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rjthirsty · 4 months ago

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"I'm Pregnant" with IkePri

We've seen how dating, their first time, and engagement proposals pan out, but what Cybird will never deliver to us is that pivotal moment that MC tells one of the LIs that she's expecting.

This is just my idea of how it will work out with each suitor. MC is AFAB, and all suitors are AMAB. Obvious mentions of pregnancy lie ahead. Just a fun little exercise to test out drabbles.

[7/21] Jin, Chevalier, and Gilbert done

Jin

Jin is the king of pulling out, but somewhere along the line, he slipped up and it resulted in nothing so he started to get lax. Somewhere along the line, you two stopped worrying about it. More times than not he still denies you the creampie that it turns out he enjoys seeing seep out of you. But now you're late, and maybe you two should have been more vigilant.

It's hard to find the words. You confirmed it with a physician, and you know you need to tell him, but having a baby with a commoner churns up trauma for Jin, and you're afraid he'll turn you out.

He's worried. You have never looked so ashen. When you said you needed to talk, he dropped everything to give you time. His large hand palms your cheek. He dips down to look into your eyes. And in a voice that has helped you through countless times he says “Whatever it is, it'll be okay.”

“I'm pregnant.” You finally manage.

Shock leaves him wide-eyed in surprise. It takes him a moment to zip through the thoughts that spring into his mind - a million possibilities, questions, and outcomes on what he'd do if this day had ever come. Then a grin lights up his face and you almost miss it as he wraps his arms around you and lifts you off the ground to hug tightly to him, spinning around from the sheer joy of having a child with you.

He's better than his father. And you're not his mother. And the world is a different place with the two of you together. He's more excited than you thought he'd be. He talks to your stomach even before the child can hear him. He wants to princess carry you everywhere. And he introduces you as the mother of his children.

Chevalier

The way Chev looked at you after you told him the news was chilling - not because it was his icy stare that had silenced rooms and struck fear in children, but because you had never seen him… scared. He was scared. The news was not happily recieved as you thought it would be.

As the two of you prepared for bed and you talked of your day, you broke the news with excitement and turned to see him stunned and staring. “Chevalier?” You called to him. His eyes cut from your belly to your face.

“It's okay. You're not a beast, and I'm not afraid of you.” Attempting to soothe his worries, you moved closer and slowly snuggled into his chest. “I'd be lucky to have a child just like you, because you're an amazing man.”

He relaxed in your arms, his own arms surrounded you as he dropped his chin to put his lips on your head. “I'd rather have a child like you who can love someone like me. You may never understand him if he's like me.”

“But I don't need to to love him.”

From that day forward, Chevalier dove into reading about medical studies and other literature on pregnancy, labor, and delivery. He stated checking up on you more often and bringing you all sorts of items said to help with pregnancy issues. He would have delivered your child himself except thankfully Clavis helped you talk him out of it. There are some things you'd rather he not be in the middle of.

Gilbert

“Do you want me to tell him?” Walter asked, a serious note in his voice.

“No. I want him to hear it from me.”

You knew the news of family was not a joyous thing in Obsidian. Especially for Gilbert. The land of deceit and decay, where families had murdered families for generations. Where the Emperor carried the sins of the Obsidian line that had wrought death and bloodshed countless times across this kingdom and others.

Gil had wanted to end it. To stop his line from continuing. And here you were, pregnant with his child. He wouldn't hurt you you were certain, but he might actually lock you up this time in order to prevent anybody else from hurting you. He could if he wanted. But living like that would leave everyone unhappy.

In order to prevent another bed-chaining, you visit him in his study. Before you made it two steps inside the room, he stood from his chair and moved towards you, worry clouding his face. He felt your anxiety. Something was not right with you, and he knew it.

“I'm fine,” you assured him as he quickly looked you over. “I just… have something to tell you.”

Gil's perfect smile covered up his momentary worry. “Surely, no one has bothered my little rabbit. Yet your heart is racing like the day we met.”

“No, no one has bothered me.” You step closer to him and wrap your arms around him, trapping him in place. With a lean of your back, you lock onto his single red eye to show how serious you are, and plainly explain, “I'm pregnant.”

His hands fly out, snatching you close to him as he squeezed you against his chest, holding onto you like you might somehow slip away if he were to let go. This is not the first time he has done this. You brace against him, giving him at least a few seconds of his desperate hugging before it begins to feel like he'll crush you. It always goes like this.

“Gil! Gilbert, please. I can't breathe.”

He relinquished you, and as you gasped lungfuls of air, he scooped you up and strode out the door. “Wait! Gil! Where are we going?”

You were used to the palace by now that you knew he was headed towards his bedroom. Even if he didn't answer, you could already see how this was going to go. “Put me down! I am not going to be locked up and hidden away. That is not how you treat people you love.”

“Do you presume you can order me around?”

“No, but if you do this, I will never forgive you.”

Gilbert slowed his steps and came to a stop. In his eye you could see emotion wavering, and while you hadn't learned how to read him as well as he knew how to read you, you had learned to see the different sides of him that he only shared with you.

“Now,” you began calmly, “I'll make some tea, and we can talk about this. At a table. With no shackles or rope.”

“I’m so weak to your requests. At least let me lock the doors so no one can bother us.”

“You can lock the doors if I get the key to them during our talk.”

Gilbert's biggest fear is losing someone he loves. He recognizes he has desires to control and cage MC to keep her safe from others, but he also knows those desires are not acceptable. He's at the mercy of his emotions, and despite being a genius, he often acts on whims, especially relating to MC. I'd love to explore this further. See how far we can push him.

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markrosewater · 1 year ago

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Happy birthday! Can we get some birthday trivia about you on your birthday?

Sure. I turn 56 today, so here’s fifty-six things you may or may not know about me.

1) I never lost a baby tooth. Every one had to be extracted.

2) I was once a contestant on Trivial Pursuit: The Game Show with Wink Martindale. I answered the most questions correct, but didn’t win.

3) I once had scarlet fever (the thing the boy gets in the Velveteen Rabbit).

4) I’ve been told by doctors I have very weird blood.

5) I self taught myself to juggle.

6) I was a magician when I was a kid with the stage name The Wiz Kid. I mostly performed for kids parties.

7) I was once a freelance greeting card writer. My favorite (that didn’t get printed) showed a jug of maple syrup tipped on its side making a puddle of syrup. In the syrup was a top hat. A hand is pulling a can of green paint with a shamrock out of the hat. You open up the card and it says Sappy Paint Hat Tricks Day. It’s a triple Spoonerism.

8) Sara Gilbert (of “Roseanne” fame) and I once went out for lunch. (It wasn’t a date or anything.)

9) I broke my collarbone doing a prat fall off a stage.

10) I once pet a cheetah. In South Africa. My face from the picture of me doing that was used as my “Making Magic” photo for years.

11) I once made a root beer float for Keanu Reeves. It was at a play I was volunteering for.

12) I once get trapped inside Fred Astaire’s Estate. This factoid is oddly on my Wikipedia page.

13) Starting during the pandemic, my family began fostering animals. So far, we fostered four dogs, six cats, and two Guinea pigs.

14) In college, I wrote and directed two plays, started an improvisation troupe, and a writing workshop.

15) I still have all my wisdom teeth.

16) I have visited every continent except Antarctica for Magic.

17) I once asked Clint Eastwood for directions, not realizing who it was until he started talking. I was lost on the Warner Brothers lot.

18) My first job in Hollywood resulted from me taking part in someone else’s interview. I snuck on the lot, and ended walking into a room where they asked “Are you here for the production assistant interview?”, and I said, “Yes.”

19) I once had a disease the doctors couldn’t identify. They called it Mark’s Disease.

20) I was born in Mississippi. My dad was in the Air Force at the time.

21) I asked out seven woman to my senior prom who all turned me down. I ended up going with a friend who also couldn’t get a date.

22) I took six years of Spanish.

23) Most of my family’s vacations growing up were ski vacations, so I’m a decent skier.

24) I once delivered a pizza to Richard Gere. It was as a production assistant, not a pizza delivery person.

25) I once broke into an actor’s apartment building to deliver a script. It was so late, they were asleep and didn’t hear the buzzing of the door bell.

26) I once drove six hours (three in each direction) to pick up one five-stick package of Blackjack gum as a runner (production assistant).

27) Dennis Miller once thought I was a crazy man. I was sent to get him from the parking lot for a shoot and he thought I was stalking him.

28) I have over two hundred tee-shirts. They are organized by color.

29) I was supposed to pitch to “The Simpsons”, but it got cancelled when I got hired in the “Roseanne” staff.

30) I pitched multiple times to “Star Trek: The Next Generation”, but never sold a script. The closest I got was a pitch about Data malfunctioning.

31) I once ate crocodile. In Australia.

32) I played the Tinman in fifth grade in a production of “The Wizard of the Oz”. I was so hot, my silver make-up had to be reapplied halfway through as I sweated it off.

33) My mother turned down being on “Oprah” to come to my college graduation.

34) My parents are both retired. My dad was a dentist and my mom a psychologist. I used to joke I had a “paradox”.

35) Every birthday since I was 9, I’ve celebrated my birthday with crab legs.

36) Since I was in grade school, every Valentine’s Day, I hand out candy hearts, and every Halloween, I hand out mellowcreme pumpkins (basically pumpkin shaped candy corns).

37) My tee-shirts every week are themed. Some themes are pretty obvious, but they often get tricky. R&D likes figuring out the theme.

38) I got a BS in Communications (no, really) from Boston University’s College of Communications.

39) I collect superhero Minimates (they look Lego-ish). I have somewhere around two thousand. They are displayed in a number of cabinets built by my dad.

40) My podcast was inspired by a talk by Kevin Smith (at San Diego Comic-Con) where he said anyone could make a podcast.

41) I have attended over twenty-five San Diego Comic-Cons.

42) I am related to Lorne Green of “Bonanza” fame.

43) My dad’s family came from Germany and my mom’s from Russia. In Germany, my family’s name was Rosenvasser, but it was changed to Rosewater when they came to the U.S.

44) There are so few Rosewaters in the United States, that if you meet a Rosewater odds are I’m related to them.

45) I have lived in five states (Mississippi, Ohio, Massachusetts, California, and Washington, in that order).

46) I have visited over thirty states for Magic.

47) I once met Jim Henson when I worked on a clip show that Kermit was on. The question I asked him was if Ernie and Bert were named after the characters from “It’s a Wonderful Life”. He said not consciously. Jim Henson is one of my idols and I feel so blessed to have met him. He died a few months later.

48) I met Stan Lee at Hascon. He is another of my idols that I feel so lucky to have met.

49) On “Roseanne”, I worked with Amy Sherman-Palladino (just Amy Sherman back then) and Chuck Lorre. She made “Gilmore Girls” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”. He made “Big Bang Theory” and “Two and a Half Men”. Amy was super sweet and we got along well. I don’t think Chuck liked me.

50) I am a super picky eater. For example, except for apples, I don’t eat fruit. I hate bananas with a passion.

51) I have been a game player since very young. My dad loves games and introduced them to me early in life.

52) I get the writing bug from my mom.

53) I used to collect lint in a giant jar. When I got married, Lora made me get rid of it. It was an impressive amount of lint.

54) I have a bad tendency to burn myself a lot. My family loves to make fun of it.

55) I own over fifty flannels. My favorites are from Japan because they are more colorful with their flannels. Normally I wear a large, but in Japanese sizes, I’m an extra large.

56) My favorite number is 254. I chose it when I was little.

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proosh · 5 months ago

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highly amused by the image of ludwig getting bothered throughout his Serious Grownup Workday by phone calls from pru with questions about inane shit or old man advice, and it’s even worse because francois is in the background and keeps interjecting with additional, sometimes contradictory, old man advice. pls spare a thought for the most beleaguered man in the EU

prayer circle for the most oppressed man in the entire Bundestag (being harassed by his brother and his brother's live-in lover that Ludwig does his best to tolerate despite his complicated and sometimes begrudging relationship with the man)

Gilbert is chattering to him about the elaborate web of Berlin queer drama. Francis is in the background interjecting commentary about The Arts and the various squabbling literary personalities of Paris. Ludwig has a migraine coming on.

Yes, love you, tschüß. He hangs up. Tries to remember which email he was going to be sending off. Fifteen minutes later, his phone rings and his dearest beloved brother is asking him if he's had his lunch yet and if he needs an emergency delivery of that great döner from downtown. (Francis is in the background, offering to take them both out for dinner)

So it goes, until the office closes for the day and Ludwig picks up döner to deliver to his brother for dinner (and maybe an extra one for the live-in lover) because despite it all they do look out for each other, in their own ways.

#hws prussia #hws germany #hws france #frapru #prufra #mine #sorry this got away from me #and is very cute!!!! thank you <3 #my writing

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9leaguesofmirrors · 1 year ago

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My Favourite Reece Shearsmith Characters

So it's Reece Shearsmith's birthday today, so I decided to celebrate this by sharing some of my favourite characters played by this fantastically talented actor

These are in no particular order

Gregory Brewster - Him Indoors

Him Indoors is a short film about a serial killer with agoraphobia. Not only is the premise very interesting, Reece delivers a chilling yet very entertaining performance as the main character. It's on YouTube if you want to watch it, which I highly reccomend you do!

Tommy - Bernie Clifton's Dressing Room

This HAD to be on the list! Reece's performance as Tommy is heartbreaking, we watch a man seems to put-together and serious slowly fall apart and lose control of his calm façade - impeccable work

Sean Stone - Chasing Shadows

Admittedly, I don't know where the watch the full show, but I have seen clips and I knew I had to put it on this list because of Reece's portrayal of an autistic person. You can tell he put a lot of thought and research into it in order to give a realistic performance, which is a testament to his dedication and how much he truly cares about the roles he plays and who he's representing

Tyler - Riddle Of The Sphinx SPOILERS BELOW

If there's one thing Reece is good at, it's how to play a chilling villain. Everything about Tyler is unnerving and he manages to be terrifying without being loud or angry all the time. It's measured and the emotion builds and builds - fantastic work!

Joseph Lisgoe - The League Of Gentlemen

I've mentioned before that the debt collectors were underused, and I simply had to talk about how extraordinary Reece's performance as Lisgoe was. He completely dives into the roles he plays and this one was no exception, not even a light smashing on his closest friend stops him from carrying on a scene (just check out the outtakes!), he simply embodies the part and delivers a performance that terrifies the cast, crew and the audience

Laurence - Merrily Merrily SPOILERS BELOW

Merrily Merrily is an Inside No. 9 episode that I can never rewatched because of how empty it made me feel - and I mean that in the best way possible! Laurence is wracked with pain over the loss of his late partner, and Reece delivers such a subtle yet haunting performance that I don't think I'll ever stop thinking about it

Ross Gaines - The League of Gentlemen

Ross is such a fun character because of how manipulative, calculating and cold he is. Not only does it set him apart from the other inhabitants of Royston Vasey, it makes his scenes with Pauline all the more tense and entertaining - and Reece really does deliver in the role. I'm glad they decided to go with this casting choice

Aiden - Thinking Out Loud

Like with Laurence, Reece delivers a hauntingly stellar performance. What makes this one really special is that it's a monologue. There's nobody for him to bounce off of or react to, he has to reach those emotions himself. And, as always, he nails it

Ollie Plimsolls - The League Of Gentlemen

I've said before that I think Ollie is one of the most cleverly written League characters and I stand by that. As a representation of the Saviour Complex and self-righteousness of people in theatre, Ollie is a character that should be easy to hate... but because of Reece's expert comedic timing and delivery, he ends up being so funny that you can't help but laugh every time he's onscreen

SPECIAL MENTION: Gilbert - Betty Blue Eyes

Reece Shearsmith said in an interview that he wasn't a great singer. Reece Shearsmith is a liar. Don't believe me? Listen to The Kind Of Man I Am from Betty Blue Eyes and thank me later

Also, if you can find it, there's a short bootleg of him in The Producers which is good too!

Of course, this are just a few of his performances and he's never delivered a bad one - whether he's playing a comedic character like Archie in The Bill or a more serious one like in Borley Rectory. And we haven't even touched on his writing skills, I can't wait to see what he does next!

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illiana-mystery · 10 months ago

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WIP Wednesday

I've recently picked up another two fics that have been in hiatus. Hopefully, they will be fully updated soon 🤞🏾 But until then, here's a sneak peek of the current chapters of Prisoner of Love and Delivery for Mr. Pembrooke.

And read all the way through for the working plots of two upcoming fics. 😉

Taglist: @ghnaim24, @emily-ella-nightshade89, @goran-dafoe, @imwithyoutiltheendofthelinebucky, @iobsessoverfictionalmen, @goodoldcharley

---

Prisoner of Love

(Author's Note: Geiger changed his name to Sam Gilbert, which is mentioned in Chapter 1. That's why she calls him Gil, although it's also a meta joke because I can't help myself.)

You didn't see him or hear him so as soon as he grabbed you from behind, you jumped.

"Gil," you grumbled. "You scared the shit out of me."

He chuckled before moving his lips to your neck, pressing little hickeys into your tender skin.

"Well who else would be here, Shy? It's just you and me," he hummed into your ear. "How did you sleep?"

"I slept perfectly," you honestly answered. "Because I was wrapped up in the arms of my sweet lover."

He smirked.

"You know why I had to keep you here, Shy," he started while kissing your shoulder. "Because I couldn't bear the thought of us being apart or you getting hurt. But now my fears have fallen. I trust you and the world. I just hope I won't regret my decision."

"I know, honey," you moaned. "But I'm glad to have my freedom back. I promise I won't leave you. I love you, Gil. Promise."

"I love you too," he hummed, before you moved your head and kissed him. Swiftly, he deepened the kiss before you both just looked at each other again.

You could both tell that you wanted to continue with the activities of last night. And just that twinkle of lust in your eyes gave him the green light he needed.

"Seeing you so joyful and hopeful like this, Shy, is really beautiful. I would like to adore you more."

"My hopefulness is sexy to you?"

"I guess it gives you that spark, that light that I like, you know?"

"Reminds you of how bold I was when we first met?"

"Yes. You just read my mind," he flirted in your ear, before instructing you, "Stay still and press your hands to the glass."

You nodded and swiftly obeyed his command, which earned you a sensual caress around your waist. His skinny, calloused hands just felt so good on your sensitive skin, it made you want to cry.

Your fiancé's touch never made you feel like that. So it was more than strange to you. And you let him know that by your reaction to his soft strokes.

"You really were starved," he moaned into your shoulder as his fingers moved down to your waiting cunt. Your legs were closed, but soon he kicked them apart to get full access of your jewel.

"Daddy!" you cried as his digits began to move inside of you. Immediately, your body reacted by leaning closer to him although your hands remained on the glass.

Your rough breaths stained the glass like your fingerprints and you watched as it condescended near the reflection of his smirking face.

"Let go, babygirl," he instructed. "Let daddy know how good he made you feel."

---

Delivery for Mr. Pembrooke

"You're going back to Old Man Pembrooke's tonight?" Los asked, startling you. You had just come out of the employee bathroom, now dressed in another loungewear set that was yellow and decorated with chibi spaghetti and meatballs on the top.

But seeing Los again surprised you. It was your first time seeing him again since the morning. And you figured that everyone was gone since it was so quiet when you came back from your all-day shift.

"Yeah," you answered, noticeably looking around.

"Don't worry. I'm the only one still here. I had to help Renae with some minor tasks."

"Oh," you replied, opening your employee locker. That's when Los noticed the bouquet of yellow roses.

"Did he buy you those?" he asked, eyebrow raised.

"It was the mystery item," you explained. "Surprised me too. He even included a sweet message. I was wearing one of them in my hair, but I put it back in the vase. Luckily when I came back from dropping off two deliveries after visiting him, no one was around so I was able to sneak these in my locker. Only you know about them."

"And I'll keep it that way. They don't need to know," he assured. "But I do wonder..."

"What?"

"I don't mean to overstep but Tasha, do you like Mr. Pembrooke? Like actually like him? I used to think you just pitied him, but it seems like there's more to it."

"Los, if I'm being honest, I've liked him from our first encounter. It was never pity. I wanted to visit him again to check on him. I like delivering his groceries. He really is sweet if you get to know him. And I know this sounds weird, but I think he's quite handsome for his age..."

Los shrugged.

"No judgment. There's plenty of older women I deliver to that I find attractive," he admitted. "And honestly, I think it's sweet that you're so kind to him. I always thought he just needed a friend too. I got mad respect for ya, Tasha."

You giggled.

"Thanks, Los. Just promise me you won't tell anyone."

"I won't, promise," he insisted, before saying, "I did learn something interesting about him, though."

"What do you mean?"

"I found an interesting documentary on ESPN Classic while scrolling through the channels yesterday," he explained. "It was called..."

"Behind Lionel Pembrooke?"

"Yeah! That's it. Wait, did you know he was an Olympic ping-pong gold medalist?"

"My dad was a fan," you started. "Didn't realize it was him until yesterday. Then again, I haven't thought about Olympic Ping-Pong in years."

"Hmm, guess you were destined to melt his cold heart then."

You laughed.

"It's nothing like that," you insisted. "We're just friends...I mean we just met."

He nodded, but also sported a smirk on his face.

"Right. Well I'll leave you to it. Don't want to keep the old man waiting," he teased. "See you tomorrow, Tasha."

"See you," you said back, hugging him before he grabbed his bag and left.

Once he was gone, you finished packing your work clothes in your bag and grabbed your flowers. You were about to turn around and leave when you were startled by Renae.

"I'll lock up," she told you. "Go on ahead. I'm sure Lionel's waiting for you."

You smiled.

"Thanks, Renae."

"You bet, rookie. Also check your text. I thought you should see your review."

You looked puzzled, but did as she said. You toggled to her message and immediately began to read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I don't know where Grocer found Natasha Roundtree, but I'm starting to believe they found her after she fell from heaven. I've never had such wonderful service from this company until she delivered my groceries for the first time yesterday. She was so kind and compassionate, she even helped put up everything after I threw my back out. So after she left, I immediately requested that she deliver my groceries from now on. But I don't want to be selfish. I definitely want her on Tuesdays, but any other days, you should request her. And give her a good tip too. Honestly, I couldn't recommend her more.

Your eyes started to tear up as you read every line. Renae had told you how sweet his review was, but actually reading it made you feel so warm and fuzzy inside.

"He really likes you, Tasha. I've never seen that man give any other delivery driver five stars. At the most, three and he was just being nice."

"He really is sweet once you get to know him."

"I know. He wasn't always like he is," she stated. "I met him the year after he retired when I was a kid. I used to play table tennis and he was signing autographs and meeting fans at the convention center. He was so warm and inviting to everyone. It's sad to see what he's become. I don't know what turned him into the monster of his street, but I'm glad you're starting to turn him back to who he was previously."

"Wow," you moaned. "Maybe I'll learn what happened in due time. I'm not gonna force him to tell me though."

"Yeah, don't," Renae agreed. "Now get out of here. I'll see you tomorrow."

You laughed.

"Yeah, see you tomorrow."

---

Okay now onto the working plots of two upcoming fics. I've been stewing and talking over these with some close mutuals, and I think I've finally come up with something concrete for both.

One of these fics was a long time coming, the other is an ambitious crossover. But I think they'll both be enjoyable.

Let's start with the one that was a long time coming...

Snow Angel (Leonhard Seppala)

Two years after the tragic death of his wife, Leonhard is shocked to find a strange Yup'ik Native Woman sleeping in his bed with her two huskies, Hedy and Laika, by her side. After waking her, he learns her name is Tatiana and she broke into his home for warmth and shelter after being lost in a snowstorm. She volunteers to leave, but he lets her stay since she kind of reminds him of his wife personality wise. In return for his kindness, she helps him around his home and bonds with his huskies. And as they spend more time together, they both fall madly in love. However, their budding romance is soon disrupted by Tatiana's uncle and baby brother who come to bring her back to her home village. Since she is the de facto leader, she does go back. But will she stay in the village or will she follow her heart and return to Leonhard?

And now the ambition crossover...

Standing Ovation (John Geiger and Mike Hubble)

In a strange game of cat and mouse, Executive Director Sinclair Banks is being pursued by not one but both of her new hires at the Vancleef Arts Center. One of them is the Director of the Music Education Department (Mike) and the other is their IT/Security Guy (Geiger), handling all the security tech and the system that all of the venue uses. The two constantly flirt with her, although she always rejects their advances. But that all changes when Geiger comes up with a plan to ambush her in the theater. The two men pick a night where she's in her office late and inact their plan. First, Geiger purposely makes the power go out, which makes her panicked. Then she tries to find a light source before Mike comes up behind her and chloroforms her. He brings her to the theater and she wakes up in one of the theater chairs. She's confused and tries to leave before both men come through the only unlocked door and ambush her. They lead her to the stage, giving her the performance she had been dying for. Will she be theirs after? Or will she resist their charms after the ambush?

---

Alright, well that's all for now. I'm currently trying to get my writing schedule for this year straightened out. So hopefully I'll put out more content frequently. Wish me luck. 🤞🏾🍀

#wips #work in progress #wip #wip wednesday #fanfiction #fanfic #fanfic ideas #john geiger #speed 2 #lionel pembrooke #saving norman #leonhard seppala #togo (2019)#mike hubble #boon #alfred molina #willem dafoe

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catdotjpeg · 8 months ago

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While Israel’s violent aggression on Gaza approaches the five-month mark, the situation in the besieged enclave deteriorates by the day as the population undergoes an Israeli-imposed famine as a result of the blockade. Following reports of a two-month-old baby starving to death on Friday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has said the high risk of malnutrition continues to increase, with one in six children in northern Gaza “severely malnourished.” “We continue to appeal for regular humanitarian access,” UNRWA said in a post on X. Mads Gilbert, a Norwegian physician and humanitarian advocate, says infant death from starvation is a direct consequence of Israeli restrictions on aid entering the coastal enclave.

“This is not a tragedy; it is man-made. Starvation is being forced upon the people of Gaza by the Israeli occupation forces,” Gilbert, who has more than 30 years of experience working in Gaza hospitals, told Al Jazeera. “Just two days ago, the international nutrition cluster came out with a very alarming report … that there is a sharp increase in the drivers of malnutrition in Gaza — food insecurity, a lack of diversity in the diet and decreasing infant and young child feeding possibilities.” Gilbert said Israel’s restriction of food and water in the enclave was a “huge war crime.” “How can the world just sit idly by and watch children die from starvation?” The situation is the worst in the north of Gaza, where UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini says Israel has not allowed food to be delivered since January 25 and that the U.N.’s calls to send food aid have been denied and fallen on deaf ears.

Since then, Lazzarini said, UNRWA and other UN agencies “have warned against looming famine, appealed for regular humanitarian access, and stated that famine can be averted if more food convoys are allowed into northern Gaza on a regular basis.” “This is a man-made disaster. The world committed to never let famine happen again. Famine can still be avoided, through genuine political will to grant access and protection to meaningful assistance. The days to come will once again test our common humanity and values,” he said. Similarly, Samer Abdeljaber, the World Food Programme’s (WFP’s) director for emergencies, says enough food is stocked up across Gaza’s borders to feed the entire population. However, it cannot safely reach the war-torn population due to the ongoing violence and extensive Israeli security checks.

[Aerial] photos posted by Al Jazeera Arabic show over 2,000 aid trucks piled up on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing in the southern Gaza Strip. “We have enough food across the borders, even from Jordan and Egypt, to be able to support 2.2 million people,” said Abdeljaber, as cited by Al Jazeera. “But we need to make sure we have the right access to Gaza from different crossings so that we can actually reach the people — whether they are in the north or the south or in the central areas.” “Safe routes is one of our requirements to continue assistance to the north and that can only be guaranteed if that is a speedy process,” [Abdeljaber] said. “Delays at the checkpoints are making it impossible for us to reach deeper into the north.” Nada Tarbush, a diplomat at the Palestine Mission to the U.N., has urged world governments to intervene and ensure the “urgent delivery of food, clean water and medicine via airdrops in Gaza.”

“Blocking the delivery of humanitarian aid is a war crime. Using starvation as a means of warfare is a war crime. Collective punishment is a war crime,” she said in a post on X. On Monday afternoon, Israel allowed the entry of 10 aid trucks into the northern part of the Gaza Strip amid reports of starvation, according to Al Jazeera correspondents. However, it is likely to be only a trickle compared to the needs of the desperate population. “Clean water is scarce. Solid waste is accumulating. The spread of diseases is on the rise,” UNRWA has said. “The situation is catastrophic, but UNRWA teams continue working to provide critical aid.”

-- From "‘Operation Al-Aqsa Flood’ Day 143" by Leila Warah for Mondoweiss, 26 Feb 2024

#palestine #gaza #rafah #gaza strip

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artemlegere-art · 3 months ago

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George Washington Lansdowne Portrait

Artist: Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755 -1828)

Genre: Portrait

Date: 1796

Medium: Oil on Canvas

George Washington stands before you in a full-length portrait by Gilbert Stuart. Here is Stuart at his best, painting a Washington for the ages, grand not as a king but as a stalwart representative of democracy. The painting, done in 1796, is known as the Lansdowne Portrait because it was a gift to the Marquis of Lansdowne, an English supporter of American independence, from Senator and Mrs. William Bingham of Pennsylvania.

Explore the portrait using three different filters: symbolic, biographic, and artistic. Each filter highlights an element in the portrait and provides unique information and a distinct interpretation. What does it symbolize? How does it relate to Washington? And, what techniques did the artist use to render it?

Symbolic This filter explores symbolic meanings and interpretations of objects in the portrait. Many of the objects in the painting never really existed, but were chosen by the artist to convey specific ideas to viewers.

“He is surrounded with allegorical emblems of his public life in the service of his country, which are highly illustrative of the great and tremendous storms which have frequently prevailed. These storms have abated, and the appearance of the rainbow is introduced in the background as a sign.” - Advertisement for the first exhibition of the Lansdowne portrait in 1798.

Biographic This filter explores historical events and biographical information about Washington the man, and the leader. Here, we see Washington in 1796, the last year of his presidency. Who is this man? What has he accomplished in his life?

“He is the best and the greatest man the world ever knew….Neither depressed by disappointment and difficulties, nor elated with a temporary success. He retreats like a General and attacks like a Hero.” —Composer Francis Hopkinson

Artistic This filter explores the history of the artist and artistic techniques used to create the painting. What techniques did Gilbert Stuart use to capture a Washington who disliked posing? Why did some people call Stuart a genius?

“Genius is always eccentrick, I think. There is no knowing how to take hold of this man, nor by what means to prevail upon him to fulfil his engagements.” - Abigail Adams, writing of Gilbert Stuart, who would make her wait 16 years for delivery of her finished portrait. John Adams said that Stuart “keeps me constantly amused by his conversation.”

#oil painting #george washington portrait #founding fathers #us presidents #constitution #american art #gilbert stuart art

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acrossthewavesoftime · 2 years ago

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Hornblower AND WHO, though? (Or is it Hornblower and what?)

The title is a bit of a place holder as I don't have a proper name for the story yet. The idea was developed together with the wonderful @nordleuchten, who was just as distraught over Bush's death in the novels as I.

But, see, they never recovered any body(-parts) that were identfiably Bush... The story is set in 1824. Hornblower, a national hero, is trying to convince himself that the domestic idyll of having a wife, a son and a vast estate is all a man needs, but secretly suffers from severe nostalgia for his old days at sea.

Then one day, a curious letter arrives...:

Admiral Hornblower Smallbridge, Kent Grande-Bretagne.

My Dear Sir,

It is with some reservation I send to you this missive, for we have not been introduced to another, nor were we ever acquainted in another way, yet I am compelled to write to you following an incident in Le Havre—: at the harbour, I was approached by a sailor, a one-legged fellow who spoke French with an accent. At first, I was certain he would ask me for money, but he did not, though he appeared to be in some state of destitution and quite drunk: “Sir”, he pled with me, “Sir: from your dress, I can tell you are a man of import in this country, and thus beg your aid: I am but a poor sailor, and cannot write, and neither can I go home for the lack of funds that will not even allow me to send a letter: I have four poor sisters at home, and an ailing mother: will you please write to the good Admiral Hornblower of his Britannic Majesty’s Navy for me, with whom I served? He shall remember his old shipmate, and surely aid me, once he knows of my situation. He resides at Smallbridge in Kent, and shall no doubt accept the word of a gentleman such as you are.” I, moved by his speech and the destitution of the man, and no doubt his poor siblings and mother, asked him which name I was to give, but he was gone within an instant, only thanking me greatly, before disappearing from view amongst the alleyways.

I have long thought on it, not wishing to accost a stranger with what might be but a mere trifle; yet those blue eyes seemed to haunt me until I put my pen to paper, and wrote this letter to you.

I am, etc. Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette.

Thinking instantly that the man described can only be Bush (but how did he end up in this situation? He's supposed to be dead after all), Hornblower travels to Le Havre, who indeed finds Bush alive, and rather well; it appears that Bush had been rescued and returned to England by fishermen. Since at the time his demise had already been widely reported, Bush became an asset for the government as a spy, a position Bush only took on because the increased pay offered to him as compared to the Navy meant he could more efficiently care for his mother and sisters.

Bush admits to having tried to lure Hornblower over to France via La Fayette because he needs his help: the British government has received news that several British individuals are planning on kidnapping the Marquis on his way to his tour of the US as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of American independence.

The people behind the kidnapping are Irish nationalists who intend to stir up trouble between America and Britain by kidnapping La Fayette using a ship sailing under the British flag, their idea being that perhaps Irish nationalism will be received with greater political interest, credence and perhaps even support (especially from France; they have not forgotten 1798 yet) abroad if there is a rift between the US and UK. They also plan on maybe using La Fayette as a hostage to negotiate arms deliveries.

The head of the group of people Bush and Hornblower are up against is Lucy Anne FitzGerald, historically staunchly true to her brother's, the famed Lord Edward FitzGerald's, (political) legacy, who, rather inconveniently for Bush and Hornblower, was married to the Royal Navy captain Thomas Foley, so the threat is sort-of coming from within.

They are joined on their mission by Hornblower's son Richard, who has followed his famous, but largely absent, father as a stowaway.

The people Hornblower perceives as antagonists are not meant to be portrayed in a negative way, on the contrary; Hornblower and Bush are set up against people with good intentions and reasons Hornblower might, in other circumstances even understand or even sympathise with to a certain extent.

I always found that Hornblower's antagonists are a tad shallow, from Barry McCool to the infamous "Wolfe" of the TV series, I thought the topic of 1798, or the fight for Irish independence could be dealt with with much greater nuance.

And, I think it would be interesting to set the oh-so-moral and correct Hornblower up against (gasp!) a lady.

While I have the faint outlinings of an ending in mind, I haven't fully planned it yet; the idea is however that there isn't a clear triumph or victory for one or the other side; the journey is what matters, a journey on which the newly resurrected friendship of Bush and Hornblower is put to the test, and Hornblower and his son grow closer over the mutual adventure.

Thank you for the ask! :)

#ask #ask game #ask reply #hornblower #horatio hornblower #r writes

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battery-low · 2 years ago

Text

some movies/series i have seen/want to see

first slam dunk

blue giant

mary and the witch's flower

sirocco and the kingdom of winds

rascal does not dream of a dreaming girl

the tunnel to summer, the exit of goodbyes

the girl who leapt through time

‌wolf children

boy and the beast

mirai no mirai

belle

summer wars

in this corner of the world

metropolis anime

your name

children who chase lost voices from deep below

5 centimeters per second

the place promised in our early days

‌suzume

weathering with you

garden of words

little nemo

‌fist of the north star

vampire hunter d

vampire hunter d:bloodlust

wings of honneamise

ninja scroll

macros plus

patlabor

redline

the melancholy of haruhi suzumiya

the disappearance of haruhi suzumiya

tekkonkinkreet

serial experiments lain

the case of hana & alice

the piano forest

night is short walk on girl

okko's inn

millennium actress

i want to eat your pancreas

a silent voice

liz and the blue bird

kimi no iro / the colors within

the heike story

dog of flanders

angels egg

giovannis island

night on the galactic railroad

to the forest of firefly lights

a letter to momo

josee, the tiger and the fish

summit of the gods

kodoku no gurume

time of eve

panda go panda

patema inverted

kabaneri of the iron fortress

orange

gravity

wayne

big boys

small lights

old enough

begrijpt u nu waarom ik huil

schindlers list

colourful (1999)

colourful (2010)

‌anthem of the heart

‌maquia

maboroshi

inu-oh

birdboy

‌banana fish

‌terror in resonance

short peace

500 days of summer

summer ghost

chungking express

goodbye don glees

fleabag

one day

office space

lost in translation

manchester by sea

blue valentine

paddington 1, 2

neon genesis evangelion

end of evangelion

evangelion: 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 3.0+1.0

le otto montagne

the bear

met mes

call me by your name

beatiful boy

beau is afraid

chainsaw man

white lotus

sopranos

band of brothers

monster anime

pluto

master keaton

to your eternity

miss hokusai

‌your lie in april

march sweeps in like a lion

‌a place further than universe

the perverts guide to cinema/ideology

yuki yukite, shingun

everything everywhere all at once

the hunchback of notre dame

jojo rabbit

coldfish

love exposure

in the mood for love

house

in bruges

midnight gospel

‌god father i,ii,iii

‌scarface

‌death parade

one punch man

mob psycho i,ii,iii

vinland saga

bee and puppy cat

‌violet evergarden

violet evergarden (special)

violet evergarden (movie 2019)

violet evergarden (2020 movie)

‌anohana the flower we saw that day

erased

scavenger reign

inuyashiki

over the garden wall

‌bojack horseman

‌better call saul

‌breaking bad

‌game of thrones

severance

shogun

‌naruto

‌scrubs

‌moonlight kingdom

‌freedom writers

a sun

handmaids tale

carnival row

7 samurai

kingdom of heaven

persona

a brighter summer day

how to make millions before grandma dies

past lives

perfect days

dear zachary:a letter to a son about his father

paris,texas

time still turns pages

silent love

monster (movie)

wonka

get out

poor things

‌us‌

candyman

‌nope

fionna and cake

audition

on the count of three

sensitive the untold story

lucy

the creative brain

rudy

nyad

‌the whale

memories of murder

taxi driver

after hours

goodfellas

a clockwork orange

eternal sunshine of the spotless mind

‌requiem for a dream

trainspotting

waking life

fight club

‌children of heaven

‌my sisters keeper

‌hachi dogs tale

the big short

‌gardenstate

‌boyhood

‌perks of being a wall flower

‌into the wild

‌good will hunting

mishima: a life in four chapters

what's eating gilbert grape?

better days

king of staten island

schindlers list

meet joe black

we are who we are

cowboy bebop

yasuke

nr. 10

dead poet society

ghost in the shell

ghost in the shell sac

memories 1995

euphoria

atlanta

the vince staples show

matrix i,ii,iii

animatrix

star wars visions

castle of cagliostro

my neighbour totoro

spirited away

howls moving castle

kikis delivery service

ponyo

the wind rises

whisper of the heart

the cat returns

the boy and the heron

tales from the earthsea

from up on poppy hill

castle in the sky

nausica valley of the wind

porco rosso

princess monoke

ocean waves

only yesterday

pom poko

grave of fireflies

the tale of the princess kaguya

the neighbours yamadas

gauche the cellist

arrietty

when marnie was there

red turtle

samurai shamploo

oldboy

tales of the unusual

insidious

the face of another

rin daughters of mnemosyne

afro samurai

paranoia agent

bullet in your head

gladiator

american gangster

american psycho

poltergeist

eyes wide shut

mind game

if beale street could talk

heat

a time to kill

killers of the flower moon

dunkirk

the iron giant

tree of life

mindhunter

blue eyed samurai

twin peaks

#movielist #watchlist #imdb

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fantomcomics · 2 years ago

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What’s Out This Week? 1/18

WEEK 3 OF 2023 LET’S GOOOOO

Barbarities GN Vol 1 - Tsuta Suzuki

In this beautiful Boys' Love/BL romance inspired by Renaissance Europe, a dashing viscount tries to woo a serious nobleman! Lord Montague is a powerful figure in the nation, in need of a bodyguard following a threat to his life. Enter Viscount Adam Canning: a dashing blond-haired nobleman who swears to use his combat skills to protect Lord Montague...and woo anyone who catches his fancy while staying at Lord Montague's estate. When Adam sees Lord Montague's nephew, Joel, Adam is immediately smitten. But Joel is a serious young man, too busy rooting out crime and corruption to fall for Adam's charms. Of course, that just makes Adam want him more! Can Joel stay focused on his lofty ideals, or will he fall for the devilishly handsome viscount?

Children Of Palomar & Other Tales TP - Gilbert Hernandez

This comics omnibus includes the graphic novels Julio's Day and The Children of Palomar, as well as never-before-collected work by brothers Mario and Gilbert Hernandez, some of which has never been available since its early 2000s run in comic book single issues.

Children of Palomar and Other Tales(the fifteenth volume in our Complete Love and Rockets Library omnibuses and the eighth Gilbert volume) begins with "Me for the Unknown," uncollected since its original 2001-2004 run in Love and Rockets Vol. II comic books. Written by Mario Hernandez and drawn by Gilbert Hernandez, it traces the Rabelaisian journey of Tagg Lillard. A U.S. citizen with a seemingly perfect life working in Latin America, he escapes a death trap clutching important papers, and an imperious CEO and his manservant pursue him through a land plagued by colonialist/corporate greed. Also collected: one of their joints from 2008, "Chiro el Indio." In The Children of Palomar suite of short stories (2006-2007; collected in 2013), there are many mysterious visitors, an apparition that haunts childless women, and readers learn how Chelo lost her eye. And in Julio's Day, which originally ran from 2001-2008 and was collected in 2013, a man's life-threaded with war, loss, illness, and forbidden love-spans a century.

The Chuckling Whatsit HC - Richard Sala

The 1997 magnum opus of the late Richard Sala, master of graphic noir, has been out of print for years and is now available in hardcover for the very first time.

Sala weaves the gothic cartooning traditions of Edward Gorey and Charles Addams with a melodramatic murder mystery involving astrology, ghouls, academia, and outsider art. Part noir, part horror, and part comedy, this labyrinthine tale of intrigue follows an unemployed writer named Broom who becomes ensnared unwittingly in a complex plot involving mysterious outsider artist Emile Jarnac, the shadowy machinations of the Ghoul Appreciation Society Headquarters (GASH), and the enigmatic Mr. Ixnay. Sala's deadpan delivery makes this ingeniously layered narrative a roller-coaster ride of darkly pure comic suspense. Sala's drawing style also reveals the influence of everything from Hollywood monster movies and Dick Tracy to German expressionism and Grimm's fairy tales. It's a style that's perfectly suited to the narrative, constantly flirting with Sala's fascination for the grotesque and lending palpable tension to the gruesome riddle of The Chuckling Whatsit.

Dune: House Harkonnen #1 (of 12) - Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, Michael Shelfer & Raymond Swanland

The second official, NYT Bestselling prequel to Dune is adapted for the first time by award-winning novelists Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson and artist Michael Shelfer (Domino), unveiling a closer look at the rising conflict between beloved characters and bitter villains. Fans will gain insight into how the early years of iconic figures Gurney Halleck, Lady Jessica, and Liet Kynes had their future shaped by the complex and brutal machinations of House Harkonnen! What difficult choices will tear Leto Atreides apart as Baron Harkonnen plots against not just House Atreides, but the Bene Gesserit and the Emperor himself?

Final Gamble #1 (of 6) - Robyn Singer & Jorge Santiago Jr.

Gambling addict Danny Lin, and disgraced MMA fighter Jasmeet Khanna have both fallen on hard times. Owing an enormous amount of money to a loan shark named Mandy, they are offered the chance to save themselves by winning the money they need-in a game of poker against her. Unable to work together, the two men are easily defeated. As a result of their defeat, the two become prisoners of The Mercury Society, a group composed of the richest and most powerful people in the world. In this unforgiving Hell, people are forced to fight to the death in an elite gamble for their souls.

The Great Food In Comics Set - Franckie Alarcon

Two delicious books in comics on food reunited! Sushi and Chocolate are explored.

Fly to Japan and come discover all there is to know about sushi. After revealing the secrets of chocolate to us, Franckie Alarcon offers a gourmet panorama of this exceptional dish that has conquered the planet! But do you really know sushi? And for Dessert: Following Jacques Genin for a year, Franckie Alarcon hobnobbed with one of the biggest chefs of Chocolate. Former chef and pastry chef for prestigious restaurants, this super-talented autodidact shares all his passion and knowledge of chocolate and his process for creating recipes.

I’m Quitting Heroing GN Vol 1 - Quantum, Nori Kazato & Hana Amano

After saving the world from the Demon Lord, the Hero, Leo, discovers that there isn't a place for him in it anymore. The incredible strength that made him humanity's greatest asset during the war is just a terrifying threat in times of peace, and he soon finds himself shunned from human society. But if the forces of good won't have him, that means it's time for him to apply elsewhere-for a job with his former enemy, the Demon Lord's Army!

Immortal Sergeant #1 (of 9) - Joe Kelly & Ken Niimura

Award-winning I KILL GIANTS storytellers JOE KELLY (Deadpool, Savage Spider-Man) and KEN NIIMURA (Eisner Award-winning Umami) return to yank on your heartstrings with IMMORTAL SERGEANT! On the eve of his unwelcome retirement, Jim Sargent (aka "Sarge") a grizzled, old-school detective, catches a break on a murder case that's haunted him for decades. Unfortunately, Sarge must drag his anxiety-riddled adult son, Michael, along for the ride or risk losing the lead forever. Can this dysfunctional duo overcome their own hang-ups, blindspots, and secrets to catch a killer?

Is Love The Answer? GN - Uta Isaki

A poignant coming-of-age story about a young woman coming into her own as she discovers her identity as aromantic asexual. When it comes to love, high schooler Chika wonders if she might be an alien. She's never fallen for or even had a crush on anyone, and she has no desire for physical intimacy. Her friends tell her that she just "hasn't met the one yet," but Chika has doubts... It's only when Chika enters college and meets peers like herself that she realizes there's a word for what she feels inside-asexual-and she's not the only one. After years of wondering if love was the answer, Chika realizes that the answer she long sought may not exist at all that that's perfectly normal.

Lugosi: The Rise And Fall Of Hollywood’s Dracula GN - Koren Shadmi

The critically-acclaimed biography chronicling the tumultuous personal and professional life of horror icon Bela Lugosi. LUGOSI, the tragic life story of one of horror's most iconic film stars, tells of a young Hungarian activist forced to flee his homeland after the failed Communist revolution in 1919. Reinventing himself in the U.S., first on stage and then in movies, he landed the unforgettable role of Count Dracula in what would become a series of classic feature films. From that point forward, Lugosi's stardom would be assured...but with international fame came setbacks and addictions that gradually whittled his reputation from icon to has-been. LUGOSI details the actor's fall from grace and an enduring legacy that continues to this day.

Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: Fafnir The Recluse GN Vol 1 - Coolkyoushinja & Nobuyoshizamurai

The otaku dragon from the original hit manga series stars in a manga of his own! Fafnir is a dark, brooding curse dragon from the same world as Tohru, Kanna, and their friends. He's also an otaku who's as obsessed with games, merch, and doujinshi as he is with gold, jewels, and destroying all humans. This latest spin-off from the popular Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid series follows Fafnir's daily life in a shared apartment with Kobayashi's otaku coworker Takiya, where Fafnir tries to get along with humans and dragons-or just avoid them!

Noir Is The New Black: Watson & Holmes TP Vol 1 - Karl Bollers, Rick Leonardi, Khary Randolph, & Walter Pereyra

Harlem, Now. A missing girl case bring together the most famous dynamic duo in the world for the first time! Reinventing the classic detective team from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in a bold diverse way, WATSON & HOLMES comes to the hit NOIR IS THE NEW BLACK label with a brand new cover by EXCELLENCE superstar Khary Randolph!

Oshi No Ko GN Vol 1 - Aka Akasaka & Mengo Yokoyari

Gorou is a gynecologist and idol fan who's in shock after his favorite star, Ai, announces an impromptu hiatus. Little does Gorou realize that he's about to forge a bond with her that defies all common sense! Lies are an idol's greatest weapon in this outrageous manga from Aka Akasaka (Kaguya-sama: Love is War) and Mengo Yokoyari (Scum's Wish).

Pandora Seven GN Vol 1 - Yuta Kayashima

"I wish I could meet other humans." That is the secret wish of Ria Frontier, who grew up as the sole human amid a veritable melting pot of other fantastical races on a small island. As she prepares to celebrate the turn of the thousand-year cycle, that wish is granted-in the form of a war party of humans that arrives on a flying ship to ransack her home and hurt her friends and adoptive family in search of "Pandora's Box."

Pushed too far by the cruelty of her race, Ria somehow manages to unseal the terrible power of what the humans have been looking for, unleashing a tragedy that will change her life forever...

Public Domain TP Vol 1 - Chip Zdarsky

Syd Dallas is responsible for pop culture's greatest hero: THE DOMAIN! But his sons Miles and David have a complicated relationship with both the creation and their creator. Can they convince their dad to fight for their family's legacy? This fun and heartfelt series written and illustrated by Eisner winner CHIP ZDARSKY (SEX CRIMINALS, Daredevil) explores a WILD ALTERNATE WORLD where comic book creators aren't properly acknowledged or compensated for their creations!! Crazy, I know!!

Tatsuki Fuijmoto Before Chainsaw Man GN Vol 17-21 - Tatsuki Fujimoto

See the origins of the mad genius who created Chainsaw Man! This short story manga collection features Tatsuki Fujimoto's earliest work. It's rough, it's raw, and it's pure Tatsuki Fujimoto!

To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols & Star Trek Helped Advance Civil Rights GN - Angela Dalton & Lauren Semmer

As Lieutenant Uhura on the iconic prime-time television show Star Trek, Nichelle Nichols played the first Black female astronaut anyone had ever seen on-screen. A smart, strong, independent Black woman aboard the starship Enterprise was revolutionary in the 1960s when only white men had traveled to outer space in real life and most Black characters on TV were servants. Nichelle not only inspired a generation to pursue their dreams but also opened the door for the real-life pioneering astronauts Sally Ride, Dr. Mae Jemison, and more. This empowering tribute to the trailblazing pop-culture icon reminds us of the importance of perseverance and the power of representation in storytelling. You just might be inspired to boldly go where no one like you has ever gone before!

Your Forma GN Vol 1 - Mareho Kikuishi, Tsubata Nozaki & Yoshinori Kisaragi

In an alternate near future, the Your Forma, a miraculous "smart thread" technology initially developed to treat a massive outbreak of viral encephalitis, has become an integral part of daily life. But these convenient devices also record every sight, sound, and emotion their users experience. For Electronic Investigator Echika Hieda, diving into peoples' memories via the Your Forma and hunting for evidence is all part of a day's work. The problem is, she's so adept at what she does that her assistants literally fry their brains trying to keep up with her. After putting one too many aides in the hospital, the top brass finally furnish Echika with a partner on her level, a brilliant yet cheeky android named Harold Lucraft. But can Echika put her prejudices against robots aside to solve the most complex case of her career?

Whatcha snagging this week, Fantom Fam?

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rjthirsty · 5 days ago

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Pregnant with Ikepri

We've seen how dating, their first time, and engagement proposals pan out, but what Cybird will never deliver to us is that pivotal moment that MC tells one of the LIs that she's expecting.

This is just my idea of how it will work out with each suitor. MC is AFAB, and all suitors are AMAB. Obvious mentions of pregnancy lie ahead. Just a fun little exercise to test out drabbles.

Jin

It's hard to find the words. You confirmed it with a physician, and you know you need to tell him, but having a baby with a commoner churns up trauma for Jin, and you're afraid he'll turn you out.

“I'm pregnant.” You finally manage.

Chevalier

“But I don't need to to love him.”

Gilbert

“Do you want me to tell him?” Walter asked, a serious note in his voice.

“No. I want him to hear it from me.”

“I'm fine,” you assured him as he quickly looked you over. “I just… have something to tell you.”

Gil's perfect smile covered up his momentary worry. “Surely, no one has bothered my little rabbit. Yet your heart is racing like the day we met.”

“Gil! Gilbert, please. I can't breathe.”

He relinquished you, and as you gasped lungfuls of air, he scooped you up and strode out the door. “Wait! Gil! Where are we going?”

“Do you presume you can order me around?”

“No, but if you do this, I will never forgive you.”

“Now,” you began calmly, “I'll make some tea, and we can talk about this. At a table. With no shackles or rope.”

“I’m so weak to your requests. At least let me lock the doors so no one can bother us.”

“You can lock the doors if I get the key to them during our talk.”

Sariel

The palace devil and you were lovers. No one believed it when you first announced it, but you two were every bit as in love as two people could be - you just had a work image to uphold.

He was smiling that morning. You didn't think much of it, but he did seem happier than normal despite you having an appointment you had been adamant he didn't attend. You were being seen by a physician due to a bout of flu that had been plaguing you.

It turns out it wasn't the flu. You were pregnant. Morning sickness is a common ailment in the first trimester. No wonder you felt better as the day continued.

When you attempted to return to work, taking your time to consider how you were going to surprise Sariel with the news, he ushered you back to your room saying you had the rest of the day off– and so did he.

After he fixed you both tea, he sat across from you, his violet gaze fixed on you, and you were aware he was expecting something, just what it was you weren't sure.

“Will you be filling me in, or do you intend to hold me captive with your glowing beauty?”

“I… Why do we have the afternoon off?” His compliment makes your cheeks flush, even after all this time.

“I imagined you'd be pleased to have some extra time with me.”

“I am. …You're not concerned about becoming sick?”

“Not at all.”

The gears were turning in your mind. He had been happier than usual lately, even with you vomiting each morning. And each night he held you closer and more gently. He didn't even push when you told him he couldn't take time off to help you with your illness. And on top of that, any time you were ready to get some work done, he didn't worry over you like he was already aware you weren't contagious and you felt better as the day progressed.

“How did you already know?” You pursed your lips, slightly annoyed he took the surprise from you.

“I’m sure I have no idea to what you are referring.” Sariel bright his teacup to his smirking lips.

“We're having a baby!” Despite knowing he already knew, you couldn't help but shout in excitement.

Forgive me if this is OOC. I'm not a fan of Sariel, but I wanted to include him. I gave it my best shot. Also, you know this dude knows your cycle better than you do.

Rio

“I love your pain perdu!” Rio happily took the plate and ushered you into his room. He helped you into a seat and set the plate between the two of you before taking his own seat across the table. Even as a prince, he still waited on you hand and foot and that may never change. “What's the occasion?”

Of course Rio would see right through your reason for making his favorite food. You were so predictable when it came to doing something nice for him, next time you’d have to think of a different way to bring up good news.

“I was just thinking about you and wanted you to have something special. Dig in.”

Rio didn’t need to be told twice. You watched as he began devouring the sweet treat, smiling as well as he could manage with a mouthful of food. As soon as he was several bites into it, you decided now was the time.

“I’m pregnant!” You suddenly blurted.

“Hrk..ckff..” Rio choked and leaned over, coughing to try to get the food down the right tube.

“I’m sorry!” You jumped up and began rubbing circles on his back. “I didn’t mean to make you choke!”

Rio gasped in a deep breath. “Really?”

“Of course not! I wasn’t planning on that part. I guess I just mistimed the announcement.”

“No, not that– I’m fine. Are you really pregnant?” Rio sat back and looked up at you, tears in the corners of his eyes.

“Oh… Yes. I’m really pregnant.”

The tears that rimmed his lids grew and soon they were rushing down his face. Rio was crying. He was really crying. You stared at him, never having seen it before. He’d always been certain to put on a happy face for you, but here he was, crying.

“Rio?” Concerned laced your voice.

“I’m just so happy.” Rio sniffed and wiped at his face, trying to stop the tears. “Aw man, what kind of father am I going to be if I’m crying already?”

He leaned into you, hugging your waist and nuzzling into your stomach. Your hand naturally found its way to his head and you pet him as he loved against you.

Nokto

Nokto stood motionless, his red eyes swimming with the thoughts that were circling through his mind. He had lost his smirk when you had informed him you were expecting, but he didn’t say anything else. You were aware this was something he’d need time to work through, and gracefully, you gave him the time as the seconds stretched into minutes and Nokto continued to stare someplace far away, sorting out his many feelings on the matter.

You wrung your hands. You couldn’t help but purse your lips, trying not to chew on them while you waited. Nerves gnawed at your heart. You knew he wasn’t going to leave you, but children were not something either of you were ready for, and you weren’t sure what would happen now.

“Nokto…” You tentatively called, trying to draw him back to you. His eyes refocused and he quirked a small smirk on his lips. He put it there to comfort you, even though you knew what his genuine smiles looked like.

His hands slid along your hips, up to your waist, and around to the small of your back where he pulled you closer to him so you could stand pelvis to pelvis and nearly nose to nose.

“Well, it wasn’t what I had planned, but I’m good with working with surprises.” He said, sounding like he was trying to convince himself more than you.

“There are… things we can do if now is really not the time.” You had read it in your fantasy books, but there was a truth to those tales, as well. You knew of apothecaries and women considered skilled in arts that could remove things unwanted…

“No.” Nokto answered before your thoughts could slip down into the darkness your heart didn’t really want. “No, I don’t want that.”

Nokto leaned his forehead against yours, brushing his nose gently along your own. He sighed, his eyes downcast. “I’m not ready, but the last thing I want is to see you unhappy. You’d give up your heart if you knew it would make me more comfortable and… and I just don’t want that.”

Tears stung your eyes. Not many people understood the kind of man that Nokto was, but you knew he had a kindness in him that touched every decision he ever made. It was almost too much to have that kindness directed entirely on you.

“I suppose I just have to get used to being called papa. Hm.” Nokto tilted his head and smiled in amusement. “I think I like that.”

Clavis

Clavis took a moment outside his closed bedroom door in his own mansion, readying himself for the explosion of his confetti cannon he knew was about to go off. He hadn’t set it up, but only Cyran, you, and he had a key to his room, and someone was certainly in there. Seeing as how Hugo and Kai were futilely attempting to hide around the corner down the hallway, that narrowed the suspects down.

He had noticed the way Cyran seemed to be helping you with something lately, though Cyran pretended to not know what it was every time asked. To think his own sworn soldier would betray his trust for you… well, it couldn’t be helped. You deserved to be first for everyone as long as he was first for you.

Clavis threw open the door, taking a step backwards to avoid being drowned in confetti. “My lovely fiancee! Your lover is home!” Throwing his hands in the air, he grinned brightly, proud that he had set off the cannon without being a victim to it. You had done an exceptional job of rigging it. You really were his partner in crime.

On the other side of the room you stood with Cyran, frowning.

“See, my lady, there’s really no fooling him. You gave it your best shot.” Cyran said apologetically.

“Ah, yes, it was a valiant effort!” Clavis agreed.

“That’s fine. I know I’ve got you with this next one, Clavis.” You grinned, as Clavis’ smile dipped slightly, wondering if he hadn’t been observant enough. Perhaps he missed another trap. A quick glance around told him there was nothing visibly he could identify.

“And what is it you have up your sleeve?” He asked with a tilt to his head.

“We’re having a baby!”

The way Clavis’ eyes went wide and his smile fell in shock was exactly the face you were hoping to see. A moment where he was unguarded and unable to keep his composure. Those were the moments you loved to see from him most, but they were a rare occurrence with the way he always attempted to look cool in front of you.

You raced across the room and threw yourself into his arms, jumping to wrap yours around his neck. “I love you so much, Daddy Clavis!”

Clavis caught you, but it seemed he still hadn’t yet recovered, staring at you incredulously. “... Daddy Clavis…?” His voice was a breathy whisper. And while you were all smiles, Clavis was anything but.

Putting you softly down, he dipped out from under your arms and turned from his room to walk down the hallway, turning at the next room and closing himself inside.

Despite his absence, your grin only grew wider. You nearly skipped as you followed him to the closed door and knocked on it. “Clavis?”

No answer came.

“I know. And it’s okay. I’m glad you’re happy. I’ll be right here when you’re done.” You said, leaning against the door and clasping your hands over your heart.

“Haha. I just figured it wasn’t appropriate for me to pounce on you in front of others.” Clavis said, his voice thick as if he had already started crying and coming from somewhere lower than where you stood on the other side of the door.

“Mhm.” You knew it was just an excuse. “Thank you.”

“I just need to calm myself down before I see you again, or we might be having many more babies in the near future.”

“That’s not how it works.” You mused. “But we also have time to have many more babies in the future. As many as you want, Clavis.”

You could have sworn you heard him choking back a happy sob. He was never going to manage keeping his cool air when your child was born - he’s doomed to be the emotional parent.

Silvio

A loud thud proceeded the crash of your door as Silvio kicked it open, stopping you in your tracks from the anxious pacing you had been doing while preoccupied with your thoughts. He looked angry. He always looked angry to others, but to you who had learned his scowl wasn't the only expression he was capable of, he looked angry right now.

“What? Be nice to my door. You could learn to knock.”

“Sassy as always. Got a lot of nerve talking to me like that. Where were you?” Silvio had only stepped into the room, leaving plenty of space between the two of you.

Raising your eyebrows and hands at the same time, you waved your hands around the room. “Here. Exactly where you found me.”

Silvio gave you a long and hard stare, then surveyed the room from his spot near the door. Clearly there was something more he wanted to say, but he clicked his tongue in annoyance instead.

You waited. There were two ways to get him to express himself. You could pretend you were busy and continue on with your task - difficult at the moment since you were deep in thought and wouldn't be able to think with him standing there, sulking. Or you could wait him out, put the pressure on him to fill the silence with what he needed to say - the better option at the moment.

So you waited. Seconds passed. Minutes stretched. Silvio refused to make eye contact but he was very aware you were staring straight at him.

Finally he threw out a heavy sigh and grumbled, “Ya’ missed dinner.”

“Oh!” You hadn't even realized how late it had gotten.

“Are you serious?” Silvio sounded exasperated.

“Well… yeah. I lost track of time.”

“What had you so busy ya couldn't make dinner?” Once again Silvio scanned the room, but there would be no clue for him to find. What had you so busy was your own thoughts about how to spring the news. You were excited. And anxious. And overjoyed. And overwhelmed. And a million other feelings you couldn't put into words and you wanted to have those words to tell him–

“I'm pregnant!” You blurted out. You saw his eyes go wide, jumping from your gaze to your stomach.

“What was that?”

He heard. There was no way he hadn't with the way he looked at your belly. Suddenly the whole situation seemed ridiculous. You wanted to tell him in the best way and this is how it ended up and that is how he looked when you told him and it was all just too funny to contain. So you laughed. Your laughter rang out and filled the room. Your laughter brought tears to your eyes.

Silvio scowled and crossed the room to grab your arm. “Are ya serious right now?”

You nodded, unable to control your breath to even utter a “yes.”

Once again realization and surprise crossed his face, replaced with a smile that started small and expanded until it was the biggest grin you had ever seen from him.

“We're having a baby,” Silvio said with awe, as if it coming out of his own mouth made it more believable to him.

Just as you were finally calming down, taking in deep mirthful breaths, Silvio chuckled and wiped at his eye. Was that a tear?

You stared up at him, this time your face was colored in surprise. “Did you just–”

“Shuddup,” he grumbled, pulling you closer to press his mouth to yours. The kiss turned deep and passionate and left you breathless for again.

As you tried to get your breathing under control (again), Silvio hugged you to him and dropped his chin on your head as he murmured, “Come on, I'll make you something to eat.”

Leon

You watched from the doors to the training hall as Leon instructed his soldiers through combat drills, eagerly awaiting a break so you could share the news with the love of your life. You didn't want to interrupt, but your giddiness about expecting a child had you practically vibrating, and it was so hard not to rush Leon right then.

“Chief, think we can take five? It’s sweltering today.” Jin called. Leon glanced at him, then his gaze moved to you and he smiled brightly.

His voice boomed through the hall, giving to order for some rest before reconvenning shortly, and soon soldiers were milling about, and the room was full of friendly chatter. Your excitement carried you quicker than Leon's long strides could, and you practically jumped into his arms in an attempt to give him a hug. Nerves buzzed through you.

“Haha. What's gotten into you?” Leon asked, easily catching you and holding you tight.

“I'm just so happy, I almost can't stand it. Leon, I need to tell you something.” You pulled back, looking up at him and making eye contact so he could see how serious you were in this moment.

Leon's eyes locked on yours. “Okay. I'm listening.”

Your heart started pounding harder than it had all day. Your hands trembled from the adrenaline coursing through you. Your thoughts began to spin, trying to find the perfect way to tell him.

Leon took your hands in his, bringing warmth to your fingers that had gone numb without your knowledge. And with that warmth, the words freely fell from your lips.

“We're having a baby! You're going to be a father!”

Leon's eyes went wider than you had ever seen them go. The announcement hit him unexpectedly. Then his dazzling grin that held the warmth of the sun graced his face, and his lips were on yours. His hands cupped your cheeks. How did he move them so fast? Holding you to him, he refused to let you pull away from his long lock on your lips. Only breaking it to kiss you again and again, raining affection on you.

“Le–” Kiss. “Wai–” Kiss. “Ee!” Another kiss. He wasn't letting a single word come from you, and EVERYONE WAS STARING.

“Leon! Give her a break! This isn't the place for that!” Yves yelled, scolding his brother as he often did.

Thankfully, Leon finally relented, leaving you gasping. He hugged an arm around your shoulder, pulling you flush against him, and turned towards the training hall where hundreds of people were gathered.

“Your Queen is pregnant! We're having a baby!” His voice naturally filled the room, even more so with how quiet it had gotten.

Your cheeks flared with heat, and the room filled with cheers. Yves and Licht both looked shocked. Jin was grinning and leading the cheering crowd. And Leon was beaming from ear to ear.

Leon gets way ahead of himself with this pregnancy and his first child. He can't wait for the kids to arrive, and once born, he dotes on them more than he dotes on you. He had always been great with kids. He's even better with his own. He's already talking about another way before you've even thought about it - probably while you're still pregnant.

Yves

The finishing touches were finally done on your super special tea party that you’d been preparing for all morning. Yves had been busy with work, which was perfect for you to be able to take over the kitchen and concoct some desserts that would make the announcement even more fun. What could be more fun than taking all your favorite pastries and turning them into baby-sized foods? Tea cakes? Now petit. Scones? Why not mini? Anything full sized could be made into something smaller.

Now set up, you take an appreciative look around and smile happily at your accomplishments. Just in time, too. Yves walked regally through the gardens, his blond hair shining as brightly as the golden sun. He was smiling, and you loved the way his blue eyes looked when his cupid lips were pulled into such a happy smile.

Quickly greeting him, you pull him to the settee and sit beside him, the both of you turned at an angle to face each other so you can share about your day so far. And of course, you have the BIG NEWS. His attention lands on the baby version of desserts.

“Did a new pattasier open up? I’ve never seen food so dainty before. What is this? A tiny cake?”

“Ah, no. I made them!” You happily explain.

“They’re really cute!” Yves exclaims while marveling at your skills.

“They are, aren’t they? They’re kind of baby-sized bundles of sweets, don’t you think?” You really can’t help yourself, it’s too hard to keep your excitement hidden.

It wasn’t like the two of you had been trying for a family, and honestly, the topic had never come up, but Yves was such a wonderful man that you knew he’d be perfect as a father. You’d seen him interact with kids many times from the various orphanage works you two did. And while you knew his mother passed during childbirth, and that sting still hurt from time to time, she was never in good health anyways according to Yves, so it wasn’t a surprise labor was too difficult for her.

“I suppose you could say that.” Yves contemplated the question while gracefully lining a plate with bite-sized bits. “What sparked the idea?”

Of course now that it was time to say something, you suddenly felt silly for the big display. Twisting your hands in your lap, your cheeks heating up, you turn your eyes to the food and stumble over your words. “W-well… you know… it-um… it was supposed to be a theme I kind of thought of to share some news.”

Yves stopped moving. You could feel him staring at you. Did he understand? Was he happy? It was hard to tell because you weren’t looking at him. “A theme?”

You brought your hands up to your cheeks, ready to hide behind them as you tried to cool your face down. “Yeah. A baby theme.”

Finally, you glance at Yves through cracked fingers and he’s staring wide-eyed, it suddenly dawning on him what you were trying to get across. His eyes glistened as they grew watery, and before you can even guess how he’d take the news a grin stretched from ear to ear as tears began to roll down his cheeks.

“You’re having a baby?” He says in disbelief, but you know that there’s so much happiness in that expression and so much love he has in his heart for you.

“We’re having a baby.” You answer.

A small sob escapes him before he starts laughing, throwing his arms around you and covering you in kisses that are wet with tears.

#ikepri fanfic #ikepri headcanons #ikepri jin #ikepri gilbert #ikepri chevalier #ikepri clavis #ikepri nokto #ikepri yves #ikepri leon #ikepri sariel #ikepri silvio #ikepri rio #rjthirsty fanfic #cw pregnancy

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tellthemeerkatsitsfine · 2 years ago

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Jumping around various old comedy clips tonight, and came across this Baby Sean Lock that I’d somehow never seen before. He’d have been 29 here, in 1992. Hairline only barely receding. He sort of appears to be wearing pajamas. A few of the YouTube commenters point out, I’m almost sure correctly, that it appears to be a young Mark Lamarr in the crowd at 1:36, smoking a cigarette and looking like a character from an old movie.

youtube

It’s a bit amazing how little he ever changed, in terms of the type of material he did. He got better as he got old (though I also agree with the many YouTube commenters that this set was much funnier than the audience gave it credit for). The Sean Lock who made Purple Van Man would understandably cringe at this, because obviously he’d improved. But you know how sometimes, you see old footage of a comedian who would go on to have a successful TV career, and you say, “Oh shit, I can’t believe they were doing [that type of material] back then.” That doesn’t happen here. Most of those jokes are the type of thing he’d have thrown out in a Catsdown episode. One of them is something I think he did use in a Catsdown episode once.

I think that goes to show he wasn’t putting anything on for the sake of TV. The Sean Lock we got was always Sean Lock saying what he really thought was funny; his sense of humour never changed much. His hairline got higher and his delivery got more animated and his material got sharper, but he was basically always the same guy.

RIP, fucking legend, way too soon, all that shit. They’d better be taking good fucking care of Rhod Gilbert out there, no more of this.

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evangilbertkatz · 1 year ago

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The Impact of Humor on Engaging Audiences

In today’s fast-paced world, news and information are constantly bombarding us from different sources. With so much content available, it can be challenging for journalists to capture the attention of their audience, especially when covering serious topics. In order to make these topics more accessible and engaging, many content makers have turned to humor as a means of delivery. However, this approach comes with its own set of challenges.

In this article, we will explore the difficulties faced when addressing serious issues in a humorous manner and the impact of humor on engaging audiences, using the example of Evan Gilbert-Katz, an American journalist and cameraman who worked on the trailblazing “All Gas No Brakes” YouTube channel during its period of operation.

Journalists are often tasked with covering important and sometimes controversial topics, such as politics, social issues, or environmental crises. These are weighty subjects that require a certain level of sensitivity and seriousness. However, in today’s digital age where attention spans are short and the competition for views is high, some content makers have found that adding a humorous twist to their coverage can be effective in reaching a wider audience.

One of the main reasons why humor is used in covering serious topics is to appeal to a younger or less interested audience. The use of witty jokes or clever puns can make the content more relatable and entertaining for younger viewers. It also helps to break down complex information and make it easier to understand for those who may not have a strong interest in the topic.

Moreover, humor has the ability to engage audiences in ways that serious reporting cannot. As humans, we are naturally drawn to things that make us laugh and bring joy to our lives. When a serious topic is presented in a humorous manner, it can grab the attention of viewers and keep them interested throughout the coverage. In fact, research has shown that humor increases memory retention and information recall, making it an effective tool for delivering important messages.

However, using humor when discussing serious topics can also be risky. There is always the danger of trivializing or downplaying the severity of the issue at hand. It is important for content makers to strike a balance between humor and seriousness in order to effectively convey their message without undermining its importance.

Another challenge with using humor in journalism is that it can be subjective. What one person finds funny, another may not. This can lead to backlash and criticism from certain viewers, which could potentially harm the credibility of the journalist and their content.

An example of a content maker who has successfully used humor in covering serious topics is Evan Gilbert-Katz, a cameraman for the now-closed YouTube channel “All Gas No Brakes”. This channel gained popularity for its irreverent and satirical approach to interviewing people at various events and gatherings, utilizing the “vox pop” style of interviews, otherwise known as “man on the street” interview styles. While a lot of the content of this nature is inherently amusing, at times, the channel’s careful navigation of difficult topics gave its viewers a more balanced approach than some competitors.

Through his work behind the lens of “All Gas No Brakes”, Evan Gilbert-Katz was able to touch on important issues such as politics, race, and social justice while still keeping the audience engaged through humor.

“All Gas No Brakes” managed to effectively balance its humorous style with a serious tone, a feat that can be attributed to its respectful approach towards its interviewees. Despite the often absurd and comical context, the show never ventured into ridicule or derision. Instead, it allowed participants to express their views freely, using humor as a tool to highlight the inherent peculiarities or contradictions present in their statements. This respectful injection of humor ensured that the audience was entertained, but still cognizant of the serious undercurrents of the topics under discussion.

Evan Gilbert-Katz and the team maintained a distinct boundary between humor and mockery, ensuring that their content was humorous but still respectful. This approach not only kept the integrity of their journalistic intent intact, but also garnered them widespread respect from viewers and participants alike. Even in the face of controversial points of view, “All Gas No Brakes” continued to deliver significant messages, demonstrating that humor can coexist with serious journalism, without compromising on respect and integrity.

In conclusion, covering serious topics in a humorous manner can be a double-edged sword for content makers. While it has the potential to reach a wider audience and make difficult subjects more accessible, it also comes with its own set of challenges. It is important for journalists to carefully consider the impact and potential consequences of using humor in their coverage before incorporating it into their work, an angle demonstrably understood by Evan Gilbert-Katz. Humor should be used as a tool to enhance and complement the seriousness of the topic, not overshadow or undermine it.

With careful consideration and tactful execution, humor can be a valuable asset in engaging audiences in important conversations about serious issues. By infusing well-placed comedic elements, content creators can captivate and connect with their target audience, making complex topics more accessible and relatable. However, it is crucial for content makers to navigate the use of humor in covering serious topics with care, sensitivity, and responsibility. Balancing the fine line between entertainment and respect ensures that the intended message is conveyed effectively without undermining the gravity of the subject matter. By employing humor thoughtfully and skillfully, content creators can foster a deeper understanding and encourage meaningful dialogue on critical social matters.

#evan gilbert-katz

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fridaythe13ththeseries · 2 years ago

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The Butcher

Episode Recap #45: The Butcher Original Airdate: April 29, 1989

Starring: John D. LeMay as Ryan Dallion (credit only) Louise Robey as Micki Foster (credit only) Chris Wiggins as Jack Marshak

Guest cast: Nigel Bennett as Rausch / Karl Steiner Julius Harris as Simpson John Gilbert as Shaw Colin Fox as Horst Mueller Robert McKenna as Voll Les Rubie as Lefty Cook Sherry Miller as Interviewer Barry Stevens as Detective Tom Masek as Warden David Blacker as Young Jack Charles Woods Gray as Bartender (as Charles Gray) Bill Vibert as German Soldier

Written by Francis Delia and Ron Magid

Directed by Francis Delia

Somewhere, men are breaking a chain to open a door. The men are speaking German and are opening a sealed morgue-like room that is in a deep freeze. The open a drawer containing the frozen body of a Nazi, and one of the men, Mueller, calls the body the new Fuhrer, saying he should have succeeded Hitler.

Later, they slowly thaw the man and his throat wound begins to bleed. Mueller holds up an amulet and chants, asking for the body to be given life. The dead man awakens and kills Mueller's associate. Mueller then places the amulet around the resurrected man's neck, and tells him once he has killed all his enemies, they will have the future Hitler had promised, a thousand year Reich.

A black and white flashback takes us to WWII, and we see the torture they inflicted on others. One of them approaches a young Jack Marshak, tied to a chair.

Current day Jack awakens from a nightmare, holding his throat.

Cut to another old man, a big baseball fan, playing solitaire. A knock on his door has him wheel himself to answer. The man at the door asks if he is Mr. Cook, which he is, then says he is a wartime friend of Jack's. Cook lets him in, and comments that the man doesn't look old enough to be a wartime ally. The man comments on a photo and Cook says it is his battalion, and that they caught a Nazi scientist, Mueller. Cook says they should have killed Mueller. As Cook reminisces, the man comes up behind him and chokes him with barbed wire. We see it i the resurrected Nazi.

At Curious Goods, Jack is surprised at the arrival of two other old war buddies, Shaw and Simpson. The men embrace, then lament the reason for their reunion: Lefty Cook's funeral, which Jack says he won't be attending. His friends tell Jack they are getting old and all they can do is see that they get buried right.

The three men make a toast to Lefty at his coffin. Jack wonders why someone would kill their friend and Shaw says another friend, Carruthers, was also killed. Jack looks at Cook's neck and sees the wound.

Later, at a bar, the three men are drinking and holding a small wake for Cook. Jack gets off the phone and joins them and says the Veteran's Administration says two others, Evanovich and LaRue are also dead, and Jack wants to know if they were also murdered. Jack says The Butcher used to kill using barbed wire. Simpson says The Butcher is dead. Jack tells them about his nightmare.

Jack and Shaw stumble into Curious Goods, and Shaw insists on staying. Jack sends him to Micki's room, saying the cousins are out of town.

Elsewhere, Mueller is putting and X on the faces of those he has killed through the resurrected Butcher. He then circles Simpson's face.

Another flashback, and we see Jack held at gunpoint, and Mueller and The Butcher torturing him and his friends. Shaw rushes to wake Jack from his nightmare.

Next morning, Jack gets a delivery from the V.A. Shaw wakes as Jack reads that Evanovich and LaRue were killed in Europe, and were strangled like the others. Shaw is incredulous, but says Mueller is still in jail and that The Butcher, Rausch, is dead. Jack isn't so sure. He says Mueller was experimenting with cryogenic freezing, and maybe he had time to freeze Rausch. Shaw doesn't believe it, or that anyone is back from the dead. Jack, with his experience, isn't so sure.

On a radio show, Rausch is posing as Karl Steiner, the host of a controversial show with Nazi-leanings. He says he is just telling the truth as a reporter interviews him. She asks about his past, but he wants to talk the future. She says people are talking about him entering politics. Rausch hears Mueller in his head pushing him to continue their plan, then feels fresh blood from his hidden neck wound. He takes off, but not before saying some more Nazi-like sentiments to the reporter.

In the bathroom, he bleeds, then pulls out his barbed wire to kill a stranger, but Mueller in his head stops him. Rausch fondles the amulet. Mueller tells him to kill only their enemies and then says he knows where Simpson is. Rausch struggles in pain.

Jack tries to convince Shaw that Mueller and The Butcher are targeting them somehow. Jack opens a locked box he has keep closed since the war. He pulls out Mueller's diary, with a page showing a drawing of the amulet. Jack says it is a symbol of the Thule Society, an ancient group of alchemists and warlocks. Jack believes this is how Mueller brought Rausch back. Shaw is still a non-believer. Jack picks up the phone to call Simpson.

We cut to Simpson getting into his car. The radio is playing a rebroadcast of Rausch's Steiner-hosted radio show. Suddenly, Rausch pops up from the backseat and chokes Simpson with his barbed wire garrote, killing him.

Jack and Shaw are up late, waiting on Simpson to arrive, and worried that he's so late. The phone rings. Jack and Shaw are at the crime scene and the cop says he thinks Simpson was killed with piano wire. Jack says it was barbed wire.

Mueller, in his cell, crosses out Simpson's face and says soon it will be Jack's turn.

Jack is reading up on the Thule Society, trying to convince a still skeptical Shaw. Jack says Rausch would have been the ideal subject for Mueller to freeze. Shaw asks if Mueller has this amulet and Jack thinks so. Jack calls overseas to speak to the warden of the prison holding Mueller.

Rausch as Steiner is listening to a recording of his callers as Mueller again enters his thoughts, telling him that once he kills Jack he will have eternal life. But that they have something to do before than happens.

Jack speaks to the warden, who says if Jack wants to speak to Mueller, he will have to go there, prisoners are not allowed phone calls. Jack says he will be on the next flight. The warden then tells Jack that about a year ago, Mueller did escape, but was recaptured the next day.

Later, Jack is packed and ready to go, but Shaw says he is staying put, with no intention of setting foot in Germany again. Jack worries for his safety, but Shaw says he won't be caught unaware. Jack gives him a gun and ammo from his old war chest, then heads off.

In West Berlin, Jack arrives at the military prison. The guard checks his paperwork. Jack waits and dozes off. In his cell, Mueller again holds his part of the amulet. Jack remembers the siege that helped liberate him and his group, and that he choked Rausch with his barbed wire. Jack reawakens in a panic, and grabs the phone to check on Shaw.

In the USA, Shaw goes to answer the phone at Curious Goods when Rausch pops up from behind the counter and strangles him with the barbed wire, killing him. Jack's call goes unanswered.

Jack is brought to meet with Mueller, who says he was expecting him. Mueller says he is halfway around the world when Jack accuses him, then says The Butcher is dead. Mueller taunts Jack, telling him Shaw is already dead, and relishes Jack's anguish. He says he saved Jack for last, then tosses him the other half of the amulet. He says Rausch is waiting for him. Jack leaves as Mueller rants.

Back at Curious Goods, Jack finds Shaw's body and cries over the last of his wartime friends. Next to Shaw is the magazine he was reading that shows a photo of Karl Stiener, aka The Butcher, and Jack recognizes him.

At the radio station, Rausch continues to get calls from people sympathetic to his horrific ideas. Then he gets a call from Jack, speaking German, and telling him he has what he wants and calling him Butcher. Rausch ends his show, saying it is his last broadcast, since he is entering politics, and continues to goad the gullible listeners.

At the store, Jack awaits Rausch's arrival, recalling his old war buddies. He loads his gun, checks his knife, gets his shotgun. Then he sits and waits. The lack of sleep weighs on him and he dozes. Again he dreams of that night in WWII. Suddenly, Rausch kicks the door in, Jack shoots towards him but misses. Then Rausch searches for Jack, telling him to give him the amulet half. Jack moves slowly, but Rausch wraps the wire around Jack's wrist, causing Jack to drop the gun before he can shoot. Jack drops the amulet piece, and Rausch goes to it, putting the two amulet pieces together. Jack gets his gun and shoots at Rausch, even dead center of his forehead, but it does nothing. Rausch stands again, barbed wire in hand.

Rausch again searches the store for Jack, but this time, Jack reaches through the stair railing and wraps wire around Rausch's neck, holding him in place. Jack then cuts the amulet free from around Rausch's neck and the man chokes, bleeds and dies.

Later, Jack is looking at the photo of him and his troop. He hears their voices. He puts the photo in the chest. He holds the amulet and hears Mueller's voice. He puts it back into the chest, locks it, then places the whole thing inside the vault and closes it. He wearily heads up the stairs.

My thoughts:

Love that we get an episode that is centered on Jack, and that we learn about a big part of his past, and see some of his old friends.

Dark stuff, though. Horrors of war and the Nazis are never easy to watch, for me or anyone, I would imagine. We some horrific stuff just barely in Jack's flashbacks, and we know the truth was just so much worse.

Also sad to be rewatching this in 2022, and feel like their are people NOW who would be parroting the callers on Rausch's racist radio show. Sad and insane.

Feel bad for Jack, losing so many friends in such a short amount of time. He truly suffers, and their is no Micki or Ryan to comfort him at the end. Locking the amulet in the vault makes sense, but putting it is war chest and locking it ALL in the Vault seems more like Jack want to keep himself safe from all of his war memories. Sad, but makes a weird sense.

Wonder if Jack disposed of Rausch's body on his own. I can't imagine him explaining any of that to the cops, especially if Rausch was so popular as Stiener.

Also have to wonder how irate and ranting Mueller was in his prison cell when he learned his plan didn't succeed in the end, and Jack survived.

Next week: Mesmer's Bauble

#chris wiggins #jack marshak #curious goods #season two #episode recap #war #nazi #germany #wwII #amulet #thule society #80s tv

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