#its brooklyn 9-9 and accurate

[rollsoffthetongue]

STRAIGHT SHOOTER

Idiomatic Meaning: A person who is honest, direct, and straightforward; someone who speaks their mind truthfully without pretense or deceit. 

Literal Meaning: The most obvious definition is someone who is a marksman with a gun, however the verb “shoot” and the noun “shot” can be used in many other contexts, such a basketball, photography and the game of pool/billiards, to name a few, all requiring accurate aim.

Usage: Informal, spoken and written general American English. Often used in personal and professional contexts to highlight someone’s honesty.

Origin: Mid-19th Century – American English. The term was first used in the 1850s, with the earliest known evidence appearing in the Brooklyn Daily Times in 1859. It likely originated in the  American “old west,” where straight shooting with a gun was not just a matter of accuracy, but it also became a metaphor for reliability and integrity.

Why is this funny?  In the photo we see two older women playing a game of pool. One of them has a difficult shot. She identifies the ball and the pocket she intends to shoot it into, as “9-ball, side pocket.” Her competitor thinks she can’t make the shot, calling it “impossible” because other balls are blocking the 9-ball. The “shooter” reassures her by reminding the other women that she never has and never will lie to her. The first woman is a “straight shooter” who is not lying about shooting straight!

Sample sentence: In business its crucial to be a “straight shooter” to earn your client’s trust.

[hellomynameisbisexual]

"For bisexuals specifically, media representation has a long history of portraying us negatively," said Dr. Nora Madison, a media professor at Chestnut Hill College, told CBS News. "The most common stereotype is that bisexuals cannot be fully satisfied with only one partner because half of their desires must then obviously be denied. This is problematic on so many levels, but it begins with the definition of bisexuals as being attracted to both men and women, but with assumptions that bisexuals are only attracted to men and women, and are always equally attracted to men and women at the same time."

"Both of these assumptions are incorrect. The far more accepted definition is one made popular by Robyn Ochs, a prominent bisexual educator and author, who said that bisexuality is the potential to be attracted – romantically and/or sexually – to people of more than one gender, not necessarily at the same time, not necessarily in the same way, and not necessarily to the same degree."

Bisexual individuals make up almost 50% of people who identify as part of the LGBT community, according to research from the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. Nearly 3.5% of adults in the U.S. identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, which translates to approximately 9 million LGBTQ+ Americans. However, accurate media portrayal of bisexuality has long dragged behind data.

Gay, lesbian, or bisexual characters make up almost 8% of television characters, according to GLAAD's "Where We Are On TV" report from 2019. However, representation for bisexual people becomes far less likely in the breakdown. Not only do bisexual characters make up less than 26% of all LGBTQ+ characters, but there has been a steady decrease in representation since 2016. According to the Annenberg Report from USC, there were eight bisexual characters in the top 1,200 films of 2018 and only three in the top films of 2019, far less than what appears on television screens.

"Alongside these persistent connotations with excess and perversity, another factor challenging bisexual representation is that, unless a character explicitly identifies as bisexual, we tend to assume someone is straight or gay based on their current partner, something real life bisexuals also contend with," said Maria San Filippo, an associate professor and author of The B Word. "Television offers bisexuality more potential for representational legibility in this regard, I find, because its serial form allows for more expansive, ongoing narratives."

A year fraught with tropes that characterized bisexual people as flighty, unwilling to choose, in a phase, or worse, killed for the plot of the straight protagonist, 2016 marked a turning point in LGBTQ+ characters. It wasn't just enough to have them, consumers wanted them to be accurate. In the past four years, series like "Sex Education," "The Politician," "Stumptown," "Greys Anatomy," "Brooklyn 99" have all been praised for their accurate portrayal of bisexual characters, films like "Call Me By Your Name," "Colette," "Atomic Blonde," and "Booksmart" have featured explicitly bisexual characters.

For bisexual individuals unsure of their sexuality, experts say the representation they see on screen could make the world of difference. Bisexual people are more likely to have depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses, according to a study from the San Francisco Human Rights Commission. Another Human Rights Campaign health brief found that bisexual people were more likely to commit substance abuse, have less emotional support and hide their sexual identity. The reason? One researcher points to minority stress theory, a model that says multiple public stressors and societal expectations can manifest negative reactions in minorities.

"I think (more accurate representation) is a big improvement because it's part of a larger move in more recent television which tolerates non-binary identities," said Katherine Sender, a professor with Cornell University's Feminist, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program. "I see it as part of that bigger idea. In the past, being trans or being bisexual was extremely problematic within those binary categories. One of the things that's happened, particularly in the rise of original programming on streaming services, like Netflix and Amazon, is there's a much greater tolerance or acceptance of people being on spectrums and not having to fit into one or another end of a binary."

Streaming programs have produced more bisexual characters than ever, but cable programs are still the most likely to show the most bisexual characters, according to the GLAAD report. The inconsistency can most likely be attributed to the more common nature of bisexuality on screen. Shows on original streaming services are more likely to portray more than one LGBTQ+ character, while cable shows, which portraying more LGBTQ+ characters overall, are more likely to feature one character per show, the report said. In all, representation, just like bisexuality, is a fluid spectrum. The decision to feature bisexuality, accurately or not, comes down to a myriad of factors, including writers, actors, show-runners, and industry heads. And while television might not intrinsically cover real life, experts say positive representation does have positive impacts.

"Diverse representation is important for everyone," said Madison. "The more people are exposed to a variety of sexualities, especially in positive or affirming contexts, the more opportunities individuals have to figure their own identities out as well as broaden their viewpoints about others. Media content producers are products of the society they grow up in, and historically many were white, straight males. I don't think positive bisexual representation was a priority until more individuals started asking, demanding, and celebrating it."

[aspecbuddie]

tagged by @liabegins <3

Shuffle your on repeat playlist and list the first 10 songs!

i'll let you down - frank iero and the patience

.stage 4 fear of trying. - frnkiero andthe cellabration

viva indifference - frank iero and the patience (i'm sensing a theme here 👀)

thank you for the venom - my chemical romance

the drug in me is reimagined - falling in reverse

f.t.w.w.w. - my chemical romance

punk rock songs - patent pending

burn bright - my chemical romance

heaven help us - my chemical romance

don quixote - pencey prep

(8/10 frank iero songs, that's a pretty good/accurate ratio tbf)

Your top 15 favourite shows can say a lot about your personality (list your top 15 shows)

(not in any order for me lmao)

9-1-1

Supernatural

Our Flag Means Death

Grey's Anatomy

Station 19

9-1-1 Lone Star

Private Practice

Heartstopper

Good Omens

Good Trouble

The Simpsons

New Girl

Shadowhunters

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

The Fosters

(there are definitely favourite shows that I have forgotten to list and its bugging me)

(no pressure) tagging: @artemis-the-sinister, @pirrusstuff, @a-walking-fandom-reference, @evanbegins, @dandelioncasey, @lover-of-mine, @i-ghostgirl, and anyone else who wants to do it xD

[xihe1874]

AO3 First Lines Tag Game

tagged by @pollyna (thank you so much for tagging me love!!)

Rules: Share the first lines of ten of your most recent fanfics and tag ten people. If you have written fewer than ten, don’t be shy and share anyway.

Here we go----

Hangman's Good Plan (complete, Top Gun, icemav, hangster)

Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin never feels nervous. No, negative, not in a million years. So when he stands out of the office of Admiral Kazansky - the COMPACFLT - in his best suit, his forehead sweaty, he regards his crazy heartbeat as…positively wound up, yeah.

2. Icarus (complete, Top Gun, icemav)

Ice has known the story of Icarus since he was eight. He still remembers the day when his father told him the myth in his stern way.

3. The Black cat (complete, Top Gun, icemav)

After they moved in together, Maverick found a little stray black cat in their backyard and immediately decided to adopt it. Ice just rolled his eyes and said he had no interest in fluffy animals, refusing to pet its head when the cat rubbed against his leg.

4. Plans (complete, Top Gun, icemav)

Maverick never makes plans. He bases his judgment entirely on intuition. He didn't plan anything, excited at the randomness and freedom. He is flying both in the sky and on the ground.

5. Where Past and Future are Gathered (WIP, Top Gun, icemav, goosecarole, hangster)

Rooster leans forward on his chair and keeps his eyes firmly ahead.  Cyclone is going on and on about tomorrow’s mission, some shit like patriotism or sacred duty, maybe. He lost concentration a long time ago but still fixes his gaze on the sturdy admiral, even when his mind is blurred by the tedious speech and meaningless lip movement.

6. Then I Open my eyes and see you (WIP, Top Gun, icemav, goosecarole)

“Wallpaper?”Pete Mitchell, endearingly called by his close friends (or friend, honestly, who is walking beside him right now) as “Maverick”, takes the cup of iced black coffee from Nick Bradshow, or “Goose”, co-founder of M+G Design Ltd. 

7. 轮廓 (complete, Top Gun, icemav, Chinese)

Iceman非常讨厌派对和聚会，特别是那些需要他和上级们社交的活动——他很不情愿。虽然，他是个年轻的雄心勃勃、前途无量的海军中校，但他还是憎恨这些互动。

8. Moonlight, Sunshine, and Baby you are Mine (WIP, Top Gun, Brooklyn-Nine-Nine, icemav, peraltiago, background goosecarole)

“Room 99, 99…” Pete Mitchell - or, as he prefers, Maverick - walks down the hallway, murmuring to himself, his blue rucksack hanging off one shoulder. He peeks at the door beside him and shakes his head. “Come on, Goose. We are not there yet.”

9. Be my Love in the Rain (complete, Top Gun, icemav, goosecarole)

It was raining outside. Or, more accurately, it was raining buckets, and the said buckets had the same capacity as the Amazon. Ice glanced at his watch again, surprised that it had only been five minutes since he last checked the time - feeling like a century already. The world was blurred and hazy out of the windshield, all the objects blending together like watercolours. 

10. Season of joy, Season of Love (WIP, Lord of the Ring, Faramir/Eowyn)

My dearest Faramir, Winter is approaching - I can feel it from the chill in the air and the water. This morning I woke up and found my feet freezing. I have to ask Holdwyn to add logs in the fireplace - can you believe it, my dear? I never feared coldness before.

No pressure tag: @abliafina-18782 @derpinathebrave (and anyone who is interested!!! Sorry my brain has abandoned me and I can't even think properly right now...)

[charthanry]

TAG 9 PEOPLE YOU WANT TO GET TO KNOW BETTER

I was tagged by @hughungrybear :)

THREE SHIPS

Current or all-time? I’ll just go with the three that immediately come to mind:

Pat and Pran, Bad Buddy (obvs)

Steve and Tony, MCU

Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian, MDZS

*Honorable mention to Jake and Amy from Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

FIRST SHIP

Ever? Hmm, before Pacey and Joey it was Anne and Gilbert from the Anne of Green Gables series (books AND Kevin Sullivan’s tv adaptation from the mid-1980s). Gilbert Blythe was my first crush. Anne and Gil’s relationship taught my younger and impressionable self that love was friendship caught on fire and to never settle for anything less; that you can fall both slowly and ardently. Gilbert and Anne set the goalpost for all my future ships, with Gilbert proving that sometimes the nice guy does get the girl.

Also, I cannot imagine a more picturesque backdrop to fall in love in than Prince Edward Island. It’s on my bucket list to visit.

LAST SONG

I’ve been listening to a lot of K-Drama OST lately. I usually have one song on loop for weeks until it wears itself out on my spotify. Last month it was “With You” by Jimin and Ha Sung Woon from Our Blues (fantastic drama btw, I ugly cried in nearly every episode). This week it’s “Goodbye” by WENDY from The Beauty Inside.

LAST MOVIE

I’m embarrassed to admit this, but just yesterday I rewatched Leap Year on Netflix. I shamefully also own the DVD. Gah, *hides face* don’t look at me. 

It’s a cheesy, clichéd, and improbable romcom about an American who impulsively follows her boyfriend to Ireland to propose to him on February 29th. Cue the endless mishaps and series of incredibly manufactured bad luck. She ends up falling instead for the stranger who helps her on the way. The script is silly and absurdly unrealistic, but damn if the chemistry and charm of the two leads doesn’t save the day. 

My favorite scene is when Matthew Goode’s ‘Declan’ wakes up alone on a bus stop bench and realizes that Amy Adam’s ‘Anna’ has left him without waking him to say goodbye. The disappointment and regret in his body language is so palpable that Anna who is standing behind him watching, feels every ounce of his turmoil. She studies him for a beat before breaking the moment with banter. And damn, Matthew conveyed all this just by the way he stands and very subtly slumps his shoulders in defeat. And Anna’s reaction to seeing him this way is just...so telling that you want to shake her and say c’mon girl, you’re chasing the wrong guy. 

It doesn’t hurt that this era of young Matthew Goode is totally my aesthetic. Just look at him. Add to all this the brogue-y accent and WOOF.

CURRENTLY READING

I consume written media the same way I consume music and shows. I devour it. I practically subsist on Ao3 content alone. Lately, it’s been a lot of Red, White & Royal Blue fics in anticipation and giddiness for the upcoming movie.

CURRENTLY WATCHING

I’m in the middle of season 2 of my annual West Wing binge-watch. I’m by no means into politics, but I have yet to discover better American television than Aaron Sorkin’s The West Wing. It’s nearly perfect in its execution.

Currently waiting on a lot of shows to finish airing so that I can binge watch (I’m not making the mistake I did with Bad Buddy by watching it every week, I nearly died). On my list: 

Never Let Me Go

My School President

Crash Course in Romance

Moonlight Chicken

CURRENTLY CONSUMING

Right now? Snacking on Irvins Salted Egg Salmon Skin chips that I got from Costco. It’s deceptively bad for you (high in both cholesterol and sodium content), but the ‘dangerously addictive’ boast on the packaging is wildly accurate.

CURRENTLY CRAVING

Food-wise? A big bowl of homemade pho with all the accoutrements. 

ONWARD TAGS

@depressingly-lonely @hereforlou @reasonablysurmised @aliceisathome @keelpay @inhumanevoid @frostluvrs @faillen @leconcombrerit @rosetintednerdglasses and anyone else that wants to join!

[eclecticcfangirll]

brooklyn nine nine spoilers season five

* * * * * alright can i just nerd out about how b99 handled rosa being bi??? (I would like to clarify that at the time of making this post it is the night after she told her parents but as i go i might make edits if i deem it necessary.) 

1.  the fact that she has known since seventh grade and is just now coming out. That happens ALL THE TIME. Also the fact that she only came out once she was dating a girl and felt that she couldn’t easily hide it anymore. 

2. the way she came out to boyle and it empowered her to calmly tell the rest of her work family? perfect. everyone is different but that is like exactly what happened to me. I told one person and it gave me the courage to let others know. 

3. the fact that obviously none of the main characters had an issue with it and are all supportive. its so nice to be able to watch a show where the main characters are completely chill with it

4. the fact that while it has the amazing main characters, it also shows the issues. (remember when it showed how a couple racist cops were not the entire precinct but still a HUGE issue that isn’t okay at all and it did a perfect job? this is like that) Her parents are clearly not accepting. 

5. the parents reaction. The night after she told them, they started talking about how they were okay with it. I was like wow thats weird but cool. but then the inevitable happened because this is what always happens with the family that is borderline homophobic but not enough to disown you. they continued by saying that it was fine BECAUSE she was just going through a phase and, the most important part, her mother saying: “no matter what you call yourself, you still like men. so you can still get married and have a child.” to which rosa told her she could do that with a girl too and her dad said she wouldn’t. guys this was so important. this is exactly what happens. the parents choose to ignore this whole part of your identity because they assume that since you aren’t fully gay, you will go the “correct” way because you are just confused. i know i skipped a lot of explaining but yeah thats pretty much it for now. 

6. when rosa was trying to draw two women getting married for her mom to guess and she just kept guessing increasingly ridiculous things that were not accurate whatsoever even though it was obvious (comedy, but also really sad) 

7. rosa’s dad saying theres no such thing as bisexuals 🙄 the amount of times i’ve heard that irl is ridiculous

8. rosa still feeling like a weight is off her chest even though it sucked

9. rosa making it clear that she is the same person she always was

10. the dad taking responsibility and working on fixing his deep prejudice. it shouldn’t have taken this much for it to happen but better late than never right?

11. it showing the fact that even if one parent accepts you, the other might not and it can really hurt even the strongest people. it is a big deal.   

12. REALISTIC BI REPRESENTATION YALL !!!!!!!!! progress!!! 

also can we appreciate this quote from captain holt: every time someone steps u and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place. 

[foodreceipe]

CBD is everywhere. But is it a scam?

The super-popular cannabis compound, explained.

Anyone who tells you anything definitive about what CBD — or THC, for that matter — does to your body is lying

By Dan Nosowitz dd

Part of 1 - The mind, explained The coffee shop in my Brooklyn neighborhood has a chalkboard outside. It usually reads something like, “Our soup of the day is coffee.” Recently, though, it’s had a marijuana leaf on it, drawn in green chalk.Recreational marijuana is not legal in New York state. What the coffee shop is selling is CBD-infused lattes; CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Out of curiosity, I bought one. It cost $9 and tasted like a latte with that hint of marijuana herbiness you get from a weed cookie. Google research informed me I would not get high but would be calmer, less anxious, maybe a little sleepy. I have no idea if I felt anything at all. Mostly, I felt like I just spent $9 on coffee.

My coffee shop is not unusual in selling CBD products. In New York, and all over the country, you can find CBD oil in convenience stores, CBD vapes in smoke shops, and CBD tinctures and topical creams in beauty stores. You can buy CBD dog treats in Chicago, a $700 CBD couples massage in Philadelphia, and CBD chocolate chip cookies in Miami. CBD is also being combined with ice cream, savory snacks, and cocktails. Even Coca-Cola is reportedly working on a CBD-infused beverage.

CBD exists at the confluence of three huge consumer trends. The first is the herbal supplement boom, a $49 billion-a-year industry that has seen rapid expansion since about 2010. The second is the rise of the anxiety economy, in which all sorts of products, from fidget spinners to weighted blankets, are pitched as reducers of the mild panic of everyday life. And the third is the near-overnight creation of a legitimate cannabis industry, thanks to the spread of marijuana legalization.

The exact legality of CBD is tricky. The Drug Enforcement Administration maintains that CBD is federally illegal but will not bother going after anyone for possessing or using it. Many argue that a provision in the 2014 farm bill allowing industrial hemp pilot programs, mostly aimed at the textile industry, actually made non-THC use of cannabis legal; while the much-delayed 2018 farm bill signed into law at the end of the year made industrial hemp legal nationwide, CBD has largely yet to be reclassified.

It doesn’t really matter: The result is that anybody, in any state, can seemingly buy CBD online or in a local brick-and-mortar shop without fear of arrest. That availability made CBD at least a $350 million industry last year; some estimates suggest that by 2020, annual sales of CBD products could top $1 billion — and some say it already has.

Despite this, CBD is something nobody knows much about, and certainly nobody is monitoring it properly. CBD is widely marketed as a supplement, despite the Food and Drug Administration saying it does not qualify as such (this is because it is an active ingredient in drugs which are either approved or under investigation to be approved). According to the FDA, the 2018 farm bill “preserved the agency’s current authority to regulate products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds,” though the agency has largely ignored CBD up until now. On the FDA’s FAQ page, a vague answer maintains there are “many factors in deciding whether or not to initiate an enforcement action”; the agency plans to hold a public meeting and generally fact-gather “in the near future.” The Department of Agriculture handles research grants and pilot programs for hemp, but that’s where its involvement ends.

Research and regulation of cannabis in general is decades behind other crops and drugs because of its long prohibition. We’re in the early stages of a chaos period that will last a decade at minimum — a substance has to be legal in order for scientists to figure out how it works and for the government to figure out how to ensure it’s safe. Clinical trials take years to complete and will have to build on each other to create a competent understanding. Coupled with modern technology’s ability to disseminate truths, half-truths, and complete lies, this means we’re in a phase ripe for scams, intentional and not.

Both researchers who work with CBD and professionals who actually grow the raw material — those who best understand this compound and how it interacts with the human body, the people with the most investment in and knowledge about it — are skeptical to the point of scornful about consumer CBD products.

Esther Blessing is a professor and researcher at NYU who performs and reviews clinical trials on CBD’s effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress, anxiety, substance addiction, and other conditions. Speaking about widely available and unregulated CBD oils, she says, “This is the main scam, snake oil thing going on out there now.”

CBD is about as poorly regulated and understood as a product this popular can possibly be. It’s not accurate to say that CBD, as a whole, is bullshit. From a medical perspective, it’s promising; recreationally, it’s interesting. But that doesn’t mean the stuff you’re buying works.

We know basically nothing about CBD

Anyone who tells you anything definitive about what CBD — or THC, for that matter — does to your body is lying. Nobody knows. The legitimate research out there is extremely limited, and the slow drip of legalization — medical use, then personal use, federally illegal but permitted by certain states and cities — has made it incredibly hard for researchers to do their jobs.

Here’s what we do know: The cannabis plant contains a wide variety of chemical compounds, many of which fall under the broad category of cannabinoids. There are more than 100 — exactly how many, we’re not sure. The best-known and certainly most profitable are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Both of these compounds stimulate the same receptor in the brain, called CB1, but have differing effects on the brain. Researchers aren’t totally sure why.

It may have something to do with the fact that THC stimulates that CB1 receptor a lot, in turn triggering the psychoactive effects of marijuana like disturbed sensory perception, impaired motor skills, and anxiety. Conversely, CBD stimulates CB1 very lightly, causing some effects that seem downright opposed to those of THC including relief from anxiety, stress, and hyper-excitability.

Unlike with THC, CBD’s effects aren’t limited to that single receptor. These effects are not precisely known, though CBD certainly has some impact on CB1’s sister receptor (CB2) as well as a receptor called 5-HT1A. When the 5-HT1A receptor comes into contact with a material that agonizes it, the effects can include reduced anxiety and increased calmness.

The limited studies out there indicate that CBD has, in its various interactions with the brain and immune system, some anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects. It can balance out the effects of THC by reducing the anxiety THC sometimes brings, and many in the industry are big on “broad spectrum” or “full spectrum” configurations, which use many cannabinoids at once.

KEEP READING

https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2018/11/1/18024806/cbd-oil-vape-hemp

[ithehellisbucky]

Today

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Requested: None

Word Count: 4.1k

Warnings: Clasutraphobia, panic, anxiety, implied PTSD, trust issues, angst, fluff, mental illness, trauma, anxiety attack, sexual innuendos

Author’s Note: Let me know if I missed anything in the warnings, and let me know if I got anything wrong or misportrayed in the part where the stuck in the elevator, I want to be as accurate and informed as possible, and I definitely don’t want to be offensive.

My Masterlist

~

Today was a good day. A very good day. Not only a good day, but a great day. Bucky was doing okay. He was smiling, he was happy. Happy is always a good thing, especially with Bucky.

For starters, this morning was amazing. You woke up to an empty bed. And at first, you freaked out, normally when you the bed next to you was empty Bucky was having an episode. You looked around to see if anything was broken or damaged, but surprisingly nothing was. The blinds were even pulled open.

You get up and pushed the thin sheets off your body, causing you to remember last night's escapades with a smile. You stagger to the clean laundry pile, grabbing one of Bucky's shirts and pulling it over your head with a tug.

You stretch and feel your back crack, reminding you that its morning.

Walking into your kitchen in the mornings almost always brings a smile to your face. Perhaps it was the yellow rays of sunshine lighting up the room, or it could be the promise of breakfast. Today was no exception.

You were greeted to a shirtless Bucky, making pancakes and letting out a string of curse words whenever anything goes wrong.

You lean in the doorway for a minute, in the stereotypical romantic movie way. Bucky turns around and looks slightly shocked when he sees you standing there. "Shit, doll. I wanted to have breakfast ready for you woke u-"

You walk over to him and cut him off with a kiss, gently tugging him down to your height by his hair. He wraps both of his arms around your waist and you leave your hand in his hair while you wrap the other one around the back of his neck. Bucky spins you around and carefully picks you up and puts you on the kitchen island, deepening the kiss. 

You pull away for a heartbeat and say: "It's okay," before pulling him back towards your body. The two of you make out on the counter for a minute before you smell something burning. 

"Do you smell something burning?" You ask, pulling away from Bucky's lips, much to his protest.

"Shit shit shit." He exclaims, letting go of your body to run to the stove, attempting to save whatever's left of the pancakes.

You laugh at his charming forgetfulness, he was definitely an old man. 

"I'm going to get some cereal from the fridge unless you think you can salvage the pancakes?" You state with a giggle. 

"Yeah, that's probably for the best," Bucky responds. "None of these are eatable."

You walk over to your refrigerator and open the door to get the milk. Bucky's arms snake around your waist and he rests his chin on your shoulder. "I love you." 

"Relax, I was only getting milk." You exclaim with a chuckle. You spin around to face him and quickly peck him on the lips. "I love you too."

Bucky smiles into the kiss, and for a second you think he's shoving you into the fridge, and then you realize he's getting the milk. "Hm, I see you have an alternative motive."

"I only have eyes for you, Doll. 2% milk is no competition." Bucky smiles and lets you go. He reaches to the top of the fridge and grabs a box of cheerios. He puts the milk and cereal on the counter as you sit on one of the stools. 

"You seem to be having a good day." You exclaim as Bucky slides a bowl of cereal in front of you.

"I am." He says, going to sit across from you as you take a bite of your cereal. "God, did I tell you how fucking beautiful you are today." He says as more of a statement than a question.

"I think you just did." You say, spooning some cereal into your mouth. 

Bucky smiles a weathered smile and then perks up. "I just remembered, I got us a reservation at that place Pepper was talking about."

"The french place?" Bucky nods, his smile never wavering. "God, I can't wait to sink my teeth into a twelve dollar eclair." 

"Mm, what time is it?" You exclaim, confused at your lack of exhaustion, especially since you fell asleep at 1 am. 

"10." Bucky shrugs even though he's probably checked the clock at least twenty times since he woke up.

"It's 10!" You blurt, all while Bucky is sitting across from you, chuckling as he spoons cereal into his mouth. "I slept for 9 hours!"

Bucky grins, and you smile at his happiness. "It's nice to see you so happy." 

You put down your bowl of cereal and walk over to Bucky and stand behind him, resting your chin on his head and wrapping your arms around his waist. You plant a kiss on his shoulder. "I'm going to go take a shower."

"Okay," Bucky says as you walk to your bathroom.

"Are you coming." You exclaim from over your shoulder, looking for just long enough to see Bucky stand up, his smirk as prolific as ever.

~

You and Bucky made it out of your apartment at 12, after a very... Relaxing shower. 

Most of the time Bucky preferred to show no PDA, for fear of one of his enemies seeing and hurting you. Today was different. Bucky had his arm draped over your shoulder as you walked, he would smile every time he looked at you. Nobody would guess that this happy man had been through such tragedy. His past didn't define his future.

Instead of taking a taxi or the subway you and Bucky opted to walk the distance on the sidewalks of New York City. 

The two of you got an amazing apartment in Brooklyn for surprisingly cheap. You were pretty certain that Pepper did some meddling with your landlord, but you didn't care (and Bucky pretended he didn't know, even though you were certain he did).

The weather today was reflecting your mood. Bright and sunny. Today was such a good day. You and Bucky reach the restaurant after about an hour of peaceful walking. Bucky holds the door open for you like the complete gentleman he is.

The restaurant is insanely nice. Like, 12 dollar eclair nice. "Buck, do you think we can afford this place." You ask, immediately skeptical of the three forks and silk napkins.

"It's okay Doll," Bucky says, reassuring you in the most Bucky way.

"Do you have a reservation?" A woman's voice asked. Startled, you turn to see the hostess standing in front of you with a lively smile on her face.

"Yeah, Barnes," Bucky says, keeping his arms wrapped around you, an unusual cocky smile on his face. 

The woman smiles and looks down at her list, then looks back at you and Bucky and simply says: "Right this way."

The woman leads you and Bucky to a table next to the window, in the front of the store. Bucky pulls the chair away from the table for you and pushes you back in when you sit down.

You had rarely see Bucky smile this big, or smile at all frankly. Picking up the menu that the hostess put down on the table you quickly scan the sheet. Even though you were expecting the items to be pricey, you weren't expecting this. Hell, the eclairs weren't 12 dollars, they were 14.

You frantically look up at Bucky, concerned about the prices. Instead of seeing an incredibly distraught face, you were instead met with a beaming Bucky, adoration written across his features.

"What?" You ask, his smile spreading to your face.

"Nothing, I just love you so much." He reaches over the table and clutches your hand lovingly. Today was a good day.

~

The food was really expensive. But Bucky didn't care. And neither did you. Bucky was so happy, and nothing could make you happier than that.

You finished up lunch at 2:30, after several 14 dollar eclairs. Bucky takes your hand in his as you walk back to your apartment. He was no longer smiling, but his eyes were, much more than his mouth ever could.

After the half an hour-long trek the two of you finally made it back to your apartment building. You start to walk towards the stairs when Bucky catches your arm. "It's okay Doll."

Bucky had a phobia of small spaces. It reminded him of what Hydra would do to him, keep him strapped into a chair, and then throwing him into a tiny cell when they were done. Bucky only took the elevator when he needed to, or when he was too overwhelmed to know what he was doing. The point is, whenever Bucky had the choice, he would never use the elevator.

But today he did the opposite. "Are you sure, you don't need to feel like you have to." You respond, stroking the side of Bucky's face. 

"I'm alright, I promise," Bucky says, grabbing both of your hands and holding them in a loving embrace.

With your hand in his, you walk to the elevator, reassuring him by placing one of your hands on his shoulder. Bucky leans over and pushes the button for number 4, waiting patiently for the doors to close. "If you need to get off just let me know, we can stop at any time." You exclaim in the most calming voice you can muster.

As the doors to the elevator close, you hear Bucky take in a sharp and ragged breath. You put your other hand on his chest to calm him and his breathing seems to steady. The elevator moves upward and you can hear the sound of clanking as it reached each floor. When you reach the second floor you lean into Bucky and quietly say: "It's okay Baby, it's halfway done." All Bucky does is reach down and grab your hand, squeezing it to remind himself that you're there.

As the number flashes to the third floor you wait for it to go onto the fourth, but it doesn't. The elevator stops altogether. No. No. Of all people this could've happened to, it had to be Bucky. 

You immediately turn to meet Bucky's eyes, facing him and seeing the panic on his face. His eyes immediately flit around the room, looking for any possible exit and finding that there are not. 

"Bucky. Bucky. I need you to look at me." He avoids your eyes and continues to exam the room, looking for any crack or opening that he could take advantage of. His eyes set on the place where the sliding doors connect. "Bucky, please don't try to pull the doors open, it'll make it worse."

Bucky doesn't speak. He walks towards the doors and tries to put his fingers between the two doors. Bucky puts the tip of his fingers in the crack and tries to pry it open. It leaves a dent, but alas the doors don't budge. 

You try to touch Bucky, but right when you make contact with his skin he winces, and you pull away. You low your voice to a whisper, trying not to harm Bucky in any way. "Bucky, baby." 

Bucky turns back around to you, panic surging in his eyes. At first, you're terrified that you're no longer speaking to Bucky, but the Winter Soldier instead. In an instant, you were sure that the man standing in front of you wasn't the Winter Soldier, but someone desperately afraid of becoming him.

Bucky slams his hands into the wall and pulls another one up to rake against his face and hair. You lean in from across the elevator to see tears building up in Bucky's eyes. If you were another person, and Bucky meant something different to you, you would be fearful for your life. But you weren't somebody else, and Bucky meant the world to you; you were more scared for Bucky than for yourself. Bucky wouldn't hurt you, but would you accidentally hurt Bucky?

You walk closer to Bucky, and for the third time, you attempt to calm him. "Bucky." That was all you said. Not as a question, and without any hesitancy in your voice. It was a statement.

Bucky turns around to look at you, the heartbreak in his eyes more evident than ever, and a tear rolls down his face. Bucky staggers over to you and wraps his body around yours, making you carry some of the emotional and physical weight on Bucky's body and mind.

"Your name is James Buchanan Barnes." You feel his tears sinking through your shirt as he clutches you tighter. You continue, "You were born on March 10th in 1917." 

You slowly sink your body downward, taking Bucky down with you. "Your best friend is Steve Rogers." You lower yourself further. "In 1943 you enlisted in the army." Your voice lowers to a whisper as your body drops even further.

"You were assigned to the 107th." You reach the ground, "and were captured by Hydra." Bucky's breath hitches, and you wish you could skip this part of the story; but alas, you had to tell the bad parts before you could tell the good ones. "But you were rescued by Captain America."

You scoot your and Bucky's bodies towards the wall of the elevator.

"You joined the Howling Commandos." You say, pushing yourself further towards the wall. "But then you fell off a train."

Your back hits the wall and Bucky squeezes you harder, either from the slight impact or from news you just recited, probably both. "And was captured again by Hydra." You reposition yourself, putting Bucky's head in your lap, his body faces diagonally towards the middle of the elevator.

"You lost your arm." Bucky's face scrunches up, and you respond by stroking his hair, which visibly calms him down. "Hydra tortured you." That was the line that you said the quietest, but Bucky still shoots straight upwards. 

You grab his face in both of your hands. Bucky doesn’t wince, and you realize it’s because he knows that you would never hit him. You were one of the few people who would never hit him, and from what you’ve heard there aren’t as many people in Bucky’s life who would never physically hurt him as you wished there would be. "Inside your of your mind, Hydra created someone called the Winter Soldier." Even more, tears streaked down Bucky's face, and you rested his forehead on yours. "They used the Winter Soldier to do horrible things." You clutch Bucky tighter to your chest.

"Eventually you were rescued by Steve Rogers." Making a point to say his best friend's whole name, to reassure him that he was saved by an ally, not a foe. "He turned you back into Bucky."

Bucky was violently shaking at this point, so much that his metal arm was hitting the ground, making loud noises. "And Steve found you again." Bucky calmed down slightly, shaking less than he was before. "A man named Tony Stark waged war on you because of something the Winter Soldier did."

You pressed a light kiss onto Bucky's forehead, not wanting to startle him too much. "You and Mr. Stark made peace." Bucky calmed down more, and his body was shaking less. "And a woman named Shuri made sure that the Winter Soldier wouldn't come back." At this point, Bucky's body was almost entirely still, except for the occasional stutter. You were unhappy that you had to tell this next part as well.

"Then a man named Thanos waged a war." Bucky started shaking again, and he reached out his metal arm behind you to steady himself, which in the process caused his arm to make the clanking noise again as he shook. "And he wiped out half of the world." You pause for a moment, taking in a long and strangled breath "including you."

Bucky starts to shake even more, so you gently pull his head down to your chest, so he can hear your heartbeat. So he can know that you are alive and safe. "But you got brought back to life, by Mr. Stark none the less."

Bucky's choked sobs have slowed, and been replaced with silent tears. Your shirt was fully soaked, but that didn't matter. All that matters is that Bucky feels safe. That Bucky is safe. "Steve went back to the forties." Bucky's breath hitches again.

"Then you met me." Bucky stops breathing as heavily and looks up to meet your eyes. "You are safe." 

You pause, pressing a kiss to Bucky's temple "You are loved." You hadn't even realized it, but tears were streaking down your face.

Bucky sits up and stares you in the eyes. He wipes the tears off his face and feigns a small smile. "I'm safe?" He tries to say as a statement, but it comes off as a question instead. 

You put your hand on the top of his neck, resting just below his chin. "Yeah." You swallow, looking him dead in the eyes. "They can't hurt you anymore."

Bucky doesn't say anything, he simply leans in and kisses you. Not a passionate kiss, not a sensual kiss, but a loving kiss. A kiss that's only message was thank you. A kiss that both you and Bucky needed.

"I love you." He exclaims in a voice so quiet that if he had said it any lower you wouldn't be able to hear.

You pecked him on the lips and said a line that would be insensitive if you weren't in this current situation: "I know." You pause for a moment, and then remember something that you should have done the second the elevator stops: push the damn emergency button. 

Bucky is still holding onto you with a death grip, but the panel is a few feet away. You lean in closer to Bucky's head and whisper "hey Bucky, I have to let someone know we're stuck in here."

Bucky nods slightly, but when you go to move he maintains his grip on your body. Bucky's still shaking, although not as dramatically as before it's probably a good idea to stay holding onto him. When you look down at him he looks away, seemingly guilty for keeping you rooted in one spot.

"It's okay, I'll call Judy on my phone." Judy was your landlady, a nice woman in her late 60s. Judy had straight grey hair that she always wore with one lock of hair braided in the front. She was the type of person who sold hand-made tye-dye t-shirts at the front desk and talked about going to Woodstock like it was yesterday.

You had her number on speed dial and she picked up almost immediately after you started ringing. "Hello dear." She says, her soothing voice immediately calming you down.

"Um, we're, uh." You look down at Bucky, whose is at this point resting with his head on your lap while you were running your fingers through his hair. His eyes were closed and his body was still shaking, the sound of his metal arm clanging against the floor making the sharp metallic sound echo throughout the elevator.

You put your hand over your mouth in a certain way to make sure that only Judy could hear you. "We're trapped in the elevator." Bucky still hears, despite your best efforts, and flinches at the word trapped.

Judy gasps slightly and then begins frantically talking: "Oh dear lord, tell me what happened! Is James okay?" Judy always called Bucky James, and if it was almost anyone else he would be pissed, but no one could ever be pissed at Judy.

"Um, we're, uh- getting through it." Bucky grabs your hand and holds onto it for dear life, all while you move from running your hands through his hair to rubbing his temple. "Could you do me a favor and call the fire department?" You ask politely, even though in reality all you want is to freak out and get this fucking thing over with.

"Yes, I'll call them right now. Now dearie if you need anything just let me know. I am so terribly sorry that this happened to you and James."

"Thanks, Judy, I'll let you know." You hang up the phone and look back down at Bucky.

"How are you doing baby?" Bucky's eyes open and rest at a squint.

"I'm here." He exclaims, stating a fact that may seem useless to anyone else besides you. He was here. Bucky was here. Right now being here is the best you could hope for.

Bucky sits up, and you stroke a strand of hair out of his face. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Well, we're talking right now," Bucky says with a forced chuckle.

You smile for a split second and then lean in to kiss his hairline. "If you don't want to you don't have to."

"No. I- I do." Bucky gulps and looks away. "It's just- I've been through so much with Bucky. It just, uh- kind of shocked me that Steve would leave me. I trusted him." He looks back up and you can see tears glistening in his eyes.

"I know, I don't think that he knew what he was doing." You run your hand along his face again and watch a tear roll down his cheek. "I'm sorry baby, but you do know that I'm not going to leave you." You pause for a moment, creasing your brow. "Right?"

Bucky looks away, blinking several times. "I'm not going to leave you Bucky." You halt and run your fingers through your hair, trying to think of something that could calm him down. "I can't imagine not loving you, and I can't imagine a reason for leaving that love behind."

"I have something I want to ask you," Bucky exclaims as you go back to running your fingers through his hair.

"Shoot." You respond, trying to force yourself to calm down.

"I shouldn't. I- I mean I shouldn't right now." He gulps.

"Why not?" You ask, your brow creasing in worry, the artificial serenity on your face subtly being destroyed.

"Because you deserve it to be perfect, you are perfect." Bucky takes a long and shallow breath then continues. "And if you're with someone as obviously imperfect as me... Then at least the moment should be perfect.

He looks you in the eyes and sees the confusion. "I- I should do it now. But, since it's not perfect, I'll do it again later." He swallows. "I- I just need to know the answer, to, um- calm me down."

"Okay baby, what is it." You exclaim, worry creasing in between your brows.

He sits up and fumbles with something in his pocket. 

Oh my god

Holy fucking shit.

It was a velvet box.

He opens the box to reveal a classical engagement ring. You can't speak. Your hands go flush to your face and you can't speak. Bucky Barnes was sitting in an elevator, holding a wedding ring. For you.

Bucky's face drops when he notices that you haven't said anything. "Do you want to pretend like I didn't just do this. Or should we break up? I'm sorry, I just-" He pauses, and that's when you remember what he had gone through just minutes before.

There were dried tears on his face, and his body was still shaking. "I was having a good day." He says as a tear rolls down his cheeks. "Because I knew that I was going to propose to my girl today."

Bucky is at this point fully sobbing. He looks like he's going to go in to cry on your shoulder, but then he stops himself. That's when you realize that you never answered his question.

"Yes." You say at almost a complete whisper.

Bucky's eyes snap to your face and his entire demeanor changes. He immediately starts to smile and he completely lets down the guard that he was holding in his body language. "You want to marry me?" He asks, out of breath from nothing.

"More than I've ever wanted anything before." Bucky smiles and his tears stop. His shaking hands move to slide the ring onto your finger. Once the ring is on your finger you hold it up to the LED light projecting into the room. The diamond sparkles.

Bucky leans towards your face and presses a tender kiss onto your lips. You may be stuck in an elevator, and Bucky may still be healing, but you knew one thing for sure: you and Bucky will be alright.

Requests are open!

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[watching-pictures-move]

Bela Lugosi’s Dead | Notes on the Work of a (Possible) Blood-drinking Aristocrat

It’s a sad fact that Hollywood has never been very good in terms of diversity in front of or behind the camera (and still has a long way to go), and over the years has often limited opportunities or slotted actors in roles that play to their “otherness”. This weighed heavily on my mind as I watched White Zombie, as I don’t know if any actor has taken control of that otherness and used it to such unsettling effect as Bela Lugosi does so here. Lugosi’s presence is so distinct and his delivery so mannered that he seems not to be playing a villain so much as embodying evil itself and piercing through the artifice of the film around him. Lugosi’s performance also ties into the film’s racial politics, which are queasy as can be expected for a horror film about Haitian voodoo, but complex. A character decries local practices as “sins that even the devil would be ashamed of”, yet the plot centres on a foreign, colonial presence exploiting those practices, and it isn’t a stretch to read his act of turning his enemies into zombies as a metaphor for slavery.

The film exists in an eerie dream state between silent and sound film, and any imperfections only enhance that feeling. Dialogue and sound intrude jarringly into silence or music (particularly the shriek of a vulture, which never stops being unnerving), and any stilted acting brings to mind the zombies enslaved by the villain. The atmosphere is evocative and foreboding, with images that sear themselves into our mind. Victor Halperin would go on to direct a sequel, Revolt of the Zombies, which does not star Lugosi but recycles the same shot of his eyes. Lugosi’s absence is sorely felt, as is any semblance of the atmosphere or visual style present in this film, and its handling of race lacks the complexity offered by this earlier effort. The movie briefly perks up when the revolt in the title finally happens, producing a handful of interesting images, but for a movie that runs about an hour, it easily feels thrice as long.

I would be remiss to delve into Lugosi’s work without revisiting his iconic work in Tod Browning’s Dracula. I don’t know if I actually think the movie is any better this time around, but I did find myself more endeared by it. It’s hard to find interesting things to say about his work here, but while what we know of Lugosi’s life suggests that he probably wasn’t really a centuries old blood-drinking aristocrat, the lived-in quality of his performance might have you fooled. George Melford’s Spanish language version is a much more dynamic film on the whole (and is on the shortlist of my favourite vampire movies), yet there’s no denying Lugosi’s absence isn’t felt. (The wonders of modern technology have allowed the the transplant of Jim Carrey into The Shining and many of our beloved celebrities into hardcore pornography; I would argue that deepfaking Lugosi into the Melford Dracula is just as worthwhile an experiment.) It’s safe to say that he’s much better than the movie he’s in, the stage origins of which are apparent (characters are frequently shot staidly, centre frame; much of the action takes place in the same room with characters entering and exiting in lieu of actual incident), yet that stylistic stiffness yields great dividends when the action moves to Dracula’s castle, with those scenes having an aura of entombment.

Perhaps this approach was an extension of Browning’s view of the genre. Many vampire movies emphasize the sensual, striving to demonstrate the erotic allure of the condition; Browning’s film argues that the living dead lead a pretty dismal existence. “There are far worse things awaiting man than death.” An arguably dismissive attitude towards vampirism could be read into Mark of the Vampire, which reunites Lugosi and Browning. The movie is at times quite atmospheric, particularly when Lugosi is onscreen, yet in a way that feels fairly divorced from the energy of the film as a whole. (He also unfortunately has no dialogue until the end, although he makes the most of it.) If Dracula suffers in comparison to the stylishness of James Whale’s Frankenstein movies, then Mark of the Vampire could have used some of the tongue-in-cheek energy Whale brought to The Old Dark House.

The Devil Bat finds Lugosi working with a much smaller production by Producers Releasing Corporation, a Poverty Row studio. It’s not an especially dynamic work, featuring a not terribly convincing bat puppet and a scene where his character awkwardly confesses to his crimes and schemes up a murder on the fly to cover his tracks, yet his professionalism can’t be denied and he’s quite good in the role. Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla, which has a technically accurate but misleading title, finds his career in more obvious decline. Your enjoyment may depend heavily on your tolerance for Jerry Lewis style shrillness, yet once again Lugosi treats his role as serious as a heart attack. This movie is also of interest to fans of Duke Mitchell, showing him well before he developed the vulgar charisma of his wannabe Godfather characters in Massacre Mafia Style and Gone with the Pope. Towards the end of his life Lugosi came into the orbit of Ed Wood, considered by many to be the worst director of all time. The extent of Lugosi’s role in Plan 9 From Outer Space is well known, but his last speaking part came in Bride of the Monster. Neither film did much for me (Wood’s distinct brand of badness has little effect on me for whatever reason, and Bride didn’t seem all that worse than some of the other films I’ve seen this month, to be honest) but Lugosi makes the film just a bit more engaging whenever he’s onscreen.

Going back to his prime years, Murders in the Rue Morgue finds Lugosi on  stage at a carnival sideshow, pleads with an unappreciative audience, and by extension, the viewer (“Heresy? Do they still burn men for heresy? Then burn me monsieur, light the fire! Do you think your little candle will outshine the flame of truth?”). There’s a sense of resentment here, of doing great yet unappreciated work in squalid conditions, that I suspect might have resonated with him over the course of his career. The out of place aristocracy he brings to the role makes him all the more magnetic and, at the same time, undeniably creepy, which makes the relatively explicit (by 1932 standards) content resonate. (A gruesome knife fight and a sexually charged torture scene are among the highlights spicing up the first act.) The movie definitely loses a little whenever Lugosi isn’t onscreen, yet Robert Florey’s visual direction, heavily influenced by German expressionism, is dynamic enough to always keep things engaging. This is the movie Lugosi made after walking away from Frankenstein, and while there are similarities in visual style, Lugosi’s performance here couldn’t be more different from Boris Karloff’s in the other film.

It’s hard to discuss Lugosi without mentioning Karloff, that other titan of early sound horror films. Karloff’s career ended with more dignity (his last film, Targets, offers a reflection on his career, the horror genre and violence in ‘60s America), yet going head to head in The Black Cat, Lugosi wins. Karloff is great, giving an eerily mannered, subtly monstrous performance, yet Lugosi is able to create a character that not only is implied to have the same capacity for monstrous behaviour, but get us to empathize with him. There’s an early line delivery that might be one of the best I’ve ever heard with its mixture of menace and deep psychological wounds. (I will quote it, but hearing it delivered by the man himself will send chills down your spine. ”Have you ever heard of Kurgaal? It is a prison below Omsk. Many men have gone there. Few have returned. I have returned. After fifteen years... I have returned.”) He grounds the twisted headspace that the movie inhabits, which Edgar G. Ulmer evokes with a bold visual style and uncanny art direction. The cumulative result is the best horror film I’ve seen in quite some time.

[sciencespies]

Fifty Years Ago, Satchel Paige Brought the Negro Leagues to Baseball's Hall of Fame

https://sciencespies.com/history/fifty-years-ago-satchel-paige-brought-the-negro-leagues-to-baseballs-hall-of-fame/

Fifty Years Ago, Satchel Paige Brought the Negro Leagues to Baseball's Hall of Fame

Eyewitnesses said that Satchel Paige, one of the best pitchers baseball will ever see, would tell his teammates to sit on the field, so confident that he’d strike out the batter on his own.

The right-handed ace’s showmanship was backed up by the remarkable athletic ability on display with his deadly accurate fastball. Over an estimated 2,600 innings pitched, Paige registered more than 200 wins and, impressively, more than 2,100 strikeouts. And those numbers are incomplete—many of his games, having been played in the Negro Leagues, going unrecorded.

��Satchel was pitching in a way if, just based on his performance as a pitcher, he would’ve ranked as one of the all-time greats, if not the greatest,” says Larry Tye, author of the 2009 biography Satchel: The Life and Times of an American Legend.

For 20 years after he more-or-less hung up his cleats, however, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, where baseball greats from Babe Ruth to Walter Johnson were enshrined, ​ didn’t have room for Paige or any other Negro Leaguers. Because it was a different league, segregated from the majors solely by race, the Hall hadn’t even considered its players eligible for induction. But in 1971, the Cooperstown, New York, institution finally began to recognize the accomplishments of players whose case for greatness rested on their performance in the Negro Leagues, starting with Paige.

Paige reclines in an easy chair in the St. Louis Browns’ bullpen on June 28, 1952. Team president Bill Veeck, who was known for wacky publicity stunts, purchased the chair for Paige, who was already in his mid-forties.

(Bettmann / Getty Images)

A native of Mobile, Alabama, Leroy Paige was born in 1906 and grew up with 11 siblings. Given the nickname “Satchel” for a contraption he made for carrying passengers’ bags at a local train station, he found his talent for baseball at a correctional school.

At 18, he joined the Mobile Tigers, a black semi-professional team. No stranger to barnstorming—the practice of teams traveling across the country to play exhibition matches—Paige debuted in the Negro Leagues in 1926 for the Chattanooga Black Lookouts. Among the teams he played for were the Birmingham Black Barons, the Baltimore Black Sox, the Pittsburgh Crawfords (surrounded by other legends, including Josh Gibson and Cool Papa Bell), and the Kansas City Monarchs. Paige won four Negro American League pennants with the Monarchs from 1940 to 1946.

Paige was far from the only phenom in the Negro Leagues. Gibson was a monumental power hitter; Oscar Charleston played a gritty, all-around game; and Bell was known for his beyond-human speed, just to name a few. But when it came to star quality, Paige possibly surpasses them all.

Satchel Paige (back row, second from left) posing with the Pittsburgh Crawfords at their spring training site at Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1932. Pittsburgh was one of several Negro League teams that Paige would play for during his career.

(Mark Rucker / Transcendental Graphics via Getty Images)

“He’s probably the biggest drawing card in the history of the Negro Leagues,” says Erik Strohl, vice president of exhibitions and collections at the Hall of Fame.

Legend surrounds Paige with stories of his remarkable feats, and some of it was even self-produced: He kept track of his own statistics and the numbers he would provide to others were astounding, if not sometimes inconsistent. While a lack of written accounts at many of his pitching performances has created issues of veracity, the confirmed information available still suggests that his accomplishments are befitting of his prestige.

“When you say that he is a legend and one of the greatest players of all time, it may seem like an exaggeration,” says Strohl, “and it’s hard to quantify and qualify, but I think probably, undoubtedly that was true in terms of the length and swath of his career.”

“He had great speed, but tremendous control,” says historian Donald Spivey, author of the 2013 book If You Were Only White: The Life of Leroy “Satchel” Paige. “That was the key to his success,” he adds, which paired with Paige’s ability to identify batters’ weaknesses from their pitching stances.

Spivey says that Paige’s prestige was a boon even for his opponents, as crowds would flock to the games where he was pitching. “The man was a tremendous drawing card,” he notes. He earned a reputation for jumping from one team to the next, depending on who offered the most money.

“He got away with it because he was so reliable,” says Tye. “He gave you the ability to draw in fans.

Not unlike other talented Negro Leaguers of the era, Paige wanted an opportunity with the MLB. Midway through the 1948 season, he got his chance when he signed with the Cleveland Indians. He was certainly an atypical “rookie”, entering the league when he was 42 after more than 20 years of Negro League competition (Jackie Robinson, for comparison, joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 when he was 28.) Paige managed to make his time count: he won six games amid a tense battle for the American League pennant, and Cleveland went on to take both the pennant and the World Series victory.

Though his debut MLB season was successful, he spent just one more year with the Indians in 1949 before joining the St. Louis Browns in 1951. Following a three-year stint with St. Louis, Paige’s career in the MLB appeared over. However, he continued playing baseball in other leagues, and still found a way to make a brief one-game, three-inning appearance with the Kansas City Athletics in 1965 at the age of 59, not giving up a single run.

Paige’s time in Major League Baseball was impressive for a player entering the league in their 40s, asserts Phil S. Dixon, author of multiple books about the Negro Leagues.

“He also helped those teams because people wanted to see Satchel Paige,” Dixon says. “Not only was he a decent pitcher, he was an amazing draw.”

The Negro Leagues were both the stage at which Paige dazzled audiences for years on end, and the mark of a barrier separating him and other black players from baseball’s biggest stage for years. That barrier would, for a time, be perpetuated by the Hall of Fame.

Commissioner Bowie Kuhn (front row, center) meets with the new committee established to nominate Negro League players to the Hall of Fame at his office on February 4, 1971. Among the members is sportswriter Sam Lacy (back, center).

(Charles Ruppmann / NY Daily News via Getty Images)

Despite the impact that the Negro Leagues had on baseball and American culture, by the 1960s, just two players associated with them had been recognized as Hall of Famers. Robinson was the first black player inducted, in 1962, and seven years later his former teammate Roy Campanella joined him. The two had achieved entry off the merits of their MLB careers, however, whereas icons like Paige and Gibson had either few or no seasons outside the Negro Leagues.

To those who played the game, their worthiness was not a matter of debate. On occasions when black squads faced off against their white contemporaries, they won at least as often as not, if not more. In 1934 Paige and star MLB pitcher Dizzy Dean had their barnstorming teams—one black, one white—face off against each other six times in exhibition play. Paige’s crew won four of those six meetings, including a tense 1-0 victory at Chicago’s Wrigley Field after 13 innings.

“Their role in the black community was one that said, ‘We can play as good as anybody,’” says Dixon. “‘And there’s no reason for us not being in the major leagues, because not only can we play all of those guys, we can beat those guys.”

In the prime of Paige’s Negro League career, New York Yankees’ outfielder Joe DiMaggio once described Paige as the “best and fastest” pitcher he’d ever played against. Former Boston Red Sox star Ted Wiliams used part of his Hall of Fame speech in 1966 to mention the exclusion of Paige and other black players

“I hope that someday the names of Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson in some way can be added as a symbol of the great Negro players that are not here only because they were not given the chance,” Williams said to the crowd, a speech that Strohl notes occurred amid the civil rights movement.

Satchel Paige poses with his Baseball Hall of Fame plaque on his induction day, August 9, 1971, at Cooperstown, New York. Paige was the third black player inducted to the Hall, and the first inducted for Negro League achievements.

(Associated Press)

Meanwhile, sportswriters supportive of the cause used their platforms to argue for Negro Leaguers’ presence in the Hall. Members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, the body responsible for selecting Hall members, also created a committee in 1969 to advocate for Negro League inductions.

MLB commissioner Bowie Kuhn, elected in 1969, publicly welcomed to the idea of putting Negro League players in the Hall of Fame. In his 1987 autobiography Hardball: The Education of a Baseball Commissioner, Kuhn stated that he didn’t buy into the reasons against inducting Negro League players.

“I found unpersuasive and unimpressive the argument that the Hall of Fame would be ‘watered down’ if men who had not played in the majors were admitted,” Kuhn wrote, looking back at the time.

“Through no fault of their own,” he added, “the black players had been barred from the majors until 1947. Had they not been barred, there would have been great major-league players, and certainly Hall of Famers, among them.”

With Kuhn’s help, the Hall formed their Negro leagues committee in 1971, comprised of several men including Campanella and black sportswriters Sam Lacy and Wendell Smith. They were tasked with considering the merits of past players and executives for inclusion, and they announced Paige was their inaugural nominee in February.

Nevertheless, the Hall ran into controversy in how they planned to honor the Negro Leaguers: with a separate section, apart from the Major League inductees. Among the reasons cited were that some of the proposed inductees would not meet the minimum of ten MLB seasons competed in like other honorees. Instead of appearing like a tribute, the move was viewed by many as another form of segregation.

“Technically, you’d have to say he’s not in the Hall of Fame,” said Kuhn at the time, according to the New York Times. “But I’ve often said the Hall of Fame isn’t a building but a state of mind. The important thing is how the public views Satchel Paige, and I know how I view him.”

Backlash to the idea, from sportswriters and fans alike, was plentiful. Wells Trombly, writing for the Sporting News, declared, “Jim Crow still lives. … So they will be set aside in a separate wing. Just as they were when they played. It is an outright farce.”

New York Post sports columnist Milton Gross rejected Kuhn’s rosy interpretation, writing, “The Hall of Fame is not a state of mind. It is something semi-officially connected with organized baseball that is run by outdated rules which, as Jackie Robinson said the other day, ‘can be changed like laws are changed if they are unjust.’”

With the backdrop of backlash and an upcoming election, the Hall changed their mind in July of that year.

The pitcher himself stated that he was not worried where his tribute would be stored. “As far as I am concerned, I’m in the Hall of Fame,” he said. “I don’t know nothing about no Negro section. I’m proud to be in it. Wherever they put me is alright with me.”

Tye argues that it was still a painful experience for Paige. “Satchel had dealt with so much affront that I think he took it with quite a bit of class when they offered to let him into the segregated Hall,” he says. “But it clearly was devastating to him.”

A player whose name drew crowds and whose performances dazzled them, Paige was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in August 1971. A statue of Paige now adorns the Hall of Fame’s courtyard. It was installed in 2006, which is also the most recent year any Negro Leaguer has been inducted into the Hall.

He is portrayed with his left leg up in the air. His right hand nestles the baseball. Eyes closed, Satchel is preparing a pitch for eternity.

“I am the proudest man on the earth today, and my wife and sister and sister-in-law and my son all feel the same,” said Paige at the end of his Hall of Fame acceptance speech, reported the New York Times. “It’s a wonderful day and one man who appreciates it is Leroy Satchel Paige.”

#History

[alarmring17]

Weekly Tarot Card Card Readings

You must go into tarot card analyses with flexible inquiries in mind. With all their capacity, tarot cards do not have the capacity to provide clear-cut YES or NO answers. A tarot card analysis's genuine power depends on providing you with the understanding to lead you to make your own solid life options. Make certain that you are the focal point throughout your tarot card analysis, whether online or in-person. A tarot card reading is intended to assist you in making worldly life choices. Each person's entrée into the world of tarot card cards and also readings is various. Mine came with age 13, at a Bar mitzvah for a girl in my course that included a tarot reader as part of the cocktail hour.

The psychics take genuine care to utilize their unique abilities to assist consumers get real solution to their concerns. The solutions are supplied by licensed and also authentic psychics and also for that reason, Kasamba is a credible system for on-line psychic analyses by phone or chat. Directly, I have been trying tarot card analyses for the past five years now. It provides me a clear idea of what the future holds for me, as well as be somewhat prepared. I have actually attempted various online tarot card reading services like Oranum, Kasamba, Keen, and also much more. It is a known reality that tarot card analysis sessions are extremely personal as well as depend mainly on the feelings created between the customer as well as the visitor of the tarot. Although online systems are open to a multitude of different fortune-teller, in-person tarot card readers are restricted to your area. Moreover, online tarot readings are convenient and obtainable any time that matches your routine. Therefore, although in-person tarot analyses are rather much more efficient, on-line tarot card analyses are easier for the clients. Since old times, tarot analyses are considered the most reliable spiritual guide. There is no scientific evidence for the power held by these cards. While tarot go back to late 1300 when the Mamluk card game came from Egypt and also spread throughout Europe, it has located brand-new audiences through social media sites. Social media site highlights the availability of tarot cards to any who are interested, regardless of area. Really feel the physicality of the cards in your hand, envisioning your inquiry. If you're reading for one more person, use this reflective minute to reach the origin of their scenario and aid you formulate details inquiries for them. In basic terms, the process of getting useful understandings into today, previous, or future by the aid of tarot card cards is referred to as 'tarot card reading'. According to professional tarot card readers, tarot cards are like storybooks of our life. Cleaning the deck is a crucial initial step in reading tarot card cards, as it opens up the path in between spiritual dimensions. Whenever you're ready, reduced the cards into 3 and also reorder the heap, face down. On your favored towel, prepare to draw cards for your tarot card "spread." You can start reading tarot card cards more continually by attracting a card every early morning when you wake up that speaks to what you require to understand about the day ahead. Think about it as an particularly gratifying type of self-care that has actually the included advantage of helping you show up a far better, brighter future. Ask 10 people about tarot card cards, and 9 of them will possibly claim they anticipate the future. That's nearly right, yet tarot does not inform you what will certainly occur-- it informs what could take place, and much more importantly, exactly how you must turn up to it. "Tarot cards do not tell the future; rather, tarot is a tool for spiritual advice and allows the individual receiving the analysis to link to his/her inner wisdom," she informed EXPERT. Though tarot card analysis has actually come to be commonly preferred, it had not been too long ago that there was a adverse preconception attached to them. Thanks to scary films, tarot card cards were usually looked at as scary or daunting devices used to produce spirits. Currently, however, a brand-new expectation on card analysis has actually been set forth and also even more people are using them. Tarot card reading is a method to respond to people's concerns or advice them on their worries utilizing a divination tool called tarot cards. In a tarot card deck, 22 cards are thought about the Major Arcana as well as the other 56 are the Minor Arcana with four suits-- King, Queen, Knight, Jack. The Significant Arcana tarot cards depict substantial occasions in the life journey while the small arcana are for the small details as well as happenings. When she drew the Fatality card-- fortunate number 13 in the significant arcana of cards-- in my spread, I near collapsed and also squarely chose tarot card was except me. That opinion altered when I was presented to the work of Rachel Howe, a Brooklyn-based musician, Reiki therapist, and also tarot reader-- you could understand her from her Instagram manage, @smallspells. It was Howe's mystical, black-and-white drawings that first captured my eye, and her just recently released illustrated tarot card deck as well as guidebook has actually motivated this author to enter tarot yet again. Tarot card reading online is a unique ability that viewers spend years to master. So, it is a well-known reality that no authentic tarot card reader would certainly pick to provide their services, entirely free of cost. Sites that offer entirely complimentary services are the ones that offer customers with auto-generated manuscripts in place of accurate and reputable tarot analyses. Throughout this collective period of agitation, it's maybe unsurprising that tarot is prospering. "When so much of our lives has actually changed or been removed from us, we've had no choice yet to confront what's left behind-- ourselves," La Pompe-Moore notes. Data from consumer actions platform Spate, reveals that United States look for "tarot cards" and also " exactly how to review tarot cards" are up 31.9% and 78.4% respectively from 2019. Between those who assume it's a joke and also those that think tarot card cards are real magic lies a substantial group who find them informative and also fun, otherwise always superordinary. Whether it becomes a hobby or a full-time task, tarot reading can be an illuminating method to waste time. When choosing on the internet tarot card analyses, make sure to thoroughly analyze the authenticity of the web site and that of the fortuneteller. They are the mirror to our soul and also the internal knowledge of people. Their services, depending on the psychic that the customer likes, are fairly priced from $1.99 as well as $3.99 per min. Moreover, they supply 10 mins of reading for simply $1.99 together with 3 cost-free minutes for newbie clients! The services offered by Keen can be used by you Via mobile, on-line conversation, as well as video chat for psychics. This is just one of the best sites for credible internet tarot analyses, according to countless positive testimonials. Kasamba has helped over 3 million individuals find true love, actual insights right into the future, as well as happiness given that its creation in 1999. They are a mystical tool that can anticipate the future, and offer solution to hard concerns. If you've seen tarot cards made use of for a tarot analysis in flicks or TV, you've most likely seen tarot cards from the major arcana, like the Fool, the Lovers, the Devil, or Fatality. Tarot card reading is the method of using tarot card cards to acquire understanding right into the past, present or future by developing a inquiry, then attracting and also analyzing cards. Although some websites provide free tarot card readings on the internet and also may seem incredibly lucrative for customers, these readings are hardly ever authentic as well as are mostly auto-generated manuscripts. Keep in mind, tarot card reading is an exceptionally individual experience. Tarot card readings help clients in getting helpful insights right into their future. As an example, if the tarot analysis reveals something positive regarding the future, clients are inclined to work extra efficiently towards it. If something unfavorable is disclosed, customers can prepare themselves for the ups and downs in the future. https://tarot-masters.com With the accessibility of countless on-line tarot card viewers on various sites, clients can select from a myriad of choices and are not limited by their geographical area. Furthermore, the clients can avail of the on the internet services through chat, phone call, or video conversation at any type of point of time, based on their convenience. The very best attribute about online tarot card analysis services is that customers can get example analyses from different on-line psychics absolutely free prior to choosing the psychic that suits them the very best. In issues of convenience and also variety of options, on the internet tarot card reading services are absolutely better. Constantly remember that tarot readings are not meant to offer you definitive responses regarding your future. The mix of significant and also small arcana, as well as the details cards from each deck, will certainly allow the viewers to share in-depth insights on your history, existing scenario, and also future capacity during your tarot card analysis. In addition to tarot card reading, they supply spiritual and psychic readings with guidance on your lovemaking, astrology, finances, and life generally. Keen offers a vast array of filtering system options so you can pick an advisor that meets your particular requirements. You can sort their list of consultants by category, cost, client score, and extra. Whether you've got a particular inquiry concerning your lovemaking or are looking for basic advice, cost-free tarot card readings are a fantastic place to begin. A routine tarot card deck includes 78 cards, which can be divided right into 2 groups, the major arcana and also small arcana. Considered among one of the most versatile types of readings, tarot card analyses incorporate a deck of 78 cards to discover info and also patterns concerning your past, existing, and also future. Tarot cards are thought to have originated in 15th-century Europe for play, yet throughout the years have actually evolved as a valuable tool for clairvoyant visitors. Though the system does not supply call or live video readings, you can obtain a cost-free psychic reading through online conversation or e-mail. In addition to psychic analyses and tarot card visitors, Kasamba likewise offers various other types of services consisting of dream analysis, astrology, fortune-telling, and numerology analyses. The types of services that the psychic visitors here supply cover all the basics, and then some, with topics varying from love psychics to tarot card visitors. As you filter through your choices, you can likewise select what tools they use during their readings (numerology, tarot card, and so on) as well as what their interaction style is like. It must be remembered that tarot analyses are not meant to supply exact predictions regarding your future in terms of partnerships, financial resources, family members concerns, and so on. Tarot card analysis solutions are intended to reveal more open-minded concerns than offering certain solutions regarding the present, past, and also future.

[swiftlyfindingmyplaceinthisworld]

You work in television right? What TV shows do you recommend?

It really depends on your personal taste. Usually I can recommend shows more accurately when I know your taste but I’ll give it a go. 

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

One of the best comedy cop shows 

The 100

Such a good dystopian show.

Shadowhunters

One of my favourite supernatural shows.

The Bold Type

Such a refreshing, empowering show with a dynamic group of best friends at the core. It tackles so many important issues really well. 

Beauty And The Beast (Series)

A detective uncovering a tangled conspiracy involving a “beast” created by the government. There’s the classic love story with a twist. 

One Day At A Time

A family-driven comedy that dives into so many important issues but has a really good cast and great sense of humour.

The Good Place

A feel-good show with a great cast and a few unexpected twists!

The Blacklist

A criminal hunting criminals with the help of the FBI and lots of twists. So good!

Wynonna Earp

The girl version of Supernatural. Wynonna and the characters are truly unique!

Teen Wolf 

Cheesy and cliche for the first two seasons but the characters and storylines are amazing. Season 3 onwards really finds it stride! 

Eye Candy

Only lasted a season but it’s creepy, action-packed and wrapped its storyline up in one season compared to PLLs string of seasons.

Dare Me

Cheerleaders, murder, what more could you want?

Never Have I Ever 

I found this so down-to-earth and refreshing!

Spinning Out 

Deals with ice skating, family and mental illness

Cheer

The doco series every loves for a reason.

More:

9-1-1

The Order

Lucifer

FRIENDS

Gilmore Girls

Hart Of Dixie

Veronica Mars 

Nashville

I’m definitely forgetting heaps but these are just a few suggestions! 

[hasmot43]

Note 10 and the first look at Samsung Galaxy Note 10 +: modest overhauls come at a high price

That the costly fresh Galaxy Note 10 leading cell phones that Samsung discovered today at Brooklyn's Barclays Center property with usually little pomp, despite the NBA environment, may not be the most exceedingly terrible thing.

The starting points Note 10 and Note 10 + on August 23 cost approximately $950 and $1,100 individually, with Verizon's 5 G 10 + rendition elite (for now) starting at $1,300. (Preorders begin shortly after 12 p.m., 8 Aug.)

The news gadgets have positive characteristics, strong specifications (larger battery, plus memory) and impressive narrow-edge shows with decreased bezels and humble headphones.

But what Samsung brings here at first glance are mostly incremental function upgrades that are honestly unlikely to wow anyone. And unfortunately, Samsung is following Apple's lead in removing the conventional headphone jack, although the box includes AKG USB-C headphones.

 High-priced telephones are a problem for consumers

I'm still returning to the cost. The fresh notes are costly but no less costly than the competing iPhones from Apple are likely to cost when they surface next month. Either way, Samsung does not request that you give up around 2,000 people for what is worth for a Galaxy fold in September after the lengthy delay that has been activated by presentation problems. It may be a problem to get you to pay for a premium mobile phone with a four-digits share. The US user of Samsung will get extra features of USA news through this feed.

 Use Notes Heavily

The Note used to be Samsung's leader, who seemed to expand and test the containment points for what customers might need – that task is presently being placed on the Fold, no matter.

That Note was the main handset for advancing the now omnipresent classification of phablet phones, supposed to fit somewhere between a huge cell phone presentation and a tiny screen tablet. Samsung's Note customers turned into its most dependable by their nearly mammoth screens and S Pen stylus.

That devotion was widely placed only three years ago under a magnifying glass when a few batteries on Note 7 found a flame that compelled Samsung to finally kill the model. The reliable note remained with the organization and daily world news alert.

 Large screens, the form factor of modest size

The new Note 10 has an amazing 6.3-inch show and Note 10 + a ginormous 6.8-inch display, with the first run through Samsung bringing out fresh two-size notes. For examination reasons – a 5.3-inch display had that distinctive Note.

The present there are plenty of adversary telephones with liberal screen sizes and Samsung's very own Galaxy S10+ that turned out in March has a 6.4-inch screen, and the S10+ 5G, an enormous 6.7-inch show.

 Improved style of S pen

In contrast to the Galaxy S arrangement gadgets, the Note differentiator continues to be the S Pen, and Samsung made some modest upgrades to its stylus on Note 10.

Through the "Air Activity" movements of Bluetooth Low Energy, you can control music playback or the camera from a corner –hold a grip on the pen and turn it, for example, to have the camera on a tripod zoom. Samsung is likewise opening up this S Pen motion capacity to designers.

You can now convert this handwriting to text and export the outcomes to Microsoft Word when you jot notes on the screen with the S Pen, something you could always do.

In a short exam, even my lousy handwriting was acknowledged by the phone and properly transformed, lacking only on the spacing between two phrases.

You can also use the S Pen to help you edit video more accurately. Samsung also created it simpler to link the notes to a Windows PC and to highlight the cooperation between his company and Microsoft, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella joined Samsung's CEO DJ Koh on the Brooklyn stage.

New functions of the camera

Samsung has included a Live Focus Video on the video front that highlights the organization saying it will add deep-field improvements to obscure the basis and allow you to focus on your main topic. Another zoom-in mic helps to intensify the noise to anyone or anything in the casing, potentially valuable if you state that you record actors in a small scene.

Additionally, there is another extended reality doodle that will offer you the opportunity to draw meaningless faces over a person, and a 3D scanner to capture items that you can later print on a 3D printer.

In addition, Samsung claims the front camera has added a night mode highlight to shoot selfies in diminishing light.

It's premature to say how well any of these highlights will toll on Apple, Google, Huawei, and OnePlus handsets, or how the Note 10 camera measures up to other Samsung gadgets or strong cell phone cameras.

 Greater Battery

Samsung will inform you that effectiveness ordered Note customers will generally arrange batteries to the exclusion of all else and the Note 10 + the battery is larger than Note 9, regardless of the similar structure factor. The telephones are ready to charge quickly, with the Note 10 + ready to last as the day progresses, Samsung says, after only half an hour of charging, if you're up to a discretionary higher limit charger.

Like other late Samsung phones, by putting them over the Notes, you can charge extras remotely, such as a Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Buds.

The Note also has the distinctive mark sensor "ultrasonic" installed below the screen that uses soundwaves to differentiate your finger. The component appeared on the S10 line but wasn't too strong; ideally, the Note 10s adjustments.

[flipflopflying]

CARIBOU DELUXE (EDICIÓN DE LUJO)

This drawing is called Caribou Deluxe. The other images in this post make it the edición de lujo, the deluxe edition; kinda like when a band does a special version of their new album. I wanted to do a drawing that was more than "a" drawing. I wanted to do something that could be explored, something that was more than just a series of close-up details of the main drawing. So the main drawing is kinda like the cover of a magazine, showing you what is inside.

CONTENTS

1. Caribou Deluxe. The actual drawing.

2. The initial quick notebook sketch.

3. Another sketch done a couple of days later, after the digital process had begun and the general idea became clearer in my head.

4. Top view.

5. Three new Minipops and two redrawn Minipops. The new Minipops: No. 1,380 - Beastie Boys (Fight for Your Right). No. 1,381 - Elijah Wood, Seth Rogen, and Danny McBride as the Beastie Boys. No. 1,382 - Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, and Jack Black as the Beastie Boys. The redrawn Minipops: No. 38b - Beastie Boys (Intergalactic), originally drawn in 1999. No. 1,383 - Beastie Boys (Ch-Check It Out). The latter was done for a client (MTV Europe) in 2004, and was never given a Minipop number at the time, thus it being No. 1,383. I, as you may well imagine, am slightly irritated by this chronological mess-up.

6. Beastie Dots: No Sleep Till Brooklyn. Data visualisation of who raps what on the song.

7. Beastie Boys album timeline.

8. One pixel Beastie Boys sleeves. Plus previous one pixel sleeves by the Beatles and Depeche Mode.

9. A full version of the Berliner Fernsehturm that is reflected in copper-coloured mirror glass windows at the top of the octagon "head."

10. All the graffiti on the pyramid.

ABOUT CARIBOU DELUXE

A brief explanation: I wanted to draw something that relates to where my brain is at right now, in January 2019.

The Fernsehturm reflected in the brown windows (inspired by the old Palast der Republik) is there because Berlin will always be in my head. It's the place where I've spent the most time in my adult life, and the place that feels closest to a home town (even though I wasn't born here).

The pyramid base is a Mesoamerican thing, and that—combined with the food stalls and the rooftop laundry cages—is for Mexico, the other place that feels like home, the place where my heart is.

I'm trying to be a better person as I get older, and trying to get rid of elements of grumpiness, bad moods, etc. Trying not to be a person that automatically assumes young people aren't doing life the right way. That's where the graffiti comes in. For quite a while I thought of it purely as vandalism, but something clicked in my brain recently: it is a part of every city—specifically the cities I love—and it's not gonna ever go away. I covered the pyramid in graffiti to remind myself of that. (The graffiti names, btw, are either random words that came into my head, or are related to things or people in my life. I also wanted to show the range of graffiti styles I see around Berlin every day. If I have used a real graffiti artist's name here, it is purely a coincidence. Indeed, after finishing the pixel graffiti, I saw some graffiti in my neighbourhood that said "Queso." Apologies to the real-life Queso for borrowing his/her name.)

I've been listening to the Beastie Boys quite a bit recently and thinking about how they are only a few years older than me. I was a teenager when the tabloids were getting the vapours about their behaviour when they were touring in the UK for the first time. I remember every Volkswagen car in my (actual) home town suddenly missing its badge. A band getting older, changing as people and artistically, seemed to fit with the whole idea of examining my own life. Plus, y'know, people (friends, artists, musicians...) can do wonderful things, but life isn't always wonderful. Sometimes people you love die.

There are four separate parts to the Beastie Boys stuff here. The coloured dots in the centre of the top and bottom thirds of the octagonal head represent the lyrics of No Sleep Till Brooklyn. Each dot is a word. The colours of the dots show who rapped the words: red dots are Ad-Rock, blue dots are Mike D, green dots are MCA. Above the eyes there's a timeline of their studio albums, showing the year of release, and the height shows the US chart peak positions. The eight little squares beneath the blue eye (each of the eyes are the colour of the members of the band, and the ring around the eyes acts as a key to aforementioned No Sleep Till Brooklyn dots) are the colours one gets when the sleeves of the albums are resized to be one pixel in size.

You may be wondering why I've drawn Minipops of the Fight for Your Right version of the Beastie Boys and the coloured dots are for No Sleep Till Brooklyn. The drawing is because I wanted to draw the other two versions of the band played by actors in Fight for Your Right Revisited. I liked the idea of drawing them three times, as I'd already included three versions of me in the drawing (a younger version of me on the left balcony at the top, a version from a couple of years ago on the roof, and the current me spraying graffiti on the pyramid which, it should be noted, is the closest I will ever get to actually doing any graffiti). Plus, I already did a graphic for Fight for Your Right in 2012 (look for "Beastie Dots" on flipflopflyin.com), and wanted to do something new for this piece.

Another thing that I should probably note is the unrealistic-ness of certain parts. The sky hints at the sun setting behind the structure, yet the reflection of the Fernsehturm (and the way shadows fall on other things) mean that the sun would be over the left shoulder of you, the viewer. Similarly, there's no reflection of the structure and bushes on the water. I have done 14 drawings in this vein over the last year, with pyramid-y or octagonal structures on the shore of a lagoon, and have yet to do a proper reflection in the water. I always think I should try it, and I did try it with this drawing, but it didn't look "right". I'm okay with this unrealistic element contributing to the fantasy of the landscapes. I'm similarly okay with drawing things that aren't correct while striving for getting other parts, other details as accurate as possible. I kinda like that it reenforces that this is MY landscape, not a drawing of a specific place.

As a whole, I had a desire to do something cool with pixels, to draw things that are a challenge, fun, and packed full of details. And to represent all of the shit that floats around my brain. To bring together different things I like doing: putting Minipops in non-Minipop-themed pixel drawings, and making the organisation of information (that would normally only occur as infographics) a part of something bigger. I hope you enjoy it x

[stevecanmakeanythingnerdy]

Battle #15

8 Bark: Structurally Sound (Side A)

Vs.

Jets To Brazil : Four Cornered Night (Side D)

8 Bark: Structurally Sound (Side A)

Outside of maybe the people who witnessed their tours and Chicago natives, not many may recognize their name...but to those in the know previously mentioned, they will never forget their name. 8 Bark was a punk band from Chicago, formed by Douglas Ward following the demise of ID Under. The group existed from 1990 until 1994. Relatively short as far as bands go, but longer than some. 8 Bark's sound was notable for its dual male/female vocals. They released several records on the Chicago label Underdog Records, which Douglas helped run. Following their split, Douglas formed V.Reverse and continues to remain active in the Chicago punk scene. There is a distinct sound to 8 Bark. They would fall firmly between the cracks of a band like Fugazi, and helped pave the way for future bands like Marry Me and Braid. Mix in a little emo hardcore helper and you have yourself some pre Cap ‘n Jazz-ercise (#seewhatididthere). It’s fitting they chose to title this LP Structurally Sound, because it literally is. They use structure to create beautiful and raw emotional sound like you have never heard before. The LP is actually The Big Wheel ep with a few more tracks to flesh it out. They are returning contenders from RRW season one. It’s Chicago blue collar emo. I love these guys (and gal) so much. I was introduced to them at the right time during my punk rock development and really keyed in on their DIY ethos and passion. It’s still very much a part of me today. Everything from the lyrics to the packaging scream underground and proud. The econo look plus zine style really gives it credibility in my opinion. “Your Hole” is original and energetic in every sense of the word. Timing is impeccable, the structure is accurate and the warm bass with tight drums and alternating male/female vocals just seal the deal. The title track “Structurally Sound” adds more back and forth with healthy highs and lovely lows. Shawn Scallen knew who they were, and if that name doesn’t mean anything to you, then I suggest you start googling. “Old Wardrobe” is strangely reminiscent of R. E. M. ‘s “End of the World”. It’s the vocal cadence I guess, but it has a similar vibe. Also bonus points for use of diverse instruments like bells. “Eye and Keyhole” is actually a weaker tune by comparison, but still merits some kudos with the harmonies. I guess that’s it in a nutshell. A sound Like nothing you’ve ever heard, but still recognized as a song with verses and chorus and harmonies, but with chaos as the guiding force. “Back To You” might be one of the finest examples of the band’s signature sound, full of hot start/stop Action. Perhaps helping to invent math rock. Rad guitar solos prove they know what’s up with the popular vote, but they still beat into submission your subconscious rock roots. It’s just a damn good song! “Cut” is the final tune and it still sounds as fresh as the day it was...well, cut (#seewhatididthere) in 1992! Do not underestimate how important this band was to early 90’s underground punk in Chi-town. Some of your favorite sweater wearing emo kids owe a debt to this platter.

Jets To Brazil : Four Cornered Night (Side D)

The basis of what would become Jets to Brazil was founded by Blake Schwarzenbach, the former frontman of longtime RRW house favorites Jawbreaker, and Mr. Jeremy Chatelain. When Schwarzenbach relocated to New York City after Jawbreaker had disbanded. The two began working on four-track recordings aided by drum machines until former Texas Is the Reason drummer Chris Daly joined the band, and they signed to Jade Tree Records. The origin of the band's name came from a suggestion by Daly, after seeing it on a poster in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's. Technically then, the band is from Brooklyn. The band was really quite short lived, existing only from 1997 to 2003. They released three studio albums, of which Four Cornered Night is the second, and honestly the most poorly received by fans. By autumn of 2003, less than a year after the release of Perfecting Loneliness, the band had broken up for unspecified reasons. Coming pretty much right off the demise of Jawbreaker-a band that called it quits literally at the apex of their career JTB were introduced to an almost immediate and desperate fan base. Their credentials seemed to indicate that they would be underground darlings, but not for long. I think everyone had expectations of them exploding to a major label status - however Blake made it quite clear early on in interviews that the major label experience left a bad taste. So this is their sophomore offerings. They had already released the initial collection of tunes which very much were on par with what fans of the previous bands were expecting to hear. This group then allowed for a bit more experimentation and diversity. It’s certainly more indie rock. Side D (yes, “D” -it’s one of those expanded to be a double LP and remastered blah, blah, blah. I hate these actually. Pointless in my opinion. I own it because of my love for Jawbreaker, therefore guilt by association). I want to be mad at this band, but they are good at what they do. And in a nutshell that is “Mid-Day Anonymous”. Good, indie rock with Blake’s amazing poetry as lyrics. It contains Pavement level vibes and bleeds directly into “******* (7 Stars)”. Hey! They took my stars idea!! Just kidding. It’s an acoustic ending as the song winds down. “Orange Rhyming Dictionary” is next. Possibly named after their debut album, but contains more of those exquisite lyrics and pretentious poetry set to a Texas is the Reason soundtrack. Makes sense though, right? Tempos slow and basic templates apply but you won’t care, I promise. Crank! Records May have well released this. “All Things Good and Nice” finishes the album. It’s organ heavy, partially because they added a second guitarist on this one to allow Blake to play keys. Still good, but it’s confusing. Almost a turn away. This song seems like a Dashboard Confessional (#seewhatididthere). As if Blake awakened and the ARTIST shines on JTB. Almost seems like an apology and absolve for Jawbreaker. It’s a complicated relationship between the two. For fans of Jimmy Eats World. Mineral if you’re mining for compliments (#seewhatididthere).

Today, Chicago’s own 8 Bark proved they are Structurally Sound. They burned 104 calories over 14 minutes and 6 songs. That is 17.33 calories burned per song and 7.43 calories burned per minute. 8 Bark earned 13 out of 18 possible stars. Jets To Brazil showed us the nocturnal side of things and it apparently has four corners. They burned 132 calories over 17 minutes and 3 (1/2) songs. That is 37.71 calories burned per song and 7.78 calories burned per minute. In addition to their own 7 Stars, they earned 6out of 9 possible stars. A close one today, but Jets To Brazil are blasting off as the champions!

Jets To Brazil: “Orange Rhyming Dictionary”. Forgive the poor audio as there are better vids out there of just audio, but I wanted to show the mighty Blake in his element. Live.

https://youtu.be/1Gk8iyGNUiM

#Randomrecordworkoutseasonsix

#Randomrecordworkout

[orbemnews]

As Paycheck Protection Program Runs Dry, Desperation Grows The government’s $788 billion relief effort for small businesses ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, the Paycheck Protection Program, is ending as it began, with the initiative’s final days mired in chaos and confusion. Millions of applicants are seeking money from the scant handful of lenders still making the government-backed loans. Hundreds of thousands of people are stuck in limbo, waiting to find out if their approved loans — some of which have been stalled for months because of errors or glitches — will be funded. Lenders are overwhelmed, and borrowers are panicking. “Some of our lenders have been getting death threats,” said Toby Scammell, the chief executive of Womply, a loan facilitator that has nearly 1.6 million applications awaiting funding. “There’s a lot of angry, scared people who were really counting on this program and are afraid of being shut out.” More funding seems unlikely. Congress twice extended the program in December and March, anteing up nearly $300 billion total in new aid, but there is little indication that it will do so again. The relief program had been scheduled to keep taking applications until May 31. But two weeks ago, its manager, the Small Business Administration, announced that the program’s $292 billion in financing for forgivable loans this year had nearly run out and that it would immediately stop processing most new applications. Lenders suspected funds were running low, but — in a break from its practice last year — the S.B.A. had not given them running updates on how much money remained. As a result, lenders had no warning that the end was imminent. Then the government threw another curveball: The Small Business Administration decided that the remaining money, around $9 billion, would be available only through community financial institutions, a small group of specially designated institutions that focus on underserved communities. Those organizations specialize in reaching businesses owned by women and minorities, a priority for the Biden administration. But they are not intended to operate on a large scale — and suddenly thousands of desperate borrowers were beating down their door. “I’m averaging 150 calls a day,” said Brooke Mirenda, the chief executive of the Sunshine State Economic Development Corporation, a Florida lender. “When you’re talking to borrowers who are crying because there’s $8,000 at stake and for them it’s months of their mortgage payment — that’s a really huge deal.” In something akin to a game of musical chairs, banks and other lenders are now frantically trying to find community financial institutions to take over their backlog of applications. Even though most focus on underserved borrowers, they can process loans for any qualified applicant — but very few have the capacity to do that in large numbers. “We’re trying to push an ocean through a straw,” Mr. Scammell said. Womply has been working with four qualified community lenders, but none can process applications nationwide orin large numbers. Community lenders usually work in a particular geographic area, and their emphasis is on aiding vulnerable borrowers who typically need more hands-on help than banks are willing to provide. The Small Business Administration’s website directs those still seeking loans to contact community financial institutions to determine which ones are lending, but those who have tried said the effort was often fruitless. Sheri, a photographer in Brooklyn who asked that her last name not be used to protect her privacy, wrote to more than a dozen lenders. Three replied. One was not offering P.P.P. loans, one said she did not meet its qualification rules, and the other requested more information and did not confirm whether or not it could offer her a loan. Representatives of the Small Business Administration did not directly answer questions about the challenges of finding a willing lender. Today in Business Updated  May 20, 2021, 11:00 a.m. ET “Community-based financial lenders play a key role in generating economic growth and opportunity in some of our most distressed communities,” Patrick Kelley, the head of the agency’s Office of Capital Access, said in a written statement. “In just over seven days, more than 450 C.F.I.s have processed over 273,000 Paycheck Protection Program applications totaling $4.6 billion, more than 50 percent of the $9 billion remaining one week ago,” he added. The Paycheck Protection Program has had a rocky road since its inception. Its early days, in April 2020, were plagued by technology problems and confusing rules. Big banks rebuffed many borrowers, and some prioritized bigger and wealthier businesses. Fraud has been a constant challenge, too, and the Justice Department has charged hundreds of people with taking loans illegally. Many of the tiniest businesses were entirely shut out; a late move by the Biden administration to get more money to solo business owners wreaked havoc for lenders and contributed to the recent deluge of applications. Now, an additional bottleneck is causing turmoil: Banks and other mainstream lenders are racing to finalize hundreds of thousands of applications that were still in progress when the Small Business Administration closed the program to new applications. Those loans could still be funded, the agency told them, but they would need to move fast. That set off a panic, with anguished applicants besieging overwhelmed lenders — especially so-called fintechs, a group of online lenders that cranked out P.P.P. loans at a blistering pace. Many took on more customers than they could handle and are now struggling to manage irate borrowers clamoring for help and information. George Greenfield, the owner of CreativeWell, a small literary agency and speakers’ bureau in Montclair, N.J., applied in March for a loan from Biz2Credit, a fintech lender. But Mr. Greenfield’s application was complicated — he’s a sole proprietor, but one who, before the pandemic, had part-time employees — and Biz2Credit’s system struggled to accurately calculate his loan amount. The initial amount he was offered was less than a quarter of what he was eligible for. Mr. Greenfield and his accountant spent more than a month trying to get the mistake fixed, with no success. Emails went unanswered. Online customer service agents could not help. And when the S.B.A. cut off new loans, his problem became urgent: If he abandoned his Biz2Credit application, he feared he would not be able to find a new lender. “My blood is boiling,” Mr. Greenfield said last week of his stalled application. “This company has no regard for the small-business owners they said they wanted to serve.” After a New York Times reporter contacted Biz2Credit, a company agent quickly called Mr. Greenfield and untangled his application. Within hours, he had the paperwork to finalize his loan for the correct amount. He was happy with the outcome but infuriated by the process. Rohit Arora, the chief executive of Biz2Credit, acknowledged that Mr. Greenfield was not alone in his frustration. “We were thrown off guard by the S.B.A. shutdown,” he said. “They’re running a very chaotic program. There hasn’t been much communication.” Biz2Credit processed more than 182,000 P.P.P. loans this year, but Mr. Arora estimated that he had tens of thousands of stranded applications that his company would be unable to fund. “For the last week, we’ve been slammed,” Mr. Arora said. “The customers have been very angry, very frustrated, very scared. I can understand.” Source link Orbem News #Desperation #Dry #Grows #Paycheck #Program #Protection #runs