#and I made an itinerary for how my 2023 is going to go

[lingueenie]

I’m gonna put a bunch of shit in the tags feel free to also put a bunch of shit in the tags go crazy go stupid

[simshousewindsor]

By Cameron Dorly | Published by SNN

BUCKINGSIMSHIRE, Windenburg (SNN) - - Months of preparation, 1,600 pieces of cutlery and dozens of esteemed guests… SNN reveals all that will go into Queen Katherine’s big night.

State Visits are formal visits by Heads of State, designed to strengthen ties between the two nations involved. The last incoming State Visit to the UK was in Jan 2023 when King George hosted South Marvanian President, Mandela Ofoluwah.

As she was grieving and also pregnant, the queen did not host any state visits during her first year as queen. Her Majesty also spent much of her pregnancy at her Brindleton Bay home, Beaverdam, all to the opposition of parliament.

This year marks the palaces first state visit in over two years, and it's a significant one. Niregia has not visited Windenburg in over a century; though the two nations share a common connection: Queen Lara-Leigh, a Niregian-born princess!

- The visit marks Queen Katherine's first state visit since becoming monarch

The Queen has pulled out all the stops to ensure Prince Sobwati III has a splendid time in the country, involved in not just the governmental aspects of his visit but planning the details at the palace, more specifically, the state dinner.

Queen Katherine, while Duchess of Brindleton Bay, was heavily involved in many state dinners during the reign of King George. Her Majesty discussed how she plans to honor the late monarch next week.

"The late King only visited the country [Niregia] once, as Prince of Brindleton Bay, but expressed great admiration for the country and its people, its vibrancy, natural beauty and diversity. I want the banquet to bring all of those things to life... as well as through art. We also relocated my father's famous 2022 George painting to the ballroom for the special occasion! He'll be close."

As host, the queen oversees all aspects of the state dinner which is held at the palace on night one. The venue, as ever, will be the opulent Ballroom, where the traditional horseshoe shaped table will be laid with some 1,600 pieces of cutlery and hundreds of pieces of crockery; each laid with military precision and personally signed off by the Queen herself.

The grand ballroom has hosted dignitaries, royals, celebrities, and more since the reign of Edward I.

- The Duke and Duchess of Kent resume a role they first undertook in 1995

This morning, the Palace released the itinerary of Prince Sobwati's three day visit next week, revealing that Prince Louis and Margot will both be playing a major role in proceedings; a role they often played during the early reign of Louis' brother, King George.

Prince Sobwati and his wife will be greeted by the Duke and Duchess of Kent at his Easton hotel on behalf of the Queen, on Friday morning. In 2022, Katherine and Rainier greeted the President of South Marvania on behalf of the King. After taking on more duties at the age of 21, this duty fell to Katherine, in her role at the time of Duchess of Brindleton Bay.

They will then travel together to the palace for a ceremonial welcome with Queen Katherine. Traditionally, the ceremonial welcome takes place at the Horse Guards Parade [before a carriage procession back to the palace] but road construction has halted those plans.

- Queen Katherine with her Private Secretary's and the Lord Chamberlain

A white tie banquet will be held on Friday evening, with the Queen and Queen Mother both appearing in tiaras. Speeches will be made by the Queen, and by the prince.

This sequence follows the format traditionally adopted during the reign of the late King.

As part of tradition, on Saturday morning, Prince Sobwati will plant a tree in Edward park. Visiting Heads of State are giving the option to either plant a tree in Edward park or lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Memorial Arch.

Prime Minister Linwood Keller will be next to receive a visit from Prince Sobwati, who will meet him in Downing Street before heading to the Palace of Windsor. There, he will give a special address to both Houses of Parliament. SNN will air the daytime address.

On Sunday, the prince will make stops and speeches at the Foreign Embassy in Platz Plaza, the Energy Centre in south Easton, and the Windenburg Royal Museum before heading back to the Palace to bid farewell to the Queen.

[libra-stellium]

Tracking Mars transits!

Notes from Planet in Transit - Robert Hand

Mars opposite Sun (Apr 30 - May 6)

This can be a time when some activity of yours is brought to a triumphal climax

This could be few things: my nails were so long and I was so proud of them (writing this on 6/3 and they're all broken now lmfao), i finally found a spray that worked to get rid of the mold on my bathroom walls, and I successfully made red thai curry chicken on my first try!

This activity may have started during the last transit of Mars conjunct your natal sun (Aug 26 - Sept 3 2023)

That was around the time when I started intentionally making food at home more and it was not going well lol i had chef block! And almost a year later I was making red thai curry chicken HEALED

The last transit of Mars square your natal sun (Jan 3 - Jan 10 2024) you had to face a challenge, if you survived successfully you will now enjoy the fruition of that effort

I don't remember if I faced a challenge lol during that time at work is when they asked me to sit in court with them to time the arguments for 20 days 9-5 and I thought I should quit lmao but nothing related to that happened in May....maybe it was a mental thing! I could stretch it and say that when they asked me that I panicked that I had nothing to wear (and hated my outfits the 3 days i went to court bc they ended up not needing me for 20 days lol) but in May I wore this really cute outfit out!

Mars trine Jupiter (May 9 - May 16)

One of the best transits for any kind of activity, high energy, feeling good, belief that you can do twice as much work

I did a lot! I cooked, I went to zumba, I went to get my friend a parking pass which ended up being like a two day ordeal lmao

Extremely favorable time for any physical activity, muscles have unusually good tone and vigor

Yep! Zumba was great! Also on 5/12 I got this body composition thing done at the gym and it was so funny bc as the guy is explaining to me that most people are not symmetrical he reads my results and was like "oh! I guess you are" lmaooo he doesn't know i'm a libra like of course I would be balanced on this thing lol

You are able to act with a complete picture in mind of what you are doing

I've been working on a 3000 piece puzzle and I got the bright idea to put the part of the puzzle away that I already finished bc looking at the size of it is overwhelming! I made so much progress in a couple days compared to a couple months

You can plan with greater foresight and thereby avoid pitfalls and be regarded as lucky

This! I felt so lucky getting my friend that parking pass bc we saved $55! I wen to go pick up a long term pass for 7 days and it was $150 and the guy in the office told me that if I came back the next day I could get the monthly pass for may instead half off for $95 and I was like BET and came back the next day to get it! It was also less work than the long term pass bc all they needed was my name not even a license plate

Particularly favorable time for any work that can advance your own interests

Spent time making the itinerary for my trip to Amsterdam!

Mars opposite Moon ( May 20 - May 27)

When I read about this transit I was so scared of it lmfao I was like omgggg this is literally my trip what if my bestie and I have a falling out? LMFAO absolutely ridiculous i've known her since 2007 there's no turning back now lol

Emotionally based relationships may be somewhat difficult, women may be especially hard to deal with, this transit creates emotional confrontations forcing you to master aspects of yourself you're not usually aware of, confrontations will be most powerful in your closest emotional relations

When I came back from my trip on 5/26, on my aunt's bday, after she opened the gifts I got her she told me how she shared my pics with my mom i'm NC with..... and I was like wtf??? why would you do that?? I felt so violated!! My moon is in the 8H so honestly it wouldn't be normal if I didn't get hit with some random act of betrayal from family frfr

If you are not self aware your actions will be dictated by irrational desires

I AM self aware! I was so angry at her for doing it but I didn't snap! I took 5 days to think it over before bringing it up again

Period of testing and confrontation which points to relationship tensions

yeah this was really showing how on my mom's side my aunt is bc it was so easy for her to disregard my boundaries just bc she "felt bad" my mom was sad and I honestly think it's bc I'm doing well in life so it looks like I'm the "bad person" to her bc i'm not suffering from going NC *rolls eyes*

Conflicts at this time all serve to creatively release tensions that have been buried within you and to increase your self knowledge

True! Bc what a random way to confront the whole "whose side are you on??" with my aunt willingly telling me that she share my trip pictures with the one person i intentionally removed from my life lol

Mars opposite Mercury (May 22 - May 29)

This overlapped with the Mars opposite moon above! And I avoided bringing it up again until 5/30 bc I knew i had this transit lol the boundary I set with my aunt was that she would no longer be getting pictures of what i'm doing and getting details about them bc I can't trust that she's not going to randomly "feel bad" and share with my mom and she responded "I respect your decision"

Today may be full of disputes and arguments

Not a good day for trying to settle arguments because neither you nor your opponent will budge

Your ego is thoroughly bound up with your opinions

Make sure that there’s a real issue at stake and only if you have a real position then defend it

Excellent day for any kind of mental work as long as you don’t have to work with others

Hasty because energy is high but self discipline should help

Be careful for any situation that has potential for accidents especially while traveling

Mars square Neptune (May 26 - June 2)

Deal with feelings of doubt, discouragement and inadequacy

I was feeling bad at work bc I've been so mentally exhausted I haven't been able to complete my work and I feel so bad about it like they're going to message me and tell me they know I haven't been doing shit lol

Taking the easy way will have you face even more discouraging consequences as a result

This may be a stretch but I was EXTREMELY bloated during this time because I was opting for snacking instead of full meals or just eating at weird hours instead of sticking to a schedule lol that was me taking the easy way and I couldn't sleep some nights

Your physical energies are low at this time, try to relax, body is more subject than usual to minor infections, chills, fever, and excessive physical strain should be avoided

Forgot about this transit and I went to bodypump on 5/29 and I can still feel the soreness in my armpits omg and I could barely walk on 5/30 lol I think the weights I picked were too heavy for this day

You'll have a successful transit if you conserve energies and confront your fears

I was exhausted lol mission failed! But i had fun so lol

[more-than-a-princess]

As a materialist, Anzu usually considered herself good at giving gifts. Clothes, soaps, cosmetics or perfumes, whatever it was, Anzu's expensive and discerning taste came in handy. With Sonia, though... she could just buy anything she wanted and never think about the cost, so what even was a good gift? Other than Shinobu wrapped in edible chocolate ribbon holding a sign that read 'Sorry I'm too emotionally stunted to be open about my feelings, please admire my muscles and kiss me lots.' Actually, would... Anzu shook her head. No, that wouldn't work.

It felt weird to not have a physical gift for Sonia to fawn over. Without one, that meant Anzu herself was the focus of any attention, and while she typically loved that sort of thing, the nature of the gift meant it was... just spending time together? Was that really anything to get excited about? Anzu was conceited but not that conceited. "Happy Birthday! I know you're going back home for a little while, Sonia-san, but I thought once you get back..." With a small wriggling of her nose, she pushed the paper towards Sonia, an itinerary written in big, looping script.

In the morning, breakfast together near HPA, then off to Omotesando for luxury shopping. There was a new French cafe that was opening nearby while Sonia was back in Novoselic, and the pre-opening buzz was good, so over there for lunch, followed by going to the Tsubouchi Memorial Theater Museum. Some shopping in Ginza would round out the afternoon, and then a special dinner/dessert performance of Dracula at one of the small theaters in Roppongi. They even had a handsome lady Dracula this time, so if that sparked anything for Sonia, Anzu wouldn't complain.

"I wasn't really sure what to get you, Sonia-san," Anzu admitted sheepishly. "But I thought we could have fun going out together, just the two of us?" Of course, she could probably wrangle Shinobu into some of it if she really wanted, but if this was supposed to be some experience-based present involving time with a close friend, then it made more sense just for the two of them. Either way, this hesitant character wasn't very fitting for her, so Anzu straightened up, pressing her hand against her chest. "Naturally, from one illustrious lady to another, we both know time is more valuable than any gift, so I would generously like to give you a day of mine so that we can hang out, make memories, and do bestie things together."

Sonia's Birthday Asks 2023 - No Longer Accepting!

Most people, it seemed, weren't fans of cafeteria food at Hope's Peak Academy. Unless the likes of Hanamura-san was cooking (and his food wasn't otherwise tampered with), most students were eager to eat elsewhere. Especially for dinner, as it warranted a little time off-campus before they dedicated themselves once again to their talents.

Sonia was the opposite: a bowl of tempura udon, chilled tofu, and pickled vegetables were as close to comfort food as she would get for quite awhile: the next two weeks would be an array of ceremonies, meetings, formal dinners and, of course, the annual masquerade ball which so happened to fall on her exact birthday that year. It wasn't quite how she'd wanted to spend it, she thought in-between bites of noodle and shrimp: still, she'd been given permission to extend invitations to her new Japanese friends abroad, but with the prediction that none of them would attend. It had been her mother's attempt at being gracious and accepting of her new life and the friends that came with it, except few could take the time away from their studies to travel to Europe, and fewer still could afford it. Unsurprisingly, there had been one affirmative RSVP from Class 78. To Queen Valentina's delight and Sonia's unease, she could only hope that, in the presence of so many CEOs and aristocrats, Byakuya Togami would forget about asking for a dance or two. 

She sighed heavily, stirring a now-mushy piece of tempura-fried kabocha when Anzu approached. Just in time, too: she had maybe thirty minutes left of her dinner before the cabin crew and security arrived to fetch her various valises and trunks and chauffeur her to the private airport where the jet was being readied for her night flight. "Thank you, Anzu-san!" She beamed, setting her half-eaten dinner aside. "I was wondering if I would see you before I left. Two weeks is such a long time to be away from school now, it will be wonderful to spend time together once I return."

She'd given invitations to the likes of Tsubasa, Shinobu, and Anzu too, though she'd either never heard back or they were declined. Just as well: the more she thought about it, the more she didn't want to start another argument with her parents on the topic of 'suitable friendships.' 

"I am sure you and Yaguchi-san will find something fun to do while I am away," She continued, unfolding the paper itinerary Anzu had given her and trying not to sound terribly put out by the fact that she was a princess with important duties, particularly duties the press and the world at large were fascinated by: the gown she'd wear, the fact she was being given a new tiara, the guest list composed of politicians, aristocrats, and businesspeople from around the world, and who she'd be dancing with. If she explained it in that much detail to Anzu, she doubted the other girl would find it was as emotionally taxing as she did: after all, pretty much every young, male, and unmarried member of the peerage in high school up until thirty years of age had accepted the invitation. Sometimes, her life really did resemble a Disney movie.

However, Disney movies didn't often have extended shopping sequences or trips to a museum, and they definitely did not have performances of Dracula with an all-female cast. Anzu had included a printed screenshot of the website advertisement, and the marketing seemed to lean heavily into dark color palettes, elegant cursive, and a healthy dose of passion alongside the scares. Sonia grinned, setting the paper aside: she'd been to a host club with Anzu where the latter had crawled into a man's lap and, for lack of a better phrase, claimed her territory for several hours. A gothic romance between two women hardly seemed scandalous in comparison. 

"Oh, this sounds like such a fun day!" She exclaimed, sniffling. Sure, she could pass it off as the temperature of the soup or how thoughtful her friend had been in planning a birthday celebration, but Sonia was moved by the fact that Anzu had called her her 'bestie.' She'd never been called a 'bestie' before, but she knew that was what normal people called each other when they were good, close friends. Wiping a single tear away, she gave Anzu a warm smile, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks. "Two weeks cannot go by fast enough, and this shall be an excellent treat for Halloween. I love it so much, Anzu-san. Thank you for thinking of me."

[whatsjenniupto]

Fourth Time's the Charm

March 2020: "Have you booked your flights for this summer yet?" No, I'm still deciding how much of Portugal I can justifiably see this summer. Two days later. You know.

Summer 2021: The Czech border wasn't open until after we canceled the summer program in Plzen. No Europe trip for me.

May 2022: I'm doing it! I'm going to Portugal. Two days later, can you teach high school for a year? Portugal.

Summer 2023: I'm going to Portugal. I need to recover from teaching high school. No one talk to me about anything else. I'm not listening. I'm going to Portugal.

First up, Lisbon. Which was lovely. Beautiful architecture. Beautiful azulejos.

Great public transportation -- even if I had to keep paying 50 cents for new navegante cards when I didn't feel I should have to based on my research, but whatever.

But...that's all I got. No epic stories. No huge memorable moments. It was...fine. The closest tale I have is when I decided to go from the Cemitério de Prazeres to the Aqueduto das Águas Livres. Let's sum this up with the fact that GoogleMaps should really come with a sketch factor for their walking trips.

After wandering around the Cemitério de Prazeres, I loaded my directions to the aqueduct. I knew that there was some sort of switchback hill involved, but this is Portugal. Everything has some sort of switchback hill involved. I looped around the outside wall of the cemetery, crossed the street, and started down the hill -- immediately thinking if someone jumps out of one of these trash covered bush piles, I am -- nope, don't go there. It's fine. This is fine. We're fine. Totally fine.

I looped back and forth down the hill, each turn a little more covered in trash than the last, cut between two tennis courts breathing a sigh of relief that there seemed to be a group planting a garden to my left, cut through a row of apartments, and located the bus stop. There was a woman standing there and I let out a sigh of relief. Ok, not as sketchy as I thought. Just covered in trash. Alright, 10min until the bus. We're good.

Toothless woman comes up asking for a cigarette. Three people walk by in dirty pajamas. A vast number play chicken across the six lane road to avoid using the flyover. ...Or maybe this place is about as sketchy as I thought. But the bus came, I made it to the aqueduct without issue, and the following day, I would be right back at this same bus stop transferring to a different bus on my way down to Belem. Not a location on most tourist's itinerary, but apparently a very convenient one for me.

Two highlights from Lisbon:

Americanos from Copenhagen Coffee Lab: it was beautifully cool in the mornings, so a hot americano was perfect to start the day.

Torre da Igreja do Castelo de São Jorge: I decided to climb a church tower that was not a part of the main tourist drag and discovered it came with a free glass of wine. Lemme get this straight, I don't have to stand in line and you're going to give me wine as a reward for climbing stairs?

And a lowlight:

Carmo Convent: Negative 1 - I had to stand in line under the hot Lisbon sun and burn my shoulders. Negative 2 - half of it is under construction currently making taking any cool pictures a gigantic skills test. Negative 3 - I had to pay five euros to be epically disappointed. Positive: This was the one and only line I stood in during my two week trip. Primarily because I tried to avoid anything that came with an entrance fee after this or booked a ticket online in advance.

Originally, I had planned on seeing more in Lisbon on my way from Sintra to Óbidos...but I didn't. I opted to stay in my guesthouse in Sintra, lounging in yoga pants and catching up on Masterchef Australia instead.

Do I feel my time in Lisbon was bad? No, not at all.

Did I eat amazing pasteis de nata? Of course. I even found a gluten free version. It was delicious.

Did I ride the iconic trams? Of course. Guess what -- they're a tram. Do they look cool in photos? Of course. Did I pester my waitress for an hour about when the tram was coming up the line I was eating next to so I could get the perfect shot of my partner and do test shots of her on four different chairs before settling on the best angle? NO. (Seriously, like the waitress has any control of a tram coming by. And FYI, I would prefer not to photobomb your lunacy. Please keep me out of your shot. I'm eating here.)

Lisbon was fine. Just fine.

[fasa-umich]

External Itinerary: 2024 Edition || Therese Cerdan, FASA's 2023-2024 Co-External Chair

Contact Information

Therese Cerdan: (000) 612-7692 Yes, I am writing this testimonial like an external trip itinerary. No, I am not putting my actual phone number. Before I get into my reflections on being external, I’d like to thank some very important people! (and because contact info comes first in our itineraries)

Sofia Gestiada: (000) 259-9023 Hi Sofia. I truly truly could not have asked for a better co. You’ve genuinely made this experience being on board a fun one, and having to do work never felt super serious or daunting because of you. Whenever I began to overthink or worry too much about FASA things, you were able to help me take a step back and come up with good solutions. I am going to rave about you more in a later section, so I will keep this short for now.

Alyssa and Bryson Madame and Mister President! This club could not run without you. I appreciate how you both were always there to give us advice, especially on how to interact with other orgs. Alyssa– I always tell you that you would be an amazing external. I love yapping with you about the other externals and MAFA in general. Bryson– You are such a reliable person. If I ever asked something from you, you always came through (benches 😭🙏).

Ashley and Mikey You guys are the blueprint. Sofia and I both came into this position having not interned, so we for real did not know what was going on at first. Thank you for showing us the ropes and for your advice throughout the year!

Board!!! Nicole, Andrew, Lizzy, Philip, Zainab, Eli, Mizzy, Gabe, Kendra, Ash, Taryn, Kayla, Sofia, Alyssa, Bryson (+ interns :P) – I’ve had an amazing time with y’all. Thank you for putting up with us adding random events to the calendar.

Sophie and Angeli To the gals who convinced me to do board….spare change 🪙?

Meg and Kyle Had to shout out the OGs. My first FASA friends. Here is the day we first met KGR lol. I am also writing this on Megan’s bday (3/15) so everyone say happy late bday Meg.

Freshmen us at Fall mass meeting ‘21

Housing Addresses

Cebu, Philippines. My connection to Filipino culture stems directly from my parents. Both of them grew up, met, and got married in Cebu City, Philippines. They moved over to Michigan with a group of other Filipinos in their engineering company, whose kids I grew up with. Because of this, I was fortunately able to grow up with a close-knit Filipino community and attend many family parties. I knew that in college I would absolutely want to find a similar kind of community, which is why there was no question that I would join FASA.

Dearborn, Michigan. This is the city I was born in and went to elementary and high school in. Although I grew up going to Filipino parties and the fact that Dearborn is already one of the most diverse cities in Michigan, I attended a predominantly white, Catholic school for almost my entire life (I did live in Shanghai for 3 years but I don’t feel like writing a section on it. Ask me about it if you want lol). I had very conflicting views of my identity as a result. I was microaggressed as the smart Asian my whole life, but I took this as a compliment and was simultaneously proud to be the different kind of Asian (aka not East Asian, like most of the stereotypes). Regardless of these external factors, I have always been proud to be Filipino.

Ann Arbor, Michigan. My sister Audrey was in Fil-Soc at Wayne State and I had various family friends in FASOU and SAFA, so it was a no-brainer that I join FASA at UMich. But my freshman year, I was a commuter student and ended up going to maybe 3 FASA events. Since I lived at home, I spent a lot more time going to FilViet volleyball up in Waterford/ Troy, which is where I met so many of my external friends. I guess everything happens for a reason, because if I wasn’t so inactive my freshman year, I wouldn’t have met the externals and eventually run for external chair of FASA as a result. 

Me and the fam swimming with whale-sharks (butanding) in Cebu 2013

Packing List

An amazing co The most important part of your trip as external is having an amazing co-chair. Sofia Beatrice del Rosario Gestiada has been one of the people I admire most in my life. Not only did she support me professionally, but she became someone I could depend on just in life in general. Your co is there to balance you out and provide support when the job gets tough. Sofia never failed to make me laugh when times got stressful, which was often because we were truly in the trenches together this whole year (we don’t talk about October).

Be okay with saying no With that being said, if you do not want to be planning external event after event during your tenure, be okay with saying no to some things! This is definitely something that Ashley and Mikey told us, but alas we did not listen. Oftentimes, FASA would be invited to join other internal events after we had finalized our calendar for the semester. Because we so loved our fellow A/PIA orgs, we wanted to join events when they invited us. Regardless, I have no regrets about any of the external events we planned and joined because they were genuinely all so fun and I loved working with the other externals/ outreach chairs.

A vision You have to want to build FASA’s connections with other orgs in order to perform this position correctly. There’s no question about that. Growing up, I had always known FASA as the “clique-y” Filipino org. During my whole term, I tried to help board and general members realize that external connections, both in and outside of the UM community, are important. You love the Filipino community found within FASA– why not expand it further within MAFA (Midwest Association of Filipino Americans)! Whether this worked or not, I am very proud of FASA stepping out of its comfort zone to interact with other orgs, especially the PSAs (Pilipino Student Associations). 

Connections! (not required) As I’ve been saying, my existing connections within the other PSA’s were the main reason I wanted to be an external chair. Not only was this helpful in shaping my vision, but it also helped make communication with them pretty efficient throughout the year. In fact, it happened quite serendipitously that both the Fil-Soc and Kapa external chairs this year were people I grew up with (s/o John Paul and Spencer), among other family friends on various PSA boards. But having prior connections are by no means requirements to do a good job as external! It’s all about how you build and maintain relationships, and wanting to build them in the first place. In my position, I’ve been able to meet and get to know so many of the amazing externals and outreach chairs of both internal and external orgs.

Baby me, Bea (Purdue PFA), JP (Fil-Soc), Spencer (Kapa), and Anton (SAFA) balling out

Itinerary

Now let’s get into some of the cool events that Sofia and I got to put on as externals!

Rice Bowl This was Sofia and I’s first event. Rice Bowl is an annual field day/ sports competition with MSU’s PASS in April/ May. It felt like we were thrown into it, having hosted it in AA for the first year since covid. This was a huge learning curve for me especially in figuring out how to work with non-FASA boardies, but luckily we had a lot of past documents to rely on (RIP FASA archives 💔). It’s amazing that we are able to maintain connections with another org through an annual event, so I’d love to see more FASA programs like this (hint hint @ next externals). Anyways, I believe that we will win Rice Bowl next year guys! Pls!!

Internal collabs During the FASA welcome week extravaganza of 2023, Sofia and I hosted our first internal collab! It was a cultural game night on the Diag with TASA. This semester, we also got to plan a huge tailgate with VSA, MSU PASS, and MSU VSA in East Lansing and it was just a swell, fun and safe time. We further bonded with the other UMich APIDA orgs during the Halloween LIVE collab, Celebrasia, ice skating night with CSA, and VSA’s annual Sweet Soiree. This semester, we were able to pull off probably one of the most rewarding events for me, which was Tsismis en el Barrio with La Casa. Being able to reflect on the shared culture and identity between the Filipino and Latinx peoples was an experience I will never forget. I hope this event returns sometime in the coming years.

Battle of the Bamboo 2024 This deserves its own category y’all. I am so beyond proud of our performance chairs and all the performers for all the work they put in to win us 3rd place! It makes the 3 hours a day working on spreadsheets for 2 weeks straight almost worth it! 😀Kidding. Not really. The trip to Chicago was the most demanding task of my time as external. But honestly, it was so worth it to hear how much of a fun time our general members had in Chicago. And it was really fun to make cars and houses and plan out what performers and non-performers should do with their time away from Ann Arbor. 

Music committee slay

Afterset Info 😛

Being on board felt like a never-ending party. I have never felt so encompassed by a community to the point where Filipinos and Filipino culture are found in all aspects of my life. Everywhere I go on campus now, I am able to see a familiar face, which makes this huge campus feel a lot smaller. Becoming an active member in FASA through being on board has been one of my favorite experiences in college. It’s opened so many doors for me not only socially and culturally, but professionally as well. It’s allowed me to make connections and learn about opportunities that will benefit me in my future career endeavors. Like many other boardies, I have wondered what comes next after FASA, but now I realize that FASA truly set me up for a great future. Being on a board like this teaches you so many soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and logistics planning. Most importantly, my time on board and in FASA has made me decide to pursue Philippine studies in my future anthropological research. 

To finish off this itinerary of my trip as co-external chair, I would like to wish the best of luck to our future boardies and next year’s external chairs. I know you will do great things <3

Inserting a pic of my Lakapati lin girlies bc I love them so

Ingat,

Therese Marie Enario Cerdan, FASA co-external chair ‘23-24

[30dirtyandsurviving]

Let’s try again..

31st December 2023.

Final day of the year that I turned a new decade older.

Turning 30 never really scared me. I lived in London for 3.5 years with two flat mates, one being my now best friend. She is 3 years older than me and in that time of her right before turning 30 first I watched her thrive and survive. I watched her take a new breath of life. I watched her quit her job, plan her finances and plan out her new business venture. Plan about 4-5 holidays that she would go in this one year alone! Plan the itineraries. Plan the flights, plan the hotels. And ultimately I watched her cancel all of them. Every single one. No one could have ever expected the world to enter a pandemic. Do flight refunds even cover that as one of the reasons for a full refund?.. I watched and listened to all the tears, to all the phonecalls, to all the hold music, to all the frustration. This woman quit her job to travel the world and live her life and the world said hell no.

And then she turned 30.

It was almost like it was perfect timing? She was smiling and laughing it off. She got stuck into her new business with a lot of resistance, but she still kept going. I remember thinking.. Why are you so happy? Everything was ruined and you’re now.. 30. She said being 30, a couple months into being 30, that it’s a new sense of life you get.

I’ll be honest. A week or two before turning 30, I was scared. This sense of impending doom loomed over me. I was in Macau with my family and JJ was in England. This plan to move to Australia wasn’t happening, I wasn’t engaged, I have no children, I wasn’t working. What was I good for?.. (bit dramatic but hey, the feels.)

Then 30 happened. And I remembered my flatmate.

To watch her survive all of that in 2020, and to watch her thrive in the last few years was so inspiring. It made me realise that when we turn 30, we don’t spontaneously combust into a fire of depression and feeling of “failure.” Instead, I look at turning 30, as cliche as it sounds, like closing a chapter on all the shit that went wrong in my 20s.

Being 30s gives me a new decade to mess around with. One where I am hopefully wiser and have learnt from my mistakes in my 20s.

20s is for messing around, messing up, losing friends, making friends, loving people, losing love, understanding boundaries, understanding myself, understanding others. If you don’t mess up in your 20s, how will you learn in your 30s?

And I guess the same could go for 40s… right?

Her first.

[halleyscomet1]

A recap of 2023

As I stated at the beginning of the year, my word of the year was "self confidence" and I definetly feel like my confidence has grown, but lets go through the little goals on the board to figure out what, exactly, i did this year.

Read more: I did in fact read more books this year than i had in the past two (where i mostly read fanfics), most of the books i read have been spirituality and self help related, but i also read a few fictional ones.

Create more art: I attempted to draw more this year, but only really got a few rough sketches done. The most artistic thing i've done this year was a colouring in book (which i count), i also made an itinerary for an event. In regards to drawing and painting my own works however, i think I've let artists block let me down again.

write more: I've attempted to write a few things, mainly winding up being shitposts and short snippets of things, again i've been foiled by writers block. Let's hope next year turns out better.

workout: A fail for the most part (maybe). I've walked the dog at least once a week (we take turns at our house), played netball when the season was on and have done a lot of walking.

get a job and a stable income: I've gotten a job at the place i've spent the year volunteering at, yay me :)

Grow my spiritual practice: i've mostly been doing research, but i have done some kitchen magic ;)

Other things i've done this year include performing in front of a small group of people, which to me was the ultimate proof of how much my confidence and ability have improved, as last year i could not have done that.

Next year's vision board has already been added to my pinned post, but here's a quick run down of my area of focus. My word of the year for 2024 is Growth and I will be focusing on activities that will help me grow as an individual. These include learning Greek, practicing self care, healthy eating, exercise and spiritual growth as a whole. I look forward to seeing where the new year takes us all and I'm thinking i might do some more blog style posts... we'll see.

[journeyjunction]

How do I change my flight on Frontier?

Frontier Airlines Change Flight | dial:+1 (800)-370–8748

Flight cancellations may be extremely stressful, so make sure you prepare ahead and know all your alternatives. If this occurs, and you have properly planned for it, you may save a lot of money. If you’re concerned about frontier change flight, require the flexibility to modify, and intend to bring your luggage with you, Frontier’s WORKS package could be the best option.

Frontier Change Flight Policy For 2023

In the following circumstances (unless you have a WORKS plan ticket), the airline will charge you a flight change fee as per their revised Frontier Airlines travel policy 2023:

The airline will charge a change fee of USD 39 per passenger one way if you change your standard ticket between fifty nine to seven days before take off. The airline will save your ticket’s value (minus any modification or cancellation fees) as a travel credit.

A change fee of USD 59 per passenger one way will be levied if you alter your standard ticket six days or fewer before departure (including the same day). The airline will save your ticket’s value (minus cancellation costs) as a travel credit.

If you alter an award ticket seven days or fewer before departure, Flyers will be subjected to pay USD 99 as a change fee; however, the cost will not apply if you buy an award ticket between December 22, 2020, and March 31, 2021.

Tickets issued between August 31 and September 30, 2020, can be altered once for free if done at least seven days before departure.

Frontier Change Policy: Cash or Points

Standard Tickets

You will not be charged if you alter your flight 60 days or more before departure. In addition you will be provided with a $49 per person discount if flyers require to alter flights between fifty nine to seven days before travel. You will be charged a standard cost of $79 per person in order to modify your flight less <6 days before departure. For any appointments made between December 22, 2020, and March 31, 2021, there will be no change charge.

Please keep in mind that you will be liable for the difference in price if you upgrade to a more costly ticket. If you upgrade to a cheaper flight, you will not be given a credit or a refund for the difference in tickets.

Switching to a different flight on the same day? Frontier also provides a “Same Day Confirmed” flight option for $59 per person. Members of Frontier Miles Elite and those who have purchased the WORKS addon will receive it free of charge.

The WORKS Bundle

If you’ve purchased the WORKS package, you may alter your itinerary at no extra charge. You are responsible for the difference in flight rates.

Frontier Airlines WORKS Bundle Flight Fees

If you have bought a WORKS package, you can modify your itinerary at no additional expense. You are responsible for the difference in flight rates.

Award Tickets

You will not be charged any change fees if you change your reward ticket at least 8 days before your flight. If your flight is fewer than seven days old, you must pay a $99 change charge.

* Bookings booked between December 22, 2020, and March 31, 2021, are exempt.

How to Change Frontier Airlines Flight Booking?

Online Flight Change

To modify your Frontier Airlines flight reservations online, follow these steps:

Firstly To begin, go to the airline’s website and select Manage Trip.

Then, under My Trip, select the Review/Change option.

Now fill up the following details:

Last name

The 6-character code for your travel confirmation

Then press Search, and all of the flight information will display.

Finally, choose your flight and make any necessary changes by following the prompts.

Offline Flight Change

Many travelers prefer to make adjustments and changes to their reservations offline. This offline editing option is also available with Frontier Airlines. Passengers can request a change by calling the Frontier airline flight change phone number at +1 (800)-370–8748 / OTA 1–(800)-370–8748 or going to the Frontier airlines counter/kiosk. You may go in whatever direction you like.

Rules for Frontier Change Flight

Flight change policies for Frontier Airlines are as follows:

Before the flight check-in time, you must cancel or alter your ticket as follow:

For Domestic Flights- 45 min

For International Flights- 60 min

Fare discrepancies apply to changes in flight schedules. This implies you’ll have to pay the difference if the price of your new ticket is greater.

It will be considered a No Show if you do not check-in or board the aircraft and the money will be forfeited.

Changes Made Before To Departure

If you modify your WORKS ticket before the day of travel:

The airline will not charge a penalty on you.

Transfer the value of your old ticket to a new one and pay the difference.

Depending on the tariff laws, the airline will request you to pay the penalty on the modification of a basic ticket.

Changes on the Day of Travel

You have two alternatives if you need to modify your flight on the day of your trip: standby travel or a confirmed alternate flight change on the same day.

Standby travel

Suppose you are a Frontier Miles Elite member who qualifies for standby travel. In that case, you can travel on an earlier or later flight on the day of travel (depending on seat availability) at no extra cost. You must, however, stick to your original schedule. You can also alter your travel plans at the ticket counter or the airport terminal.

Same-day confirmed flight changes

On the same day of travel, you can also change your trip to an earlier or later departure. For Frontier Miles Elite members and WORKS ticket holders, while it costs money for everyone else (59 USD).

Frontier Flight Change Fee

Frontier airlines may levy fees for the services they provide. The cost of altering Frontier flights is determined by the passenger’s ticket type and the number of days until the scheduled departure date; each ticket has a separate policy for various services. The following is the most current modification to Frontier Airlines change charge policy:

Changes made after 90 days are not liable for any fees.

Application of a fee of $49 for changes made between 14 and 89 days.

Any modifications made in less than 13 days are subject to a $99 processing fee.

Passengers must pay the cost difference for the selected flight in addition to the frontier change flight fees. If you want to avoid paying any alteration costs, you must order “The Works” at the time of your order.

Frontier Airlines Change Flight FAQs

How can I change my Frontier flight? Call Toll Free No +1 (800)-370–8748

So, you are looking to change your Frontier flight? Do you need any help? If yes, then check out the proven methodologies that you should follow:

The best and most recommended way to change your Frontier Airlines flight is through its official website or call +1 (800)-370–8748. For that, you need to first reach out to its website and then log into your account. After that, you have to click on the “My Trips” section.

Here, you need to enter your Frontier Airlines flight details to find your booking. As soon as you find your booking, you have to open it and tap on the “Flight Change” option.

Now, you need to search for a new Frontier Airlines flight based on your needs. After finding your ideal Frontier flight, you need to tap on it and carefully fill in all the required details. Pay for the alteration, and you are good to go.

But, if you are the one who is looking to use the offline method, then you should use the customer service of Frontier Airlines for the flight change.

For that, you need to dial its registered phone number and then press the correct key to communicate with its customer service representative. Now, you have to share your booking details with its executive and request a flight change.

Explain your needs and choose the perfect match. You also need to share other information to confirm the booking of your new Frontier Airlines flight. Lastly, complete the payment if required.

Is it possible to make changes to my Frontier booking within one day of reservation?

Yes, it is possible to make changes to your Frontier Airlines booking within one day of reservation. You can use the standard procedure to make changes on your flight, and you should check out the change policies of Frontier Airlines to get deeper insights.

Other than that, you can take assistance from the customer service of Frontier Airlines. You can connect with them anytime you want. The customer service live executives are 24/7 and 365 days available to help you with your issues. So, feel free to connect with them and get your issues solved.

What is Frontier Airlines Change Flight Policy?

Are you looking for the ultimate terms about the flight change policy of Frontier Airlines? Do you want to know the major points which can help you during flight change? If yes, then read out the below-mentioned points carefully:

The flight change policy of Frontier Airlines allows you to make a flight change with the guidance of its official website or customer service.

One can make a flight change for free only if the flight change is made within 24-hours of flight reservation.

But, you need to pay a fee for the flight change made after one day of flight booking.

The charges for the flight change on Frontier Airlines depend on the travel class and destination.

If you want to know about the change flight policy of Frontier Airlines, you need to communicate with its customer service or official website.

What is the 24-hours Frontier flight change policy?

If you are looking forward to learning about its 24-hours flight change policy, then here are the terms that you should know:

You can make flight change on Frontier Airlines with the help of its official website and customer service

If you want to make a flight change on Frontier Airlines within one day of ticket purchase, you don’t need to pay a fee.

But, after one day of ticket purchase, you have to pay charges for the flight change.

The charges of flight change on Frontier Airlines based on the travel class and destination.

If you want to know more about the flight change policy of Frontier Airlines, then you can connect with its live agent or reach out to its official website.

What is the 24-hours Frontier Change Flight Policy?

Well, if you already have learned about the standard flight change policy of Frontier Airlines, then you also need to know about its 24-hours flight change policy. Here are the important points that you should keep in mind:

As per its 24-hours flight change policy, you can make a flight change within 24-hours of ticket purchase for free.

But, after the 24-hours of booking, you need to pay charges.

For more details, you can talk with its customer service or visit its official website.

How much do I need to pay for the flight change in Frontier Airlines?

Are you planning to make a flight change on Frontier Airlines? Do you want to know about the charges that you may have to pay? If yes, then check out the points mentioned below:

If you make a flight change on Frontier Airlines within one day of booking, you don’t need to spend any extra.

But, after one day of flight booking, you may have to pay USD 39 to USD 79.

For the exact number, you can talk to its customer service whenever you want.

Can I get my money back if Frontier Airlines changes my flight?

Yes, you will indeed get your money back if Frontier Airlines changes your flight. For that, you can connect with its customer service, or you can do it from its official website. Also, you may have to wait for around seven to ten business days for the refund.

You can consult with its customer service live agent 24/7 and 365 business days for better insight

Is it possible to change the date on my Frontier flight?

Yes, you can make your flight date change on Frontier Airlines, and it is very simple to do. For that, you have to open its website or dial its official customer service and get assistance from its representative.

How can I connect with Frontier customer service for flight change?

Are you planning to connect with the customer service of Frontier Airlines for a flight change? If yes, then check out the easy steps mentioned below:

If you have its customer service phone number, dial it; otherwise, you need to get your ideal contact number from its official website.

After you dial the phone number, you need to listen to the voice instructions carefully.

Press the right button to connect with its executive.

Share your booking details and other needed details.

Lastly, request for a flight change.

Get More Information, By Calling +1 (800)-370-8748

[garciavillacisdaniel]

Integrated project

Story: A description, either true or imagined, of a connected series of events

Tale: A story, especially one that might be invented or difficult to believe

Science fiction: Literature or film that deals with the future and technologies that do not exist yet

tale. (2023). In Traducir Al Español - Cambridge Dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/es/diccionario/ingles-espanol/tale

science fiction. (2023). In Traducir Al Español - Cambridge Dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/es/diccionario/ingles-espanol/science-fiction

story. (2023). In Traducir Al Español - Cambridge Dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/es/diccionario/ingles-espanol/story

I used an IA called Craiyon, which is totally free to create these images.

An unexpected odyssey

Hello, my name is Frank, and what can I tell you, since I was in kindergarten life has been quite abnormal, my family is something that we could call “rich”. Obviously, I don’t remember how they became so rich but well. During my childhood I noticed how the water began to run out, I still remember the day when the water officially ran out, I mean there is water but it is not admissible in any living being, for example, fish, at the beginning when they stay in those waters they melted like chocolate, currently they have been adapted, let's say that they seem like a strange combination between demon, zombie fish.

But who would have thought that one day everything would change, I still remember when I saw that video, which announced that people were needed for a strange project. “You can't,” my friends told me, “It’s crazy,” my family said; I didn't care about everything and I went anyway, apart from this, I was very anxious, but you must be strong, it's for the greater good, I told myself. Many people wanted to go since the pay was more than half a million dollars, and many wanted a year of good water, but many were not suitable, despite everything I did and I went in.  First, they made me sign a consent saying that they had zero responsibilities in case of any damage or loss, second, they explained to me How everything would be from now on. “You will go to another planet by opening a portal, and through portals we will exchange water,” said our new bosses, also, they said that if we said something of this mission to any person that person would die, and, in addition of that we could have several consequences.

They gave us an agenda, where we would write down everything that would be useful, the truth is that I did not use it since one of my characteristics was a good memory, especially in important moments like this, the next day they woke us up at 4 AM to have breakfast and to give us our itinerary, since this was going to be the big day, they told us that we were going to separate into 2 groups, one would be in charge of maintaining the portal while the other would be in charge of passing it and activating the transfer; Unlike what we thought the fish were not wild, and that helped a lot because we had to be in the middle of the ocean to start, finally we achieved our goal and went to the other planet and we could make the transfer in a successful way, and well since that day the planet was a better place and everything returned to normal, and people learned to never lose water and to conserve something as valuable as it is the water.

[alyjojo]

Advice to Work on Yourself ⚽️ in July 2023: Aries

The Fool - 4 Pentacles - 7 Pentacles

Regarding: The Devil

You’re trapped by your own negative mindset & greed, specifically. This is regarding a new relationship, or taking one to the next level. Some of you could have a baby mama/daddy, an ex spouse, some other person in the background. Or they do, where there is an actual financial tie to this other person. If that’s the case, then they’re the reason, not necessarily your current partner, but they’re the ones getting the brunt of this Devil & 4 Pentacles energy. When it comes to finances, you’re being very rigid Aries, that’s the message coming through. The reason being maybe being taken advantage of before or by other people, you’re not out to be made a fool of. Fair 🙏 But you’re also REFUSING to cooperate on an even level with the person you’re “taking it to the next level” with.

Moving in together? Maybe. Or just calling it official and deciding to commit to each other. You’re jumping into this FAST but when it comes to the financial part of things, it’s like you suddenly can’t grasp their side of things. You “need more time”, and your person is like well…should’ve thought of that first? Before we moved in together? It’s causing major problems in your connection because this person feels like you’re impossible to work with, you won’t cooperate, it’s your way or the highway. Doesn’t have to be financial, that’s just one side of this dynamic for some. They just want it to be equal. So either you’re like a “hierarchy” in this connection, or not giving enough, absent, one or the other.

Your logic seems to be that if you give things enough TIME, you’ll be able to figure out if this connection is even with your own time. Waiting to make more of a serious 10 Pentacle, merging sort of effort I suppose. But then, if you refuse to do it up front, and stay that way for who knows how long, why would this person want to continue even further? That’s why it’s The Devil, it’s toxic being a “my way or the highway” type of situation with this other person, who seems to be asking for equal, in whatever way this plays out.

Your Oracle card showing to donate to a food bank is like Spirit giving you a warm up. Generosity is something that’s severely lacking in this connection, that it feels like you actually want. But under your own terms right? That’s not how this equal give and take thing works.

Animal Oracle: Emu 🐦

“This is a good time to go on a new adventure.”

Your sense of adventure is calling you. Can you hear it? Listen to your heart of hearts - the still small voice that whispers to you of holy and exotic places and if the pleasure of discovering the unfamiliar and novel, feeling confident and trusting in your instincts and intuition to guide you on your journey. Let this be a wandering pilgrimage, one where you can be appreciative of whatever circumstances you encounter and make the best of them. Have some idea of where and what you’ll be doing, but don’t be attached to the plan. Instead, be willing to adjust your itinerary as you are so guided.

Dismiss the voice that says “Yeah sounds good, but I can’t do that because…” This kind of thinking not only limits you by always keeping you in the illusion of comfort and safety, but also leads you to avoiding the real life drama that comes from stretching your comfort zone. You do not need to do so in a way that puts you in any real danger, as there are many options where risk is minimal, yet the thrill and excitement of exploration is still there. So heed the calling, and first believe that it’s possible for you to act on it. And don’t wait too long. Life is too short.

Artist Oracle: AI WEIWEI

- When authority says to be quiet, get a loudspeaker.

- Art must fight for freedom or the whole world is a prison.

- Some things are whole only when they shatter.

Advice:

- Donate to Your Local Food Bank

- Share a Flavor Adventure

Charms:

Snowflakes ❄️ on The Devil & 4 Pentacles show you being cold as ice, there is no love, no warmth, zero generosity *shown* whatsoever in this state of mind that keeps you in this greedy, probably controlling behavior, hoarding things and maybe even feelings close to your chest. When it comes to finances especially, but it’s probably not just that, it’s emotions too. One thing doesn’t keep you stuck, it’s a whole belief system that’s unhealthy, and not this other person’s problem in their mind. They put up with it because they love you.

Upside Down Cross ✝️ on 2 Pentacles is this negative belief system. There is a cruel irony here about a possible “Christian” that acts the polar opposite of anything that’s actually Christian by definition. Idc what you are, believe, or don’t, it’s there for someone. I keep being led to this Donate card, it could be something so simple as this that triggers a negative response from you. Food pantries, second hand stores, giving to the less fortunate. Like there’s actual hate there. Why? 2 Pentacles is weighing pros and cons, one foot in and one foot out, possibly being or appearing religious or righteous as it suits you, but not really. Or giving when the attention is on you, but not in private, or because you want to. It just shows something in you knows this behavior or belief system isn’t exactly right. You could also be traumatized BY religion or a belief system that you take your frustration on by being not the nicest to the people who do believe or take advantage of these sorts of donations. Could be trauma, but it’s still toxic in some way, however it applies, and needs to be recognized.

Bat 🦇 on 7 Pentacles shows you using your senses to “judge” this person and relationship according to whatever standards you have set. Which clearly aren’t the typical standards for a healthy relationship, or they wouldn’t be here. And Bat uses more than just the obvious, it’s in their tone, their look, how they approach you (whether they walk on eggshells or not?), how well they show you they’re serious. But again, idk what that means to you specifically. Does your person? Spirit is only trying to nudge you in the right direction, by recognizing this in yourself, so that you can allow kindness, love, generosity, and giving all you’ve got to something you DO want. That’s why Emu is here.

[mysticdragon3art]

2:46 AM 6/19/2023 DMCL idols AU

"So we hear you two are dating now?" The hostess gave enough pause for the audience to make squealing sounds.

Dimitri turned to hide his blush, "Ah…uh, yes."

"So what do you often do for dates?"

Dimitri could feel all the eyes of the audience on him, even more so than the past 15 minutes they had already been on set.

"Uh, well…"

Claude happily leaned across Dimitri to engage with the hostess. "Yesterday he baked me a cheese souffle."

"Oh! That's sounds delicious!" Both the hostess and the audience made too many sounds that Dimitri's burning cheeks prayed he could ignore.

"But Dimitri burned it a little bit!"

Giggles from the audience.

"You said it still tasted good!" Dimitri was fully focused on Claude now.

"No, I said it tasted even better. I like a little char." Claude stated proudly.

Dimitri just tried to survive his mortification.

More laughing from the audience. Some even applauded Claude's unrepentant attitude.

~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~

"You're not thinking I said that just to save face, are you?" Claude tried to peek at Dimitri walking beside him, head turned, as they left through the halls of the TV studio. "I really do like a little char on my food. It's interesting. Even on souffles!"

Dimitri stopped, making sure the hallway was empty. "That night was supposed to be for us. It feels strange for people to know the details."

Claude watched Dimitri still slightly avoiding his gaze. "I'm sorry." He took the taller man's hands. "I promise. From now on, I'll distract the next host with a completely different topic."

A little smile nudged onto Dimitri's face. "Thank you."

"Maybe I'll tell that story of how my parents trained me to be an idol early!" Claude said with too much glee for a horrifying tale that Dimitri had already tried to tell him was not something to joke about.

"Please don't."

But he was laughing, green eyes smiling shut. And how could Dimitri feel bad about anything at that?

~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~

"We want you to go on more variety shows for couples."

"Wh-what?" Dimitri nearly stumbled, into his agency's meeting room.

"Eh? Close the door, Dimitri." Cornelia pointed behind him. "I know you don't want the whole office to hear. Now, about your itinerary..."

"Wait!" Dimitri spun to close the door. "By 'you' do you mean me and Claude???"

"Yes. Your last appearance got a lot of ratings. The producers of multiple variety shows called to get the both of you on. And Valentine's Day is coming up."

"But that's our private life!"

"You're both idols." She waved the air. "How private did you expect this to be?"

"Well... Maybe I'm being too presumptuous, but Claude---"

"Will be fine. I already spoke to his manager."

"You did?! What did Claude say?"

"Well, I don't know what Claude said, but his manager said that it would be great publicity and he would talk him into it."

"That...doesn't sound like Claude agreed. His privacy can be important to him too."

"How important? He's an idol." Cornelia shoved a paper file into his hands. "Now look over these itineraries. These are the appearances you'll be making. You're still expected to come to practices, but for the later shows, you'll be forgiven for being late to practice."

"But..."

"Now, can you call in Felix, on your way out? We've been getting some complaints from our live venues."

"What?"

The door opened before Dimitri could ask what was wrong with his friend.

"Are we really going to take their complaints seriously?!" Felix stepped past Dimitri and came right for their agent. "So I'm just supposed to allow creeps at our live shows?!?"

Cornelia sighed into her chair. "It's bad publicity..."

Dimitri wasn't going to get another word in about his own issues and objections. Not with the way Felix wasn't backing down, and how their agent seemed to ignore all his objections. Maybe it was time to look for a new agency. But it could take a while to transition to a new one, even after finding a replacement, and IF his current one would even allow him. He glanced at the paper folder in his hands.

~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~

"Hel-lo!" Claude clasped his phone between his shoulder and cheek. "Dima! ...uh-huh...uh-HUUH... No one's talked to me about it. Thanks for the heads up. ...What? Nooooo. If you're uncomfortable, then we don't have to do it. I'll think of something. ...Oh. Luv u, bye."

"Ooh...!" Hilda continued her stretches on the dance studio's floorboards. "'If you're uncomfortable, then we don't have to,'" she mimicked. "What are you trying to get your boyfriend to do for you?" She didn't need to raise her eyebrows with implications. It was already all in her voice.

"Much more interesting stuff than your love life!"

"Mari and I are having a great time! Last night we---"

Lorenz loudly cleared his throat. "Please have some decorum! This is our professional work setting!" Then Lorenz put a leg up on the ballet bar and contorted his body all the way down to the floor. "This is a shared practice room, and we should be training for the next concert."

"Right, right." Hilda and Claude both rolled their necks and sighed. "Say, Lorenz." Claude began stretching his shoulders. "Your father hasn't been looking to leave the television business, has he?"

"He hasn't told me as such. In fact, I would say our family business has been quite healthy."

"That's what I thought. But sounds like a lot of show producers are looking to exploit some of our private lives for ratings. I didn't think your father would allow that. Sounds pretty desperate."

"I can assure you, my father has been running our production studios ethically and with the most competence! He wouldn't stoop so low!"

"I hope so. Can you imagine the fallout for something like that? 'Studio heads allow unethical practices for ratings! Workers exploited!'" Claude spread his hands over an imaginary headline. "But if it's nothing---" Claude shrugged and continued his stretches.

Lorenz righted himself and stared quietly at the ballet bar for a moment. "What did you hear? Was it your phone call just now?"

"Yeah. Dimitri says his agency wants every bit of our private life all over TV. And most of the variety shows on his list are produced at your dad's studio. Are you sure he's not that desperate for ratings?"

"I'll find out myself. Excuse me". Lorenz grabbed his phone, draped a towel around his neck, and went out to the hallway, closing the door.

"You didn't have to paint it that thick, Claude."

"Forgive me, Hilda. I can't contradict our agency AND Dimitri's, on our own, as a lowly idol. But if we can get the TV studio head on our side, then maybe we stop this whole mess. And you know Lorenz. He's such a stickler. Once he smells blood in the water, he'll be on it relentlessly."

"He pushes his dad. His dad pushes his TV producers. The TV producers push our agency mangers to not ask about your boyfriend's burnt souffles?"

"I said I liked it a little charred! Why is everyone forgetting that part?!?"

"But didn't Lorenz become an idol to rebel against his dad or something?"

"I hear they're on good terms now. If we're lucky, the fear of rifting their relationship again might encourage him to be extra supportive of Lorenz's crusade."

"When you put it that way, it sounds manipulative."

"It IS manipulative." Claude winked. "Hilda, my dear, did you just want to hear me admit that out loud?"

"Maaaaaybe." She laced her fingers together and continued her arm stretches, smiling smugly.

They each had a good laugh at each other across the dancefloor.

~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~

====================================

Please forgive me for writing a bunch of unresearched nonsense. If I continue this, I'll hammer out the inaccuracies later.

A magical AU where idols are allowed to date and people take their exploitation seriously.

This is what happens when i check out a bunch of Tokyo Mirage Sessions trailers.

[mortraveling]

Asleep at the Wheel Over Iceland

Asleep at the Wheel Over Iceland Planning our 4-month honeymoon to Europe was no easy task. It took a year to get it right! We were so excited and actually were looking forward to the honeymoon and the wedding ceremony. As a present we received tickets on Icelandic Airlines from Los Angeles to Luxembourg with a 10-hour layover in New York and since it's Iceland’s own airline. Our itinerary had an 8-hour layover in Reykjavík. That wasn’t a problem, we were young and energetic so we made the best of the long connection. Excitement landing in New York Our first connection was at New York’s JFK Airport. As we were descending we were flying into an incredibly active lightning storm, and we just happened to be flying right into the middle of it! I guess the pilots know what they were doing and if they were at all worried would find an alternative route. Thank goodness I’ve flown enough to feel comfortable in most circumstances. The pilot must have been in a good mood that night because he flew low, right next to the Statue of Liberty. To be honest I never knew that lightning struck up as well as toward the ground! You have not experienced a good lightning show until you see it going both ways. Especially when it surrounds the Statue of Liberty. Wish I had a camera or a good cell phone at that time. After landing we shared a cab with a nice couple from France and went to explore the sights of New York. We had time to see the Empire State Building, walked a little in Central Park then more in the city. The time went by fast but it was time to get back to the airport and board our flight to Iceland. Flying on Icelandic Airlines we found the craft has comfortable seats with plenty of leg room and the food was decent. It was a pleasant flight to Reykjavik. Looking out the window was a lot of blue ocean and plenty of icebergs. Excitement on our way to Iceland While listening to music and rocking out to it suddenly the plane started to slow down then took an immediate nose dive! As I looked forward you could see the cockpit door was heading straight down. The plane was speeding straight toward Earth! That’s when my husband and I looked at each other as if to say good marriage, nice knowing ya! Other passengers must have thought the same thing with the deadly silence onboard. It seemed as if time was standing still for all of us. Still looking out the window I was watching the blue expanse coming closer and closer, wondering how cold the water is. All of a sudden the pilots seemed to pull the nose up enough to level us out. We were going to make it? Out of nowhere land miraculously appeared underneath us and we landed! Safely! While we taxied to our gate the captain made a quick announcement on the loud-speaker. He asked us “Bet you all want to know what just happened!”. Everyone was still in shock so he just blurted it out, “We almost missed our stop in Iceland and made the decision to make a quick landing” and “Not to worry though, we had everything completely under control the whole time”.  At that point we didn’t care, we were just glad to have our feet on solid ground. via Blogger https://ift.tt/TMAeCjz May 01, 2023 at 03:09PM

[charlesandmartine]

An Epilogue for Australia 2023

I love a sunburnt country,

A land of sweeping plains,

Of ragged mountain ranges,

Of droughts and flooding rains.

I love her far horizons,

I love her jewel-sea,

Her beauty and her terror

The wide brown land for me!

An excerpt from:

My Country

By Dorothea Mackellar

We made all the arrangements for this trip last summer which seems ages ago now and it troubled us whether we had packed enough into the itinerary, if we were really just repeating too much, and if the destinations were to be interesting enough. We ought not to have worried because none of that was so. It turned out that the balance was almost perfect. Lovely to see Jill again and stay in her amazing apartment in Balgowlah which we like enormously. The cruise to NZ was really enjoyable, seeing both the south Island where we haven't been before and revisiting the north Island, especially Napier. We were particularly pleased to visit Christchurch which we loved and the Sounds were stunning. We felt so fortunate that we completed this cruise when we did because soon after Cyclone Gabrielle came across flooding areas in the north and of course our condolences go out to those people.

The second part of the trip I think changed the way we view this wonderful country, that is our journey to woop woop, pronounced wup wup ie the middle of nowhere and beyond. We broke ourselves in gently before getting to the outback by first calling into some amazing beaches and then heading due west. The outback is a different Australia entirely; the accent is different, harder, broader. Some live in such remote places that there's no apparent reason for the place to be there at all. The couple who ran the cattle station could, with binoculars, see their neighbours. The girl in the bottle shop in Roma dreamed of the day she might go to Bondi Beach! Outbackers do not go to cities which are most likely unaffordable, and city dwellers don't go to the outback apart perhaps from Uluru, called Ayers Rock in pre decimal days. There are at least three levels of society in this amazing country, City, Outback and First Nation. We absolutely loved the outback; we loved the simplicity, the isolation, the one street, the bar where it goes quiet when you walk in, the friendliness, the pleasure they get when outsiders visit their town, the nothingness, the 'I went to Brisbane once, I didn't like it ' comment, the 'if we need to go shopping we drive 2 hours to Charleville', the big huge skies, the massive sunsets, the red dirt, the space, the long long straight empty roads, drive for 280km and not see a single building, community that appears to actually work, we loved it all that's all nearly 5000kms of it in Mr Avis's SUV.

We learned stuff. Staying on the cattle station we saw how hard life could be with not enough help, the danger of moving heavy cattle around, the changing climate, the financial loss that results from drought, the difference rain can make, the condition of the grass therefore life for the cattle or not. Having witnessed the cows being sent to market was a salutary moment for a meat eater versus vegetarian or at least non beefeater.

The rains had returned to the east of Australia with the red dirt turning green. This meant more food for animals such as kangaroos which meant they were not so evident in human occupied land. They talk of El Nino and the effects it has on the climate, La Nina is it's opposite number and it would appear there's a transition. We saw the vast coal mining operations in Newcastle and Blackwater and are both disturbed by this but also understand the economic arguments that allow it's continuance.

We learned more about Australian dinosaurs, crocodiles and how to kill one if necessary, cattle handling obviously, Australian politics and how similar they are to ours, societal problems like interest rate levels, inflation, long hospital waiting lists for hip replacements, shortage of doctors, superannuation, staff shortages in general, mortgage rates, high cost of energy, shortages, scrutiny over COVID handling, proposed Submarine purchases from AUKUS and the list goes on and on and we rub our eyes to see if we are at home or abroad!

The outback is such a fascinating place of great extremes. It breeds a tough and resilient kind of person constantly battling against an environment that views humans as an itch that needs to be scratched, a boil that needs lancing and moreover eradicated. Nature wiped out the dinosaurs of Winton millions of years ago and it does its best now to get rid of their modern day replacements. It does this by seven years of immense drought followed by fire terrifyingly tearing across the tinder dry land and scrub killing and destroying anything in its path. Then come the rains with such intensity the waters rebound, fill the creeks and the vast floodplains drowning animals small and large that inevitably get caught up in it. And then comes the cyclone that blows away structures and trees that dare to challenge it. Nevertheless the communities are tough and stubborn and rebuild because this is a great land. If you want precious stones mounted in precious metals, it is to be found here. If it can be eaten, drunk or cooked with, it is here. If it is needed to generate heat or power then it can be found here. If it is a rare mineral and it is to be found in the periodic table, it can most likely be found in Australia somewhere. If you want to make batteries for new generation electric vehicles, the lithium can be found there. If you want to increase your chances of being bitten, poisoned or eaten to death then Australia has it in droves. It is not the home of Shakespeare; no play contains the words G'day Mate, or own any work entitled Two Gentlemen from Woop Woop, but they try. They are both a young country with no history beyond 200 years and yet they have the combined history's of its many nationalities. They also have the fascinating and hidden history of the indigenous peoples going back 60,000 years! They have European Art which is developing more now into something of their own. More encouraging is that indigenous works are beginning to be appreciated now as works of art in their own right and not as they previously were merely as objects of interest.

This is a marvellous country unsurpassed anywhere else on the globe and deserves to be explored and appreciated for the incredible experiences it so readily offers

Perhaps one of the last images we will recall might be at Sydney Airport:

'Repack or pay' screamed the fierce looking Australian woman behind the Malaysia Airlines check-in desk at the overweight Indian family presenting equally overweight luggage. She could do well in a banshee yelling competition. They were escorted to a quiet spot where silver changed hands.

We have so enjoyed our time here with the variety of things we have done. We went to the SOH three times on this trip and were blown away by each performance, each different from the previous in different ways. We took a very fond look back at Sydney Harbour as we walked away from it last night, the place we really love and of course Manly, not wanting to leave it, but it's au revoir not goodbye, we are simply going to be absent for a while and we shall be back.

[aspiestvmusings]

MCU & SPIDERMAN: FAR FROM HOME SPOILERY REVIEW

This is my first, initial “review” of the latest MCU movie - “Spiderman. Far from Home” 

SPOILERS, BEWARE! for “SPIDERMAN: FAR FROM HOME”

“Everywhere I go/look, I see his face/I am reminded of Tony”

The memorial video made by Peter’s HS friends. The comic cans, the online/getty pics used, the editing, the music choice “Dolly Parton’s “I will always love you” … from “The Bodyguard” by Whitney Houston” & images of Tony, Steve, Nat, Vision… Tony…

all the Ironman drawings/art on the classroom wall in Peters school (as he & Ned talk about the vacation plan)

the Ironman mural on the building wall… when Peter escapes to the roof… from the “press conference”

the film/video choices on the plane from Americas to Europe  (next to: “Nova: Einstein Rosen Bridges” &  “The Snap,” & “Finding Wakanda,” & “Hunting Hydra.”) is a 114 minute long Tony/Ironman docu/film… story

I am pretty sure there are also some pictures/posters/images on wall/screen at the airport, when they arrive in Europe... but I need to go watch it again (3rd time) to be sure. I think I saw it, but am not certain....

The murals (with flowers & lit candles) in Europe (Prague)…

Tony’s tech… everywhere

The EDITH integrated in Tony’s glasses...that are now Peter’s. He’s the next Tony Stark. He is the only one who can be trusted with the power - everyone else would just use it for their own good. The Tony glasses being basically a supporting character in the film... central in many scenes. 

Tony’s friends & “enemies” (people, who remember/mourn him & people, who are jealous of him)

Things I noticed/The little things:  

The BLIP “in memoriam” video edit made by Peter’s HS kids: The font was comic sans! The song choice was “I will always love you” by Whitney Houston from the film “The Bodyguard” (original: Dolly Parton), and the “in memoriam” part included images of Tony Stark... twice (first & last), Nat, Steve, VISION...and also others.... And biggest question here is... does this mean that Cap is considered dead? Does this mean his time travel shenanigans lead to him/the team listing him as one of the casualties... to not reveal the details of what really happened & to keep the time travel & other things... a secret? 

BOH! MJs new favorite word. I loved how Peter used it back at MJ... when he doesn’t want to reveal what’s in the bag/box. 

That “cat” in that one scene kinda looked like GOOSE, but only  a little bit, so was it a random cat, or was it a “relative” of Goose? Maybe another flerken?

I absolutely loved how happy & excited Peter got when he was told that the multiverse is real, not just a theory (anymore). I’m kinda sad that it turned out to not be true... for now. (he’d love to learn about the multiverse, just like he’s now studying Thor, who was a myth before, in his physics class)

When Peter was betrayed by someone he trusted & had no one to turn to, who did he call...from Netherlands? Happy. He was the one person, who knew, knew him & could be trusted, and could help him. I’m glad he had that option...someone to turn to. 

That tulip field in Netherlands was beautiful and all, but I was kinda sad to see that plane land there... and then hover above it..for a while... 

Speaking of the plane: The Avengers Tower was sold & is now being re-built by someone else, The Avengers Headquarters was destroyed in Endgame & since Tony is gone (and everyone else ran  away/went to hiding), I am not sure it’ll be re-built (we saw that the clan-up after the battle was happening... in the background...during the Endgame end scene where they set up the time travel platform by the lake). And now the airplane was destroyed in FFH. So lots of Tony’s tech (suit making machines & other tech) is destroyed now. And even though  the introduction of EDITH suggests that he had many other labs & tech set up, “secretly” everywhere... still... it keeps getting destroyed. and since he’s not here to create anything new, all his work will soon be destroyed/gone if this keeps happening. 

Peter stripped not once...but twice...in front of someone... a girl: first the SHIELD European agent, who made him the new (black) secret european “Night Monkey” suit (pants) & later in front of the girl he really likes... MJ (shirt). 

Mysterio’s illusions: all those scenes were visually amazing/brilliant! The Prague fire monster, the bar scene illusions after Peter leaves - the twist!, the German “safe house” illusions  that ended with the train & then the London Tower bridge illusions. 

The bar scene “turn of events” twist moment was brilliantly scary: it showed just how “crazy” Mysterio was. That, together with the “illusion rehearsal” scene, when he learns about the missing projector...and threatens his whole team... that was same level brilliantly scary. 

“Appearances can be deceiving”  hahaha Oh, how it hinted at the end credits scene reveal. It was not just Happy trying to tells “Fury” about Mysterio and his deception, but... also how Fury & Maria Hill are actually... skrulls, who work for Fury, while he (and Hill?) are elsewhere, working on other projects. 

Skrull sleeper cells... mentioned by “Fury”... a reference to Captain Marvel & comics.... 

Happy throwing a shield...at the drone... His cap moment. And his comment about how heavy it is/hard it is, and he doesn’t know how Cap does it hahaha

Michelle and the medieval weapon..that she borrows from the museum vault... 

There are many artifacts in the Tower of London museum vault - the crown jewels, all kinds of medieval tools & weapons, and also... “IRON MAN” - medieval iron knight armor!

Peter taking a selfie as he swings in NYC...in the end. He’s swinging & reading texts/texting & taking selfies... 

The text/line on the fence on the street/in front of “construction site”.... when Peter/Spiderman is swinging to MJ in the end scene..on NYC streets... (Madison Square Garden) say:   “We’re excited  to show you what comes next. And there are numbers 1, 2, 3 & a ? (instead of number 4) under the text. This has many meanings: a) the people in the MCU/FFH universe  are excited to show the citizens what they’re building there. b) the MCU creators are excited to show/tell us/viewers/fans what’s to come next...both in Spiderman films & MCU in general (Phase 4). c) Also..according to fans, who know more, it’s also a reference to the “Fantastic 4″.  

The initials B.F.P. on the suitcase he takes to Europe aka the suitcase belonged to Peters uncle Ben (May’s husband). Too bad it, too,  along many other things & places...got destroyed..in this film. 

LOL at everyone knocking on Peter & Ned’s rooms door at the hotel theyäre staying in in Venice. Interrupting “Fury” (and Peter) & Fury’s reaction... (he is so done with being interrupted...every 5 seconds)

All the “upgrades” to the class trip in Europe & all the changes in itinerary... #IfTheyOnlyKnewWhyThePlansWeereChanged

The “Peter tingle” (aka The Spidey Sense) 

“What happens in London/Europe, stays in London/Europe?” Peter, who is/has been keen to keep his identity a secret, behaved strangely & boldly in Europe & especially at the end of the big “battle” in London...where he just stands on the bridge...without his mask & talks to & kisses MJ. In the middle of the bridge, at the center of big event... Are there no video/traffic 8etc) cams in Europe/LOndon in 2023/2024 MCu? Are there no cameras/smartphones that people use to take pics & vids of every big event they see... in 2023/2024 MCU? I found that surprising... based on all the attempts he made until now & in this film..to keep his identity a secret. 

Pepper Potts signing the big (in both size & sum) check from Stark Fund to May’s charity event. But not being able to attend the event herself. Most likely cause the actress is done with MCU, but... otherwise...interesting... to mention her like that & specify that she was unable to attend in person...

How many “vacations” has Fury taken over the MCU history? While I mostly think that this was the first... after Fury & CM were “reunited” during the Endgame events (BLIP) & the plan was formed after Tony was gone (they were both at his memorial service) & the returned Fury who had no more team on this planet, was kinda lost...) But I also kinda think he might’ve used the skrulls before to take vacations. I am pretty certain that we saw the real Fury in Captain Marvel, in Iron Man films...  and I am also pretty certain that he was himself in Infinity War/Endgame...because as he’s “dying” aka turning into dust he doesn’t turn into skrull.Though it is possible that the dusting doesn't count & the skull face is only revealed if a character actually dies. (this is why we can be certain Tony was Tony & Nat was Nat in Endgame) 

ETA

What I LOVED the most 

My absolute favourite scene(s) is the Peter & Happy at the Holland/Netherland  tulip field & on the plane, hovering above the tulip field scene(s) -  their “talk” as Happy patched up Peter’s wounds. Talking about being a superhero and making mistakes, about Tony...and more... 

That scene...to me...sums up...hopefully... what’s to come. It confirms what I thought would be the case. Tony was/is Iron Man and no one can & should replace him as Iron Man. So everyone asking Peter if he’s gonna be the next IM... everyone looking for the next mightiest protector of the earth... and looking at SM...cause everyone else seems to have disappeared... are just putting too much pressure on him. He’s not the next Iron Man. He is Peter. He is Spider Man. (though after that end twist... who knows... maybe he will put on an iron suit for a while...since he can’t be the unknown neighborhood hero anymore...now that everyone knows...) But to me it summed up peters journey in this film & sets up what’s to come. He needed some guidance & Happy provided it... he needed to realize that he’s he’s own person & his own superhero & he’s not there to replace Tony/IM or any other superhero

But yeah... I loved how Happy said it. When others pressured him & manipulated with him (Beck purposely making him feel inadequate by saying things like “if you would've done better, he might’ve not died”), the now Pilot was his best friend & the one person he could really talk superhero things with...the one person, who IMO helped him the most with his grief over Tony & all the feelings he had regarding that & the pressure he felt to be his successor. 

Peter is likely the person, who will take over Tony’s role..somewhat...with the tech and such, but he is Peter, not Tony. 

And the end scene in Endgame with Happy & Morgan..talking about cheeseburgers & now this scene in FFH with Happy & Peter talking superheroes, responsibility, Tony...and more... tells me that Happy is now the mentor-uncle to these kids now...kinda. 

...and when Peter, excitedly, yells “I love Led Zeppelin” when the iconic IM song “Back in Black” by AC/DC starts to play... haha... awesome

What I hoped would’ve been (will be explored in future films) explored/shown in more detail: 

THE BLIP & how it affected regular people. We only saw the comial bits/parts - the marching band of Peter’s school disappearing & reappearing & Aunt May reappearing in her apartment..that was no longer hers...as someone else had moved in (a family). When in reality... this film confirms my “theory/suspicion” that Avengers 3 & Avengers 4 - the Thanos snap & the Hulk (un)snap both created chaos everywhere. Both emotional, and legal..and other issues. 

The fact that the world is not in chaos... makes no sense. But then again... since NYC & several other places on Earth being battlefields during the Avengers vs Bad guys/aliens battles...in the past films...and being re-built really fast & people seemingly not panicking or having PTSD after the events... is a thing... then I guess only the main characters will remember & suffer after living through such events...everyone else seems to go on with their normal lives in a week or so... 

It did bother me a bit (even though I know this is a blockbuster film..and those don’t deal with such things...) that the very real repercussions of the snap & re-snap were not really shown or told. Just the funny Blip-video. And then the little bit we saw from the Aunt May held charity event for the homeless. That was the only real hint about the seriousness of those events in the fictional universe (even though she also made a joke about it on stage...but the cause itself is serious)

Things that bothered me

How no one seems to do any background checks in this universe. How no one seems to use any security measures. Like... no one checking up on Mysterio’s backstory (and yes, I know...his team helped create such amazing backstory & provided such great “proof”...that it fooled even “Fury” & SHIELD -- probably would not have fooled the real man, but... that’s the point...) but still... 

Also... Tony’s glasses not having any other safety measures & it being so easy to transfer over the power to someone else. And...despite Peter being vulnerable & trusting what others tell him (he probably thought Fury had checked up on Beck, but still... how & why did EDITH/the glasses not “scan” Beck...and reveal he’s a fraud? I know... that the only time when he’s looking at the illusionist when wearing the glasses is in the bar scene & they seem to be not “on”... still... why is the tech not scanning everything nonetheless? Though yeah... I know that the idea is that because of the characters emotional state they are vulnerable & easy to manipulate, and hence not thinking of checking “twice”...

MCU using the same backstory for yet another villain. Thats old. It’s done. Time to move on. I'm talking about Mysterio & how his backstory is that because he feels personally attacked by Tony Stark then that’s a reason (which justifies..in his mind, when it does not...and has not for any other past MCU villain, who thinks the same twisted way) his actions - destroying historical sights/cities & leaving behind casualties... not caring if there are innocent bystanders getting hurt. I will allow it this time, because Tony was in the center of this film, but this had to be the last time MCU uses the same “Tony hate” as the villains motivator. Also... I don’t trust Beck’s version of the story, so I would not be sure if he’s telling it as it was. He might be, but he might be not. (maybe he did come up with the idea, but perhaps his work contact stated that all creations during working for SI belong to the company, so he has no right to claim the tech as his own..no matter how much he regrets it after. Or perhaps he did (co)create it, but since his idea was weapons-based (destruction) & SI didn’t do weapons anymore, the tech was redesigned by Tony. But until MCU makes a stronger case... I’m not gonna blame Tony for “stealing” becks tech & claiming it as his ow. Also because I do not think Tony ever claimed in past films that he made the tech. He says it cost him a certain sum...though... So it’s even possible he “bought” the idea from Beck...and turned the weapon into therapy sessions... But even if mr. Beck was telling the whole truth and he was the sole creator of the tech & Tony “stole” it... none of it justifies his actions of purposely hurting innocent bystanders & destroying places. ) 

And I cannot believe how anyone can see Mysterio as the good guy, or sympathetic to Peter.  I might be wrong, but IMO all his “friendliness” in the beginning was a trick... part of the plan to earn Peter’s trust. It was part of the “illusion”, so even though I appreciate his comment “never apologize for being the smartest one in the room”, I don’t see it as anything other than fakeness. And I know I might be wrong & he might’ve really liked the kid & try to be friendly & appreciate him... up until “his team messed up & he had no other option than to get rid of all the loose threads”) 

Things I did not see coming: 

The train! I mean... at first I did not suspect that it was actually Beck, not Fury in Germany, but I became suspicious before it was revealed. And then I suspected that the illusion was not over yet, but... what I did not see coming was that train...moment. 

Also...during the London Tower bridge scene... I had a hunch that he’s pulling a double again..and the dying Mysterio on the ground was fake, but I did not see it coming that in reality he was standing right next to spidey, while pointing a gun at the kid. I had thought he was “hiding” somewhere instead. So that kinda surprised me...

What surprised/confused me

What surprised me a bit was seeing THAT character (William) from IM1 being on Team Mysterio. Yes, he was one of Tony Stark’s Stark Industries previous employees, but  it confused me a bit that he blames Tony, when he should've seen Obadiah Stane (who yelled at him for not being Tony Stark & not being able to create a miniature arc reactor, when Tony could do it in cave...with no high tech..using just a box of scraps) as the one to blame -- his anger should’ve been directed at (based on what has been shown on screen so far) at the man who yelled at him in IM1. 

But I guess there’s either a bigger story there after that that the MCU writers/directors decided to not reveal just yet (as we saw him take that thumbdrive after the download was completed at the end of FFH) or Mysterio simply was able to manipulate people so well & rallied them against their former boss, making everyone see him as the bad guy & the source of all their problems. 

THEORIES: 

WHAT IF... the NYC “fake news broadcast” was an illusion created by Mysterio/histeam? This would make it much easier for Marvel to have several other movies released in the next few years...before the next Spiderman & go easier on Spiderman? This way we would not miss a lot of time & there’d be no need to clear his name. they could just have the movie take place right after Far from Home (and prior to the coming movies events)...or they could start with a flashback to the end of this film & the  fade to “2 years later” or something. The last bit is also how they can still release the next Spidery film in a few years, while having several otehr films events happen in between... use a time jump early in the film... after a “flashback”...to the time Peter was considered a villain

[fasa-umich]

Ashley Bouse, FASA's 2022 - 2023 Co-External Chair

Hi FASA,

As I’m writing this testimonial the day it is due (shoutout to miss media milly) I’ve reflected on my experience as a general member turned FASA intern turned FASA board member.

But first I’ll start with some context:

I was born in Dearborn, Michigan at the ripe age of zero, and after living in Detroit for the first two years of my life, my parents made the decision to move us to somewhere smaller… much smaller. For the most part, I lived and grew up in a teeny tiny town (literally a village 💀) in rural Michigan.

Those of you also from middle of nowhere towns in Michigan or honestly anywhere in the Midwest probably know what it's like. I was the only Asian student in my grade for pretty much all of K-12 and was the only Asian student in my entire graduating class. It’s interesting to hear how some schools had entire Asian/Asian-American organizations and even their own Filipino clubs. If my high school were to have had an Asian organization, it would’ve consisted of only three members (i.e. me, Alexa, and Tommy Yang).

Anyways, fast forward, I’ve been accepted into U of M and am living in Bursley Hall. 😭 I had heard about FASA but was pretty hesitant to join. I showed up to Fall Mass Meeting at Rackham (with Bryson 😎), went to the LinkedIn Photoshoot at the Law Quad, and quickly despawned from all FASA events in the Fall.

Photo taken Fall 2021 during LinkedIn Photoshoot by Michelle (aka “media meesh”)

I wasn’t an active member of FASA until the Winter semester of my freshman year. I had a lot of hesitations about joining, but I applied to the FASA intern program on a whim, thinking I wasn’t active, qualified, or even “Filipino enough” to be accepted. However to my surprise, a little less than two weeks later, I received an email that read:

Slay.

I basically forced myself into being active in the organization by becoming an intern. It was both a sense of obligation and eagerness to learn as much as I could about FASA, especially about how the organization operates behind the scenes. I went into the program knowing very little about FASA and had only attended a small number of events. I didn’t know any of the other interns besides Angeli and Andrew who were in FIlipino class with me, however I was excited to get to know all of the other interns and board members.

FASA INTERN GALS ✨

I grew close with the other interns, went to “Teen Beach Movie Night” (iykyk), helped plan and eventually had the intern capstone event, went to many FASA events and made many maaany more memories. I got to know my fam (Xfam = best fam), my sexy lineage (Darago <3), and so many people in the FASA community.

Darago Lineage: Jbapo, Ate Janielle, Ate Kennedy, Kuya Colin, Bry-Bry, Krystelle, Zainab, and adings Ash and Nicole + not pictured: Ate Carina

(also not pictured: the Darakunawa alliance)

EXTERNAL EVENTS

Filipino Americans Coming Together (FACT)

Filipino Americans did WHAT???

The Filipino Americans Coming Together (FACT) conference was the first external trip during my sophomore year. To be honest, I wasn’t really sure what FACT actually was at first. It had been a few years since they had an in-person conference, but this year they were in-person. I sent out my silly little Google forms, texted everyone and their mom to figure out logistics, and toiled on the master spreadsheet until cars, houses, itinerary, and all of the other details that go into planning external trips were figured out.

FACT itself was a little rocky because UIUC’s first in person conference in a while. I heard that many of the workshops went well, however, the quality/structure varied with each. We attended the FACT Variety Show (sorry Ashley Mehta), many of us pushed Joes, and went on our pilgrimage to Seafood City and Jollibee in Chicago. Looking back, it was a challenge trying to figure out how to manage such a large group of people. We had 55 members attend the conference, but Mikey and I managed to ensure no one perished or got abandoned in Chambana, so overall I’m happy with how the weekend went.

One thing that FACT taught me is that you cannot plan everything down to the T and expect it to go smoothly. The unknown of what could happen on an external trip always has made me a little anxious, but sometimes all we can do is plan, put in the effort, and then leave things to their own accord. This position has taught me that you can’t try to perfect everything. When [REDACTED] hits the fan, you must always be ready to pivot and adapt to what the new situation or challenge brings.

Battle of the Bamboo

FASA takes on Chicago

Battle of the Bamboo (BOTB) this year had about double or nearly triple the number of attendees from the year prior. For me, last year’s BOTB was one of my favorite FASA memories and also a big reason why I feel close with many of my friends in the organization today so I urged everyone to go (or else they’d get severe FOMO).

This year’s BOTB was particularly special because of performance chairs and FASA’s exhibition performance of Pagapir. From a planning perspective, we were more relaxed with overall planning for BOTB and focused a lot of our logistics around ensuring that specifically performers made it where they had to be well in advance. We had 55+ attendees with housing being spread out among several different locations. Many people got the chance to explore Chicago, try new restaurants, sing karaoke, etc.

External quick tip: An easy and relatively harmless way to ensure that Filipino time does not demolish your plans/external itinerary is by accommodating for a 30 minute (or more) buffer time and saying that people need to be places earlier than they actually have to be. We cannot get rid of Filipino time, however we can try our best to plan for it and ensure it does not deter us too much.

One big takeaway I had after Battle is that there is a sliding scale between trips being hands-off and trips being planned down to the minute. That being said, there are pros and cons to both sides. If the trip is way too structured, it can be 1.) too suffocating for attendees and 2.) very stressful for externals to maintain this structure. On the other hand, if there isn’t enough structure then people do not feel secure/reassured during the trip. Meaning that in both planning and execution, you need to aim for the external trip to fall somewhere in the middle of this range.

Additionally, things may seem good on paper but there can be flaws and problems that arise the day of when the plan is in execution. It is our responsibility as external chairs to make the trip fun and equitable for everyone, and it is also our responsibility to try to make things right when they do not go to plan. Battle weekend allowed a lot of necessary and valuable dialogue to be brought up/discussed, and I am looking forward to seeing how external trips progress and grow in future years.

Philippine Culture Night

I remember my first Philippine Culture Night (PCN) in vivid detail. From the “sinigang” to the Toledo coconut boys, the Tinikling set, speeches, poetry, speakers, and so on. However, I wasn’t on a committee or a part of a performance group but I knew I wanted to be more actively involved in the night in the future.

For this year’s PCN, I managed the new External Outreach committee with Mikey. It was a bit of a headache to figure out, but we made sure nearby external PSAs were able to reserve tickets and make it to our PCN.

In addition, I also signed up for a PCN dance at the last minute. I’m terribly uncoordinated (e.g. Tinik on the Diag) and dancing has never been my strong suit. That being said, I cannot recommend enough that people join one of the PCN dance groups if they have the time in their schedule for it. Dance practices, as long and tiring as they can feel, became something I really looked forward to during the week. I enjoyed getting to know the other dancers and bonding with them over jokes, shared exhaustion, and a great PCN performance at the end.

Like all things in life, what you put into FASA is what you get out of it. In order to get the most out of the organization, you need to step out of your comfort zone. Sign up for silly little dances and committees and make the most of all of the opportunities to get to know all of the amazing people that make up the FASA community.

To my Co:

Dear Mikey,

We met at Mass Meeting in the fall of freshman year, but my real first impression of you was at the [REDACTED] mixer during the beginning of winter semester when you accidentally butt-dialed 911 on my phone. I thought you were a complete goon, but little did I know that we would end up becoming co-chairs just a few months later.

With that being said, I cannot put into words how thankful I am to have you as a co-chair and friend (among other things). You’ve grown so much since I first met you, and I admire how driven, caring, and considerate have always been. You make me want to be a better person.

Sometimes planning external events/trips have made me want to explode into a million pieces, but you’ve always been there and have given stability to me through it all. From board retreat to organization collabs, external weekend, late night toiling in the Fish Bowl, FACT & Battle, and everything in between, there’s no one else I could’ve done it all with. Now that our tenure is coming to a close, I can truly look back and be proud of everything we’ve accomplished in the past year. Thank you for always supporting me unconditionally and for always being there for me. We did it!! :)

FASA Executive Board 2022-23

To FASA Executive Board:

I’m so lucky to have served my tenure on board alongside each and every one of you. I’m definitely biased, but this year’s board is such a special and talented group of people. Thank you for making Sunday board meetings something to look forward to, and thank you for all of your support, hard work, and dedication this past year.

To the seniors:

Senior farewell hasn’t happened so I don’t need to be too sappy yet. However, as you all go on to do immeasurably great and impressive things, remember that FASA is always here for you and proud of you.

To those considering external chair or FASA e-board in the future:

FASA board has historically followed a trend: People are a part of FASA, become interns, get elected onto e-board, and then burn out over the course of the year. Although this trend doesn’t apply to everyone, it is important that we each do our best to manage burnout. For the sake of the FASA board and the wellbeing of your fellow boardies, please try your best to alleviate burnout and help out each other as best as you can.

If you need help, feel free to reach out to your predecessors. We’re always here to help and we want to see FASA and the new board succeed. 

Learn to say no. Say no to events you don’t want to do. Say no to events you don’t want to go to. Additionally, know when to take a step back, especially if the FASA calendar is overpacked, realistically ask yourself what you would like to see/accomplish this semester.

I’ve heard this from past and present boardies a million times and I’m definitely sounding like a broken record, however this is one of my most important takeaways after being on board: Responsibilities in FASA cannot be black and white, either your problem or not your problem. Such a dichotomy could never exist because in a cohesive board, it is everyone’s job for events to run smoothly. If someone needs help in FASA, it is everyone’s job to step up (if they can) and assist their fellow boardies when they need it.

In closing:

As Winnie the Pooh (and Celeste at Sunday board one time) once said:

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

It’s hard and bittersweet to say goodbye to FASA board, but I know it will be in good hands. Thank you to all of FASA and board for your support, love, and friendship this past year. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future board is scheming.

I am also excited to push Sound Bar next year at Battle return to general membership status (joke lang).

It’s been real FASA <3

2022-23 Co-External Chair

Ashley Bouse