#alicia monk

[expirisims]

Good Morning Star Shine

The rain cleared off over night and it appears Angela has switched partners yet again...This girl is the definition of a commitment phobe!

Simili took advantage of the beautiful weather to work on her chess strategies and it paid off, literally!

In the meantime, the world is blooming again and I noticed that as I feared, one of my retextures made all of the Cherry Blossoms green instead of pink. When I was making St. Bernie, I specifically covered this hillside with Cherry Blossoms so it would be like a little hidden (not so hidden) gem of pink in all of the green. So, I tracked down the file for those specific trees and removed it as you'll see in the next household. I was sorry to lose the improved leaf texture, but for me the pink was more important :)

Gerald spent the day inside working on his novel. At this rate, he'll be as prolific as Alicia (Monk) Baldwin in my Redwood Harbor playthrough by the next time I'm in this household!

Way to go Gerald!

He was invited to the Williams for a party and after all that writing he NEEDED some relaxation!

Oh...yeah...How could I forget!? The Williams have children...

Five of them...Two toddlers and three infants to be exact...and ONE crib! Geeze I am HOPING they have enough to move into a large home once I get to this household!

Gerald didn't let that stop him from rocking out though. Careful not to step on a kiddo, Gerald!

One last picture to end the night...A random one of Freddie Cox trying to doge the hail as he got home from work.

[mugentakeda]

I lean against the wind, pretend that I am weightless

And in this moment I am happy, happy

[noemitenshi]

Masterlist

Here you'll find all the things I create (all type of fics, gifs, metas), conveniently collected in one place. So far I'm obsessed with Cursed and Fear the Walking Dead (which has one common theme, Daniel Sharman). Enjoy 🧡

Fear the Walking Dead

Fanfiction

Troy Otto

Ghost 2,126 words, WIP, angst, sad, exploration of Troy's headspace immediately after the last scene we see him at the dam, what did surviving this do to him?

Troy Otto x Alicia Clark

s8 AU Troy Otto x Alicia Clark, no official wordcount, WIP, angst and fluff, What if Alicia were Troy's wife instead of Serena

[Series] Sick like you [01 - 02 - 03 - 04 - 05] Troy Otto x Alicia Clark, 9,850 words, finished, smut, so much smut, slight dub-con, D/s undertones, part one is canon compliant, Alicia is done being the good kid, but then she feels bad about it, cheating, enemies to lovers, unhealthy to healthy relationship

Troy Otto x Crazy Dog (Lee) || Troy Otto & Crazy Dog (Lee)

Addicted to mess Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 185,730 words, WIP, (lots and lots of) smut, fluff, angst, wholesome, enemies to enemies with benefits to lovers, watch them turn an unhealthy relationship into a healthy one , also have I said smut yet?

Fool me twice Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 33,449 words, finished, smut, dub con, unhealthy relationship, Troy Otto has a deathwish, Crazy Dog takes advantage

Just around the corner Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 4,185 words, WIP, fluff, AU - no zombies, In a world without zombies Troy finds a different purpose

Love, endless Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 1,029, finished (for now), unhealthy relationship, angst, dark, tragedy, COMIC

Moonlit Kisses Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 32,750 words, finished, fluff, wholesome, sweet, first kiss, first time, smut, canon divergent, teeny bit of angst, some whump

Paint your body in hues of red Troy Otto x Crazy Dog x OC, 1,933 words, finished, smut, fluff, established relationship, wax play, facesitting

Sex Worker AU Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, no official word count, no WIP and not finished but a secret third thing (idea I had I'll probably never write), AU - no zombies, Troy sells the ranch after his father dies and decides to have some fun, includes but not limited to hiring a sex worker (Lee), client to friend to lover, imagine

Soup Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 696 words, finished, fluff, Troy loves soup

Surprise Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 625 words, finished, fluff, Troy has a surprise for Crazy Dog

[Series] The easy part is always hardest to see [01 - 02 - 03 - 04 - 04 (alternative version) - 05 - 06] Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 42,204 words, finished, smut, teeny bit of dub-con, a lot of fluff, some angst, pining, whump, enemies to friends to lovers

[Series] The melody of sand and waves and hope and schemes Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 2,629 words, finished (for now?), AU - Royalty, arranged marriage, fluff, cute, pre-relationship, Princess Troy series

The monster that brought me here Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 28,323 words, WIP, dark, angst, hurt, little comfort, sad, Troy is dealing with the trauma of having been raped, Crazy Dog has his own trauma to work through, canon divergent, second part of a series, fallout from 'I'd do it all again'

The moon bathes your face in gentle light no official wordcount, finished (for now) Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, angst, fluff, Troy survives s8, saves Tracy and runs into a familiar face - the two former enemies bond over their similar grief

This insanity you give to me Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 29,551 words, finished, smut, fluff, teeny bit of angst, instead of avoiding Crazy Dog after their initial encounter in 'Addicted to mess' Troy seeks him out. After all, that asshole can't just do things like that to him and then leave, spin-off of 'Addicted to mess'

What's it gonna be, Troy? Troy Otto & Crazy Dog, 8,146 words, finished, oneshot, soulmate AU, angst, fluff, pre-relationship, enemies to friends (soulmates)

You're the sin that I've been waiting for, Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 19,450 words, WIP, fool me twice... spinoff (fluffier version), angst, fluff, enemies to lovers, Troy and Crazy Dog have been playing a dangerous game with Troy's life. A game neither one is able to (or wants to) put an end to. But maybe they can change it… At least in this version

Troy Otto & Jake Otto

Cozy 353 words, finished, angst, some fluff, what was running through Troy's mind during the hug with Jake in s3ep9 (right before he was exiled)

Troy Otto & Madison Clark

Moral Compass no official word count, no WIP and not finished but a secret third thing (idea I had I'll probably never write), a stab at deepening Troy's and Madison's relationship (really just the beginning of it), a mututal madness

What should've been - Troy's revenge 1,242, finished, angst, hurt, some comfort I guess, fix-it I guess, how s8ep11 should've gone

When home becomes a strange place Troy Otto & Madison Clark, 3,370 words, finished, fix-it, hopeful ending, bittersweet, what would it take for Madison to actually start caring about Troy

Troy Otto x Nick Clark || Troy Otto & Nick Clark

I'd do it all again Troy Otto x Nick Clark, 10,185 words, finished, dark, angst, hurt no comfort, non-con (rape), suicide, not a happy story, what if things at the dam went a bit different - and how will they live with the consequences of their actions?

Sketch Troy Otto & Nick Clark, 337 words, finished, angst, hopeful?, fix-it?

That Crazy Bastard Troy Otto & Nick Clark, 728 words, finished, fluff, Troy had been vanishing for over a week now, refusing to tell Nick what he was up to. Until today

Troy Otto x Crazy Dog X OC

I can't stop imagining hurting you Troy Otto x Crazy Dog x OC, 9,424 words, finished, smutt, fluff, Troy gets introduced to the concept of spanking

Lost & Found Troy Otto x Crazy Dog x OC, 32,554 words, WIP, fluff, angst, Troy Otto being saved after the dam, finding his way back to himself, fast-burn, 'Addicted to mess' chapters 1 and 2 happened in this universe too, rest of s3 happened as in canon

No title Troy Otto x Crazy Dog x OC, no official word count, snippet, fluff, angst, abusive!serena backstory

Troy Otto x OC

Earn your keep 131,622 words, WIP, Troy gets a redemption arc, major character death (happens in the first chapter), Troy Otto centric, slow burn, grudging allies to friends to lovers, angst, fluff

Follow me (down the streams of sweat on your body) Troy Otto x unnamed female (could be reader, could be author, could be OC, could even be someone from canon), 5,612 words, finished, smut, slight D/s undertones, bondage, aftercare, fluff, praise kink

Kept 14,893 words, WIP, dub-con, past sexual abuse, AU - no Clarks, dark, angst, suicidal thoughts, bad BDSM etiquette, unhealthy relationship, slow burn to a better place, two broken people trying to figure things out between them, will get worse before it gets better

Unlovable no official wordcount, finished, more an imagine than a fic, angst and fluff, some smut, Troy's girlfriend finds a certain jacket in his closet. She proceeds to show him just how lovable he truly is

Troy Otto & his parents (Jeremiah Otto, Tracy Otto)

Childhood memories 2,084 words, WIP, angst, hurt, dark, child abuse, a study of Troy's childhood, his mother's complicated feelings, what happened with the rabbits

Troy Otto & Tracy Otto (daughter)

Reunion no official wordcount, Imagine, finished, angst, fluff, Troy survived s8 and rescues his daughter

Lark or And silently loom the shadows of my past Troy Otto & Tracy Otto, Troy Otto & Madison Clark, 2,148 words, finished, angst, hurt, some fluff, Troy's daughter loves to cause mischief - but this time she may have just gone too far

Gifs&Lyrics

I will do it again

Who are you to say that?

Asks & Metas

Jake Otto

Jake Otto as a Brother

even more

Troy Otto

...and Boundaries

...and the Horde some more thoughts on his headspace during that moment

...as a father

Favorite Troy scene(s) and why

'I don't drink'

'I'd do it all again'

...in a relationship

...in love

...being hit on

'It's the first time I've felt fear'

On killing Mike

Post s8 thoughts

Troy and Madison

Troy's feelings in his last moments (s3)

Troy's sexuality and more on his sexuality

Virgin Troy

Why Troy didn't get poisoned like the other Militia members

'You stayed at the ranch because you love me'

Cursed

Fanfiction

Empty ways can cloud your eyes The Weeping Monk x Reader, 20,268 words, WIP (though ch 11 is a good place to end things), redemption arc, crisis of faith, friends to lovers, fluff and angst, whump

Madness is a narrow bridge The Weeping Monk, finished, oneshot, angst, dark, no comfort, a heartbreaking glimpse into the weeping monk's mind while he hunts his own

Gifs&Lyrics

The Weeping Monk & Squirrel, AOV by Slipknot

The Weeping Monk & Gawain, Custer by Slipknot

The Weeping Monk & his faith (i guess), Broken Crown by Mumford and Sons

The Weeping Monk & his guilt, Lech by Slipknot

The Weeping Monk & his doubts, The burden by Slipknot

The Weeping Monk & Father Carden, The In-between by In This Moment

Daniel Sharman (rpf)

Fanfiction

You're not really my type~ Daniel Sharman x OC, no official wordcount, WIP, smut, fluff, angst, my kinktober contribution, daniel meets a woman who may be more than he bargained for, sub!daniel

[jacscorner]

I don't know why I keep doing these harem pieces when they take forever and are a pain in the ass to do. I guess I just enjoy doing this, lol. But here Jango is with his 'canon' harem. For the most part, I've drawn & written Jango with various girls of my own design, but it's these seven who I tend to favor the most for one reason or another.

Here, Jango & his girls are dressed in fantasy RPG classes. Or, at least, the best I can manage on (mostly) the fly.

Tara Lynx - Monk

Leigh Rook - Artificer

Ruth Schonau - Cleric

Bernice Baxter - Bard

Jango Fox - Barbarian

Alicia Blackjack - Paladin

Madison Belle - Rogue

Gwendolyn Young - Druid

[birbwell]

hi! I have a kinda unusual question - do you (or any of your followers) know of any good resources about how the everyday life of medieval monks looked like? or anything that discusses gender and/or sexuality questions in the medieval period (especially if it's in a monastery setting)? books, articles, or whatever format there is!

sorry if it's kinda out of nowhere, just you're The™ monkposting blog in my brain so I thought you might know. No worries if not!

I would not know of books ab the everyday lives of medieval monks unfortunately :[ I did recently pick up a book called The Wandering Mind: What Medieval Monks Tell Us About Distraction by Jamie Kreiner.. haven't gotten too far into it yet but it is a Fun read so far :]

as for gender and sexuality.. these books I have not read, but found them recommended among people whom I'm sure know better:

John Boswell's stuff, such as Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality

Trans and Genderqueer Subjects in Medieval Hagiography by Alicia Spencer-Hall

monktuals chime in if you've got suggestions u_u

[scotianostra]

On February 24th 1303 the Scots, under Simon Fraser and John Comyn beat an English force at The Battle of Roslin.

Now most of my history is self taught that I have picked up over the years, I was brought up near Roslin and my mum did take us there as bairns and told us all about the Chapel, the Apprentice Pillar and The Holy Grail, this was 30 years before Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code novel, so with all that you would think that I will have been told all about The Battle of Roslin?

Nope not a thing, I knew about Stirling Bridge, Bannockburn and Culloden, as well as other battles but I can't recall my mum ever telling me about Roslin, so what I know is all learned over the past 20 years or so.

Fought between the Scots and English during the Wars of Scottish Independence and was a Scottish victory, but it does not figure in many history books and few people up until lately have even heard of it, yet the figures involved, especially on the English side, make it one of the biggest battles ever on Scots soil.

This was during the Wars of Scottish Independence, according to the stories I have read it was more of a fight over the love of a woman rather than a pure Scotland v England "match".

Lady Margaret Ramsay of Dalhousie, who had become betrothed to the handsome Sir Henry St Clair, they of the Knights Templar folk. Enter your typical English arrogant guy in Sir John de Segrave, a seasoned campaigner in many a Scottish battle. Sir John is said to have fallen in love with oor Lady Margaret on may visits to Dalhousie Castle, on hearing of the impending marriage in a fit of jealousy decided he wanted the Lady for himself so sought out to sweep her off her feet and defeat the Scottish army all in one fell swoop.

It's a great tale and sounds like a Hollywood film, but there never was any Lady Margaret Ramsay and we know that Sinclair married one Alicia de Fenton. So that's the romance bit debunked.

What I have also read out about the battle is that Segrove split his army, of 30,000 troops, into three groups, to me this is more believable, well splitting the army, the numbers in my mind will have been a lot less. Anyone who knows the landscape of Roslin Glen will know that it lends itself to the theory that in battle on big force would find it difficult to gather there. The English army in three divisions was also common in armies at the time. The terrain in Roslin in the middle of winter would have made it very difficult for a large army to manouevre, so with that I am pretty sure the numbers have been exaggerated, put it this way, if 30,000 English were defeated at Roslin it would be bigger than Bannockburn.

This brings me to my third point about the battle, why are no accounts of it from people present at it? Well that is easily explained in the fact that one of the commanders of the Scots was John "The Red" Comyn. It's a well know fact that history favours the winners, and we all know that The Bruce and Comyn were bitter rivals so it would be natural for any records of the battle to have been erased by Bruce. Well that's my take on it.

A couple of other details often written about the battle is that William Wallace was present, Wallace by this time had given up the Guardianship and at some point was said to have been in France, when captured he was in possession of a "safe passage" letter from The King of France, so was he there? Again I refer to my local knowledge in that along the River Esk that runs through Roslin Glen, towards Hawthornden Castle is a cave we know as Wallace's Cave, so there is a connection somewhere down the ages with our favourite Scottish patriot.

One as wee story regarding The Battle of Roslin is about the Cistercian Prior Abernethy of Mount Lothian to the west of Balantradoch, the Templar headquarters in Scotland, it was about 5 miles from Roslin, Abernethy, the monk, had been a Templar, a warrior, who had off his armour and lay down his sword to spend the remainder of his life praising God. Now the warrior priest's blood rose again. The life of prayer, compilation of Gregorian chants was abandoned. God had called the Prior to the defence of Scotland. As men prepare for battle each pray to whatever God he knows "let us be victorious."

Monks on horseback were sent to raise the alarm and warn the Scots of the danger facing them, they would have said a prayer for the Scots troops before the battle, as was normal, but another legend is that as the Scottish Army grew tired during the third stage of the battle. Abernethy is said to have been crucial with his local knowledge of the Glen, he also directed the Monks to erect a huge St Andrews Cross on the Pentland Hills, as the Scots tired the Cross was set alight and the Abernethy pointed towards it, saying it was a sign from God, it rallied the troops and the Battle was won.

You will have maybe heard other versions of The Battle of Roslin, a lot of this is my own take and by no means historical.

[ppgppzaustory]

PPZ - Bliss' profile!

First name: Blisstina Middle name(s): Francesca, Francia, Mariam and Alicia Nickname(s): Bliss, Blissy, Tina, Fran, Cia, Alie Last name: Utonium Gender: Female Nationality: American Birth Date: July 10, 1995 Age: 16 Birth place: Townsville Star Sign: Cancer

Occupation: Getting her Powers under control. Education: A Temple of wise Monks in China. Hobby(ies): Interior design. Religious Beliefs: Christian, Buddhist Hero/Villain/Neutral: Hero Family: Professor Utonium, Miss Keane, Blossom, Bubbles, Buttercup, Bunny, Rhythm, Beatrix, Britney and Bones. Best Friend: None, yet. Rival(s): Duchess Morbucks

Special Powers: Electric Generation - When Bliss is emotionally fuelled enough, she generates a field of electricity. When released, this unleashes a gigantic, destructive explosion. This is caused by any particularly powerful emotions she may experience. Telekinesis - One of Bliss' unique powers is the ability to move multiple objects through the air without coming in any physical contact with them. She discovered this when manipulating many Chinese weapons at the Temple. She will later use that power as a way to play with her four sisters. Teleportation - Bliss has the power to teleport from one place to another, either at short distances or very long distances. Fusion - Bliss has the ability to combine her entity with other beings, be they good or evil. Weakness: Her strong emotions. Phobia(s): Autophobia, Fear of abandonment.

Allergies: None Sexuality: Bisexual Pronoun(s): She, They

Likes: Bliss likes her family, Pizza, Peace and Quiet, Solitude, The Temple, Reading books, Learning, Crime Fighting, Movies, cleaning, Flowers, Animals, House Design, Having fun, Night parties, The color Orange, purple, yellow, Martial arts, Any kind of food and Rainy days.

Dislikes: Bliss dislikes Crime, Villains, Being Tricked, Her powers getting out of control, Bullies, Being embarrassed, Animal Abuse (as do all her sisters) and Being ridiculed.

General I.Q.: Average Values: Family, Friendship, Love, Peace, Life, Kindness and Good Health.

Personality: Bliss is the same delightful bundle of joy as the other four girls. However, she doesn't quite meet the same standards of the "perfect little girl". Bliss has a chemical instability as a result of Chemical W. Because of this, whenever she feels strongly about something, whether it be positive or negative, her powers combine with her emotions, causing harm and destruction to anyone and anything around her. Despite this, Bliss is a nice girl and she finds herself rather horrified with the result of her explosive powers. Because of this, she tries her best to avoid it. Bliss also suffers from anxiety, as a result of her power imbalance, and since anxiety can cause emotions to be out of whack at times when she feels a lot of pressure, her anxious emotions combine with her powers and cause an explosion. With the help of the old wise Monks from the Temple she was sent to, she is able to do just that and become the crime-fighting hero she's always dreamed of being, along side her sisters.

Bio: "Blisstina Francesca Francia Mariam Alicia Utonium", or "Bliss" for short was created in 1989 by Professor Utonium. Professor Utonium loved Bliss and raised her the same way he'd raised his four future girls, but it was only a matter of time before Bliss' powers started coming into play and proving their danger. Professor Utonium started to realize that whenever Bliss got excited, enraged, terrified, upset, or basically any strong feelings, her feelings would mix with her powers, and would cause destruction. Bliss would blast holes in the walls of the house and endanger the well-being of the Professor and everyone else around her. This continued for some time, with the Professor and Bliss fearing the worst would come. Soon enough it came to pass when Bliss grew upset about being unable to eat cereal without milk. Growing increasingly upset, her powers merged with her emotions once more and an intense explosion destroyed the entire house. Shocked and ashamed at what she had done, Bliss fled to China, never to be seen by her father again for 8 whole years, going to an old Temple where she'd spend her days trying to control her erratic powers with the help of some old and wise Monks. Professor Utonium thought she had died in the explosion. As devastated as he was at the loss, he eventually decided that he needed to move forward from the past, and try again with making another perfect little girl. When he did, he decided to shelter them from any information about their previous sister, and let them enjoy the fact that they were perfectly functional creations, just like he always wanted them to be. As Bliss grew older, she'd become consistently reminded of her homesickness. By the time she'd become a teenager, Bliss decided to return to Townsville to see the Professor once again, Bliss was nervous on her road back to her home, thinking more of the destruction she left behind than the potential joy she wished to bring. She saw Bubbles, Blossom and Buttercup talking in the living room upon her return and felt abandoned. She could not believe the Professor would forget about her and replace her. But as time went on, she tried to meet the trio, and loved them as sisters for the first time, but she did not tell them who she was to them just yet. She was also still anxious at the thought of talking or seeing her father once again. When Bliss turned out to be real in the Professor's eyes, after she accidently revealed herself to him, she and Professor Utonium embraced. Professor told her how much he missed her and how he thought she passed during the explosion she made the last time she was home. This made her cry as she did not expect to be missed or still loved by her father. After this, they both explained her backstory and her reasons for coming back to her younger sisters. After getting their heads around this, The Powerpuff Girls were ecstatic to have an older sister and they introduced her to their lives. They tried teaching her about fighting crime, using superpowers, and having fun. However, Bliss had developed anxiety due to the erratic nature of her powers and how destructive they could be, and this anxiety came into play, causing her to once again cause destruction around her whenever she felt very nervous and upset. Eventually though, she had to return to the Temple, feeling whole again, and got more determined than ever to get a better control over her own powers so she could live with her family without harming them ever again.

Ingredient(s): Sugar, Spice, Everything nice and Chemical W. Ingredient Trait: She's unstable, just like the Chemical W.

Flying Trail: Blue-Violet

[anestofmuses]

Yanno the thing that bothers us the second most with the dlc story for 8 is that.

If the monks Really wanted a purehearted Mishima. Jin LARS was right there! Fighting to save the world, treating Alicia as a person and not a machine. Defending the innocent!

A far better choice then fucking praying that Heihachi's easy Amnesia wouldn't be undone.

[reflectionsofacreator]

i forgot how much I like team building in FFT, because i've turned into a little gremlin who's cackling at being able to min/max my stats and become a god of destruction before the end of ch 2

In other news, i'm going to attempt to use the canon characters more, rather than solely rely on my generics. That being said, I'm putting some serious work into Ladd, Lavian, and Alicia, who are primed to become a dark knight, samurai, and ninja respectively.

Ramza is a squire/monk/thief like always.

[banarjeenikita]

The Role of Acoustic Pianos in Classical and Contemporary Music

The acoustic piano has been a cornerstone of music for centuries, shaping both classical and contemporary music in profound ways. From the grand compositions of Beethoven to the soulful ballads of modern pop artists, the piano remains one of the most versatile and expressive instruments in the world.

In this article, we will explore the evolution of the acoustic piano, its significance in classical and contemporary music, and how it continues to influence artists across various genres.

A Brief History of the Acoustic Piano

The piano was invented in the early 18th century by Bartolomeo Cristofori, an Italian instrument maker. He sought to improve upon the harpsichord, which could not vary its volume or sustain notes effectively. The invention of the hammer-action mechanism allowed the piano to produce soft and loud sounds (hence the original name "pianoforte"), making it more dynamic and expressive.

Since its invention, the piano has undergone significant advancements, evolving into grand pianos, upright pianos, and baby grand pianos. Despite the rise of digital pianos, the acoustic piano remains unmatched in its rich, resonant sound and ability to convey deep emotion.

The Role of Acoustic Pianos in Classical Music

1. The Heart of Classical Composition

In classical music, the acoustic piano is often considered the king of instruments due to its wide tonal range and expressive capabilities. Many of the world’s greatest composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt, wrote extensively for the piano, creating pieces that are still performed today.

Some of the most famous classical piano works include:

Beethoven’s "Moonlight Sonata" – A piece that showcases the piano’s ability to evoke deep emotions.

Chopin’s "Nocturnes" – Known for their delicate and expressive melodies.

Rachmaninoff’s "Piano Concertos" – Featuring powerful and technically demanding passages.

2. The Piano as a Solo and Accompanying Instrument

The acoustic piano plays a vital role in both solo performances and orchestral settings. It can function as a standalone instrument or accompany symphonies, choirs, and chamber music ensembles.

For example:

In concertos, the piano takes center stage alongside an orchestra.

In lieder (art songs), it provides harmonic support for vocalists.

In ballet and opera, pianists often play during rehearsals to guide the performers.

3. Conservatories and Classical Training

Classical pianists undergo rigorous training at conservatories and music schools, mastering sight-reading, technique, and interpretation. The acoustic piano is essential for developing fundamental skills that translate into all musical genres.

The Role of Acoustic Pianos in Contemporary Music

While acoustic pianos are synonymous with classical music, they also play a major role in modern genres such as jazz, pop, blues, and rock.

1. The Piano in Jazz and Blues

The acoustic piano is a key instrument in jazz and blues, providing both rhythm and harmony. Early jazz legends such as Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Oscar Peterson used the piano to create improvised solos and swing rhythms that defined the genre.

Jazz pianists rely on chord voicings, walking bass lines, and syncopated rhythms, making the acoustic piano an essential element of jazz trios, big bands, and solo performances.

2. The Piano in Pop and Rock Music

Many of the world’s most iconic pop and rock songs are built around acoustic piano melodies. Artists like Elton John, Billy Joel, and Alicia Keys have used the piano as their primary songwriting tool, crafting timeless ballads and energetic anthems.

Famous pop and rock songs featuring acoustic pianos include:

"Imagine" – John Lennon

"Bohemian Rhapsody" – Queen

"Someone Like You" – Adele

"Your Song" – Elton John

The rich, resonant tone of an acoustic piano adds depth and warmth to both studio recordings and live performances, making it an essential instrument for many contemporary musicians.

3. The Piano in Film Scores and Soundtracks

The acoustic piano is widely used in film scores to evoke emotions and set the mood. Hans Zimmer, Ludovico Einaudi, and John Williams frequently incorporate pianos into their compositions.

Well-known piano-based soundtracks include:

"Interstellar" – Hans Zimmer

"Amélie" – Yann Tiersen

"The Pianist" – Chopin’s compositions featured heavily in the film

The piano’s ability to convey sadness, hope, tension, and nostalgia makes it a favorite instrument among film composers.

Why Acoustic Pianos Continue to Thrive

Despite the rise of digital pianos and synthesizers, acoustic pianos remain highly valued in music due to their:

Unmatched Sound Quality – The natural resonance of acoustic pianos cannot be fully replicated by digital instruments.

Expressiveness – The sensitivity of touch and dynamics allows for greater musical expression.

Longevity – A well-maintained acoustic piano can last for decades, making it a worthy investment for serious musicians.

Even in a tech-driven music industry, many artists prefer recording and performing with acoustic pianos because of their authenticity and emotional depth.

Conclusion

The acoustic piano has played a defining role in both classical and contemporary music, shaping centuries of musical innovation. Whether in the hands of Mozart or Adele, the piano remains one of the most influential and beloved instruments of all time.

From classical symphonies and jazz improvisations to pop ballads and cinematic scores, the acoustic piano continues to inspire musicians across generations. As technology advances, its timeless appeal ensures that it will remain a cornerstone of music for years to come.

[the-literary-rodent]

Alicia is a very minor character in my story "Wrath of Tiamat". She's a gorgon monk.

[leanstooneside]

Cargo cults

JULIAN MCMAHON'S NOSE (LOANED OUT)

JADEN SMITH'S NOSE (BURIED AT SEA)

JEREMY PIVEN'S NOSE (POKER GAME)

ALICIA KEYS'S NOSE (MISPLACED)

JAMIE FOXX'S NOSE (LOST)

SOPHIE MONK'S NOSE (RETAINED)

EVAN RACHEL WOOD'S NOSE (TRADED)

CHRIS PINE'S NOSE (MISSING)

CHRISTIE BRINKLEY'S NOSE (PAWNED)

JASON LEWIS'S NOSE (STOLEN)

[littleharpethcrossfit]

Saturday, 20 April, 2024.

It was supposed to be a fine, coolish morning at the Barn. Sunny and between 50 and 60 degrees. But at 0600 it was raining and 45 degrees. By some miracle the rain abruptly stopped at 0700, leaving me time to blow off the mats. The 0930 session was sunny and beautiful.

Warmup #1

Big Shane gave us a mobility session, and then merged with leading the Banded exercises.

Warmup

3 Rounds

10 Light Banded Thrusters

10 Light Banded Pull Aparts

5 Pullups

Strength

20 Minute Cap

(95/75/55)

Accumulate 1 Minute L-Sit

20 Shoulder To Overheads

Accumulate 1 Minute Pull-up Bar Hang

20 Shoulder To Overheads

This unusual STRENGTH WOD was enjoyed by all, with a lot of struggling to accumulate 1 minute each of the L-Sits & Bar Hangs.

Everyone did the two 20 rep STO's. Most did light weights, like 35 to 65 lbs. Smoothie and Chase did 95lbs.

WOD

"KELLY"

A LHCF Variant

10 Rounds

Run 200/Row-Ski 250/Bike 500m

15 Box Jumps..........(24/20)

15 Wall-Balls..........(20/14)

Dana*=25:30 Chase*=26:30 Jon=29:01 Shane*=29:07 Ed=31:41 Rodney=31:47 Tim=31:58 Lew="Faster Than Tom" Tom=32:53 Bernie=33:40 Dyer=37:42 Smoothie*=39:52 Coach/Kayla/Angel/Alicia/S.C./ and maybe others=did it.

Notes:

"Kelly" is a CrossFit benchmark WOD. Although I usually partition it to make it more "digestible", it is still the same amount of total work. As you can see, it takes most guys 30 minutes to do it. Lots of you said you liked it.

Robert, continuing in his funk, only did half, biked 10K slowly, socialized (talked), and stretched (talked) afterwards. He admitted he only comes here to maintain his failing membership. I suspect he comes here because Amy kicks him out of her house. He is already having anxiety attacks about "Memorial Day Murph" (6 weeks away) and planning Miss Linda's menu for the LHCF Memorial picnic. He has ordered white T-Shirts for which BSN will be billed. He says he is getting a new puppy and is considering naming it "BUCK". I think Robert would benefit from a full replacement regimen of Vitamin "T".

The most memorable event of the day was when I dumped the accumulated few gallons of rainwater from the red plastic bucket that lives hanging on the fence. Sadly, there was a long-drowned chick-a-monk (That's how Warren A says it) floating face up in the cold water. It was bloated twice normal size, and from the smell I would guess it was about 10 days dead and full of maggots. Suddenly the odor was everywhere. Ed pulled his shirt over his head and was gagging. Tim stepped up and saved us all, picking it up with a pitch-fork and carrying it all the way to its new home in the river. Otherwise, I would be announcing the closure of LHCF for tomorrow.

Tomorrow should be sunny and cool and lovely. Tomorrow night the temp is supposed to drop to the mid 30's with a chance of frost. Only a dummy has already put out their annual flowers and tomato plants. Although it is nearly the month of May, April 15 has historically (since my childhood) had a 5% chance of freezing cold. The weather changes every day, but not much difference noted in my lifetime.

Sunday at 0730 and at 1 PM.

[howardhawkshollywoodannex]

Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys in a publicity still for The Secret Life of Bees (2008) written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, based on a novel by Sue Monk Kidd. Gina has 20 director credits from a 1991 short to my highly recommended The Woman King (2022).

[drgreggweidner]

Harmonious Journeys: Exploring Piano Styles from Classical to Jazz and Pop

The piano, a versatile and timeless instrument, has found its place in a wide array of musical styles throughout history. From the refined compositions of classical music to the rhythmic complexities of jazz and the catchy tunes of pop, the piano has adapted to suit various genres. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the diverse piano styles, each with its unique characteristics and charm.

The Elegance of Classical Piano

Classical music, with its centuries-old tradition, holds a special place in the hearts of pianists and music enthusiasts. The piano has been an essential instrument in the world of classical music since its inception in the 18th century. This genre is defined by its intricate compositions, rich harmonies, and adherence to a precise musical notation system.

Notable Composers and Their Contributions

Ludwig van Beethoven: Beethoven's sonatas are a testament to the emotional depth and technical brilliance of classical piano. Pieces like the "Moonlight Sonata" and "Für Elise" are celebrated classics.

Johann Sebastian Bach: Bach's keyboard works, including the Goldberg Variations and The Well-Tempered Clavier, exhibit mathematical precision and a profound understanding of counterpoint.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Mozart's piano sonatas, like the "Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major," epitomizes the elegance and grace of the classical era.

The classical piano style is characterized by its emphasis on form, structure, and adherence to musical conventions. Pianists in this style focus on perfecting their technique, mastering dynamics, and conveying the composer's intentions with precision.

The Improvisational Artistry of Jazz Piano

Jazz piano is a musical genre that thrives on improvisation and spontaneity. Rooted in the African-American community, jazz is known for its rich harmonic language, syncopated rhythms, and intricate melodies. Jazz pianists are often recognized for their extraordinary skill in improvisation, taking the audience on a musical journey with every performance.

Influential Jazz Pianists

Duke Ellington: Ellington's innovative compositions and piano playing, as showcased in pieces like "Take the 'A' Train," have left an indelible mark on jazz history.

Thelonious Monk: Known for his unique and eccentric style, Monk's compositions and performances, such as "Round Midnight," challenged the traditional jazz norms.

Herbie Hancock: A modern jazz legend, Hancock's work in albums like "Head Hunters" and "Maiden Voyage" exhibits his fusion of jazz with electronic elements.

Jazz piano is characterized by a complex harmony, frequent use of improvisation, and the incorporation of blues elements. Jazz pianists must have a strong understanding of scales, modes, and chords, enabling them to navigate the intricate harmonic landscape of the genre.

The Catchy Versatility of Pop Piano

Pop music is all about catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, and the piano plays a crucial role in creating these memorable tunes. Pop piano style is known for its simplicity and accessibility, making it a popular choice for budding pianists and songwriters.

Iconic Pop Pianists

Elton John: Elton John's vast repertoire includes classics like "Your Song," "Rocket Man," and "Tiny Dancer," characterized by their memorable piano melodies.

Billy Joel: Known for his storytelling through music, Joel's "Piano Man" and "New York State of Mind" are enduring pop classics.

Alicia Keys: With her powerful voice and piano skills, Alicia Keys has produced hits like "Fallin'" and "If I Ain't Got You."

Pop piano style focuses on melodic simplicity and the use of chords that provide a strong foundation for vocalists. Pianists in this genre often serve as both accompanists and composers, creating songs that resonate with a wide audience.

Bridging the Gap: Crossover Styles

While each piano style has its distinct features, there are crossover points where the genres blend, creating captivating and innovative music. These fusion styles combine elements from classical, jazz, and pop, resulting in a rich and diverse musical landscape.

Neo-Classical and Contemporary Classical

Neo-classical and contemporary classical music bring classical piano into the modern era. Pioneered by composers like Ludovico Einaudi and Yiruma, these styles retain the elegance of classical music while incorporating contemporary harmonies and a more emotive approach.

Jazz Fusion and Smooth Jazz

Jazz fusion combines the improvisational aspects of jazz with elements of rock and electronic music. Pianists like Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock have explored this style, creating exciting, high-energy compositions. On the other hand, smooth jazz offers a more mellow and accessible take on jazz, with artists like George Winston delivering soothing, melodic piano pieces.

Pop-Rock and Pop Ballads

The pop-rock style merges the catchy melodies of pop with the energy of rock, often featuring pianos prominently in bands like Coldplay and Keane. Meanwhile, pop ballads focus on emotional storytelling and are characterized by expressive piano accompaniments, as seen in Adele's "Someone Like You" and John Legend's "All of Me."

The piano's enduring popularity across classical, jazz, and pop music is a testament to its versatility and timeless appeal. Each of these piano styles offers a unique experience, from the refined elegance of classical compositions to the improvisational artistry of jazz and the catchy versatility of pop. While they may appear distinct, the lines between these genres often blur as musicians draw inspiration from multiple styles. Exploring these diverse piano styles can be a rewarding journey for both pianists and music enthusiasts, showcasing the instrument's ability to adapt and shine in various musical landscapes. Whether you prefer the intricate sonatas of Beethoven, the jazz improvisations of Thelonious Monk, or the pop melodies of Elton John, the piano continues to be a captivating and influential force in the world of music.

[sunskate]

IAM Programs 2023-24

Holly Harris/Jason Chan 🇦🇺AUS RD: Madonna, Material Girl, Into the Groove, Express Yourself FD: Colossal Trailer Music, Ocean Lullaby; Christian Reindl, Lucie Paradis, Gefion, Freya; Christian Reindl, Lucie Paradis, Power-Haus, Vale choreo: Marie-France Dubreuil

Alicia Fabbri/Paul Ayer 🇨🇦CAN RD: AC/DC, Back in Black, Hells Bells, You Shook Me All Night Long FD: keeping FD from last season- Lewis Capaldi: Someone You Loved choreo: Zachary Donohue RD, Marie-France Dubrueil FD

Laurence Fournier-Beaudry/Nikolaj Soerensen 🇨🇦CAN RD: Top Gun - Harold Faltemeyer, Top Gun Anthem; Kenny Loggins, Playing with the Boys; Berlin, Take My Breath Away; Miami Sound Machine, Hot Summer Nights; Kenny Loggins, Danger Zone FD: Notre Dame de Paris - Mario Pelchat, Danse Mon Esmerelda- Acoustic; Monks of the Abbey of Notre Dame, Final Angelus Bells; Noa, Ave Maria Paien; Cirque du Soleil, Les Sans-Papiers; Garou, Danse Mon Esmerelda choreo: Marie-France Dubreuil, Romain Haguenauer, Ginette Cournoyer, Samuel Chouinard

Sandrine Gauthier/Quentin Thieren 🇨🇦CAN RD: Joan Jett, I Love Rock n Roll; Def Leppard, Pour Some Sugar on Me; Twisted Sister, I Wanna Rock FD: Game of Thrones choreo:

Marjorie Lajoie/Zachary Lagha 🇨🇦CAN RD: Michael Jackson, Thriller FD: Jean-Michel Blais, Roses choreo: Romain Haguenauer, Ginette Cournoyer

Marie-Jade Lauriault/Romain LeGac 🇨🇦CAN RD: INXS, Need You Tonight, Never Tear Us Apart, Devil Inside FD: Danny Elfman, Corpse Bride choreo: Marie-France Dubreuil, Romain Haguenauer, Sam Chouinard, Ginette Cournoyer

Emmy Bronsard/Jacob Richmond 🇨🇦CAN RD: Les Rita Mitsouko, Andy, Marcia Baïla FD: Muse, Exogenesis Symphony part 3 choreo: Marie-France Dubreuil

Shiyue Wang/Xinyu Liu 🇨🇳CHN RD: Falco, Rock Me Amadeus FD: LP, Forever for Now, The One That You Love choreo: Marie-France Dubreuil

Solene Mazingue/Marjo Jevgeni Gaidajenko 🇪🇪EST RD: Run-DMC, Walk This Way; Salt ‘n Peoa, Push It FD: Tems, No Woman No Cry; Rihanna, Lift Me Up

Evgeniia Lopareva/Geoffrey Brissaud 🇫🇷FRA RD: Myléne Farmer, Sans Contrefaçon, Tristana FD: Rachmaninoff, Elegie in eb minor, Prelude in c# minor choreo: Romain Haguenauer RD, Guillaume Cizeron FD

Lilah Fear/Lewis Gibson 🇬🇧GBR RD: Eurhythmics, Sweet Dreams, Here Comes the Rain Again FD: Rocky choreo: Romain Haguenauer, Samuel Chouinard, Ginette Cournoyer

Misato Komatsubara/Tim Koleto 🇯🇵JPN RD: Ghostbusters FD: Loving You (from Passion) Barbara Streisand & Patrick Wilson; Love Grows (from Final Fantasy VIII) Nobuo Uematsu (choreo: Romain Haguenauer) choreo: Romain Haguenauer, Marie-France Dubreuil, Ginette Cournoyer, Sam Chouinard, Eva Airapetian

Azusa Tanaka/Shingo Nishiyama 🇯🇵JPN RD: Super Mario Bros. FD: Giselle choreo: Romain Haguenauer

Hannah Lim/Ye Quan 🇰🇷KOR RD: Prince, When Doves Cry, Let's Go Crazy FD: Umbrellas of Cherbourg choreo: Romain Haguenauer RD, Marie-France Dubreuil FD

Allison Reed/Saulius Ambrulevicius 🇱🇹LTU RD: Guns n' Roses, Welcome to the Jungle, Paradise City FD: Son Lux, Enough of Our Machines; Tokio Myers, Children choreo: Marie-France Dubreuil, Sam Chouinard

Olivia Smart/Tim Dieck 🇪🇸ESP RD: Blondie, Call Me, Rapture FD: Strauss, Also Sprach Zarathustra; Elvis Presley, Fever choreo: Marie-France Dubreuil, Romain Haguenauer

Kayleigh Macsymek/Felix Desmarais 🇨🇭SUI RD: Beverly Hills Cop - Harold Faltermeyer, Axel F; Corey Hart, Hold On; Glenn Frey, The Heat is On

Mariia Holubtsova & Kyryl Bielobrov 🇺🇦UKR RD: Bonnie Tyler, Holding out for a Hero; Bonnie Tyler, Bryan Adams, Straight From the Heart; Bonnie Tyler, Desmond Child, If I Were a Woman (and You Were a Man) FD: Joe Hisaishi, Merry Go Round of Life, Fragile Dream, A Walk in the Skies (Howl's Moving Castle) choreo: Romain Haguenauer, Pascal Denis, Sam Chouinard

Oona Brown/Gage Brown 🇺🇸USA RD: Elton John, This Town, Satellite, I'm Still Standing FD: Eric Carmen, All By Myself choreo: Patrice Lauzon, Romain Haguenauer, Joel Dear

Madison Chock/Evan Bates 🇺🇸USA RD: Queen, Another One Bites the Dust, Who Wants to Live Forever, I Want it All FD: Pink Floyd, Time, Breathe, Eclipse choreo: Marie-France Dubreuil

Kaitlin Hawayek/Jean-Luc Baker 🇺🇸USA RD: U2, With or Without You FD: Fred Again, Kyle (Northern Line); Charles LeClerc, AUS23 (1:1) choreo: Marie-France Dubreuil, Kaitlin Hawayek, Jean-Luc Baker

Sara Kishimoto/Atsuhiko Tamura 🇯🇵JPN jrs RD: Styx, Mr.Roboto FD: keeping FD from last season - Pulp Fiction choreo: Romain Haguenauer, Sam Chouinard, Ginette Cournoyer, Eva Airapetian

Jamie Fournier/Everest Zhu 🇨🇦CAN jrs RD: Soft Cell, Frustration, Seedy Films, Tainted Love FD: Damien Rice, The Blower's Daughter; Melanie Laurent feat. Damien Rice, Uncomfortable choreo: Romain Haguenauer