#bill mcneal

[hexmurphy]

[thatsbelievable]

[almost-correct-quotes]

newsradio was the show of all time. dave foley from kids in the hall is the wettest most pathetic wisconsin cat who just wants his girlfriend to be mean to him and his employees to do their jobs. they got bored of naming episodes and just named them after led zeppelin albums for a while. the writers just started taking stories from their real lives. phil hartman plays the most transcoded vitriolic asshole of all time and he's iconic. andy dick is. there. joe rogan is somehow the most famous cast member now

[bill-mcneal]

sorry to invade your inbox, i just have newsradio thoughts and ummmm. it's small tumblr community. 💗 i just think dave discovers he likes drag after the halloween episode. also dave crossdressing is lisa's bi awakening. also someone from the station sees them together while dave is crossdressing and lisa cheating allegations go wild. rumors abt lisa's stunning secret girlfriend run absolutely rampant in the office, and dave thinks it's hilarious until lisa gets too exasperated over it and convinces him to come clean. so then he tells everyone it was him, and no one believes him :/ and thinks he's too embarrassed to admit he lost lisa to such a sexy lady.

i absolutely love this !!! i definitely agree that dave enjoys doing drag,, i think that it's a great edition to his character !!! ALSO OMG it's like an episode,, so real,, i bet dave would get teased by bill for "turning lisa gay" as if she wasn't already bisexual before,, lmao,, (and who is he to talk),,

i actually love the hc that dave experiments with his gender expression,,

[bill-mcneal]

the most correct take on the character !!! phil would be proud !!

blog too stressful as of late so fun question time: what fictional characters have made you go "they are canonically transmasc even if its not canon. i know because they told me personally. the writers dont know them like i do"

[keeep-it-lite]

Today is this legend's Birthday.

Born on this day - 9/24/1948

The Sultan of Smarm

The Glue of "Saturday Night Live"

The Man of a Thousand Voices

Keyrock "The Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer"

Chick Hazard, Private Eye

Captain Carl

Bill McNeal

PHIL HARTMAN!!!

A Legend of Comedy. Happy Birthday Sir.

[onenakedfarmer]

Currently Watching [Hal Hartley Retrospective]

THE UNBELIEVABLE TRUTH Hal Hartley USA, 1989

-

Bonus Shorts

THE CARTOGRAPHER'S GIRLFRIEND (1987) AMBITION (1991) OPERA NO. 1 (1994) IRIS (1994)

[identity-library]

Diverse Sexuality (TV Shows)

A:

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013)

José "Joey" Gutierrez (Gay)

Marcus Benson (Gay)

All Saints (1998)

Charlotte Beaumont (Bisexual)

American Dad (2005)

Greg (Gay)

Terry (Gay)

Andor (2022)

Cinta Kaz (Unspecified WLW)

Vel Sartha (Unspecified WLW)

Arthur (1996)

Nigel Ratburn (Gay)

Patrick (Gay)

B:

Battlestar Galactica (2004)

Felix Gaeta (Bisexual)

Big Mouth (2017)

Ali (Pansexual)

Charles Lu (Unspecified MLM)

Connie LaCienega (Pansexual)

Elijah (Asexual)

Jayzarian "Jay" Bilzerian (Bisexual)

Jessica "Jessi" Glaser (Bisexual)

Matthew MacDell (Gay)

Maury Beverly (Pansexual)

Megan (Bisexual)

Mona (Bisexual)

Nadja El-Khoury (Lesbian)

Shannon Glaser (Lesbian)

Simon Sex (Bisexual)

Sonya Poinsettia (Bisexual)

Tyler Pico (Pansexual)

Bob's Burgers (2011)

Natalie "Nat" Kinkle (Unspecified WLW)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013)

Jenny Gildenhorn (Bisexual)

Jocelyn Price (Lesbian)

Kevin Cozner (Gay)

Raymond "Ray" Holt (Gay)

Rosalita "Rosa" Diaz (Bisexual)

C:

Chicago Fire (2012)

Clarice Carthage (Bisexual)

Darren Ritter (Gay)

Emily Foster (Bisexual)

Leslie Shay (Lesbian)

Chicago Med (2015)

Lawrence Dayle (Unspecified MLM)

Peter Kalmick (Unspecified MLM)

Terry McNeal (Gay)

Code Black (2015)

Carla Niven (Lesbian)

Malaya Pineda (Lesbian)

Noa Kean (Bisexual)

Community (2009)

Craig Pelton (Unlabeled MLM)

Frankie Dart (Unspecified WLW)

Craig of the Creek (2018)

Alexis (Pansexual)

Courtney (Lesbian)

George (Gay)

Jasmine Williams (Lesbian)

Kelsey Pokoly (Lesbian)

Laura Mercer (Lesbian)

Raj (Gay)

Secret Keeper (Gay)

Shawn (Gay)

Stacks (Lesbian)

Tabitha (Lesbian)

D:

Dead End: Paranormal Park (2022)

Barney Guttman (Gay)

Logan Nguyen (Gay)

Norma Khan (Bisexual)

Zagan (Pansexual)

Doom Patrol (2019)

Kay Challis/Crazy Jane (Lesbian)

Larry Trainor (Gay)

Dr. Who (2005)

Adric (Pansexual)

Bill Potts (Lesbian)

Canton Everett Delaware ||| (Gay)

Chris Cwej (Bisexual)

Clara Oswald (Bisexual)

Elizabeth "Liz" Shaw (Bisexual)

Heather (Lesbian)

Jack Harkness (Omnisexual + Polyamorous)

Jennifer "Jenny Flint" Scarrity (Lesbian)

Madame Vastra (Lesbian)

Melony "River Song" Pond (Bisexual + Polyamorous)

Nyssa of Traken (Bisexual)

Oliver Harper (Gay)

Olivia "Liv" Chenka (Bisexual)

Patricia Haggard (Lesbian)

Rogue (Gay)

Tania Bell (Lesbian)

Tegan Jovanka (Bisexual)

Toshiko Sato (Bisexual)

Yasmin Khan (Queer)

E:

Equestria Girls (2017)

Sunset Shimmer (Bisexual)

ER (1994)

Courtney Brown (Lesbian)

Kerry Weaver (Lesbian)

Kim Legaspi (Lesbian)

Maggie Doyle (Lesbian)

Sandy Lopez (Lesbian)

Euphoria (2019)

Cal Jacobs (Bisexual)

Elliot (Unlabeled MLM)

Jules Vaughn (Unlabeled WLW)

Nate Jacobs (Unspecified MLM)

Rue Bennett (Lesbian)

Ever After High (2013)

Apple White (Unspecified WLW)

Darling Charming (Unspecified WLW)

F:

G:

Glee (2009)

Adam Crawford (Gay)

Alistair (Unspecified MLM)

Blaine Anderson (Gay)

Brittany Pierce (Bisexual)

Dani (Lesbian)

David "Dave" Karofsky (Gay)

Elliott Gilbert (Gay)

Hiram Barry (Gay)

Kurt Hummel (Gay)

Leroy Barry (Gay)

Santana Lopez (Lesbian)

Sebastian Smythe (Bisexual)

Spencer Porter (Gay)

Grey's Anatomy (2005)

Amelia Shepherd (Bisexual)

Arizona Robbins (Lesbian)

Callie Torres (Bisexual)

Carina DeLuca (Bisexual)

Dayna Knox (Lesbian)

Eliza Minnick (Lesbian)

Erica Hahn (Lesbian)

Levi Schmitt (Gay)

Mika Yasuda (Bisexual)

Nico Kim (Gay)

Taryn Helm (Lesbian)

Teddy Altman (Bisexual)

H:

Harley Quinn (2019)

Basil Karlo/Clayface (Gay)

Edward Nygma/The Riddler (Gay)

Frank (Asexual)

Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn (Bisexual)

Leslie Wills/Livewire (Lesbian)

Mari McCabe/Vixen (Bisexual)

Pamela Isley/Poison Ivy (Bisexual)

Selina Kyle/Catwoman (Unspecified WLW)

Sylvester "Sy" Borgman (Bisexual)

Hazbin Hotel (2024)

Alastor (Aromantic, Asexual)

Angel Dust (Gay)

Charlotte "Charlie" Morningstar (Lesbian)

Cherri Bomb (Bisexual)

Husker (Pansexual)

Sir Pentious (Bisexual)

Vaggie (Unspecified WLW)

Valentino (Pansexual)

Vox (Bisexual)

Heartbreak High (2022)

Darren Rivers (Gay, Queer)

Donald "Ca$h" Piggott (Asexual)

Dustin Reid (Unspecified MLM)

Malakai Mitchell (Bisexual)

Missy Beckett (Bisexual)

Quinni Gallagher-Jones (Lesbian)

Rowan Callaghan (Bisexual)

Sasha So (Lesbian)

Heartstopper (2022)

Ben Hope (Unspecified MLM)

Charles "Charlie" Spring (Gay)

Darcy Olsson (Lesbian)

Isaac Henderson (Asexual, Aromantic)

Nick Nelson (Bisexual)

Tara Jones (Lesbian)

How I Met Your Mother (2005)

James Stinson (Gay)

Human Resources (2022)

Claudia (Lesbian)

Danielle (Lesbian)

Flanny O'Lympic (Bisexual)

Van (Lesbian)

I:

J:

K:

L:

M:

Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir (2015)

Alix Kubdel (Aromantic)

Caline Bustier (Unspecified WLW)

Gisèle (Unspecified WLW)

Juleka Couffaine (Unspecified WLW)

Marc Anciel (Unspecified MLM)

Max Kanté (Asexual)

Nathaniel Kurtzberg (Unspecified MLM)

Rose Lavillant (Unspecified WLW)

Zoé Lee (Unspecified WLW)

Modern Family (2009)

Cameron Tucker (Gay)

Gil Thorpe (Gay)

Mitchell Pritchett (Gay)

Pepper Saltzman (Gay)

Ronaldo (Unspecified MLM)

Mom (2013)

Bonnie Plunkett (Bisexual)

Ray Stabler (Gay)

Rudy (Bisexual)

N:

Nanbaka (2016)

Jyugo (Bisexual)

New Amsterdam (2018)

Elizabeth Wilder (Bisexual)

Iggy Frome (Gay)

Lauren Bloom (Bisexual)

Leyla Shinwari (Lesbian)

Martin McIntyre (Gay)

New Girl (2011)

Melissa (Unspecified WLW)

Reagan Lucas (Bisexual)

Sadie (Lesbian)

O:

P:

Peacemaker (2022)

Christopher Smith/Peacemaker (Bisexual)

Leota Adebayo (Lesbian)

Private Practice (2007)

Amelia Shepherd (Bisexual)

Q:

R:

Raising Dion (2019)

Kat Neese (Lesbian)

Roswell, New Mexico (2019)

Alex Manes (Gay)

Allie Meyers (Unspecified WLW)

Anatsa Mufaro (Unspecified WLW)

Blaire (Unspecified WLW)

Forrest (Gay)

Isobel Evans-Bracken (Bisexual)

Michael Guerin (Bisexual)

Shivani Sen (Unspecified WLW)

Runaways (2017)

Karolina Dean (Lesbian)

Nico Minoru (Bisexual)

Xavin (Pansexual)

S:

Safe (2018)

Pete Mayfield (Gay)

Saving Hope (2012)

Bree Hannigan (Lesbian)

Maggie Lin (Bisexual)

Sydney Katz (Lesbian)

Shadowhunters (2016)

Alexander "Alec" Lightwood (Gay)

Aline Penhallow (Unspecified WLW)

Magnus Bane (Bisexual)

Olivia Wilson (Unspecified WLW)

Samantha (Unspecified WLW)

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018)

Adora (Lesbian)

Bow (Bisexual)

Catra (Lesbian)

Double Trouble (Gay)

Entrapta (Bisexual)

George (Gay)

Glimmer (Bisexual)

Huntara (Lesbian)

Kyle (Bisexual)

Lance (Gay)

Light Hope (Lesbian)

Lonnie (Bisexual)

Mara (Lesbian)

Mermista (Bisexual)

Netossa (Lesbian)

Perfuma (Unspecified WLW)

Rogelio (Bisexual)

Scorpia (Lesbian)

Sea Hawk (Bisexual)

Spinnerella (Lesbian)

Station 19 (2018)

Amelia Shepherd (Bisexual)

Carina DeLuca (Bisexual)

Dayna Knox (Lesbian)

Eli Stern (Bisexual)

Emmett Dixon (Gay)

Maya Bishop (Bisexual)

Michelle Alvarez (Lesbian)

Nikki (Bisexual)

Pam Williams (Lesbian)

Travis Montgomery (Gay)

Steven Universe (2013)

Bismuth (Lesbian)

Dogcopter (Gay)

Harold Smiley (Gay)

Pearl (Lesbian)

Peridot (Asexual, Aromantic)

Ruby (Lesbian)

Sapphire (Lesbian)

Stumptown (2019)

Dex Parios (Bisexual)

T:

The Babysitter's Club (2020)

Dawn Schafer (Unlabeled WLW)

Janine Kishi (Lesbian)

The Magicians (2015)

Eliot Waugh (Gay)

The Owl House (2020)

Amity Blight (Lesbian)

Darius Deamonne (Gay)

Eda Clawthorne (Bisexual)

Gilbert Park (Unspecified MLM)

Harvey Park (Unspecified MLM)

Hunter (Bisexual)

Lilith Clawthorne (Asexual, Aromantic)

Luz Noceda (Bisexual)

Willow Park (Bisexual)

The Resident (2018)

Jake Wong (Gay)

The Rookie (2018)

Jackson West (Gay)

Gino Brown (Gay)

The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy (2024)

Klak (Unspecified WLW)

Slug Girl (Unspecified WLW)

The 100 (2014)

Bryan (Gay)

Clarke Griffin (Bisexual)

Eric Jackson (Gay)

Lexa (Lesbian)

Nathan Miller (Gay)

Niylah (Lesbian)

Zev (Gay)

Titans (2018)

Tim Drake/Robin (Bisexual)

Total Drama (Franchise)

Bowie (Gay)

Raj (Gay)

U:

V:

W:

X:

Y:

Z:

#:

9-1-1 (2018)

David Hale (Unspecified MLM)

Evan "Buck" Buckley (Bisexual)

Henrietta "Hen" Wilson (Lesbian)

John Russo (Unspecified MLM)

Karen Wilson (Lesbian)

Michael Grant (Gay)

Tommy Kinard (Gay)

9-1-1: Lone Star (2020)

Carlos Reyes (Gay)

Tyler Kennedy "TK" Strand (Gay)

[cyansighs]

2024 theater in review, or something.

love going to times square and sitting in uncomfortable chairs

Overall stats: 42 shows total + 1 missed due to incredible jetlag

Rankings in tiers A-F (based on vibes):

A-tier (top 3 of 6)

Merrily We Roll Along - Wow, Dan Radcliffe can jump really high

Dead Outlaw - YOUR MOTHER'S DEAD, AND SO ARE YOU (incredibly hype for it to transfer this year)

Operation Mincemeat - Jak Malone's Dear Bill is so good, but the fact that I did their stupid puzzle solving thing and didn't win a ticket to their bway transfer's invited dress upsets me.

F-tier (the bway show of the 3)

Water for Elephants - god when I looked this up afterwards and saw that it was a book written for nano, I felt like I understood everything. Acrobatics were cool, but god the book. Why.

Money

Max price: $159 for Merrily We Roll Along (worth it, esp w/ how prices jumped later in the run. All my friends who put off buying, ha. Wait for the proshot to release)

Min price: $20 for Leni's Last Lament (not worth it, boring to sit through this unfunny monologue)

Majority <$66: dreading aging now. my discounts.

77% marked as worth it

Misc:

Possibly best theater exp: Ragtime, the day after the election: was running on 3 hours of sleep (incredibly jetlagged, less the election) and everyone was so emotional in the audience - so many mid-show standing ovations.

Prob worst theater exp: I'm Almost There, where a girl fell asleep on me when she could have leaned the other way on her friend

Dipped toes into the bootleg community, watched the gender-flipped production Company (2021) and spent a week kicking myself for not seeing irl

Friend won a ticket to the Hadestown 5 year anniversary party, which was strange, but kinda interesting to be at

Favorite staging: Guys and Dolls - saw on the West End and the immersive staging + raising and lowering sections were so cool

Top plays: Job (tech girlie goes reddit boston marathon hunter) or The Hills of California or The Welkin

Worst plays: McNeal, Leni's Last Lament, and this one's more due to expectations/mood but Company of Man

Worst Musicals: Water for Elephants, The Connector, Safety Not Guaranteed

[omegaremix]

Favorite Sampling / Crate-Digging / Classic Finds For The 2010’s.

Walt Barr “Free Spirit”

Azymuth “Jazz Carnival”

Reg Tilsley “Hold The Road”

Willie Bobo “Kojak Theme”

Bobby Lyle “Inner Space”

Marcio Montarroyos “Pedra Bonilla”

Rubba “Way Star”

Eddie Henderson “Involuntary Bliss”

Jaye P. Morgan “It’s Been So Long“

Eric Gale “Morning Glory”

Tribe “Koke Pt. I & II”

Urbie Green The Fox

Hysear Don Walker “Poo Jo”

Weldon Irvine “Morning Sunrise”

Unit Nine “Night Light”

Larry Bright “Solar Visions”

Sun Ra Nuits De La Fondation Maeght Vol. 1

Gary Davis & His Professor “Stay With Me”

L.A. Boppers “Saturday”

Pop Eye “Lazy Haze”

Phil Upchurch “Black Gold”

Ronnie Laws “Always There”

Sauver Mallia “Future Vision”

Sweet Mixture “House Of Fun And Love”

Tantor “Niederwohren”

Catalyst “New-Found Truths”

Brian Bennett & Alan Hawkshaw “Mermaid”

Clive Hicks “Deserted Factory”

Alan Parker & Alan Hawkshaw “The Difference”

Jack Wilkins “Red Clay”

James Clarke “In Suspension”

Negril self-titled

Blackbyrds, The “Mysterious Vibes”

Bill Loose “Almost Sixteen”

Robert Ashley “Purposeful Lady Slow Afternoon”

Steve Khan “The Blue Man”

Puccio Roelens “A Silness Song”

Robert Viger “Limpidite”

Ramsey Lewis “Skippin’”

Alan Hawkshaw “Cruising”

Keith Mansfield “Love De Luxe”

General Lee & The Space Army Band “We Did It Baby Pt. 1 & 2”

Tony Hymas “Final Inspecton”

Antonio Andolfo Feito Em Casa

James Clarke “Waiting Game”

Alan Hawkshaw “Blue Note”

Bob James “Angela”

Tom Scott “Appolonia (Foxtrata)”

Alan Parker & Mike Moran “Your Smile”

Ethel Beatty “Your Love”

Keith Droste “When You Come Around”

Ojeda Penn “Happiness Is Having You Here”

Walt Barr “Creepin’”

Brass Construction “Don’t Try To Change Me”

Sylvano Santorio “Waves”

William Onyeabor “Better Change Your Mind”

Puccio Roelens “Northern Lights”

Ramsey Lewis “Tambura”

Blackbyrds, The “Mysterious Vibes”

Champaign “I’m On Fire”

Starfire “Make The Most of It”

Dick Walter “The Fat Man”

Don Patterson “The Good Life”

Maynard Ferguson “Mister Mellow”

Death “David’s Dream”

Vic Juris “Leah”

Ramsey Lewis “Sun Goddess”

Stuff “Sun Song”

Nancy Wilson ”I’m In Love”

Undisputed Truth, The “Smiling Faces Sometimes”

Heatwave “Leaving For A Dream”

Eddie Henderson “Beyond Forever”

Keith Mansfield “Routine Procedure”

Players’ Association, The “Moon In Pisces”

Jaye P. Morgan “Can’t Hide Love”

Bill Loose “Slight Misgivings”

Bernice Chardiet / Martha Hayes “All By Myself“

Steve Khan “Darling Darling Baby (Sweet Tender Love)”

Gordon’s War “Got To Fan The Flame”

McNeal & Miles “Ja Ja”

Annette Peacock & Paul Bley “A Loss Of Consciousness”

Alan Hawkshaw “Mystique Voyage”

Big Barney “The Whole Damn Thing”

General Lee & The Space Army Band “Magic”

Gene Harris “Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong”

Tomorrow’s People “Open Soul”

Blackbyrds, The “Love Is Love”

Chick Carlton & Mesmeriah “One More Time With Feeling”

Cortex “Huit Octobre”

Flora Purim “Angels”

Francis Monkman “Getting Ready”

Frank Ricotti “Vibes”

Herbie Hancock “Butterfly”

James Mason “I Want Your Love”

Franco Micalizzi “Jessica’s Theme”

Manzel “Midnight Theme”

Sass “I Only Wanted To Love You”

Stars & Bars “Stars And Bars”

Sunburst “Mysterious Vibes”

Mass Production “Slow Bump”

Peter Brown “For Your Love”

Bobby Lyle “Night Breeze”

Brian Bennett “Morning”

Vic Juris “Horizon Drive”

Hailu Mergia & The Walias (ft. Mulatu Astatke) “Yemiasleks Fikir”

Bereket Mengistaab “Lebay”

LaMont Johnson Aces

Alan Hawkshaw “Warm Hearts”

Heatwave “Star Of The Story”

Pasteur Lappe “Mbale (Face To Face With The Truth)”

Joe Beck & David Sanborn “Texas Ann”

Jon Lucien “Sunny Day”

Players’ Association, The “Turn The Music Up!”

Richie Cole “New York Afternoon”

Rufus & Chaka Khan “Your Smile”

Shuggie Otis “Pling!”

Alice Coltraine “Galaxy In Turiya”

Stuff “And Here You Are”

Pharoah Sanders “Greeting to Saud (Brother McCoy Tyner)”

Edgar Vercy “La Mer”

Fa-5 self-titled

Iodi “Sonrie”

Joe Moks Boys And Girls

Blackbyrds, The “Lady”

Teddy Lasry “Riverhead”

Brothers Johnson “Tomorrow”

Håkon Graf & Sveinung Hovensjø & Jon Eberson & Jon Christensen “Alive Again”

Favorite Sampling / Crate-Digging / Classic Finds For The Oughts.

Donny Hathaway “Singing This Song To You”

Esther Phillips “That’s All Right With Me”

Gil Scott-Heron “We Almost Lost Detroit”

Isaac Hayes “Hung Up On My Baby”

Marvin Gaye “I Want You” (inst.)

David Axelrod “Warning Pts. 1 & 2”

Pharoah Sanders “Creator Has A Master Plan, The”

Lonnie Liston Smith “Expansions”

Kool & The Gang “Summer Madness”

Roy Ayers Virgin Ubiquity I & II

Rotary Connection “Memory Band”

Cal Tjader “Morning Mist”

Dave Grusin “Either Way”

RAMP “Daylight”

Gil Scott-Heron “A Very Precious Time”

Sun Ra “Yucatan” (Saturn ver.)

Edwin Birdsong “Cola Bottle Baby”

Kool & The Gang “Summer Madness” (live)

Neil Richardson “The Riviera Affair”

Roy Ayers Ubiquity “Show Us A Feeling”

Persuaders, The “We’re Just Trying To Make It”

Sun Ra “Enlightenment”

Les McCann River High River Low

Minnie Riperton“Lovin’ You”

Floaters, The “Float On”

Roy Ayers Ubiquity “Miles (Love’s Silent Dawn)”

Les McCann Layers

John Tropea A Short Trip To Space

Lonnie Liston Smith & The Cosmic Echoes Astral Traveling

Chick Corea“Crystal Silence”

Richard “Groove” Holmes “Onsaya Joy”

Gil Scott-Heron & Brian JacksonWinter In America

Delegation“Oh, Honey”

Heatwave “Always And Forever”

Olympic Runners “Don’t Let Up”

Kool & The Gang “Winter Sadness”

Ronnie Laws “Tidal Wave”

Parliament Funkadelic “One Of Those Funky Things”

Roy Ayers A Tear To A Smile

Galt McDermott Ripped Open By Metal Explosion

Idris Muhammad “Crab Apple”

Alan Parker & John CameronAfro Rock

Beginning Of The EndFunky Nassau

Otto Cesana “Hi”

Syd Dale “Cuban Presto”

Chambers Brothers, The “New Generation”

Chick Corea Friends

Edwin Birdsong “Rapper Dapper Snapper”

Jerry Butler “Got To See If I Can’t Get Momma (To Come Back Home)”

Karla Bonoff Restless Nights

Phil Upchurch self-titled

Roy Ayers (Ubiquity) “This Side Of Sunshine”

Billy Cobham “Heather”

Bill Conti “Reflections”

Andre Previn “Executive Party Dance”

Lonnie Liston Smith & The Cosmic Echoes Vision Of A New World

London West End Theatre Orchestra“Apollo 15 (Race Leader)”

[barryhbo2018]

the best characters of all time already exist and they are sally reed monroe fuches the blues brothers jonas kahnwald bill mcneal tashi duncan and milo dean skeleton twins

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

women's march for equality 1971

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

February 25, 2024

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

The last several days have seen a Republican stampede to distance the party from the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision of a week ago, when it ruled that embryos frozen for in vitro fertilization (IVF) should be considered children and that their injury can be treated like injury to a child. That decision has led major healthcare providers in Alabama to stop IVF procedures out of fear of prosecution. 

IVF is very popular—about 2% of babies born in the U.S. are the product of IVF—and Republicans recognize that endangering the procedure has the potential to be a dealbreaker in the upcoming election.

The fury at the Alabama decision of those who have spent years and tens of thousands of dollars in their quest to be parents was articulated yesterday in a conversation between Abbey Crain and Stephanie McNeal of Glamour, in which Crain recounted her five-year IVF journey and noted that the Alabama justice who wrote the decision, Jay Mitchell, “who,” as she said, “lives five miles down the road from me, goes to a church that people in my circle go to, and has children in schools in my community, has more of a say in whether and when I get to be a mom than me.” 

The Alabama decision is a direct result of the June 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, decided thanks to the three religious extremists former president Trump nominated to the Supreme Court. That decision referred to fetuses as “unborn human being[s]” when it overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision recognizing the constitutional right to abortion. The Alabama decision cited the Dobbs case 15 times, relying on it to establish that “the unborn” are “living persons with rights and interests.”

Republicans are now denying they intended to halt IVF with their antiabortion stance and their appointment of religious extremists to the courts. But that position doesn’t square with the fact that since the Dobbs decision, they have pressed for so-called personhood laws, laws that give the full rights of a person to an embryo from the time of conception. Since Dobbs, sixteen state legislatures have introduced personhood laws, and four Republican-dominated states—Missouri, Georgia, Alabama, and Arizona, although Arizona’s has been blocked—have passed them. 

In the U.S. House of Representatives, Republicans introduced a national personhood bill as soon as they took control in January 2023. The bill, titled “Life at Conception Act,” currently has 124 co-sponsors, including House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). On Friday, Johnson claimed to support IVF, raising the question of what exactly that support for IVF means, considering the process requires discarding certain embryos.

In the U.S. Senate, Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced a “Life at Conception Act” on January 28, 2021. It currently has 18 co-sponsors, including Steve Daines (R-MT), who is the head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), the official campaign organization to elect Republican senators. On Friday the NRSC distributed a memo to candidates telling them to “align with the public’s overwhelming support for IVF and fertility treatments.” 

While it is the IVF story that has garnered the most attention this weekend—likely because it has obvious implications for the 2024 election and Republicans have tried to rush away from it—it is simply a different facet of a larger story: the leaders of the Republican Party are working to overthrow democracy.

On February 15, news broke that Alexander Smirnov, the informant who had provided the “evidence” that then–vice president Joe Biden and his son had each taken a $5 million bribe from the Ukrainian oil and gas company Burisma, had been indicted by a federal grand jury for lying and “creating a false and fictitious record.” On February 20, Trump-appointed Special Counsel David Weiss of the Justice Department filed a document concluding that Smirnov has “extensive and extremely recent” ties with “Russian intelligence agencies.” 

The use of Russian disinformation to destabilize democracy in the U.S. looks much like the information warfare Russia has used to establish Ukrainian leaders that worked for the Kremlin. It was the ouster of one of those leaders, Viktor Yanukovych, in the 2014 Maidan Revolution ten years ago that prompted Russian president Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine later that year. Yanukovych won office with the help of American political consultant Paul Manafort, who advised and, briefly, chaired the Trump campaign in 2016, when it weakened the Republican party’s platform plank that supported arming Ukraine against Putin after his 2014 invasion.

Seeding lies about corruption that came from Russian-linked Ukrainians was central to Trump’s 2019 impeachment: his phone call to Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky demanding Zelensky announce an investigation into Burisma and Joe Biden’s son Hunter was part of an attempt to create dirt on the Bidens. That call happened after Trump’s advisor Rudy Giuliani went to Ukraine, where he talked to “an active Russian agent,” according to the FBI. FBI agents warned Giuliani that he was a target of Russian disinformation.  

That poison has now spread from Trump’s rogue team in the White House to the Republican Party itself, which has apparently been carrying water for Putin at the very center of our government. 

Meanwhile, under pressure from Trump loyalists in the House, Speaker Johnson is refusing to take up a measure to aid Ukraine in its resistance to Russia’s 2022 invasion. Such a measure is popular in the U.S., both among the population in general and among lawmakers. While other countries can provide funds, only the U.S. has enough of the required war matériel Ukraine so desperately needs. Already, Russia has managed to retake the key city of Avdiivka because Ukraine’s troops don’t have enough ammunition, and today Jimmy Rushton, a Kyiv-based foreign policy analyst, quoted a Ukrainian officer’s report that they can’t “medivac our guys from the contact line anymore because we don’t have any artillery ammunition to suppress the Russians. We have to leave them to die.”

The reluctance of House Republicans to support Ukraine has global implications. Putin is trying to tear up the rules-based international order that has protected international boundaries since World War II, while Trump has threatened to destroy the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that holds back Russian aggression. In the Wall Street Journal on Friday, chief foreign affairs correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov noted that European countries are worried that the U.S. will not defend its allies, while Putin has made “a de facto military alliance with the rogue regimes of North Korea and Iran while growing closer and closer to authoritarian China.”

European nations have expanded their own military production and support for Ukraine; Poland and the Baltic states have invested far more in their militaries than NATO’s threshold of 2% of a nation’s gross domestic product. In the Washington Post, Michael Birnbaum reported Friday that some of the nations that border Russia are looking again at land mines, concertina wire, and trenches—the technology of last century’s wars—to protect themselves from a Russian invasion. 

Putin and allies like Viktor Orbán of Hungary have been clear they believe democracy is obsolete. Far-right extremists in the United States agree, insisting that democracy’s demand for equal rights before the law undermines society as immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and women’s rights challenge “traditional” values. That ideological justification has led many white evangelical Christians to flock to Trump’s strongman persona.

How religion and authoritarianism have come together in modern America was on display Thursday, when right-wing activist Jack Posobiec opened this weekend’s conference of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) outside Washington, D.C., with the words: “Welcome to the end of democracy. We are here to overthrow it completely. We didn’t get all the way there on January 6, but we will endeavor to get rid of it and replace it with this right here.” He held up a cross necklace and continued: “After we burn that swamp to the ground, we will establish the new American republic on its ashes, and our first order of business will be righteous retribution for those who betrayed America.”

But Saturday’s South Carolina Republican primary suggested that the drive to lay waste to American democracy is not popular. Trump won the state, as expected, by about 60%—lower  than predicted. Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley won 40% of the vote. This means that Trump will have to continue spending money he doesn’t currently have on his campaign.   

More important than that, even, is that it shows that even in a strongly Republican state, 40% of primary voters—the party’s most loyal voters—prefer someone else. As Mike Allen of Axios wrote today: “If America were dominated by old, white, election-denying Christians who didn’t go to college, former President Trump would win the general election in…a landslide.” But, Allen added, “It’s not.”  

Which may be precisely why Trump loyalists intend to overthrow democracy. 

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[thatsbelievable]

may I rupture you?

I’m glad you asked, because, no.

[manofbeskar]

I LOOOVEEE talking about the music that inspires specific pieces of mine so here's a list of every artwork and the song that it's inspired by. They either inspire the colour scheme, composition, mood or concept.

The Apostate || Muddy Waters by LP [insp: mood, colour scheme]

Aphra and the Death Star || I Know The End by Phoebe Bridgers [insp: composition, colour scheme]

Dincobb projection || ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine [insp: mood, concept, colour scheme]

Joel and Ellie || American Pie by Don McNeal [insp: concept]

Old and Satisfied || Long Long Time by Nick Offerman [insp: mood]

Bill and Frank Picture Frame || Long Long Time by Linda Ronstadt [insp: mood, colour scheme]

Cobb and the sunset || Binary Sunset by John Williams [insp: mood, composition]

Hanlando on the Falcon || Bang the Doldrums by Fall Out Boy [insp: concept]

Dincobb cape wrap || Yes to Heaven by Lana Del Rey [insp: colour scheme]

Dincobb club dancing || Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight) by ABBA [insp: mood, colour scheme]

The Black Parade Dincobb || I Don't Love You by My Chemical Romance [insp: mood, colour scheme]

IBYMBYBMYL Dincobb || Early Sunsets Over Monroeville by My Chemical Romance [insp: mood, colour sheme]

TCFSR Dincobb || Cemetery Drive by My Chemical Romance [insp: mood, colour scheme]

Dincobb speeder reunion || There Is A Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths [insp: mood, colour scheme, composition]

Hanlando car kiss || Favorite Record by Fall Out Boy [insp: mood, colour scheme, concept]

Cobb cantina yearning || Need You Now by Lady A [insp: mood, concept, colour scheme]

Dincobb Free Guy AU || Professional Griefers by deadmau5 and Gerard Way [insp: colour scheme, concept]

Dincobb western bar || Whoever Broke Your Heart by Murphy Elmore [insp: colour scheme]

Dincobb birthday art || Fire Meet Gasoline by Sia [insp: composition, concept, colour scheme, mood]

Western Dincobb for DTIYS || Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy by Queen [insp: composition]

Dincobb birthday art (cheek kiss) || Brazil by Declan McKenna [insp: mood]

Tragedy of Anakin Skywalker || everything i wanted by Billie Eilish [insp: concept]

Vaderdala stained glass || In My Room by Chance Peña [insp: mood, concept]

Dincobb twin suns || G.I.N.A.S.F.S. by Fall Out Boy [insp: mood, colour scheme]

[bill-mcneal]

//I’ve been a Phil Hartman/Bill McNeal kick and rewatching NewsRadio and I just found your blog…. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!

THANK U OMG FEEL FREE TO DM BTW because i love phil and always adore talking about his content,, my hyperfixation,, or moreso special interest in him ended but i still know all about him and love him so much,, he's one of my favorite people,, it always warms my heart when fans reach to me to talk with them abt him,, i love that man dearly,, <333 thank u so much <33

[fronzennews]

Robert Downey Jr. AI warning aimed at Hollywood executives

Robert Downey Jr. has issued a pointed warning to Hollywood executives and decision-makers about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate his likeness, particularly in relation to his beloved character Tony Stark/Iron Man from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Downey Jr., who has been a pivotal figure in the MCU, expressed his concerns during a recent podcast appearance, highlighting the significance of consent in the age of rapidly advancing technology.

Robert Downey Jr.'s Confidence in Current Marvel Leadership

Enduring Trust in Marvel Studios Having portrayed the iconic Tony Stark/Iron Man in ten Marvel films from 2008 to 2019, Downey Jr. is confident that the existing leadership at Marvel Studios will not misuse AI technology to bring back his character without his authorization. He believes that the close-knit group of decision-makers at Marvel Studios would lie at the core of such decisions. "I am not worried about them hijacking my character’s soul because there’s like three or four guys and gals who make all the decisions there anyway, and they would never do that to me, with or without me," he stated. This trust underscores Downey's long-standing relationship with Marvel and his belief in their ethical approach to storytelling. Explicit Warning to Future Executives Despite his confidence in the current executives, Downey Jr. expressed serious concern over the intentions of future Hollywood executives regarding the use of AI. During his guest appearance on the On With Kara Swisher podcast, he made it clear that he intends to take preemptive legal action against anyone who attempts to recreate his likeness using AI without proper consent. "I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec," he declared, emphasizing the gravity of the situation as the industry begins to toy with AI capabilities.

The Legal Dimensions of AI Usage in Hollywood

Posthumous Legal Actions: Serious or Humorous? Downey Jr.'s remarks about potential legal actions posthumously have generated a mix of reaction, as he humorously asserted that even after his passing, his law firm would "still be very active." This statement sheds light on the often uncharted legal waters that AI usage presents in Hollywood. The efficacy of such legal action after a person's death brings forth discussions about intellectual property rights and what protections can be enforced in the digital age. Legal Precedents and Industry Trends Downey Jr.'s concerns are set against a backdrop of increasing dialogue around the ethics of AI in the entertainment sector. Recently, the SAG-AFTRA union, which represents actors, held a significant strike that raised concerns about the unauthorized use of AI clones, ultimately leading California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign two bills into law aimed at protecting actors and performers from such practices. As the industry grapples with these developments, Downey Jr.'s warnings highlight substantial legal implications and the need for safeguards in an evolving landscape.

Current Involvement with AI Themes

Downey Jr.'s Role in *McNeal* In his current endeavors, Downey Jr. is exploring themes related to AI in his role in the Broadway play *McNeal*. The production critiques corporate dominance in the realm of AI and scrutinizes the disruptions AI technologies are creating within creative industries. Through this role, Downey Jr. is not only showcasing his acting abilities but also engaging with pressing societal issues tied to technological advancements. The Broader Industry Context The landscape of Hollywood is currently rife with debate regarding the implications of AI technologies. As discussions around consent, representation, and ethical standards become more urgent, Downey Jr.'s warnings serve as part of a broader narrative concerning how technology intersects with artistry. The entertainment industry faces a pivotal moment, needing to establish boundaries that protect artists while balancing innovation.

Upcoming Projects Amid AI Concerns

Return to the MCU: *Avengers: Doomsday* as Doctor Doom Amid concerns about AI, Downey Jr. is set to make a return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2026, taking on the role of the formidable villain Doctor Doom in the upcoming film *Avengers: Doomsday*. This return marks a new chapter for the actor, who has shaped the MCU as Iron Man. His upcoming portrayal of Doctor Doom contrasts with his pressing concerns over AI usage, striking a balance between legacy and innovation. Future Trajectories for AI in Film Looking ahead, the future of AI in Hollywood remains uncertain, as discussions continue regarding actors' rights and the ethical implications of digital likenesses. As more creators and decision-makers navigate this complex landscape, the industry's direction will be shaped by both legal frameworks and artistic freedoms. Downey Jr.'s outspoken concerns contribute significantly to an evolving dialogue about the future roles of technology and artistry in film. In summary, Robert Downey Jr. emphasizes the importance of protecting his likeness from unauthorized AI use, reflecting broader industry challenges surrounding ethical practices in entertainment. His proactive stance not only focuses attention on artists' rights but also invites a necessary dialogue about the responsibilities of today's creators and executives. As the conversation around AI continues to unfold, it is crucial for all stakeholders to remain engaged and informed on this critical issue. To discover more similar news, feel free to explore my other articles and posts at FROZENLEAVES NEWS. Read the full article