#john merrill

[shelbgrey]

- Ace Merrill aesthetic

[l3irdl3rain]

got home late from my night job to this. I’ve never been so excited to crawl into bed

[scarfacemarston]

It's here! My Ko-fi!

Credit to the wonderful @tacticalhimbo for creating this for me. He has done a lot of wonderful writing and creative work for me, so check him out! Please note or reblog to help out, if you're willing! I could really have help spreading the word so I can have some commissions and be able to pay my bills! Characters from all fandoms listed are welcome, but specialties are: Abigail Roberts Marston, John Marston, Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, Natasha Romanoff, Peggy Carter, Steve Rogers, Dragon Age's Fenris, Cullen Rutherford, Merill, Isabela, Harvey Dent, Poison Ivy, Daniel Molloy, Armand and SO many more.

[empirearchives]

Napoleon and Water

Excerpt from the book Aaron Burr in Exile: A Pariah in Paris, 1810-1811, by Jane Merrill and John Endicott

Aaron Burr lived in Paris for 15 months, and this book goes into detail about those years living under Napoleon’s rule. This part focuses on Napoleon’s water related reforms.

———

Napoleon’s fountains gave drinking water to the population, that is, children drank water, not beer. The water was free, not purchased. And the apartment would have had a separate water closet equipped with squat toilets (adopted from the Turks) and a bucket to wash it after use. Some restaurants and cafes had W.C.s, even one for ladies and one for gents. These were hooked into the sewer system that branched under each important street.

Napoleon merits points for delivering fresh water to Paris. If serving Paris with water from the d'Ourcq River by canals was not be a consummate success, Paris gained 40 new fountains, and the emperor commanded that fountains run all day (instead of a few limited hours) and that the water be free of charge.

Perhaps the most laudable of Napoleon’s policies were utilitarian city works, especially bringing clean water and sanitation to Paris. The improvements to infrastructure included new quays to prevent floods, new gutters and pavement, new aqueducts and fountains, and relocating cemeteries and slaughterhouses to the outskirts of the city. This was also a way of keeping up employment. An Austrian aristocrat in town during Napoleon’s wedding to Marie-Louise wrote his mother, in Vienna: “Nothing can give an idea of the immense projects undertaken simultaneously in Paris. The incoherence of it is incredible; one cannot imagine that the life of a single man would be enough to finish them.”

It was a tall order. Previous rulers had been aware of the problems and one big engineering initiative, a failed marvel, had been the waterworks at Marly, located on the banks of the Seine about seven miles from Paris. Louis XIV had it constructed to pump water from the river to his chateaux of Versailles and Marly. This was the machine marvel of its age, with 250 pumps that forced river water up a 500-foot rise to an aqueduct, and it was a sight Burr mentions going to see. By 1817 the “Marly machine” had deteriorated because it was made of wood, and the waterworks were abandoned.

Charles-Augustin Sainte-Beuve, the prominent 19th century literary critic, wrote that there had been “ten years of anarchy, sedition and laxity, during which no useful work had been undertaken, not a street had been cleaned, not a residence repaired nothing improved or cleansed.” Postrevolutionary Paris was at a nadir in terms of both the inadequate, disease-ridden water supply and the filthy streets, which were basically open sewers, deep with black mud and refuse.

“Napoleon,” writes Alistair Horne, “was obsessed by the water of Paris, and everything to do with it.”

Parisians had mostly been getting their water directly from the Seine or lining up at the scant pay fountains. In 1806, nineteen new wells for fountains were dug that flowed day and night and were free. Napoleon had a canal built 60 miles from the River Ourcq, ordering 500 men to dig it, while still a consul in 1801. It brought water to the Bassin de la Villette, opening in 1808. Some doubted the wisdom of having such an abundance of water—an oriental luxury that might incur moral decay. Now the supply of water for firefighting was also much improved. The canal had light boats, as Napoleon tried to make back some of the huge expenditure by licensing navigation, and a circular aqueduct from which underground conduits went to the central city. In 1810, there were still many water porters wheeling barrels through the city.

Now Napoleon attacked the problem of the Seine as a catchall for pollution. Parisians were so used to it that men swam naked in the river and a contemporary guidebook advised merely that the water of the Seine had no ill effects on foreigners so long as they drank it mixed with wine or a drop of vinegar. Thus houses on bridges were demolished and an immense push began to clean and modernize the city sewers.

As this book is about Aaron Burr, here is section about Burr taking inspiration by a new water related invention during his time in Paris:

Remarkably for someone who was very aware of his health, he never complained of the water. He did, however, take an interest in an invention to make it easier to dig a well. When the inventor of a process to make vinegar from the sap of any tree was not in his shop, Burr and a friend, “Crede”, went to see another invention: “We went then to see Mons. Cagniard, and his new invention of raising water and performing any mechanical operation. His apparatus is a screw of Archimedes turned the reverse, air, water, and quick silver. Cagniard was abroad; but we saw a model, and worked it, and got the report of a committee of the Institute on the subject. If the thing performs what is said I will apply it to give water to Charleston.”

[Bold italics for quotations by me]

[jeanharlowshair]

Motion Picture Magazine, August 1940.

[thingsmk1120sayz]

[politicaldilfs]

New Hampshire Governor DILFs (Vol. 3)

[brokehorrorfan]

Sci-Fi Chillers Collection will be released on May 21 via Kino Lorber. The Blu-ray set features three sci-fi/horror films: The Unknown Terror, The Colossus of New York, and Destination Inner Space.

1957's The Unknown Terror is directed by Charles Marquis Warren and written by Kenneth Higgins. John Howard, Mala Powers, Paul Richards, and May Wynn star.

1958's The Colossus of New York is directed by Eugène Lourié (The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms) and written by Thelma Schnee, based on a short story by Ray Bradbury. Paul Christian, Paula Raymond, Cecil Kellaway, and Kenneth Tobey star.

1966's Destination Inner Space is directed by Francis D. Lyon and written by Arthur C. Pierce. Scott Brady, Gary Merrill, Sheree North, and Wende Wagner star.

All three films have been have been scanned in 4K by Paramount Pictures. Special features are listed below.

Special features:

The Unknown Terror audio commentary by film historian Stephen Bissette (new)

The Colossus of New York audio commentary by film historians Tom Weaver, Larry Blamire, and Ron Adams

Destination Inner Space audio commentary by film historians David Del Valle and Stan Shaffer

The Colossus of New York interview with film historians Tim Lucas and Steven Bissette

Destination Inner Space interview with film historians Tim Lucas and Steven Bissette

The Colossus of New York theatrical trailer

In The Unknown Terror, a millionaire (John Howard) leads a remote jungle expedition to find the legendary “Cave of the Dead” where his wife’s (Mala Powers) brother had disappeared long ago. Instead, they stumble upon a mad doctor who has created a horde of foam-spewing, fungus-covered monster-men. In The Colossus of New York, when a brilliant scientist (Ross Martin) is accidentally killed, his preserved brain is transferred to the body of a giant robot so that it can continue to serve mankind. But when it gains awareness of its own hideousness, this steel colossus embarks on a rampage of destruction. In Destination Inner Space, when an object of unknown origin is detected in the area of an underwater laboratory, scientists investigate and come face to face with the object—an extraterrestrial saucer! They board the craft and discover a mysterious cylinder, which they take back to the lab for closer inspection. It is then that events take a monstrous turn!

Pre-order Sci-Fi Chillers Collection.

[rabbitcruiser]

When the John Hancock Center (now 875 North Michigan Avenue) topped out on May 6, 1968, it was the second tallest building in the world and the tallest outside New York City.  

[hollyand-writes]

WIP WHENEVER

I was tagged in various WIP Wednesdays / Whenevers / WIP Games in the last few months by @barbex, @starsandskies, @aria-i-adagio, @ziskandra, @pinkfadespirit, @a-shakespearean-in-paris, @little--abyss and others too – I'm so sorry I've been so slow!

I can't share my art/fic WIPs for the Dragon Age Reverse Big Bang, so.... I'm sharing a snippet from Chapter 57 of the Regency AU Carver/Merrill fic "A Chance Engagement", which I'm hoping to publish on AO3 soon 🥺

—

‘I will miss you!’ Merrill cried as she hugged her friend, taking Miss Hawke so much by surprise that the latter dropped the folded letter she had been holding. ‘Oh! I am so sorry, Miss Hawke – let me get that for you—’ and here Merrill bent down to pick up the parchment that had floated to the floor; Miss Hawke had bent down for it too; but, in her nervousness at having done something wrong again, Merrill was quicker. As she picked up the sheet of paper, which was full with Miss Hawke’s handwriting, Merrill caught sight of the words:  I will submit to any thing you may command me—but cease to respect, to love and adore you, I never can or will.

—

I tag everyone who tagged me, as well as.... um.... @mikkeneko, @hechizero-emplumado, @faux-fires, @jentrevellan, @charlatron, @illusivesoul, @amarmeme and anyone else who sees this and wants to do this. No pressure, of course! ❤️

(Yes, I messed around in Procreate for the banner image above LOL)

[gracie-bird]

The Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Sunday, February 12, 1978

[countrymusiclover]

29 - The Ranch Legacy

Part 30

Country Rancher

Tags @whateverthecostner @rosie-posie08 @kaycejdutton @kayceduttonn @kcloveswrestling @the-morning-star-falls @kaymudd @artoldfartsandunicornhearts @hcwthewestwaswcn

"Mom, can I ask you something. It's about me and Carter?" Turning my head in the direction of the sound of my daughter's voice, I stopped brushing the hair of my horse when she walked up to me.

Sitting the brush down I sat my hat down on the hook on the wall leaning my back against the wall focusing my attention on her. "Sure anything baby girl. What's going on. Will I need to get your father involved?"

"No not dad please. He'll just make a threat or something and I don't want that." She explained tipping her tan hat up with her hair falling over her shoulders looking like the girl version of her father more and more everyday.

Chuckling with a smile on my face. "Oh I think the threats were hinted at by the wall of shotguns in the kitchen when he first arrived here. Anyway what about you two hmm?"

"He wants to take me out for ice cream when he finishes work for the day. Can I go?" Bree asked me to intertwine her hands together begging like she was still a child.

Nodding my head yes towards her I could barely get the sentence out. "Yes, you can go. Just be back before-" I grunted, catching her arms flinging around my neck and her giggling in my ear before rushing outside to go find him.

Shaking my head I opened the door leading my horse outside by the reins stepping outside seeing my husband helping Rip with the cattle. Rip had set up a team to move the cattle off the ranch and somewhere else since they almost got sick from the grass here. I was about to climb on my horse and go for a ride until John came over wearing a suit and tie since he was going to meet the leader of the Indian reservation about something. "Y/n, can I talk to you about something?"

"Yeah John. Do you need me and Kayce to go with the others?" I asked, holding my dark cowgirl hat in my hands. Leaning against the wooden fence looking up at my father in law.

He shoved his hands in the pockets of his suit wearing his typical black cowboy hat too. "I need to ask Kayce and you something while I'm gone. And no you don't have to go with them. It's the opposite, actually I need you and Kayce to stay here. Someone always needs to be here at this place. Otherwise this ranch won't be here for your children. For Bree, Tate, Elsa and Dallas."

"You never have to ask us, especially me to stay , John. I gave you my loyalty years ago when I came here and you offered me a place in your home when I was pregnant with Bree. The only thing I regret is that I didn't do this sooner." Pulling part of my shirt down I showed him the brand on my chest that was now healed and not beating red. "This ranch is my family. It always will be."

John smiled seeing Kayce come over to me wearing his tan shirt and black hat which is the same exact outfit he wore the day we met. "East camp. There's an old house there that needs a little work, but it's yours if you'll take it." He paused, resting a hand on my shoulder. "I can't give this ranch to my grandchildren if it's not here and I don't want that nightmare to ever come to the surface."

"Anything you need, dad. We'll be here." Kayce came up behind me wrapping his arms around my waist resting his chin on my shoulder eyeing his father.

Intertwining my hands over his I smiled leaning against his chest savoring the feeling of being like this. We usually get so little moments anymore. "I've been a Dutton at heart from the day I met this guy."

"Momma, Dallas won't get me back my pony!" The front door opened and we heard Elsa hollering through the property.

Dallas came outside sticking his tongue out towards her. "I'll tell Auntie Beth on you. You know that you can't call all the ponies Evelyn!"

John chuckled, waving bye to us heading towards his governor car driving off leaving us alone to deal with the twins. Kayce nuzzled his head into my hair kissing the crown of my head. "How about you go riding? I'll handle the two rascals." He tilted his head towards the front porch offering me his right hand helping me up onto my horse even though I was fully capable on my own.

"Thanks Kayc. Don’t forget to remind me them that the wrath of auntie Beth is much worse than any punishment we give.” I clicked my tongue, getting the horse to slowly start running as I called over my shoulder back to him. “Oh and I love you!”

He chuckled with a dorky smile on his face waving back to me. “I love you too, darlin’.” He walked towards the house as I focused my attention in front of me feeling the wind blowing through my hair. When I stepped onto this ranch with my parents to introduce ourselves to our neighbors I never imagined that I would have found the love of my life too.

It was almost dark by the time I returned to the main house of the ranch. Entering the barn I dismounted my horse before removing my ant running my fingers through my hair tousling it a little bit. Putting my horse up it was gonna be weird not having everyone here for awhile. But the life of a rancher was never an easy one. Entering the front door I gasped seeing a paper flower trail at my feet leading me into the living room. Standing in front of the fireplace was my husband holding a guitar in his hands smiling nervously at me. “I’ll take the shock on your face as a good sign homey.”

“Kayce, what is all this. Not that I am not enjoying this view but what is the occasion. Our anniversary is still a few months away.” I giggled walking around the couch taking a seat in front of him resting my hands on my knees removing my hat in the process.

He smiled, messing with something on the guitar staring longingly at me. “The twins made the flower trail on their way to bed. But this was my idea. I just thought we’ve been so concerned with the legacy of the ranch that we need a second to focus on our legacy. The legacy of me and you. Because I am absolutely overwhelmed with you by my side sometimes so listen to this.”

Kayce started strumming his fingers across the strings and I grin ear to ear the way he is at this moment. No stress without his hat allowing his natural curls to run free on top of his head. “I'd be spinnin' my wheels goin' nowhere fast. Pocket full of sorrys and an empty glass. All hat and no cattle and some tumbleweed boots. I'd be blowin' in the wind if I didn't have you. I'd be a drunk without a drink to drink. A guitar with a broken string. Without you, I'd be a fallin' star without a midnight sky. A cowboy with no horse to ride. I'd be drivin' in the dark with no headlights on. On a one way highway that didn't go home. I'd have to borrow from the devil just to pay my dues. I'd have nothin' worth havin' if I didn't have you. Be a drunk without a drink to drink. A guitar with a broken string. Without you, I'd be a fallin' star without a midnight sky. I'd be a train runnin' out of tracks. Missin' pages in a paperback. Without you, I'd be the kind of lost that's hard to find. Walkin' through this world a liar. A cowboy with no horse to ride."

Jumping up to my feet I was crying happy tears when he sat the guitar on the ground catching my body when I fling myself into his muscular arms. He buries his face into my shoulder muffling my giggle with his own laughter. He spins us around for a few seconds finally sitting my boots back on the floor cradling my face in his hands. “I love you Y/n Dutton, I always will. I wouldn’t be who I am if I didn’t have you by my side.”

“I love you Kayce. I have since the first day we met.” Draping my arms over his shoulders I leaned up on my toes kissing the cowboy in front of me deeply. He deepened it, tugging me up against his chest, smiling at me. “The legacy of this ranch couldn’t be in any safer hands than ours, cowboy.”

Comments really appreciated ❤️ Since we aren't getting anymore episodes for awhile send me any ideas of what you would like to see next and I'll see if I can update this book again

[l3irdl3rain]

woke up to varying shades of orange all lined up

[scarfacemarston]

Going on a trip tomorrow that I really don't want to go on. Spam me!

It can be anything. Headcanon requests, prompts, meta questions, history questions, just anything. It sucks because it's me going from my toxic household to visit more toxic family. They're super MAGA..........I'm a queer disabled adopted immigrant so you can imagine how that goes. Anyway, send me anything! Tagging for visibility and what I'll write for. I can't fit many tags so if you don't see your fave character, ask anyway!

[garadinervi]

Black Nationalism in America, Edited by John H. Bracey, Jr., August Meier and Elliott Rudwick, «The American Heritage», The Bobbs-Merrill Company, Indianapolis, IN and New York, NY, 1970. Cover design by Andrew Kner

[odinsblog]

Just in case anyone is wondering how the ultra-conservative Roberts Court will rule on the latest challenge to the Voting Rights Act (Alabama’s Merrill v. Milligan), this article from February 27, 2013 laid it out a long time ago.

From the article: “When he was in his late 20s, John Roberts was a foot soldier in the Reagan administration’s crusade against the Voting Rights Act. Now, as chief justice of the Supreme Court, he will help determine whether a key part of the law survives a constitutional challenge.

Memos that Roberts wrote as a lawyer in President Reagan’s Justice Department during the 1980s show that he was deeply involved in efforts to curtail the effectiveness of the Voting Rights Act, the hard-won landmark 1965 law that is intended to ensure all Americans can vote. Roberts’ anti-VRA efforts during the 1980s ultimately failed. But on Wednesday, when the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Shelby County v. Holder, he’ll get another chance to gut the law. Roberts’ history suggests a crucial part of the VRA may not survive the rematch.” (source)

Racial gerrymandering will have the effect of fundamentally changing the composition of federal, state and local governments - making them even more disproportionately white and conservative than they already are.

What SCOTUS is doing in plain sight is nothing less than resetting legalized Apartheid, white nationalism and a return to Jim Crow. And John Roberts has been pivotal in systematically dismantling the VRA for the last 40 years.