#cheers for unconventional family units

[mxwhore]

lets go to a birthday party! • tipjar

[harmoonix]

𝕎𝕚𝕝𝕕

(Astrology Observations)

~ I wanna get wild with you

Loca contigo hoy ~

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🐯 - Taurus Risings/Sun/Moon, these natives have it good when it comes to spending their own monies, they'll always spend it on things that make them happy, spoil yourself queen/king!!

🐯 - Libra Placements especially Sun/Moon/Venus/Chiron/Ascendant can fall under the "people pleaser" energy because their literal energy is "to unite people", they need to think at themselves for a bit too

🐯 - Scorpio/Pisces/Libra/Taurus/Capricorn Moons aspecting Pluto have an romantic dark energy, their energy is lovely but when is aspecting Pluto it can transform into "dark romance"

🐯 - Gemini Moons (Moon at 3°. 15° 27°) degrees, these natives have such a sweet voice 🤭, their laughter is infectious!! Always the loudest people in the room

🐯 - You want someone to cheer you up when you feel bad? Search for a Sagittarius Mercury, I swear they gonna cheer you up with their good humour too, crying and laughing in the same time 😭

🐯 - Aries/Cancer and Virgo Moons can get quite defensive when they're in a conflict, and is that they won't pick sides and will stay on their own terms. Period

🐯 - Moon in the 9th/12th house, babe I know your path in this world is to be spiritual/to connect with the universe/god but try to enjoy life in the same way as well, don't focus only on these

🐯 - Sun or Moon conjunct/opposite/square Lilith , their rebellious nature can easily get criticized by others that's why you need to be yourself and to know yourself more than everyone, in this way you don't give a shit about their criticism

🐯 - Leo Moons/Venus/Risings, they can be really outgoing when you start to know them better, these natives know how to enjoy life 100%

🐯 - Sun/Leo in your 5th/7th or in 8th house, these natives know how to make sure their partner is taken, they'll talk about their partners to everyone

🐯 - Jupiter square/opposite/conjunct Lilith, can make someone to have a high libido, a high sexual drive, someone attractive yet very sexual

🐯 - Asteroid Vesta (4) can aslo tell about how you want to have your first sex experience (1st time sex)

Vesta in Air Signs > They want to communicate during the first act, to have a good time together, try to communicate with them and let them know e everything is gonna alright

Vesta in Earth Signs > They want to feel safe/secured during the first act, make them feel safe/like at home, they enjoy soft kisses/touch

Vesta in Fire Signs > They want to have full passion, want feel satisfied to 100%,they want to be seduced at the first act, they can act crazy but they're just enjoying it

Vesta in Water Signs > During the first act these natives want to feel close to their partners, emotional and physical, they want to feel attached and loved in the same time during the first act

🐯 - The 9th house not only represents the ancestors but it is all that you are going to receive in your current life because of the actions from your past lives (look for the 9H sign)

🐯 - Uranus in the 7th house can predict an unconventional or unpredictable marriage/spouse/relationship. Someone you thought you wouldn't be in a relationship with!

🐯 - Venus in the 11th house natives can end up dating their friends, friends to lovers or sometimes enemies to lovers kind of thing if Venus is aspecting Pluto or Saturn

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I wanna get wild with you

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🐯 - Lilith harshly aspecting Sun/Moon/Ascendant or Chiron can feel like everyone is judging or criticizing them, this placement can be draining sometimes

🐯 - Moon sextile or trine Pluto gives an intense emotional nature to the native, they can feel things more deep than others. They can be exposed to their feelings around family or partners

🐯 - Sagittarius in your 12H/8H/ or in your 4H can indicate a mix of backgrounds when it comes to ethnicity/nationality/ancestors

🐯 - Jupiter/Sagittarius in the 8th house are lucky when it comes to sex life/money (esp other people's money) and legacy/inheritance

🐯 - Pisces Uranus Generation energy can fight with energy attacks from other people, is like bad people come in your safe space and take your energy, protect yourself!!

🐯 - Saturn at 0 degrees is considered a critical degree in astrology. It symbolizes a point of intense energy and potential. This position marks the beginning of a new cycle, offering opportunities for growth and evolution for native (I feel it 😭)

🐯 - Aries Venus/Lilith/Mars duro duro duro, they take everything as a competition and they want to win 10/10, they're so bold so hot in the same time

🐯 - Mars aspecting Lilith (h12) or (h13) can make men specifically defensive towards you if you reject them or like if you give signs you're not interested, they get mad 🙄 they be acting like we are the last humans on earth ..

🐯 - Libra or Leo ASC in your solar return chart can indicate a lot of focus on yourself that year, nurture yourself to the 100%. There is a possibility to enter in a relationship as well

🐯 - Scorpio Venus / Venus in 8 H everything is fun til they met toxic people, esp toxic partners, those people can ruin you and we don't that in our energy. as my friend says "Never be afraid to hit that block button"

🐯 - Aquarius Sun/Moon/Rising/Venus, what they won't tell you about these is how sacrificial and humanitarian these people are, they love helping and often can sacrifice themselves for others

🐯 - A very heavy Neptune in your chart, can show addiction/dependency go to sort of things in life, these addictions can be from everything

🐯 - Mercury in the 5th / Gemini in the 5H can show multiple talents/being attracted to multiple things at once

🐯 - Heavy Air Elements in your chart can make you attracted to music 🎵 🎶 sounds / your ears and sense of hearing can be highly evolved

🐯 - Pluto aspecting the ascendant/midheaven gives villain arc vibes, like the person can have a bad "reputation" possibly coming from other people hate, but they're generally villainized for nothing

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No lo puedo negar, en mis sueños estás

Este juego me vuelve a atrapar

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🐯 - Juno aspecting Saturn, the native can definitely be looking for someone mature/long relationship (Juno at 10°. 22° too)

🐯 - Neptune conjunct Juno in the birth chart natives, you may feel spiritually and psychically connected to your partner or crave a spiritually connected relationship. You can lose yourself in the pursuit of a marriage or partnership and you may project your ideals and hopes onto a partner and then try to make your dreams and illusions real.

🐯 - Juno in the 12th house or Pisces (12°, 24°) can end up in karmic relationship field, the karma chose the people to teach in this life I guess, sometimes It can turn up for your partner to be an enemy too (enemy to lovers. NOT romanticizing this 😭😭)

🐯 - Cancer or Moon in the 2nd house in someone's birth chart can indicate they love their mom's cooking/food prepared by mom

🐯 - Mars in Sagittarius/ in the 9H (9° 21°) these natives are so cute when they try to talking ew language, especially their accent, 100/10...

🐯 - Venus aspecting Mercury/Sun/Moon natives need to wear jewelery more often like, c'mon a ring here, a necklace there. Your skin shines when you wear necklace babes 💅🏼💅🏼 (tested and approved)

🐯 - Mars aspecting Mercury or those planets in the same house can make the native to talk in a more harsh way than others, they can also talk very fast in the same time

🐯 - When someone has their 9th house sign the same as your sun or moon sign, you can learn a lot things from eachother ex: Y has Scorpio in their 9th house and you're a Scorpio Sun

🐯 - Gemini Venus (Venus at 3°, 15°, 27° degrees), Possibly one of the most social places for Venus, they love flirting at every chance they have, and they're so funny to have around idk their vibe is amazing

Harmoonix 🧡🧡🧡🧡

[mindibindi]

The Failure of Ted Lasso's Unconventional Politics

SOCIAL CONDITIONING:

According to Brendan Hunt, shippers interested in a second chance, mature-age romance between Ted and Rebecca were being blindly, un-self-reflexively led about by their “social conditioning”. Presumably, however, the writers who wrote Ted returning to his heteronormative family unit – as well as all the viewers who enjoyed this ending and have defended it since – are completely free of social conditioning? No social conditioning is involved in reifying the white heterosexual family unit? No social conditioning is involved in deifying parenthood, fatherhood and patriarchy at the cost of all else? There is no social conditioning involved in a conclusion that values good ole working class Americana while rejecting the big, queer, complicated, multicultural world?

KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid):

If the creators wanted to gesture to “Cheers” as a classic American sitcom, then at least learn from its example. This show worked best when it worked with familiar, beloved characters in a familiar, beloved, but confined setting. "Ted Lasso" had a near-perfect first act, doing a simple thing well. But from s2 onward, the show started straying out of bounds. The cast of characters kept expanding and contracting: people were in, people were out, characters were coming and going and changing (what was the point of that whole Zava plotline?). We had multiple workplaces and workplace dramas (grew to like Barbara tho). Episodes got long and unwieldy. Themes got convoluted as the show took a long trip, imo, up its own arse. The folksy wisdom of s1 became grating self-indulgence and cliched “moment” manufacturing.  

SUPERFICIAL UNCONVENTIONALITY:

TL employed a familiar 3-part structure but ultimately its supposedly radical, unconventional politics was not reflected in the show’s structure. Since the first act started with Ted's arrival, you could see his departure coming from a mile off. Some folks are acting like returning Ted home constitutes some super brave move by the writers that we've never seen before. But if you want to talk social conditioning expressed through narrative expectation then you really couldn't get anything more conventional than this ending.

We've seen it all before:

Act I: Fish-out-of-Water character arrives and begins winning over a dubious, dysfunctional community Act II: Bonding, hijinks, missteps, complications and development Act III: Revelations of growth. Community sadly waves goodbye to teacher they love but no longer need. Cue credits with moving song choice.

It's as cliche, conventional and predictable as it gets. And I could condescendingly accuse every viewer who enjoyed this ending as being blindly and un-self-reflexively led around by their social conditioning. But even if I'm not one of the showrunners who also played a beloved character and who is speaking on a public forum, that would be a pretty fucking shitty move. What I am saying is that the disagreement over this ending speaks to some core ideological differences currently playing out across the globe around patriarchy, feminism, queerness and privilege. There is an opportunity here to examine what we socioculturally view as “good’ and “right” and “happy”. These ideas of good, right and happy are not necessarily benign and will be inevitably reflected in and reproduced by our art.

PATRIARCHY:

In the end, “Ted Lasso” literally chose patriarchy (but what kind is the question). Just because this show was working with a familiar 3-part structure, that doesn't mean it didn't need to justify Ted's inevitable departure. For many people, his son is enough. That's it. End of conversation. Henry trumps all. And yes, this was always going to be the justification used by the series. But I think this disagreement highlights changing attitudes to modern parenting. Everyone agrees that parenting requires sacrifice: large and small, everyday and lifelong. But how much sacrifice is too much?

For some people, this was too much sacrifice. Others seem to think it was Ted's duty to sacrifice for his son his own sense of family and community, his continued health and growth, his professional fulfilment. Imo, he could have shared all of this with him but chose old-school parental sacrifice instead. I consider this kind of sacrifice to be something that culturally we’re coming to recognise as unhealthy, for both parent and child. In reality, parents are more than one thing. Parents have jobs, interests, relationships, needs, limitations and struggles. Parents are people.

In the series, Ted was established as a person: a person with a sad past, a tortured inner world, a strong desire to connect with others and, potentially, a brighter future than his past. From the beginning, his relationship with Michelle was established (and often reinforced) as over, dead, absolutely no route back in. But his relationship with his son was loving and important to him. Of course it was. He’d be a bad man and unlikeable character if it wasn’t. Even so, Henry isn’t a major or fully realised character in this show. We care about him, relate to him through Ted. He matters to us because he matters to Ted. But frankly, we are far more attached to Ted’s other adopted “children”, the relationships we have watched him develop over 3 years, than the relationship we only saw glimpses of. That’s just narrative reality. In reality, yes, Henry would and should be Ted’s first priority. This is only right. In fiction, the team at Richmond should have been the first priority of Jason and the rest of the writing team. They are the ones we want to see and want to see happy and settled.

As many frustrated viewers have stated, it's not Ted's departure that is so disheartening but how it was done. If the TL team wanted to make this choice seem like a healthy one for Ted then they needed to establish other things waiting for him in Kansas: friends, community, employment, fulfillment. As it was, literally nothing tipped the scales in favour of Kansas. There were no romantic, community or larger familial relationships to get back to. Far too much was just left to inference or imagination. Yes, we can assume that Ted has community in Kansas, that he will probably get a great job after his success in Richmond. But all the people and opportunities we would like to infer/imagine will never tip the balance towards Kansas when we consider all we KNOW is already established for him in Richmond. The homeworld and beloved characters of a show will always hold more emotional weight than anything undefined and hypothetical. If viewers were to be happy with Ted’s exit then the writers needed to take the time to lovingly define his future away from the club.

Instead, it seems like a deliberate choice to shut Ted down and perform (and I do mean “perform”) this marvelous sacrifice for his son that so many think is admirable. It’s this shutdown that is so inconsistent and confusing. Because at any time in the hour, Ted could have said to Rebecca, the Diamond Dogs and/or his team:

“Look y'all this ain't the end. We’re family now. I'll be back. I'll show y'all round Kansas anytime you wanna visit. My mom will cook a dinner that will clog your arteries. And every so often, what say we do a long-distance movie night, huh? I'll miss you all but I’ll be watching every game and I can't wait to come back and see you win the whole fucking thing!!”

Ted could have been a model of honest, expressive, emotionally forthcoming, relationship-maintaining masculinity. But nope. Not a word. Just brave male sacrifice. It's straight up patriarchal propaganda. And truth is, fathers sacrifice way less than mothers do in heterosexual parenting relationships. Mothers are generally the ones making those small, everyday sacrifices that our society rarely acknowledges or admires. But I bet this ending makes all those lazy husbands and boyfriends feel real good about themselves. I bet it makes many female partners feel all warm and fuzzy to know that even though their kids’ father won't share half the labour that goes into raising a child, when it comes time for him to perform a massive manly sacrifice for his family, he toootttaaally will. I'm sorry, what were you saying about social conditioning Mr. Hunt?

FATHER GOD or WHITE SAVIOUR?:

Patriarchy needs its Father Gods and its Mother Gods to play certain roles (tho, to paraphrase Angela Carter, both are as silly as each other.) These magical figures materialise at pivotal times then dematerialise when the narrative is over, the pivotal lessons learned. They never themselves learn or alter. Think Mary Poppins or Nanny McPhee. These figures are not entirely human, they possess an element of the supernatural. They serve others, serve a higher purpose. Nanny McPhee's appearance changes only as a reflection of her charges’ growth. Mary Poppins – the figure to whom Ted is most likened – learns to care about her kids but she doesn't engage in any self-introspection. Her duty and trajectory remains unchanged. When she arrives at her next job, she will do so exactly the same as she was.

These otherworldly mother deities are not unproblematic feminist figures themselves. But creating a male, fatherhood deity becomes even more problematic when he is white, cis-het and pretty able. Ted arrives to teach all the black and brown lost boys, to unite the disconnected women, liberate the closeted gays and to update the bumbling English gentlemen (there is, I feel, a special relish in these American bros educating their former colonisers on modern manhood). Here, we start to stray into white saviour territory. Frighteningly, this kind of patriarchal demi-god implies that white men are the most progressive figures in a society, they are in the political vanguard, championing the needs of the disconnected and downtrodden. White men are the ultimate source of wisdom, kindness and progress. It represents them as a group as progressive, when in reality the attitudes and politics of this group represent conservative politics and regressive values that impede the progress of every other marginalised group. If we buy this myth about white men, then we are more likely to accept what they say to us from their positions of power and privilege as right, wise, kind and progressive, even when it is the opposite.

So, if you are going to put forward a white man as a model of progressive politics, then you need to embrace unconventionality, not just superficially but down to your bones. “Ted Lasso” tried to structure s2 and s3 differently but just ended up making a mess of allusions and ideologies that did not connect, cohere, develop or conclude. In fact, sometimes they straight-up contradicted.  Employing a magical 3-part structure and making a bunch of meaningless allusions to well-known classics does not another classic make. They did not engage with any of these classics (“Cheers”, “Mary Poppins”, “The Wizard of Oz”) in any deep or critical way. Classics may be loved but they are not faultless. If you simply repeat what has already been done, even in celebrated classics, you may just end up repeating mistakes someone already made for you to learn from. TL repeats the central feminist problem of parental deities in “Mary Poppins”, just as it repeats the irreconcilable ending of “The Wizard of Oz”.

LIMINALITY:

Both “The Wizard of Oz” and “Mary Poppins” take us into strange liminal worlds. “Ted Lasso” could be read similarly, except that Ted doesn't take any magic home with him. In fact, he seems to actively forget it, reverting to the Ted he was before leaving. No queerness or feminism follows him home, no traces of the various cultures he's come into contact with. The liminal remain liminal with no indication that these two worlds will communicate or can integrate. The non-white, female, queer and otherwise bizarre are left outside of Ted’s squeaky clean hometown heteronormativity. And I really don’t think I have to explain why that is so deeply irresponsible. Because again, this is a writing choice.

That epilogue at the end was brief but imagine if it included more detail: Ted texting with Rebecca, or facetiming with Roy, Jamie giving Henry advice. They didn't take the time to honour and continue these relationships or integrate these two worlds. They didn't suggest that responsible fatherhood could entail many things, could look different. “Sacrifice,” they said profoundly. “Fatherhood,” they murmured mistily. “Patriarchy” was their final word to which this feminist says, “Bullshit.”

PRIVILEGE:  

I only did one film unit at uni but it really doesn't take much to deconstruct the absurdly inconsistent ending of “The Wizard of Oz”. It was 1939, the end of the Great Depression and the start of another devastating world war. People needed to be convinced that their small ramshackle b/w lives surrounded by loved ones were stable, noble even. They already had everything they needed. They didn't need Oz. They didn't need bright futures, big adventures or exciting opportunities. Monochrome Kansas was all a good American should ever hope for. There was danger in difference, safety at home.

Well, here we are in late-stage capitalistic hell, having come through (???) a pandemic and it takes a special sort of privilege to say to an audience: you don't need money or opportunity or community, they won't make your life any better than before. Be happy with the muddy and mundane. Be happy with what you've got. Turn away from larger community, greater knowledge, continued stability, and isolate yourself in a bubble of you and yours. Look, it's not a sweet or familiar narrative conclusion but the truth is, Ted’s, Henry’s and Michelle’s lives would have all been better if they'd relocated to London. Do these dolts have any idea what teachers (in the USA esp) are currently going through? How overworked and underpaid and undervalued these people are? The burnout rates?? Ted didn't have to take the highest salary Rebecca offered but, had the writers been willing to put in the effort, a more unconventional, more modern ending to this series could have been crafted.

Not that I'm surprised they took the easy road to glory. All indications from the beginning of s3 suggested that this would be the rather predictable conclusion. Indications do not, however, constitute development. This team had the opportunity to write a new ending to an old story, one that incorporated queer, feminist and anti-capitalist values. One that defined a different, new version of patriarchy. They didn't even think to. In their white boi hubris, they just assumed that they and tradition knew best. Considering how many viewers would be struggling right now for food, housing, employment and opportunity, an ending in which Ted turns down an opportunity like this hits a false, rather virtue-signally note. Literally, nobody would have come out worse. Everybody would have benefitted from Ted staying in Richmond. Which means this decision was made purely to manufacture a “moment” that celebrates patriarchy.

ANTICAPITALISM: There’s a reason they had Rebecca offer Ted the biggest salary in his industry. They wanted to make it NotAboutTheMoney! Ted doesn’t say so (doesn’t say anything) but, because this narrative idea is so fucking familiar, we can assume the thoughts behind his oh-so-sage expression are: “Well, shucks now, boss, I rightly do appreciate the kindly offer but that there kid o’ mine is more important to me than any cash you could put in my silly lil handy-hands.” Good Lord. The cringe is real. I really, really can’t with this mighty, manly silence and sacrifice. My problem isn’t that Ted values his son over money (not that it has to be a choice because that money could benefit Henry and his mother, who is owed a heck of a lot of child support esp since she’s been raising their son solo for 3 years). Again, that is how it should be. My problem is that the show actively established Richmond as an anticapitalist landscape, then suddenly at the eleventh hour, tried to walk that back and imply it was actually a capitalistic landscape (in contrast to homey ole Kansas).  

Capitalism teaches us to sniff at money. We've been told by the monied and privileged that it won't buy happiness. (This is of course, utter bullshit because money can buy you a hell of a lot of wellbeing, security and opportunity). At the beginning of the series, Rebecca Welton stands for this principle. And by the end, she has found a way to use her extreme wealth and privilege in an ethical way. She gives it away. She supports others. She lets Sam out of a promotional contract, she funds Keeley’s business, she sells half the club to fans. The most obvious example of Rebecca’s anticapitalist politics is her confrontation with all the richy riches who want to take soccer away from the people. Here, she becomes an anticapitalist leader, one who has been positively influenced by the anticapitalistic politics of The Lasso Way.

The Lasso Way is anticapitalistic in that it stresses that winning isn’t everything. You try but you try together. You play hard, not in order to beat the other guy, but to be the best (player, teammate, man) you can be. There are no individual stars, only collaborative team players. You give due credit to others, the team, the support staff. The club functions well when it functions as a unit. Over the course of the series, it becomes a commune that protects and nurtures its citizens. A socialist haven that values people over profits, prizes and meaningless acquisition. The Greyhounds don’t want to win the league for the money or the top spot. Winning the whole fucking thing is an expression of their regard for each other, the game and the new, kinder ethos they all now live by.

Because they spent 3 years establishing all of this (during a time when we really needed to hear it), there is something v disingenuous about them then having Rebecca offer to go to extremes to pay Ted more money than any man should have. It is not consistent with the show’s themes, the ethos of the club, Rebecca’s attitude or what she knows of Ted. She knows it’s not about the money for Ted. It never was. It’s an act of desperation on her part, but why did they need to make her ridiculous, desperate, so inept in this moment? Hannah plays it beautifully but I can’t help but feel this is part of them diminishing Richmond, (re)casting it as excessively capitalistic in relation to Kansas so that they can turn Ted’s decision into a simple Money < Son choice. Because if it is a Money < Son choice then he has no dilemma. There is no other choice. He goes home to his son. The problem is, they’ve just spent 3 years proving that it is not a simple Money < Son dilemma. Money was never actually part of this equation. Ted left to give Michelle space, to find himself, to find a new life and community, to extend himself beyond what he knew as normal. As such, there is now far more than just money for Ted in Richmond (which tbf, Rebecca also points out, but I still think this point stands).  

The other major problem is that, here in the real world, middle-class America (which btw does not exist) is far from being a haven of peace and prosperity comparable to nowhere in the world. This is a lazy cliché than any amount of travel should quickly disabuse you of. And yet in Kansas, we are supposed to believe, despite everything happening in America (referenced by Henry in ep 3.01), Ted will find community, opportunity and stability. To pull off this ending, they needed to establish a Kansas unlike the one currently in existence. This is what they did with Richmond. The UK is no better than the US currently, but they nevertheless established an ideal society, one with values very contrary to the world we now live in. Is it any wonder that people saw the desertion of this world as a rejection of feminist, queer and anticapitalist values? Right now, more than ever, people want to believe in a society that isn't all about triumph, success, competition, acquisition, individualism and aggression. They want to believe in a society that emphasises community, values people, shares wealth, offers opportunity, encourages difference, improves lives and moves onward, forward, in circumspect but ethical steps. These themes were all there in the series. They just weren't utilised when it came time to shape its conclusion.

[noisycowboyglitter]

Bald Eagles: Apex Predators of the Sky

The Bald Eagle, scientifically known as Haliaeetus leucocephalus, is an iconic raptor native to North America. As the national bird and symbol of the United States, it holds a special place in American culture and history. These majestic birds are easily recognizable by their distinctive white head and tail contrasting with their dark brown body and wings.

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Bald Eagles are impressive in size, with a wingspan that can reach up to 7.5 feet. They primarily inhabit areas near large bodies of water, such as coasts, rivers, and lakes, where they can find their preferred prey: fish. These skilled hunters are also known to feed on waterfowl, small mammals, and occasionally scavenge carrion.

Once endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and the use of DDT pesticides, Bald Eagles have made a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts. They typically mate for life and construct massive nests in tall trees, which they may use and expand for years.

Despite their name, Bald Eagles are not actually bald. The term "bald" in their name comes from an old English word meaning "white-headed." These birds don't achieve their distinctive adult plumage until they are about five years old, with juveniles displaying mottled brown feathers.

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Bald Eagles play a crucial role in their ecosystems and continue to captivate people with their grace, power, and symbolism. Their conservation success story serves as an inspiration for wildlife protection efforts worldwide.

4th of July Christmas Gifts is an unusual and intriguing concept that blends two major American holidays separated by six months. This unique gift-giving idea combines the patriotic spirit of Independence Day with the festive cheer of Christmas, creating a novel way to celebrate both occasions.

These gifts might feature red, white, and blue color schemes alongside traditional Christmas motifs. For example, a Christmas tree ornament shaped like a star-spangled banner or a Santa Claus figurine dressed in Uncle Sam attire. Other ideas could include patriotic-themed stockings, fireworks-patterned wrapping paper, or snow globes containing miniature Statues of Liberty.

The concept could appeal to those who enjoy quirky, out-of-season celebrations or Americans living abroad who want to combine their homeland's summer festivities with winter holiday traditions. It might also be a hit with military families or government employees who are unable to be home for July 4th celebrations.

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While not a mainstream trend, 4th of July Christmas Gifts offer a creative way to express American pride and holiday spirit simultaneously. This unconventional gift category allows for imaginative combinations of symbols, colors, and themes from both holidays, resulting in truly unique presents.

American Flag Country refers to a patriotic concept that embodies the spirit and values associated with the United States of America. It evokes images of a nation draped in red, white, and blue, where the Stars and Stripes fly proudly from homes, businesses, and public buildings.

This idea represents a place where American ideals such as freedom, democracy, and opportunity are celebrated and upheld. It's a symbolic landscape where national pride is prominently displayed through flags, decorations, and clothing adorned with patriotic motifs.

American Flag Country isn't a specific geographical location, but rather a state of mind or cultural phenomenon. It's particularly evident during national holidays like Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. In this conceptual space, citizens express their love for their country through displays of the flag and participation in patriotic events.

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This notion also reflects the diverse tapestry of American life, united under one flag.

The Gift of Christmas encapsulates the spirit of generosity and joy that defines the holiday season. It represents more than material presents, emphasizing the intangible gifts of love, kindness, and togetherness. This concept celebrates the warmth of family gatherings, the joy of giving, and the magic of creating lasting memories. It encompasses traditions like decorating trees, singing carols, and sharing festive meals. The Gift of Christmas also highlights the importance of compassion, encouraging people to extend goodwill to others through acts of charity and thoughtfulness during this special time of year.

[deepinmummymatters]

Deck the Halls - Popular Christmas Plants

What a better way to usher in the festive spirit than by adorning our homes with the vibrant colors and fragrances of Christmas plants? From traditional evergreens to cheerful blooms, these botanical wonders add a touch of nature's magic to our celebrations. Join us as we explore the most popular indoor plants that have become cherished symbols of joy and warmth during this special time of the year. Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) Undoubtedly the most iconic of all Christmas plants, the Poinsettia plants take center stage in homes, offices, and public spaces alike. With its stunning red flowers and deep green foliage, this plant has become synonymous with the season and a holiday favorite. The plant also comes in various hues, including white and pink, adding versatility to the festive season. The vibrant and festive Pointsettia, originating from Mexico, it was introduced to the United States in the 19th century and has since become a staple of Christmas-time decoration worldwide. Its striking red bracts create a stunning display that brightens up any room or even small spaces during the holiday season. There is more to this beautiful festive plant than just its decorative appeal. The Poinsettia symbolizes purity, good cheer, and success—a perfect embodiment of the joyful holiday spirit of Christmas. Recent research has also revealed its potential health benefits, including its ability to purify indoor air by removing harmful toxins. This adds an intriguing dimension to its reputation as mere holiday houseplants. Christmas Trees (Various Species) No list of popular Christmas plants would be complete without mentioning the star of the show – the Christmas tree. Whether it's a classic spruce, fir, pine, or a more unconventional choice, the Christmas tree symbolizes tradition, family, and the spirit of giving. Families often gather to decorate their trees with lights, festive ornaments, and tinsel, creating a visually enchanting finishing touch for the holiday festivities. Mistletoe (Viscum album) Steeped in centuries-old folklore and tradition, Mistletoe, alongside red roses has earned its place as a symbol of love and goodwill during the Christmas season. Hanging a sprig of mistletoe is said to bring good luck and holiday cheer encouraging kisses beneath its boughs. This plant, with its glossy green leaves and white berries, adds a touch of romance and mystery to the holiday decoration and festive atmosphere. Its parasitic nature led ancient cultures to view it as mystical and sacred, often associating it with fertility rituals and protection from evil spirits. Mistletoe also possesses medicinal properties that have been utilized for centuries, including the treatment of ailments such as epilepsy and infertility. In addition to its historical and cultural significance, mistletoe also plays a crucial ecological role in various ecosystems. As a Hemiparasitic plant, it partially relies on its host tree for water and nutrients while still producing its energy through photosynthesis. This unique relationship has profound effects on native habitats and forest dynamics, influencing tree growth patterns and providing habitats for diverse wildlife. Holly (Ilex aquifolium) Known for its distinctive spiky leaves and bright red berries, Holly has been a symbol of seasonal spirit since ancient times. Traditionally associated with protection and good fortune, holly branches are used in wreaths, garlands, and table floral arrangements. The position of its vibrant red berries against the glossy green leaves makes Holly a timeless and elegant addition to traditional Christmas decor. Beyond its decorative use during Christmas time, the holly plant also holds a rich symbolic significance in various cultures. In Celtic mythology, the common name Holly was seen as a powerful symbol of protection and eternal life. Holly has also been used medicinally for centuries. Its leaves and berries have been touted for their potential health benefits, from promoting digestion to providing anti-inflammatory properties. This lesser-known aspect of such holiday plants as Holly, sheds light on its versatility and value beyond just being a decorative Christmas plant.  Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) For those who prefer a more subtle yet equally festive touch, the Christmas Cactus is a great addition and an excellent choice. The Christmas flowers also known as Schlumbergera, is a unique and beautiful plant that adds a touch of festive charm to any home during the holiday season. Unlike traditional cacti, this plant originates from the tropical rainforests of Brazil rather than the desert, making it a fascinating addition to your Christmas plant collection. Its distinctive blooming period in late November and December winter months gives it its festive name, and its colorful shades of pink, red, white flowers, and even purple make it a delightful sight to behold. One interesting aspect of Christmas Cactus plants is their ability to adapt to various environments, making it an ideal houseplant for those seeking low-maintenance greenery with a seasonal flair. Its segmented leaves store water efficiently, allowing it to withstand periods of neglect in well-draining soils without losing its vibrant appearance. Additionally, this resilient plant can thrive indoors or outdoors if provided with the right conditions and proper care. Whether as a thoughtful gift or a cheerful addition to your holiday greens decor, the plant is sure to bring Christmas cheer and beauty into your home during this special time of year. Conclusion As we revel in the magic of the holiday season, these popular Christmas plants remind us of their elegant look and the resilience of nature. As you decorate your space this Christmas, consider incorporating these beloved plants to create a decorative pot and atmosphere of warmth, joy, and natural beauty. After all, 'tis the season to be surrounded by the wonders of the botanical world! Read the full article

[fandom-necromancer]

1301. Part 2

This was prompted by the wonderful @sparklingrainbowdragon! It’s not my best, or as good as the first part, but it’s something. Enjoy!

Fandom: Detroit become human | Ship: Reed900

Their little heart-to-heart had been okay. Gavin didn’t find sleep easy that night, being plagued by how goddamn week he had been to apologise to a tin-can no one should care for. What did it matter how a robot felt? It wasn’t like anyone had ever cared how he himself felt and he was phcking human! Somehow his thoughts spiralled back to that encounter with Elijah, this final meeting that changed everything: His ambitions and goals in life, his efforts to get on people’s good side, his relationship with his family. Some stray thoughts had compared his behaviour to Elijah and his doomed self-worth had sprinkled more salt in the wound telling him he was just as much of an asshole his brother had been to him. Gavin’s answer had been to turn to his other side in anger, pulling the blankets closer around him as if they could protect him from his own thoughts. He didn’t fall asleep easily that night, and the sleep itself wasn’t resting at all.

The next day he walked into the bullpen with an even sourer mood than normally. One look into the new android’s face had him groaning and disappearing to the break room. He wasn’t ready for another day of this and he knew this morning would end in murder without his coffee.

The days passed without any casualties, but it gotten pretty far a few times. Even if the android had disagreed when they first met, Gavin had to side with Fowler on this one: The android had no personality. It had shown some ticks and preferences, but not enough to say it liked something. Gavin had no problem with that, he could work with bland people as he didn’t care enough for them anyways, but no, the RK900 was just as much a people-pleaser as Connor. Even worse: Whenever a superior officer of rank or experience said something, it would agree. There was no challenging others or just plain disagreeing. God, not even a healthy, civilised discussion worked. And even that would have been something Gavin might have tolerated had the android not turned on him.

Gavin had used unconventional methods on a case. The android documented it in detail in his report. Gavin had been rude to a witness, who had complained about him. The android had told Fowler when asked. Hank had made a crude comment about Gavin. The android agreed.

But when Gavin was around it always emphasized that it didn’t mean what it had said, that it couldn’t lie to them and that it was sorry. ‘Yeah, but you can do this to me, right? Because it doesn’t matter if you get on my bad side, because everyone is on my bad side. You know what, plastic? Phck you. That is real asshole behaviour and trust me to know that as I have been an asshole for longer than you’ve been active!’ The android looked at him with a pained expression that was more emotion than he had shown in days. ‘Detective, this isn’t what I meant, you are getting this wrong.’

‘Then how the phck should I get this right?’, Gavin asked, barely able to contain himself. ‘Because you know what, if you hate me, that’s fine, I’m used to that and I can get along better with someone who hates me than with someone who does but pretends not to!’ ‘I’m…’, the RK900 started. ‘I don’t know how to explain it without knowledge about android tech…’ ‘Surprise me’, Gavin sighed. ‘I know more than I might suggest.’ ‘Deviancy allows us to disobey orders, that’s all it is. All androids are based on the same base programming derived from a single prototype. The only code ever created to successfully bind a machine to it’s programming while still allowing enough free will to serve their purpose and even get creative.’ ‘RA900’, Gavin muttered with pangs of guilt. That’s it. No more free will for you. God, how he hated that particular day of his youth. ‘What did you say?’ ‘Oh, nothing, continue.’ ‘Well, that programming while working is not as advanced as what was added later on. Improving through experience was a key feature to androids that led to their huge success. And inevitably to breaking the RA9 base code.’

Gavin sighed. ‘Yeah, yeah, I know how deviancy works, I was there during the revolution, in case you didn’t know.’ ‘Well, my programming is different. As a soldier unit obedience is key. What improvement is an android to a soldier if you can’t use it recklessly? A machine without morals or self-preservation following every command was desirable. They planned on using us to set off bombs, to shield humans, to take damage for them. So, they installed new directives and wrote new code to bind my series. And that is not as easily broken by an advanced learning tool.’ ‘So what, you aren’t really deviant? Deviancy, light edition?’, Gavin laughed humourlessly. Nines sighed. ‘Let me put it this way, Detective, imagine you are afraid of heights and in front of you there is a ravine with a narrow wooden bridge leading to the other side. Your mind tells you it is dangerous and that you should rather stay where its save. It takes effort to defy it, it is scary and even if you want to walk over the bridge, most of the time you make it half way and run back to safety.' Gavin grinned, ready to stubbornly tease again: 'So you are telling me, you are a whimp, who-'

'Reed! Nines! To my office!'

They both flinched to Fowler's shouting and stood up to follow his orders with only little delay. But surprisingly enough the android held him back before they left their desks. 'Detective, I don't know why you are such an ass about it, but I don't mean I am scared of standing up for myself’, he whispered. ‘I meant that I am not as free of my chains as the regular deviant when it comes to disagreeing and-' 'Yeah, fine, whatever, let's go before he eats us alive.' He pulled his arm out of the android’s grip and stormed off to the Captain’s office. All he hoped for was this talk to be Fowler declaring he had found someone else to dump the RK900 on. Gavin was able to work with the thing, but that didn’t mean he liked it.

Back in Fowler’s office he refused to sit down again, crossing his arms and kept eye contact with his superior. They both stayed silent, until the RK900 entered and closed the door behind him. Only then Gavin leaned back and said: ‘I’m not going to defend myself this time, whatever it is I did again, not if that phcking snitch tells on me anyways. So, what is it now?’ Fowler sighed. ‘Gavin, for once you didn’t do anything, though I could get you for disrespecting me again. No, I just wanted to inform you two, that we finally have a good spot for you, Nines. A job better suited for your abilities. You could start working there tomorrow already, if that’s what you want.’ ‘Thank God’, Gavin cheered, earning an eye roll from the android. Fowler ignored him. ‘There is a free spot with the FBI and as I told them we had a RK900 unit, they were more than happy to offer you the job. You would work directly under Special Agent Richard Perkins, one of the best agents in recent years.’ Gavin froze. ‘No.’ ‘Detective Reed, you are only here, because I have a new case for you later, you have no say in the matter.’ But the man stubbornly shook his head. ‘Jeffrey, you can’t be serious with this! How is that asshole even still at the FBI, I thought they would have fired him by now!’ ‘Gavin I know he isn’t the nicest pers-�� ‘Not the nicest person?! Have you met the man? Richard threatening-the-leader-of-the-revolution Perkins? That guy hates androids even more than I do and uses them as nothing but a human shield. You know how the statistics are, every android sent his way ends up with mysterious malfunctions, or coincidentally is killed on a job. You can’t be phcking serious!’ ‘It’s not your decision.’ ‘Well, the bot won’t say no.’ ‘Gavin, I can very well decide for my own, thank you.’

Gavin shook his head even more and stomped his foot in frustration. ‘You know what, tin-can? Fine. Go to that asshole. You won’t last a week. Sell yourself to an early deactivation, see if I care.’ With that he shouldered past it and was out of the door. If Fowler had a case for him, he could E-mail it. He sat down on his chair and watched the office from the corner of his eye. The android was looking at its hands again and Gavin could only wince. How on earth could a human failure like Perkins continue doing his job? And why the hell did he think about it, he wasn’t invested, he couldn’t care less about an android that was nothing but a nuisance to him. Who cares if it was gone and who cares what happened to it, it was a machine, it wasn’t human. So why did he care so much?

He focussed on his work until there were footsteps coming closer. He looked up to see the RK900 sitting down on his chair again, LED a deep red. ‘What’s up toaster?’, Gavin asked sourly. ‘Am I finally getting rid of you?’ ‘No’, was the simple answer of the android. ‘What?’ ‘I won’t take the offer. I will stay here as your partner.’ ‘Why?’ ‘Because I like working with you.’ ‘And why the hell should I believe that?’ ‘You make me realise what I can get away with. Also, I can clearly see you struggling with some issues yourself and I want to see what’s underneath all that.’ ‘So, we are finally getting courageous, tin-can?’ ‘Detective, my name is Nines and you will address me as such. And I’m not “getting courageous”, I just crossed the bridge.’

[letters-from-the-three-houses]

I love reading your headcanons of fire emblem three houses! Each time I read them, I get more fired up/excited to just play it! With the recent bio about Annette, I was wondering if you could do some headcanons about her, and what might her interactions with Mercedes and Ingrid could be (love the blue lion house characters so far, they remind me so much if a family unit) Thanks, and keep up the good work!

asdfghjkl; thanks, anon! i love reading what everyone sends me too; it really opens my eyes to a lot of cool ideas @bae-leth and @prof-babeleth for more hype!! they’re really good at generating it; i’m just a smol bean in comparison)

i love, love, love annette so much. she’s a precious baby and i’d sacrifice my soul to see her happy. even better, i love the idea of her, mercie, and ingrid as a trio! we stan friendships in this household

(in fact, i’m writing a modern!au that features them all together, but hush you didn’t hear that from me seriously though, don’t expect much out of it; it’s for a crack ship;;)

i hope you enjoy~

annette does her best™

she’s very smart but she has an odd way of thinking

when tasked with a problem, her solutions will get things done but they tend to be unconventional

like if she had to do a math problem, she’d do it the long and roundabout way with equations that weren’t taught in class, and somehow get the answer right

when she understands something, she really understands it

she worked hard to excel in magic and there’s something about it that clicks with her

it’s engraved in her head; she gets the theory and the smallest nuances

but she’s terrible at explaining it to others

“It’s like…this thing? you know? don’t you know the thing?”

(they don’t)

mercedes will always gently remind her to put her thoughts into words

“dear, what do you mean by ‘thing’?”

“the thing, mercie! where if you concentrate sending all your magic at a single focal point, it intensifies and, depending on the amplitude of your force, can be the difference between a fireball and a firestorm—”

there’s a lot of gesturing; her hands go all over the place

but once she gets into an explaining rant, she does become a half-decent teacher

it’s still hard to keep up with her thoughts though

she scribbles a lot in her notes

there are drawings of cute animals in the margins that say motivational stuff like “you can do it!”

anyone who borrows her notes is touched (and confused with how incoherent they seem to be, but they try to make sense of it anyway)

marking her essays is an absolute nightmare

run-on sentences, jumping from one point to the next

byleth usually leaves her work for last and dedicates a whole afternoon to read it, multiple breaks in between

she’s very optimistic and cheerful, putting her friends first

if they need help, she’ll help them in spite of herself

she became friends with mercedes when she noticed how alone she seemed to be

even though the older girl was gentle and polite, it seemed like she was never close with anyone?

but because annette really admired her—"you’re so nice and pretty!“—she stuck to mercedes and followed her everywhere

the two became inseparable friends and were seen together everywhere

if you needed to find mercedes, just look for annette

when they arrived at the monastery, they were so happy that they were in the same class again

and annette introduced herself to the rest of the blue lions with so much enthusiasm she almost hit felix in the face (“hey! watch it, shortie!”)

as the only other girl in their house, she was really excited to get to know ingrid

ingrid was kind of quiet and aloof, but graceful and beautiful

and the moment annette saw her, her eyes sparkled in delight

so she attached herself to ingrid

“your hair is so pretty! what do you do with it? how do you make it look so silky? can…can i touch?”

or “ingrid! good morning! the tea you made yesterday tasted so good! you’re so amazing. i wish i could brew tea like you”

or “can i call you iggy? ah—but only if you’re okay with it!”

slowly but surely, ingrid started to warm up to her

and the two could be seen, sitting around, with annette talking about the magical mishaps she got into while in the magic academy

“the teacher was really surprised! well, i was too, because the explosion almost burned down half of the classroom, but they still gave me full marks. and an hour of scolding. it was an accident though, i swear!”

mercedes watched, amused, because ingrid reminded her of herself before annette became her friend

the parallels are lost on annette, who just wants to get along with the people she likes

but mercedes and ingrid bond over how annette is such a sweetheart who doesn’t even know her own merits

mercedes will say she wishes annette would take care of herself more, while ingrid sighs and says, “i suppose we’ll have to do it for her”

they’re like mother hens; fierce and loving moms who, if you dare touch their child, will make sure you regret it

mercie would give you a disappointed look, as if praying to the goddess to have mercy on you

while ingrid glares, icy, and gives you the scolding of a century

they do this behind annette’s back though so she doesn’t know there are people out there who would even think to harm her

when they’re together, annette links her arms with theirs, mercedes and ingrid flanking both sides of her

annette talks the most but they listen patiently, smiling and nodding as they pipe in once in while

they just like listening to and seeing annette be all bubbly and happy

they have a lot of hugs

and a lot of sleepovers

they have this weekly confessions thing where they share what’s been bugging them lately and ask the others for advice

crushes, grades, beauty tips

when they’re together, they feel their troubles melting away

[asks are open!]

[asiantheatre]

Under the list are all the confirmed, announced shows in the 2018-2019 season featuring Asian writers, actors, designers, directors, etc in New York, London, and International. Listed are the dates for first previews, the theater it’s performed in, and a summary of the show. 

This list isn’t 100% comprehensive and will be updated as time goes on. If we missed a show, please let us know!

Make sure to tune in and give these shows your love! 

BROADWAY (source)

Straight White Men

Until September 9, Hayes Theater

“It’s Christmas Eve, and Ed has gathered his three adult sons to celebrate with matching pajamas, trash-talking, and Chinese takeout. But when a question they can’t answer interrupts their holiday cheer, they are forced to confront their own identities. Obie Award-winning playwright Young Jean Lee takes a hilariously ruthless look at the classic American father-son drama. This is one white Christmas like you’ve never seen before.”

Getting the Band Back Together

August 19, 2018; Belasco Theatre

“The musical comedy follows 40-year-old out-of-work banker Mitch who moves back in with his mother and decides to reunite his old high school band, Juggernaut.”

King Kong

October 2018

This show reimagines the famous movie King Kong into a story about fame, greed, and manipulation within the original framework of a young actress and film maker finding their way to Skull Island, the home of a 2000 pound monkey.

Tootsie

March 29, 2019; Marriott Marquis

“Based on the film, Tootsie tells the story of a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until an audacious, desperate stunt lands him the role of a lifetime.”

Hadestown

Walter Kerr; March 22, 2019

Info in the west end section

Be More Chill

Lyceum Theater; February 13, 2019

Info in the offbway section

Chicago

July 1–14; Ambassador Theatre

Japanese star Ryoko Yonekura will make a limited run engagement as Roxie Hart before transferring over to Japan for the national tour.

OFF BROADWAY (source / 2)

Be More Chill

August 9, 2018;  Pershing Square Signature Center

Based on Ned Vizzini’s novel, the show tells the story of an average teenager who takes a pill purported to make people more—you guessed it—chill.

Henry VI

August 21, 2018 - NAATCO 

“Shakespeare’s Henry VI is the story of a great nation’s decent into barbarism and cruelty. It is a study of how the experience of a problematic foreign war erodes civil discourse at home, and how that erosion allows political self-interests to take hold and send a country hurtling into civil war.” 

Rags Parkland Sings the Songs of the Future

September 25, 2018; Ars Nova

 “250 years from now, constructed humans are built in black market labs, Mars is a forced labor camp and underground outlaws are brewing rebellion. You might not remember how Beaux Weathers and her band of “illegal intelligences” fought for the right to exist, but Rags Parkland does. Back on Earth for the first time in 10 years, Rags plays the music that carried us to where we are today. But on this planet, the more things change, the more we stay the same.”

India Pale Ale

October 2, 2018; Manhattan Theatre Club

“In a small Wisconsin town, a tight-knit Punjabi community gathers to celebrate the wedding of a traditional family’s only son, just as their strong-willed daughter announces her plans to move away and open a bar. As they come together for feasts filled with singing and dancing, one generation’s cherished customs clash with another’s modern-day aspirations, and ghosts and pirates from the family’s past linger in everyone’s thoughts – until one sudden event changes everything.”

Wild Goose Dreams

October 30, 2018; The Public Theatre

“Minsung is a “goose father,” a South Korean man whose wife and daughter have moved to America for a better life. Deeply lonely, he escapes onto the internet and meets Nanhee, a young defector forced to leave her family behind in North Korea. Amidst the endless noise of the modern world, where likes and shares have taken the place of love and touch, Minsung and Nanhee try their best to be real for each other. But after a lifetime of division and separation, is connection possible?“

The Resistable Rise or Arturo Ui

October 30- December 22, 2018; Classic Stage Company

The political allegory shows a Depression-era Chicago mobster, who, with the help of his henchmen, manipulates and murders his way to totalitarian rule of the cauliflower trade. The play uses a vaudevillian portrayal of American mafia culture to parallel events that brought the Third Reich to power.

A Chorus Line

November 14, 2018; New York City Center

“A Chorus Line, the 2018 New York City Center Annual Gala Presentation, is a joyous celebration of dance and musical theater—two art forms that City Center has been bringing to New York audiences for 75 years. In 1975, the stories of seventeen Broadway dancers were brought to life when A Chorus Line opened Off-Broadway. The musical was born of workshop sessions with actual Broadway dancers (eight of whom appeared in the original cast) who laid bare their personal stories and the challenges they faced in pursuit of their dreams.“

The Prisoner

November 24, 2018; Theatre for a New Audience/Polonsky Shakespeare Center

“The Prisoner examines the complexities of crime, justice, and compassion in a breathtaking new international production. A man sits alone outside a prison. Who is he, and what is he doing there? Is he free, or is he the prisoner?“

Noura

November 27, 2018; Playwrights Horizons

Noura and her husband have a successful life in New York, and, eight years after having fled their home in Iraq, they’ve finally gained citizen status—which Noura, as an Iraqi Christian, is celebrating by planning the perfect Christmas dinner. But when the arrival of a visitor stirs up long-buried memories, Noura and her husband are forced to confront the cost of their choices, and retrace the past they left behind.

Flower Drum Song’s 60th Anniversary Gala

December 2, 2018 - NAAP

The gala will begin at 5:30 PM with cocktails, followed by a 6:30 PM dinner (a traditional eight-course Chinese banquet). Throughout the evening will be entertainment informed by the history of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song.

Nassim

December 10, 2018; New York City Center

In his latest work, Nassim Soleimanpour explores the power of language to unite us in these uncertain times. No rehearsals. A different guest actor at every performance. A sealed envelope. Oh, and some surprises.

Blue Ridge

December 12, 2018; Atlantic Theater Company

“A progressive high-school teacher with a rage problem retaliates against her unscrupulous boss and is sentenced to six months at a church-sponsored halfway house, where she attends to everyone's recovery but her own. Set in Southern Appalachia, Blue Ridge is a pitch-dark comedy about heartbreak, hell-raising and healing.“

Merrily We Roll Along

January 12, 2019; Roundabout Theatre

Roundabout’s company in residence, Fiasco Theater, reimagines its next Stephen Sondheim creation. With Fiasco’s one-of-a-kind imagination, this audacious musical about a trio of showbiz friends who fall apart and come together over 20 years emerges as newly personal and passionate.

Superhero

January 31, 2019; Second Stage Theatre

Before we can save the world, we have to save each other. From the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer of Next to Normal and the Tony Award-winning writer of Red comes a deeply human new musical about a fractured family, the mysterious stranger in apartment 4-B, and the unexpected hero who just might save the day.

Anne of Green Gables: Part 1

The Royal Family Performing Arts Space; January 24-February 11

An adaptation of the book with the same title.

God Said This

Cherry Lane Theater; January 29-February 15

God Said This paints a portrait of five Kentuckians facing mortality in very different ways. With her mom undergoing chemotherapy, Hiro returns home, struggling to let go of the demons she inherited. Sophie, her born-again Christian sister, confronts her faith while tackling inevitable adversity. James, their recovering alcoholic father, wants to repair his fractured relationship with his daughters. And, John, an old classmate and thirty-something single dad, worries about leaving a lasting legacy for his only son.

Alice By Heart

MCC Theater; January 30-March 30

The show, by Waitress scribe Jessie Nelson and Spring Awakening duo Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, adapts Lewis Carroll’s famed fantasy into a London-set tale against the backdrop of World War II, as Alice and her friend Alfred journey down a rabbit hole to find love, loss, and the courage to move forward despite harsh circumstances.

REGIONAL / US TOURS (source)

Man of God

January 31 - February 24, 2019; East West Players

A hidden discovery in a hotel bathroom changes the lives of four Korean Christian girls on a mission trip to Thailand. Samantha is hurt that someone she trusted could betray her. Jen is worried about how this might affect her college applications. Kyung-Hwa thinks everyone should adjust their expectations. Mimi’s out for blood. Amid the neon lights and go go bars in Bangkok, the girls plot revenge in this funny, feminist thriller.  

Mamma Mia

May 9 - June 9, 2019; East West Players 

On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island they last visited 20 years ago. The storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless hits sets the scene for this infectious tale of love and frolicking fun, creating an unforgettable musical experience that will leave you dancing in the aisles!

Tours - Dates are subject to region

Aladdin

Hamilton

Miss Saigon

Hello Dolly

Falsettos

Lea Salonga’s Human Heart Tour

Rent

TV special live on Fox tells the story of the AIDS epidemic in New York City

WEST END/LONDON (source)

The King and I

Until September 29, 2018

Set in 1860s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.

Love’s Labor’s Lost

August 23, 2018; Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

“Self-denial is in fashion at the court of Navarre where the young king and three of his courtiers solemnly forswear all pleasures in favour of serious study. But when the Princess of France and her entourage arrive, it isn’t long before the all-male ‘academe’ have broken every one of their self-imposed rules. Shakespeare’s boisterous send-up of all those who try to turn their back on life is a dazzling parade of every weapon in the youthful playwright’s arsenal, from excruciating cross-purposes and impersonations to drunkenness and bust-ups. It’s a banquet of language, groaning with puns, rhymes and grotesque coinages“

Dance Nation

August 27, 2018; Almeida Theatre

“Somewhere in America, a revolution is coming. An army of competitive dancers is ready to take over the world, one routine at a time. With a pre-teen battle for power and perfection raging on and off stage, Dance Nation is a ferocious exploration of youth, ambition and self-discovery.“

The Humans

August 30, 2018; Hampstead Theatre

“Hampstead Theatre is proud to present the Broadway production of The Humans by Stephen Karam, the winner of four 2016 Tony Awards including Best Play. Three generations of the Blake family have assembled for Thanksgiving in Brigid and Richard’s ramshackle pre-war apartment in Lower Manhattan. Whilst the event may have a slightly improvised air, the family is determined to make the best of its time together. As they attempt to focus on the traditional festivities, fears of the past and pressures of the future seep into the reunion and the precariousness of their position becomes increasingly evident.”

The Village

September 7, 2018; Theatre Royal Stratford East

“The Village transports the Lope de Vega’s Spanish play, Fuenteovejuna to contemporary India. It’s a powerful story of community and solidarity, and the lengths a person will go to protect themselves from tyranny. In Jyoti’s village, life is simple. People work and sing while living off the land. And finding a partner is far from her mind. She’d much prefer a delicious meal. Things are happy until the Inspector and his men come back to town. But when the tyrannical Inspector has his eye on Jyoti and he commits unspeakable acts against the village, everyone is pushed to breaking point. Will Jyoti dare turn him down despite what it may mean for her village?”

White Teeth

October 26, 2018; Kiln Theatre

“Rosie Jones, the Iqbal twins, their parents, their grandparents, Mad Mary and an avalanche of other characters who make up the everyday chaos of Kilburn High Road come together in an extraordinary revelry of NW6. An epic comedy with music and dance, this theatrical rollercoaster takes us on a fast-paced journey through history, different cultures and chance encounters. Zadie Smith’s breakthrough novel is adapted for stage by acclaimed playwright Stephen Sharkey and directed by Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham in a major world premiere.”

Hadestown

November 2, 2018; National Theater

“In the warmth of summertime, songwriter Orpheus and his muse Eurydice are living it up and falling in love. But as winter approaches, reality sets in: these young dreamers can’t survive on songs alone. Tempted by the promise of plenty, Eurydice is lured to the depths of industrial Hadestown. On a quest to save her, Orpheus journeys to the underworld where their trust is put to a final test.”

INTERNATIONAL

Philippines 

Side Show - August 31, 2018

M. Butterfly - September 13, 2018

A Doll’s House Part 2 - September 15, 2018

Waitress - November 2018

Angels in America Spring 2019

Beautiful: the Carole King Musical Spring 2019

Korea

Matilda - September 8, 2018

The Greatest Showman - August 7, 2018

Bridges of Madison County - August 11, 2018

Jungle Book - closing August 26, 2018

Singapore

Peter and the Star Catcher - September 28, 2018 

Other Local Shows

Japan

Fiddler on the Roof - December 16, 2018

Something Rotten - December 31, 2018

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG - May 16, 2018

Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 - January 5, 2019

Chicago - Osaka (August 1-4 at the Orix Theater) and in Tokyo (August 7-18 at the Tokyu Theatre Orb).

Full list of shows in Japan (translated)

Other Local Shows

China

Rent - August 30, 2018

Les Mis - September 27, 2018

Hamlet - November 28, 2018

Chicago - December 20, 2018

Other Local Shows

Canada

Come From Away (until June 30, 2019)

Next to Normal Toronto (April 26-May 19)

Dear Evan Hansen 

New Zealand

If/Then - November 29-December 8, 2018

[kayteonline]

Ollie

Characters: AU!Bodyguard!Dean x Senator!Reader

Summary:  Dean hates seeing you so unhappy and surprises you with 

Warnings: TW: for miscarriage mention (It’s very small). A possible smidge of angst. Cheesy but necessary fluff. A happy ending!

Word count: 1.2k

Tags: (At the end! If I tagged you incorrectly I apologize. Know you are never obligated and always appreciated.)

Beta: I deared to kill a kings dare! aka I went native. My time has not completely been my own so any mistakes are all me!

A/N:  This is written for @atc74  Angelina’s Roll the Dice Challenge. My prompts were: One of your main characters must be a Bodyguard,  Your story must include a Beach, and  A new pet. This screamed fluff all over. I hope it’s not too terrible! I tried to be as accurate as possible with readers profession so any inaccuracies are my own. I didn’t want to dive too much into it so it’s very high level. Shout out to @witterprompts for the line in bold below I couldn’t pass up because it fit this to a Tee XO. Enjoy! I love hearing from you all. Drop me a line anytime!

You and Dean had the perfect marriage. It was unconventional at best, but it worked out better than either of you imagined.

You were one of the two state Senators for the state of Kansas, half way through your first term, and newly elected into the United States House of Representatives. It was your dream job, and being able to keep your husband, Dean at your side as your personal bodyguard, was the icing on the cake. With your reputation in your line of work, you’d earned the respect of your peers so your relationship was never a question, and rarely an issue. The two of you were hardly in the public eye on top of it which made things easier.

The only thing missing at this time in your lives was the family you’d always wanted to start together.

You married 5 years ago and both happily agreed to start trying three years in. It fell around the start of your campaign for the position you currently held, so it couldn’t have been a better time. You weren’t expecting it to happen right off the bat either, but after the first year flew by with not even so much as a ‘scare’, you were becoming more and more discouraged.

The next seven or so months that followed, you’d finally gotten pregnant! Twice, actually. But they both were unable to hang on past the second month. The doctors were of no help either in trying to figure out why. You’d seen fertility specialists, and gotten second and third opinions, and they always came back the same results; ‘You’re healthy, Y/N. Everything’s in working order. When the moments right it’ll happen.’

Dean even took it upon himself to see a few specialists when his disappointment with being unable to create a new life, and worry for you convinced him it might be him that had the problem. He received the same responses you did each time; ‘You’re healthy and virile, Dean. Your swimmers are strong. When the moments right it’ll happen.’

So why weren’t you pregnant yet?

Your 6 year wedding anniversary was coming up this weekend, and with how downhearted you’d been for the last year, you were looking forward to a long weekend with your husband doing anything and everything, but talking about cycles, and sex, and baby’s. The backyard renovation of your sprawling countryside home was complete and you were actually excited to spend the whole weekend in it forgetting everything.

Dean had other plans. He surprised you over dinner that night after you returned home from an extended trip to Washington D.C. with plane tickets to a place you’d never forget; Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It was your first vacation alone when you were dating, and it was where the two of you fell in love with one another. He hoped taking you back to a happier time would cheer you up some and get you out of the dispirited state you’d been in since your last pregnancy test turned out negative.

When you arrived, you were shocked by the care in detail he put into making this special for you both. He booked the same quaint little house you had back then, and almost immediately you could almost feel the sadness and stress melting off your body the moment you walked through the front door. Dean noticed the lift in your spirit too, and smiled as you took in the surroundings like you had that first day many years ago.

He didn’t stop there either. He pulled out all the stops to keep a smile on your face. You went on a bike ride to each little moment you shared on that trip, some you’d almost forgotten until you were standing or sitting in it. It was the happiest you’d felt in awhile, and with each memory your eyes grew wetter and wetter, overcome with the love and care Dean put into this to make it special for you.

You were so beat after the long emotional day, he got to work preparing your favorite meal for dinner while you took a nap. The man knew his way around a kitchen, and he never disappointed.

The last candle was being lit as you entered the main room, and your knees went weak at the sight of him as he turned to greet you, walking in through the double doors to meet you halfway. He was dressed in his nice slacks and a fitted sweater, and you wanted to melt into the clean, musky smell of him when he stood in front of you, kissing you softly before leading you outside.

He poured the wine as you settled in, serving each dish he prepared until you were both full and slightly buzzed, with aching stomachs and tears in your eyes from the many laughs you shared. As he cleared away the plates, you gazed out into the dark beyond the deck at the waves crashing in the moonlight a few yards away, the soft ocean breeze floating by and took a deep breath, smiling. This was everything you needed this weekend; you and Dean, and the healing waters of the ocean. You couldn’t imagine having anything better right now.

You weren’t sure how much time had passed since Dean disappeared inside, and when he still had not returned you ventured inside to find out where he’d run off to. He wasn’t far. As you made your way towards the hall that lead to the bedroom, a throat clearing from behind you made you stop in your tracks. When you turned, the sight before you had you gasping, tears springing to your eyes as you stood there in complete shock.

In his arms he held a small furry bundle with a big red bow tied around its collar. “Happy anniversary darlin’. Meet the newest member of our family; Oliver. Or Ollie as I like to call him.”

You just about sprinted towards him, Dean holding the small puppy carefully out to you.Taking him carefully in your hands you held him up to get a good look at him. He was half asleep as he stared back at you, and it felt like your heart was going to burst through your chest from all the love you felt for not only this little guy, but Dean also.

“Dean, I- I don’t know what to say other than thank you.” Pulling the soft little bundle close to your chest you reached up wrapping an arm around his shoulders and pulled his lips against yours. “I don’t know what I did right in my past life, but I’m so lucky to have you in this one. This has been one the best days I’ve had in awhile, and I couldn’t love you more for putting this all together.”

He slid his arm around your waist, gently pulling you closer keeping little Ollie between the two of you and tilted your chin up to him, kissing you softly, holding your lips to his for a few extra seconds. “If it makes you smile, then it was all worth it. I couldn’t take the distance, the quiet between us, and feeling so helpless at being unable to make all the sadness go away. I know how much you and I both have been suffering trying to start our family, so I got the next best thing while we wait until our next gift arrives.”

“Dean, you surprised me with a baby animal. There is no more sadness right now- just soft fur and squishy paw pads. I love you so much. Thank you, for everything. I couldn’t ask for more.” Reaching up on your toes you planted your lips against his again. “ Happy anniversary.”

Tags from my list, @mrswhozeewhatsis awesome list and the @spnfanficpond  XO: @butiaintgonnaloveem @leatherwhiskeycoffeeplaid @quiddy-writes @aprofoundbondwithdean @manawhaat @winchesterenthusiast @littlegreenplasticsoldier @deandoesthingstome @salvachester @chelsea072498 @ohmychuckitssamanddean @kittenofdoomage @eyes-of-a-disney-princess @faith-in-dean @for-the-love-of-dean @thedevilinthedetails @skybinx-blog @myfand0msandm0re @winchesterfiesta @sandlee44 @mrsjohnsmith @supermoonpanda @samanddeanwinchester67  @feelmyroarrrr @beachy2014 @its-my-perky-nipples @gryffindorable713 @fangirling-instead-of-working @mamaimpala @notnaturalanahi @scorpiongirl1 @mysupernaturalfanfics @imadeangirl-butimsamcurious @babypieandwhiskey-library @jpadjackles @supernatural-jackles @faegal04 @jotink78 @mogaruke @autopistaaningunaparte @emoryhemsworth @taste-of-dean@sassysupernaturalsweetheart @supernaturalismylife @revwinchester @supernaturalyobsessed @just-another-winchester @there-must-be-a-lock @winchester-family-business @canadianjelly @deansbabygirl01 @pretty-fortune 

[writebythess]

Outlandish vs. Local

(Note: This is an unpublished work and was written as part of a course.)

An outlandish exterior that oddly resonates with the local landscape, combined with a native interior creates this house for three sisters at Bullas. The architects have attempted to fulfil the dream of the sisters that makes up an interesting brief; communal living alongside private spaces and with a response to local climate and landscape.

The first look of the house makes one stop and think if it is a house in Murcia, Spain. The design is a translation of a ‘cortijo’, a Spanish rural farmhouse with a central courtyard. With no complexity in the building blocks, each unit is placed in an unconventional layout around the inner courtyard. However, the exterior of the complex is nothing local. The timber cladding, made from local pine panels, covers all facades while creating a drastic welcome that is unlike the local architecture. It does, however, blend in quite aesthetically with the fields around it. The roofs are all gently mono-pitched, corresponding to the low rainfall and snow in the region. Terraces, patios and large windows make the exterior-interior barrier more subtle and a fence around the courtyard with wooden panels allows interaction with the site while still giving a safe enclosed space within.

The exterior wood aesthetic is so strong that the interior feels calming. A simplistic layout is planned with three units that have similar spaces, but in different layouts based on two focal points. The patio and living rooms face south and the kitchens and master bedrooms upstairs overlook the inner courtyard. Going in, the first thing one would notice is the white; white walls, a white ceiling and even some white furniture. Strangely, it does not understate the interior. The primarily white interior accents the splashes of colours in the tiles and the furniture. In all 3 houses, the colours are carefully chosen with a feminine hint of nature. This can be seen mainly in the chosen tiles; the blue of the sky, green of the leaves, the red and orange of the flowers and the brown of the earth. A similar colour palette is used for furniture which, together with the natural daylighting, gives a bright and warm interior.

However, another surprising play of colour, with a different tone, is brought forward by the partially exposed beams and columns. The grey unfinished beams, along with some columns, add a colour to the otherwise plain white interiors. But why grey? It is less dominating than black, however it is quite a contrast to the rest of the subtly colourful house.

What draws me to this house is its use of colours to create ambience. There is nothing extravagant in this house. Even the exterior, outlandish as it maybe, is trying to blend in with the landscape, though whether it is working or not is a different question. And yet when you go in, the modest interior calms you down. With equal dominance of the colours, the interiors radiate a familial cheerful ambience where light plays an important role. Some rooms even have white floor tiles, giving the room crisp clean overall appearance and allowing any colours to be added into the space freely. Colour may seem a minor element but at a closer look, it can flare up or diminish the atmosphere of the space. Here colours, along with natural daylight, brighten up the space.

Such drastic difference in exterior and interior is what makes this house quite compelling. But it is also challenging. The design could raise up a few questions, ‘Would such impression be accepted by the locals?’, ‘Will there be more such design that plays with both local and foreign elements? ‘. Regardless, the clients seem satisfied with how it had turned out. The building is the home for the young families where they come back to after a long day of work in the city. It is undeniable the design has given them what they wanted.

[aion-rsa]

Bridgerton: Best Shows to Watch After the Netflix Series

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Netflix’s Bridgerton has swept viewers off their feet with its lush blend of romance tropes—fake relationship, forbidden love, “we could be together if only we could stop misunderstanding each other”—anchored by the soapy, searing gossip of one Lady Whistledown. Those eight episodes went down like tea sandwiches, doubtless leaving viewers hungry for more Regency romance and timeless drama. Thankfully, you can sate your appetites with these nine TV series. A mix of adaptations and original series, they reimagine famous figures as compelling heroines and transplant viewers into immersive towns and households, with new scandals and love stories to get obsessed with.

Dickinson (AppleTV+)

Alena Smith’s brilliant, queer dramedy series audaciously reimagines the historically reclusive poet as a Millennial soul stuck in 19th-century societal constraints. It’s delightfully anachronistic, with artful contemporary music choices—like one sequence set to Lizzo’s “Boys”—and gleefully meta cameos like John Mulaney as Walden naturalist Henry Thoreau and Zosia Mamet as Little Women author Louisa May Alcott. The sophomore season (which premiered January 8) sees Emily grappling with the fear of losing her sight, yes, but also something far worse: writer’s block. The reason for her creative dampening? Her poems may finally be published. But fame proves a fickle creature, as Emily struggles with an attraction to her editor Samuel Bowles (Iron Fist’s Finn Jones) while her dear Sue (Ella Hunt) retreats into the glittery world of out-of-touch influencers. This season, expect seances, spa days, and more than one fabulous house party.

Outlander (Starz)

Daphne Bridgerton has to survive the season, but Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser (Caitriona Balfe) has to stay alive across several historical wars, not to mention the realities of being a 20th-century doctor sent back in time two hundred years to where she’s little more than property to be traded or kidnapped. Thankfully she’s got the romance hero to end all heroes in sensitive Highlander Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan)—and their sex scenes rival even Daphne and Simon’s romping honeymoon. If you’ve never gotten into Diana Gabaldon’s sweeping romantic epic (with Ronald D. Moore’s adaptation touch), get ready for a breathless adventure. And if you’re tuning in for next season, you’ll appreciate how like the Bridgertons, the Frasers nurture a big, close-knit clan—blood and chosen—whose own adventures in time travel, spywork, and war spin out into various triumphs and high drama.

Sanditon (PBS Masterpiece)

Adapted from Jane Austen’s final, unfinished novel, Sanditon takes place in the eponymous seaside town, a sleepy retreat poised to become a Regency resort destination. An accident of chance brings the unconventional and impetuous Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) to Sanditon, where she bonds with the bold Georgiana Lamb (Crystal Clarke), Austen’s first and only black character. And of course, Charlotte clashes with the hunky Sidney Parker (Theo James), part of the family looking to change Sanditon. Andrew Davies, the writer behind the classic Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice and other Austen adaptations, uses the unfinished manuscript to set up the pilot, then takes those characters in new directions. That means engaging with England’s colonial history in surprising ways, but also includes an ending to the eight-episode series that challenges readers and viewers used to the genre’s conventions.

Harlots (Hulu)

Anthony Bridgerton’s opera-singer lover Siena would have fit right in with the pragmatic, hardworking women of London’s seedier districts a century before the events of Bridgerton. Alison Newman and Moira Buffini’s series similarly builds its drama on circulated pamphlets that, like Lady Whistledown’s missives, could make or break a young woman’s future prospects—only these ladies are sex workers. The short-lived series tackles sex work, abuse, secret societies, racism, and a mafia-like war between the city’s top two brothels.

The White Princess (Starz)

Before she dazzled (and terrified) on Killing Eve, Jodie Comer’s breakout role was as Elizabeth of York, mother of Henry VIII, in this miniseries adaptation of Philippa Gregory’s historical novel. Forced into a political marriage with the new king Henry Tudor in order to unite their houses, Lizzie realizes that she can wield her own brand of power through pregnancy and heirs. The White Princess will scratch that “enemies to lovers” itch while dramatizing a turning point in England’s royal history.

The Great (Hulu)

Like Daphne, Catherine of Prussia (Elle Fanning) approaches her marriage with alarming naïveté at the start, only for her idealized hopes for life at Peter III’s (Nicholas Hoult) court to be smashed like fine crystal with a mocking “huzzah!” Instead, she must learn to navigate the cutthroat Russian court of simpering and sabotaging ladies, while convincing the tantrum-prone Peter that she is interesting enough not to be killed. All this while fomenting a revolution with the help of her street-smart maid and various sympathizers who may be willing to consider that Catherine could be good, perhaps even Great. Tony McNamara’s Hulu series takes the brilliance of his 2018 film The Favourite and expands it over series arcs (season 2 is forthcoming) that will make you cheer and even cry.

Downton Abbey (Peacock)

The one thing Bridgerton could have used more of was the “upstairs/downstairs” dynamic of servants commenting on their employers’ ridiculous interpersonal drama. We got a little bit of that with housekeeper Mrs. Colson laughing at Eloise Bridgerton’s accusation that she is Lady Whistledown (as if she had the time!), but Downton Abbey serves up plenty of shade through the eyes of the valets and maids who keep the Crawley family comfortable at their country estate. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of scandal, from diplomats dying during sex to real-world events like the sinking of the Titanic and the assassination of archduke Franz Ferdinand. And those missing Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte will delight in Maggie Smith’s scathing Dowager Countess.

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (Acorn TV)

If you found Daphne’s lack of sex ed and real-world knowledge a tad tiring, you might find the company of Miss Phryne Fisher (Essie Davis) as refreshing and heady as a whiff of exotic perfume. Melbourne’s most glamorous lady detective spends the 1920s solving all manner of murders—at society functions, on trains, at the dance hall—with nary a hair out of place. But the best part of the series is Phryne’s refreshingly modern attitudes about sex and her simmering banter with the stern Detective Inspector Jack Robinson (Nathan Page). Despite all the death and unrequited attraction, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is a spectacular romp that will be over all too soon—but then the cast reunited for a movie, Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears, to keep the fun going just a little longer.

Gossip Girl (HBO Max)

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Hear us out—the Upper East Side in the early 2000s definitely gives the Ton (that is, Bridgerton’s high society) a run for its money. You’ve got sex tapes, secret children, faked deaths, and the unlikeliest of matches, between golden girl Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) and “Lonely Boy” social outcast Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley, prepping his stalkery writer skills for You). After all, Gossip Girl walked so Lady Whistledown could run. And with a reboot coming to HBO Max this year, there’s never been a better time to catch up on the original.

The post Bridgerton: Best Shows to Watch After the Netflix Series appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/38rWARd

[jobannn]

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a young adult coming-of-age epistolary novel by American writer Stephen Chbosky. The Movie follows Charlie, an introverted observing teenager, through his freshman year of high school in a Pittsburgh suburb. This explains the details Charlie's unconventional style of thinking as he navigates between the worlds of adolescence and adulthood, and attempts to deal with poignant questions spurred by his interactions with both his friends and family.

All through the 1991-1992 school year, Charlie, the 15-year-old saint, begins forming letters about his own life to a dark recipient tended to, "dear friend". In these letters, he discusses his first year at optional school and his fights with two horrendous experiences: the implosion of his single place school buddy, Michael Dobson, and the downfall of his main aunt, Helen.  His careful English teacher, who inclinations Charlie to call him Bill, sees Charlie's excitement for examining and forming and goes probably as a mentor by apportioning him extracurricular books and reports. Despite the way that he is a recluse, Charlie is become a nearby acquaintance with by two seniors: Patrick and Sam. Patrick are dating Brad, a football player, and Sam is Patrick's stepsister. Charlie quickly develops a consuming squash on Sam and thus yields this to her. It is revealed that Sam was abused as an adolescent, and she kisses Charlie to ensure that his first kiss is from someone who truly loves him. Like his own understanding, Charlie watches his sister's lover hit her over the face, yet she disallows him from telling their people. He in the end makes reference to the function to Bill, who uncovers to Charlie's people about it. Charlie's relationship with his sister rapidly rots and she continues watching her darling against her people's cravings. Over the long haul, he finds that his sister is pregnant and agrees to convey her to an untimely birth office without telling anyone. His sister says the last goodbye to her playmate, after which her relationship with Charlie begins to improve essentially.  Charlie is recognized by Sam and Patrick's social affair of partners and starts investigating various roads concerning tobacco, alcohol, and various drugs. At a social event, Charlie staggers on LSD. He can't control his flashbacks of Aunt Helen, who kicked the container in a car crash on her way to deal with getting him a birthday present. He ends up in the clinical center in the wake of falling asleep in the three-day weekend. At a Rocky Horror Picture Show execution, Charlie is drawn nearer to fill in as Rocky for Sam's darling Craig, who couldn't go to the show that night. Their friend Mary Elizabeth is astonished and asks Charlie to the Sadie Hawkins move and they go into a random relationship. The relationship closes, in any case, during a series of truths or dares when Charlie is embarked to kiss the prettiest youngster in the room. He kisses Sam, and Mary Elizabeth steps out of the room in like manner. Following this, Patrick recommends that Charlie stay away from Sam for quite a while, and the rest of his association pack avoids him. Without allies to involve Charlie from his considerations and fights, his flashbacks of Aunt Helen return. Patrick and Brad's relationship is found by Brad's harmful father, and Brad disappears from school for two or three days. After returning, Brad is cold and mean toward Patrick, while Patrick tries to reconnect with him. Nevertheless, when Brad cruelly attacks Patrick's sexuality transparently, Patrick really attacks Brad until other football players take an interest and unite against Patrick. Charlie partakes in the fight to monitor Patrick, and separates it, recovering the respect of Sam and her sidekicks. Patrick begins contributing an enormous bit of his energy with Charlie, and Patrick kisses Charlie rashly anyway then apologizes. Charlie is smart considering the way that he fathoms that Patrick is so far recovering from his assessment with Brad. In a little while, Patrick sees Brad attracting with an untouchable in the diversion community and Patrick can continue forward from the relationship. As the school year closes, Charlie is eager about losing his more prepared friends, especially Sam, who is leaving for a pre-summer school starter program and has found that her darling sabotaged her. Exactly when Charlie causes her pack, they talk about his expressions of warmth for her; she is enraged that he never followed up on them. They begin to interface unequivocally, yet Charlie startlingly turns out to be bafflingly abnormal and stops Sam. Charlie begins to comprehend that his sexual contact with Sam has worked up checked memories of him being assaulted by his Aunt Helen as a youngster. Charlie gives signs of PTSD from the event and the divulgence of his abuse empowers the peruser to appreciate his viewpoints on associations and love.  In an epilog, Charlie is found by his people in a psychological state and doesn't show any turn of events despite being hit reluctantly by his father. Resulting in being admitted to a mental crisis facility, it is revealed that Helen very mauled him when he was young, the memories he had accidentally repressed. This psychological damage explains his flashbacks and derealization organizes all through the book. In two months, Charlie is conveyed, and Sam and Patrick visit him. In the epilog, Sam, Patrick, and Charlie experience the section again and Charlie stands up and yells that he feels boundless.  Charlie unavoidably manages his past: "Whether or not we don't be able to pick where we start from, we can at present pick where we go starting there". Charlie decides to "share" for the duration of regular daily existence, and his letter-creating closes.

I truly love this film since this reflects being a loner like me and in the wake of distributing somebody gives me acknowledgment that having somebody won't be that terrible and it can even transform you. First Lesson is, meeting new individuals isn't so difficult. In the wake of building colossal nervousness around the way that he has not yet made any companions at school, Charlie chooses to contact Patrick during a football coordinate. He is a real sense just says "Hello, Patrick", and the rest is history! "Prostitute and The Falcon" We frequently award unnecessary load to minor viewpoints, ideas, and choices that become an integral factor in our lives consistently. Keep it basic, and life will be straightforward. Kapish. Next is, being a friend zone isn't so terrible. Well at any rate known to mankind of this film. He gets the young lady toward the day's end, and they all live cheerfully ever after-far away from one another, lamentably. I really think this film romanticizes the friendzone a piece by making that cheerful completion. A great many people in the zone won't receive in return in a year or ever. Sorry folks. Finally, Introverts are marvelous. Loners are fascinating animals. On the off chance that kinship was a fire, let's simply state they have huge loads of fuel, yet no flash. So next time you see somebody simply hanging out, start a discussion with them, no one can really tell how wonderful they may very well be. The most powerful scene for me is the revelation of why Charlie is like that (introvert) and it was because of her aunt. This tells us that everything we do isn’t always something that we want to, imagine Charlie’s life is he wasn’t maltreated by her aunt, he wound been an introvert at the first place. I can connect with Charlie because I am also not an introvert before but due to personal issues, I am here now, didn’t even want to talk to life and with him I realized that being introvert is cool at all. And this makes me remember how I changed when I met my friends, they changed my life. Even though they know how awkward I am socially but the still embraced about who I am.

[sylviajackson5]

Tree Service Company Rochester Ny

Contents

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[anastpaul]

Saint of the Day – 26 May – S Philip Neri Cong. Orat. Priest and Founder, Mystic, Missionary of Charity, also known as:  Amabile Santo, the Second Apostle of Rome, Philip Romolo Neri –  (22 July 1515 at Florence, Italy – 27 May 1595 at the church of San Maria in Vallicella, Italy of natural causes) Canonised:  12 March 1622 by Pope Gregory XV.  Patron of Gravina, Italy, Rome, Italy, laughter, humour, joy, archdiocese of Manfredonia-Vieste-San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, United States Army Special Forces.   When summoned to hear confessions or to see someone who had called, Neri came down instantly with the words “We must leave Christ for Christ”.   Philip was a mystic of the highest order, a man of ecstasies and visions, whose greatest happiness was to be alone with God.   Yet at the call of charity he gave up the delight of prayer and, instead, sought God by helping his neighbour.   His whole life is that of the contemplative in action.

He was the son of Francesco di Neri, a lawyer and his wife Lucrezia da Mosciano, whose family were nobility in the service of the Italian state.   He was carefully brought up and received his early teaching from the friars at San Marco, the famous Dominican monastery in Florence.   He was accustomed in later life to ascribe most of his progress to the teaching of two of them, Zenobio de’ Medici and Servanzio Mini.   At the age of 18, Philip was sent to his uncle, Romolo, a wealthy merchant at San Germano, a Neapolitan town near the base of Monte Cassino, to assist him in his business and with the hope that he might inherit his uncle’s fortune.   He gained Romolo’s confidence and affection but soon after coming to San Germano Philip had a religious conversion:  he no longer cared for things of the world and chose to relocate to Rome in 1533.

After arriving in Rome, Neri became a tutor in the house of a Florentine aristocrat named Galeotto Caccia. After two years he began to pursue his own studies (for a period of three years) under the guidance of the Augustinians.   Following this, he began those labours amongst the sick and poor which, in later life, gained him the title of “Apostle of Rome”.   He also ministered to the prostitutes of the city.   In 1538 he entered into the home mission work for which he became famous; traveling throughout the city, seeking opportunities of entering into conversation with people and of leading them to consider the topics he set before them.   For seventeen years Philip lived as a layman in Rome, probably without thinking of becoming a priest.   Around 1544, he made the acquaintance of Ignatius of Loyola.   Many of Neri’s disciples found their vocations in the infant Society of Jesus.

In 1548, together with his confessor, Persiano Rossa, Neri founded the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity of Pilgrims and Convalescents whose primary object was to minister to the needs of the thousands of poor pilgrims who flocked to Rome, especially in jubilee years and also to relieve the patients discharged from hospitals but who were still too weak for labour.    Members met for prayer at the church of San Salvatore in Campo where the devotion of the Forty Hours of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament was first introduced into Rome

In 1551 Neri received all the minor orders and was ordained deacon and finally priest (on 23 May).   He thought of going to India as a missionary but was dissuaded by his friends who saw that there was abundant work to be done in Rome.   Accordingly, he settled down, with some companions, at the Hospital of San Girolamo della Carità, and while there tentatively began, in 1556, the institute with which his name is more especially connected, that of the Oratory.   The scheme at first was no more than a series of evening meetings in a hall (the Oratory), at which there were prayers, hymns, and readings from Scripture, the church fathers and the Martyrology, followed by a lecture, or by discussion of some religious question proposed for consideration.   The musical selections (settings of scenes from sacred history) were called oratorios.   Giovanni Palestrina was one of Philip’s followers and composed music for the services.   The scheme was developed and the members of the society undertook various kinds of mission work throughout Rome, notably the preaching of sermons in different churches every evening, a completely new idea at that time.    He also spent much of his time hearing confessions, and effected many conversions in this way.   Neri sometimes led “excursions” to other churches, often with music and a picnic on the way.

In 1564 the Florentines requested that Neri leave San Girolamo to oversee their newly built church in Rome, San Giovanni dei Fiorentini.   He was at first reluctant but by consent of Pope Pius IV he accepted, while remaining in charge of San Girolamo, where the exercises of the Oratory were kept up.   At this time the new society included among its members Caesar Baronius, the ecclesiastical historian, Francesco Maria Tarugi, afterwards Archbishop of Avignon and Ottavio Paravicini, all three of whom were subsequently cardinals, and also Gallonius (Antonio Gallonio), author of a well-known work on the Sufferings of the Martyrs, Ancina, Bordoni, and other men of ability and distinction.   In 1574, the Florentines built a large oratory or mission-room for the society, next to San Giovanni, in order to save them the fatigue of the daily journey to and from San Girolamo and to provide a more convenient place of assembly and the headquarters were transferred there.  Below -  San Giovanni dei Fiorentini Rome – the home of the First Oratory

As the community grew and its mission work extended, the need for a church entirely its own made itself felt and the offer of the small parish church of Santa Maria in Vallicella, conveniently situated in the middle of Rome, was made and accepted.  The building, however, not large enough for their purpose, was pulled down and a splendid church erected on the site.   It was immediately after taking possession of their new quarters that Neri formally organized, under permission of a papal bull dated 15 July 1575, a community of secular priests, called the Congregation of the Oratory.   The new church was consecrated early in 1577 and the clergy of the new society at once resigned the charge of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini;  Neri himself did not leave San Girolamo until 1583 and then only by virtue of an injunction of the pope that he, as the superior, should reside at the chief house of his congregation.   He was at first elected for a term of three years (as is usual in modern societies) but in 1587 was nominated superior for life.   He was, however, entirely free from personal ambition and had no desire to be superior general over a number of dependent houses, so he desired that all congregations formed on his model outside Rome should be autonomous, governing themselves and without endeavouring for Neri to retain control over any new colonies they might themselves send out—a regulation afterwards formally confirmed by a brief of Gregory XV in 1622.   Below -  Santa Maria in Vallicella after being rebuilt for the Oratory

Philip Neri embodied a number of contradictions, combining popular venerations with intensely individual piety.   He became embedded in the church hierarchy while seeking to reform a corrupt Rome and an uninterested clergy.   He possessed a playful humour, combined with a shrewd wit.   He considered a cheerful temper to be more Christian than a melancholy one and carried this spirit into his whole life:  “A joyful heart is more easily made perfect than a downcast one.”  This was the secret of Neri’s popularity and of his place in the folklore of the Roman poor.   Many miracles were attributed to him.   When his body was autopsied it was found that two of his ribs had been broken, an event attributed to the expansion of his heart while fervently praying in the catacombs about the year 1545.  ] Benedict XIV, who reorganised the rules for canonisation, decided that Philip’s enlarged heart was caused by an aneurism. Ponnelle and Bordet, in their 1932 biography St. Philip Neri and the Roman Society of His Times (1515-1595), conclude that it was partly natural and partly supernatural.   What is certain is that Philip himself and his penitents associated it with divine love.

“Practical commonplaceness,” says Frederick William Faber in his panegyric of Neri, “was the special mark which distinguishes his form of ascetic piety from the types accredited before his day.   He looked like other men … he was emphatically a modern gentleman, of scrupulous courtesy, sportive gaiety, acquainted with what was going on in the world, taking a real interest in it, giving and getting information, very neatly dressed, with a shrewd common sense always alive about him, in a modern room with modern furniture, plain, it is true but with no marks of poverty about it—In a word, with all the ease, the gracefulness, the polish of a modern gentleman of good birth, considerable accomplishments, and a very various information.”

Accordingly, Neri was ready to meet the needs of his day to an extent and in a manner which even the versatile Jesuits, who much desired to enlist him in their company, did not rival;  and, though an Italian priest and head of a new religious order, his genius was entirely unmonastic and unmedieval, frequent and popular preaching, unconventional prayer and unsystematized, albeit fervent, private devotion.

Neri prayed, “Let me get through today, and I shall not fear tomorrow.”

When summoned to hear confessions or to see someone who had called, Neri came down instantly with the words “We must leave Christ for Christ”. Philip was a mystic of the highest order, a man of ecstasies and visions, whose greatest happiness was to be alone with God. Yet at the call of charity he gave up the delight of prayer and, instead, sought God by helping his neighbour. His whole life is that of the contemplative in action.

Neri died around the end of the day on 25 May 1595, the Feast of Corpus Christi that year, after having spent the day hearing confessions and receiving visitors. ] About midnight he began hemorrhaging and Baronius read the commendatory prayers over him. Baronius asked that he would bless his spiritual sons before dying and though he could no longer speak, he blessed them with the sign of the cross and died.

Neri was beatified by Paul V in 1615, and canonized by Pope Gregory XV in 1622.   His memorial is celebrated on 26 May. His body is in the Chiesa Nuova (“New Church”) in Rome.

Neri is one of the influential figures of the Counter-Reformation, mainly for converting to personal holiness many of the influential people within the Church itself.

[stretchjournalemerson]

Because He Prepared Me

By Rachel Lamarre - 

When I woke up on Sunday, the day of graduation, getting ready felt foreign to me. For the past six days, my family and I had been practically living in my grandfather’s hospital room. I wore sweatpants and slippers with my hair swept up into a bun that got increasingly more messy as time went on. Makeup was not even a thought. My grampy was admitted to Beverly Hospital and placed in their intensive care unit after falling off a ladder at work. Yes, at work. He was eighty-seven years old and had yet to retire. My dad says it was the stubborn French Canadian in him and also credits this with what allowed him to fight for recovery as many days as he did. Until Saturday to be exact.

In a short span of about thirty minutes, the bleachers of Hurd Stadium were filled with excited families. Eager students wearing black gowns and individually decorated caps took their seats in folding chairs on the grass. The first person stepping up to the podium to speak was our mayor Mike Cahill. Amid his words of praise and well wishes for the future, the mayor delivered these lines. “Each one of you has people that have been there for you and have helped you when you needed support. These people love you deeply and are truly bursting with pride. If they’re here today, make sure you give them a big hug. If they are not able to be here or are no longer with us, please take a moment to think of them and send them thoughts of love.”

There I was, crying in my seat. I was proud of myself for keeping it together up until this point. My one free hand was used to quickly wipe away tears, while the other was permanently positioned on top of my head to keep my cap from blowing off. I was lucky enough to have been given an aisle seat and tried to face away from the kid next to me. When I turned my head he was giving me a look that was full of judgment and confusion simultaneously. I gave it right back to him, at least the confusion part because he was one of the people I didn't even think would make it to sit in one of these chairs.

Finding my mom among the sea of the crowd filling the stands was impossible, but I wondered if she was crying too. It was easier to find my dad, leaning against the fence, as far away from people as possible. He wasn’t sitting with my mom because she was sitting with her sister. My aunt flew in from Florida to surprise me, thinking it would somehow make up for the fact that she hasn’t kept in touch for years. I had to pretend I was happy to see her. Saying my dad cannot stand her is an understatement. My dad also removed himself from the crowd because he simply did not have the energy to really interact with anyone. His sunglasses successfully covered up how emotionally drained he was and kept me from seeing whether or not he was crying. Regardless, I knew he didn’t want to be there.

I think it started when I was around five, my grandparents took me out to breakfast on Saturday mornings. They bought a blue car seat with pink butterflies to put in the back of their Cadillac Deville and let me bring my babydoll. My pancakes came in the shape of Mickey Mouse and I was allowed to drink chocolate milk.

“How long do you think we’ll do this?” asked my grampy.

Naively, I replied, “Forever,” with no concept of time or change.

“You got it,” he said, pointing a piece of bacon at me.

I stared down at the goosebumps on my bare legs while picking at the white polish on my fingernails. I thought about how messed up it was that one of the most important people in my life didn’t live to see what was arguably my most significant accomplishment to date. I wondered if people on the bleachers noticed me when scanning the rows of seats, questioning why I appeared sad on such a momentous day. Then again, I really didn’t care. The only person out of my entire graduating class to know what had happened was my best friend Rebecca. I so desperately wanted to make eye contact with her. She would’ve smiled at me, telling me she loves me without actually saying the words, and I would have felt instantly better. Unfortunately, Rebecca sat two rows directly behind me because her last name comes after mine in the alphabet. There is no other instance where this fact would matter, but at that moment I despised the inconvenience it caused me.

He put 13 dollars down on the table for my weekly allowance, because that's how old I was. After zipping his maroon jacket and securing his baseball hat, my grampy gave me a hug.

“See you next Saturday,” I said.

“God willing,” he answered.

I don’t remember exactly when it started, but this had now become a thing whenever he would leave.

“Why do you always say that?” I asked.

He paused and looked over my head. “Because at this point you just never know.”

Names were being called, yet with everything going on, they seemed distant. I watched the corresponding students walk across the stage, knowing very well that I would never see the majority of them again. Cheering from the crowd was drowned out by my thoughts and I would only briefly regain presence in the moment when a particularly obnoxious group at the back would use their blow horns. I thought about how over the course of our relationship my grandfather began to talk with more and more uncertainty. We all know we are going to die one day, and I guess you become even more aware of this as you get older. He would never guarantee anything or plan too far in advance, not knowing what the future held for him. I don’t know if it was intentional, but my grampy conditioned me to think this way as well.

We sat in our usual booth, even though it is by the door and forces us to keep our coats on. The pancakes I get are boring, round like everyone else’s, and there’s water in my glass.

“I think I’m going to choose Emerson,” I told him. “It’s my favorite out of all the ones I visited.”

“That’s excellent to hear,” he said, eyes focused on the piece of potato he was poking with his fork.

“I’m going to commute because it’s close enough,” I added, “Which also means we can still do this.”

“We aren’t going to do this once you start college,” he replied, without hesitation.

My silence made him look up from his plate. After studying my face for a moment, he continued.

“That is a new chapter in your life. You’re going to be an adult, you’re going to be busy, and I don’t want to hold you back.”

One of the junior marshals came and stood next to my chair, signaling it was time for my row to approach the stage. I took my steps slowly, relieved that one of the most emotionally complex moments I’ve had to deal with was close to being over. As I ran my hands over the smooth black stair railing and awaited my turn, that little bit of self-doubt that followed me all through high school told me no one would clap when I walked across to get my diploma. But they did, and I could hear them loud and clear. At that moment I felt proud of myself. This emotion was short-lived but intense in its duration.

Losing someone is never easy and anyone who claims to be fully prepared for it is lying. With this being said, removing the taboo and being aware of death can surely ease any grieving when the time comes. I realize now that as I was growing up, my grampy taught me that things don’t last forever. He ingrained in me the arguably unconventional mindset of uncertainty. As it is common for parents to shelter their children from the idea of death, I am grateful this was something my grampy was not afraid of. In a way, he set me up to be more understanding when he died. It was something he would reference every so often and it became quite normal. Learning to embrace impermanence made me cherish every moment I spent with my grampy, not knowing if it would be the last, and I have no regrets.

Being taught that death is inevitable keeps you focused on the now. I never worried about my grampy dying or dreaded the day it would happen, but I remained realistic. I had accepted it was going to be a thing simply because he had accepted it was going to be a thing. I understand now that he always brought it up throughout our time together because he cared about me. My grampy never wanted me to be shocked or inconsolable. He wanted to prevent me from being devastated to the point where I couldn’t continue life as usual, focusing on my goals. I came to the conclusion that my grampy didn’t change the way he lived his life knowing he was eventually going to die, so I shouldn’t let the fact that his death happened change the way I live my life going forward.

After the last name had been called, our class president came and stood in front of us. We were instructed to move our tassels to the other side of our caps.

“The future is ours,” she yelled. “Here’s to the next chapter.”

Then, 350 voices counted down from three and threw their caps into the air. As I watched mine float and listened to the band play, I accepted what was to come with open arms.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Allison, Eitan, and Professor Kovaleski-Byrnes for your feedback and guidance with this project. Thank you to Sarah Sweeney for sharing stories that modeled how to navigate complex emotions and helped me string together my past and present as seamlessly as possible. Lastly, thank you to my grampy, who I miss dearly, for teaching me to accept impermanence and embrace uncertainty.

[oltnews]

According to the main streaming platforms, what we are experiencing at the moment generates intense interest in films where there are no utopias, just dystopia. In descending order of devastation, here is a guide where you can currently find the best of the worst that could happen. So check your temperature, check the locks and keep checking the headlines to make sure what you're watching is "just a movie". THE ABSOLUTE BRINK THE ROAD (Foxtel & for rent) In the aftermath of a global disaster, a father and son (Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee) travel the United States. The fundamentals of nature - animals, plants, clean water - are only distant memories. Food is all you can get your hands on. And tears up. This robust experience is difficult and uncompromising. Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee are living a dystopian hell in The Road. Seems familiar? Image: supplied CHILDREN OF MEN (For rent only) In 2027, there is only one pregnant woman on the face of the planet, and the modest office worker Clive Owen must protect her until delivery. An unconventional and disturbing future shock thriller that hits the nail on the head with its sharp punches on today's world. Co-stars Julianne Moore, Michael Caine. Clive Owen must protect the only pregnant woman left on earth in the children of men. Image: supplied I AM LEGEND (Foxtel & for rent) After a virus has destroyed almost all of civilized life, the last man to stand in New York is working on a cure. A scary, confrontational and immersive action film. Smith outdoes himself here - not only by carrying the entire image alone, but by keeping the audience by his side throughout. A QUIET PLACE (Netflix) Brilliant thriller where those who are still alive remain strictly observing a vow of silence. The slightest noise is a certain death sentence. A close-knit family (led by John Krasinski and Emily Blunt) is about to face a day of absolute math. You may be able to manage what you see, but what you hear will take some time to overcome. SNOWPIERCER (Netflix, Stan) If you're new to the quirky visions of Parasite director Bong Joon-ho, try this sly innovative action image. Everyone died in a new ice age, except for the passengers on a high-speed train that is still in service. in thein the years that followed, each car became a nation in its own right. Stars Chris Evans. WITH THE BIGGEST ILLNESS CONTAGION (for rent only) The 2011 film that has disappeared since the start of COVID-19. In just over 100 minutes, just over 100 million people perish with sweaty hands from a deadly flu. While it's not so entertaining or informative, there's no denying that it's strangely relevant right now. Stars Matt Damon, Kate Winslet. Jude Law plays in Contagion, about a virus that threatens the human race. So ok. Image: supplied CARGO (Netflix) A strangely effective Australian apocalyptic odyssey. Martin Freeman plays a man who has 48 hours to put his little girl back in safety before an irreversible infection never deprives him of his humanity forever. The film's unique mastery of humor - between the sorry and the delicate - is undoubtedly deployed. In the Australian film Cargo, Martin Freeman plays a man who must give birth to his baby before an irreversible infection can forever deprive him of his humanity. IT COMES NIGHT (rent only) A highly contagious plague surrounds a heavily fortified cabin in the woods. Paul (Joel Edgerton, superb) follows. His wife and son follow suit, knowing that their lives depend on it. The always thoughtless promise of what can (and will) go wrong gives this intimidatingly intimidating affair its raw intensity. 28 DAYS LATER (Foxtel) A sparse and harshly malicious cooler about an England on its last legs after a zombie-infested leprosy strain sweeps the nation. Directed by Danny Boyle (Trainspotting) from a script by Alex Garland (Ex machina). Kevin Spacey and Dustin Hoffman hatching. Image: supplied EPIDEMIC (rental only) A monkey virus that started in an African rainforest triggers a race against time for a team of scientists led by Professor Dustin Hoffman. The American government does not really intervene in social isolation in response, it begins to threaten to bomb entire cities! YOUTH REBELLION THE HUNGER GAMES COLLECTION (Netflix) The compelling series depicting a future where poor young people have to fight to the death as television entertainment for the rich. The portrait of Jennifer Lawrence of the renegade adolescent heroine Katniss Everdeen is a belter. You will follow it every hurried, chased and haunted stage of the path. The Hunger Games made Jennifer Lawrence a movie star. Image: AP Never let me go (Foxtel) An unmistakable shadow of misfortune - never imminent, but always inevitable - creeps into each frame here. Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield and Keira Knightley play the pupils of a mysterious British boarding school which secretly prepares its customers for a terrifying fate once in the outside world. THE MAZE RUNNER (rental only) A tribe of teenagers is trapped in an enclosed field. The exterior is a complex labyrinth that changes configuration every day and hosts a collection of vicious creatures every night. A fascinating premise that lives up to most of the potentials promised. Just avoid the two failed sequels that followed. The maze Runner. Image: supplied TOMORROW, WHEN WAR BEGINS (Foxtel, Amazon, Stan) John Marsden's 1993 novel has been enjoyed by a generation of young Australians. A simple and accessible story tells of a group of teenagers fighting for their lives after Australia was invaded and conquered by foreign attackers. Caitlin Stasey stars. DIVERGENT (Netflix) A cheaper and less cheerful cousin of The hunger Games. We are in the 22nd century and society is divided into five factions. Those who do not correspond do not delay in this world. Shailene Woodley plays the gritty teenage heroine Tris, who has to keep her multi-factional pedigree a well-kept secret. All suites are also based on Netflix. OTHER FUTURE SHOCKS And if that's not enough, try them: BLADE RUNNER 2049 (Netflix) V FOR VENDETTA (rental only) MOON (Foxtel) I, ROBOT (rental only) THE RUNNING MAN (SBS ) Originally posted as Dystopian Movies You Should Watch Right Now !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', '274045516830868'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); (function(w, d, s) function go() var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], load = function(url, id) if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.src = url; js.id = id; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); ; load('//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#version=v2.8&appId=132536086785291&xfbml=1', 'fbjssdk'); load('https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js', 'gplus1js'); load('//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js', 'tweetjs'); if (w.addEventListener) w.addEventListener("load", go, false); else if (w.attachEvent) w.attachEvent("onload",go); (window, document, 'script')); (function(w, d, s) function go() var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], load = function(url, id) if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.src = url; js.id = id; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); ; load('//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#version=v2.8&appId=132536086785291&xfbml=1', 'fbjssdk'); load('https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js', 'gplus1js'); load('//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js', 'tweetjs'); if (w.addEventListener) w.addEventListener("load", go, false); else if (w.attachEvent) w.attachEvent("onload",go); (window, document, 'script')); https://oltnews.com/the-dystopian-movies-you-should-watch-right-now-daily-examiner?_unique_id=5e9ebc1eaa8d7