEGO building, more MissImp improv and y’know the usual ramblings. #TV #books #LEGO #podcast @aconytebooks @missimp_notts https://wp.me/pbprdx-8HZ I’m now three days into a mostly well-earned week off and have no real knowledge of what came before… We’ve been trying to

#Aconyte Books #cover art #Djinn City #Jon Nguyen #lego #LEGO Hidden Side #Marvel novels #MissImp: Improv Comedy Theatre Nottingham #Preacher #Saad Z Hossain #Snowpiercer #We Are What We Overcome

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tellytantra · 5 years ago

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"tum hi mera ishq ho, tum hi mera junoon.." his words.. just spoken with poignant convenience. I have always wondered what's in him that I always imagined myself beside him. "MADHUBALA.." my mom called, distracting me from the promo of my favorite actor's new film Ek Ishq Ek Junoon on TV.. "coming mamma" I said moving from screen reluctantly. New film promotions keep on airing for every two minutes on different music channels isn't it? I convinced myself and went to the kitchen. "Beta, it's getting late for lunch. Help me with the cutting of vegetables" she asked. "Now do you need to request?" I asked with hands on my hips, "if I wont do this then who'll do. Infact I'd say I'll cook today. And my sweet mamma will be on a holiday" I said being ever bubbly and holding her shoulders from back. "but.." "no if no but.." I pushed her gently out of the kitchen with a giggle. I picked up onions and chopper knife. Tears started flowing from my eyes even before cutting it. Oops sorry my onion, I have bought you for 40rs a kilo only to murder you, trust me. "Madhu.. no nautanki.. please make it fast" mom shouted from bedroom. Mother! She indeed knows everything. She remained a junior artist but my goal is set. To become an actress and act opposite RK. My hero. I was just starting my work when I heard a soft piano tune, strings of violin followed. My heart was on a marathon at that moment as I left my work only to run towards my hall. I stopped in my tracks as I saw him. Dil Ibadat kar raha hai dhadkane meri sun, tujhk main karloon haasil lagi hai yehi dhun. I sat on the sofa again. It's my favorite song. The beats, the setting, the soulful singer, the deep lyrics and ofcourse RK. My RK. Everything is just perfect in this song. Myriad of emotions on his face, that draw one towards his him ad trap in the chimera of his character. Who needs a prince charming when the vampire in silver Volvo.. oops I mean in black Mercedes drives crazy. Abhay is the character which he hasn't enacted but lived. -"No.. not again!!" my mom threw a pillow at me. "You left the work in the middle and on top of it can't you hear the bell?" she scolded. -"huh, did it ring?" I asked apprehensively. She shook her head. Impossible! What should I do with this girl! She must have muttered. Definitely I was. It was my father. -"I have been rung the bell thrice" he said as soon as she opened the door. -"papa!" I went and hugged him. He looked tired as I ran and got a glass of water for him. Indeed a cameraman's job is tiresome. -"Madhu, look what I have got for you?" he said excited. -"what Papa" I asked coz I his surprises are always worth it. He opened his bag and took out an envelope. I took them and wondered what is it. As I opened it my eyes grew wider. My jaw dropped and my mind froze at the moment. "in..invita..tion fffor.." I stammered and then looked at Papa. I hugged him tight. "Invitation for RK's new film premiere!!!" I shouted. "a-w-w-w. awww!!! Thanks Papa!" The premiere was in the evening. Catching RK's film ek ishq ek junoon on the premiere was a dream come true. Honestly I could never sleep properly if I don't see his movies on the first day. But after his last film pyar ki ye ek kahani which was a blockbuster, all the tickets were completely booked on the first day. But now I don't need any ticket!! I have pass for the premiere!! I was on seventh heaven. I would catch the glimpse of him even closer this time. I immediately opened my wardrobe and began choosing dresses. Nothing is just… ufff I was constantly cursing under my breath. Such a big occasion and I have got nothing decent to wear. Finally I picked up the dress that I wore to the sets for the first time when I went to meet him. That day I can never forget. Shooting had to be stopped abruptly due to increasing crowd. RK left in his car. I shouted from the crowd but he didn't turn back. I tried to look my best that day and today I'll wear the same again since it's the best dress I combed my hair and instead of wearing a in a braid I just tied in a pony. I used subtle waterproof make up, yeah what if it rains suddenly like the last time. And finally I'm done. I looked into the mirror; the pink salwar kameez perfectly suited me. After pink is the color of love. But something was missing or something was extra. But what? I wondered as I looked at myself carefully. Answer came quickly. I pulled my pink band out from my hair and pushed few strands forward. Perfect! I said giving a flying kiss to myself on mirror. At the premiere, I showed my pass to the collector who let me in. I saw many of the celebrities who attended to watch the most awaited film of the year. It was already declared a hit by many. The producer was on the profit side even before the film released. Buyers and distributors were banking on it. My seat was on the thirty sixth row. Yet I wasn't disappointed. I kept my autograph book ready. The film started, titles scrolled. But RK was nowhere to be seen. Where is he? Late for premiere? I wondered. No, no, perhaps he is struck in traffic, I told myself. Then I could hear the crowd screaming.. RK… RK… only RK's name was on everyone's lips. He entered the hall with his four bodyguards who were trying to keep the people from throwing themselves on him. My heart skipped the beat seeing the Greek God before me. Impeccably dressed in black Armani, he looked stunning. His chiseled jaw, wet spray set hair whose few stands were playing on his broad forehead and how can one miss his hypnotic ice blue eyes that had the dangerously captivating power. RK, Rishabh Kumar is an epitome of dreams for which you would have both ishq and junoon. I joined the crowd too, just to get an autograph. But everything in vain. He set his steps quickly to the VIP section and the crowd remained back. So did I. I couldn't completely concentrate on the film. Though I was involved in it more than anyone else in the hall. Yet my gazes were shifting to and from RK's side to the screen. The film was over. I ran outside where he would be soon leaving from. Everything was the same, the crowd, the rope fencing, the securitymen controlling; definitely no chance of getting autograph. No, I can't miss the chance today, I told myself. God Gracious! It's raining now. I waited still until RK left in his car. "RK… RK…" I called out and rushed forward pushing the crowd. But the security didn't allow me to go further. And alas! At last he left. I walked home back in despair. Neither I could see the film properly nor I could reach RK. As looked at my watch it was already too late. My mobile stopped working as it got drenched in rain. So did I. My perfectly dress is now wet. I called for many autos but I could catch one. Then I decided to take a shortcut walking back. I was crossing the road when I heard a horn. My eyes went blur due to rain and light, perhaps the headlight of the car. I panicked and as a result fell down, my heart was thumping irregularly. Am I hit? "hey you… driver check the lady out.." I heard a voice, so familiar. "stupid pedestrians!" yes, it was familiar. Too familiar. I opened my eyes and got up. I saw a middle-aged man in white uniform standing before me. "you okay. If anything had happened to you then Sir will get into controversy" he said worried, "and so does my job and life" -"no, I'm fine" I said brushing my elbows unable to see the fretting of the man, then what followed made me dumbstruck. My gaze shifted to the car and I saw him out of it. RK! a soft whisper escaped my lips. My mind has already transported to la-la land. He was just few feet away from me. "can I drop you somewhere?" he said. I nodded subconsciously. I'm sure I'm hit. And I'm in heaven. This isn't true, is it? I sat in his car and gained my senses due to the driver's voice, "where madam?" "Borivalli" I said. Few minutes passed in silence. Neither he spoke nor did I. My Prince Charming is before me and me, a certified chatter box is short of words? Finally I decided to start the conversation. Afterall this is once in a lifetime moment. I unzipped my bag and took out my slam book. -"autograph please" I offered him. He looked at me with certain attitude. -"so, finally you got chance. Last time, at the set you missed me" he said with his eyes on the book and signing. I was taken aback by his works. that means…. -"you have noticed me that day?" I asked eagery, "and you remember too" -"ofcourse" he closed the book, "how can I forget such a pretty.." he paused and looked at me, "dress" he completed. "you have worn the same the last time. I saw in the rear view mirror while leaving" he said giving my book back. -"oh!" I said. It was embarrassing, he noticed my dress but didn't spare a look at me? But hey! He remembered. He remembered me. He saw me that day! And what I examined closely were his expressions. Honesly, there were no expressions on his face. Myriad of emotions he shows on-screen had none. He was blank. And his straight face was somehow disturbing to me. Is this what people call attitude? -"I can't believe I'm sitting next to you. This happens only in dreams" I said blushing like a schoolgirl. -"this happens in films too" he said. Ofcourse like hero, heroine, rain and lift. Not surprised. I have heard he speaks quick and crisp. Finally the car halted at the starting of my house lane. So soon! I didn't feel like going. I got out and waved my hand in goodbye. Words died at that moment for me. Parting is always difficult isnt it? Before leaving I heard him say, "you are pretty and unforgettable" My jaw dropped on his confession as the car zoomed out of my sight. It was a drive to remember coz it happens only in dreams, oh yes and in films too. Jin.

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