#elliott ct

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Red-teaming the SCOTUS code of conduct

Tomorrow (November 18) at 1PM, I'll be in Concord, NH at Gibson's Books, presenting my new novel The Lost Cause, a preapocalyptic tale of hope in the climate emergency.

On Monday (November 20), I'm at the Simsbury, CT Public Library at 7PM

Last April, Propublica's Joshua Kaplan, Justin Elliott and Alex Mierjeski dropped a bombshell: Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas had been showered in high-ticket "gifts" by billionaire ideologue Harlan Crow, who subsequently benefited from Thomas's rulings in the court:

https://www.propublica.org/article/clarence-thomas-scotus-undisclosed-luxury-travel-gifts-crow

This was just the beginning: in the coming days and weeks, more and more of Thomas's corruption came to light, everything from the fact that his mother's home had been bought by Crow, to the fact that Thomas's adoptive son went to a fancy private school on Crow's dime:

https://www.propublica.org/article/clarence-thomas-harlan-crow-private-school-tuition-scotus

The news was explosive and not merely because of the corruption it revealed in the country's highest court. The credibility of the court itself was at its lowest ebb in living memory, thanks to the two judges who occupied stolen seats – Kavanaugh and Coney Barrett. One of those judges – Kavanaugh – is a credibly accused rapist. Thomas is also a credibly accused sexual abuser:

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/10/01/30-years-after-her-testimony-anita-hill-still-wants-something-from-joe-biden-514884

Then, this illegitimate court went on to deliver a string of upsets to long-settled law, culminating in the Dobbs decision, which triggered state laws that force small children to bear their rapists' babies:

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/09/health/abortion-bans-rape-incest.html

That was the context for the Thomas bribery scandal, which was swiftly joined by another bribery scandal, involving Samuel Alito's improper acceptance of valuable gifts from Paul Singer, another billionaire who brought business before the court:

https://www.propublica.org/article/samuel-alito-luxury-fishing-trip-paul-singer-scotus-supreme-court

This string of scandals and outrages naturally prompted public curiosity about the Supreme Court's ethical standards, and that triggered fresh waves of incredulous outrage when we all found out that the Supreme Court doesn't have any:

https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2023/why-doesnt-the-supreme-court-have-a-formal-code-of-ethics/

When Congress made tentative noises about providing minor checks and balances on the court, the justices erupted in outrage, telling Congress to go fuck itself:

https://int.nyt.com/data/documenttools/supreme-court-ethics-durbin/cf67ef8450ea024d/full.pdf

Chief Justice Roberts went on whatever the opposite of a charm-offensive is called (an "offense offensive?"), a media tour whose key message to the American people was "STFU, you're hurting our feelings":

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/roberts-defends-high-court-against-attacks-on-its-legitimacy

To the shock of no one except billionaires and Supreme Court justices inhabiting the splendid isolation from societal norms that is the privilege of life tenure, America didn't like this. The Supreme Court's credibility plummeted. A large supermajority of Americans – 79%! – now support age limits for Supreme Court justices:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/18/the-people-no/#tell-ya-what-i-want-what-i-really-really-want

Support for packing the Supreme Court is at an historic high and gaining ground, now sitting neck-and-neck with opposition at 46% in favor/51% opposed. Among under-30s, there's a healthy majority (58%) in favor of appointing more SCOTUS justices.

As Roberts' wounded bleats reveal, SCOTUS is very sensitive to its plummeting legitimacy. After all, the court doesn't have an army, nor does it have a police force. Supreme Court rulings only matter to the extent that the American people accept them as legitimate and obey them. Transformational presidents like Lincoln and FDR have waged successful wars against the Supreme Court, sidelining its authority and turning it into an unimportant rump institution for years afterward:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/26/mint-the-coin-etc-etc/#blitz-em

Now the Supremes are working their way through the (mythological but convenient) five stages of grief. Having passed through Denial and Anger, they've arrived at Bargaining, with the publication of the court's first "code" "of" "conduct":

https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/Code-of-Conduct-for-Justices_November_13_2023.pdf

It's…not good. As Max Moran writes for The American Prospect and The Revolving Door Project, the proposed code amounts to "security theater," a set of trivially bypassed strictures that would not have prevented any of the scandals to date and will permit far worse in the years to come:

https://prospect.org/justice/2023-11-17-supreme-court-objectivity-theater/

The security framing is a very useful tool for evaluating the Supremes' proposal. The purpose of a code of conduct isn't merely to prevent people from accidentally misstepping – it's to prevent malicious parties from corrupting the judicial process. To evaluate the code, we should red team it: imagine what harms a corrupt judge or a corrupting billionaire would be able to effect while staying within the bounds the code sets.

Seen in that light, the code is wildly defective and absolutely not fit for purpose. Its most glaring defect is found in the nature of its edicts – they are almost all optional. The word "should" appears 53 times in the document, while "must" appears just six times:

https://ballsandstrikes.org/ethics-accountability/supreme-court-code-of-conduct-hilariously-fake/

Of those six "musts," two are not pertinent to ethical questions (they pertain to the requirement for a justice to get prior approval before getting paid for teaching gigs).

When the code of conduct was rolled out, the court and its apologists pointed out that it was modeled on the ethical guidelines that bind lower courts. In the wake of the Thomas revelations, these guidelines were a useful benchmark to measure Thomas's conduct against. The fact that other federal judges would have been severely sanctioned or even fired if they had engaged in the same conduct as Thomas was a powerful argument that Thomas had overstepped the bounds of ethical conduct.

But as Bloomberg Law discovered when they compared the lower courts' codes to the Supremes' draft, the Supremes have gone through those lower court codes and systematically cut nearly every mention of "enforce" from their own draft. They also cut the requirement to "take appropriate action" if a violation is reported.

If you are a bad judge or a bad donor, all of this is good news. Nearly everything that it condemns is merely optional, which means that if a judge can be convinced to ignore a rule, they won't have violated the code. What's more, even widespread rulebreaking doesn't trigger an investigation. That's a very weak security measure indeed.

But it gets worse. The Supremes' code also omit key definitions found in the codes that bind the lower courts. The most important definition to be cut is for "political organization," which the lower courts define expansively as both parties and "entit[ies] whose principal purpose is to advocate for or against political candidates or parties." That definition captures "nonprofits, think tanks, lobbying firms, trade associations, grassroots groups" – the whole panoply of organizations whom federal judges must maintain an arm's length distance from in order to preserve their objectivity. Federal judges may not lead, speak at or donate to these organizations.

By omitting this definition, the Supremes open the door to involvement with precisely the kinds of PACs, thinktanks and other influence organizations funded by the billionaires who have benefited so handsomely from the judges' rulings.

What's more, the Supremes carve out an explicit exemption for speaking to "nonprofits, think tanks, lobbying firms, trade associations, grassroots groups," and to serving as a director, trustee or officer of "a nonprofit organization devoted to the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice and may assist such an organization in the management and investment of funds."

As Moran points out, this exemption would cover – among other institutions – the far-right Federalist Society, which satisfies all those criteria. That means a Supreme Court justice could sit on the board and raise funds for the FedSoc without raising any issues with this code – not even one of those squishy "shoulds." Nothing in this code would stop Clarence Thomas or Thomas Alito from accepting lavish gifts, private jet rides, or luxury tour buses from billionaires with business before the court:

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/justice-thomas-267000-loan-rv-forgiven-senate-democrats-104303972

As Moran writes, these definitional vacuums are a well-understood class of weaknesses in ethics codes. Congress gets a lot of mileage out of this ruse – for example, by narrowly defining "lobbying" to exclude things that most people understand that term to mean, Congress engage in improperly close relations with lobbyists while still maintaining that they hardly ever talk to a lobbyist at all:

https://www.politico.eu/article/jeff-hauser-opinion-watergate-european-union-qatargate/

The same ruse goes for campaign contributions – if you want to accept a lot of campaign contributions that would fall afoul of ethics rules, just narrow the definition of "campaign contribution" until all the money you're receiving no longer qualifies.

Moran closes by calling on Congress to formulate a real, meaningful code of conduct for the Supremes, one that orders Supreme Court judges not to accept corrupting gifts and to maintain the arm's length neutrality that the rest of the federal judiciary is required to keep. Rather than this new code of conduct constituting proof that SCOTUS can be its own oversight, its gross deficiencies should put to rest any question about whether the Supremes can be trusted to regulate themselves.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/17/red-team-black-robes/#security-theater

Image: Senate Democrats (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:United_States_Supreme_Court_Building,_July_21,_2020.jpg

CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

[angstyaches]

The Hexagon: Aftermath, Part One

Hexagon Parts 1 - 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

This is a long one (4,000+). It's a lot of general recovery stuff, with a bit of rare Charlie/Ryan interaction.

Also, please note that I am in no way a medical professional (and neither is Ryan).

CW: effects of hunger/exhaustion/dehydration, passing out, slightly medical setting, injury (burns), nausea, mention of emeto, anxiety, refeeding, mention of blood drinking, stomach noises, embarrassment/awkwardness, demonic possession, fear for CT's wellbeing.

___

The last stretch of the car ride felt like the longest, and yet Charlie felt stuck in a daze. He couldn’t sleep anymore, no matter how badly he wanted to. What mental energy he had, he was channeling into not crying, not throwing up, not panicking over the sickening fear he felt, that he would suddenly be flung from a dream and back into the forest. Into the hexagon. 

He must have drawn a loud, shaky breath or something, because Shayne tilted his head to try to look at him. 

“You okay?” 

Charli nodded. “I’m...” 

Whatever the end of that sentence was supposed to be, it didn’t make it to his lips. He wasn’t even sure why that was, exactly. He just wanted his bed. He wanted his parents. He wanted to be alone with Shayne so they could cry and process everything at their own speed. 

He most certainly did not want to see Ryan Aldridge waiting in the driveway as Elliott pulled up to the townhouse.

There was no delicate way of putting it; Charlie had never stopped finding Ryan abjectly terrifying. He liked to think he’d done a decent job of acclimatising to a world that consisted of demons, demon eaters, witches, shifters, and vampires, but the most ancient vampire he’d ever met still send tendrils of cold through his body. She never smiled. She never looked angry. She never made any sudden movements. And she had never transitioned away from calling him Mr. Waters. Then again, he’d always been too terrified to ask her to call him anything else, so maybe that one was on him. 

In his fragile state, she was probably the last person he wanted to see right now. 

She was standing in the driveway of the townhouse, holding a black parasol to shield her face from the sun. She was wearing a crisp white pantsuit that washed out her unnaturally pale skin even more. For a woman trying so hard to block out UV rays, she looked like she should have come with her own light sensitivity warning. 

Elliott pulled up the handbrake and whipped off his sunglasses. The engine rumbled down to silence, finishing off with a whine from the air conditioning. Ingrid had been reminding Trevor to get that checked out for months. 

“Oh, god.” Charlie’s breath caught in his throat. “I-I need to tell my car where his dad is.” 

“You... mean your dad where –?” 

“My dad where his c-car is.” 

“Charlie,” Shayne muttered. “I’m sure they’re far more worried about you than the fucking car.” 

Charlie blinked, the movement happening far too slowly. The way Ryan Aldridge would blink. Probably. The thought of his parents worrying about him, unable to contact him, put a surge of panic right into the centre of his chest cavity. The way his mother’s face, her entire being, had collapsed inwards on that night three years ago, when he’d told them what he – 

Charlie jumped. The door next to him had been opened. Switching to autopilot, he slid out of the back seat and promptly forgot how to use his legs. 

Somebody – Shayne? Elliott? Ryan? – grabbed him, to keep him from sagging to the ground. Maybe CT had managed to pull themself together and levitate him. 

CT? he whispered internally, and a cold wave of black swarmed his vision. It seeped into his every thought, his memories of the past few days, flashes of childhood visits to the sea. Bubbles of pressure pushed up against his lungs, inside and out. 

Lights exploded in the darkness. His stomach heaved. 

His mind stretched on and on, and Charlie followed it, until he could feel the demon submerged in that same smothering darkness. They weren’t reaching back towards him. 

Still, Charlie took some semblance of relief in feeling the low, thrumming pressure of them. 

Come back to me, Charlie pleaded. When you’re ready. 

___ 

When he opened his eyes, he was on his back, but not in a pile of pine needles. Not on the concrete driveway in front of the townhouse, either. A white ceiling enclosed the room, where he’d half-expected to see drifting treetops through a purple gloss. 

Charlie savoured it for a few seconds. He had missed being inside. The older he got, the more sure he became that he had been put on this earth to be inside, to be cosy and warm and in soft lighting. 

The lighting here was not soft, though, and Charlie’s eyes protested as he tried to have a look around. 

Some kind of thin, narrow bed was stretched out beneath him, as though he had fallen asleep on an examining table. He could feel that his hoodie and Converse were gone, but his damp, three-day-old jeans and t-shirt still clung to his skin. Nausea rolled over him in cold waves, and he realised he was sweating. Was it always this warm when there was no natural breeze blowing through? 

With the glow of gratitude fading fast, Charlie turned his head. It felt like trying to shove his face through quicksand, but it was worth it. 

A few feet away, a leather chair sat across from the front of a massive, light oak desk. Shayne was standing behind the chair, resting his weight against its back. He was looking down, his eyelids heavy, and was attempting to wrap something around his hand. 

Elliott stood at the other side of the room, by the door, arms crossed, looking off into the middle distance. His aviators hung from the front of his shirt. 

Ryan had shed her parasol and one layer of her white suit. She was organising medical equipment on a plastic trolley. Her wavy white hair had been scraped back into a bulldog clip to keep it from falling into her face. Charlie hadn’t thought it was possible for the woman to look even more severe, but now he missed the softening curls that normally framed her face. 

He didn’t recognise the room, but he assumed it was Ryan office. Shayne had mentioned it to him several times in the past. Aside from books, the only decorations were a couple of deer skulls mounted on stands, and a square wall clock that, Charlie realised as soon as he noticed it, ticked obnoxiously in the quiet. And the walls, the carpet, the bookshelves, almost everything was clean and white. 

Of course it would be, Charlie thought, squinting his eyes to fight off the pulsing headache. 

This was where Shayne had first been medically assessed by Ryan, and where he had finally managed to tell them the truth about Madelyn and his eating issues. It felt a little bit bizarre that Charlie now had his own story to tell about this room. The time they got trapped in the forest and had to be rescued by Elliott. 

Except... They hadn’t been rescued by Elliott, had they? Someone had taken down the wards and allowed them to escape. 

Shayne had never quite explained that one, Charlie realised. Only now did that make Charlie feel a bit uneasy. 

As though he had been thinking the same thing, Shayne’s eyes swiveled anxiously upwards. His gaze softened, though, when he realised that Charlie was awake. He lurched away from the leather chair. 

“Hey, love.” 

“Hey,” Charlie breathed. 

Shayne closed the distance, his wrapped hand gently – messily – pushing Charlie’s hair back from his eyes. Charlie closed his eyes and groaned softly as his forehead was kissed. 

“Are you okay?”  

Before Charlie could respond, Ryan turned towards them. A stethoscope hung from her neck. If she was surprised at Charlie’s departure into consciousness, her face had no intention of showing it. 

“As I have said, Mr. Waters is dehydrated. His body has entered a state of adaptive ketosis. I will continue to monitor his vitals while he rests and is gradually reintroduced to food and fluids.” 

At the mention of food, Charlie felt a strange ripple go through the walls of his stomach. It had to be hunger, and yet there was the slightest tinge of acid in the back of his throat, as though he might be sick as soon as he tried to swallow anything. 

Shayne rolled his eyes, his eyelashes fluttering uneasily. His grip on Charlie’s hand was weak. “Are you okay, love?” he asked again. 

Charlie nodded, though he felt a stuttering echo of that panicked feeling in his chest. Nausea twisted in his stomach, heightened by the white lights. The absence of CT’s voice panged, not just in his head but throughout his body.  

He shifted on his back. 

“Want to sit up?” Shayne asked. 

Charlie nodded again.  

As he moved, he found a drip connected to his arm. His own right hand had also been bandaged, all the way up to the tips of his fingers, where he’d touched the wards and blistered his skin. His movement unsettled a large, white basin that had been lying next to him. Shayne reached out to steady it before it could fall off the – he was literally lying on an examining table.  

Was it normal for Elder vampires to own examining tables? 

A smell suddenly wafted towards Charlie, conjuring up memories of various kitchens throughout his teenage years, all of them different, and yet the hearty aroma of his dad’s chicken casserole was the same in each one. After this, maybe he would study remotely for a few weeks, spend some time with his parents, if they were happy to have him. Maybe ask his dad to teach him his casserole recipe. 

After hearing what Ryan had said about a gradual introduction to food, he had a feeling that what he was smelling now was more likely to be some kind of broth. After almost three days, though, he’d take what he was given. 

“My... my parents.” Stars blinked in and out of his vision as he tried to focus on not letting his head sway back and forth. He mustn’t have done a great job, because Shayne’s bandaged hand came to rest against his cheek, and Charlie inadvertently leaned into it. He rubbed at his eyes, and found tears had gathered there. 

“Miss McDonagh has been tasked with informing Ingrid and Trevor Waters of the situation.” Ryan glanced at her silver watch. The clock face rested on the inside of her wrist. “I should expect she will be speaking with them presently.” 

“Miss McDonagh?” Elliott scoffed. Charlie had almost forgotten he was there. “Odd thing to call your lover, but alright.” 

Ryan ignored him. So did Charlie. He looked at Shayne. “Is that...?” 

“Lucy,” Shayne nodded. 

Charlie exhaled. He didn’t exactly trust this counsellor, who he’d never met, but he trusted Shayne. He swallowed, his throat feeling like grit. 

“Is... she here, at the townhouse?” Shayne was looking at Ryan as she worked. “Does that mean Nancy’s back, too?” 

Ryan pushed the trolley a little closer. The chicken broth smell became stronger. 

“Um.” Shayne reached across himself and held his waist. The gauze on his right hand was already unraveling. “Ryan?” 

“Shayne.” She dismissed him with a calm, fluid shake of her head. “Since you will not allow me to examine you, there is currently no need for you for you to be present.” 

“Wait.” Charlie’s stomach lurched, both at the prospect of being left alone with Ryan, and at what she’d said. He tried to catch Shayne’s eye. “You wouldn’t let her check on you?” 

Shayne scowled. He looked down and rubbed his thumb against Charlie’s wrist, sending tingles across his skin. “I’m fine. You’re the one who collapsed in the driveway. And threw up on your shoes.” 

“I –” Charlie grimaced. He couldn’t remember throwing up, but with the way his tummy had felt after the flat Coke, and the way he felt now, it definitely sounded like something that could have happened. That would explain the basin, too. 

It also spoke volumes that he didn’t even worry about his Converse being ruined. 

“I want to stay with Charlie. I can be useful –” 

“Elliott?” Nothing shifted in Ryan’s expression, and yet Shayne sucked in a breath as though he were being told off. “Would you terribly mind relieving me of this one?” 

As he peeled himself away from the far wall, Elliott looked just as surprised to be summoned as Shayne looked betrayed.  

Ryan picked up a deep, heavy mug from the trolley. Her fingers splayed delicately as she turned to pass it to Elliott. Charlie watched it go and felt his heart drop; rationally, he knew there would be more, and he would never take food away from Shayne, but Charlie’s stomach was starting to cramp up impatiently. It felt less like hunger and more like a burning anxiety over being so empty for so long. 

Ryan took a few more things from the trolley and thrust them towards Elliott. He wrapped a fist around the mug handle, but still managed to make it look precarious. He tucked everything else under his armpit so he could plant a hand on Shayne’s shoulder. 

“Come on.” 

“Really?” Shayne snarled at him. 

“Really.” Elliott directed him towards the door. “Charlie’s in good hands, and those hands will be even better if you’re not in here being a nuisance.” 

“See you later, lovely,” Charlie half-smiled. He hated feeling so helpless to do anything else about the worried look on Shayne’s face. He didn’t realise how pathetic he must have looked, keeping his eyes trained on Shayne’s back, until Elliott had finished herding him out of the room, until the door clicked shut behind them. 

And then, for the first time in his life, he was alone with a vampire. 

“Are you in any pain?” 

Charlie jumped. “I-I’m sorry, what?” 

“Are you in any pain?”  

Was it his imagination, or had she spoken more slowly when she’d repeated herself? Was she being sarcastic? Pointing out that he was a lowly, pathetic human, while she was an all-knowing Elder vampire? Was this a power play? 

“Mr. Waters?” 

Charlie flinched again, his heart stuttering. 

“I apologise for instructing Shayne to leave. I realise how that might be... uncomfortable for you.” 

Guilt seeped into Charlie’s gut. Was it that obvious? 

“In your condition, it is best for both of you to be in calm, quiet environments.” 

“Right. He needs to rest, too,” he said quietly. That was what she was getting at, right? That she was focused on tending to Charlie, but that she also cared for Shayne? She had protected him from Madelyn for this long, after all, and while Shayne was still a walking sack of issues, his mental and physical health had both improved a lot since living with her. 

That’s what you would tell me, isn’t it, CT? You’d be telling me to get over my stupid hang-ups and do what’s best in the moment? 

“Are you in any pain, Mr. Waters?” 

Charlie took a deep breath and nodded. “My hand. My stomach. My head, the... the lights are hurting my eyes.” 

“My apologies again.” Ryan walked stiffly to the door and twisted a dimmer switch. The lights softened all at once, and although his head still ached, the buzzing pressure in Charlie’s eyes eased. He didn’t have to squint anymore. 

“Thank you.” 

She crossed the room again, dipping behind her large desk. As he watched her, Charlie now realised that she had a fridge in the back corner. The door was clear glass, and inside, what looked like tiny bottles of wine sat on a wire shelf. 

Charlie felt his stomach gurgle as he realised that those probably weren’t tiny bottles of wine. He looked away as Ryan reach inside, towards a lower shelf that was blocked from his view anyway. 

“I would like to take your blood pressure now that you are awake.” 

Charlie nodded stiffly, gaze glued to the floor. He glanced to the side, holding perfectly still, as Ryan wheeled over a blood pressure monitor – seriously, who had a blood pressure monitor ready to go at a moment’s notice? – and strapped the reader around his upper arm. He tried to control his breathing as the machine tightened. Would his anxiety mess up the results of this? 

Ryan was suddenly standing directly in front of him, staring down her nose. There was an uncapped bottle of water in her hand. 

“Oh...” Charlie stammered and took the bottle. The condensation immediately started to seep into his bandage, so he passed it into his left hand. “Thank you.” 

“Do not drink too quickly. Your digestive tract will not be capable of processing it yet.” 

Charlie nodded, trying not to think of that quarter-bottle of Coke and how it was now splattered across the Aldridges�� driveway along with his stomach acid. He lifted the bottle to his mouth and swished it lightly. He barely let his lips get wet, despite the clawing dryness in his throat. 

Ryan moved back to his side and unstrapped the blood pressure monitor. Charlie squeezed in a couple more miniscule sips of water, but found himself taking a little more each time. Ryan didn’t share the readings with him. Good. Too much bodily data could make Charlie feel squeamish, and between the hunger-nausea and the chilled cabinet full of what he could only assume was actual human blood, he didn’t need anything else stirring up his stomach. His water was only just starting to settle in, and it would be a shame to lose it all again. 

Ryan unhooked the stethoscope from around her neck. “Please lift your shirt at the back.” 

Charlie fumbled it a bit, with his gauzed hand and his water bottle, but was grateful that Ryan didn’t try to lift it herself. He winced as she pressed the metal chest piece to the centre of his back. 

“Breathe in.” 

Charlie did. He fought the urge to let the breath stutter back out prematurely as water and bile clogged his throat. 

“And out.” 

She asked him to do this several times before moving the stethoscope to his chest. The thought of her listening to the pumping of his heart made Charlie tremble. Was she picturing sucking the blood from his veins like straws? Would she tell him she needed a blood sample for medical reasons, stick him with a needle, and drain him dry before he even realised what was happening? 

Grrrrrroar. 

Charlie’s eyes widened, his hand clenching around his water bottle. By the sounds of it, his stomach was only just becoming aware of its newly-acquired contents. His eyes flicked towards Ryan’s face as she continued listening to his heart. If he had heard his own tummy rumbling, then she had heard it with her vampiric hearing and had most definitely heard it through the stethoscope. Her face didn’t give her away. She hadn’t even flinched, despite how horrifically loud it must have been. She continued listening to his heartbeat, and then swiftly turned, removing her earpieces, to write down the result. 

Something in Charlie’s chest suddenly unclenched. This whole time, he’d thought of Ryan as nothing but a vampire, whereas he should have been thinking of her as a... Well, maybe not a doctor, as he wasn’t sure she had any actual qualifications, but certainly a caregiver.  

She removed the chest piece and stood off to the side again. Charlie allowed himself a couple more sips of water, laying a hand on his stomach to ward off any uneasiness. He could feel his belly churning, but no cramping, which had to be a good sign. 

“You may cover yourself, Mr. Waters.” 

“Charlie,” Charlie said softly. He tugged his t-shirt back into place. 

“Next, I will give you a cup of light broth. It is important that you do not consume it too hastily, or –” 

“I-I know. It could make me sick.” 

Ryan gave a curt nod as she turned towards her trolley. Charlie flushed a little at himself for interrupting, but he was a teacher’s pet at heart and knew deep down he’d never let go of that need to seem like he was paying attention, participating, understanding the assignment.  

He was also dying to get his hands on something warm and nourishing. His mouth, now that he had the barest amount of fluids in his body, watered as he watched Ryan pick up a mug of broth. 

“Is there anything else in particular that is concerning you?” She paused as she handed him the mug, easing the bottle of water from his hand so he could hold it steady. She capped the bottle and turned to leave it on the trolley. 

It took Charlie a minute to answer her question. Maybe two or three. He gently sipped on the broth, and even though he knew he had to take his time, he struggled to keep himself from drinking it any faster. He wondered if he could feel the broth literally warming his insides as it slipped down his throat, or if the relief of finally feeling safe was only just setting into his body. 

He tentatively felt for CT, but still felt no energy coming back from them. 

Charlie lowered the mug to his lap. The light flavour of the broth stuck to his tongue and he fought to swallow it down as tears pricked his eyes. 

“I can’t talk to Charlie Too.”  

Ryan had busied herself with tidying up her equipment as he’d been drinking. She was standing behind her desk, sliding a beige folder onto a shelf filled with other, disturbingly similar, beige folders. 

“That’s what we call the demon that I –” 

“I am aware.” Ryan smoothly turned her head. “Perhaps this is the reason for Shayne’s questions regarding Nancy’s time of arrival. She has limited knowledge on the topic of demons, but regardless is the greatest source of knowledge at our disposal.” 

“Oh.” Charlie’s heart fluttered. “Maybe. I-I assumed he wanted to ask her if she knew anything about the trap.” 

It may have been Charlie’s imagination, but Ryan’s chin seemed to lower slightly, her eyes sharpening. He almost choked on nothing as fear spiked in his gut. 

“Not – not that we thought she set it,” Charlie sputtered. “Just –” 

There was a sharp knock at the door. Without waiting for a response, someone hurried into the room. 

She was pale and a little curvy, with cotton-candy pink hair tied in two low, messy pigtails. Her shoulders were hunched, and she kept a hold of the door handle. Her other hand hovered over her chin as she cast her eyes about the room. 

“H-hi, Ryan, I...” She grimaced as she caught Charlie’s eye. “Hi. Charlie?” 

Charlie nodded. “Lucy?” 

Her grimace widened. “Hi. So, your mother and father are fine. I explained the situation, and they’re coming to get you tomorrow. I assured them that you’re in great hands.” 

Charlie swallowed over the urge to belch, trying not to let his anxiety show on his face. Tomorrow felt too far away. Separated from Shayne and frozen out by CT, all he wanted was to see his parents’ faces. “Thank you.” 

“I would also like to schedule a meeting between the two of you,” Ryan cut in. She folded her arms. Her gaze swiveled from Lucy to Charlie. “A debriefing following your ordeal. Tomorrow morning, once you have had some rest.” 

Charlie tried to nod, to be a good student and show that he understood the value of Ryan’s suggestion. He flinched as another bubble of pressure rose up through his chest, muffling the burp with the back of his hand. 

“T-tomorrow morning, you said, Ryan?” Lucy said slowly. She took a step back, still clutching the door handle. 

“We will finalise the details later.” 

“Okay. Well, it’s – uh, been nice to meet you, Charlie. I’ll – I’ll just...” Lucy pointed with her thumb before backing out of the room, pulling the door shut with her. 

Alarm grew in Charlie’s mind; he hadn’t expected a qualified counsellor to slink about, acting like an embarrassed teenager. Charlie very much hoped she hadn’t been like this when she’d been on the phone with his parents. 

Doesn’t really matter, he thought to himself as he took a sip from his mug. And to CT, he thought, Everything’s going to be okay. 

He had to believe hard enough for both of them now.

[swansongofalyre]

Where to Find Memento Mori (Updated 9/11/2024)

On August 13, two days before 광복절 (Korean National Liberation Day), my debut novel was released. The book is about Korean-American family, and also about Greek mythology, and I promise this combination makes sense in the end. (For those who are curious, I wrote an uncharacteristically personal guest post for Women's Writers, Women's Books on the topic of what inspired me to write a Eurydice and Orpheus retelling about my Korean grandmother.)

It was surreal to go to a store the other day and see it on a table next to Salman Rushdie and other acclaimed writers. After 13 years of this story existing in some form, I'm so excited that this book is finally out—both because it is a beautiful book that I am proud of and that I hope you enjoy, and also because I would love to stop being my own publicist (it is VERY awkward).

So here is an omnibus post of book-related info that I will keep updated and pinned going forward to finally give the memento mori tag a rest. Below the cut, you will find a running list of indie bookstores and public libraries that I know carry my book. (If you have a New York Public Library card and have 5 minutes, I will love you forever if you would email your local branch to ask them to carry my book, thus fulfilling my lifelong dream of living in the NYPL.)

Also below are a few upcoming events at which I have been invited to speak!

Bookstores by State (as of 9/11/2024)

Search for your local bookstore here!

Arizona

Changing Hands Bookstore (Phoenix and Tempe)

California

Gallery Bookshop (Mendocino)

Timbre Books (Ventura) Sold out for now (but you can still order online)!

Indiana

The Press (Valparaiso)

Iowa

Prairie Lights Books (Iowa City)

Maine

Longfellow Books (Portland) Sold out for now (but you can still order online)!

Massachusetts

Nantucket Book Partners (Nantucket) Sold out for now (but you can still order online)!

Porter Square Books (Cambridge and Boston both back in stock!)

Missouri

Skylark Bookshop (Columbia)

Montana

Chapter One Book Store (Hamilton)

New Hampshire

Water Street Bookstore (Exeter)

New Jersey

Watchung Booksellers (Montclair)

New York

Astoria Bookshop (Queens, 1 signed copy left!)

Book Culture (Signed copies at the 112th St. and Broadway stores; also available at LIC and Pittsford Pittsford has sold out for now!)

Books are Magic (Brooklyn, at both Smith St. and Montague St.)

Market Block Books (Troy) Sold out for now (but you can still order online)!

Greenlight Bookstore (Brooklyn) Back in stock!

Shakespeare & Co (Manhattan, Lincoln Center has signed copies; Lexington also as copies back in stock)

Yu and Me Books (Manhattan; comes with bonus goodies, see below!)

North Carolina

Quail Ridge Books (Raleigh)

Oregon

Powell's (Burnside, Cedar Hills, and Hawthorne locations)

Rhode Island

Heartleaf Books (Providence)

Vermont

Phoenix Books (Burlington and Essex)

Washington, D.C.

Politics and Prose (at both CT Ave NW and Union Market)

Washington State

Elliott Bay Book Company (Seattle)

Wisconsin

Woodland Pattern (Milwaukee)

Libraries (as of 09/10/2024)

Worldcat Listings (Probably the most comprehensive)

Libby (for e-books)

California

Berkeley Public Library

Illinois

Chicago Public Library

Kentucky

Lexington Public Library

Maine

Portland Public Library (On Order)

Michigan

Canton Public Library (On Order)

New York

Greenburgh Public Library (Available)

New York Public Library (Available)

Queens Public Library (Available)

Texas

Harris County Public Library (In Processing)

Virginia

Arlington Public Library (In Processing)

Wisconsin

Whitefish Bay Public Library

Washington State

Seattle Public Library

Online

Bookshop.org (US)

Bookshop.org (UK)

Massive Bookshop (all profits go to community bail funds)

Barnes & Noble

Target

KYOBO 교보문고 (Korea)

Upcoming Events

September 3: Astoria Bookshop in conversation with Maia Lee-Chin for the release of her incredible book Et Cetera

September 22: Narrative Bookshop (Somerville, MA) in conversation with Maia Lee-Chin

September 28: Brooklyn Book Festival for a debut authors panel moderated by THEE Edwidge Danticat

October 17: Fall for the Book Festival in Fairfax, VA for a panel on mythology with Rania Hanna, the amazing author of The Jinn Daughter

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

April 6, 2023

Heather Cox Richardson

The Supreme Court was in the news this morning, as Joshua Kaplan, Justin Elliott, and Alex Mierjeski of ProPublica explained that for more than twenty years Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has enjoyed the hospitality and funding of Dallas real estate magnate and major Republican donor Harlan Crow. Thomas and his wife Ginni, who was closely involved in challenging the 2020 presidential election, have taken trips in private jets and gone on vacations with Crow worth as much as $500,000.

Thomas did not disclose any of these valuable gifts. Indeed, in a documentary funded in part by Crow, Thomas presented himself as a regular guy. “I prefer the RV parks. I prefer the Walmart parking lots to the beaches and things like that. There’s something normal to me about it,” he said. “I come from regular stock, and I prefer that—I prefer being around that.”

After the story dropped, David G. Savage of the Los Angeles Times recalled that his newspaper had disclosed the close connections between Thomas and Crow in 2004, noting, for example, that Crow had given Thomas a $19,000 Bible that had belonged to the famous formerly enslaved abolitionist and writer Frederick Douglass and a $15,000 bust of Abraham Lincoln. After their story appeared, it seems that Thomas did not stop accepting expensive gifts and travel from the wealthy mogul, but instead stopped disclosing them.

In Crow’s company, Thomas rubbed elbows with his host’s other guests, including senior business executives, major Republican donors, and leaders of right-wing think tanks. Crow has worked hard to move the judiciary and the legal system to the right, and at one of the properties where Thomas vacations, there is a painting of him in conversation with a number of figures, including Leonard Leo, the leader of the Federalist Society who has orchestrated the court’s hard-right turn. Leo is now overseeing Marble Freedom Trust, established to disburse funds from a $1.6 billion bequest to manipulate elections in favor of Republicans.

Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) tweeted: “Important for news media to not simply label this guy as a ‘[Republican] mega donor’. It’s so much worse. Crow has many interests before the Supreme Court. His groups file petitions before the court. It’s the clearest, most brazen violation of judicial ethics you can imagine.”

In Congress today, House Judiciary Committee chair Jim Jordan (R-OH) issued a subpoena in its investigation of the Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg’s office after that office indicted former president Donald Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records on Tuesday. Bragg explained: “The trail of money & lies exposes a pattern that, the People allege, violates one of New York’s basic & fundamental business laws.”

Although Jordan himself refused to respond to a subpoena issued by the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, he is demanding that Mark Pomerantz, a former county special assistant district attorney who investigated Trump’s finances, show up to testify.

Pomerantz resigned from his role in the investigation out of frustration that Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg was not then moving forward with an indictment. The wording of Jordan’s letter indicates he is hoping to use Pomerantz’s words critical of Trump to argue that the district attorney’s office was biased against the former president.

General counsel for the Manhattan district attorney’s office Leslie Dubeck previously rejected the demands of Jordan, House Committee on House Administration chair Bryan Steil (R-WI), and  House Committee on Oversight and Accountability chair James Comer (R-KY) for testimony and documents from Bragg, warning them that their attacks on Bragg and his office were “unlawful political interference.”

Dubeck pointed out: “our Office is legally constrained in how it publicly discusses pending criminal proceedings,… as you well know.” She called their interference “unnecessary and unjustified” and reminded the men that Congress has no jurisdiction over individual criminal investigations. Nor does it have jurisdiction over state investigations. “The Committees’ attempted interference with an ongoing state criminal investigation—and now prosecution—is an unprecedented and illegitimate incursion on New York’s sovereign interests,” she wrote.

Now Jordan is trying a different approach. Bragg responded: “The House [Republicans continue] to attempt to undermine an active investigation and ongoing New York criminal case with an unprecedented campaign of harassment and intimidation. Repeated efforts to weaken state and local law enforcement actions are an abuse of power and will not deter us from our duty to uphold the law.”

In the Tennessee statehouse this afternoon, Republican legislators led by House of Representatives speaker Cameron Sexton voted to expel Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, two young Black lawmakers who had led young protesters in chants from the floor of the house chamber in favor of gun safety legislation after house Republicans refused to allow debate on such a measure.

The Republicans charged that the three representatives had broken house rules and had engaged in “disorderly behavior” and “knowingly and intentionally” brought “dishonor to the House of Representatives.” The body avoided expelling Gloria Johnson, the white woman who chanted with Jones and Pearson, by one vote. Although the debate showed that a Republican had also broken house rules by recording a video that was then misleadingly edited and shown, that representative was not charged.

The three Democratic representatives joined protesters to call for gun safety legislation after six people, including three 9-year-olds, were killed in yet another school shooting. The Republicans have focused on cultural issues and have opposed taking up gun safety legislation. Indeed, they have worked to loosen gun laws; on the same day as the recent school shooting, a federal judge cleared the way for the Tennessee legislature to lower the age for permitless carry in the state from 21 to 18. Republican governor Bill Lee signed the permitless carry bill for 21 and up in 2021 at a Beretta gun manufacturing plant.

Today, young protesters in the statehouse defended the Tennessee Three, as they have become known, saying: “You ban books, you ban drag—kids are still in body bags!” After the votes to expel, the chants changed to “F*ck you, fascists!”

Republicans in the Tennessee legislature could act as they did because they have a supermajority thanks to their redistricting of the state after the 2020 census. In that redistricting they cracked Democratic-leaning Nashville, dividing it among three districts in which they overwhelmed Democratic voters with Republicans from the suburbs. A new state law has now required Nashville to cut its city council in half. Meanwhile, laws prohibiting people with a past felony conviction from voting cut more than 470,000 people from the voter rolls.

This lock on power has given Tennessee Republicans the ability to do as they please. Today it pleased them to expel two young Black legislators who were trying to force the Republicans to do something about the epidemic of gun violence that is killing their constituents.

The Supreme Court, Congress, and the Tennessee statehouse. What would you say if you saw today’s news coming from another country?

Before he left the chamber, Representative Justin Pearson told his suddenly former colleagues how he saw it.

“You are seeking to expel District 86’s representation from this house, in a country that was built on a protest. IN A COUNTRY THAT WAS BUILT ON A PROTEST. You who celebrate July 4, 1776, pop fireworks and eat hotdogs. You say to protest is wrong because you spoke out of turn, because you spoke up for people who are marginalized. You spoke up for children who won’t ever be able to speak again; you spoke up for parents who don’t want to live in fear; you spoke up for Larry Thorn, who was murdered by gun violence; you spoke up for people that we don’t want to care about. In a country built on people who speak out of turn, who spoke out of turn, who fought out of turn to build a nation.

“I come from a long line of people who have resisted.”

—

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[gacmediadaily]

Happy 100 Days 'Til Christmas Day, Everyone!

On this very special day, Great American Family reveals the official premiere dates for their Great American Christmas slate! I can feel the excitement in the air! Can you?

Below are the premiere dates for the previously announced Christmas movies, plus some fun film surprises!

In fact, one of Candace Cameron Bure's past Christmas movies from her previous network has been added to the line-up! Be sure to look for it in the press release below. (Hint: Her co-star is Jesse Hutch!) I think many viewers will be excited to see this classic Christmas movie added to the schedule. I know I am!

Also, Great American Family reveals their Thanksgiving Weekend lineup with I HEARD THE BELLS on Thursday (Thanksgiving Day), A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS BALL, starring Danica McKellar and Oliver Rice, on Friday, WREATHMAKER CHRISTMAS, starring Kristin Wollett and Casey Elliott, on Saturday, and HOME SWEET CHRISTMAS, starring Candace Cameron Bure and Cameron Mathison, premiering on Sunday!

See the full Great American Family Christmas 2024 new movie schedule below...

Press Release via Great American Media:

GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA

ANNOUNCES PREMIERE DATES FOR

‘GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS 2024,’

HIGH-QUALITY,

ORIGINAL HOLIDAY FILMS

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

ON GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY

AND STREAMING ON PURE FLIX

MORE FAITH, MORE LOVE,

MORE HOPE —

CHRISTMAS AS ITS MEANT TO BE!

NEW YORK, NY – September 16, 2024 – Great American Media, the leader in high-quality faith and family productions, announced premiere dates for its 4th annual GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS franchise.

Great American Christmas 2024 represents the highest-quality and most faith and family Christmas content of any media company, a true destination for viewers who love the genre. Great American Media has built one of the most robust Original Christmas content libraries in all of entertainment.

Gather with loved ones to embrace the faith, hope, love, and joy of the season as Great American Christmas brings the true spirit of the holiday into homes across the country beginning October 17 on Pure Flix and October 19 on Great American Family.

“Christmas is a time to reflect on what matters most,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “As a brand, Great American differentiates its Christmas offering by remembering the nostalgia of the Christmas classics and why we love them. The timelessness of stories that affirm our faith, the love and joy of being present with family and all those we love, and the hope that the season transcends us all into our best selves. These values are the heart of Great American Christmas, Christmas as its meant to be,” Abbott concluded.

GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY PRESENTS GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS 2024:

CHRISTMAS IN SCOTLAND, starring Jill Winternitz and Dominic Watters. A New York installation designer helps a small Scottish community create a dazzling light display to win “Best Christmas Village” festival. The designer is forced to work with a wealthy heir who doesn’t like Christmas, though feelings may change if the pair succeeds in creating joy for the community. World Premiere Original, Saturday, October 19, (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

A CHRISTMAS CASTLE PROPOSAL, starring Rhiannon Fish and Mitchell Bourke. Olivia, a commoner, travels with Prince Alexander to his family’s magical palace, Torovia so their families can spend a first Christmas together. The couple’s plans for a enchanted Christmas are threatened by comedic mishaps caused by cultural differences between the families. World Premiere Original, Sunday, October 20, (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

A VINTAGE CHRISTMAS, starring Merritt Patterson and Christopher Russell. A dedicated preservationist battles a developer’s ambitions to tear down a historic Post Office with ties to her family. The choice of old versus new threatens to divide the small town unless there is a solution for the greater good of all concerned. World Premiere Original,Saturday, October 26, (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

THE FABRIC OF CHRISTMAS, starring Ferelith Young and Harmon Walsh. Firefighter Liam and quilting teacher, Amy, come together to make the perfect quilt for Liam’s sister’s Christmas wedding. Two headstrong people discover the importance of putting personal differences aside to create what is most important at Christmas. World Premiere Original, Saturday, November 2, (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

A ROYAL CHRISTMAS BALLET, starring Brittany Underwood and Jonathan Stoddard. A retired ballerina is pressed into service working with a visiting team of royal ambassadors to put on the season’s performance of “The Nutcracker” and finds herself center stage in an unexpected Christmas romance. World Premiere Original, Saturday, November 9 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

A CHRISTMAS LESS TRAVELED, starring Candace Cameron Bure and Eric Johnson. A local business owner finds an audio cassette in the player of her recently departed dad’s classic red truck. The message instructs Desi to go on a holiday road trip down memory lane where she meets a man who needs her help and who offers help in return. World Premiere Original, Saturday, November 16 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

A LITTLE WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS, starring Trevor Donovan, Jen Lilley, Jillian Murray, Laura Osnes, Julia Reilly, Jesse Hutch, and the great, Gladys Knight. A modern retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. World Premiere Original, Saturday, November 23 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

SLEIGH BELLS AND SUGARPLUMS, starring Jill Wagner and Jesse Hutch. A historian seeks inspiration for her next project in her family’s hometown of Aurora, which is famous for experiencing the Northern Lights. While there, she bonds with a local tour guide who shows her the town’s Christmas traditions and witnesses a harbinger of miracles to come. World Premiere Original, Sunday, November 24 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

A CHRISTMAS MOVIE EVENT TO TREASURE! GATHER FAMILY THANKSGIVING NIGHT FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE, ONE NIGHT ONLY, SPECIAL PRESENTATION:

I HEARD THE BELLS, starring Stephen Atherholt, Jonathan Blair, and Rachel Day Hughes. I Heard the Bells is the inspiring, true story behind the beloved Christmas carol and the song’s author, America’s beloved poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Known as America’s Poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow leads an idyllic life…until the day his world is shattered by tragedy. With a nation divided by Civil War and his family torn apart, Henry puts down his pen, silenced by grief. But it’s the sound of Christmas morning that reignites the poet’s lost voice as he discovers the resounding hope of rekindled faith. Linear Television Premiere, Thursday, November 28 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS BALL, starring Danica McKellar and Oliver Rice. Choreographed by Gleb Savchenko. With only the Internet, a plane ticket and a lifelong determination to find her birth family Chelsea travels to royal hamlet, Havenshire, at Christmas. Along the way, Chelsea sneaks into a castle, teaches a stubborn Prince how to dance, and looks to be in the perfect place when the bells toll Christmas Eve. World Premiere Original, Friday, November 29 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

WREATHMAKER CHRISTMAS, starring Kristin Wollett and Casey Elliott. A wreathmaker slips on ice and injures her arm which puts her holiday wreath deliveries in jeopardy until a selfless neighbor steps up to keep her business afloat. World Premiere Original, Saturday, November 30 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

HOME SWEET CHRISTMAS, starring Candace Cameron Bure and Cameron Mathison. Two former childhood friends reunite after a beloved family members passes, leaving the future of his magical maple sugar farm in their hands. World Premiere Original, Sunday, December 1 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS WISH, starring Mario Lopez and Courtney Lopez. A local mayor discovers his childhood Christmas wishes are coming true. With his childhood friend, the pair can inspire residents to showcase the town’s warmth and values while pushing back a major developer’s desire to take the community in a different direction. World Premiere Original, Saturday, December 7 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

LET IT SNOW, starring Candace Cameron Bure, Jesse Hutch, and Alan Thicke. An executive evaluates her company’s property and begins to draw up plans for transforming the rustic old lodge into a hot tourist attraction. Great American Family Premiere, Sunday, December 8 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

GET HIM BACK FOR CHRISTMAS, starring Alexa PenaVega and Carlos PenaVega. Special appearance by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Mario Lopez, Victoria Jackson, and Natasha Bure. Bella made it big in music. Jack stayed behind in his hometown working at The Salvation Army to help his family after his dad passed. Bella returns home after a heartbreaking split with her chart-topping singing partner and asks Jack to write the perfect song to get her boyfriend back. Carlos PenaVega wrote and performs an original song, “Get Him Back for Christmas” performed for the film at AT&T Stadium. World Premiere Original, Saturday, December 14 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

A SHELTER AND SEASON’S GREETINGS, starring Ash Tsai and Eric Guilmette. Caleb is injured in the Army and recovers through help from shelter therapy dogs. As a sign of thanks, Caleb returns home to help Amber run the local shelter and, in the process, discovers his feelings for Amber go beyond gratitude. World Premiere Original, Sunday, December 15 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT, starring Erin Agostino and Harmon Walsh. Juliet pitches Christmas candles to her boss to earn a promotion and enlists the help of a candle store owner (Tom) who refuses at first but reluctantly agrees when he realizes the money will help make his daughter’s Christmas wish come true. World Premiere Original, Saturday, December 21 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

COUPLED UP FOR CHRISTMAS, starring Sara Canning and Marcus Rosner. Two heartbroken strangers pretend to be dating others to win the affection of their true soulmates. World Premiere Original, Sunday, December 22 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

138TH TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE, LIVE FROM PASADENA, Wednesday, January 1, 2025 (8 a.m. ET/7 a.m. CT).

PURE FLIX PRESENTS GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS 2024:

A PARIS CHRISTMAS WALTZ, starring Jen Lilley and Matthew Morrison. A novice dancer, Emma encounters professional dancer Leo whose love for competitive dance is diminishing until a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presents itself for the dancer and his beloved choreographer to take Emma’s dancing to next level. Premieres Thursday, October 17 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

A ROYAL DATE FOR CHRISTMAS, starring Danica McKellar and Damon Runyan. Bella Sparks, runs Bella’s Boutique. When Stefan needs to be outfitted for a week of high-stakes meetings after his luggage goes missing, Bella happily helps before accidentally discovering Stefan is Stefan William Francis Brown, the Duke of Tangford. Premieres Thursday, October 24 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

*TBA SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT – THE BELOVED MOVIE FRANCHISE THAT STARTED IT ALL — A WORLDWIDE STREAMING EXCLUSIVE – Premieres Friday, November 1 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

CATERING CHRISTMAS, starring Merritt Patterson and Daniel Lissing. A struggling catering business lands the Christmas event of the year but will have to cater to the whims of the town’s top socialite. Premieres Thursday, November 7 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

I HEARD THE BELLS, starring Stephen Atherholt, Jonathan Blair, and Rachel Day Hughes. I Heard the Bells is the inspiring, true story behind the beloved Christmas carol and the song’s author, America’s beloved poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Premieres Friday, November 8 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

A CHRISTMAS LESS TRAVELED, starring Candace Cameron Bure and Eric Johnson. A local business owner finds an audio cassette in the player of her recently departed dad’s classic red truck. The message instructs Desi to go on a holiday road trip down memory lane where she meets a man who needs her help and who offers help in return. Premieres Thursday, November 14 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT, starring Erin Agostino and Harmon Walsh. Juliet pitches Christmas candles to her boss to earn a promotion and enlists the help of a candle store owner who refuses at first but reluctantly agrees when he realizes the money will help make his daughter’s Christmas wish come true. Premieres Friday, November 15 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS WISH, starring Mario Lopez and Courtney Lopez. A local mayor discovers his childhood Christmas wishes are coming true. With his childhood friend, the pair can inspire residents to showcase the town’s warmth and values while pushing back a major developer’s desire to take the community in a different direction. Premieres Thursday, November 21 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

A KINDHEARTED CHRISTMAS, starring Jennie Garth and Cameron Mathison. A reporter arrives in a small town after hearing miraculous stories of anonymous gifting and generosity and is determined to uncover the kindhearted person who set events in motion. Premieres Friday, November 22 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

CHRISTMAS AT THE DRIVE-IN, starring Danica McKellar and Neal Bledsoe. A property lawyer works to prove her local drive-in is an institution and cannot be closed and then meets the proposed seller, who happens to be the heir to the property. Premieres Wednesday, November 27 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

A LITTLE WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS, starring Trevor Donovan, Jen Lilley, Jillian Murray, Laura Osnes, Julia Reilly, Jesse Hutch, and the great, Gladys Knight. A modern retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. Premieres Thursday, November 28 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

A HOT COCOA CHRISTMAS, starring Susie Abromeit and Torrance Coombs. The modern-day reimagining of William Shakespeare’s beloved classic “Much Ado About Nothing” set at Christmas. Premieres Friday, November 29 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

HOME SWEET CHRISTMAS, starring Candace Cameron Bure and Cameron Mathison. Two former childhood friends reunite after a beloved family members passes, leaving the future of his magical maple sugar farm in their hands. Premieres Thursday, December 5 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

LET IT SNOW, starring Candace Cameron Bure, Jesse Hutch, and Alan Thicke. An executive evaluates her company’s property and begins to draw up plans for transforming the rustic old lodge into a hot tourist attraction. PremieresFriday, December 6 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

ANGEL FALLS CHRISTMAS, starring Chad Michael Murray and Jessica Lowndes. A devoted doctor with little time for Christmas works a miracle for her patient and finds acceptance and love in the unlikeliest of places. Premieres Thursday, December 12 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

CHRISTMAS IN SCOTLAND, starring Jill Winternitz and Dominic Watters. A New York installation designer helps a small Scottish community create a dazzling light display to win “Best Christmas Village” festival. The designer is forced to work with a wealthy heir who doesn’t like Christmas, though feelings may change if the pair succeeds in creating joy for the community. Premieres Friday, December 13 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

CHRISTMAS IN MAPLE HILLS, starring Emily Alatalo, Bukola Ayoka, Ayinde Blake. A charismatic veterinarian needs to track down the enigmatic owner of her family’s land to preserve its legacy. Premieres Thursday, December 19 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

COUPLED UP FOR CHRISTMAS, starring Sara Canning and Marcus Rosner. Two heartbroken strangers pretend to be dating others to win the affection of their true soulmates. Premieres Friday, December 20 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

A ROYAL CHRISTMAS BALLET, starring Brittany Underwood and Jonathan Stoddard. A retired ballerina is pressed into service working with a visiting team of royal ambassadors to put on the season’s performance of “The Nutcracker” and finds herself center stage in an unexpected Christmas romance. Premieres Tuesday, December 24 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

WHEN HOPE CALLS CHRISTMAS, starring Morgan Kohan, Ryan-James Hatanaka, Lori Loughlin, and Daniel Lissing. The little town of Brookfield is chosen by a national magazine for a Christmas feature which brings the town together to show off collective holiday spirit. Premieres, Wednesday, December 25 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

DISCIPLES IN THE MOONLIGHT, starring Todd Terry, “County Rescue” star Brett Varvel, and Josh Strychalski. A small group of believers takes up the mission to smuggle the Bible into communities where the government has replaced the original work with a less offensive version. Premieres Thursday, December 26 (8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT).

ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA

Great American Media is home to a family-friendly portfolio of brands including Great American Family, Great American Pure Flix and Great American Faith & Living. As the flagship linear TV network, Great American Family features original Christmas movies, rom-coms and classic series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Pure Flix is a leading faith and family streaming service that inspires, uplifts and entertains with content that you can confidently stream with the entire family. Other platforms include, Great American Faith & Living, the unscripted companion to Great American Family that celebrates faith, family, and country every day and every season; Great American Adventures and Pure Flix TV, FAST channels (free ad-supporting streaming TV). Great American Media was established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices.

____________________________

I hope you enjoyed this Christmas movie news today from Great American Family. As of today, Great American Family's Christmas movies will begin in 32 days!

Stay tuned for any more additions and updates!

Have a Merry Day!

Net 🌟

[myastrouniverse]

June/2024🌘♉️Almost normal feels weird.

🌘◾️ ☿︎ The abuse I have endured over the egos of fucking morons, is an abomination. People need to own their 🤡💩 and fucking start making amends for their fucking ignorant animal behavior.

♂️🔺🌽 I have a concept band idea. Old Maiden, like Iron Maiden, only old. No. Not really. The music will be like music from silent films, only psychedelic punk, with pipe organs and cow bells. The titles of the tunes will be something like: Look Out for that Train. Pie Eating Contest. Bank Robbery…All the songs will be around ten minutes long with videos that of course, have a silent film style to them. The lyrics will be like silent film conversations.

🌘◾️ ♇︎ I’d ask you to play guitar in my band, Old Maiden, Mascis, but I know you are too busy working on playing Mel; in our upcoming Netflix series, Mel’s Hole. You really act better than you play. Maybe Horton Heat is available…Robert Smith could play cow bell…The ghost of Elliott could play drums…whatever. I might do it all myself, in my head and leave it for the astral planes.

🌘 < 🦚 I do feel pretty, pretty lucky to be alive. I wouldn’t mind going to NY. I’d visit CUNY and work with Dr. Kaku on expanding the Universe. I’d work on my band, Old Maiden. Maybe I’ll direct my Hamlet somewhere off Broadway. Write some more dissertations. Whatever. It’s just a fantasy life because I know the 🤡💩 is going to get worse, before Dr. Kaku and I have a chance to save everyone from their delusions; which are having an effect on our quantum reality.

🌘 < ♄︎ We have a path, that must be taken if we want DEMOCRACY to prevail. When is someone going to overturn Citzens United and throw our Supreme Ct members, along with their allies (The Clinton mafia.), in jail?

🌘◾️🦺 My work on myself is almost complete. After that, I don’t know what is going to work out.

Christopher Cross - Between The Moon and New York City

[girlieinterns]

Hello all! My name is Tyler Roland, and I feel honored to join the ranks here at Girlie Action. I hail from Darien, Connecticut, but I just completed four years of study at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. As an English major, I hope to write for a living, but, of course, I am a huge music nerd (and an amateur musician). Some favorite artists include Elliott Smith, Bird and the Bee, and Porcupine Tree--the latter group I wrote a book about earlier this year. Once again, it's an honor to be with Girlie Action!

What to I hope to gain from this experience?

A chance to see how the sausage is made, to put it simply--I know that doesn't sound glamorous, but I admire the struggle and talent it takes to make something successful happen in the world(s) of entertainment. A lot of people that aren't privy to writing, making music, acting, and so on have the wrong impression, that it's a lot of smoke, mirrors, and magic. In the past couple of years, I've learned more about how to make, say, a book go from idea to finished first draft...and it's a lot! I hope Girlie Action will teach me more about the difficulties and expertise needed to make something a success in the world of entertainment PR, and that I can learn enough to pull it off!

Best concert?

Melvins, Hamden, CT if I recall correctly. Close, intense, loud.

What do I love besides music?

I'm a huge car guy! I drove a 1978 Porsche 928 for the better part of four years, in both the NYC and L.A. areas. Long before music and writing (my chief loves), cars were 'my thing.'

What is my dream job?

I know writing about music, and sustaining only off of that, is more or less impossible today, but that is my dream job! What can I say? I'd love to get a Rolling Stone cover story, or something of that ilk. Even if my day job is more mundane than that (which, I imagine, it will be), I will always have a desire to write about music as a side gig.

[cool-in-lakes-fl]

The Elliott in Land O' Lakes, FL

The Elliott has notably luxurious three bedroom apartments near Connerton location these days. Well, it’s the reason many people find it easier to discover a perfect living space. Aside from that, their neighborhood is amazing. Then, the community features include pool lounge with bar area, televisions, refrigerator and grills, refreshment station with coffee bar, Premium fitness center with virtual classes, free weights, cardio equipment and more, private mirror workout system room and individual cycle rooms, and more. Regarding apartment amenities, they have luxury wood-style flooring throughout, ceiling fans in all rooms, USB and USB-C outlets, 10' ceilings in select units, high-end stainless-steel appliances, In-unit washer/dryer, gooseneck faucet, Keyless entry, and more.

Land O' Lakes, FL

At the present time, looking for pre-scheduled events is essential to enjoy your next vacation. As such, there are future events in Land O' Lakes, FL area, that are posted online. First, there will be Goat Yoga Tampa lakeside @ In the Loop Brewing in Land O Lakes this coming Saturday, March 23, 2024, at around 10:00 AM at In the Loop Brewing. Second, the Land O' Lakes Music Festival is scheduled on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at around 4:00 PM at Land O' Lakes Heritage Park. Lastly, you can also opt to attend the Build Your Real Estate Toolbox on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at around 8:30 AM at Brunchies Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch.

Tiki Cove

The Tiki Cove in Land O' Lakes, FL is popular for many years. Aside from that, seasoned travelers go there to learn more about the said place. In addition, many people also prefer to have fun there. Well, many people are fortunate since they can come enjoy this piece of paradise nestled away in Land O’ Lakes; with a day of great food, drinks, and fun. With an island vibe inspired by Key West and a beautiful lake view, you are transported away from the city. Additionally, it allows you to enjoy some time stranded in paradise. Lastly, they are both kid and pet-friendly.

WWE champ Big E and artist Jonathan Davenport celebrate Black heroes with new animated TV show

There are several news reports in Land O' Lakes, FL area. In a recent news article, it was mentioned that the idea for "Our Heroes Rock!" started something like this: "What if we did Schoolhouse Rock for important black figures?" And turned into something like this: "Imagine the Smithsonian, but it was designed by Tony Stark." As such, when WWE champion Ettore "Big E" Ewen and local artist Jonathan Davenport get together, wild wonderful things happen. As a result, the report made many people excited about it. Big E shared, "I always have these harebrained ideas, and Jonathan always finds ways to execute them.”

Link to maps

Tiki Cove 2700 Land O' Lakes Blvd, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639, United States Head west toward Land O' Lakes Blvd 154 ft Turn right onto US-41 N/Land O' Lakes Blvd 5.7 mi Turn left onto Roachs Run 410 ft Turn left onto Camp Idlewild Blvd Destination will be on the right 220 ft The Elliott 20191 Sabal Palm Ct, Land O' Lakes, FL 34638, United States

[goodnoodlestarz]

Intro/before u follow/beanie weenies

Im Noodle :3 ive been selfshipping my whole life now but i just came to terms with what it actually is like last year so blog time

- he/him , they/them, sky/skyz pronouns pls

- 22 years old

- animation student whooooaaa

Current main f/os

- Skyzo Rinbayashi from Your Local Pharmacy (romantic, not okay with sharing) - tagged as #🦋

- Elliott from Stardew Valley (romantic, okay sharing) - tagged as #🦞

- thats basically it the others are gonna be a secret teehee

DNI if you...

- are a proshipper/comshipper or support proshipping

- are racist, homophobic, transphobic etc

- dont stand with 🍉

- ship from g//nsh//n imp//ct or lo//e li//e (personal reasons)

While this blog is strictly SFW i do not mind NSFW accounts following as long as theyre 18+! I'll probs follow back from my main lol

[angstyaches]

Idea sparked by this post

I've used the 'losing control of powers' trope on Charlie and CT before, but you know who I'm sleeping on? Elliott.

He's got his transform-into-a-cloud-of-bats ability, right? What if he was so sick he couldn't control it, and he's just there, shivering, 'glitching' back and forth between his physical self and his bat-cloud self? What if, just this once, he wishes Felix would hold him while he's sick, but he can't keep hold of him for too long before poof, he's dissolving again?

[truck-fump]

Elliott Broidy says he got millions to illegally lobby <b>Trump</b> administration - The Washington Post

New Post has been published on https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/04/04/broidy-testify-trump-malaysia-fugees/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjUzM2UwMTY5ZmFhZTIwMGQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AOvVaw2JoFOUFKdO7spdjxVn-L0M

Elliott Broidy says he got millions to illegally lobby Trump administration - The Washington Post

Elliott Broidy, who was pardoned by Trump, testified about his failed attempts to quash a federal investigation of a Malaysian financier, …

[govandalsncaa]

Vandals 10th best recruiting class in America

Coach Idaho Coach has announced the signing class that follows Dynasty Year #4.

After last season, Idaho signed the 9th ranked class in FBS College Football.

This year, the Vandals signed:

Two - 5 Stars

Three - 4 Stars

Sixteen - 3 Stars

----

5 Star: Alex Harrell - QB - 79 OVR - from McAllen, Texas. 6'2". 232

5 Star: Steven Motley - ATH - 77 OVR - Lafayette, Indiana. 5'10". 210.

4 Star: Tyler Henderson - ATH - 75 OVR - Idaho Falls, ID. 5'11". 190.

4 Star: Matthew Hawkins - WR - 69 OVR - Salt Lake, UT. 6'0" 213.

4 Star: Nick Cobb - MLB - 65 OVR - Passaic, NJ. 6'2". 240.

3 Stars:

Donald Fry - HB - 69 OVR - Highland, CA. 5'9" 211.

Daniel McTaggart - WR - 67 OVR - Ellendale, ND. 6'3" 192.

Brandon Ward - WR - 64 OVR - Westminster, CA. 6'0" 192.

Ryan Swanson - WR - 64 OVR - Bethel, AK. 6'0" 190.

Charles Mitchell - WR - 60 OVR - Country Club, GA. 6'0" 184.

Kevin Vickers - WR - 59 OVR - Groton, CT. 6'2" 181.

Jason Johnson - C - 70 OVR - Aberdeen SD. 6'4" 285.

Vernon Elliott - DT - 60 OVR - Rancho Cordova, CA - 6'2" 266

David Munoz - OLB - 72 OVR - Dothan, AL. 6'1" 222.

Jason Torres - OLB - 67 OVR - Kendall, FL. 6'1" 204.

Isaac Nelson - MLB - 69 OVR - East Meridian WA. 6'1" 256

Adam Carr - MLB - 67 OVR - Daleville, AL. 6'1" 230.

Ben Holmes - CB -69 OVR - Maple Heights, OH. 6'0" 171.

Curtis Bailey - SS - 71 OVR - Rancho Cucamonga, CA. 6'3" 221.

Colby Scott - K - 81 OVR - Danbury, CT. 6'0" 209.

Coach Idaho Coach spoke about the class that he and his staff signed this week.

"We are really happy with this group. What I love is these guys are football players. They are passionate guys who work hard in the weight room and on the practice field. They aren't just guys that only want to do the work when the cameras are on, and that is something that we try to instill in our players. The real work is done when nobody is looking.

Obviously, signing Alex Harrell is going to turn a lot of heads, he was the #2 overall quarterback in this class, and we are really excited to get him on campus to start working with him and see what he can do for us.

Spring ball can't get here soon enough. Go Vandals."

[realestatephotographertn]

5610 Whitlock Ct Murfreesboro TN 37127 — David Elliott

Originally published here: https://realestatephotographertn.wordpress.com/2023/03/13/5610-whitlock-ct-murfreesboro-tn-37127-david-elliott/

[bobdylan-n-jonimitchell]

Joni Mitchell, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Joan Baez, & Bob Dylan, The Rolling Thunder Revue—New Haven, CT, November 13, 1975 © Bob Gruen.

[wanderingbards]

A Star Wars AU

**I will try to keep this spoiler free, but to avoid any and all spoilers I might accidentally give out please skip this**

So I just saw The Last Jedi. I absolutely LOVED IT!!! It had some badass moments and a lot of humor in it, and I recommend everyone goes and sees it.

But you all didn’t come to see me be a huge fan of geeky shit. You came to see what I would HC the Sanders Sides + Thomas and other various characters of his in the Star Wars Universe. I am basing this all off of character traits, and there mayyy be spoilers. I just want to reiterate this for anyone who didn’t heed my warning.

Rey: Virgil This may be a stretch, but hear me out for a moment. Rey may seem confident and cool, especially near the end of Episode VIII, but she starts out as someone who is scared. She keeps waiting for her parents to return, wishing for things to go back to how they were. Later on, she is constantly questioning where she belongs in this whole scheme of things, and doesn’t feel like a true part of the resistance. Virgil himself is like this in the beginning. He is now confident and more sure of himself, but he started out questioning himself, doubting himself, sometimes wondering where his place is in the world.

Finn: Thomas Finn is a person that was brainwashed from a young age to think and act a certain way. When he was finally freed, he was confused for the longest time on where he wanted his place to be, what he wanted his story to be about. He cares a lot about his friends, and will literally die for them. He is concerned about all of his friends, 

Poe: Roman Poe Dameron is reckless, willing to fight anything and anyone to keep his friends safe. He is steadfast and strong, oftentimes impulsive or hotheaded. Poe shows his strengths through his quick maneuvers and sharp tongue. and I hope this makes it clear how similar he is to Roman. Roman is seen being hotheaded as well, willing to fight any dragon witch threatening his friends. He is loyal and brave, but also reckless. 

Rose: Patton Rose is a sweet badass with a big heart. She is featured in TLJ, so avoid this portion if you want to avoid spoilers.  Anyways, Rose has come from the ground up in the rebellion, fighting adversity at every turn and still managing to have hope. She loves animals, freeing many of them in a fit of rebellion against the First Order. I relate her to Patton due to their shared love for animals, and their compassion for what’s right. They both try to have a positive outlook, and have a bit of faith in everyone they meet.

Leia: Logan Leia Organa is fearless. She is analytical, brilliant, and constantly sure of herself and what she knows is right. She plays for wins, and not necessarily caring about how people feel. She can sometimes ignore what others have to say, due to her believing what she thinks is right, but in the end she works with the rebellion to win. Logan is also an analytical mind, not necessarily considerate of feelings in his quest for what’s right. In this way, I can relate these two characters, even if it’s a bit of a stretch.

Kylo Ren: Elliott Kylo Ren is an asshole, but there’s reason for it. He is confused, slightly scared. He was turned on by his jedi master and turned to the dark side for comfort, only to be abused and manipulated. He’s conflicted, torn between two sides. This all can be applied in some way to Elliott, other than the asshole part. Elliott is conflicted between their love for Mitchell and their friend saying it’s not healthy. They may have felt betrayed in the beginning by their friend saying they needed help and trying to help them, thus turning them into a deep spiral of negligence and manipulation from Mitchell. In theory, at least. This is why I can see a relationship between Kylo Ren and Mitchell. 

Phasma: Corbin No one really knows Phasma’s story or character. She has been given very little screen time and/or character. What we do know is she’s a strong leader, persistent in her goals. She seems collected when under pressure, and is willing to fight for her side. Corbin, from what we know, is much the same way. He seems calm, collected, clear-sighted. He has strength in his beliefs in not wanting to go to therapy, but is also able to see there is another side. Unlike Phasma, he accepted the other side and chose to work with his partner Sloane towards a common goal. I think, if given more CHARACTER, Phasma would have acted in a similar way.

Hux: Larry Hux is a general with ambitions, confidence in himself. He is man who can be a bit cowardly at times (looks at starkiller base) but he knows what he’s doing. After Snoke’s *spoilers* demise, he immediately goes to take control and ends up clashing with Kylo. Now I’m not saying that Larry is a bad man in ANY WAY, I just want to point out similarities in the two personality-wise. Both have a strong, dominating personality and are not afraid to talk others down. But where Hux seems to have an authority kink-I mean complex-Larry is able to see reason and talk things through with Dot to form a healthier relationship. ((also anyone who ships kylux as a kinky sex ship, I kinkshame you all lol jk. I in no way endorse the shipping of kylux, and honestly do not ship Kylo with anyone. This has been a PSA))

Snoke: Mitchell And finally, we have the almighty sith lord whose origins are unknown. He is powerful, manipulative, cunning. He knows how to hit people where it hurts, show them their mistakes and use them against someone. Mitchell, while a character we know little about, is similar to Snoke. He is manipulating Elliott into giving Mitchell everything, while they get next to no love in return. He uses Elliott’s emotions against him, much like Snoke does with Kylo Ren. I’m not saying that Mitchell is doing this intentionally, but we know he is not a good person and if he does not change his ways, Elliott will have an army fighting him.

[tulipscomeinallsortsofcolors]

virgil to the kids: i hate the fitzroys so much, theyre the worst

virgil, a few weeks later and married to one: okay i can explain-

alskdjaklsjdlakjs virgil sure does have a Lot To Say to the kids

Virgil: okay so... Roman turned out to be my soulmate

Andy: ooooh shocker

Elliott: yeah i figured

Tucker: not even a little surprised, but go on

Virgil: .... so. about his last name