#everyone's responsible for a death season two except van | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

lena-in-a-red-dress · 4 years ago

Note

holy cow that sc old guard au is so good!! 😍 pls continue it if ever you'd be so inclined,,, I like the idea of lena finding family with the old guard and navigating her relationship with kara and the superfriends in canon 😊

Okay, then how about we think about the fact that when Lena and Kara finally exchange secrets, Kara is eloquent and apologetic and hopeful, giving a beautiful speech that ends with "I'm Supergirl."

And Lena's response is "I'm dead."

Cue season finale break.

But then we immediately pick back up with "Except I'm not. I mean, I'm alive by any measure known to science, I've checked. But that doesn't change the fact that the night before I moved to National City I woke up in a warehouse in Metropolis and spat two bullets out of my skull."

Kara just stares at her like whaaaaat is happening.

"And those people, the ones in the lobby the other day, I think they're like me, because I've been having dreams about them ever since it happened and I think they're old. Like older than time old and honestly I've been trying not to think about it because the idea of living that long terrifies me and--"

Lena cuts off when Kara wraps her in a hug, squeezing her tight. After her momentary shock, Lena relaxes, abandoning her train of thought in favor of melting into Kara's embrace.

"It's okay," Kara promises. "We'll figure it out. Together."

Lena gladly accepts the fact that she doesn't have to go through her journey of immortality alone. And it's not just the superfriends she has to lean on, but also her new family of fellow immortals who have gone through the exact same thing she has.

She doesn't have to go into hiding like Nile did. So far, no one but Corben knows her secret, so the risk of being identified and studied by the government is minimal. So the focus of everyone's work becomes keeping it that way.

Andy and the rest of the old guard set themselves up as Lena's new ace security team. Andy is the brains and occasional sniper, but stays out of the direct line of fire. Nicky and Joe are the public facing bodyguards who go with her everywhere, while Nile is the last line of defense, posing as Lena's assistant.

The two groups don't really mesh at first, despite the superfriends' curiosities. The old guard has been too long alone and too long with death to know what to do with the superfriends' youthful exuberance. But eventually their mutual attachment to Lena brings them into each others orbits.

Joe and Nicky adapt first. They come to love game nights, and Nia adores their blatant love for each other. Nile is the closest to them in age, but game nights and giggly girl parties isn't exactly her scene. She and Lena share plenty of scotch though, on the nights when they're alone in the office and have nothing to do but talk.

Andy remains an enigma. To her, the people around them are all children, and she can't truly connect with them the way she does with the old guard. The only member of the superfriends she can connect with is Supergirl.

There's something about being the last of her world that makes Supergirl relatable, something about being earth's mightiest hero that creates the same invisible wall between her and her closest friends that Andy recognizes.

And Lena. Lena suddenly finds herself in a drastically changing landscape. Her apartment fills first with bodies and go bags, as the old guard camps in her living room and spare bedroom. Then slowly Nicky's drawings find their way to the walls, and knick knacks come to rest on every available surface. Weapons fill every nook and cranny, a fact Lena grows more accustomed to as Nile starts training her.

She's familiar with guns and can hold her own in hand to hand combat under normal circumstances, but it doesn't flow through her muscles like it does with the old guard. Each of them but Andy teaches them their own specialty, relentlessly, until Lena feels her body change, her muscles coiled and ready to explode into motion using nothing but reflexive memory.

When Lena asks about training with Andy, the others laugh.

"Give it another century," Joe says, smiling warmly, "then ask."

But Lena picks up fighting as quickly as she does everything else. Sparring with Nicky and Joe is the most fun for Lena-- she surprises them with her skill in bladed weapons, courtesy of her near-olympic level proficiency in fencing. But even with them Lena can barely hold a candle at first. She's good, better than good, but Joe and Nicky don't fight to earn points. They fight to kill. They move with their whole bodies, with power and momentum behind every strike.

Lena does all she can to catch up. She loves a challenge, and this is a matter of keeping her life the way it is-- something she'll cling to until it's ripped out of her warm, undying fingers. She wants to keep L-Corp, she wants to keep game nights, and movie nights, and... she wants to keep Kara.

And Kara.... Kara supports Lena through it all, but the truth of Lena's new reality doesn't really sink in until one day she and the old guard don't move fast enough. They're lucky, in the sense there's no one else to see the bullet that rips through Lena's sternum and blasts out of her back, taking chunks of flesh and bone with it.

Kara's heart stops, barely hears the gasping wheeze as Andy puts a knife through the shooters windpipe. All she can see is Lena, unmistakably dead.

But then Lena blinks into a grimace, a curse rising to her pinkening lips.

"Fuck."

Then, "Ow. Motherfucker."

Nile pulls Lena to her feet, putting her gun back in Lena's palm. Lena deftly checks the chamber and nods the okay, and Nile moves on. Only then does Lena see Kara standing stock still, eyes wide and chest locked against a burgeoning panic attack.

"Hey," Lena says softly. She takes Kara's hand in hers, letting Kara feel the warmth of her skin, the pulse of her veins. She even pulls her blouse aside so Kara can see the flesh knitting itself back together. "I'm okay. See?"

There's a word for what Lena is, but Kara's pretty sure it isn't okay. Still, its enough to get Kara's legs to move again. With a nod, she bounces on the balls of her feet then launches into the air, speeding through the remaining gunmen and piling them aside unconscious for the police to deal with later.

"Still gotta get used to that," Andy mutters under her breath, coming to check on Lena. "You good?"

Lena nods again. "You were supposed to stay in the van."

"Fuck off with that garbage." Andy glares at her. "One of my team goes down, I'm going to make sure they get back up."

Lena smiles. It feels different, to be so readily accepted into the guard. Even with the Superfriends, she's had to work to earn their trust, and slowly eased her way into becoming one of the group. With Andy and her people, from the moment they saw each other there's never been any other thought. Lena was theirs, and they were hers.

"Let's get going."

#old guard au #supercorp #lena is an immortal

89 notes · View notes

aion-rsa · 4 years ago

Text

The 25 Best SNL Holiday Sketches

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The holidays are a special time around 30 Rock. While tourists flock to see the towering Christmas tree, the Saturday Night Live writers room is busy thinking of holiday sketches you’ll reminisce about as you put up the stockings for years to come. Some of SNL’s all-time great sketches illustrate the best of the holiday spirit or lack thereof as show’s biggest stars often shined the brightest just before the New Year.

From unlikely Santas to unorthodox gift-giving, we’re looking at 25 of our favorite Saturday Night Live holiday sketches. We’ll be going in chronological order here. There is a big dose of modern stuff in there, but what can I say? The show might be more miss than hit these days, but they really hit it out of the park year after year with the Christmas sketches.

Santi-Wrap (1976)

Very early in the show’s run, we get this classic where an adult woman (Laraine Newman) is all about sitting on Santa’s lap like when she was a little kid. The initial laugh is that before sitting down, she puts pieces of toilet paper on Santa’s leg for protection, like one would do in a public bathroom. Dan Aykroyd, her companion on this trip, seems shocked by this. Not that she’s trying to protect herself from germs, but because she’s not going far enough!

Suddenly, it turns out to be a commercial for Santi-Wrap, a festive and plasticky take on toilet seat covers. Not only do those two sell the product concept so well, but John Belushi as the mall Santa pushes it further by coming off as a complete disaster of a man who is probably riddled with disease.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

One of the show’s all-time best line deliveries is Belushi’s drunken, “Ho ho ho…” which has both defiant gusto and the sense that he’s seconds away from vomiting all over himself.

Mr. Robinson’s Christmas (1984)

Saturday Night Live has been a stepping stone to superstardom ever since Chevy Chase became a household name during its first season. In the 80s, Eddie Murphy’s recurring roles on SNL helped raise his profile as he eventually became one of, if not the biggest star of the decade. It was around Christmas time when Murphy’s spin on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood became one of the sketches that came to define his tenure at Studio 8H.

Mr. Robinson’s neighborhood isn’t quite as nice as Mister Rogers’ but at Christmas time you have to make the best with what you have. Mr. Robinson was able to do that with a chunk of lettuce and a headless doll and Murphy was able to make the most of every opportunity he had on SNL.

It’s a Wonderful Life: The Lost Ending (1986)

If you’ve seen the 1946 American Christmas classic It’s A Wonderful Life, odds are you’ve been inspired by its heart-warming ending. Thanks to SNL and host William Shatner, we now have footage of the “fabled” lost ending to Frank Capra’s Christmas epic and it’s anything but heartwarming. Rather than end the film with everyone coming to George Bailey’s aid in his time of need and celebrating his lifetime of selflessness and kindness, it decides to give Mr. Potter a fate more explicit than being doomed to failure and loneliness. Phil Hartman pops in as Uncle Billy and not only remembers what happened to the missing money, but knows exactly who has it!

Dana Carvey makes the sketch as a George Bailey hell-bent on revenge. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without seeing him give Mr. Potter a beat down alongside his bloodthirsty loved ones.

Master Thespian Plays Santa Claus (1987)

Jon Lovitz’s characters were usually very hammy by design. Whether he was a pathological liar or the Devil himself, he always went to 11. One of his better recurring characters was Master Thespian, a scene-chewing Shakespearean actor who takes himself and his roles far too seriously.

In this installment, he would be playing the role of a mall Santa Claus.

Thespian doesn’t seem to have heard of Santa, but he’s down for the part. Finding out that there’s no actual script, he improvises and figures out the character via making mistakes and getting scolded by the Macy’s manager (played by Phil Hartman, choosing to base his performance on Frank Nelson because why not). To his surprise, Santa Claus actually LIKES children! These are notes a performer needs to know, man!

Seeing him play off the kids and Hartman is a blast. Speaking of which, one of the better gags is a fart joke that somehow proves how great an actor Master Thespian truly is. THANK YOUUUUUU!

Hanukkah Harry (1989)

Santa Claus (Phil Hartman) is violently ill with the flu, so it seems Christmas might be cancelled. Luckily, there is one man capable of fulfilling his obligations through the same kind of holiday magic. Hanukkah Harry (Jon Lovitz), Santa’s Jewish counterpart, is called in to help.

At its core, it’s a lengthy sketch about Jewish jokes and how lame Hanukkah is outside of it lasting eight days. Springing off of that, it actually makes for a really good, if a little touching, holiday story. There are definite laughs in there, but what was created to be a parody hits a little too close and becomes a genuine gem celebrating both holidays and the spirit of togetherness.

“On Moishe! On Herschel! On Schlomo!”

Motivational Santa (1993)

What started as a pep talk for troubled teens turned into Chris Farley’s iconic recurring character. Matt Foley, the thrice-divorced, sweaty, overweight man who lived in a van down by the river, crashed into our living rooms in 1993 and remained a fixture on SNL until Farley was fired from the show in 1995.

Sometimes a sketch is so successful that the writers are almost forced to bring one or more of its characters around again and Matt Foley was no exception. In one of the funnier times Matt Foley returned, he was hired to spread Christmas cheer as a motivational mall Santa, offering up this gem:

“‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the van Your ol’ buddy Matt fell asleep on the can. His children were nestled two time zones away, With his first wife and her husband, in sunny L.A. Matt woke up and realized with a chill and a quiver That he was living in a van down by the river!“

Though many of the same jokes and physical gags are recycled, Farley’s effort, from the painfully high pitch of his voice to crashing down the chimney, earns the Motivational Santa a place in SNL Christmas lore.

Adam Sandler’s Hanukkah Song (1994)

Yes, we’ve heard Adam Sandler’s “The Hanukkah Song” a million times over, but we shouldn’t let that cloud our judgement. It’s one of the first clips that pops into your head when you think “SNL Holiday Sketches” and it will go down as a landmark moment when the history of “Weekend Update” is written 200 years from now. Sandler didn’t use his time to evoke images of being a Jew at Christmas, rather he chose to praise the Festival of Lights and name-drop all the famous people who celebrate it. Since debuting the song in 1994, Sandler’s updated it for his comedy albums and standup routine and given Jewish kids something other than “The Dreidel Song” to belt during during the holidays. Sandler’s clever, original moment is about as influential as it gets for any not-ready-for-prime time player.

It did lead to the movie Eight Crazy Nights, so it isn’t free from sin.

TV Funhouse: Fun with Real Audio (1997)

It’s rare for SNL to get poignant, but here’s a fantastic example. In this animated short, Jesus Christ returns to Earth and spends the first opening minutes being ignored and shoved into the background for disagreeing with televangelists who use his name to line their pockets with donations or to justify their hatred of homosexuals. These bits are, of course, animated over actual audio of said real life sociopaths. Jesus is able to give them their just desserts with his divine magic, but it bums him out.

Walking the city streets, unnoticed by the public at large, Jesus watches Christmas-themed TV through a store window and is disappointed with what he sees. That is, until he comes across Linus’ speech at the end of A Charlie Brown Christmas and we get a final moment that’s adorable, uplifting, and pretty hilarious.

NPR’S Delicious Dish: Schweddy Balls (1998)

The dry, NPR-host banter between Ana Gasteyer’s Margaret Jo McCullen — who cheerfully admits that she leaves tap water and rice out for Santa because “Christmas foods really wreak havoc on the ol’ digestive system” — and Molly Shannon’s Teri Rialto as they discuss delectable Yuletide “balls” with Alec Baldwin’s Pete Schweddy is a can’t-miss skit. The trio makes monotone an art form, while remaining dedicated to the naivety of the characters involved. (In response to Alec Baldwin’s, “But the thing I most like to bring out this time of year are my balls,” their faces barely twitch.) It’s double entendre at its finest, and never fails to leave me in stitches.

Pete Schweddy returned in another episode where he introduced the women to his hotdogs, but having them show so much interest in putting his wiener in their mouths was a little too easy a joke to pull off.

I Wish It Was Christmas Today (2000-the heat death of the universe)

On one December episode, there was a short segment of Horatio Sanz, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Kattan, and Tracy Morgan playing a catchy, albeit incredibly stupid song about Christmas being on the way. Sanz played a skinny guitar while singing, Fallon occasionally pressed an elephant noise button on the keyboard, Kattan held the keyboard while shaking his head, and Morgan danced with a look on his face like he got dragged on stage against his will. It was silly and would have probably been forgotten soon after.

Instead, they returned a week later and insisted on playing it again despite being explicitly told not to. Soon they would start playing it during non-December months to show Christmas’ superiority over other holidays. After Simon Cowell insulted the group, he sheepishly agreed that he wanted to join them and broke out some maracas. One year, when Sanz was the only one left in the cast, he replaced his buddies with Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, and Animal while Kermit the Frog danced in a way that you have to wonder if a Muppet is capable of snorting coke.

The song still gets brought out now and then, usually on Fallon’s show. It’s even been covered by Julian Casablancas and Cheap Trick of all people!

They did sing a completely different Christmas song one time, but nobody cared.

Glengarry Glen Elf: Christmas Motivation (2005)

Alec Baldwin seems to be the go-to host for classic Christmas sketches. Playing on his iconic Glengarry Glen Ross character Blake, Baldwin (in a way) reprises the role as 615-year-old “elf from the home office” sent to straighten out the subpar work of Santa’s elves. There couldn’t have been a more perfect break in character than when Baldwin says “Always Be Closing” instead of “Always Be Cobbling” as scripted. It’s a slip-up that makes for a perfect holiday sketch, full of deep-bellied laughs.

TV Funhouse: Christmastime for the Jews (2005)

Not only is the witty “Christmas for the Jews” written by comedy legend Robert Smigel, but it’s sung by David Letterman’s Christmas angel Darlene Love. In “Christmas for the Jews,” the characters see “Fiddler on the Roof,” grab an early dinner, and enjoy dreamland Daily Show reruns. It’s an intriguing and catchy look at the other side of the Christmas season, complete with a very Rankin-Bass animation style.

Digital Short: Dick in a Box (2006)

Justin Timberlake is one of the most entertaining, versatile hosts that SNL has been gifted. A member of their prestigious Five-Timers Club, “Dick in a Box” is Timberlake’s most memorable sketch, filled with skeevy, disgusting come-ons from Andy Samberg and Timberlake, which has been viewed just millions and millions of times. In 2006, Timberlake had already impressed critics and viewers alike with his acting range in Alpha Dog, but his comedic turns on SNL solidified him as an actor. Timberlake has done a lot of impressive things in his time as an entertainer, but there are few more enjoyable (or laughable) than “Dick in a Box.”

These two R&B weirdos would return later on to sleep with each other’s moms as reciprocated Mother’s Day presents and later swear that being in a two-guy/one-girl three-way isn’t considered gay.

John Malkovich Reads ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (2008)

As quipped by the man himself, no one emits Christmas spirit quite like John Malkovich. This admission yields the self-reflexive irony of Malkovich reading “The Night Before Christmas” to the children of SNL’s staff. Malkovich, pausing during his reading of the holiday classic, asks the children about the suicide rate rising during the holidays, talking about how shooting a home invader in California is “perfectly legal,” musing about how the tonnage of Santa’s sleigh and reindeer would (scientifically speaking) burst into flames, how in Portugal their version of Saint Nicholas steals children’s toes, as well as reciting the gem: “You know what they say about hopes; they’re what we cling to when reality has left us nothing else.” If you’re in a lighthearted Christmas mood, Malkovich’s monologue is certainly one to enjoy.

Stefon on Holiday Travel (2010)

Bill Hader was highly respected for his versatility and range during his time at SNL, but it was his improvisational skills that turned a Weekend Update bit into a must-see recurring segment. Stefon, likely the defining character for SNL during the 2010s thus far, informed New Yorkers and tourists alike of the city’s hottest nightclubs – with Hader almost always breaking down in laughter as his cue cards were frequently changed from the rehearsal to throw him off.

Stefon knew how to get weird and you can imagine he’d save some fun things for the a “classic New York holiday.” Make sure to check out the Lower, Lower East Side dump hosted by Tranderson Cooper or find a club with the right amount of Puerto Rican Screeches or Gay Aladdins. Just don’t run over the Human Parking Cones.

Stefon would return with more Christmastime insight three years later, where he’d discuss a club called [loud Tauntaun noises], founded by Jewish cartoon character Menorah the Explorer.

Under-Underground Crunkmas Karnival (2010)

Good God, I wish there were more Under-Underground Records sketches. As a parody of the Gathering of the Juggalos, we’d regularly see DJ Supersoak (Jason Sudeikis) and Lil Blaster (Nasim Pedrad) excitedly talk up huge concert events that are needlessly violent and inexplicable in their randomness. For instance, there’s the Crunkmas Karnival, which features such musical acts as Dump, Boys II Dicks, Scrotum Fire, and…Third Eye Blind for some reason.

It’s just a bunch of loud humor that goes back and forth between being stupidly hardcore and being meekly out of left field. Yes, you can go check out a “dong tug-of-war,” but you can also see a special 2D screening of the Owls of Ga’hoole or meet Spaceballs star Pizza the Hut. Not to mention the return of their most fondly remembered running gag, the endless undying and dying of Ass Dan.

This Christmas-based event will take place in February. Sounds about right.

Ornaments (2011)

Every now and then, SNL will do a sketch towards the end of the show where the guest will talk about whichever holiday is coming up and awkwardly go into one of the aspects of it, such as Easter eggs or Halloween candy. In this instance, it’s Steve Buscemi unloading a box of Christmas ornaments and commenting on each one. All the while, Kristen Wiig plays Sheila, his girlfriend who appears to be more than a little off and doesn’t quite grasp tree decorating.

Buscemi’s descriptions range from delightful non-humor to outlandish and disturbing. He might make an intentionally lame joke about one ornament before holding up another and matter-of-factly letting you know that, “I put this one up my butt.”

And somehow he’s still the straight man in this bit.

You’re a Rat Bastard Charlie Brown (2012)

This sketch is centered on Bill Hader playing Al Pacino, playing Charlie Brown. The rest of the cast turns out bang-up impressions as well: Jason Sudeikis playing Philip Seymour Hoffman playing Pigpen, Kate McKinnon as Edie Falco playing Lucy (as Charlie Brown’s drug peddling therapist, causing a holiday-blues Charlie to say, “Oh yeah…I want something to take me sky high!”), Martin Short playing Larry David playing Linus, Taran Killam doing Michael Keaton as Schroeder, and Cecily Strong as Fran Drescher as Charlie Brown’s mother, all performed in front of a baffled childhood audience.

For anyone who grew up watching Charlie Brown and Co., watching Bill Hader/Al Pacino/Charlie Brown unleash the expletive-laden “You’re gonna hold that f***ing football?!” towards Kate McKinnion/Edie Falco/Lucy, and saying, “Ow, you bitch!” after she pulls it away is absolutely to die for.

Jebidiah Atkinson on Holiday Movies (2013)

For a time, Taran Killam played Jebidiah Atkinson, a Weekend Update character based on how an old newspaper editorial was discovered that panned Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Atkinson, somehow still alive, would appear and read review snippets about other big speeches he hated.

One of his return appearances had him discuss holiday specials and movies. Every single one of them he hates. Every single one of them gets roasted. His vicious energy is so over-the-top that the good jokes land and the bad jokes still get a laugh from the misplaced confidence. Over these several minutes, he screams about how much of a depressing bore A Charlie Brown Christmas is, how the Grinch stole a half hour of his life, and how every time they play It’s a Wonderful Life, an angel blows its brains out.

This one is admittedly a bit dated with its biggest joke, where his distaste for Snoopy is so great that he wishes Family Guy killed him off instead of Brian. The horror from the audience still makes it worth it.

St. Joseph’s Christmas Mass Spectacular (2014)

Ah, Christmas Mass. The drum solo for every childhood during Christmas time. It’s uncomfortable and especially boring. Ergo, liven it up by framing it as a big, in-your-face event via what amounts to a monster truck rally commercial!

It’s a brilliant use of contrast. Take an event that is so mundane with so many familiar and shared experiences and treat it like it’s some extreme thing. The familiarity of the pastor making corny jokes that get the most minor of laughs is treated like a once-in-a-lifetime event. It shines a light on the weird tics of the prominent people you see at church and feels amazingly universal.

The SNL cast is fantastic here, but the MVP is Cecily Strong as the middle-age woman who is way into doing a reading in the loudest, most overly articulate speaking voice possible.

Sump’N Claus (2014)

Getting gifts from Santa Claus is great and all, but when you grow up, you realize how hard it truly is to be nice all year round. Luckily, there’s an alternative. Introduced via an extremely catchy song, we meet Sump’n Claus (Keenan Thompson), a pimp-like offshoot of Santa who not only used to work for St. Nick, but also appears to have some dirt on him.

Sump’n Claus sings several verses about people who have had breakdowns and would be thrown onto the naughty list. Sump’n Claus doesn’t care about that. You be you. Every December, he’ll still be there to hand you an envelope full of twenties and fifties. He’s the holiday mascot for adults, basically.

One of the highlights is how he mentions that Santa is not your friend as friends don’t watch you while you’re sleeping.

The Christmas Candle (2016)

Christmas has been saved by many different things: ghosts who see through time, an angel trying to earn his wings, a reindeer’s glowing nose, New Yorkers singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and so on. Then again, sometimes you need a savior for something with lower stakes.

In the form of a mid-1990s all ladies group that gives me kind of a Celine Dion vibe, we’re given a wonderful song that starts with the tale of a woman who had to get a coworker a gift for Secret Santa. She found an old peach candle in her closet and just gave her that. The second verse is a similar situation where not only is a peach candle given as a throwaway gift to an acquaintance, but it’s THE SAME candle. Yes, somehow this one peach candle is re-gifted across the globe through latter December by women and gay men who couldn’t be bothered to put thought into their presents.

Truly a miracle.

First Impression (2018)

Beck Bennett plays a guy about to finally meet his girlfriend’s (Melissa Villaseñor) parents and he’s nervous as hell. She assures him that he’ll be fine, but he really wants to impress them. Sure enough, he tries to impress them in the weirdest way by hiding somewhere in the house and speaking in a high-pitched voice in order to dare them to find him. Her parents (Jason Momoa and Heidi Gardner) are notably confused, as is she.

It’s already a strange and silly bit, but Jason Momoa shifts it into gear by suddenly being COMPLETELY into it. Removing his jacket with purpose, Momoa excitedly starts searching the house for this guy. The fact that Momoa is playing an overweight 60-year-old man is enough of a novelty, but he brings this oddball zest to the role as he starts to literally tear the home to pieces in order to get a look at his daughter’s elusive boyfriend.

The boyfriend’s plans here are both overly complicated and half-baked, culminating in an ending that’s as happy as it’s inexplicable and off-putting.

North Pole News Report (2019)

When Eddie Murphy returned to SNL, there was much fanfare. A completely solid episode, it admittedly spent too much of its runtime revisiting his old recurring classics like Mr. Robinson, Gumby, and Velvet Jones. The final sketch of the night goes full blast with his manic energy as he plays an elf eyewitness on the elf news, screaming bloody murder about a horrible tragedy. Mikey Day is reporter Donny Chestnut, looking at the destruction of a toy factory. As he tries to make heads or tails of what’s going on, Murphy bursts onto the scene, screaming about a polar bear attacking the elves and eating them like Skittles. And just screaming in general.

The best line comes from the elf (who keeps declaring, “IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT MY NAME IS!”) bringing over one of the survivors, and noting that, “This white, teenage elf girl ran out here, straight up to me – a black elf in sweatpants – and asked me to keep her safe. That’s how bad it is!” Despite this elf being right about the situation, Donny Chestnut keeps trying to sideline him for being increasingly erratic about Santa’s potential role in the slaughter and what it means for Christmas. Even as he trips over some of his lines, Eddie Murphy is so damn precious here.

AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!

December to Remember Car Commercial (2020)

It might be in bad form to include a sketch from this very year, but man, this joke is not only long overdue, but the acting is top notch. Heidi Gardner’s barely repressed rage is something special.

You’ve seen the commercial a million times. It’s Christmas morning and someone reveals a brand new car to a loved one. As part of Lexus’ December to Remember, Beck Bennett reveals a brand new Lexus with a giant bow to his wife (Gardner) and their son (Timothée Chalamet). What initially appears as shock turns out to be fury and confusion over what is a selfish and short-sighted decision. Buying a car is a huge deal and isn’t something you don’t tell your significant other. More than that, Bennett’s character hasn’t been employed for about a year and a half and has no way of affording such a thing. The thread is pulled away, unraveling both how much of an idiot he is and how doomed their family life happens to be.

Then neighbor Mikey Day shows up and it hits another level. Beck Bennett is the expert at playing guys with misplaced confidence who haven’t come close to thinking things through.

The post The 25 Best SNL Holiday Sketches appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/3raE4UF

#aion-rsa #Den of Geek

2 notes · View notes

papermoonloveslucy · 4 years ago

Text

SAFE DRIVING WEEK

October 21, 1950

“Safe Driving Week” (aka “Safety Drive”) is episode #102 [some sources say #101] of the radio series MY FAVORITE HUSBAND broadcast on October 21, 1950.

This was the sixth episode of the third season of MY FAVORITE HUSBAND. There were 31 new episodes, with the season ending on March 31, 1951.

Synopsis ~ When Liz gets a traffic ticket on the day George is Safety Week chairman, George decides to lock the car in the garage and hide the key.

“My Favorite Husband” was based on the novels Mr. and Mrs. Cugat, the Record of a Happy Marriage (1940) and Outside Eden (1945) by Isabel Scott Rorick, which had previously been adapted into the film Are Husbands Necessary? (1942). “My Favorite Husband” was first broadcast as a one-time special on July 5, 1948. Lucille Ball and Lee Bowman played the characters of Liz and George Cugat, and a positive response to this broadcast convinced CBS to launch “My Favorite Husband” as a series. Bowman was not available Richard Denning was cast as George. On January 7, 1949, confusion with bandleader Xavier Cugat prompted a name change to Cooper. On this same episode Jell-O became its sponsor. A total of 124 episodes of the program aired from July 23, 1948 through March 31, 1951. After about ten episodes had been written, writers Fox and Davenport departed and three new writers took over – Bob Carroll, Jr., Madelyn Pugh, and head writer/producer Jess Oppenheimer. In March 1949 Gale Gordon took over the existing role of George’s boss, Rudolph Atterbury, and Bea Benaderet was added as his wife, Iris. CBS brought “My Favorite Husband” to television in 1953, starring Joan Caulfield and Barry Nelson as Liz and George Cooper. The television version ran two-and-a-half seasons, from September 1953 through December 1955, running concurrently with “I Love Lucy.” It was produced live at CBS Television City for most of its run, until switching to film for a truncated third season filmed (ironically) at Desilu and recasting Liz Cooper with Vanessa Brown.

MAIN CAST

Lucille Ball (Liz Cooper) was born on August 6, 1911 in Jamestown, New York. She began her screen career in 1933 and was known in Hollywood as ‘Queen of the B’s’ due to her many appearances in ‘B’ movies. With Richard Denning, she starred in a radio program titled “My Favorite Husband” which eventually led to the creation of “I Love Lucy,” a television situation comedy in which she co-starred with her real-life husband, Latin bandleader Desi Arnaz. The program was phenomenally successful, allowing the couple to purchase what was once RKO Studios, re-naming it Desilu. When the show ended in 1960 (in an hour-long format known as “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour”) so did Lucy and Desi’s marriage. In 1962, hoping to keep Desilu financially solvent, Lucy returned to the sitcom format with “The Lucy Show,” which lasted six seasons. She followed that with a similar sitcom “Here’s Lucy” co-starring with her real-life children, Lucie and Desi Jr., as well as Gale Gordon, who had joined the cast of “The Lucy Show” during season two. Before her death in 1989, Lucy made one more attempt at a sitcom with “Life With Lucy,” also with Gordon.

Richard Denning (George Cooper) was born Louis Albert Heindrich Denninger Jr., in Poughkeepsie, New York. When he was 18 months old, his family moved to Los Angeles. Plans called for him to take over his father’s garment manufacturing business, but he developed an interest in acting. Denning enlisted in the US Navy during World War II. He is best known for his roles in various science fiction and horror films of the 1950s. Although he teamed with Lucille Ball on radio in “My Favorite Husband,” the two never acted together on screen. While “I Love Lucy” was on the air, he was seen on another CBS TV series, “Mr. & Mrs. North.” From 1968 to 1980 he played the Governor on ��Hawaii 5-0″, his final role. He died in 1998 at age 84.

Ruth Perrott (Katie, the Maid) was also later seen on “I Love Lucy.” She first played Mrs. Pomerantz, a member of the surprise investigating committee for the Society Matrons League in “Pioneer Women” (ILL S1;E25), as one of the member of the Wednesday Afternoon Fine Arts League in “Lucy and Ethel Buy the Same Dress” (ILL S3;E3), and also played a nurse when “Lucy Goes to the Hospital” (ILL S2;E16). She died in 1996 at the age of 96.

Bob LeMond (Announcer) also served as the announcer for the pilot episode of “I Love Lucy”. When the long-lost pilot was finally discovered in 1990, a few moments of the opening narration were damaged and lost, so LeMond – fifty years later – recreated the narration for the CBS special and subsequent DVD release.

Gale Gordon and Bea Benadaret (Rudolph and Iris Atterbury) do not appear in this episode.

GUEST CAST

Elvia Allman (Marge Van Tassle) was born on September 19, 1904 in Enochville, North Carolina. She started her performing career on radio in the 1920s, as both a storyteller and singer. Allman’s first episode of “I Love Lucy” is also one of the most memorable in TV history: “Job Switching” (ILL S2;E1) in September 1952. She played the strident foreman of Kramer’s Candy Kitchen. Allman returned to the show as one of Minnie Finch’s neighbors in “Fan Magazine Interview” (ILL S3;E17) in 1954. Changing gears once again she played prim magazine reporter Nancy Graham in “The Homecoming” (ILL S5;E6) in 1955. She made two appearances on “The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour“ - first as Ida Thompson, Westfield’s PTA director in “The Celebrity Next Door” (LDCH S1;E2) and as Milton Berle’s secretary when “Milton Berle Hides Out at the Ricardos” (LDCH S3;E1) in 1959. On “The Lucy Show” she was seen in “Lucy Bags a Bargain” (TLS S4;E17) and in “Lucy The Babysitter” (TLS S5;E16). Allman died on March 6, 1992, aged 87.

Lucy characters have always had a peripheral character named Marge. In this case, the character largely takes on the action that might normally be taken by Iris Atterbury. It is likely that Bea Benadaret was not available that week, so the character was rewritten for Elvia Allman as Marge Van Tassle.

Sheldon Leonard (Motorcyle Cop) was born Leonard Sheldon Bershad in New York City in 1907. In 1953 he played fast-talking salesman Harry Martin, who sells Lucy Ricardo the Handy Dandy vacuum cleaner in “Sales Resistance” (ILL S2;E17). He played himself on a 1967 episode of “The Lucy Show.” Leonard was an integral part of the Desilu family off-screen as well, directing “Make Room for Daddy” including an episode that featured Lucy and Ricky Ricardo in 1959. He was one of the creators of “The Andy Griffith Show,” also filmed at Desilu. Leonard may be best remembered as the Nick, the bartender in the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life (1945). He died in 1997.

THE EPISODE

ANNOUNCER: “As we look in on the town of Sheridan Falls, where the Coopers live, it's an average Wednesday morning. The traffic on Elm Street is fairly heavy, the cars are moving along about as usual, except - wait a minute! Pull over to the curb! Here comes a woman driver! It's Liz Cooper driving!”

Liz is pulled over by a policeman (Sheldon Leonard), although she’s unclear why. He says that Liz made the wrong arm signal when turning left.

Turn signal lights in cars didn’t become common until later in the 1950s. Before that, letting everyone know which way one planned to turn was by using the hand signals above, which were taught in driving classes.

When Liz asks what he is writing, he facetiously calls it a story for Reader’s Digest about ‘The Most Unforgettable Person I’ve Ever Met’! Naturally, it is a traffic ticket.

Reader’s Digest was known for their publication of abridged novels, short stories, and articles that could be read in one sitting. Ricky was seen reading the Digest in “Lucy Writes a Novel” in 1954. That same year, a biography of Ball by Eleanor Harris was included in the Digest - condensed, naturally. Ball appeared on the covers in 1990 and 2003. “My Most Unforgettable Character” was a regular feature, along with “Life in These United States.”

Arriving home Liz is greeted by Katie the maid, who encourages her to face George and tell him about the ticket. After a kiss, George has big news, but so does Liz. She allows him to go first. He has been chosen as Chairman of Sheridan Falls Safe Driving week by the Chamber of Commerce. Liz now cannot possibly tell George about the ticket!

Safe Driving campaigns were not unusual in post-war America. Roads were seeing increased traffic as automakers vied for consumer dollars. For example, Cynthia Gary was crowned Queen of Safe Driving and reigned over the 1950 Safe Driving Week campaign sponsored by the St. Paul Junior Chamber of Commerce.

The doorbell rings. Liz is saved by the bell! While Liz is answering the door, Katie spills the beans about the citation to George! George tells her that he knows about her ticket. He tells her about the Safety Week celebrations.

GEORGE: “They’re having a big ceremony at the site of the new automobile club. There’s going to be a parade of all the drivers in town who haven’t gotten a ticket in ten years.” LIZ: “Well, that’ll be a short parade.”

To keep Liz from getting any more tickets during his Safety Week, he takes her up on her off-handed suggestion to lock the car in the garage for the week. George will have the key to the garage in his pocket. Liz will have to walk!

GEORGE: “I’ll take you to a movie after dinner. There’s a movie that reminds me of your driving: ‘Panic in the Streets’!”

Panic in the Streets is a 1950 film noir directed by Elia Kazan. It was shot exclusively on location in New Orleans, Louisiana. It starred Richard Widmark ("The Tour”), Zero Mostel (DuBarry Was A Lady and "Carol +2″), and Paul Douglas (”Lucy Wants A Career”). The film was released a month before this broadcast.

At the end of the week, Liz is visited by Marge Van Tassel (Elvia Allman). Liz has a plan and needs her help. She has had mishap and lost the front fender to an anonymous accident. Naturally, she doesn’t want George to find out.

LIZ: “Somewhere in this town there’s a car with five fenders.”

Note: A fender is different than a bumper because it's a metal structure that frames the wheel well of your car, instead of the front or back. The fender extends between the front door to the front bumper covering the front wheels of the vehicle.

Without the key, Liz and Marge plot to take the drastic action of taking the garage door off!

LIZ: “I guess it’s either take down the garage door or start hunting for a very thin, flat mechanic.”

In the act break, there is a public service announcement to debunk the misconception that the US finances most of the cost of the mutual defense program of NATO.

ANNOUNCER: “As we look in on the Coopers once again we find Liz and Marge Van Tassel in the backyard, gently removing the garage door.”

There is a great splintering of wood as Marge and Liz finally gain access to the car. Unfortunately, they don’t have the car key! Looking for a way to start the car without the key, they look under the hood.

LIZ: “Hmmmm... It’s a motor alright!”

Liz toys with the idea of pulling out the plugs leading to the spark plugs. Marge thinks the fan belt is a little propeller. Liz insists it is an electric fan to keep the mechanic cool. Somehow, Liz connects two wires and the car starts! Leaving the garage, she backs over the doors!

In “The Not So Popular Mechanics” (HL S5;E22) in 1972, Lucy Carter and Mary Jane take apart Harry’s prized Rolls Royce thinking it will be easy to give it a home oil change! They end up with a puzzle they cannot put back together!

Once pn the street, Liz realizes she can’t turn! The steering wheel is locked! It isn’t long before they have a hit and run accident and lose another fender! The collision at least knocks the car at an angle. But the wrong angle. They are facing the opposite direction of the repair shop!

LIZ: “Well, we have a choice, Marge. We can back-up ten blocks or drive around the world!” MARGE: “I’ve seen you back-up. It’d be quicker to drive around the world!” LIZ: “I just hope there’s a good mechanic in Hong Kong!”

When “Lucy Learns To Drive” (ILL S4;E12) in 1955, she also has a traffic accident - with herself!

It isn’t long before Liz comes face to face with another car, who passes them on the wrong side because she’s three feet from the left curb! A policeman pulls them over - the same officer who issued Liz the ticket. To explain her driving on the left, Liz decides to adopt a British accent.

LIZ: “Pip-pip, cheerio, hallo there, Bobbie!”

Lucy will use her British accent when “I Love Lucy” visits London and the British countryside in early 1956. British policeman are known as Bobbies after Sir Robert Peel (1778-1850), who helped establish their modern police force.

The Officer tests her by asking her to sing the British Anthem. Marge and Liz sing “London Bridge is Falling Down.”

In “Lucy in London” (1966), The Dave Clark Five perform a medley of “London Bridge is Falling Down” and “Pop Goes the Weasel, instead of the real anthem, “God Save the Queen”. The London Bridge seen in the special is the old London Bridge (1831-1967). A year after filming, this bridge was dismantled and sold while a new version (that still stands today) was built to replace it. The old London Bridge was reassembled in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, opening in 1971, where it remains the number one tourist attraction.

The policeman insists on driving the car away from the curb, but runs over his own motorcycle in the process!

Marge and Liz drive away, leaving the motorcycle cop in tears, clutching only his handlebars.

Fred Mertz backs wrecks his motorcycle when “Ricky Sells The Car” (ILL S5;E4) in 1955. He, too, is left clutching only the handlebars!

Marge and Liz notice that the traffic has gotten slower and heavier and that spectators are crowded on the sidewalks. They are in George’s Safety Week Parade for drivers with no tickets in the last ten years! Rather than let George Liz stops suddenly and causes a multi-car collision.

LIZ: “I see a wreck.” MARGE: “Just one?” LIZ: “Yep. Just one. But it’s three blocks long. There are very few drivers left in this town who haven’t had an accident in the last ten years.”

George comes down from the reviewing stand and angrily insists that he will move the car himself - despite Liz’s attempted warnings not to...

0 notes

gadgetgirl71 · 4 years ago

Photo

Amazon First Reads for August 2020

This month with Amazon First Reads we are back to a choice of eight books again after being given nine books to choose from last month. So if your an Amazon Prime Member like me you can choose which Amazon First Read book download for free.

This months choices are:

Psychological Suspense

The Other Girl by C D Major, Pages: ??? Publication Date: 1 September 2020

Synopsis: They thought she was insane. But what if she was telling the truth?

1942, New Zealand. Edith’s been locked away for a long time. She was just five years old when she was sent to Seacliff Lunatic Asylum. Fifteen years later, she has few memories of her life before the asylum, but longs for one beyond it.

When she survives a devastating fire that destroys her ward, Edith is questioned by the police and a young doctor, Declan Harris. Intrigued by his beautiful patient, Declan begins to doubt the official reasons for her incarceration. Is she truly mad—or could the impossible stories she told as a child actually be true?

Time is running out. With Edie awaiting a new and permanent treatment, soon there will be little of her left to save. Meanwhile intrigue has tipped into obsession—Declan needs to uncover the truth, but in doing so he will risk losing everything. As he sets out to save her mind, will he lose his own?

Police Procedural

Don’t Ever Forget by Matthew Farrell, Pages: 384, Publication Date: 1 September 2020

Synopsis: From the bestselling author of What Have You Done comes a mind-bending page-turner involving a series of dark crimes from the past.

When police investigator Susan Adler is called to the roadside murder of a fellow state trooper, she’s tasked with finding the people responsible for the cold-blooded act caught on the trooper’s dashboard cam. She traces the car to a nurse who, along with her elderly patient, has been missing for days. At the old man’s house, she finds disturbing evidence that instantly revives two cold cases involving long-missing children.

The investigation takes a chilling turn when people involved with both the nurse and old man begin to turn up dead, and Susan enlists the help of her friend and forensic investigator Liam Dwyer. Together they must untangle the threads of this ever-more-complicated case—and stay ahead of whoever’s trying to slash their progress. The old man’s failing memory adds urgency: wherever he is, he’s no doubt lost, confused, and in extreme danger.

What started as a traffic stop gone wrong quickly unfolds into one of the darkest cases of Susan’s career, and it all leads to a sick, desperate killer. Susan and Liam must work fast to save the old man’s life and keep future victims from the killer’s grasp.

Thriller

Deadly Waters by Dot Hutchison, Pages: 302, Publication Date: 1 September 2020

Synopsis: From the bestselling author of The Butterfly Garden comes a suspenseful new series for the #MeToo era about vigilante justice, close friends, and getting away with murder.

Florida journalism undergrad Rebecca Sorley is like any other college student. She tries to keep up with her studies, her friends, and her hot-tempered roommate, Ellie, who regularly courts trouble with the law.

When a male student’s remains are found in alligator-infested waters, the university warns students to stay away from the reptiles. But then a second body shows up, and the link is undeniable. Both men belonged to the same fraternity and had a reputation for preying on and hurting women.

Ellie has previously threatened to kill men who don’t take no for an answer. Rebecca and her friends thought Ellie was kidding. But now a vigilante killer is roaming campus—someone who knows how to dispose of rapists. Someone determined to save female students from horrible crimes.

With each passing day, those who know Ellie become more convinced she’s responsible. But if she is, stopping her might not be in everyone’s best interest…

Technothriller

Interference by Brad Parks, Pages: 397, Publication Date: 1 September 2020

Synopsis: From international bestselling author Brad Parks comes an emotional, heart-pounding thriller that explores the scientific unknown—and one woman’s efforts to save her husband from its consequences.

Quantum physicist Matt Bronik is suffering from strange, violent seizures that medical science seems powerless to explain—much to the consternation of his wife, Brigid.

Matt doesn’t think these fits could be related to his research, which he has always described as benign and esoteric. That, it turns out, is not quite true: Matt has been prodding the mysteries of the quantum universe, with terrible repercussions for his health. And perhaps even for humanity as a whole.

Then, in the midst of another seizure, Matt disappears. When foul play is feared, there is no shortage of suspects. Matt’s research had gained the attention of Chinese competitors, an unscrupulous billionaire, and the Department of Défense, among others.

With Matt’s life in clear danger, Brigid sets out to find him. Will Matt be killed before she reaches him, or could the physics that endangered him actually be used to save his life?

Contemporary Fiction

Honeysuckle Season by Mary Ellen Taylor, Pages: 343, Publication Date: 1 September 2020

Synopsis: From bestselling author Mary Ellen Taylor comes a story about profound loss, hard truths, and an overgrown greenhouse full of old secrets.

Adrift in the wake of her father’s death, a failed marriage, and multiple miscarriages, Libby McKenzie feels truly alone. Though her new life as a wedding photographer provides a semblance of purpose, it’s also a distraction from her profound pain.

When asked to photograph a wedding at the historic Woodmont estate, Libby meets the owner, Elaine Grant. Hoping to open Woodmont to the public, Elaine has employed young widower Colton Reese to help restore the grounds and asks Libby to photograph the process. Libby is immediately drawn to the old greenhouse shrouded in honeysuckle vines.

As Libby forms relationships and explores the overgrown—yet hauntingly beautiful—Woodmont estate, she finds the emotional courage to sort through her father’s office. There she discovers a letter that changes everything she knows about her parents, herself, and the estate. Beneath the vines of the old greenhouse lie generations of secrets, and it’s up to Libby to tend to the fruits born of long-buried seeds.

Young Adult

Find Layla by Meg Elison, Pages: 185, Publication Date: 1 September 2020

Synopsis: A neglected girl’s chaotic coming-of-age becomes a trending new hashtag in a novel about growing up and getting away by an award-winning author.

Underprivileged and keenly self-aware, SoCal fourteen-year-old Layla Bailey isn’t used to being noticed. Except by mean girls who tweet about her ragged appearance. All she wants to do is indulge in her love of science, protect her vulnerable younger brother, and steer clear of her unstable mother.

Then a school competition calls for a biome. Layla chooses her own home, a hostile ecosystem of indoor fungi and secret shame. With a borrowed video camera, she captures it all. The mushrooms growing in her brother’s dresser. The black mould blooming up the apartment walls. The unmentionable things living in the dead fridge. All the inevitable exotic toxins that are Layla’s life. Then the video goes viral.

When Child Protective Services comes to call, Layla loses her family and her home. Defiant, she must face her bullies and friends alike, on her own. Unafraid at last of being seen, Layla accepts the mortifying reality of visibility. Now she has to figure out how to stay whole and stand behind the truth she has shown the world.

Literary Fiction

The Woman in the Moonlight by Patricia Morrisroe, Pages: 381, Publication Date: 1 September 2020

Synopsis: A stirring and romantic historical novel about nineteenth-century Vienna and the tragedy and dynamic passion that inspired Ludwig van Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.

Vienna, 1800. Countess Julie Guicciardi’s life is about to change forever. The spirited eighteen-year-old is taking piano lessons with Ludwig van Beethoven, the most talented piano virtuoso in the musical capital of Europe. She is captivated by his volatile genius, while he is drawn to her curiosity and disarming candour. Between them, a unique romance. But Beethoven has a secret he’s yet to share, and Julie is harbouring a secret of her own, one so scandalous it could destroy their perfect love story.

When Beethoven discovers the truth, he sets his emotions to music, composing a mournful opus that will become the Moonlight Sonata. The haunting refrain will follow Julie for the rest of her life.

Set against the rich backdrop of nineteenth-century Vienna, The Woman in the Moonlight is an exhilarating ode to eternal passion. An epic tale of love, loss, rivalry, and political intrigue. A stirring portrait of a titan who wrestled with the gods and a woman who defied convention to inspire him.

Children’s Picture Book

Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Say Good Night by Lauren H Kerstein, Illustrator Nate Wragg, Pages: 42, Publication Date: 1 September 2020

Synopsis: Rosie the dragon and Charlie are ready to tackle bedtime—dragon-style!

Rosie the dragon’s bedtime routine has been a little bumpy lately. But not to worry! Charlie is prepared with his lists, rules, and fire extinguisher—everything a boy needs to help guide his pet dragon (and best friend) to a peaceful night’s sleep. But with bath-time bubble trouble, fiery-hot pyjamas, and stuffed animal search-and-rescues, tucking this dragon into bed is not an easy task. And what happens when thunder strikes? Snuggle up with this adorable duo as they conquer bedtime the best way: together!

*** Which book will you choose? I have no idea which book I’ll choose as none of them so far stand out to me! ***

#AmazonFirstReads, #Amazonkindle, #AmazonPrimeMembers, #Books, #ChildrensPictureBook, #ContemporaryFiction, #Kindle, #KindleBooks, #LiteraryFiction, #PoliceProcedural, #PsychologicalSuspense, #Technothriller, #Thriller, #YoungAdult

0 notes

darylkillszomzoms · 7 years ago

Text

Imagine #26 Daryl Dixon [Requested]

A/N: A bit of Season 7 spoilers if you haven’t seen it, I wouldn’t suggest reading.

Escorting Maggie Rhee to the Hilltop should have been simple; it would’ve been had it not been for the Saviors. There were barricades of vehicles blocking each road leading to the Hilltop, the Saviors wielding weapons as they stood in the street with a sadistic sense of satisfaction in their triumph. It was as if they knew that Rick wouldn’t instigate a fight, not now.

Upon arriving at each route, the hope in the air began to fade, a suffocating tension lingering in the atmosphere as everyone began to internalize their panic. It was the final road block that shook everyone’s confidence, the worries and panic were now being verbalized at the sight of a handful of walkers chained to each other wearing mementos of your loved ones. It was when you noticed Daryl’s arrows lodged into the chest of a walker that you swallowed the sadness swelling in your throat and felt a burning rage boil in your chest. They have him; the thought echoed in your head as you reached to retrieve the arrow. The moment your fingertips brushed the fletching, the boisterous sound of gunshots rang through the air as bullets rained down upon the Earth around your group. Rick instructed everyone to return to the RV, but not before he used his axe to sever a walkers arm and unlink the walkers blocking the path.

Everything begins to fall apart; Maggie’s condition is worsening, the Saviors were relentless, and the opportunities for a safe route to the Hilltop were dwindling. Eugene, being his genius self, devised a final effort plan; he’d remain in the RV, driving alone to give the Saviors the illusion that their game was still being played and that they were winning. If only it’d worked. Maybe, just maybe, then your family wouldn’t be surrounded by Saviors, the overwhelming sound of their intimidating whistles echoing throughout the forest in each direction as more silhouettes came into view, allowing your group to realize just how outnumbered you really were. There’d be no fighting this; even if the group managed to take out at least two each, there’d be thirteen more for each person with guns ready to strike you down. This was it; the end.

In a display of dominance, utter control, the Saviors disarmed everyone before forcing everyone to kneel including poor Maggie. The group is on edge as the Savior speaking for them, Simon, calls for Dwight, the Savior that Daryl had named as Denise’s murder. Dwight approaches a van parked with the loading doors aimed toward the group and shoots a satisfied smirk in your direction before opening the doors.

“C’mon, you got people to meet.” Dwight states, almost with amusement to his tone, as he reaches in and grabs someone’s arm.

“Daryl.” You gasp, tears welling in your eyes as you scrutinize his condition; he’s covered in blood, a blood stained blanket thrown over his shoulders, he’s pale and covered in sweat as he meets your worried gaze. “Daryl.” You repeat louder, moving to meet him before a Savior grabs your shoulder and pushes you into the dirt.

“Don’t move.” He growls, causing Daryl to lunge and Dwight to force him onto the ground by squeezing his bloodied shoulder. He hisses in pain, a clear indication that the blood is his, before growling at the Savior behind you.

“Don’t fucking touch her.” The Savior chuckles, amused by Daryl’s warning as there are collective gasps in the group. Rosita, Michonne and Glenn are kneeling beside Daryl; Glenn calling for Maggie before he’s shoved to the ground like the rest.

“All right.” Simon exclaims in a sadistic sense of showmanship. “We got a full boat. Let’s meet the man.” He knocks on the RV door. The group is staring at the door in anticipation of what lies behind it, except for you and Daryl, you’re looking at each other and he’s shaking his head at you. A silent gesture of telling you not to do anything, to be safe and stay quiet. It’s easier said than done as he sways in his seat, surely, due to blood loss. The RV door opens catching your attention once more, a man in a leather jacket wielding a barbed-wire baseball bat steps out with a smile on his greying face.

“Pissin’ our pants yet?” His rough voice questions with the same satisfied smile on his face. He enjoys the dominance and fear, that’s evident by his self-assured posture. “Boy, do I have a feeling we’re gettin’ close.” He’s walking toward the group now and Rick’s watching him with rage in his eyes. “It’s gonna be pee-pee pants city here, real soon.” He scans the group before continuing. “Which one of you pricks is the leader?”

“It’s this one.” Simon states, pointing directly at Rick. “He’s the guy.”

“Hi.” He smiles down at Rick, speaking to him as if it were just a normal chat. “You’re Rick, right? I’m Negan. And I do not appreciate you killing my men. Also, when I sent my people to kill your people for killing my people, you killed more of my people. Not cool.” Negan shakes his head before continuing. “Not cool. You have no idea how not cool that shit is. But I think you’re gonna be up to speed shortly.” He lowers his voice. “Yeah. You are so gonna regret crossing me in a few minutes. Yes, you are.” There it is, that smile again. He’s enjoying this too much for any sane person. “You see, Rick, no matter what you do, no matter what, you don’t mess with the new world order. And the new world order is this, and it’s really very simple. So, even if you’re stupid, which you very may well be, you can understand it. You ready? Here goes. Pay attention.” Rick flinches as Negan hovers his bat near Rick’s face, speaking lowly. “Give me your shit or I will kill you. Today was career day.” He’s pacing as he continues his speech and you glance at Daryl to see him watching you. “We invested a lot so you would know who I am and what I can do. You work for me now. You have shit, you give it to me. That’s your job. Now, I know that is a mighty big, nasty pill to swallow, but swallow it you most certainly will. You ruled the roost. You built something. You thought you were safe. I get it. But the word is out. You are not safe. Not even close. In fact, you are pegged, more pegged if you don’t do what I want. And what I want is half your shit. And if that’s too much, you can make, find, or steal more, and it’ll even out sooner or later.” Everyone’s sharing worried glances, watching Rick’s reaction for some kind of indication of whether you were going to fight through or give in.

“This is your way of life now.” Negan holds his arms out, gesturing to the entire crowd surrounding you. “The more you fight back, the harder it will be. So, if someone knocks on your door, you let us in. We own that door. You try to stop us and we will knock it down. You understand?” He’s waiting for Rick to answer and receives no response. He places his hand near his ear and leans toward Rick. “What, no answer? You don’t really think that you were gonna get through this without being punished now, did you? I don’t want to kill you people. Just want to make that clear from the get-go. I want you to work for me. You can’t do that if you’re dead, now, can you? I am not growing a garden. But you killed my people, a whole damn lot of them. More than I am comfortable with and for that, for that you’re gonna pay.” He looks at Daryl, something in you becomes cold and you grow rigid as you straighten your posture. “So now, I’m gonna beat the holy hell outta one of you.” He stares at Rick, swinging his bat around. “This, this is Lucille, and she is awesome. All this, all this is just so we can pick out which one of you gets the honor.” Negan is walking in front of the group, sizing everyone up. He stops in front of Abraham, who sits up straight and glares up at him, refusing to back down. “Huh. Ugh, I gotta shave this shit.” He states rubbing his face as he looks down at Abraham.

“You got one of our guns.” Negan’s pointing down at Carl, the teenager looking up at him without fear. “Woah. Yeah, you got a lot of our guns.” He crouches down to meet Carl’s height and continues. “Shit, kid, lighten up. At least cry a little.”

This showmanship of authority is just a pissing match; a game derived from a sadistic mind to rule by intimidation and fear. He manipulates the leader, demotion to a mere henchman, and rules the followers with an iron fist of punishment. Negan’s arrogance radiates in a sickening grin as he kneels level with Maggie’s sweat gleaming face and, as the words tumble from his mouth, that gesture is the beginning of the end. Glenn screams; the sound instantly angering the sadist as he scowls and instructs Dwight to drag him back into the lineup.

Negan’s rough voice sings ‘Eeny Meeny Miny Moe’ as he uses his barbedwire bat to point at each member; your stomach sinks as he stares down at Daryl, smiling at him before continuing. Daryl’s glacial blue eyes were focused on you; he’d always thought you were the most beautiful person he’d ever seen. He was smitten with you the moment he met you and his feelings had only intensified with time. He’s never loved anyone before; not like this, not like you. He felt like this game was just for show and that surely, he’d be the person to be bludgeoned to death because he’d killed too many of Negan’s men.

“It.”Daryl’s heart stops beating, the sight of Negan’s weapon staring down at you made his veins run cold. The tears in your eyes aren’t for yourself, but rather for the man you’d fallen in love with. He used to be so closed off and unable to trust; this would break him. You were positive of this fact and yes you were frightened but not for death. Frightened by the thought that he’d revert back to his old self, become reckless and die because he’d refuse to go on without you. Daryl tries to lunge for you but he’s held back by Dwight’s unyielding grip on his wounded shoulder. He doesn’t even feel the pain as Dwight squeezes; he knows that you’re with Daryl. He’s aware that Daryl loves you, and as much as he’d like to see Daryl dead, he also knows how Negan works. Negan won’t kill Daryl, he’ll just use the outburst as an excuse to kill someone else and make Daryl suffer. This, this was better in Dwight’s eyes; making him watch as his love died.

“I love you.” The phrase was rushed; you knew you were on borrowed time and as the tears welled in your eyes, vision blurred, you were thankful that he’d at least be the last sight you’d see. It broke your heart to see him so upset. He’s sobbing, tear stains on his dirt smudged cheeks as his bottom lip quivers and he’s clutching the dirt. He’s murmuring something but you don’t catch it before a crack echoes in your ears and screams begin to overwhelm the hearing you have remaining. Daryl’s screams fall upon deaf ears as the life leaves you; the group is distraught not only by the loss but by Daryl’s heartbreak. No one had seen him this emotional before and the sight was tragic.

Daryl vowed to himself, to you, in that moment that he’d make sure Negan paid for this. He’d kill Negan himself. He wouldn’t eat or sleep until he made sure to brutalize him the way he’s so wrongfully doing to you. Negan was living on borrowed time.

#The Walking Dead #the walking dead imagines #the walking dead imagine #daryl dixon #daryl dixon fanfiction #daryl dixon x reader #daryl x reader

96 notes · View notes

easyfoodnetwork · 5 years ago

Text

Why Farmworkers Are Especially at Risk for COVID-19

Farm laborers from Fresh Harvest in a field in Greenfield, California | Brent Stirton/Getty Images

As hundreds of farmworkers test positive for coronavirus, many remain unprotected

This story was originally published on Civil Eats.

At the end of April, 71 fruit-tree workers at a large orchard in central Washington state were tested for COVID-19. None showed any symptoms of the novel coronavirus, except for four with a mild cough. But more than half tested positive, and the farm turned out to be one of the first confirmed clusters of the virus among agricultural workers.

The laborers were mostly guest workers from Mexico who were brought to the state under the H-2A visa program. They are believed to have caught the virus in the U.S., despite the fact that their employer, Stemilt Ag Services, one of the state’s largest ag labor employers, had from the start implemented extensive safety measures to minimize their risks.

While farmworkers are at risk for COVID-19 due to their living and working conditions, until recently relatively few have tested positive for the virus. To health officials and labor advocates, the Stemilt case signaled that the virus may be more widespread in the agricultural industry than is being reported. It also showed that the guidelines for preventing coronavirus spread in agriculture — most of them voluntary measures — are likely insufficient.

“Stemilt has actively implemented social distancing, symptom monitoring, and other recommended COVID control measures at its work and housing sites,” Chelan-Douglas Health District administrator Barry Kling said in a statement. “What these test results tell us is that asymptomatic cases are so common that these measures are not sufficient in these settings even when implemented well.”

The company told Civil Eats that after the outbreak it has continued to adopt all recommendations from federal and state agencies and has intensified its sanitation and social distancing measures.

But Edgar Franks, political director with Familias Unidas Por La Justicia, a farmworker union in Washington state, says most agricultural employers are not nearly as scrupulous and many aren’t taking the necessary precautions.

“I haven’t seen much enforcement of existing guidelines in the fields,” said Franks. “No social distancing, no giving out masks, too little spacing between rows and trees, and everyone huddling close together during crew meetings.”

Labor advocates warn that the virus could severely impact agriculture as tens of thousands of workers across the country take to the fields when harvest season begins this summer. And while no one is counting exactly how many farmworkers have contracted the virus, in recent weeks, several COVID-19 hotspots have come to light, revealing how the agricultural system could expose workers’ lives to the disease.

“I haven’t seen much enforcement of existing guidelines in the fields. No social distancing, no giving out masks.”

Despite Hundreds of Positive Tests, Real Impact is Unknown

Farmworkers have been designated “essential workers” by the Department of Homeland Security and they continue to report to work. And while working outside puts them at less risk than if they were in a meat packing facility, labor advocates say these workers are very vulnerable to the virus because they often work in close proximity, live in cramped, communal housing conditions, and commute to the fields in crowded vans and buses. Many also have pre-existing conditions and some have no sick leave or health insurance.

In Washington’s Yakima Valley, a major agricultural region and one of the rare localities where the public health district publicly tracks farmworker COVID-19 cases, at least 240 people who work in the food and agriculture industries have tested positive for coronavirus. With more than 1,600 confirmed cases and nearly 60 deaths, the county has the highest COVID-19 rate of all West Coast counties. While people in long-term care facilities account for about a third of the county’s cases, health experts say the large agricultural workforce is the main driver.

To stem the tide of infections, the Yakima Health District and industry groups have created a technical assistance team to work with ag employers. The team will visit worksites, observe prevention measures, and provide recommendations for improvement. The district is also working with local care providers to increase testing capacity in case there’s an outbreak at a guestworker housing camp.

Oregon’s Marion County, which is in the heart of the agriculturally rich Willamette Valley, also has the highest COVID-19 infection rate in the state. And while the county doesn’t release data about the employment of people testing positive, the two towns with the highest infection rates — Woodburn and Gervais — are also at the center of the state’s farmworker population.

In the San Joaquin Valley, one of the nation’s largest agricultural production areas, a rise in positive coronavirus cases in rural towns has led Congressional leaders to urge the National Institute of Health and Governor Gavin Newsom to prioritize COVID-19 testing for farmworkers and others in the food industry.

And in Monterey County, known as America’s Salad Bowl, health officials have reported that dozens of farmworkers have been infected. Ag workers compromise 35 percent of the county’s cases, Karen Smith, a spokesperson for the county health department, told Civil Eats. Last week, it received 750,000 masks from the state specifically for these workers. It also has added two new community testing sites.

But the outbreaks haven’t been contained to the West Coast. In upstate New York, 169 of 340 workers at Green Empire Farms, a giant greenhouse that grows strawberries, tomatoes, and cucumbers, tested positive for the virus earlier this week. Although two were hospitalized, the vast majority of the workers, most of whom are guest workers from Mexico, Haiti, and other countries were asymptomatic, health officials told Civil Eats.

The outbreak occurred despite the fact that Mastronardi Produce, the Canadian company that owns the greenhouse, had instituted a string of protective measures, including mandatory face coverings, social distancing, and sanitizing. Most of the workers, who live in hotels multiple workers to a room, are being quarantined there, said Samantha Field, Madison County Health Department spokesperson.

In New Jersey, 59 migrant workers at an unidentified farm in Salem County tested positive for the virus. Thousands of foreign guest workers arrive to the area every year for spring and summer harvest. In response, a local health center has launched testing of farmworkers in tents at various farms and in mobile testing vans; local health officials said they are planning more tests.

And in North Carolina, farmworkers at several strawberry farms also tested positive, including eight at Rudd Farm, which had mandated the use of gloves and masks for farmworkers and implemented a drive-thru service for customers. The farm, which had temporarily closed at the end of April, is back in business.

Labor advocates say it’s likely that this list of known cases is only the tip of the iceberg. Many workers don’t report feeling ill because they can’t afford to miss two or more weeks of work, said Marley Monacello, a spokeswoman for the Florida-based Coalition of Immokalee Workers. The organization knows of one Immokalee farmworker with COVID-19 who is in the hospital on a ventilator, but “we don’t have a long list of workers who have tested positive,” Monacello said. “Up until last week, the threshold for getting a test was very high.”

The group has been pushing for more testing and the state finally opened a new testing site in Immokalee last week, Monacello said. She said the hope is that farmworkers who test positive will receive the care and economic support they need.

“They’re feeding all of us and they deserve so much better,” Monacello said.

Brent Stirton/Getty Images

Farm laborers in masks their hands before work on April 28, 2020 in Greenfield, California

States Respond, But Guidelines Not Enough

Since the start of the pandemic, advocates have been putting pressure on local, state, and federal officials to find ways to protect farmworkers.

In Oregon, the response has involved a temporary rule that requires ag employers to identify a social distancing and sanitation officer to ensure at least six feet of separation during work activities, breaks, and meal periods, as well as in employer housing. Companies have also been required to increase the availability of toilet and washing stations, and bunk beds — long a common feature of farmworkers housing — have been prohibited. The rule, which will be implemented on June 1, also requires that workers and drivers wear facial coverings and sit at least three feet apart in employer-provided vehicles.

And in California, Governor Newsom issued an executive order that requires those who employ more than 500 food sector workers to provide up to 80 hours of paid sick leave to workers affected by COVID-19.

The order is a significant win for farmworkers, said Armando Elenes, the secretary-treasurer with the United Farm Workers (UFW), because California’s agricultural operations tend to employ thousands of workers.

“Now we need to make sure the law is real, that it’s enforced,” Elenes said. “And that workers know about it. If the workers don’t ask for the leave, the employers won’t volunteer it.”

Despite these wins, most ag states and localities have only issued recommendations on preventing the virus from spreading among farmworkers — and some haven’t even gone that far. Voluntary guidelines have come from Cal-OSHA, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Monterey County on California’s Central Coast, and Washington state, among others.

Labor advocates say such guidelines are not enough to protect workers. Some workers have gone on strike asking for more safety measures, including most recently at Allan Brothers Fruit, a Washington state packing house.

Lawsuit Seeks Emergency Rules on Transportation, Work Conditions

In mid-April, two farmworker unions — the UFW and Familias Unidas por la Justicia — sued the state of Washington for mandatory, stringent, and enforceable rules.

“Lack of enforceable rules regarding social distancing, protective face masks, access to soap and water, and to environmental cleaning allows conditions to continue in which the virus can spread easily and quickly” and “imperil the lives” of workers, reads the complaint.

As a state with a number of large agri-businesses producing labor-intensive crops such as apples and cherries, Washington brings in the most foreign guest workers. Through the end of March, more than 11,000 guest workers were sent to the state and another 15,000 or more will likely make their way to the state for harvest in the next few months, according to last year’s data.

Enforceable regulations are crucial during the pandemic, said Andrea Schmitt, an attorney with Columbia Legal Services who represents the unions, because many farmworkers don’t know the legal system. “The only way they know their rights is if the rules are crystal clear and specific,” she told the judge at a hearing last Friday.

Farmers have a vested interest in protecting workers, said Sarah Wixson, an attorney who represents several grower organizations who intervened in the lawsuit.

“There’s a farm labor shortage,” said Wixson. “No farmer wants their farmworkers to get sick and not be able to perform their jobs.”

“The only way they know their rights is if the rules are crystal clear and specific.”

A week after the lawsuit was filed, Washington’s Department of Health and the Department of Labor & Industries released a draft of emergency rules on farmworker housing that will be finalized in the coming days. They included cleaning and distancing plans and procedures for educating workers as well as identifying and isolating those who get sick.

But labor advocates said it makes no sense to improve housing while workers are still traveling and working in close proximity. So, the lawsuit asks the state to adopt emergency rules in those two additional areas.

Washington officials had indicated they were not planning such rule making. And Tim Church, a spokesman with the Department of Labor & Industries, declined to say whether the state would adopt additional emergency rules. But on May 1, a judge said he wanted to see the state make progress on transportation and work site rules by May 14. If not, he said he will consider issuing an injunction to force such rules.

Stemilt Case Provides Insight Into COVID Impacts

Worker advocates say time is of the essence when it comes to saving farmworkers lives and they point to the Stemilt case as a sign that more needs to be done to track the disease.

Stemilt Ag Services is an orchard management subsidiary of Stemilt Growers, one of the nation’s largest fruit producers. Every year, the company hires approximately 2,000 workers to work in its approximately 9,000 acres of apple, pear, cherry, and stone fruit orchards, and the majority are brought in as H-2A workers.

In early March, court documents show, the company adopted the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and separated the workers into several distinct crews that work, commute to work, and live in isolation together.

At that time, one of Stemilt’s domestic farmworkers tested positive for COVID-19; he and his five fellow crew members were asked to self-isolate at home for two weeks. A month later, six guest workers at one of the housing camps exhibited symptoms and all tested positive. In total, court records show, 53 guest workers tested positive while one domestic worker did.

The isolated workers didn’t exhibit major symptoms, none required hospitalization, and only one lost his sense of smell and taste. All of the workers are now out of isolation and back to work, the company’s spokesman Roger Pepperl told Civil Eats, and Stemilt currently has zero positive cases. In response to the outbreak, the company says it’s cleaning its housing more rigorously, has increased communication with workers about preventive measures, and continues to work on all aspects of social distancing. “We do have to remember that it is a 24-hours-a-day issue … not just at work and not just after work,” said Pepperl.

But health officials said those measures, no matter how well executed, may not be enough. Instead, testing farmworkers on a larger scale is what’s needed.

“We need to think differently,” said Kling, the Chelan-Douglas Health District administrator. “We also need to greatly increase testing of workers so that isolation and quarantine can be used when needed, and uninfected workers can continue to work.”

With Voluntary Guidelines, Farmworkers Have No Recourse

Labor advocates hope more testing will eventually protect workers. In the meantime, a ruling in Washington could spur other states to adopt similar mandatory rules to protect farmworkers.

Mandatory regulations could be a game changer for workers, said Nayamin Martinez, director of the Central California Environmental Justice Network. The group organizes workers in the San Joaquin Valley and has been educating them about COVID-19.

Last month, said Martinez, a group of workers in the rural town of Madera was temporarily laid off after they insisted on working 6-feet apart from others in the mandarin orchards. “[The lay-offs] were in retaliation for asking that they be allowed to practice social distancing,” said Martinez. “Their field crew boss told them, ‘If you don’t like it, you can go home. I have others who are ready to work.’”

Martinez said she filed a complaint with the Fresno office of Cal-OSHA because the workers were too scared to do it, fearing they would lose their jobs. Although Martinez provided the agency with the address of the field where the crew was working, the agency declined to investigate. Cal-OSHA’s Fresno office did not immediately respond to an inquiry from Civil Eats.

“People are scared. Next time, they won’t report anything, since no one is enforcing the rules,” said Martinez. “And we’re talking about a disease that puts people’s lives at risk.”

• As Hundreds of Farmworkers Test Positive for COVID-19, Many Remain Unprotected [Civil Eats]

from Eater - All https://ift.tt/2yVFk7S https://ift.tt/3cyMPQy

Farm laborers from Fresh Harvest in a field in Greenfield, California | Brent Stirton/Getty Images

As hundreds of farmworkers test positive for coronavirus, many remain unprotected

This story was originally published on Civil Eats.

The company told Civil Eats that after the outbreak it has continued to adopt all recommendations from federal and state agencies and has intensified its sanitation and social distancing measures.

“I haven’t seen much enforcement of existing guidelines in the fields. No social distancing, no giving out masks.”

Despite Hundreds of Positive Tests, Real Impact is Unknown

“They’re feeding all of us and they deserve so much better,” Monacello said.

Brent Stirton/Getty Images

Farm laborers in masks their hands before work on April 28, 2020 in Greenfield, California

States Respond, But Guidelines Not Enough

Since the start of the pandemic, advocates have been putting pressure on local, state, and federal officials to find ways to protect farmworkers.

“Now we need to make sure the law is real, that it’s enforced,” Elenes said. “And that workers know about it. If the workers don’t ask for the leave, the employers won’t volunteer it.”

Lawsuit Seeks Emergency Rules on Transportation, Work Conditions

In mid-April, two farmworker unions — the UFW and Familias Unidas por la Justicia — sued the state of Washington for mandatory, stringent, and enforceable rules.

Farmers have a vested interest in protecting workers, said Sarah Wixson, an attorney who represents several grower organizations who intervened in the lawsuit.

“There’s a farm labor shortage,” said Wixson. “No farmer wants their farmworkers to get sick and not be able to perform their jobs.”

“The only way they know their rights is if the rules are crystal clear and specific.”

Stemilt Case Provides Insight Into COVID Impacts

Worker advocates say time is of the essence when it comes to saving farmworkers lives and they point to the Stemilt case as a sign that more needs to be done to track the disease.

But health officials said those measures, no matter how well executed, may not be enough. Instead, testing farmworkers on a larger scale is what’s needed.

With Voluntary Guidelines, Farmworkers Have No Recourse

Labor advocates hope more testing will eventually protect workers. In the meantime, a ruling in Washington could spur other states to adopt similar mandatory rules to protect farmworkers.

“People are scared. Next time, they won’t report anything, since no one is enforcing the rules,” said Martinez. “And we’re talking about a disease that puts people’s lives at risk.”

• As Hundreds of Farmworkers Test Positive for COVID-19, Many Remain Unprotected [Civil Eats]

from Eater - All https://ift.tt/2yVFk7S via Blogger https://ift.tt/2WVd90H

#Blogger #cooking #Eater #food #recipes

0 notes

peggydugginsmuso-blog · 6 years ago

Text

10 Most Anticipated Hip-Hop Albums of 2019

While all types of music share the beautiful ability to bridge the gaps between people, let's not fool ourselves and act like the music industry works the same across the board.

For instance, while most of the bands and pop stars who made waves in 2018 will now venture out on exhaustive tours, go on hiatus, or do anything for two or three years except consider putting out another album, many of the same names in hip-hop and R&B who commanded headlines, turned heads, and dropped dope records, collabs, and singles last year will be back in 2019. And as long as everyone is on their meds (seriously, take care of yourselves), we're 100% down with that.

In 2019, greats will get a chance to re-establish their greatness, underground talents will attempt to conquer the mainstream, and unique artists will continue to push hip-hop in new and thrilling places. Call it a repeat. Call it a rerun if you want, but it's the best show on in 2019, and we ain't flippin' the channel.

–Matt Melis Editorial Director

__________________________________________________________

Cardi B – TBD

Cardi B in “Money” music video

Why We're Excited: If Kendrick Lamar quietly proved in 2018 that he's still the king, Cardi B struck a royal balance by ascending to her queenly throne with as much pomp and fanfare as possible. Cardi took over Coachella, stole the show on SNL with her classy baby bump reveal, sent an album's worth of singles straight up the charts, and finally answered Austin Powers' longstanding question: “Really, who throws a shoe?” Let's face it: since “Bodak Yellow” hit the charts in mid-2017, Cardi B has run the rap game like cardio. Now, fresh off the presses (or day-old at worst), Cardi B has announced that her Invasion of Privacy follow-up will creep into fans' hands in 2019. While most new mothers and reigning hip-hop royalty might consider stepping out of the spotlight for a time, Cardi has proven she's got the swagger, flow, and “okuuuuuurts” to not wear out her welcome anytime soon. –Matt Melis

Sample:

youtube

_________________________________________________________

Childish Gambino – TBD

Childish Gambino, photo by Ben Kaye

Why We're Excited: Now that he's no longer making the Kessel Run alongside Han Solo, or nursing a broken foot, Donald Glover should have little to no distractions when it comes to music for 2019. Of course, we say that as if he didn't deliver one of the best songs last year in “This is America”, even while juggling the aforementioned projects, so can you imagine what he'll do with even more time? Something substantial, no doubt, and the stars are beginning to align. Already, Glover's booked to headline Coachella, which has become the de facto billboard to promote a new album, and he even has appropriate material for the time of year with “Feels Like Summer” and “Summertime Magic”. Couple all of this with his forthcoming appearance in Jon Favreau's The Lion King and we're looking at a Summer of Gambino. Hopefully, it's not his last. –Michael Roffman

youtube

__________________________________________________________

EarthGang – Mirrorland

EarthGang

Why We're Excited: “Don't believe the hype” might be one of hip-hop's Ten Commandments, but sometimes we just can't help ourselves. Everything about EARTHGANG - the oddball hip-hop duo from Atlanta featuring Johnny Venus and Doctur Dot - suggests that they've got plenty to back up any buzz they're getting. Hell, it's why we made them our Artist of the Month last February. In 2018, not only did the pair brilliantly cap off their Rags, Robots, and Royalty EP trilogy, but they also dropped the first single from the upcoming Mirrorland, a freaky slow jam called “Stuck” that teases how these wonderful weirdos might just manage to squeeze into our solar system in 2019. –Matt Melis

Sample:

youtube

__________________________________________________________

Run the Jewels – RTJ4

Run the Jewels, photo by Philip Cosores

Why We're Excited: One of the only positives of last year's Venom - other than seeing Tom Hardy trump a garbage movie - was hearing new music by Run the Jewels. After all, it's been two years since the surprise Christmas release of RTJ3, and so much has changed in the interim, which makes their forthcoming sequel all the more exciting. “I've been collecting beats and we're just going to kind of try and make the grimiest, rawest record we possibly can,” El-P told Beats 1 in October. Though, as Killer Mike countered, “We always really were just about making nasty rap records, man,” contending, “We never were the type of people who were looking to make records that were addressing specific political situations. If it happens, it happens, and it does on occasion, but we're not Public Enemy. What we're trying to do is be two guys in a friendship from different places having the time of their lives and making something that everybody can make the scrunchy face to when they hear.” Hey, that works, too. –Michael Roffman

Sample:

youtube

__________________________________________________________

ScHoolboy Q – TBD

Schoolboy Q // Photo by Philip Cosores

Why We're Excited: Everyone needs time to grieve, even Schoolboy Q. If you recall, the Compton rapper had intended to release the follow-up to 2016's Blank Face LP by the end of 2018. However, those plans changed when he announced to his fans at Chicago's House of Vans back in September that he would delay the album following the tragic death of his friend and collaborator, Mac Miller. “I'ma go back, and I'ma figure out when I'ma put this fucking album out, because y'all are going to get this album,” he insisted. “I promise that. I'm just not ready to walk into the radio station and the first thing they ask me is 'So Mac Miller…' I'm not ready to deal with those questions. I'm not ready to put nothing out right now. I'm sorry.” Considering the album was reportedly “90%-95%” completed back in August, it really comes down to when he's ready to let it go. –Michael Roffman

__________________________________________________________

SABA, Noname, and Smino – TBD

SABA, Noname, and Smino, photo by SABA

Why We're Excited: The only intelligent response is, why wouldn't we be excited? For our money, Chicago emcees SABA and Noname dropped two of the best hip-hop albums of 2018, Care for Me and Room 25, respectively, and Smino wasn't far behind them with eclectic singles “L.M.F.” and “KLINK” off his accomplished second full-length. Now, mix SABA's storytelling with Noname's jazzy flow and Smino's wildcard flavor, and you have a trio that have the chance to change what the future of hip-hop sounds like. If that doesn't excite you, nothing will. –Matt Melis

__________________________________________________________

Solange – TBD

Solange, photo by Philip Cosores

Why We're Excited: Sibling rivalries don't make much sense as you get older, especially when you count Queen Bey herself as Big Sis. But if there is one kid sister out there who could hold her own in the type of world where music critics just can't help comparing siblings, it would be Solange. Her 2016 album, A Seat at the Table, earned her just that, especially the utterly gorgeous and relatable single “Cranes in the Sky”. Solange made her believers wait eight years for that full-length. And, quite frankly, after a record as unique and promising as A Seat at the Table, we couldn't wait that long again. Luckily, we don't have to. –Matt Melis

__________________________________________________________

SZA – TBD

SZA, photo by Natalie Somekh

Why We're Excited: By the time Spring hits, SZA may have both a Golden Globe and an Oscar sitting on her shelf, that is if either the Hollywood Foreign Press or the Academy deem “All the Stars” worthy for Best Original Song. (They have competition.) Still, that shouldn't stop her from maintaining her day job afloat, and while there's been no official announcement, the singer has been teasing her highly anticipated followup to 2017's CTRL. In September, she responded to one disbelieving fan by tweeting, “…A's already done,” casually confirming a possible title. In October, she spoke at length to New York's 105.1's Powerhouse, saying: “I want it to be 100 percent honest to whoever I am in this moment because that is the only way it will work. But I just personally think now it's just about getting to the root of who I am. But faster, clearer, more concisely. Like just learning the understanding of self.” And, just last month, she teased clips in a since-deleted Instagram post. Simply put, something's coming. –Michael Roffman

__________________________________________________________

The Weeknd – Chapter 6

The Weeknd, photo by Natalie Somekh

Why We're Excited: Last year was a slow season for Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weeknd. After popping up on Black Panther: The Album in February and dropping his My Dear Melancholy EP in March - both of which warranted him two Platinum-certified, Billboard-charting singles in “Pray for Me” with Kendrick Lamar; and “Call Out My Name” - the award-winning crooner kept things relatively low key with minimal buzz. In November, however, Tesfaye told his fans at a Toronto gig, “I haven't been this inspired in years and I want you guys to be the first to know I'm working on my new album right now.” So far, we know very little with regards to features and its sound, but we do know that it's titled Chapter 6 and that it won't be another EP. As he later teased on Twitter, “some chapters are smaller than others. not this next one though…” Ooh, cryptic! –Michael Roffman

__________________________________________________________

Kanye West – Yandhi

Kanye West, photo by Joshua Mellin

Why We're Excited: It's hard to believe that in a year when Kanye West produced five albums - two of which he starred on and all but one he appeared on - in just under a month that our focus would be on everything but his music. But Kanye tweeting at odd hours and wandering, sadly and quite literally, in front of television cameras speaking incoherently like a person off his meds stole the show. He's since done some public relations tidying up, and we can only hope that the artist capable of helming an album like DAYTONA and delivering a song like “Ghost Town” will leave the little, red hat and superhero cape at home and go back to being an undeniable “genius” in the recording studio. –Matt Melis

0 notes

ventingblacklist · 8 years ago

Text

3x12 The Vehm

“I know you want to believe that our work is done, but it’s not. The addition of a child will make that infinitely more difficult.”

Of all the ways people have died on this show, molten lead poured down your throat seems the most horrifying to me for some reason. Maybe it’s the medieval setting.

According to google, a broken rib takes one to two months to heal. But this is television. There’s still some faint bruising on her face.

Liz makes out her pro/con list.

You have friends. You have the most awesome friends in the history of friends. Okay, they’re co-workers. But still.

And whatever happened to Aunt June?

Oh, look. It’s super domestic Tom. Who thoughtfully remembers that Liz hates pancakes.

They play with whether or not Tom already knows in this scene. “You shouldn’t be lifting things.” Syke! That was only about her ribs. Haha, fooled you. “If you don’t want to do it for us, then do it for our kid.” Ha! That was only about the dog! Fooled you again!

eesh.

Tom has probably been helping out while she’s been laid up. And now he announces that he’s got a job teaching history in Boston. And apparently they’re moving there. Wow. Thanks for letting her know before you backed up the moving van. Good thing she hasn’t fully unpacked yet.

“What happened to you was terrifying. Okay? It was like a giant flashing sign from God that you need to start over somewhere else.”

Tom in 1x10 -

“In what world is any of this okay? The fact that you don’t see that, that this is somehow normal to you... A man told me that he was gonna kill you....I need us together and safe. I meant what I said earlier. We need to leave this place.”

I know we’re all supposed to believe now that Tom was super in love with her the whole time (even though that’s been contradicted by a million other things in the show), but pardon me as I watch Tom say a lot of the same things he said in season one when he was lying about everything and am skeptical as to how real he is now.

Tom is being all super boyfriend. Liz is ... not exactly embracing it? Not throwing it away, but not taking it all in either. She’s clearly got baby on the brain. She rushes off to work and after she leaves, Tom sees the list.

Meanwhile, at the post office...

Red: We boring you, Donald? Ressler: Where’s Keen? You wouldn’t be here without her if she was okay. Red: She’s recovering nicely. Cooper: That’s a relief. Red: I’m sure it is. You confiscated her firearm.

Ha. So would Red have held Cooper responsible if Liz hadn’t survived? Sounds like it. Or maybe it’s merely about Cooper’s personal guilt.

Also, Ressler being all distracted thinking about Liz. And then being dense again about the gun thing.

Ressler: Oh, so you think a convicted felon should be allowed to carry guns. Red. All the ones I know do.

Liz bursts in. Thanks everyone for the cards and flowers and trashy novels. Red says she should be recuperating. Liz says she’s good to go and asks about the case. I think Red is happy about this. Perhaps a tad impressed that she’s ready to jump right back in.

That’s my girl.

They talk about the case, and Liz gets closer. She looks a little worse for wear. I tried to capture it, but she won’t stand still long enough.

“You should be resting.”

Liz ignores this and continues eagerly getting into the case. I think Red can tell she’s using work to escape her personal problems. She goes to her office.

Cooper: I’ve got agents working double time to find the perps who attacked her. Red: That won’t be necessary.

Yeah, he’s already found him.

Red goes to her office. First thing he does is give her a gun. She takes it.

“I’m pregnant.”

It warms the cockles of my cold, cold heart that she told him first.

“Yes. I’ve known for some time.”

Him knowing already seems to unsettle her for a moment. How does this dude know freaking everything?

“Your body, your skin, a look in your eyes, different tastes for different foods, nausea, distracted, moody.”

She settles down after that and launches into how, deep down, she knew, but was terrified of facing it.

She says she bought a pregnancy test three weeks before and threw it out before she took it. So the parking lot thing couldn’t have happened longer than three weeks ago.

Red: I assume Tom is the father. Liz: I haven’t told him. Uh. He’s still figuring his life out. There’s a job in Boston.

Liz isn’t so sure about playing happy families with Tom, isn’t sure Tom would even want to, but Red is lost in the fear of her walking away to live that normal life he knows she wants, so he doesn’t seem to catch that. Pretty sure he already knows about the job in Boston.

“I know you want to believe that our work is done, but it’s not. The addition of a child will make that infinitely more difficult.”

Yeah, she’s freaking out, dude. That was kinda the wrong thing to say. She was looking for more of the kind of talk that comes later. But when he finally gets to it later, she’s pissed at him for sabotaging Tom’s job.

Clearly he’s been thinking about all this for awhile. Anticipating it. Trying to plan for the reality of it. “Infinitely more difficult.” He should know. He’s been protecting just such a child for thirty plus years now.

He leaves.

Man, he’s just full of good news lately. ‘People are still coming for you. And the kid won’t make things any easier.’ I mean, it’s true. But the truth sucks.

In light of all this, Lizzy, the one thing you cannot do is leave.

So what does Lizzy do? Lizzy leaves.

Charlene sends Cooper flowers at work. Is that a good way to patch things up with a man? Flowers? No wonder it took so long to get him back.

Samar goes to Cooper’s office. Asks if she and Ressler are partners. Cooper says that Ressler did what was appropriate at the time, but he also regrets it and wrote glowingly in the report about what she brings to the task force. This is news to Samar. It will be news to Ressler too. Samar looks at the flowers and says, “It’s hard to forgive sometimes.” Obviously a double meaning about Cooper’s situation. Cooper’s like, yeah, just go on your mission.

Liz runs into her neighbor. Oh, look. A woman with a baby. And Liz is having a baby. What are the odds?

‘Maybe this won’t be so bad. Maybe we can become friends and bond over babies.’

Zoe: He’s the devil child. He hasn’t slept the night through since, ever. Liz: Well, we can stay up together. I’m expecting a little devil of my own.

Devils all around.

She goes in and there’s Tom sitting there.

“I thought you were going to Boston.” He rescheduled it for tomorrow.

I actually like Tom in this scene. I find it ridiculous that he held onto that photo all this time. Seriously. It’s like, ooc to me. I just don’t buy that any of this is realistic. But setting aside that they’re overselling Tom to the max, this is what she needs to hear right now.

Liz: Before you get too excited...I’m thinking about giving the baby up for adoption.. I’m a felon. People hate me. I’m a pariah. Tom: Here, in DC. That is why we have to move.

....Because people in Boston don’t have television?

Liz: They’re – they’re all fixable, Tom, except for one – Reddington. Tom: We can get away from him.

Liz: His life, my life, is so filled with violence and anger and hatred and death. How can I bring a child into that world? My world.

Honestly? I think Liz’s instincts on this are correct. I get Reddington not wanting her to regret giving up her child. But they could figure something out. Not with a regular adoption agency though. For Pete’s sake. Talk about traceable.

Reddington just told her that people would be coming for her. She apparently doesn’t believe him? She seems to think he’s the problem.

I liked the end where Tom was annoyingly positive. Mark it on your calendar, Keen2 fans. I liked Tom. It’s a banner twenty seconds. And it’s about all he’s gonna get. Meanwhile, Red’s about to kill the dude who attacked her. I love how they had to make sure to get a side table for Red’s hat.

“I’m a violent man. I’ve taken on a life that requires it. I hurt people. I kill people. And each time I do, in that moment, another part of me dies along with them. “When I was young, I romanticized the life of an outlaw. Bad guys.”

“That was a long time ago.”

Red’s monologue is interrupted by Liz calling about the case.

“You just won’t rest, will you?”

“I’m pregnant, not sick. Besides, you’re the one who said there’s a fight coming that can’t be avoided.”

Pretty sure Red’s concern is about you still being bruised up.

So she does believe him about the coming war? Maybe?

Liz briefs him that the victims of the Vehm are pedophiles. Red says that his associate was not. Liz gives him the idea to look at his associate’s actual dark side for clues on who’s pulling the Vehm’s strings. Red hangs up and wraps things up with attacker man.

Red: You attacked a pregnant woman, broke three of her ribs, battered her so badly she was left lying unconscious in a grocery-store parking lot.

And now he’s dead.

Red says they need to find Gerald Sullivan. A white-collar-crime money launderer who Red suspects has been clearing out his competition.

He and Dembe find Gerald and Brenda in the woods. On the run. Gerald says he’s just trying to avoid being a target himself. Gerald knows who’s behind the attacks. Red gets him to talk, but not before taking a detour to crazy town.

I’ve seen some say that Red is drunk here. But, idk. He was drinking wine by the fire. But he doesn’t seem super drunk to me. He might be slightly. He seemed more drunk when recounting the story in Ruslan Denisov about the vaseline.

Red: A song, Gerald. I so wanted to be a scout, tying knots, the Pinewood Derby, and the campfire songs. Oh, those songs. I keep trying to explain to Dembe, but I’m no singer. Just one song!

‘White people.’

“Okay, then. Just the name.”

Liz gets the name from one of the Vehm dudes. But Red is there first.

“Stop me if you’ve heard this one. A priest, a eunuch, and a pedophile walk into a bar–”

"You know what my problem with religion is? Man. Like anything that has a potential to be beautiful, man will turn it into something ugly.”

Well, Red seems to agree with one tenant of theology - the fallen nature of man. As he said to Hobbs in 2x18 - “You know my feeling. Humans as a species are untrustworthy creatures. We don’t deserve to live forever.”

This dude has been working with the Vatican Bank.

“At his [the Pope’s] instruction, you helped to root out corruption so that the Vatican Bank would no longer be in the money-laundering business, but to paraphrase Aristotle, corruption abhors a vacuum. So you moved right in.”

“Corruption abhors a vacuum.” Another reason I tend not to think that Red is so naive as to make it his life’s goal to take down hydras for the mere sake of doing so. Others will merely take their place.

Cardinal: The Vehm cleanse the world of God’s mistakes. Their other targets are necessary sacrifices for the good of the holy church. Red: [Laughs] No sin in murder or money laundering, so long as it serves our Father here on Earth. Or you.

Red says he has a proposition for him. Summon the Vehm and Red will hand them another money launderer. In exchange, he’ll make sure that the dear Cardinal goes someplace quiet where the FBI won’t find him.

Boy, how stupid is this Cardinal that he walks into that one?

Liz and Samar show up at the Cardinal’s office after a bit. Red is now sipping on the communion wine.

Red: Ladies! What a pleasant surprise. Especially you, Agent Keen. I didn’t expect to see you in the field. Liz: Well, I am a consultant. I came to consult with Cardinal Richards.

He still calls her “Agent” Keen.

Samar: Are you drinking communion wine? Red: Yes. God, it’s god-awful. If they’d only switch to a good Burgundy, people would be much more devout.

Okay, by now he’s probably drunk. Probably part of why he dozes off waiting for Liz later.

Sidebar on Samar:

Growing up in Iran and working for Mossad, she’s run into her share of religious extremists, on all sides. She appeals to the better angels of the muslim at the black site. She knew Psalm 1:1 by heart in Arioch Cain. Also has had experience with the radicalization of children. We see that in her interaction with the kid in the Kenyon family.

Her own brother. Although I really saw that as more of a patriotic thing on his part than a religious thing. He fought for Iran, saw his parents and his sister as traitors. But I suppose in current Iran, the politicians and the religious extremists are more or less the same.

Here, in the Vehm, she has a beef with the Vehm dude: “He’s a zealot, like my brother. A true believer who twists the gospel to justify murder. I don’t need to know his name to know who he is.”

That phrase just struck me because of what Farook said in 4x9:

“She won’t talk. We’re both the same. Both true believers, willing to die for what we love.”

They better not freaking kill Samar.

End sidebar.

The Cardinal is off to get killed.

Samar figures that the Vehm are the “congregants” Red said that the Cardinal was meeting with. Asks if they know he betrayed them. Red says yes. Liz says they’ll kill him. Liz asks if he killed the Cardinal to expand his own business.

Red: Yes. To raise capital in preparation for war. Samar: What war? Red: Ours.

So war is coming. I’m sure Red would have taken the opportunity to profit regardless, but a little reminder of the coming conflict here. Third warning in the last two episodes to Liz. First Samar is hearing of it though.

Samar talked to Aram earlier and mentioned that it was awkward working with Ressler, but at least he lobbied to get her job back in that status report. And now that they’re back at the post office, she talks to him alone to thank him. But he tells her he didn’t write about her in the status report.

Ressler: I don’t know who told you that, but, uh, I didn’t lobby Cooper to get your job back, because I didn’t believe that you should’ve gotten it back.

Well... he’s honest. Brutally.

Ressler: I mean, look, it’s nothing personal, but with Reddington being such a wild card, the rest of us need to know where we stand. I’m not so sure I know with you. Samar: Okay, well, it’s nothing personal, but you sucked in bed.

Ressler just kind of chuckles at that. He’s being pretty good-natured about her being pissed off.

All sides of this conflict are a little dumb. Ress, dude. She did it to save Liz’s life. Just like you’ve done fifty million things that could lose you your job in order to save Liz’s life.

As I recall, you let Liz go in the first place. And Samar figured it out and said nothing. I know what she did was a bit of a betrayal to you, but it was still for her teammate. She’s loyal to the lives of her team. That’s where she stands.

And girl. This is all about to make you look like a petty kindergartner. You’re better than cheap insults. I get you intellectually understanding that he had the right to do it, but being gutterally being pissed off. But still.

Both of you, go stand in the corner and then come out and say you’re sorry.

Liz talks to Tom on the phone. Asks him how it went. He says the job fell through. He already had it. But Reddington.

Tom: It doesn’t matter. I’ll figure something else out. Liz: Which he’ll find out about and then sabotage, especially if it means me going away. I know you think I’m overreacting, – but I just...want to know my kid is protected. Tom: He or she will be, Liz, by me. By us.

Yeah, good luck with that.

Tom: Look, I have something else lined up, all right? It’s just gonna take me some time to get it going. I do have some say in whether or not we put our child up for adoption. If what I’m gonna try falls through, if Reddington interferes, then maybe you’re right. Maybe I’ll be okay with it, but I’m not right now.

So to Liz, this is another sign that she has to give the kid up for adoption.

“If Reddington interferes...” You’ll be thankful for his interference in a little while, buddy.

She’s pissed.

I just..I struggle to think what it is that makes these two idiots think that Boston is any safer than D.C. Is there some magical force field that surrounds Boston?

She acts like Red being controlling is more of a threat to her child than whoever’s coming. Like Red being over-protective is more of a deciding factor in giving the kid up for adoption than her mother’s potentially blood-thirsty enemies.

At the same time, I understand her being pissed at the interference and feeling like she has no control over her own life. And I’m not sure why Red can’t protect her in Boston. Unless her moving to Boston would mean her leaving the FBI and he can’t juggle dropping in on the task force in D.C. and her... idk. Weirdness abounds in 3b.

Tom: I wish you didn’t have to go home to that empty apartment. Liz: I don’t know. I’m kind of into empty. I get to take my time. Fill it with what I want. Make it my own. A new start.

And then she goes home to find that Red has already started filling it with a couch.

Sometimes I get the sense that part of Liz’s deal with Tom is that he’s one thing that she knows Reddington doesn’t control. It’s an act of defiance just being with him.

She gets her hair done and it is... not my favorite hair?

Liz: What are you doing here?

Legitimate question. I feel like half of their problems could be worked through if Red would just call before coming over. Maybe knock. Common courtesy and all. Make the girl at least feel like she has a say.

Red sees her hair. “I missed you.”

Aka, it was great when you looked like your mom and all, but I missed seeing you.

Liz: Yeah, I, uh, dyed my hair to hide. I don’t need to hide anymore.

I think there might be a little bit of defiance when she says that. So...maybe she doesn’t believe him? Feels no reason to hide from the coming conflict? Maybe I’m reading into it? What do you believe, Elizabeth? Just tell me.

"Lizzy, I misspoke earlier about your child.”

“I said that having it would be inconvenient.”

"When your mother was pregnant with you, it was terribly inconvenient. The Cold War was ending. Her country was falling apart. Everything she had ever known...”

“She dreaded having a child. Almost aborted it. Not one day of her pregnancy did she ever think of you as anything but a curse.”

“And then, from the second you were born-”

“There was never a day when she thought you were anything but a blessing.”

“In my experience, there is never a convenient time to have a child.”

“It certainly isn’t a convenient time for you. But if in saying that, I left you with the impression that I didn’t think you should have your baby, I’m sorry for that, because nothing could be further from the truth.”

Liz: Tom.

... Really? I get that you’re pissed off, but no questions about how Red knows any of his? No further questions about your mother? Just right into the Tom subject?

I suppose it’s possible that she’s given up on Red answering her questions entirely, but still.

Red: What I did was for your protection. Liz: Taking his job away. Red: I’m not a threat to your safety, Lizzy, or your child’s. On the contrary, I can guarantee it, but I cannot do that if you run away.

It’s as if Red knows the motivation behind the move. To get away from him.

She doesn’t seem to believe him when he says he’s not a threat to her safety. She’s like, c’mon, really?

Liz: You’re the only reason I need protection.

Does this mean now? The only reason she needs protection now? Does Liz not buy the “coming war” thing?

Or does she mean she’s only in this because Reddington showed up a few years ago and demanded to speak with only her? Because if it’s the latter, again, that’s on Tommy boy even more so than Reddington. Blame your baby daddy.

Red: I wish it were that simple. Liz: I think you should leave.

Red says he booked a pregnancy massage for her. He fails to mention the new security team across the hall.

He looks back at the couch.

“I hope it goes with the rest of your stuff. I’m told it pulls out.”

Samar thanks Aram for getting her job back.

Apparently Aram hacked into Ressler’s report. Ressler’s computer. This was a redeeming act from Aram in my eyes.

The evidence points to him being the one who tipped off the Keens about the raid on Wing Yee. Then he turned around and tattled to Ressler about them being in West Virginia because he was jealous. This is the act that brought Liz in. And Samar took the fall for his Wing Yee thing. Sure, he didn’t mean to get her fired, but still. Getting her re-instated is the least he could do.

Before Aram leaves, he notices that Cooper is sleeping in his office.

So, after this crazy day, Liz knocks on her neighbor Zoe’s door. She says she could use some company. And instead of Zoe, she finds yet another instance of Reddington barging into her life uninvited.

Bas: Reddington moved her out. Got her a bigger apartment. Liz: Why? Bas: For your security. We’ll keep a man in this apartment 24 hours a day. Anybody who wants to get you will have to come past us. Nice hair.

From what I can see, the cameras cover the outside of the apartment, the hallways. I don’t see any inside.

So Red tells her that people are coming. He can tell she doesn’t want to hear that. She’s freaked out. Then the pregnancy news. Freaked out some more. And Reddington himself is shaken in the wake of the parking lot incident. She very well could have been killed. One misplaced kick and she at least would have miscarried.

So this, I’m sure, is meant to be a reassuring act. For both of them.

But all Liz feels are the walls closing in.

And that clinches it. She calls the same adoption agency she and Tom almost adopted from before.

Behold, the seeds for this arc:

Tom: We can get away from him. Red: I’m not a threat to your safety, Lizzy, or your child’s. On the contrary, I can guarantee it, but I cannot do that if you run away.

#rewatch 2017 #the vehm

6 notes · View notes

biofunmy · 5 years ago

Text

Southern Africa’s deadly drought leaving millions hungry

Residents call this drought-stricken community a “forgotten town.”

The flat, dusty roads to Vosburg are surrounded by withered fields. The streams feeding the community of a few thousand people have gone dry. Signs warn drivers of wandering cattle and sheep but there are none in sight.

The months-long drought is affecting most of southern Africa. The United Nations estimates that more than 11 million people now face crisis levels of food insecurity in places like Zimbabwe and Mozambique, where two cyclones wiped out crops earlier this year.

Among the hardest hit areas is South Africa’s Northern Cape province, where many farmers are struggling to keep their families and animals alive while revenue falls and debt piles up.

Commercial sheep farmer Louis van der Merwe, 64, broke down as he described losing more than 400 sheep and 450 springboks in the past two years because of the worst drought he has seen in 45 years of farming.

Some animals died of hunger. Others were sent prematurely to the slaughterhouse to reduce the number to feed. With tears running down his face, Van der Merwe said he now relies on donations of animal feed so the rest can survive.

“If we didn’t have hope, we would not be here anymore,” he said. “We have to have hope and faith. There are a couple of times when we have felt it is not worth it.”

Two of his fellow farmers have killed themselves due to the stress, Van der Merwe said.

Northern Cape province will need over $28 million in drought relief over the next three months to assist 15,500 affected farms, according to farmers’ organization Agri-SA.

So far, South Africa’s government has pledged $2 million.

The World Food Program says southern Africa has received normal rainfall in just one of the past five growing seasons, with small-scale farmers feeling it most.

Some like 55-year-old Gertruida Buffel, have resorted to sharing their own food with their animals.

For two weeks she had fed two tiny lambs a mixture of maize meal and water after their mother starved to death. When The Associated Press arrived at her home, she had just learned that one had died.

“It must have died because it has only been eating the maize meal mixture. It is not their natural diet,” Buffel said.

Small children are hungry, too.

At Vosburg’s only school, Delta Primary School, scores of children line up every morning for what becomes both breakfast and lunch: usually corn meal, vegetables and soup.

While the school food program began before the drought, teachers say it has become increasingly vital for the town’s struggling families.

“It’s very hard for the parents to actually feed their children at home,” said one teacher, Xolile Ngxathu.

In the regional center of Kimberley a few hours’ drive away, government officials spend their days trying to allocate money from the $2 million provincial disaster relief fund. It is a daunting task as some farmers in far-flung areas cannot be reached easily.

Farmers Jan Louw, 65, and Martiens Tieties, 67, are among those relying on government-sponsored animal feed but are not expecting their next rations until January.

Until then, they rely on commercial farmers sharing feed to keep their few livestock alive.

The Rev. Jaco Heymans with the Dutch Reformed Church has been offering spiritual counselling to many farmers and farm workers in Vosburg.

“The drought is having devastating impact on the people emotionally and spiritually because financially, all is almost lost,” Heymans said.

“Many people have already cancelled their insurance policies and their medical aid in order to just survive. Primary concern is to keep the animals alive, so everything that is spared goes into feeding sheep.”

The drought is even blurring the divisions left by racially based planning under South Africa’s harsh apartheid system that ended 25 years ago — with more affluent and mainly white residents living in developed areas and black and mixed-race residents in under-resourced townships.

Vosburg is no exception. With the stress of the drought, residents realize they need each other more than ever to survive. Large commercial farms are sharing animal feed with small-scale farmers. The church now counsels everyone from well-off farm owners to farm laborers who fear losing their jobs.

The end is not yet in sight. Christien Engelbrecht, a meteorologist at the South African Weather Service, said below normal rainfall is predicted for the country and the southern African region over the next three months.

“It is clear that southern African farmers, water managers and government entities need to prepare,” Engelbrecht said.

———

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

———

Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP—Africa

Sahred From Source link World News

from WordPress http://bit.ly/331py4k via IFTTT

#IFTTT #WordPress

1 note · View note

elanorjane · 6 years ago

Text

No Rest for the Wicked (Ch 2/20)

Summary: Rumford Gold is tired. He may have just lost his taste for killing people. Which is a problem considering it’s his job. Unable to complete his latest assignment, he's stranded in an obnoxiously chipper small town and continually distracted by the town's captivating librarian. Belle French is growing weary of her role as Storybrooke's resident good girl. Every day she sits in her empty library, surrounded by the places she’ll never get to see. When a mysterious stranger comes into town, Belle thinks she might have just found her great romantic adventure. Job undone, Gold’s assassin colleagues descend on the town. Forced to make a choice, Gold has to decide: Tell Belle the truth about being an assassin and ruin the image she has of him or complete the job while trying to protect Belle...including from himself.

AO3 Link

The bell hanging over Game of Thorns’ cherry red door jangled as Belle let herself in to her father’s shop. She inhaled the familiar floral scents. Some people found the fragrance overpowering, but to her it was home. Literally. She’d taken her first steps while bracing one pudgy baby arm against the cooler doors. In the back of the store was a door frame with a succession of lines carved in it, marking her heights from birth to high school graduation. She could discern the changing of the seasons, not because of her decision to wear a coat, but by the slight change in aroma when she opened the door to deliver her father his lunch.

She came by the flower shop every work day to bring him food, lest he get so involved in work he forgot to eat at all. At noon, like clockwork, she arrived carrying either something homemade in a brown paper bag or takeout from Granny’s wrapped in styrofoam and plastic. Today it was a turkey sandwich, apple, and carrot sticks she’d compiled before leaving for the library.

Two steps inside the shop, she almost collided into someone darting from behind a display wall of roses too tall to see over. Belle threw an arm over the bag she carried to protect the contents from getting squashed.

“Hello, Mother Superior!” Belle greeted, taking a step back and placing a hand on the diminutive nun’s shoulder to steady the both of them.

“Good afternoon, Belle,” the nun dropped the hand that had flung to her chest in surprise. “I must not have heard the bell.” She recovered herself, “Thank you again for the generous book donation.”

Like the librarian before her, every year Belle sponsored the book sale held during the convent’s biggest annual fundraiser, Miner’s Day. The civic affair held a special place in Belle’s heart. The Miner’s Day Festival was where, when she was a very little girl, she'd found her favorite book, Her Handsome Hero. She'd begged her mother to let her get it and not only had she bought it for her, she'd read it to her every single night until Belle learned to read on her own. That book, and all the others after it, continued a love affair with books that she shared with her mother. It was what had made her want to become a librarian. When she was 19, she'd replaced the old librarian that sold Her Handsome Hero to her that fateful day, and she'd been at the post ever since.

“I’m happy to,” Belle replied genuinely.

“Every little bit helps,” Mother Superior insisted. “Nowadays, people are so busy,” she shook her head. “But I can always count on you.”

Belle winced. She knew she hadn’t meant to, but Mother Superior’s last observation had stung. Reliable Belle. That was her. Always around, always available. She was delighted to help the community that had given her so much, she really was. But lately she’d been wondering what it would be like to say no every once in a while because she wouldn’t be home. She’d be far away, traveling.

She’d meant to leave Storybrooke, to go to college, and see the world. But there was always a reason to defer. The death of her mother, a flower shop that needed help, a library that would close without her, responsibilities she felt obligated, or was expected, to stick around for. She was ingrained in this town now, she sometimes feared to her detriment.

She was now a very single adult. She ran the library and helped her father with the flower shop during the busy holidays. She truly loved the people here, growing up with a tight group of friends who she was still close to. Yet lately she felt as if she existed on the outskirts of Storybrooke. People met, got married, had families, came and went; but she, and Storybrooke, stayed the same.

“We’ll see you at Miner’s Day then,” Mother Superior told her as way of goodbye.

Belle struggled to place a genuine smile on her face so she nodded instead. “I’ll be there.”

She’d be there. Like she always was.

The bell behind her signaled that Mother Superior had left. Belle sighed. So she’d continue to surrounded herself with books about the adventures she couldn’t have. She longed for something to happen in this town, since she couldn’t leave it. Or maybe someone to come through and whisk her away, shaking up her safe little world. That was maybe too romantic a thought, even for her.

Might as well wish for a white knight on a galloping stead while I’m at it.

She weaved her way through the rows of flowers to the back of the shop where her father stood behind the counter.

“Hi, Dad,” she called.

Moe French looked up from whatever order form he was concentrating on, a scowl on his face. “Hello, Belle,” he grinned, any remnants of his serious mood gone.

She held up the bag, “Brought you your lunch.”

He stepped aside to made room for her on the other side of the counter. “You take such good care of me, Princess,” he told her, using his nickname for her.

She shrugged his observation off. Of course she did. Her father was the most important person in her life. He was the only family she had. Which was what made her feel so guilty about her daydreams of being far, far away from Storybrooke. Why was she wishing time with her only living relative away?

“I can’t stay today,” she told him, sliding the bag across the counter. “Mary Margaret’s class is visiting at 12:30. But meet at home for dinner?”

“See you at six,” he smiled warmly at her again.

She leveled her most serious gaze at him. “And make sure you eat all the carrots this time!” she scolded, pointing at him as she walked backwards towards the exit.

Moe chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re worse than your mother.”

She gave him a wave over her shoulder and hurried back out of the shop and across the street.

If she couldn't leave Storybrooke, maybe adventure would one day come to her. But she doubted it. Nothing ever happened in this town, nothing exciting anyway, therefore nothing ever happened to her. Storybrooke was a safe place full of safe people. Every day was like the one before, with the annual interruption of the Miner’s Day Festival, but even that was getting old. She'd seen it over twenty times already.

Face it, your parents moved here, you were born here, and you’ll die here.

There were worse ways to live a life, she reminded herself. She loved her little library. But she wanted to see something outside the books she read. Maybe experience some of the things she found in them...like the romance novels she’s found herself picking up in lieu of classic literature lately.

She'd had her high school boyfriend, Gaston, who worked at the Storybrooke veterinary clinic and who everyone in town, including her father, expected her to marry. But she had broke it off after high school, wanting to be free in case opportunity came calling and she could steal away at a moments notice, nothing tying her down. But with no money, and no car except the Game of Thorns van, she was stuck regardless.

Belle didn't think she wanted to marry a man like Gaston anyway. Gaston had no interest in life outside Storybrooke. It's not that she didn't love Gaston, or Storybrooke, she simply wanted the choice to choose them instead of having them chosen for her. She wanted to decide her own fate.

But, as yet another Miner’s Day festival rolled around, it seemed like circumstances had decided for her. She unlocked the doors to the library, took down the “Will Return Soon” sign in the window, and took her place behind the circulation desk.

So she'd sit here, behind this desk, continue to bring her father his forgotten lunches, and donate to the nuns, until adventure found her.

#fic: No Rest for the Wicked #Rumbelle #Rumbelle fic #Belle x Mr. Gold #Rumbelle fanfic

0 notes

kevoreally · 6 years ago

Text

#BuffyAt20 - S03E05 “Homecoming”

AND HERE WE ARE! I am finally caught up on #BuffyAt20 with this liveblog! Very exciting. Season 3, Episode 5, “Homecoming.”

> It’s weird to see these kids talking about something normal like a dance. Not funny weird. Weird weird.

> Why is Willow talking about this being their “last homecoming” as if they’ve ever been the types to celebrate homecoming? (Didn’t Cordy almost get Bride Of Frankenstein’d at last homecoming or something?)

> Is it homecoming or Homecoming? I’m not going to get it right, that’s for sure.

> I actually don’t think going in Oz’s van is the dumbest idea. It's at The Bronze, not The Plaza.

> Why are they talking about a limo for homecoming anyway?? Is this a thing? I thought that was just Prom. And yet I remember no mention of a limo once we get to the actual Prom.

> Wow, in a rare instance, Cordelia’s tactlessness is actually useful. I mean, she’s not calling out Scott in defense of Buffy so much as from a complete lack of social awareness, but it still proved useful.

> “The judge will accept that as a yes.” Bless Oz forever.

> Okay, Buffy is still a little zoned out, but she’s a fairly decent girlfriend in that first scene.

> Was that Angel dramatic curtain pull really as intense as the music tried to tell us? Probably not.

> I actually loved and still love the “Buffy hiding Angel” arc. I think it makes a lot of sense. I think it could’ve been better executed at times, but I still enjoy it more than, say, XILLOW.

>This smash-cut to the break-up is actually almost laughable. Who wrote this one? … Written AND directed by Greenwalt? Huh.

> This was such a weird three-episode arc, this Scott Hope thing. We literally never see him again after this episode, and he’s only mentioned again I think once in Season 7.

> He barely gives a reason for dumping her! YOU AGREED TO GO TO HOMECOMING WITH HER LAST NIGHT! What a chump. You can do better, B.

> Woof. The Twins. Hello, boys.

> Them watching her is such an interesting note to close the teaser on, because it still yet doesn’t give away any of the SlayerFest stuff, you just think “assassins.”

> No, seriously, every week this theme song gets me.

> THE MAYORRRRRR!!!!!!!

> Also Deputy Mayor Allan. Love him. Was he Deputy Mayor? I suppose I’ll be reminded soon enough.

> The germophobe stuff was such an odd and interesting quirk to add to this villain.

> “Dirt. And germs. And mayonnaise.” This performance, man.

> “You have all my faith.” HA!

> It’s cute that these senior portraits were used in the “official” Sunnydale High Yearbook. (Which I own, of course. (It’s… not great.))

> “Open to all mankind.” There’s that slut-shaming again.

> Xander actually does occasionally show emotional concern for Cordy and it’s… almost nice? But then this is the episode where he starts cheating, so… nvm.

> Eddie’s friend Nicole on #FreshOffTheBoat looked just like Faith and I loved it.

> See, and now here Buffy and Faith are talking about being sexually empowered. Isn’t that so much nicer than slut-shaming?

> UGH, the scene where Buffy’s favorite teacher doesn’t know her. I feel this too hard.

> I find it hard to believe any teacher has not heard of Buffy. THAT NAME ALONE.

> Also hard to believe there’s no make-up dates for senior portraits. And seriously? When Buffy didn’t show up after Cordy said she’d get her, no one else went?? 🤬

> “just because you were Guacamole Queen when you were three” - is that in response to Buffy saying she was Fiesta Queen a moment ago, when Cordelia wasn’t present?

> Yeah, my IG post had me wonder if Buffy should’ve backed off, since this is all Cordy has, but no. This is actually great. I root for Buffy all the way. Go for blood.

> "...and whatever the hell you are, my brother. You got them spiny-looking head things. I ain't never seen that before." "I am Kulak, of the Miquot Clan." "Isn't that nice." Loool.

> “Ladies, gentlemen, spiny-head-looking creatures.” Seriously, Mr. Trick was great.

> OH NO, IT’S HERE. The dreaded Xillow.

> Seriously, can I just blackout during this?

> There’s even a soft pop hit playing in the background. STOP TRYING TO BE #DAWSONSCREEK.

> I’m sorry - eighth grade COTILLION? WHAT? (Meanwhile, I was in seventh grade when this aired.)

> Xander asking Willow how far she and Oz got is only inappropriate because of what comes next. It would’ve been so nice if they could’ve been comfortable opposite-sex friends who could talk about those sorts of things.

> This whole scene is so painfully awkward. Who actually wanted this? STOP DANCING.

> Okay it’s over bye, bye, byeee.

> This whiteboard reminds me of #CabinInTheWoods

> Okay, Buffy. Like. Why do you think anyone is going to laugh at you making fun of Cordy? We all know it’s beneath you.

> “A lot of people came to my welcome home party.” “They were killed by zombies.” “Good point.” HA.

> Okay, you know, Willow and Xander’s guilt pushing them to work harder for Cordy almost makes it worth the moment in THIS episode. But its continuation after this is just dumb.

> Like. At the very least, can’t Willow let Buffy see her database too? Wtf?

> “As Willow goes, so goes my nation” is something I say a lot, except with Nico.

> I straight up thought Buffy was just drinking directly from a bottle of wine just now.

> I like this song during the compaign montage. And hey, it’s Fastball! https://youtu.be/e97XbcKy8ZU

> I liked the Lisa Loeb song from earlier, so I may as well link to that too: https://youtu.be/NDdivQ8n5Ug

> Aww, it was so nice of the promo department to lend Buffy a headshot to use for her campaign posters. 🙄

> Remember last week when Scott’s two oldest friends were both killed, including one by the other? And we were supposed to, like, feel sympathy for him?

> How long is this campaign going on for? Where is Buffy getting the funding for all of this?

> WHY WOULD WILLOW *NOT* HAVE SHOWN BUFFY THE DATABASE? Sigh.

> JONATHAN!!!

> Cordelia only gave Jonathan $6? Even in 1998, that was nothing. At least make it $10!

> Vulcan Death Grip - that’s not the right name, right? I feel like even I know that one.

> “is that any more tacky than your faux ‘I’m shy but deep’ campaign posters?” “...yes.” Ha. And, yes.

> ”How can you think it’s okay to talk to people like this?” SERIOUSLY, BUFFY. I’m finding it hard to understand how liking Cordelia at this point in the series.

> Like right here. Cordelia *purposely* goes to physically push Buffy, assuming the Slayer would never push back. The moment Buffy actually defends herself, Cordelia calls her “sick.” That’s uncanny.

> Okay, “vapid whore” wasn’t great. But. ...Y’know. 🤷🏻‍♂️

> For real, I still keep expecting it to turn out there’s some kind of horny homecoming ghost that’s going to be revealed as the source of this Xillow nonsense. But no. Never.

> “I’m talking about us.” Loooool, of course you are, Willow. Watch out for anvils, everyone…

> “The limo was not cheap, work it out”? What the fuck? 🤭🤣

> Okay, but for real, the setup here of how Cordelia came to be mistaken for Faith? I actually do find that amusing. And it was 1998, so you could still just barely get away with the Germans making that mistake without saying, “Okay, but all that tech and they got it wrong?” It was a magical time.

> Their dresses are gorgeous and timeless, by the way. And the color scheme evokes thoughts of #TRON for me, that orange and almost-teal green.

> Omigod, it’s a TV in the woods, hooked up to a VCR. Maybe it wasn’t such a magical time after all, haha.

> I want a SlayerFest T-shirt.

> I vividly remember “She’s a Slayer, I’m a Homecoming Queen” from the commercials.

> Faith just hanging out at this dance is so cute. There weren’t nearly enough stories with Faith actively involved as a good guy.

> I haven’t ever listened closely to “She Knows” by Four Star Mary, I don’t know how much sense Oz writing it for Willow makes, but believe I’ll be looking into it before I blog it.

> Giles psyching out Willow and Xander is friggin’ adorable. I love that Giles starts to loosen up this season. Is it a response to seeing the change in his returned Slayer? Hmm.

> I love Buffy just lobbing a bear trap at someone.

> I can’t tell if the hunter is cute. I wanna say mostly. I wonder if this was supposed to be Whats-his-name from “Phases”?

> Okay, it’s vindictive, but Faith’s revenge on Scott still makes me giggle. What?? That was a very unceremonious dumping.

> And we never saw Scott again. Who was his date anyway? What became of Scott after this? Other than, y’know. Gay.

> Giles is so on point in this episode. He’s fun and caring and charming. What a wonderful highlight in a lot of mess.

> Omigod, I almost forgot about Cordy’s spatula.

> Hm. This making Cordy realize she loves Xander is… interesting.

> And then her fortifying after Buffy goads her - and being smart enough to recognize that’s what she’s doing. Huh.

> Oh wait, she forgot to mention the telephone, nevermind, she still dumb.

> “No, this is better, for - oh.” Ha, tho.

> Buffy is leaving a voicemail on Giles’s landline. Lol.

> The spiny demon offering to cut off the hunter’s leg is actually kind of a nice gesture. New OTP.

> Wait, Buffy’s voicemail actually went through? Interesting.

> “I spent a year’s allowance on this dress.” And the muffins?

> Loving Buffy’s “pick up a yearbook and prove I went to high school” speech here, tbh. Writing and performance.

> How did this guy not just turn around and stab Cordelia while she was swatting him?

> “Cordelia, the spatula.” Haaa.

> This tech is some real #VRTroopers-looking shit.

> How have I not yet mentioned the Gorch reappearance here? And how much I love it? So fun.

> Wow, Buffy goes down hard when she gets hit with that stand. Damn.

> I do sort of love Cordelia talking Gorch into fleeing. He’s just stupid enough for this to work here.

> “I don’t recall them mentioning corsages” - that’s what tips them off? Sigh.

> “I need some wet toilet paper.” “Yeah! That’ll help.” Okay, lul.

> NOOO, goodbye, hot German twins! RIHotness.

> Seriously, cute plan tho, making them fire on each other. I wonder if their Dad/Handler ever got his money. Also, so like, what happened at school the next day, with this shot-up wall?

> The Mayor immediately offers his hand to Mr. Trick, that’s endearing. He’s a very endearing villain.

> “This is a very important year for me.” “Election year.” “Something like that.” Snerk.

> “The children are our future. We need them. I need them.” Like, does he mean ‘to eat’ here? I don’t think so, actually. He talks in Season 4 about having a children’s museum dedicated to himself.

> HA, SEE, I KNEW IT: “long story,” “got hunted,” “apparently not that long.” And also written by David Greenwalt. Gotta watch those, brother!

> Oh hey Devon!

> This scene does completely make me laugh still, not gonna lie. When he’s switching the crown over the two winners’ heads and our girls just walk off. Classic.

Speaking of classic - next week, a very classic episode, with another character reappearance, “Band Candy!” Looking forward to it. Especially now that I’m finally caught up! :D :D :D

#Buffy #buffy at 20 #buffy the vampire slayer #buffy watch #buffy rewatch #tv blog #live blog #buffy blog #btvs season 3 #Buffy Season 3 #Homecoming

0 notes

onespared · 7 years ago

Text

mobile muse list;

callista washington; female; heterosexual origin; savanah, ga age;25 face claim; amy adams

callista fern washington twenty five years old (2009) and a elementary school teacher, she is one of the youngest teachers in the school but is also one of the most respected. her hard work to get to where she is now, often told she reminds them of her mother who died when she was just over eight years old. Her father raised her to be a baseball enthusiast and a lover of working hard even when she wanted to give up.

as she grew she realized helping people with homework, or studying was something she truly enjoyed so as her father told her “if you’re good at something never do it for free,” so she didn’t. callista began to charge people for her services and became really well know for getting people passing grades so long as they worked up to the potential she knew they had inside of them. this led her to going to school for her teaching degree – five years later with a bachelors and near finishing her masters degree for child education with a teaching license she lands her first teaching job.

the job is working as a kindergarten teacher in Athens, Georgia and she loves every minute of it. so much so that she stays there three years, the classroom where she teaches her kids and helps them learn valuable life lessons suddenly becomes the room where she is teaching the kids how to crawl under someones legs and how to avoid being grabbed because these six little lives depend on her to keep them alive. there was never a doubt of if she would take these kids – it was more along the lines of her wondering where they would all go. Keeping them locked away in the school closing off the halls with metal dividers to keep them away from the sight of their dead classmates who still roamed the halls – that was her goal.

a part of her always hoped maybe the parents would come and get them, but after four days she knew that either they had left them behind or had died trying to get to them. three more days locked inside the classroom – she raided the nurses office for clothes and things to clean them up; often taking them one by one to semi bathe in the nurses bathroom. keeping them healthy and happy were her only worries; till she knew they had to leave.

packing up whatever necessities she could from classrooms and the kitchen; she packed it away in the van that had been left in the parking lot. It was black, and it had tinted windows with a full tank of gas like it had been purposely placed there just for them – there weren’t many times that callista believed in god but this was one of those moments. after assuring that everything was packed away safely she took each kid one by one out to the van loading them in and buckling them up. driving away from the one place she had deemed safe had been considerably harder than she had imagined, suddenly her entire life was flipped upside down and the only thing she could imagine doing was taking care of these kids.

daryl dixon; male ; heterosexual orgin; n/a age: 39 face claim; norman reedus

Daryl Dixon grew was born on a hot summer day in Georgia - his Momma had given birth while Merle was off on a stint in Juvie for the first time. Merle took care of Merle most of the time as their Momma didn't really begin drinking until Daryl was about four years old - that was when things had gotten really bad. He suffered abuse at the hand of his father, and even more so when his mother died in a house fire set by her dropping a lit cigarette while she was passed out from being drunk.From then on he mostly took care of himself, doing what he was told by his brother and father. Despite hating his father; he was family. You do anything for family, and so he did. When the world ended he was hunting with his brother and father (Will Dixon), his father was bit and put down by Daryl's Uncle and then they were on their own as the world began to fall apart faster than the government could even manage to put it back together.

elijah fraiser; male; heterosexual origin; charlotte, nc age; 27 face claim; kit harrington Elijah was raised by his parents in Charlotte, North Carolina - his mother ditched when he was four because she married some guy who didn't want kids. He didn't see her again till he was seventeen, and at that time in his life he wanted nothing to do with her. He was working two part time jobs and going to college full time to help his grandparents keep up the house they lived in, at the time he was living out of a van so he didn't burden them since thye had little space to begin with.

When he turned twenty his grandfather died, luckily his insurance paid for everything so no expenses were added on to his grandmother's debt.When his grandmother died a short year later due to a stroke, he sold the house and almost everything in it - he bought himself a relatively new RV and hit the road. He didn't plan on ever looking back, everyone he ever cared about being dead already. He worked side jobs to get money that he needed, but being a skilled mechanic he was able to survive on a megar part time salary as a temp hire at motorshops. He'd save up enough and then when they gave him the boot he'd leave the city, it was never hard for him to find work since his reference list was quite long. He had qualities people looked for in a quick hire; reliable, never late, does great work, doesn't complain.When the world fell to shit he didn't even know it till he wandered onto a herd of the dead, he had thought it might be a joke at first but when he realized something wasn't right he grabbed his rifle from the closet in his RV. From then on he decided that he would have to find out what was going on, spending so much time on his own hadn't done him justice; he needed to find people.

glenn rhee; male; heterosexual age; (s1) 22 origin; N/A face claim; steven yeun

Glenn worked as a pizza delivery man in Atlanta, GA. He grew up in a small city in Colorado originally but he never had the chance to make it home to see if his family was safe. He is the oldest of two kids; his sister is younger than him by only two years. His father passed away when he was sixteen from cancer so his mother raised them both to be who they are. He moved to Atlanta to go to university, but he flunked out after a semester due to his lack of motivation for the major he was in; so instead of giving up he got a job and began to figure out exactly what he wanted with his life.

maggie greene/rhee; female; heterosexual age; (s1) 22 origin; senoia, ga face claim; lauren cohan Maggie Greene is twenty two years old (as per season one even though she doesn’t appear till season two), she is the oldest daughter of Hershel and Josephine Greene. Her mother died when she was young and she took it real hard when her father married Annette; but it all changed when Beth was born. She became more responsible and gave her step-mother a chance despite not being over her mother’s death completely. When her father had remarried she obtained a step brother named Shawn who she was quite close to.

Her love of literature and history led her to go to University to become a History major, she was home for the summer when she usually wouldn’t be due to her school being on lock down due to the infection that had been spreading like wildfire. When she got home she didn’t realize how bad the infection was till she went to town one morning and there was no one there – except a couple of walkers that she didn’t know what to do with; so she got what she needed then went home to inform her father of everything she’d seen.The first few weeks went on without a hitch. Then about six weeks into the mass radio silence… a man ran across their field with a little boy in his arms covered in blood and she didn’t the only thing she could thing of; calling for her father. Their lives changed that day

nora rose hamilton; female; bisexual age; 23 origin; wales, uk face claim; alexandra daddario Nora Hamilton was born and raised in Wales, she is the middle child of five kids. She has two older brothers; Dylan (25) and Trevor (27), then she has a younger brother; Heath (19) and a younger sister; Lucy (16). Her parents were very eager to start a family so that is why they decided to have so many. Her mother was a nurse for many years, but she decided she wanted to become a midwife when Nora was born; so she did. She went back to school and proceeded to have her last two children at home with a train midwife present. Nora took after her mother, loving the idea of becoming a midwife she was often present during births her mother saw to - she knew just as much as anyone trained in the profession.

When her parents died in a drunk driving accident, she dropped midwifery and went to college in London to become a green energy specialist. As soon as she graduated she was offered a job in Miami to open the states first completely green energy apartment complex - this project would set her career in stone. However, the city was evacuated quickly and she did her best to get home; but was stopped when all flights were canceled, and she had no where to go but to the nearest city. Atlanta.

tessa grady; female; heterosexual age; 22 origin; Washington D.C face claim; alona tal

She was adopted by a same sex couple; Jackson Smith & Timothy Grady. She took Timothy's last name because when the two were able to marry that is the last name Jackson would take. She was adopted when she was eight years old, before then she lived with her grandmother. Her parents were no where to be seen she only knew her mother's name was Darcy and her father's name was Christopher.

When her grandmother passed away she was put into the system and adopted a year later. Throughout her childhood they encouraged her to be whatever she wanted to be, so she went to college and majored in History; then realized she hated it and changed her major to Criminal Justice. However, she managed to change her major five more times before settling on Botany. Through this course she flourished into a bright young woman with a passion for the outdoors.

By the time she was twenty she was a skilled traditional archer, and would often hunt for her own food since her dad's lived on their own land. She took up the guest house on the property after she finished her bachelors degree. Her plan was to open up her own plant nursery, growing her own vegetables and plants in house then selling them to the public. Before she could get her store open the world began to fall apart, and her dreams crushed right before her when the dead didn't stay dead. Tessa watched her father's die, but they didn't come back like the others - she waited days for it to happen but it never did; before she left she shoved a knife into the base of their skull just in case it was taking them longer. She'd never been the same since.

#twd rp #the walking dead rp #( muse. )

0 notes

josephkitchen0 · 7 years ago

Text

Sheep Gestation and Slumber Parties: It’s Lambing Season At Owens Farm

By Caroline Owens – Lambing-time preparations on our farm have a unique twist. We do stock up on the traditional sheep gestation support products such as milk replacer, calcium gluconate, CDT vaccine, etc., for our flock of 100 ewes. But gallons of spaghetti sauce and pounds of pancake powder also pile into our shopping cart, along with massive quantities of human support essentials like coffee and hot chocolate.

That’s because lambing season on Owens Farm also means Lambing-Time Slumber Parties: Groups of adventurous guests aged seven to 70 will join us during that magical time of year when sheep gestation ends and lambs are popping out left and right.

Ice Storms, Power Outages, Blizzards... Are you ready?

Let our experts help you prepare for the worst. Start your emergency preparation by downloading this FREE Guide. YES! I want this Free Report »

A lambing-time slumber party is an overnight event for groups of 10 to 16 people. The guests arrive in time for evening chores on the first day. We start right in the lambing barn, processing newborns. The guests help weigh, ear-tag, give BoSe shots, check teeth and eyelids and determine the sex of the new lambs.

Asked to guess the weight of this lamb, the kids’ suggestions ranged from one pound to one hundred.

We tour the lambing pens, pointing out which ewes and lambs are doing fine, and which need assistance. Sheep gestation, nursing behavior, temperature, colostrum, mothering instinct: These topics are discussed in depth.

We walk through the paddock containing the older lambs and still-pregnant ewes, stressing the importance of quiet voices and calm movements.

The guests learn that we keep two breeds of sheep: Coopworths and Katahdins, under different sheep gestation management protocols. The Coopworths lamb in a paddock adjacent to a central barn with access to traditional lambing pens. The Katahdins are in more of a pasture-based situation, with shelter and restraint as needed.

Then it’s time to meet the rest of the animals.

Besides sheep, we also raise Tamworth pigs, maintain a flock of laying hens, and keep several riding horses. The border collies and barn cats are also part of the scene.

With the animals taken care of and dinner underway, the guests bring in their luggage and get settled. They stay in a carpeted and heated overnight lodging facility just steps away from the lambing barn. By the time everyone has laid out their sleeping bags and checked their e-mail, a hearty spaghetti dinner is on the table.

With dessert comes a discussion of “What to Expect When Your Sheep is Expecting.” We study posters of lambing problems like dystocia and how we would save the lamb. We paw through the lambing equipment box and explain the purpose of every item from iodine dip to shoulder-length gloves. The number of emergency supplies really drives home the point of why it’s important to pay close attention at lambing. The last step before bedtime is, of course, to check the barn again. The group is a bit more serious at this point, having a deeper understanding of what can go wrong with sheep giving birth.

The evening entertainment is “Shaun the Sheep,” those clever “claymation” movie shorts that cross all generation gaps. I excuse myself at that point to grab some sleep, with promises to wake everyone in the middle of the night.

There’s a dreamlike quality to the midnight barn check. I flick on the lights, and the guests follow me sleepily downstairs. Boots and coats are pulled on over pajamas and we head out the door. I ask the group to follow me quietly and in single file among the sleeping sheep.

Sleepy smiles at the beginning of what became an “eighteen lamb night.”

We beam our flashlights on hidden corners and behind hayracks, where ewes may be in labor or in trouble. Lambs or no lambs, it’s an unforgettable experience to crunch through the snow, under a veil of stars and a bright winter moon, watching the ewes and lambs snuggle together in contented coziness.

First light finds us back in the barn. Dawn is my flock’s favorite time to drop lambs, so we often see newborns. Once all time-sensitive tasks are taken care of, we enjoy a pancake breakfast and swap stories. The last step for the guests is processing any new lambs, and feeding the other livestock.

Adventure-Seekers Ages 7 To 70

We offer two sheep gestation Slumber Party formats: Public and Private.

The public events are set dates, for which guests can sign up individually. A private date requires a minimum of 10 people. The ages and interests vary widely.

For the Adopt-A-Sheep families (a subject to be covered in a future issue of Sheep!), lambing is the highlight of their “Sheep Year.”

Home-school families use the lambing experience as a rich unit study on Sheep Gestation and Farming, Reproductive Physiology, and Animal Science career exploration.

We often also host adults who plan to raise sheep in the future and want the full experience.

A Lambing Slumber Party also makes a great trip for Girl Scouts and Cub/Boy Scouts.

We have had church youth groups focus the entire event around Psalm 23. One year, we were honored to be the chosen destination of an adult group that specializes in finding unusual adventures.

In The Beginning

It was our Adopt-A-Sheep families who gave us the idea for the Slumber Parties.

Through letters and e-mails, they experienced the preparations for sheep gestation and lambing: They read our stories of lives lost, lives saved, lucky breaks and silly sheep behavior. They saw photos of 150 young lambs playing together.

“We wish we could see this,” they sighed. “We wish we could go on those midnight barn checks.”

It finally dawned on us that this might be one of those crazy ideas worth running up the flagpole.

Hosting an event was familiar ground for us. We are well known for our summer Sheep Camp for Kids. We also hold educational programs for farmers and consumer events to showcase our meats. Reaching potential customers is easy with our website and e-mail newsletters.

The Lambing-Time Slumber Parties were an instant hit. We gave our Adopt-A-Sheep families a priority registration period, then opened it up to the general public. Every date sold out, and requests poured in for private dates. Needless to say, these events are now a standard offering on our calendar and somewhat of a cult among our customer base.

Unplanned Excitement

There is one factor that sets the Lambing Slumber Party apart from any other event: I can’t plan every detail. And that’s exactly what lends unparalleled authenticity to this program. Cold lambs are revived and fed. Tangled triplets are sorted out and pulled. The apparently lifeless lamb is rubbed and swung until it sneezes and “baas.” (And the children cheer!) And yes, occasionally there is death.

I have found that if we’re honest and transparent about the sheep gestation losses, the guests take it in stride. They understand that we’re doing our best to keep everyone alive, but sometimes our best is simply not good enough.

We’ve certainly shared dramatic events over the years.

I remember leading the midnight check one frigid night, with sleepy children asking what we were looking for.

As we swung a flashlight beam across the barnyard, something struck me as odd: A set of eyes was in the wrong place.

It turned out to be a laboring ewe stuck on her back. With one guest holding her head and another handing me towels, we rolled her over and delivered a set of triplets.

No one asked again why we braved the midnight cold.

Saving Timmy: This lamb was revived from a “lamb popsicle” (too cold to register on a thermometer) to a vigorous bottle baby during a Slumber Party.

Another unforgettable night was the bedtime convoy to the vet.

A laboring ewe had a problem I couldn’t solve. I am blessed to have a vet who lives just six miles away and raises sheep herself. I drove the ewe to Jackie’s house, followed by three mini-vans. The ewe turned out to have a dead lamb tangled up with a live one and a cervix needing manual dilation. Jackie allowed interested children to don a glove, feel the lambs, and help maintain the pressure on the cervix until it was time for delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are five questions that always come up when I speak to other producers about these events:

What about insurance? We are already insured up to the eyeballs because of our many farm enterprises which involve people and food.

Is it profitable? Yes. The $35 per head fee is calculated to cover expenses while contributing to farm profitability.

How can you focus on the sheep while supervising children? It’s clearly understood that my priority is the livestock. Guests are required to have at least one supervising adult for every three children and are completely responsible for them. I will disappear at a moment’s notice if I must.

What are the guests like? Without exception, our guests have been courteous, respectful, flexible, and appreciative of the opportunity.

How can you stand having additional responsibilities during lambing? That has been the greatest surprise of all: The energy and enthusiasm of our guests actually makes sheep gestation and lambing time more fun. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child’s eyes light up with the experiences that we shepherds tend to take for granted: Holding a lamb, saving a life, watching a ewe help her newborn to its feet. Our guests help my family appreciate how lucky we are to live on a farm and raise sheep.

Caroline and David Owens raise Coopworth and Katahdin sheep in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. Their sheep support the farm through traditional means (such as freezer lambs, breeding stock, and fleeces) but also through educational programs like Sheep Camp, Adopt-A-Sheep, and Lambing-Time Slumber Parties. For more about Owens Farm, visit www.owensfarm.com

Originally published in Sheep! May/June 2016 and regularly vetted for accuracy.

Sheep Gestation and Slumber Parties: It’s Lambing Season At Owens Farm was originally posted by All About Chickens

0 notes

easyfoodnetwork · 5 years ago

Quote

Farm laborers from Fresh Harvest in a field in Greenfield, California | Brent Stirton/Getty Images As hundreds of farmworkers test positive for coronavirus, many remain unprotected This story was originally published on Civil Eats. At the end of April, 71 fruit-tree workers at a large orchard in central Washington state were tested for COVID-19. None showed any symptoms of the novel coronavirus, except for four with a mild cough. But more than half tested positive, and the farm turned out to be one of the first confirmed clusters of the virus among agricultural workers. The laborers were mostly guest workers from Mexico who were brought to the state under the H-2A visa program. They are believed to have caught the virus in the U.S., despite the fact that their employer, Stemilt Ag Services, one of the state’s largest ag labor employers, had from the start implemented extensive safety measures to minimize their risks. While farmworkers are at risk for COVID-19 due to their living and working conditions, until recently relatively few have tested positive for the virus. To health officials and labor advocates, the Stemilt case signaled that the virus may be more widespread in the agricultural industry than is being reported. It also showed that the guidelines for preventing coronavirus spread in agriculture — most of them voluntary measures — are likely insufficient. “Stemilt has actively implemented social distancing, symptom monitoring, and other recommended COVID control measures at its work and housing sites,” Chelan-Douglas Health District administrator Barry Kling said in a statement. “What these test results tell us is that asymptomatic cases are so common that these measures are not sufficient in these settings even when implemented well.” The company told Civil Eats that after the outbreak it has continued to adopt all recommendations from federal and state agencies and has intensified its sanitation and social distancing measures. But Edgar Franks, political director with Familias Unidas Por La Justicia, a farmworker union in Washington state, says most agricultural employers are not nearly as scrupulous and many aren’t taking the necessary precautions. “I haven’t seen much enforcement of existing guidelines in the fields,” said Franks. “No social distancing, no giving out masks, too little spacing between rows and trees, and everyone huddling close together during crew meetings.” Labor advocates warn that the virus could severely impact agriculture as tens of thousands of workers across the country take to the fields when harvest season begins this summer. And while no one is counting exactly how many farmworkers have contracted the virus, in recent weeks, several COVID-19 hotspots have come to light, revealing how the agricultural system could expose workers’ lives to the disease. “I haven’t seen much enforcement of existing guidelines in the fields. No social distancing, no giving out masks.” Despite Hundreds of Positive Tests, Real Impact is Unknown Farmworkers have been designated “essential workers” by the Department of Homeland Security and they continue to report to work. And while working outside puts them at less risk than if they were in a meat packing facility, labor advocates say these workers are very vulnerable to the virus because they often work in close proximity, live in cramped, communal housing conditions, and commute to the fields in crowded vans and buses. Many also have pre-existing conditions and some have no sick leave or health insurance. In Washington’s Yakima Valley, a major agricultural region and one of the rare localities where the public health district publicly tracks farmworker COVID-19 cases, at least 240 people who work in the food and agriculture industries have tested positive for coronavirus. With more than 1,600 confirmed cases and nearly 60 deaths, the county has the highest COVID-19 rate of all West Coast counties. While people in long-term care facilities account for about a third of the county’s cases, health experts say the large agricultural workforce is the main driver. To stem the tide of infections, the Yakima Health District and industry groups have created a technical assistance team to work with ag employers. The team will visit worksites, observe prevention measures, and provide recommendations for improvement. The district is also working with local care providers to increase testing capacity in case there’s an outbreak at a guestworker housing camp. Oregon’s Marion County, which is in the heart of the agriculturally rich Willamette Valley, also has the highest COVID-19 infection rate in the state. And while the county doesn’t release data about the employment of people testing positive, the two towns with the highest infection rates — Woodburn and Gervais — are also at the center of the state’s farmworker population. In the San Joaquin Valley, one of the nation’s largest agricultural production areas, a rise in positive coronavirus cases in rural towns has led Congressional leaders to urge the National Institute of Health and Governor Gavin Newsom to prioritize COVID-19 testing for farmworkers and others in the food industry. And in Monterey County, known as America’s Salad Bowl, health officials have reported that dozens of farmworkers have been infected. Ag workers compromise 35 percent of the county’s cases, Karen Smith, a spokesperson for the county health department, told Civil Eats. Last week, it received 750,000 masks from the state specifically for these workers. It also has added two new community testing sites. But the outbreaks haven’t been contained to the West Coast. In upstate New York, 169 of 340 workers at Green Empire Farms, a giant greenhouse that grows strawberries, tomatoes, and cucumbers, tested positive for the virus earlier this week. Although two were hospitalized, the vast majority of the workers, most of whom are guest workers from Mexico, Haiti, and other countries were asymptomatic, health officials told Civil Eats. The outbreak occurred despite the fact that Mastronardi Produce, the Canadian company that owns the greenhouse, had instituted a string of protective measures, including mandatory face coverings, social distancing, and sanitizing. Most of the workers, who live in hotels multiple workers to a room, are being quarantined there, said Samantha Field, Madison County Health Department spokesperson. In New Jersey, 59 migrant workers at an unidentified farm in Salem County tested positive for the virus. Thousands of foreign guest workers arrive to the area every year for spring and summer harvest. In response, a local health center has launched testing of farmworkers in tents at various farms and in mobile testing vans; local health officials said they are planning more tests. And in North Carolina, farmworkers at several strawberry farms also tested positive, including eight at Rudd Farm, which had mandated the use of gloves and masks for farmworkers and implemented a drive-thru service for customers. The farm, which had temporarily closed at the end of April, is back in business. Labor advocates say it’s likely that this list of known cases is only the tip of the iceberg. Many workers don’t report feeling ill because they can’t afford to miss two or more weeks of work, said Marley Monacello, a spokeswoman for the Florida-based Coalition of Immokalee Workers. The organization knows of one Immokalee farmworker with COVID-19 who is in the hospital on a ventilator, but “we don’t have a long list of workers who have tested positive,” Monacello said. “Up until last week, the threshold for getting a test was very high.” The group has been pushing for more testing and the state finally opened a new testing site in Immokalee last week, Monacello said. She said the hope is that farmworkers who test positive will receive the care and economic support they need. “They’re feeding all of us and they deserve so much better,” Monacello said. Brent Stirton/Getty Images Farm laborers in masks their hands before work on April 28, 2020 in Greenfield, California States Respond, But Guidelines Not Enough Since the start of the pandemic, advocates have been putting pressure on local, state, and federal officials to find ways to protect farmworkers. In Oregon, the response has involved a temporary rule that requires ag employers to identify a social distancing and sanitation officer to ensure at least six feet of separation during work activities, breaks, and meal periods, as well as in employer housing. Companies have also been required to increase the availability of toilet and washing stations, and bunk beds — long a common feature of farmworkers housing — have been prohibited. The rule, which will be implemented on June 1, also requires that workers and drivers wear facial coverings and sit at least three feet apart in employer-provided vehicles. And in California, Governor Newsom issued an executive order that requires those who employ more than 500 food sector workers to provide up to 80 hours of paid sick leave to workers affected by COVID-19. The order is a significant win for farmworkers, said Armando Elenes, the secretary-treasurer with the United Farm Workers (UFW), because California’s agricultural operations tend to employ thousands of workers. “Now we need to make sure the law is real, that it’s enforced,” Elenes said. “And that workers know about it. If the workers don’t ask for the leave, the employers won’t volunteer it.” Despite these wins, most ag states and localities have only issued recommendations on preventing the virus from spreading among farmworkers — and some haven’t even gone that far. Voluntary guidelines have come from Cal-OSHA, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Monterey County on California’s Central Coast, and Washington state, among others. Labor advocates say such guidelines are not enough to protect workers. Some workers have gone on strike asking for more safety measures, including most recently at Allan Brothers Fruit, a Washington state packing house. Lawsuit Seeks Emergency Rules on Transportation, Work Conditions In mid-April, two farmworker unions — the UFW and Familias Unidas por la Justicia — sued the state of Washington for mandatory, stringent, and enforceable rules. “Lack of enforceable rules regarding social distancing, protective face masks, access to soap and water, and to environmental cleaning allows conditions to continue in which the virus can spread easily and quickly” and “imperil the lives” of workers, reads the complaint. As a state with a number of large agri-businesses producing labor-intensive crops such as apples and cherries, Washington brings in the most foreign guest workers. Through the end of March, more than 11,000 guest workers were sent to the state and another 15,000 or more will likely make their way to the state for harvest in the next few months, according to last year’s data. Enforceable regulations are crucial during the pandemic, said Andrea Schmitt, an attorney with Columbia Legal Services who represents the unions, because many farmworkers don’t know the legal system. “The only way they know their rights is if the rules are crystal clear and specific,” she told the judge at a hearing last Friday. Farmers have a vested interest in protecting workers, said Sarah Wixson, an attorney who represents several grower organizations who intervened in the lawsuit. “There’s a farm labor shortage,” said Wixson. “No farmer wants their farmworkers to get sick and not be able to perform their jobs.” “The only way they know their rights is if the rules are crystal clear and specific.” A week after the lawsuit was filed, Washington’s Department of Health and the Department of Labor & Industries released a draft of emergency rules on farmworker housing that will be finalized in the coming days. They included cleaning and distancing plans and procedures for educating workers as well as identifying and isolating those who get sick. But labor advocates said it makes no sense to improve housing while workers are still traveling and working in close proximity. So, the lawsuit asks the state to adopt emergency rules in those two additional areas. Washington officials had indicated they were not planning such rule making. And Tim Church, a spokesman with the Department of Labor & Industries, declined to say whether the state would adopt additional emergency rules. But on May 1, a judge said he wanted to see the state make progress on transportation and work site rules by May 14. If not, he said he will consider issuing an injunction to force such rules. Stemilt Case Provides Insight Into COVID Impacts Worker advocates say time is of the essence when it comes to saving farmworkers lives and they point to the Stemilt case as a sign that more needs to be done to track the disease. Stemilt Ag Services is an orchard management subsidiary of Stemilt Growers, one of the nation’s largest fruit producers. Every year, the company hires approximately 2,000 workers to work in its approximately 9,000 acres of apple, pear, cherry, and stone fruit orchards, and the majority are brought in as H-2A workers. In early March, court documents show, the company adopted the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and separated the workers into several distinct crews that work, commute to work, and live in isolation together. At that time, one of Stemilt’s domestic farmworkers tested positive for COVID-19; he and his five fellow crew members were asked to self-isolate at home for two weeks. A month later, six guest workers at one of the housing camps exhibited symptoms and all tested positive. In total, court records show, 53 guest workers tested positive while one domestic worker did. The isolated workers didn’t exhibit major symptoms, none required hospitalization, and only one lost his sense of smell and taste. All of the workers are now out of isolation and back to work, the company’s spokesman Roger Pepperl told Civil Eats, and Stemilt currently has zero positive cases. In response to the outbreak, the company says it’s cleaning its housing more rigorously, has increased communication with workers about preventive measures, and continues to work on all aspects of social distancing. “We do have to remember that it is a 24-hours-a-day issue … not just at work and not just after work,” said Pepperl. But health officials said those measures, no matter how well executed, may not be enough. Instead, testing farmworkers on a larger scale is what’s needed. “We need to think differently,” said Kling, the Chelan-Douglas Health District administrator. “We also need to greatly increase testing of workers so that isolation and quarantine can be used when needed, and uninfected workers can continue to work.” With Voluntary Guidelines, Farmworkers Have No Recourse Labor advocates hope more testing will eventually protect workers. In the meantime, a ruling in Washington could spur other states to adopt similar mandatory rules to protect farmworkers. Mandatory regulations could be a game changer for workers, said Nayamin Martinez, director of the Central California Environmental Justice Network. The group organizes workers in the San Joaquin Valley and has been educating them about COVID-19. Last month, said Martinez, a group of workers in the rural town of Madera was temporarily laid off after they insisted on working 6-feet apart from others in the mandarin orchards. “[The lay-offs] were in retaliation for asking that they be allowed to practice social distancing,” said Martinez. “Their field crew boss told them, ‘If you don’t like it, you can go home. I have others who are ready to work.’” Martinez said she filed a complaint with the Fresno office of Cal-OSHA because the workers were too scared to do it, fearing they would lose their jobs. Although Martinez provided the agency with the address of the field where the crew was working, the agency declined to investigate. Cal-OSHA’s Fresno office did not immediately respond to an inquiry from Civil Eats. “People are scared. Next time, they won’t report anything, since no one is enforcing the rules,” said Martinez. “And we’re talking about a disease that puts people’s lives at risk.” • As Hundreds of Farmworkers Test Positive for COVID-19, Many Remain Unprotected [Civil Eats] from Eater - All https://ift.tt/2yVFk7S

http://easyfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/05/why-farmworkers-are-especially-at-risk.html

#EasyFoodNetwork #ComfortFoodRecipes #EasyRecipes #GoodFood #BestComfortFoodRecipes #TastyFoodv

0 notes